Twilight Time Discussion Thread

[rock, stone]

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

[*]The Big Country

Did this ever get that stretching problem fixed? I'm guessing it didn't. Anyone know?

[HD Goofnut]

Originally Posted by rock, stone

Did this ever get that stretching problem fixed? I'm guessing it didn't. Anyone know?

AFAIK it did not.

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by rock, stone

I think what is surprising to many here (or to me at least) is how passionate you have been about money not being an object when it comes to great movies and how aggressively you have argued your case to those who feel TT's are overpriced.

I personally consider myself pretty frugal, cheap even. So for our positions on "you get what you pay for" (for lack of a better term) suddenly reversed was unexpected.

No judgments here. I get where you are coming from, especially if someone is not that into world cinema.

Well, life is full of little mysteries and contradictions, isn't it?

Truthfully, I like MoC's catalogue and approach, and care more about world cinema than you might imagine. It's just that nothing they've offered so far has been a 'touchstone' film for me - one that I...must...have...right...now...region encoding be damned!

And despite my passion for TT's work, I wouldn't say that "money is no object". Some months it's a challenge just keeping up with what I want from all these niche Region A labels like TT, KINO, Criterion, Olive, Severin etc...and even the occasional bone tossed by the majors.

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by rock, stone

Did [The Big Country] ever get that stretching problem fixed? I'm guessing it didn't. Anyone know?

Haven't heard squat one way or the other.

I also wish they'd fix it, and certainly didn't think it warranted a 4 for PQ in the site review. But you know, it's surprising how well you adjust to this mild stretch when actually watching the movie. After awhile it just sort of looks like early 50s CinemaScope instead of late 50s Technirama. Not that I'm apologizing for this mastering error - it was a stupid mistake considering the solid work they did on everything else - but it's also not quite as bad as some of the screen caps make it seem.

[rock, stone]

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

AFAIK it did not.

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

Haven't heard squat one way or the other.

I also wish they'd fix it, and certainly didn't think it warranted a 4 for PQ. But you know, it's surprising how well you adjust to this mild stretch when actually watching the movie. After awhile it just sort of looks like early 50s CinemaScope instead of late 50s Technirama. Not that I'm apologizing for this mastering error - it was a stupid mistake considering the solid work they did on everything else - but it's also not quite as bad as some of the screen caps make it seem.

Thanks, that is what I figured. That is one of the things that I'm a little hypersensitive to, unfortunately. Maybe I'll pick it up one day, and it will be easier to swallow in motion. The screencaps make me anxious.

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by rock, stone

Thanks, that is what I figured. That is one of the things that I'm a little hypersensitive to, unfortunately. Maybe I'll pick it up one day, and it will be easier to swallow in motion. The screencaps make me anxious.

As well they should rock, stone. It's not anyone's imagination either; the stretch in The Big Country definitely overshoots the squeeze. But like any anamorphos, image distortion will be more apparent in center frame objects (like...uhm...people...unfortunately), thus most pronounced in the close-ups and medium close-ups. Fortunately, this particular movie was shot with wide vistas in mind, and characters often composed out to the edges. In the medium-long and long shots you really have to do some on-the-fly visual arithmetic to detect the stretch.

But it certainly is there, so if you are more sensitive to aspect ratio fudging than most, then this would be one to avoid until MGM remasters and corrects. Otherwise, it could drive you bonkers...

[Persianimmortal]

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

That movie sure does seem to have an almost timeless appeal, doesn't it?

I have to admit I don't think North to Alaska is a fantastic movie, but it's a genuinely fun film which I think TT would do well to release if they can. That's the main reason I've mentioned it a couple of times now. It seems a viable release for TT.

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

Special case there. That one was released as part of the first 'chronological' Harryhausen collection, and only as part of that set - never separately...

You're right, I forgot about the Harryhausen collection. However I found and bought Earth vs. The Flying Saucers as a separate BD on Amazon UK here while searching for 50's sci-fi on blu. That's why it struck me as odd.

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

This made me chuckle because I was just thinking the other day how well represented both Victor Mature and Gregory Peck have been on Blu-ray so far.

Fair point. I suppose I'm selfishly thinking of the Gregory Peck movies I personally want to see like The Man in the Grey Flannel Suit, Designing Women, and The Bravados. A Big Country was an oddball release given the others I've just mentioned (in my opinion) are better Peck films. Even worse since, as you guys note, it has a bit of a ratio issue with the release. I have it on my shelf but I still haven't watched it, I suppose I'll get around to it shortly and I hope I don't notice the issue too much.

I also have to say on the positive side that I'm very happy with the way Cary Grant's been treated on blu. Right off the bat the North by Northwest release - one of my favorites - came out just as I got a blu-ray player and is fabulous. An Affair to Remember, Charade and now To Catch a Thief are also very welcome. I'd also love to see Houseboat out on BD, but that's up to Paramount.

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by Persianimmortal

I also have to say on the positive side that I'm very happy with the way Cary Grant's been treated on blu. Right off the bat the North by Northwest release - one of my favorites - came out just as I got a blu-ray player and is fabulous. An Affair to Remember, Charade and now To Catch a Thief are also very welcome. I'd also love to see Houseboat out on BD, but that's up to Paramount.

To make me very happy they need to release father Goose on Blu-ray and Philadelphia Story

[Arkadin]

well ROclockCK all I can say is you've got a lot more willpower than me. plus, I really don't see a lot of the SC stuff--like Went the Day Well or Brighton Rock coming to NA anytime soon, but who knows. I'm just too impatient anyway. just simple as that.
I will say that not being region free does save a lot of money. that's for sure.

[BluBonnet]

Originally Posted by Persianimmortal

I also have to say on the positive side that I'm very happy with the way Cary Grant's been treated on blu. Right off the bat the North by Northwest release - one of my favorites - came out just as I got a blu-ray player and is fabulous. An Affair to Remember, Charade and now To Catch a Thief are also very welcome. I'd also love to see Houseboat out on BD, but that's up to Paramount.

It'd be great to have "Houseboat" on blu-ray - and "The Grass is Greener" too, that one always was very limited in standard def.

[rock, stone]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

To make me very happy they need to release father Goose on Blu-ray and Philadelphia Story

I would love Father Goose. That would be a perfect TT release, since I can't see too much demand for it, unlike necessities like Philadelphia Story, Bringing Up Baby, and His Girl Friday.

I also wouldn't say no to The Awful Truth. I have no idea who owns the rights to what, however.

[BluBonnet]

Originally Posted by rock, stone

I also wouldn't say no to The Awful Truth. I have no idea who owns the rights to what, however.

I think it's Sony

[JoeDeM]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

To make me very happy they need to release father Goose on Blu-ray and Philadelphia Story

These are 2 of my all time Favorites, and lets not forget Operation Petticoat.

[JoeDeM]

Originally Posted by rock, stone

I would love Father Goose. That would be a perfect TT release, since I can't see too much demand for it,

I think it's a Universal title, and it's a very poor transfer on DVD (non-anamorphic)

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by JoeDeM

I think it's a Universal title, and it's a very poor transfer on DVD (non-anamorphic)

I own it and yep it's not a very good transfer

[jaaguir]

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

Interesting. I wasn't aware that Universal had joined the The 'MOD' Squad.

You know Arkadin, whenever I see those MOD offerings, the classic movie fan in me dies just a little bit more. TT's Redman is right - all these $20.00 MOD titles with no restoration or remastering, no extras, and so-so to indifferent artwork, slapped into the cheapest case available without an insert, just seem to get a 'free pass' on price. I mean, these are DVD-Rs fercripessake! And then people have the nerve to criticize TT for its top of the line HD remastered, quality manufactured 50GB Blu-ray editions, which include distinctive artwork plus a lovingly written and presented 8-page production background booklet, priced at $30.00...a mere 10 bucks more!

It's just nuts that the former would be considered 'normal' pricing, and the latter a format-destroying 'insult' to home video consumers everywhere. I should just learn to stay off those MOD pages...they're incredibly depressing.

I agree with your argument, but it's only fair to say, most Universal MOD releases do have extras, and also, many of Warner's MOD releases are re-mastered.

Originally Posted by Arkadin

imo it's shocking Fox hasn't released more Marilyn Monroe films. They missed a great opportunity with all the buzz about My Week With Marilyn. I mean how long ago was The Seven Year Itch rumored to be coming out? just ridiculous that film hasn't come out yet.
.

This summer it's the 50th anniversay of her death. I thought Fox would take advantage of the media attention and announce a box-set. Maybe it could still happen, especially if they're going to release it nearer to Christmas than summer.

[Flex Mentallo]

With all this talk concerning MOD programs, has anyone ordered George C. Scott's Rage from Warner Archives and if so how does it look? It's like $19.99 on the WB site and I haven't paid that much for a DVD since 2004. I so want to pull the trigger on that but I'm hopeful it get's a blu-ray within the year (hope, hope).

I know it was mentioned as a goof but from a May 2011 article with Van Ling he states, "I have high hopes for Abyss in Blu-ray! A HD master was produced back in 2005, but James Cameron never had time to validate it. Now that his work on Avatar is over he is promising to examine the matter. However, I believe that he probably will be starting from scratch again, with a new transfer." It is done. The only real hold up would come from Fox, if they decide to withhold it for future consideration, or Nick Redmon and co. who feel the HD master isn't blu-ray ready.

At this stage the game The Abyss is the perfect film to carry the Twilight Time Banner. The film is now a 25 year old catalog title that Cameron and Fox have obviously given up on. I say now is the time for this bad boy.


http://www.hdvision-mag.com/2011/05/...interview.html

[Clark Kent]

Originally Posted by Flex Mentallo

At this stage the game The Abyss is the perfect film to carry the Twilight Time Banner. The film is now a 25 year old catalog title that Cameron and Fox have obviously given up on. I say now is the time for this bad boy.

There is no chance that TT could acquire the rights to the Abyss. Fox would never think of doing anything with that movie without Cameron's approval. When two of your movies have surpassed a billion each in box office, studios tread lightly with your past films. That release will be entirely up to Cameron, whom is notoriously picky about home video issues.

[gpn]

Here's my list of hopefuls I just posted on TT's Facebook page:

20th Century Fox
------------------------------
Princess of the Nile
Boy on a Dolphin
The Abominable Snowman
The Fly
Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea
The Agony and the Ecstasy
Dracula: Prince of Darkness
The Reptile
Fantastic Voyage
One Million Years BC
Doctor Dolittle
Five Million Years to Earth (Quatermass and the Pit)
Star!
The Devil's Bride (The Devil Rides Out)
The Legend of Hell House
Silver Streak
The Fury
Quest for Fire
Ladyhawke



Columbia
--------------------------
Lost Horizon (1937)
The Lady from Shanghai
First Men in the Moon
Macbeth (1971)
1776
The Golden Voyage of Sinbad
Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger
Krull


I've got my fingers crossed that we'll get at least some of those.

[BluBonnet]

Originally Posted by Flex Mentallo

With all this talk concerning MOD programs, has anyone ordered George C. Scott's Rage from Warner Archives and if so how does it look? It's like $19.99 on the WB site and I haven't paid that much for a DVD since 2004. I so want to pull the trigger on that but I'm hopeful it get's a blu-ray within the year (hope, hope).

If it were not a 1972 film, I would suggest that you try renting it from classicflix.com, which carries WAC titles and rents by mail; however they only carry movies made before 1970.

I hate to say it, but if it wasn't deemed worth releasing on pressed DVD, it would be even less likely to be considered for a blu-ray release, at least in North America.

If you wait until the Warner Archives has a sale, you can get most of their movies for as little as $9.99, the catch is that sometimes you have to buy a minimum (for example, 5 titles for $50).