Night of the Living Dead (1990) - Out of Print

[NoirFan]

Originally Posted by nagysaudio

This might be the worst release of all time.

You seriously need to stop with the insane hyperbole. Have you seen (or are even aware of) Deadly Spawn, Ichi the Killer, Attack Force Z, the Invisible Man TV series, or the recent animated Superman set?

[Blu Titan]

After all this time, there's nothing to disprove all of us you have mantained that this transfer is a screw up. The main argument from the releasing studio and some of its associates was that "its DP approved"...now we know how that turned out to be, which is not a surprise at all. I do respect the opinion of the paying customers who liked the transfer.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

After all this time, there's nothing to disprove all of us you have mantained that this transfer is a screw up. The main argument from the releasing studio and some of its associates was that "its DP approved"...now we know how that turned out to be, which is not a surprise at all. I do respect the opinion of the paying customers who liked the transfer.

Personally, I don’t think that any studio or content provider should ever use phrases like ‘DP approved’ or ‘in consultation with’ to promote a home media release because, in essence, they are knowingly implying to the common shopper (not sophisticated readers, like yourself) in an intentional fashion that there was active on-site thorough participation in the Blu-ray transfer process by the respective filmmaker….unless, of course, in those rare cases in which there actually was - then, of course, that would qualify as an honest advertisement.

But worse, to defend a home media incarnation using those same phrases, i.e. ’in consultation with’ or ‘approved’ in an intentionally misleading fashion directed to un-knowledgeable, common shoppers is tantamount to a damage control cover-up of the actual Blu-ray production.

For cripes sakes, for those unfamiliar with the post production process of a NEW motion picture, given typical contractual terms and lack of compensation for their time and skills, it’s not uncommon for the poor, unappreciated DP to not even be really involved in the DI process (meaning actually supervise the transfer in the DI suite) as anyone from the Director to the post supervisor to the editor to the producer, or worse, can turn up in those color correction sessions as the designated *image decision-maker*.

[Crom1]

Originally Posted by nagysaudio

It boggles my mind that this complete botch job is still defended by some. DP dictated the new color timing over the phone and now thinks it's terrible. This speaks volumes. This should be recalled by Sony and Twilight Time immediately. This might be the worst release of all time.

Totally agree.

To me those defending the transfer as excellent mostly fall into one of the categories below:
-Selling copies on Ebay, trying to maximize their profits
-Savini fans
-Use the warm/hot settings on their TVs just for this blu
-Never saw the movie before so they don't know how bad it looks now

I find it most interesting the claims that the DP approved this, then we find out that we're being lied to. TT are not helping their reputation with this release.

[Mr Kite]

Again he was shown some screen grabs taken i think by one of the members on here then viewed them on who knows what ( we need to find out)............... not the Blu Ray????

I am not defending it as i have not seen it yet but you guys are jumping to all sorts of conclusions and portraying them as facts when this is clearly not the case.

PS
I will be viewing using equipment correctly set up.

[BJQ1972]

Aren't the facts still

1. The DP instructed colour timing changes to be made
2. Tom Savini, who has actually watched the Blu-Ray, thinks it looks 'fantastic'
3. The DP, who has only seen screen caps, has said that he was consulted by phone, and that the screencaps, which any sensible person will consistently say don't mean diddly, don't look good.

Have I missed something or did Twilight Time's offer of a FULL REFUND for dissatisfied customers not happen?


PS the warm setting is correct for every television I have ever seen.

[Captain Mal]

Originally Posted by Moonpie

I am not defending it as i have not seen it yet but you guys are jumping to all sorts of conclusions and portraying them as facts when this is clearly not the case.

PS
I will be viewing using equipment correctly set up.

The fact remains that the DP did not approve this new version even though statements made by Twilight Time made it sound like he did (although this is probably not Twilight Time's fault since they're just the messenger). The fact that the DP thinks the screen shots are "terrible" is just icing on the cake. It feels good to know that the DP isn't blind, unlike Savini.

If you have a chance, watch the DVD or the HDX Vudu version first and then watch the blu-ray so you can see and hear exactly what was changed.

[#Darren]

Originally Posted by BJQ1972

Have I missed something

Yes you've missed something.

[Captain Mal]

Here's the statement from Twilight Time about the DP.

"As promised, we have discussed NOTLD at the studio and are able to verify via SPE's Mastering Department, that our Blu-ray is indeed the approved transfer from 2010, generated for the film's 20th anniversary, and done in consultation with the film's director of photography."

What a joke. Sony's mastering department just neglected to mention that the DP NEVER SAW the changes.

[Torrente]

Originally Posted by Moonpie

Nope, just that he had been shown some screen grabs and not the Blu Ray.

Originally Posted by Moonpie

Again mate he seen the screen grabs and for this film to have been altered in this way is ultimately down to someone involved in the film....

Originally Posted by Moonpie

Frank Prinzi (DP) not seeing it but not liking the screen grabs

Originally Posted by Moonpie

Again he was shown some screen grabs taken i think by one of the members on here then viewed them on who knows what ( we need to find out)............... not the Blu Ray????

HELP! I'm on a carousel and I can't get off!!!

[Blu Titan]

Originally Posted by BJQ1972

Aren't the facts still

1. The DP instructed colour timing changes to be made
2. Tom Savini, who has actually watched the Blu-Ray, thinks it looks 'fantastic'
3. The DP, who has only seen screen caps, has said that he was consulted by phone, and that the screencaps, which any sensible person will consistently say don't mean diddly, don't look good.

Have I missed something or did Twilight Time's offer of a FULL REFUND for dissatisfied customers not happen?


PS the warm setting is correct for every television I have ever seen.

The fact remains that the visuals were tinkered with from the original theatrical presentation of the film. If the Blu-ray tranfers were faithful to the way the film was shown in theaters, that would be the first thing mentioned by TT and Sony. The DP had no involvement but a phone call, the results could be a complete opposite of what he wanted...and it appears that is the case. As far as Savini, he did not say, "this is the way it is intended to look" or "this presentation is accurate to the orginal theatrical showings". TT's offering of a full refund does not change the fact that, for most, the revision soured the presentation. Last, TT was clueless to the changes as they apprently have little to no exposure to the horror genre. I appreciate an honest response instead of a focus on damage control via proxy and by posting in FB every positive review they could find...nevermind that most of them would not qualify as nothing more than an amateur's attempt to compensate for a free screener. Revisionism might not bother some, but it sure bothers me.

[Torrente]

Originally Posted by vidjunkie

I had mentioned in a previous post that I would be very happy with a happy middle ground between the 2 releases(DVD/HDTV vs New TT BD) because as I said I think the DVD/HDTV is just way to bright for a Horror Movie lol, and the TT is just to dark in spots and to blue, well here are screens to what I think would have been just right, this is what I would have LOVED to have seen, hopefully I did these right lol, I took them from PowerDVD player

To me this looks A LOT more realistic and the way a Horror movie should look, also if there is anything specific you want to see let me know and I will see if I can grab it.













***also want to thank HDGoofnut for helping me sort out how to do these fancier thumbnail screens, so Thank a ton HD!***

Hey Vidjunkie,

As I said to you by email before, those screenshots are gorgeous, you did a marvellous job on the coloring!
I sure would have loved to see this color grading released on BD instead of the "other"

You really should send this to the DP, I'm sure he would praise your work more than Sony's on this transfer, and he would probably validate your coloring!!!

[Kentai]

Originally Posted by BJQ1972

The DP, who has only seen screen caps, has said that he was consulted by phone, and that the screencaps, which any sensible person will consistently say don't mean diddly, don't look good.

Assuming the screen he saw them in was calibrated and the caps were taken properly, then no, they don't mean "diddly". The caps on this very site are basically 1:1 with what's on the disc, JPG compression aside.

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by Captain Mal

Here's the statement from Twilight Time about the DP.

"As promised, we have discussed NOTLD at the studio and are able to verify via SPE's Mastering Department, that our Blu-ray is indeed the approved transfer from 2010, generated for the film's 20th anniversary, and done in consultation with the film's director of photography."

What a joke. Sony's mastering department just neglected to mention that the DP NEVER SAW the changes.

Possibly...likely...because Sony "shelved" that project. Why on earth would they bother re-engaging the DP at that point?

In any case, if this latest news is correct, then Prinzi still hasn't seen the actual disc, just some screen caps! As others have pointed out, we don't know which caps were sent his way, and on what uncalibrated device he viewed them. And why was he lending his approval to an unseen master anyway?

[popeflick]

It's also important to note something that Prinzi said: the original DVD release is too bright so isn't approved by him either.

If I were TT though, I'd raise a ruckus with their Sony contacts because they all look like idiots now.

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

Personally, I don’t think that any studio or content provider should ever use phrases like ‘DP approved’ or ‘in consultation with’ to promote a home media release because, in essence, they are knowingly implying to the common shopper (not sophisticated readers, like yourself) in an intentional fashion that there was active on-site thorough participation in the Blu-ray transfer process by the respective filmmaker….unless, of course, in those rare cases in which there actually was - then, of course, that would qualify as an honest advertisement.

But worse, to defend a home media incarnation using those same phrases, i.e. ’in consultation with’ or ‘approved’ in an intentionally misleading fashion directed to un-knowledgeable, common shoppers is tantamount to a damage control cover-up of the actual Blu-ray production.

For cripes sakes, for those unfamiliar with the post production process of a NEW motion picture, given typical contractual terms and lack of compensation for their time and skills, it’s not uncommon for the poor, unappreciated DP to not even be really involved in the DI process (meaning actually supervise the transfer in the DI suite) as anyone from the Director to the post supervisor to the editor to the producer, or worse, can turn up in those color correction sessions as the designated *image decision-maker*.

I've always suspected that the "<Fill in the Blank> Approved" seal represented less 'hands-on' involvement than we're generally led to believe Penton-Man. So thanks for posting that little reality check.

While some home video companies (*cough* Criterion *cough*) have routinely based their Marketing thrust on that "<Fill in the Blank> Approved" angle, what we have here is a company that simply licenses the best 'Studio Approved' HD master in the vault, and makes no 'creative' claims whatsoever beyond that. TT has one primary and inviolable job to do, which so far they have done exceptionally well...to professionally author and manufacture a master so that it best represents the studio asset that was entrusted to them for 3 years and 3000 units. So despite the inherent 'creative' revisionism of this NOTLD90 edition - something I don't happen to agree with unless it had been part of a clearly marked SE which included both interpretations of the film - TT did their production job here exceedingly well. They even went above and beyond with customers once they discovered that some fans were "horrified" (for the wrong reasons) by the results.

I know from previous posts on Blu-ray.com that you understand more than most from the inside how 'delicate' the nature of a licensee's role truly is...that they are so far down the production food chain they must rely on their legally binding agreements...which means they must trust that the studio has handed them a 'signed-off' master which meets the expectations of everyone up chain who still has some say in what the movie should look and sound like. For a licensee to try inserting themselves into creative discussions over the specific colorist choices of a 'signed-off' studio master is w-a-y outside their scope, much less control.

I mean, if the movie's DP was "consulted" only via phone, and the Director not at all, then why would anyone think that a mere licensee would have anything whatsoever to say about the colorist's choices...especially for a title originally shelved by the studio due to lack of commercial interest?

[mzupeman]

TT really shouldn't get on Sony's back. If they pester them too much, Sony are just as likely to refuse to do busines with them again in the future.

[popeflick]

Originally Posted by mzupeman

TT really shouldn't get on Sony's back. If they pester them too much, Sony are just as likely to refuse to do busines with them again in the future.

Because Sony treated them so above the board on this release and TT came out looking like a champ?

No, someone at sony DESERVES an ass chewing for the bs they've told TT. If that's the way they're going to do business it's a losing proposition for TT long term because they can't afford the credibility hit, Sony can.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by BJQ1972

Aren't the facts still...

3. The DP, who has only seen screen caps, has said that he was consulted by phone, and that the screencaps, which any sensible person will consistently say don't mean diddly, don't look good.

I think it be a fairly safe assumption that any DP having the experience with Digital acquisition and Film acquisition which he does…http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0697910/ (as a Cinematographer and hands-on camera operator)…

as well as hours of dailies viewing, at least some Digital Intermediate experience, and seeing the end product(s) of his labor on TV (given all the TV series and TV movies he’s shot) is fully aware of the value or limitations of screenshots which someone has sent him or directed him to view for assessment, before he were to make comment.

In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised (given his digital experience) that he could tell you about more esoteric video things like the need for filtering the chroma in order to compensate for 4:2:0 color subsampling which can induce jaggies.

If this is truly a valid concern and you think that Frank (the DP) gave a knee-jerk response based upon viewing an improper sample,well then, perhaps you should ask the member here who contacted him, exactly which screenshots he directed Frank to evaluate.

But, regardless, one thing it doesn’t change is the revelation of the DPs limited involvement with the Blu-ray transfer and the publicity scenario which followed exposing this ‘in consultation’ spin.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

I've always suspected that the "<Fill in the Blank> Approved" seal represented less 'hands-on' involvement than we're generally led to believe Penton-Man. So thanks for posting that little reality check.

I’ll post a follow-up on the nitty-gritty of some DPs involvement in the DI process on the 4K movie thread… https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...189830&page=17

Because unless the DP has a very good relationship with the Director and is adequately compensated for his time, it is not uncommon for that also to be a farce. DPs have been complaining about that for years behind-closed-doors and now they are beginning to comment publicly about it.

But back to the Blu-ray, if you seek to assess blame, I think a reasonable person would conclude that TT is only a secondary intermediate player in this situation for *they don’t want to bite the hand that feeds them*.

Given the fact that I've received subtle threatening emails in the past, honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if somebody in authority (at the V.P. level) ‘gets to’ the DP (Frank) over the next few days by applying some sort of leverage or offering perks, and the DP recants or *modifies* his original assessment and the whole situation gets spun something like this -

"You Look Marvelous" by Billy Crystal - YouTube