Twilight Time Discussion Thread

[Rory]

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

Actually, I've met some wonderful folks here who are guilty of nothing more nefarious than sharing their enthusiasm for the funky, collector-savvy journey TT has undertaken through the vaults of two major studios. These are fun, interesting, passionate fans, many of whom have been on a multi-decade/multi-format quest to finally acquire some of their fave movies in the finest quality available while hard disc delivery of media is still possible. And along the way, they - we - have discovered that this sophmore label has routinely produced some flat out great work, yet even when occasionally less so, still representing a sincere best effort given the challenges of the source elements and the masters they had to work with. I've honestly never seen a run of anything this consistently good in all my years of home video collecting. And barely a year ago, none of it existed.

Ditto that, ROclockCK, but I'm disappointed there hasn't been more talk of how great the transfer is on THOSE MAGNIFICENT MEN.... Seems like the release has gone over like a lead ballon, even though I see it's number 4 on Screen Archives "Top Weekly Sellers" list. Oh, well.

Now I'm wondering what's up with the 20th Century Fox BD releases? Hasn't it been more than two months since the releases of ZORBA and WRATH? I thought there were to be two new releases every month, or am I wrong?

[larry47591]

Originally Posted by Rory

Ditto that, ROclockCK, but I'm disappointed there hasn't been more talk of how great the transfer is on THOSE MAGNIFICENT MEN.... Seems like the release has gone over like a lead ballon, even though I see it's number 4 on Screen Archives "Top Weekly Sellers" list. Oh, well.

Now I'm wondering what's up with the 20th Century Fox BD releases? Hasn't it been more than two months since the releases of ZORBA and WRATH? I thought there were to be two new releases every month, or am I wrong?

Zorba and wrath are not twilight time releases.

[davidthenikonuser]

It would be cool if the list on the first page listed which titles are sold out. I know Fright Night is. Any others?

[Yankees0222]

Originally Posted by davidthenikonuser

It would be cool if the list on the first page listed which titles are sold out. I know Fright Night is. Any others?

Journey to the center of the earth and Mysterious Island are the other two that have sold out so far.

[Blu Titan]

I do not think that you need the opinion of an "expert" or anyone to make a final determination of a movie's picture quality, but judge for yourself if the PQ is up to par or not. That being said I find all of the reviews by Jeffrey Kauffman to be very credible and aligned with my own personal opinion of the PQ that includes Demetrius and The Gladiators, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Bite the Bullet, ect.

The "entitlement" stuff as, far as returning an unoppened movie, is not relevant. Customers have the right to return items if it conforms to the retailers policy. I do not do it, but if a customer chooses to exercise that option so be it.

[JoeDeM]

Originally Posted by #Darren

Not that that is really a great achievement. I have had hundreds on international orders and never had one go MIA.

Here's an interesting read about a postal worker with sticky fingers
http://www.9news.com/rss/story.aspx?storyid=147734

[larry47591]

Originally Posted by davidthenikonuser

It would be cool if the list on the first page listed which titles are sold out. I know Fright Night is. Any others?

Added a sold out section

[tellybox]

Just Pre-ordered a copy of Bye Bye Birdie! Super stoked for this one!

[#Darren]

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

I do not think that you need the opinion of an "expert" or anyone to make a final determination of a movie's picture quality, but judge for yourself if the PQ is up to par or not.

That is your personal view point, but not everyone is in a situation to part with their money without feeling the purchase is warranted first. I have a lot of BD but even I check reviews before buying.

[#Darren]

Originally Posted by JoeDeM

Here's an interesting read about a postal worker with sticky fingers
http://www.9news.com/rss/story.aspx?storyid=147734

Wow! I guess someone in that town made a lot of missing item claims!

[HDMe]

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

I do not think that you need the opinion of an "expert" or anyone to make a final determination of a movie's picture quality, but judge for yourself if the PQ is up to par or not.

While I agree with you in principle... and in practice I do read reviews but do not use them as the sole reason to help me decide on a purchase... is it a wise thing to say on a site that makes part of its reputation on reviews?

I do read the reviews here... and while they don't make the final decision, I'll weigh the opinions especially if the same reviewer shares opinions I had of other movies I already own.

[Blu Titan]

Originally Posted by HDMe

While I agree with you in principle... and in practice I do read reviews but do not use them as the sole reason to help me decide on a purchase... is it a wise thing to say on a site that makes part of its reputation on reviews?

I do read the reviews here... and while they don't make the final decision, I'll weigh the opinions especially if the same reviewer shares opinions I had of other movies I already own.

Well, it is my personal opinion as a movie lover and I am going to write what I think. There are some reviewers whose opinion I trust and whose advise I often seek. I do import and purchase a lot of movies without having read any reviews. Nowdays, it seems like everyone is an apprentice reviewer, self appointed expert, has a review blog, ect...

I just read a member stating that High Noon has PQ issues because Robert Harris posted something on it. I guess a statement from one individual is enough to persuade some people without seeing for themselves? Does Mr. Harris know more about film than me? Of course he does, he is a restoration expert and I know little about it. Will his statement deter me from buying the movie? No, I will judge for myself how good or bad the PQ is.

I usually read reviews for more information about the movie than for a particular numerical score. For me a PQ score usually does not affect my purchase decision. For example, I think that Demetrius and the Gladiator has crappy PQ, but I am still happy with the purchase and it was bought before any reviews were available.

If I am upgrading a DVD, I would pay more attention to the PQ section of the review. Once again I make the final determination on how good or bad the PQ is...everyone's opinion is just that, their opinion and it is subjective in nature.

One example, as I do not want to derail this thread further. When the Chuck Norris movies came out a few weeks ago most of the bigger sites did not get screeners. In the release thread someone posted a link to a review from a "reviewer" who scored the PQ of Missing in Action 2/5. Most were quick to dismiss the release or where crapping on the studio, ect. Guess what? I purchased it and it has fantastic PQ. Also, Delta Force has fantastic PQ. I posted my opinion in the thread and I can assure you that a million reviews can give 2/5 for PQ and I would still believe it is 4.5/5...it is my opinion. As far as dissecting screncaps, I will not even waste my time with that.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

If I am upgrading a DVD, I would pay more attention to the PQ section of the review. Once again I make the final determination on how good or bad the PQ is...everyone's opinion is just that, their opinion and it is subjective in nature.

Seeing for yourself is all well and good but doesn't that assume you can see it for yourself before making a purchasing decision? A lot of catalog titles aren't available to rent which kind of limits ones options, doesn't it?

You're basically left with rolling the dice and just hoping the PQ is worth the price or basing your decision at least in part on the opinion of somebody who has seen it.

Unless I'm overlooking something those are pretty much your choices.

[Blu Titan]

Originally Posted by octagon

Seeing for yourself is all well and good but doesn't that assume you can see it for yourself before making a purchasing decision? A lot of catalog titles aren't available to rent which kind of limits ones options, doesn't it?

You're basically left with rolling the dice and just hoping the PQ is worth the price or basing your decision at least in part on the opinion of somebody who has seen it.

Unless I'm overlooking something those are pretty much your choices.

In 99% of the cases the PQ of the Blu-ray is going to be better than the DVD's. I'm am sure when can find some exceptions but I am confident that 99% is a safe assumption. I read the reviews and if something did not go terribly askew like a wrong oar, missing subs, or repeated notations of print damage then I purchase it and make my own opinion.

If I think the release is so poor that I can't keep it then I sell it or trade it. If people feel more comfortable by just making their purchase decisions solely based on another's subjective opinion then so be it...everyone has a choice.

[#Darren]

I don't think anyone here is arguing against what you said. But just as you are free to make your own decisions post payment - others are free to put a little more reliance on reviewers. And I don't think the discussion here was based on screencaps or numerical scores.

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

Well, it is my personal opinion as a movie lover and I am going to write what I think. There are some reviewers whose opinion I trust and whose advise I often seek. I do import and purchase a lot of movies without having read any reviews. Nowdays, it seems like everyone is an apprentice reviewer, self appointed expert, has a review blog, ect...

I just read a member stating that High Noon has PQ issues because Robert Harris posted something on it. I guess a statement from one individual is enough to persuade some people without seeing for themselves? Does Mr. Harris know more about film than me? Of course he does, he is a restoration expert and I know little about it. Will his statement deter me from buying the movie? No, I will judge for myself how good or bad the PQ is.

I usually read reviews for more information about the movie than for a particular numerical score. For me a PQ score usually does not affect my purchase decision. For example, I think that Demetrius and the Gladiator has crappy PQ, but I am still happy with the purchase and it was bought before any reviews were available.

If I am upgrading a DVD, I would pay more attention to the PQ section of the review. Once again I make the final determination on how good or bad the PQ is...everyone's opinion is just that, their opinion and it is subjective in nature.

One example, as I do not want to derail this thread further. When the Chuck Norris movies came out a few weeks ago most of the bigger sites did not get screeners. In the release thread someone posted a link to a review from a "reviewer" who scored the PQ of Missing in Action 2/5. Most were quick to dismiss the release or where crapping on the studio, ect. Guess what? I purchased it and it has fantastic PQ. Also, Delta Force has fantastic PQ. I posted my opinion in the thread and I can assure you that a million reviews can give 2/5 for PQ and I would still believe it is 4.5/5...it is my opinion. As far as dissecting screncaps, I will not even waste my time with that.

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by Rory

Ditto that, ROclockCK, but I'm disappointed there hasn't been more talk of how great the transfer is on THOSE MAGNIFICENT MEN.... Seems like the release has gone over like a lead ballon, even though I see it's number 4 on Screen Archives "Top Weekly Sellers" list. Oh, well.

Actually, despite some brief slippage (probably when you checked it), Those Magnificent Men... has been pretty much pinned to the top of SAE's top 10 list for most of the past month Rory. So it *appears* to be a steady, strong seller...I wouldn't call it a "lead balloon", by any stretch. True, discussion of its AQ/PQ has been modest here, but most of those who have seen it and posted, seemed pretty thrilled.

...as was I once I finally* got to see it earlier last week. All the painstaking detail on those vintage aviation replicas was just thrilling to see again...that jaw-dropping level of production detail hasn't been showcased so well since the original roadshow run. Naturally, some of the 60s-era opticals stood out more than before, but all of the native 65mm Todd-AO was gorgeously transferred. Shot-after-shot could be blown-up and framed.

Of course, not everyone is a fan of this style of epic tom-foolery, but I think word-of-mouth over the disc specs will carry the title, even among the fence-sitters and holdouts. Like I said, just gorgeous.

* The horse and buggy mail service to our little outpost in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies seems to take at least a week longer than any other North American destination. Typically, I'm the last one around here to receive new TT releases each month.

[oildude]

I haven't put "Those Magnificent Men...." on yet. With the sales going on right now, it seems I am too busy buying movies to actually watch any.

[Page14]

Originally Posted by oildude

I haven't put Those Magnificent Men....on yet. With the sales going on right now, it seems I am too busy buying movies to actually watch any.

I know what you mean. I haven't purchased "Those Magnificent..." ... yet. I was originally waiting to combine it with "Bye Bye Birdie" to cut down on the shipping costs (since I knew I was getting both anyway and am in no hurry, seeing that I have a large backlog of movies I bought but haven't watched yet. ... And now I'm spinning my wheels because I'm thinking of combining other TT movies in the same order ... but with all the other sales going on, what can I afford? I'm sure some of you can relate ... ).

EDIT: I'm spinning my wheels no more. I ordered the 2 above mentioned movies. I might buy others I'm interested in if I catch wind that they're close to being sold out. But available time and budget is telling me to hold off for the time being.

[whitesheik]

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

Well, it is my personal opinion as a movie lover and I am going to write what I think. There are some reviewers whose opinion I trust and whose advise I often seek. I do import and purchase a lot of movies without having read any reviews. Nowdays, it seems like everyone is an apprentice reviewer, self appointed expert, has a review blog, ect...

I just read a member stating that High Noon has PQ issues because Robert Harris posted something on it. I guess a statement from one individual is enough to persuade some people without seeing for themselves? Does Mr. Harris know more about film than me? Of course he does, he is a restoration expert and I know little about it. Will his statement deter me from buying the movie? No, I will judge for myself how good or bad the PQ is.

I usually read reviews for more information about the movie than for a particular numerical score. For me a PQ score usually does not affect my purchase decision. For example, I think that Demetrius and the Gladiator has crappy PQ, but I am still happy with the purchase and it was bought before any reviews were available.

If I am upgrading a DVD, I would pay more attention to the PQ section of the review. Once again I make the final determination on how good or bad the PQ is...everyone's opinion is just that, their opinion and it is subjective in nature.

One example, as I do not want to derail this thread further. When the Chuck Norris movies came out a few weeks ago most of the bigger sites did not get screeners. In the release thread someone posted a link to a review from a "reviewer" who scored the PQ of Missing in Action 2/5. Most were quick to dismiss the release or where crapping on the studio, ect. Guess what? I purchased it and it has fantastic PQ. Also, Delta Force has fantastic PQ. I posted my opinion in the thread and I can assure you that a million reviews can give 2/5 for PQ and I would still believe it is 4.5/5...it is my opinion. As far as dissecting screncaps, I will not even waste my time with that.

Robert A. Harris is a friend and a great guy, but we don't always agree on transfers, High Noon being one of them. I'm sure it could be better, but on my 55-inch screen I'm very happy with it - lots of detail, good contrast and very sharp. How it looks on larger screens I have no idea.

[NoirFan]

I noticed that the DVD of Drums Along the Mohawk is now OOP - that's one I'd shell out $30 for, if TT released it.