Perfect pirated DVD copies of
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers cloned from special Oscar screener discs supplied by the studios to MPAA members in the United States, are circulating in the United Kingdom, says
Hollywood ReporterComplete with 5.1 surround sound, the DVDs' only blemish is a "for your consideration" Oscar message that pops up every 15 minutes.
"I think it is extremely disappointing that people involved in the industry have let copies of Academy screeners go astray," FACT director general David Lowe said.
Lowe said the problem at the moment is confined to U.S.-derived screeners. "I have seen nothing to suggest BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) screeners are the source of these pirates," he said. "However, it is something we have warned about in the past, and another warning now would be timely to members of BAFTA."
"Two Towers" is expected to be available to buy in August, with a special edition in November.