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Cinematographer's comment: "This movie was a cinematographer's opportunity of a lifetime. "Johnny Got His Gun" is one of the most moving books ever written. To work with the author of this work, to translate his internal images to the screen, was one of the most personally meaningful things I've done. To do it with a victim of the McCarthy political hysteria and one of the "Hollywood Ten" who were exiled from Hollywood--gave my experience on this film historic dimensions. It's a highlight of my career." ~~ Jules Brenner

A re-release? First, some history: Media Home Entertainment produced a VHS copy of this film but the company has been closed for some time, so no reissues. Used copies might still be available (see below). There was a laser disc version, but this appears to be even rarer, possibly obtainable in Europe. As for a production company that will obtain it for an American DVD release, we're still waiting. Judging by the traffic this site receives, there appears to be enough interest in this film to warrant a special edition DVD. It's now been done in Germany (see below) and, we understand, in France. We continue to stay tuned in for possible developments and good suggestions from our visitors, such as these: Hi, It was a pleasure to visit your website. It's such a shame that the film has been deleted--the film carrys so much relevance in todays climate. The horror of war is still such a strong issue and perhaps it's stronger now than ever before, due to whats happening in Iraq. I wrote to Criterion.Who is a major distributor of rare and obscure films in the U.S.I asked them about the possibility of acqiuring the rights to "Johnny Got His Gun" for DVD distribution. A gentlemen called John Mulvaney emailed me back and thanked me for my suggestion. He explained that there was a lengthy process to go through before the rights for any film could be secured.Also the film would have to be in demand and worthy enough to be in the Criterion Collection. I think that the film's certainly worthy enough for release and I hope that people who visit your website could drop an email to Criterion asking for the film's release. Kind Regards. David T. We thank David for directing our attention to this possibility. It would seem that The Criterion Collection would be an ideal company to re-issue "Johnny...". If you'd like to follow up on his suggestion, you can use the link below to drop Jon Mulvaney a note suggesting he acquire the rights for a DVD reissue. Once he sees how much in demand it is, and how worthy we think it is, he should become eager to add it to his list of titles. ~~ Jb Click: Ask Jon Mulvaney to add "Johnny Got His Gun" to his collection of rare and classic DVD films.

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Notes & News: We have received many inquiries about where to secure a video of "Johnny Got His Gun". Here's the latest news: The rights to make a DVD of "Johnny... " has been going to individual markets. Our understanding is that there are newly made DVDs (circa 2006) in France and now (9/06) in Germany that includes a documentary by some of the makers of the film. (see links below). Progress in making good DVDs available is being made. It's been some time ago, but "Johnny Got His Gun" has been aired in the U.S. First, on the Independent Movie Channel (IMC) then, on Bravo. The print used was terrible, degraded by time and too many viewings. Much photographic detail is lost. There was also A Play: it may surprise you (it did me) that someone had adapted Dalton Trumbo's work for a one-man stage performance. Bradley Rand Smith wrote and directed the adaptation with considerable skill and faithfulness. Actor Grant Tyler performed it stunningly at Arye Gross' Stages Theatre Center in Los Angeles (2/3/03). More recently, Chris Trumbo, Dalton's son, created another play, not on "Johnny... " specifically, but based on his father's letters.

Letters: (From Spain, 9/23/01:) "I've been involved in film making and visual storytelling for a long number of years now. The film just happened to be aired last night on national TV, although at a very late time, about 12:30 a.m. (on TVE2). Amazing, great storytelling (looks so fresh even 30 years later I'm really impressed). Great cinematography...it definitely has such a strong, visual personality I don't think I'll ever be able to forget those images." ~~ Marcos "Forgive me if I am simply passing on information that you already have, but you didn't list it on the website. I had the extraordinary luck of happening upon a copy of Johnny Got His Gun in a shopping cart in a grocery store that was liquidating its video collection, and bought it for the exorbitant price of $2.99. It is the most prized item in my video collection, and I am absolutely unwilling to part with it, but I thought you might like to know that it was distributed by Media Home Entertainment, with a copyright from that company dated 1985. Perhaps if enough people write to MHE, they might re-release it. I personally find it a horrible shame that this film is no longer available to the public, as it is possibly the most powerful piece of filmmaking I have ever seen (especially a shame that we have lost Donald Sutherland's incredible performance as Jesus Christ)." Sincerely, AG

The cover of the original video jacket

Go to Amazon.com to buy 'Johnny Got His Gun' The book that Dalton Trumbo based his movie on.

Try this link for a used copy of the video (not always available) A German language VHS, in PAL format For our German speaking friends (Let us know how it translates)

New! Full DVD of "Johnny Got His Gun" in English and German. German title: Johnny zieht in den Krieg.

Picture quality good enough to satisfy the cinematographer! Available from Amazon, Germany -- in PAL format (most DVD drive software recognizes it). One of the extras is a documentary about the making of the film, produced and directed by Robert Fischer. Interviews with Chris Trumbo, Dalton's son; Marsha Hunt, actress; Jules Brenner, cinematographer; and Hal Michelson, Production Designer. They take you through the making of the film and their associations with Dalton Trumbo from their multiple perspectives. Play it in English (with German subtitles) or in German. Must be ordered in German also.