This weekend we broke the news that Dimension Films has acquired the remake rights to An American Werewolf in London, John Landis’ groundbreaking horror-comedy from 1981 that featured stunning visual effects work by Rick Baker. We checked in with Landis to see if could confirm our story, while also asking him if he had heard anything about getting Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” on Blu-ray. Read on for the skinny.
While we reported that Dimension Films had acquired the rights to the remake of AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON, Landis tells B-D that it’s still in negotiations.

“Brad – Yes, Dimension is now in negotiation for the ‘An American Werewolf in London’ remake rights. Perhaps someone will make a brilliant movie out of it,” he continues talking about the incredible Blu-ray transfer for the original film, “regardless, my film comes out on Blu-ray this summer and looks amazing. I was afraid the digital cleaning of the negative would result in too clear a picture and hurt Rick Baker’s make-up, when in fact the incredibly crisp detail actually makes Rick stuff look even better!”

In other news, back in January, Landis, the director and co-writer of the video for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” filed suit against Mr. Jackson, asking for unpaid profits from the video and a making-of documentary, Variety reported. We asked Landis if there was any updates on a possible Blu-ray release of “Thriller” and he tells is that, “Despite Michael’s tragic death, the Thriller lawsuit continues.”

Here is the statement he gave to the press:

“I was lucky enough to know and work with Michael Jackson in his prime. Michael was an extraordinary talent and a truly great international star. He had a troubled and complicated life and despite his gifts, remains a tragic figure. My wife Deborah and I will always have great affection for him. – John Landis ”

Landis is now in London in pre-production on Burke and Hare for Ealing Studios.