The World's Greatest Lover : Finally on DVD!

Back in the days of VHS tapes, a release would first come out at a pretty high price. The World's Greatest Lover cost $80 or $90 bucks when it came out. This was because the initial sales would go to video rental stores and collectors. These first releases would also include lots of promotional trailers for other movies. Then, after a whilea couple of weeks to a couple of monthsa mass market version would be released. This version would have fewer trailers and cost generally between $14.95 and $29.95. The point was that if you wanted the movie as soon as it came out, you had to be willing to pay a premium for the priviledge

I mention all this because The World's Greatest Lover never had that second release! Until this year, it was available only through video rental stores and, for a short time, as a $80 tape. As much as I loved this film, I wasn't going to shell out $80 for a copy. It wasn't the most popular rental tape either, so after a while it even became hard to locate as a rental! I did find a "previously viewed" copy. It was old and deteriorated, but at least I could watch it if I wanted to. As the years went by and DVDs came out I fervently anticipated it's release. I thought the film deserved the full blown Criterion treatment! Multiple commentaries and loads of extras! I watched and waited for it nothing.

So last year Gene Wilder was on a book tour to promote "Kiss Me Like A Stranger." I made a point of going to meet him with the intention of finding out what the heck happened to what I rate as his best film. The event was held in a New York Barnes & Noble store. I bought the last available copy of the book. It sold out.I was the last person on line. No questions allowed(!). Keep moving. Gene looked tired and bored.

I was manuvered up to the signing table. While he was signing my book I asked, "Gene, when will we see a DVD release of The World's Greatest Lover?" I could feel his "handlers" bristling. A couple of kids from the publisher's office probably.

"Isn't it already available?" he asked gently. I was surprised that he wouldn't know, but maybe he hires other people to worry about that stuff for him.

"It never even came out in a wide VHS release," I said. He looked burdened by this news. A handler was already holding his coat for him.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Absolutely! It's one of my favorite films."

"Gee, I don't what to tell you." He shrugged. I was led away. So much for brushes with greatness. I was bummed out. If he didn't know about it, who would? Besides, I could have easily talked with him for hours about his stage and film work. To get to meet him and not have opportunity for conversation was very frustrating.

Lo and behold, about 8 months go by and what appears? The DVD! A DVD with a spacey, vague audio commentary from Mr. Wilder. He didn't seem to remember much about making the film. And I am surprised. He wrote, produced, directed and starred in it I would think he would hold it close to his heart. I had even suspected that it might have been HIS favorite too. Maybe this film was just a blip on the radar in an extremely varied and amazing life/career. Maybe it didn't acheive what he wanted it to. Oh well, at least it's available now. Go buy it!

It's still one of my all-time favorite films and I wish him well.

By the way, if you didn't know, it's loosely based on Fellini's The White Sheik. Definitely worth seeing!

Thank you very much for this very interesting information. The World's Greatest Lover is one of my all time favourites. I used to watch it almost daily for a while some 20 years ago and have a rather crappy ex VHS rental at home.

For European readers: beware of region 2 DVD release!
- no bonus material
- no subtitles
- mono audio
- 1.85 aspect ratio (instead of 2.35)

Go for region 1 release! (I myself ordered it now from eBay seller)

The credit should go to you for this very long awaited dvd release badtzxo because of your conversation with Gene led to it. Ive been a big fan of this movie since i was nine. I have two copies of it beta, vhs and now im looking forward to this great dvd of this movie that i just ordered. Thank you badtzxo and Gene Wilder.

I really enjoyed reading your post, i was visualising your story and could feel your disapointment & frustration.
Strangely enough I don't ever remember seeing this fim, but loving other movies Mr. Wilder has been in, I've been looking to see what else he's been in and when I read your post I decided to get this one, thanks, off now to place my order.

Great story about a great man! Amazing that he hardly remembered this film, because he seems to have put a lot into it.

I love the days of video rentals, and I even bought one or two VHS tapes back then of my favorite titles. Now that VHS is largely forgotten, I have thousands of tapes because they're so cheap. I bought this one for a buck. Money well spent!