Apple Honors Robin Williams With iTunes Store Section Featuring More than 40 Movies, Comedy Routines [Updated]

[Darrin Bell]

A dedicated section, but no discounts. Looks like Apple is just trying to cash in on this marketing "opportunity". Makes me feel kind of off about it...

When I read they were "honoring" Williams, I was hoping to see mention of at least some of the proceeds from the Robin Williams section going toward Comic Relief (or some other program that aids the homeless, something Williams spent years doing -- or to some program that helps those suffering from depression). Hell, maybe even donate 100% and add a matching donation on top of that. We all know they could afford it. It would've been a good way to honor him, if that's what they're trying to do.

 

[bushido]

the store i went to today did that with his movies being moved to the front. i thought it was rather .... uhm. still ended up buying Dead Poets Society :-/

 

[ZacNicholson]

His stand up is so dirty. It's the best

 

[bpeeps]

A dedicated section, but no discounts. Looks like Apple is just trying to cash in on this marketing "opportunity". Makes me feel kind of off about it...

I was waiting for this disgusting comment. Because tragic death = you getting a discount.

Proceeds from sales should go to charities dedicated to creating awareness and helping those with depression and addiction.

 

[goobot]

Funny, I'd consider a "sale" to be more distasteful.

THAT sounds like cashing in...trying to spur sales, as it were.

Simply making a list seems more respectful to me.

Except apple would be taking the hit if there was a sale, that means they would be doing it to spread the things he made around for others to see and continue to remember him. So in short i disagree.

 

[deaglecat]

I remember Mork and Mindy.

sad day.

Apple ... nice thought putting up a section for fans... but it would be even nicer if a donation was made to one of Robin's favoured charities. I trust apple to do the right thing - even if they don't announce it publicly.

 

[GeneralChang]

Hook is one of my favorite movies of all time, and he's done a ton of really good stuff. Sad days.

 

[leroypants]

It's beyond disgusting how Apple is trying to make some cash of Robin Williams's death.

 

[powaking]

I remember watching Popeye when I was barely 10 years old and becoming a fan of Robin. Over the years I have watched him mature with Mork & Mindy and on to more complex roles. There's not a movie I have watched where I was disappointed with his performance. My kids always want to watch Mrs Doubtfire when visiting my parents. I'm still in shock, the world has lost an amazing performer.

 

[DCJ001]

To those of you who accuse Apple of profiteering, perhaps Apple believes that many would now like to see movies in which Robin Williams performed, and Apple is merely filling a need.

After I heard about what happened, I realized that I have only seen clips of Dead Poets Society, and that maybe I should see the movie in its entirety.

Now I can easily do that. Thanks, Apple!

 

[heimo]

When I read they were "honoring" Williams, I was hoping to see mention of at least some of the proceeds from the Robin Williams section going toward Comic Relief (or some other program that aids the homeless, something Williams spent years doing -- or to some program that helps those suffering from depression). Hell, maybe even donate 100% and add a matching donation on top of that. We all know they could afford it. It would've been a good way to honor him, if that's what they're trying to do.

Absolutely. Keep the regular prices, let people enjoy his movies and make some good while doing so. Donate profits to charity that Robin would appreciate. That'd be cool. Apple?

 

[mw360]

I was waiting for this disgusting comment. Because tragic death = you getting a discount.

Proceeds from sales should go to charities dedicated to creating awareness and helping those with depression and addiction.

Fascinating to see people accuse Apple of profiting from his death, then go right ahead and demand discounts in his honour. It's not just corporations that are greedy...

 

[tritonv3pro]

Im with those that think that this is in terrible taste and Apple simply cashing in. There can't be any other way to look at it.

Tim Cook does mention that Robin Williams was involved with Comic Relief USA, a charity that's raised upwards of $50 million for homeless assistance.

Now HAD Tim Cook said that 10% of sales or some suitable figure were going to be donated to this charity, then I would have said good on you Apple but as it stands, its simply cashing in as businesses are meant to do

I agree that a % of sales going to a charity would make this not feel like Apple is trying to "cash in" on this tragedy.

 

[CartoonCat]

A dedicated section, but no discounts. Looks like Apple is just trying to cash in on this marketing "opportunity". Makes me feel kind of off about it...

Seriously? If they did discount his stuff, then Apple would be having a "Robin Williams death sale". It's all a matter of perspective. You have a negative perspective.

 

[WardC]

Too soon...too soon for this.

The DAY after a person's tragic suicide? No, I don't think so.

 

[yaxomoxay]

So I guess that when Nobel Prize for literature Gabriel Garcia Marquez died you all either went at your local Barnes&Noble asking for a discount or asking them to donate to Marquez's favorite charity.

I think Apple did something good. Trying to profit from death would be something like releasing a "special edition" for 5 extra bucks and just 30 seconds of extra footage.
Selling the same item, at the same price, just in a different folder is simply "bringing to attention".

UPDATE: did anyone have the balls to go to an Apple store asking for a discount the day after Jobs died? You know, apple made a profit after his death brought media attention to apple.

 

[dampfnudel]

I first saw him as "Popeye" when I was a kid. He made me laugh many times during the 80s and 90s. He will be missed.

 

[kerrikins]

Companies are screwed with this sort of thing no matter what they do. No mention at all? "Why didn't they mention ___!" Percentage of sales donated? "Why wasn't it more!!" Sale on? "Capitalizing!" No sale? "Capitalizing!"

Companies do what they feel appropriate and I don't see anything wrong with that.

I'd rather focus on remembering the man and hoping that he's in some sort of peace now. The details about his death are truly heartbreaking.

 

[CartoonCat]

When I read they were "honoring" Williams, I was hoping to see mention of at least some of the proceeds from the Robin Williams section going toward Comic Relief (or some other program that aids the homeless, something Williams spent years doing -- or to some program that helps those suffering from depression). Hell, maybe even donate 100% and add a matching donation on top of that. We all know they could afford it. It would've been a good way to honor him, if that's what they're trying to do.

Really? Should they do this with all singers, performers, actors that commit suicide, or just Robin Williams? He chose to take his own life. Should Apple or any other company condone suicide by donating to charity. Kill yourself and we'll donate to charity. What are you thinking? Oh wait, I don't think you are.

 

[Iconoclysm]

A dedicated section, but no discounts. Looks like Apple is just trying to cash in on this marketing "opportunity". Makes me feel kind of off about it...

It's possible that Apple doesn't have the ability to discount those without the publisher's permission.

----------

Really? Should they do this with all singers, performers, actors that commit suicide, or just Robin Williams? He chose to take his own life. Should Apple or any other company condone suicide by donating to charity. Kill yourself and we'll donate to charity. What are you thinking? Oh wait, I don't think you are.

How is that condoning suicide? Robin Williams lost the battle with depression, it's a hell of a lot more serious a condition than people seem to realize.

 

[larrylaffer]

More like "Apple profits from Robin Williams' death"

 

[yaxomoxay]

How is that condoning suicide? Robin Williams lost the battle with depression, it's a hell of a lot more serious a condition than people seem to realize.

What he means is that some depressed people may see it as the final excuse to commit suicide, removing the last thing to cling on. "I am worthless, if I die at least someone will make some good out of my death."

 

[Born Again]

Monetizing on ones death is normal in the industry


Remember Michael Jackson

 

[sshambles]

I wondered how long it would take for people to be critical of this happening. Didn't take long - post #5, yet it snowballed from there. *shakes head*

A great comedian and actor. His standup was that of one of the greatest ever.

 

[alexgowers]

Unfortunately paying off his ex wife was one of his reasons for his depression, if only apple couple have helped highlight his career earlier he might have had the cash to get help and pay his debts.

One would hope apple will give its cut of the highlight content to a charity?