Discussion:
I have a question for someone who knows about copyright laws regarding films.
In 1963, Universal Pictures released 'Charade' (starring Audrey Hepburn) without a copyright notice, at the time required by law. Since there was no notice, the original print of the film became public domain and the film is hosted on sites like archive.org.
A few weeks ago I heard Universal had "reclaimed" the film (supposedly all versions of it?)
I was wondering if that is even possible, as I am under the impression that work which has expired or fallen into PD can never be copyrighted again, only derivative works are eligible while the original is forever PD.
Answer:
I have a question for someone who knows about copyright laws regarding films.
In 1963, Universal Pictures released 'Charade' (starring Audrey Hepburn) without a copyright notice, at the time required by law. Since there was no notice, the original print of the film became public domain and the film is hosted on sites like archive.org.
A few weeks ago I heard Universal had "reclaimed" the film (supposedly all versions of it?)
I was wondering if that is even possible, as I am under the impression that work which has expired or fallen into PD can never be copyrighted again, only derivative works are eligible while the original is forever PD. Your understanding is correct -- once something falls into the public domain, it stays there. There is a limited exception in the case of failure to include a copyright notice prior to the implementation of the Berne Convention provisions in 1988, see 17 USC 405, but that narrow limitation would not appear to apply to the movie in question.
It is my understanding that Universal has produced a "Criterion" DVD of this movie, that includes some new materials and restoration work, maybe that is what you are thinking of.