Disney Officially Dumps Miramax

It’s hard to believe it’s actually happened, but it’s sort of been a long time coming. After surviving a slacking market and budget cuts for this long, Disney has officially shut down Miramax Films. Known for it’s focus on arthouse films, Miramax was founded in 1979 by the Weinstein Brothers, Bob and Harvey, giving several filmmakers the financial nudge needed to make their marks.

The now defunct studio will always be remembered for helping bring films like CLERKS, RESERVOIR DOGS and BOONDOCK SAINTS to audiences, but not without it’s share of controversy. However, the studio also remains a legendary Oscar powerhouse, evoking memories of the old studio system in it’s run of consecutive Academy Award outings that included THE PIANO, THE CRYING GAME, THE ENGLISH PATIENT, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE and CHICAGO.

The studio was purchased by Disney back in 1993, but the Weinstein Brothers continued to run the studio with the same hard-nosed, controlling attitude that made them successful. After duking it out with Michael Eisner, the Weinstein Brothers left Miramax behind at Disney and formed The Weinstein Company in 2005. While the brand may be no more, the films the studio gave birth to remain a significant contribution. Hopefully, The Weinstein Company will be able to pick up where Miramax left off…

Source: Empire