Twilight Time Discussion Thread

[MassiveMovieBuff]

Originally Posted by Brad1963

OMG....could we move on from the TT bashing already? If you hate it that much start your own label, charge $15 a title and see how long you are in business.

Agreed! All of this "cost of titles" b******g and moaning is really old news. It is was it is and TT releases great quality blu rays.

[noirjunkie]

Originally Posted by Brad1963

OMG....could we move on from the TT bashing already? If you hate it that much start your own label, charge $15 a title and see how long you are in business.

I scrolled back through the last few pages, and I'm not seeing any "bashing" or "hate." Sometimes, people are just too quick to label any sort of comment that isn't overwhelmingly positive with "hate," which is a gross oversimplification and a blatant misrepresentation of nothing more than a conversation about an issue.

Also, as for your last point, here are a few labels that regularly charge in the $15 range and are thriving:

Warner Archive
Vinegar Syndrome
Kino Lorber Studio Classics

They have shown that the $15 price point is a viable option for a specialty blu-ray label.

[baheidstu]

Originally Posted by noirjunkie

I scrolled back through the last few pages, and I'm not seeing any "bashing" or "hate." Sometimes, people are just too quick to label any sort of comment that isn't overwhelmingly positive with "hate," which is a gross oversimplification and a blatant misrepresentation of nothing more than a conversation about an issue.

Also, as for your last point, here are a few labels that regularly charge in the $15 range and are thriving:

Warner Archive
Vinegar Syndrome
Kino Lorber Studio Classics

They have shown that the $15 price point is a viable option for a specialty blu-ray label.

It's just a rehash of the same old business model / pricing discussion which has been absolutely done to death on this thread with people second guessing how they operate. Whether it's constructive criticism or outright bashing doesn't matter, nobody who visits here with any amount of regularity is interested in reading it anymore.

[Aclea]

Originally Posted by noirjunkie

Warner Archive
Vinegar Syndrome
Kino Lorber Studio Classics

They have shown that the $15 price point is a viable option for a specialty blu-ray label.

Actually owning the films and not having to licence them makes a big difference to your viability, especially when you're a division of a multi-national company worth $85b. Which is one reason why the fact that one of the owners of Twilight Time was involved in Warner Archive's genesis doesn't mean his own company can work on the same basis. Vinegar Syndrome is part of restoration outfit Process Blue, which has a large library of exploitation films that it exploits through the label (and releases considerably fewer titles). Kino Lorber grew out of a company established in 1977, so has had a lot of time to build up a library and sales infrastructure.

Although they're all offering the same product in the broadest definition (Bluray discs), none of them are operating under the same conditions as Twilight Time, which is a company that has no library of its own, no mastering facilities, sales force or widespread distribution but has still managed to turn it into what's referred to in the UK as a cottage industry, releasing some over 250 BDs in the past six years despite comparatively few titles selling out. As I noted in my earlier post, it's not a one size fits all situation.

[noirjunkie]

Originally Posted by Aclea

Actually owning the films and not having to licence them makes a big difference to your viability, especially when you're a division of a multi-national company worth $85b. Which is one reason why the fact that one of the owners of Twilight Time was involved in Warner Archive's genesis doesn't mean his own company can work on the same basis. Vinegar Syndrome is part of restoration outfit Process Blue, which has a large library of exploitation films that it exploits through the label (and releases considerably fewer titles). Kino Lorber grew out of a company established in 1977, so has had a lot of time to build up a library and sales infrastructure.

Although they're all offering the same product in the broadest definition (Bluray discs), none of them are operating under the same conditions as Twilight Time, which is a company that has no library of its own, no mastering facilities, sales force or widespread distribution but has still managed to turn it into what's referred to in the UK as a cottage industry, releasing some over 250 BDs in the past six years despite comparatively few titles selling out. As I noted in my earlier post, it's not a one size fits all situation.

I'm not disagreeing with you; my main frustration is with people who ignore nuance and complexity in favor of separating all comments into "love it" or "hate it." It's ignorant.

[tenia]

Tbh, it's not a question of price, it's a question of what you're getting for it (and the rare place you can find them).

In 2017, it is understandable some people can find frustrating to pay these prices to get a movie, an isolated track and a (often) not very good cover.

Sure, you can wait for these to drop in price but on the other hand, TT model of LE is supposed to push for quickly selling out, that's the whole point of LE : pushing for early full price purchases.

It's nice that they're still here releasing movies that arent getting releases elsewhere but do we really need a $30 release of 8 Heads in a Duffel Bag ? Is $30 the right price for barebones Woody Allen releases with no new restoration ?

Moreover, almost every comparison with other releases in the world tends to be in favor of the other releases. See for instance for movies released in the UK : more extras, cheaper, and sometimes Region Free too.
Plus, you can buy them on Amazon or find them in most physical stores.

Arrow, Indicator, Signal One, Eureka, they dont have their facilities or a catalog and they are quite small teams too but they manage to deliver more loaded releases for cheaper prices and more easily accessible.

[nitin]

Originally Posted by tenia

Tbh, it's not a question of price, it's a question of what you're getting for it (and the rare place you can find them).

In 2017, it is understandable some people can find frustrating to pay these prices to get a movie, an isolated track and a (often) not very good cover.

Sure, you can wait for these to drop in price but on the other hand, TT model of LE is supposed to push for quickly selling out, that's the whole point of LE : pushing for early full price purchases.

It's nice that they're still here releasing movies that arent getting releases elsewhere but do we really need a $30 release of 8 Heads in a Duffel Bag ? Is $30 the right price for barebones Woody Allen releases with no new restoration ?

Moreover, almost every comparison with other releases in the world tends to be in favor of the other releases. See for instance for movies released in the UK : more extras, cheaper, and sometimes Region Free too.
Plus, you can buy them on Amazon or find them in most physical stores.

Arrow, Indicator, Signal One, Eureka, they dont have their facilities or a catalog and they are quite small teams too but they manage to deliver more loaded releases for cheaper prices and more easily accessible.

Someone else can perhaps confirm with more certainty but I am pretty sure it has been stated that by those in the know that UK licensing costs are much lower than NA licensing costs.

[oildude]

OK, once again the horse is well beaten and quite dead. Please let's move on.



Anyone watch one of their TT releases lately? I watched The Little House a week ago. I'll write more on it later when I have more time, but I just want to give Twilight Time a big shout out and high five for bringing us this outstanding film. A moving and immensely satisfying drama that now ranks as one of the best titles TT has released.



From Yoji Yamada, the director of the incomparable The Twilight Samurai, The Little House is wonderful, and draws a range of emotions out of its audience - joy, laughter, empathy, dread, and even terror - as it brings us the story of a young woman's journey through life during the years leading up to and during the Second World War. It is told in the form of flashbacks from the present, as memories of the old woman looking back on her past by writing her memoirs with the encouragement of her college-age great nephew. Both sides of this tale - the woman's youth as a maid working for a family in Tokyo and her older self having an impact on the life of her nephew - are intertwined skillfully and told in a way that emphasizes a celebration of what it means to discover a joyous life during and after tragic times.

I have a great love for Japanese cinema but until Twilight Time, had no knowledge of Yoji Yamada. He has since become one of my favorite directors.

[baheidstu]

Originally Posted by tenia

Tbh, it's not a question of price, it's a question of what you're getting for it (and the rare place you can find them).

In 2017, it is understandable some people can find frustrating to pay these prices to get a movie, an isolated track and a (often) not very good cover.

Sure, you can wait for these to drop in price but on the other hand, TT model of LE is supposed to push for quickly selling out, that's the whole point of LE : pushing for early full price purchases.

It's nice that they're still here releasing movies that arent getting releases elsewhere but do we really need a $30 release of 8 Heads in a Duffel Bag ? Is $30 the right price for barebones Woody Allen releases with no new restoration ?

Moreover, almost every comparison with other releases in the world tends to be in favor of the other releases. See for instance for movies released in the UK : more extras, cheaper, and sometimes Region Free too.
Plus, you can buy them on Amazon or find them in most physical stores.

Arrow, Indicator, Signal One, Eureka, they dont have their facilities or a catalog and they are quite small teams too but they manage to deliver more loaded releases for cheaper prices and more easily accessible.

I personally don't give a shit about bonus features and other fluff. If I want a movie being released by Twilight Time and it's worth paying $30 for, I will. If it's something I can wait for a discount on, I will. Everyone has weighed in with their penny-ante little price analyses and comparisons with other labels for months... nay, years now. Nobody who raises any of this stuff is saying anything new or particularly insightful.

[cad1981]

Originally Posted by noirjunkie

I'm not disagreeing with you; my main frustration is with people who ignore nuance and complexity in favor of separating all comments into "love it" or "hate it." It's ignorant.

Considering the history of TT comments on this thread and elsewhere on this site, "bashing" is an entirely accurate term to use.

[78deluxe]

Originally Posted by oildude

OK, once again the horse is well beaten and quite dead. Please let's move on.



Anyone watch one of their TT releases lately? I watched The Little House a week ago. I'll write more on it later when I have more time, but I just want to give Twilight Time a big shout out and high five for bringing us this outstanding film. A moving and immensely satisfying drama that now ranks as one of the best titles TT has released.



From Yoji Yamada, the director of the incomparable The Twilight Samurai, The Little House is wonderful, and draws a range of emotions out of its audience - joy, laughter, empathy, dread, and even terror - as it brings us the story of a young woman's journey through life during the years leading up to and during the Second World War. It is told in the form of flashbacks from the present, as memories of the old woman looking back on her past by writing her memoirs with the encouragement of her college-age great nephew. Both sides of this tale - the woman's youth as a maid working for a family in Tokyo and her older self having an impact on the life of her nephew - are intertwined skillfully and told in a way that emphasizes a celebration of what it means to discover a joyous life during and after tragic times.

I have a great love for Japanese cinema but until Twilight Time, had no knowledge of Yoji Yamada. He has since become one of my favorite directors.

Watched Twilight Samurai within the last week or two. Film itself was very good. The transfer was way to bright (as a generic statement of the lack of "blacks." I had to change my TV settings quite a bit to make it not annoying.

[StarDestroyer52]

Originally Posted by oildude

OK, once again the horse is well beaten and quite dead. Please let's move on.



Anyone watch one of their TT releases lately? I watched The Little House a week ago. I'll write more on it later when I have more time, but I just want to give Twilight Time a big shout out and high five for bringing us this outstanding film. A moving and immensely satisfying drama that now ranks as one of the best titles TT has released.



From Yoji Yamada, the director of the incomparable The Twilight Samurai, The Little House is wonderful, and draws a range of emotions out of its audience - joy, laughter, empathy, dread, and even terror - as it brings us the story of a young woman's journey through life during the years leading up to and during the Second World War. It is told in the form of flashbacks from the present, as memories of the old woman looking back on her past by writing her memoirs with the encouragement of her college-age great nephew. Both sides of this tale - the woman's youth as a maid working for a family in Tokyo and her older self having an impact on the life of her nephew - are intertwined skillfully and told in a way that emphasizes a celebration of what it means to discover a joyous life during and after tragic times.

I have a great love for Japanese cinema but until Twilight Time, had no knowledge of Yoji Yamada. He has since become one of my favorite directors.

I watched How To Steal A Million a week or so ago. I found it one of Audrey Hepburn's best films and enjoyed the humor, charm, and the romance of the film. Also the cast was top notch. Not to mention I consider this one of William Wyler's best pictures. Props to TT for releasing this. I want to get Two for the Road to slowly fill up my Hepburn collection.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by nitin

Someone else can perhaps confirm with more certainty but I am pretty sure it has been stated that by those in the know that UK licensing costs are much lower than NA licensing costs.

They are. Because the potential consumer base is much smaller.

[Aclea]

Originally Posted by jayembee

They are. Because the potential consumer base is much smaller.

It's variable: some films can cost more because the UK is the largest potential market for them while others are priced out of the market altogether (for years for some inexplicable reason most major Japanese distributors used to charge more for UK rights than US rights). One reason so many back catalogue titles aren't available in the UK when they're widely available in other territories is the licensing costs are unviable for the size of the market.

[iamnoone]

Saw on facebook that there will be another Twilight Time sale at SAE and TT's site starting today at 4pmET and going through the end of June. Big sales on 50+ TT Titles from 20th Century Fox. And they expect some more sell-outs.

PRICE BRACKET 1: $24.95

PEYTON PLACE

HOW TO STEAL A MILLION

INFERNO 3D

PRICE BRACKET 2: $19.95

TONY ROME / LADY IN CEMENT

9 TO 5

HUSH, HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE

THE BOSTON STRANGLER

PRETTY POISON

THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM

TWO FOR THE ROAD

KISS OF DEATH

PRICE BRACKET 3: $14.95

FATE IS THE HUNTER

VIOLENT SATURDAY

MAN HUNT

THE VANISHING

FLAMING STAR

THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE

BREAKING AWAY

STORMY WEATHER

ST VALENTINE'S DAY MASSACRE

ZARDOZ

APRIL LOVE

THE YOUNG LIONS

THE BEST OF EVERYTHING

HOUSE OF BAMBOO

EMPEROR OF THE NORTH

BLACK WIDOW

BROKEN LANCE

THE DETECTIVE

FROM THE TERRACE

WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS

ANASTASIA

JULIA

GARDEN OF EVIL

PANIC IN NEEDLE PARK

THE GANG'S ALL HERE

PRICE BRACKET 4: $9.95

RAPTURE

ROOTS OF HEAVEN

DESIREE

BELOVED INFIDEL

PONY SOLDIER

THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN

ROYAL FLASH

TITUS

CONRACK

MR. HOBBS TAKES A VACATION

HEAVEN KNOWS,MR. ALLISON

CHE!

PRICE BRACKET 5: $4.95 (DVDs)

THE KREMLIN LETTER

VIOLENT SATURDAY

WOMAN OBSESSED

[somebodys_kid]

Oh my god, I'll be buying like three of the ones on sale.
And I just preordered two June releases!!!!

[Hoke Moseley]

Wow, will be able to knock lots of stuff off my wishlist with that sale.

[StarDestroyer52]

Originally Posted by iamnoone

Saw on facebook that there will be another Twilight Time sale at SAE and TT's site starting today at 4pmET and going through the end of June. Big sales on 50+ TT Titles from 20th Century Fox. And they expect some more sell-outs.

PRICE BRACKET 1: $24.95

PEYTON PLACE

HOW TO STEAL A MILLION

INFERNO 3D

PRICE BRACKET 2: $19.95

TONY ROME / LADY IN CEMENT

9 TO 5

HUSH, HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE

THE BOSTON STRANGLER

PRETTY POISON

THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM

TWO FOR THE ROAD

KISS OF DEATH

PRICE BRACKET 3: $14.95

FATE IS THE HUNTER

VIOLENT SATURDAY

MAN HUNT

THE VANISHING

FLAMING STAR

THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE

BREAKING AWAY

STORMY WEATHER

ST VALENTINE'S DAY MASSACRE

ZARDOZ

APRIL LOVE

THE YOUNG LIONS

THE BEST OF EVERYTHING

HOUSE OF BAMBOO

EMPEROR OF THE NORTH

BLACK WIDOW

BROKEN LANCE

THE DETECTIVE

FROM THE TERRACE

WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS

ANASTASIA

JULIA

GARDEN OF EVIL

PANIC IN NEEDLE PARK

THE GANG'S ALL HERE

PRICE BRACKET 4: $9.95

RAPTURE

ROOTS OF HEAVEN

DESIREE

BELOVED INFIDEL

PONY SOLDIER

THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN

ROYAL FLASH

TITUS

CONRACK

MR. HOBBS TAKES A VACATION

HEAVEN KNOWS,MR. ALLISON

CHE!

PRICE BRACKET 5: $4.95 (DVDs)

THE KREMLIN LETTER

VIOLENT SATURDAY

WOMAN OBSESSED

Man, I've wanted Two for the Road for a long time, I have the $2 off coupon for reviewing How to Steal A Million. Have to make the buy

[iamnoone]

TT also mentioned that HOMBRE will be at $19.95 and the last copies of that are only at TT (SAE had sold out).

[themp3000]

Peyton Place would have been a buy at $19.95 but at $24.95, nah. I'd get Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte and maybe one or two others but I'm just not really feeling the whole thing when my primary want isn't in that sweet spot. I feel like I can wait on them for a better deal and if they sell out, whatever.