DVD quality workprint of "Wolverine" leaks to internet

[GoldDustOrphan]

Most thought this was an April Fools joke, but it turns out that it isn't.

"X-Men Origins: Wolverine" - not due for release until May - has leaked to the Internet

Here's the one of the many stories:

Word spread last night over Twitter and other social networking sites that "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," the hotly anticipated 20th Century Fox film based on Marvel Comics' X-Men characters, had been leaked to the internet for illegal dissemination. Directed by Gavin Hood and starring Hugh Jackman, the film is not due to be released until May 1.

As of this writing, a DVD-quality workprint version of the film is available on numerous file-sharing websites, with hundreds of thousands of users illegally downloading the various BitTorrent files. This version of the film is missing completed special effects shots and most likely other material that will be in the final version of the film, but as a consequence of the leak, early, spoiler-filled reviews have been posted across the Web.

Naturally, security questions are at the top of everyone's list. Who leaked the film, and how? CHUD.com writer Devin Faraci spoke to film industry insiders who said they're "surprised this doesn't happen more often," and that while film critics are heavily policed, a film's post-production process is anything but, concluding the "Wolverine" leak came from someone in that area, whether in digital effects, titles, or cutting the trailer. "Hell," Faraci writes, "it could be somebody working on the DVD release, for that matter."

There's no doubt that major film studios will reevaluate their security procedures in all areas of production in response to this potentially disastrous leak. Indeed, the more important question is how this piracy will hurt the film financially. "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" is one of the first movies of its blockbuster caliber to be leaked in this way and this far away from its release date. As such, the film is in a unique position to answer many questions about the real impact of piracy, which has been the catch-all explanation for reduced revenue across the entertainment industry. Hitfix's Drew McWeeny characterizes the "Wolverine" situation as "an interesting practical test" of just that.

[Zombie]

Yeah, someone offered the workprint to me, but I am afraid to watch it after that whole 3rd Xmen movie pissing in my cornflakes thing...

[GoldDustOrphan]

I watched the first 20 minutes and then fast forwarded, looking for Emma Frost.
She's now featured in the TV commercials. In the film, she's a waif-ish tween that turns into diamonds, closer in appearance Twilight vampires than her X-Men comic book inspiration. (Of course, the diamond-thing was her secondary mutation that didn't happen until much, much later...ugh.)

What I did watch was forgetable. Fox crapped all over X-Men 3 and now this.

[Zombie]

Hmmm, "waif" is not a trait I'd look for in an actress to play the White Queen. How did they introduce the character?

I can see them wanting to show her diamond form, because it's pretty cool, but having her as a teenager and doing it is wrong. Why do I want to bet that she has full telepathic powers while in diamond form in the movie, too?

Trying to figure out what they are doing here. Maybe I should just break down and watch it. But after the last outing, I am pretty sure that it will only make me three year old angry.

And once again, I am reminded of what a huge dork I am. Yay!

[GoldDustOrphan]

Stryker - played by a different actor than X2 - kidnaps a bunch of teen mutants, including Cyclops and Emma.

[bucklind17]

I watched a little of it last night before realizing that a lot of the special effects were missing. Mostly was just looking for the Gambit scenes, but once I realized how un-done it was, I stopped. I can wait till it's released!

[GoldDustOrphan]

I watched just a little bit more. There's one scene where Sabertooth is at a window and text and arrows appear on scene stating "claws grow." Other scenes appear finished but then someone is suspended by wires. Hilarious. The end fight scene is not even closed to finished.

It's a drinking game. Every time an effect first appears unfinished, you have to take a drink.

[Macfanforever]

Wow how that happen,the security dept was sleeping.I remember years back ,a rock group masters of their fourth coming cd got hijacked and got posted online, I cant remember who they were.