When did MGM change to Hollywood Studios?

[Laren]

MGM no longer owns the rights to "The Wizard of Oz" and most of its earlier movies. Ted Turner bought the studio in 1986. He was forced to sell it again, but he retained ownership of all movies and TV shows created by the studio before the sale. When Turner Broadcasting merged with Time Warner in 1995, the latter company assumed ownership. So the contract expiration between Disney and MGM has virtually no impact on GMR.

I don't understand that though- how can it not? Someone besides Disney owns the rights to the movies, whether they call it Time Warner or MGM I doubt they're going to let a rival entertainment giant like Disney use the images and characters in the ride without some benefit to their company. It wouldn't make any sense. . .and from the talk I heard from CM's this past trip, change is coming. . .but we'll see I guess! People said they'd never knock down the North Tower of the CR to build a DVC either LOL.

Thanks for the info!

 

[bradk]

(sigh)

old, old, old, old news.

the planning dvd hasn't mentioned MGM in years.. has it ever? the contract that allowed disney to use the mgm in the name forbade disney from using mgm in promotional materials.

thinking about visiting disney? check out disney studios.

packing for your trip at disney? enjoy your visit at disney-mgm studios.

that's how it's been for years. that's always fueled the rumors that disney was dropping the mgm long before it ever did. initially the contract which was made with mgm expired. in that time frame, sony acquired mgm and reportedly showed no interest in renewing it. it's not clear if they ever did, but teachers teach without contracts, so it's possible mgm had existed in the name without the contract

the content on the attractions is governed by other contracts and as mentioned, Sony/MGM doesn't even own the properties it's famous for like the wizard of oz and tom and jerry.

rivalry between time warner and disney? not really in the theme park business. that aside, studios will let other studios take full advantage of their services for a price. don't know what GMR costs, if anything, but it's not like they're universal films.

there may be an underlying reason for the name change, but the logistics on the surface do work out just fine. MGM, which is a lackluster studio nowadays, was once a powerhouse in the 'golden age' of hollywood that the park was meant to represent. it made sense. the MGM name made far more sense than the Disney name in that respect.

the park has and is changing focus. it was always all over the map when it came to what it covered. TV didn't yet exist in that 'golden age,' yet much of the park was dedicated to television, so the concept is to put all of the movies, television and music under one umbrella which doesn't undermine itself and to hopefully expand on what's there now.

 

[SnwflkCts]

I had noticed (as other posters mentioned) that the park has been normally referred to as "Disney Studios" for quite a while. I doubt I will ever get into the habit myself of calling it Disney "HOLLYWOOD" Studios ... and will most likely call it MGM too at times ... old habits die hard!! ... but I knew it was coming. Am glad the GMR won't change ... I've yet to ride it but am planning to on my next trip.

DH and I just missed so much at the Studios due to timing of longer shows and am looking forward to catching the attractions we missed!