Mike Tyson might have had a good time poking fun at himself in the first Hangover, but the tattoo artist who created the look recently tried to delay the opening of the film after discovering that his distinct facial tattoo was being used in the film.
Now a judge denied that injunction by the tattoo artist allowing the film to be released, however the case remains open. Now the studio is saying that the Bluray and DVD releases may feature a digitally altered Tattoo on acto Ed Helm’s character to avoid any further complications.
“If the parties are unable to resolve their dispute, Warner Bros. does not intend to make any use of the allegedly infringing tattoo after the film ends its run in theaters because Warner Bros. will digitally alter the film to substitute a different tattoo on Ed Helms’ face. The home video release is currently scheduled for early December 2011, which would allow Warner Bros. sufficient time to make the change if it becomes necessary.”
Now I can see how altering the tattoo for the DVD release makes sense. If the Tattoo Aritst does win, they would be entitled to a cut of the home video income as well – but that would be excluded if it did not contain an image of his iconic tattoo. I don’t see it changing the movie, in fact it might draw some publicity to the DVD release if the announce it as the “New Tattoo Version” and run with the marketing.
Honestly, I am surprised that this is even carrying out this long.
How many movies have longstanding gags spoofing iconic brands and personalities that fall under satire and fair use? Perhaps the character wearing the Tat for so much of the fim is no longer considered fair use. Will this set precidence and restrict other films from taking liberties with popculture references in their comedy?
