Distributor apologizes for US version of 'The Sapphires' DVD cover, will consider changing art

By SANDY COHEN, AP Entertainment Writer

August 6, 2013 at 2:16PM
Deborah Mailman as Gail, Shari Sebbens as Kay, Jessica Mauboy as Julie, Miranda Tapsell as Cynthia, in THE SAPPHIRES Lisa Tomasetti/ The Weinstein Company
Deborah Mailman as Gail, Shari Sebbens as Kay, Jessica Mauboy as Julie, Miranda Tapsell as Cynthia, in THE SAPPHIRES. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

LOS ANGELES — The American distributor of the Australian film "The Sapphires" is apologizing for the DVD cover, which some have called sexist and racist, and said Monday it is considering new cover art for future shipments.

Anchor Bay Entertainment said in a statement that it "regrets any unintentional upset" caused by the DVD, which will be on U.S. store shelves Tuesday.

"New cover art is being considered for future replenishment orders," the statement said.

"The Sapphires" tells the story of an all-female Australian aboriginal singing group in 1968 that overcame prejudice at home to achieve success that included touring Vietnam to entertain American troops.

The Australian DVD cover shows four actresses of Australian aboriginal descent prominently in the foreground and the white actor who plays their manager in the background. Their positions are inverted on the American cover to showcase "Bridesmaids" actor Chris O'Dowd.

This image is the DVD cover for the movie "The Sapphires" distributed by Australian company Hopscotch Entertainment. The American distributor of the DVD, Anchor Bay Entertainment, is apologizing for the American version of the DVD cover, which some have called sexist and racist, and says it is considering new cover art for future shipments. The Australian cover shows four actresses of various races prominently in the foreground, and Chris O'Dowd, who plays their manager, in the background. Their
Australian DVD cover for "The Sapphires" (Associated Press - Ap/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
This image is the DVD cover for the movie "The Sapphires" distributed by American company Anchor Bay Entertainment. Anchor Bay is apologizing for the DVD cover, which some have called sexist and racist, and says it is considering new cover art for future shipments. The Australian DVD cover shows four actresses of various races prominently in the foreground, and Chris O'Dowd, who plays their manager, in the background. Their positions are inverted on the American cover to showcase O�Dowd.
U.S. DVD cover for "The Sapphires" (Associated Press - Ap/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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SANDY COHEN, AP Entertainment Writer