Twilight Time Discussion Thread

[StingingVelvet]

Originally Posted by Sinbad75

Been a huge fan of Twilight Time since its inception, but after a bit of a disappointment over picture quality and extras with "Hawaii" I'm going to have to wait for reviews before ordering "The Hawaiians" and "Support Your.." titles. Now I fully understand TT has to work with what the studios give them, but would be nice if they let loyal customers know up front they are working with less than optimum source material. Also understand that some of these less than optimal transfers may be the only option for ever obtaining some titles in HD, but again, if that is the case, say so.

Can you really expect them to advertise a lesser quality master? No company would do that. Best to wait for reviews unless it's a movie you want no matter what.

[Sinbad75]

Originally Posted by StingingVelvet

Can you really expect them to advertise a lesser quality master? No company would do that. Best to wait for reviews unless it's a movie you want no matter what.

I know. Probably a little disappointment venting more than anything else.

[gates70]

There's so many titles I want from TT but the currency exchange is brutal. Ordered Mysterious Island and Two Rode Together and it cost me a bit over $80

[JoeDeM]

Originally Posted by Sinbad75

PS - Awaiting more HARRYHAUSEN, and "Trouble With Angels" and "The Long Ships" would be great additions to the TT catalog. At least with Sony/Columbia you know you are getting a great transfer.

I'm in would love to see those released.

[OldGoat]

Originally Posted by gates70

There's so many titles I want from TT but the currency exchange is brutal. Ordered Mysterious Island and Two Rode Together and it cost me a bit over $80

I think you will be paying closer to $100 for those two. I just received my most recent order from S.A. ( The Last Detail, Bound For Glory, and Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison ) which came to $99.75 U.S., shipping included, which became $149.49 in the Canadian peso. Thus $49.83 per title.

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by filmmusic

Please, no offense but we have many labels specifically for that.
We don't need Twilight to be tinted with horror films too.
There are so many classic films that aren't released and every little B and C and D horror movie is released on Bluray these days.
Really disappointing.
I guess it's not a good time to not be a horror fan.

I don't mind if TT releases some horror films unless you prefer to do without some titles. They're the only ones, for the most part, releasing titles from Sony. At least they're releasing something for everyone.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

I don't mind if TT releases some horror films unless you prefer to do without some titles. They're the only ones, for the most part, releasing titles from Sony. At least they're releasing something for everyone.

I'm of two minds. I'd rather that TT release non-horror titles because those are what I prefer, but their releasing horror titles means less money I have to part with.

Such a dilemma.

[bruceames]

Originally Posted by jayembee

I'm of two minds. I'd rather that TT release non-horror titles because those are what I prefer, but their releasing horror titles means less money I have to part with.

Such a dilemma.

I don't mind the more popular comedy horror (Fright Night, Christine, Vampires) and the traditional October horror lineup is cool, but I concur that I am far from a being a fan of the genre and the other labels have that ground very well covered. Anyway the majors, from whom they license, didn't release a whole lot of horror relative to other genres. So I don't think we'll have to worry about them getting too heavy on horror movies.

[jayembee]

I certainly don't mind that TT releases horror titles. I do believe in variety, so that all types of fans get something they want. I might feel differently, though, if I was in the state of mind to want a complete set of TT releases. At the point I started buying TT releases, I was rather glad that most of the OOP titles were horror films that I didn't particularly want.

[bruceames]

Originally Posted by jayembee

I certainly don't mind that TT releases horror titles. I do believe in variety, so that all types of fans get something they want. I might feel differently, though, if I was in the state of mind to want a complete set of TT releases. At the point I started buying TT releases, I was rather glad that most of the OOP titles were horror films that I didn't particularly want.

That certainly creates a temptation for them to release more of them. They do sell. The horror fan base seems to be huge, a godsend to packaged media.

I wonder if there really is anybody that owns a complete set of TT movies at this point. A couple of years ago, sure.

[Twilight Time]

Originally Posted by Sinbad75

Been a huge fan of Twilight Time since its inception, but after a bit of a disappointment over picture quality and extras with "Hawaii" I'm going to have to wait for reviews before ordering "The Hawaiians" and "Support Your.." titles. Now I fully understand TT has to work with what the studios give them, but would be nice if they let loyal customers know up front they are working with less than optimum source material. Also understand that some of these less than optimal transfers may be the only option for ever obtaining some titles in HD, but again, if that is the case, say so.

PS - Awaiting more HARRYHAUSEN, and "Trouble With Angels" and "The Long Ships" would be great additions to the TT catalog. At least with Sony/Columbia you know you are getting a great transfer.

Sinbad75 - you have nothing to worry about with regard to PQ of either THE HAWAIIANS or the SHERIFF/GUNFIGHTER double bill. We agonized long and hard over the situation with HAWAII. As most of you know, we have passed on many MGM/UA titles that other labels have subsequently released without the qualms over quality we usually enforce. HAWAII is an important film, and we felt the transfer met basic criterion for blu-ray standards so we decided to proceed. The irony? It is selling really well - most hardcore fans of the film know there will be nothing for HAWAII beyond what we have issued.

[bruceames]

Originally Posted by Twilight Time

Sinbad75 - you have nothing to worry about with regard to PQ of either THE HAWAIIANS or the SHERIFF/GUNFIGHTER double bill. We agonized long and hard over the situation with HAWAII. As most of you know, we have passed on many MGM/UA titles that other labels have subsequently released without the qualms over quality we usually enforce. HAWAII is an important film, and we felt the transfer met basic criterion for blu-ray standards so we decided to proceed. The irony? It is selling really well - most hardcore fans of the film know there will be nothing for HAWAII beyond what we have issued.

I'm sure glad you released Hawaii. I watched the roadshow version (letterboxed, zoomed the picture fell apart from my viewing distance) and enjoyed watching it more than I would have the cut HD version, since it is complete. It was very watchable in letterbox size.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by bruceames.

I'm sure glad you released Hawaii. I watched the roadshow version (letterboxed, zoomed the picture fell apart from my viewing distance) and enjoyed watching it more than I would have the cut HD version, since it is complete. It was very watchable in letterbox size.

If only Fox had done the same thing on their Blu-ray release of The Sand Pebbles. I was miffed that I had to hold onto the DVD.

[gates70]

Originally Posted by OldGoat

I think you will be paying closer to $100 for those two. I just received my most recent order from S.A. ( The Last Detail, Bound For Glory, and Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison ) which came to $99.75 U.S., shipping included, which became $149.49 in the Canadian peso. Thus $49.83 per title.

The $80+ was in Canadian pesos already converted, but ya it sucks

[oildude]

Originally Posted by bruceames.

That certainly creates a temptation for them to release more of them. They do sell. The horror fan base seems to be huge, a godsend to packaged media.

I wonder if there really is anybody that owns a complete set of TT movies at this point. A couple of years ago, sure.

I am close. There have been 184 unique titles released so far, beginning with The Egyptian through the six January 2016 titles.

I counted my collection and now have 175 of these. Almost all of the nine I don't have are late 2015 releases, but most are on my wishlist.


Note: There have been three encores so far, for a total of 187 actual Twilight Time releases.

[Davidian]

Originally Posted by oildude

I am close. There have been 184 unique titles released so far, beginning with The Egyptian through the six January 2016 titles.

I counted my collection and now have 175 of these. Almost all of the nine I don't have are late 2015 releases, but most are on my wishlist.


Note: There have been three encores so far, for a total of 187 actual Twilight Time releases.

You must have a good collection of autographed exclusive by now?

[oildude]

Originally Posted by Davidian

You must have a good collection of autographed exclusive by now?

A few. Six, I think.

[Page14]

Originally Posted by bruceames.

I'm sure glad you released Hawaii. I watched the roadshow version (letterboxed, zoomed the picture fell apart from my viewing distance) and enjoyed watching it more than I would have the cut HD version, since it is complete. It was very watchable in letterbox size.

Originally Posted by jayembee

If only Fox had done the same thing on their Blu-ray release of The Sand Pebbles. I was miffed that I had to hold onto the DVD.

I'm not sure if I understand this. Are you saying that the current Sand Pebbles blu-ray release is a cut version? (Just curious, as I watched The Sand Pebbles for the first time a few months ago. Good movie.)

[Aclea]

It's the 182-minute general release version (though it would be cut further to two-and-a-half hours towards the end of its theatrical run and on its initial VHS release). Fox's 2-disc Region 1 NTSC DVD restored the original 196-minute roadshow version, although sadly the source print has faded quite badly, so you're left with a choice of a beautiful transfer of the 182-minute general release version or a rather soft transfer of the uncut version.

It has to be said that both cuts work equally well, with little of substance cut. Yet while the cuts are sensitively made and the shorter version adheres to the old editor's maxim that "if it wasn't there would you know it was missing?," for anyone who likes the film they'll be a welcome addition. For those interested, the major restorations to the roadshow version are:

- Before the first repel boarders drill there is a brief scene with the tailor coolie measuring Holman for a new uniform on deck.
- A brief scene of local bandits firing on the San Pablo from the shore as the gunboat patrols the river.
- After the accident with the chief engine room coolie, the scene continues to show the repair of the engine.
- After the crew start taking bets on the fight between Po-Han and Stawski, there is a brief scene between Holman and Frenchie.
- Before Jake shows Shirley around Changsha, there is a brief sequence where she explains why no priests will marry Frenchie and Mailly; afterwards there is a conversation between the two in a restaurant.
- Captain Collins' conversation with Ensign Bordelles after they see the men fighting on deck is much longer, with Collins explaining that he has authority only as long as he does not exercise it.
- The battle scene at the river boom is much longer, with the San Pablo taking a direct hit and having to pull out of the fight while the crew put out a fire on deck.

Some other scenes are slightly extended with additional shots or dialogue; the roadshow version also has brief intermission scoring not on the general release version. Sadly, the exit music is not included on the DVD for some reason. There was a brief prologue on the battleship that Holman was transferred from, but that couldn't be sourced.

The Blu-ray release - Region A-locked for the US release but Region free for the rest of the world - only includes the general release version, with the missing scenes from the roadshow version presented separately as deleted scenes with no seamless branching option.

[Page14]

Originally Posted by Aclea

[Show spoiler]

It's the 182-minute general release version (though it would be cut further to two-and-a-half hours towards the end of its theatrical run and on its initial VHS release). Fox's 2-disc Region 1 NTSC DVD restored the original 196-minute roadshow version, although sadly the source print has faded quite badly, so you're left with a choice of a beautiful transfer of the 182-minute general release version or a rather soft transfer of the uncut version.

[Show spoiler]It has to be said that both cuts work equally well, with little of substance cut. Yet while the cuts are sensitively made and the shorter version adheres to the old editor's maxim that "if it wasn't there would you know it was missing?," for anyone who likes the film they'll be a welcome addition. For those interested, the major restorations to the roadshow version are:

- Before the first repel boarders drill there is a brief scene with the tailor coolie measuring Holman for a new uniform on deck.
- A brief scene of local bandits firing on the San Pablo from the shore as the gunboat patrols the river.
- After the accident with the chief engine room coolie, the scene continues to show the repair of the engine.
- After the crew start taking bets on the fight between Po-Han and Stawski, there is a brief scene between Holman and Frenchie.
- Before Jake shows Shirley around Changsha, there is a brief sequence where she explains why no priests will marry Frenchie and Mailly; afterwards there is a conversation between the two in a restaurant.
- Captain Collins' conversation with Ensign Bordelles after they see the men fighting on deck is much longer, with Collins explaining that he has authority only as long as he does not exercise it.
- The battle scene at the river boom is much longer, with the San Pablo taking a direct hit and having to pull out of the fight while the crew put out a fire on deck.

Some other scenes are slightly extended with additional shots or dialogue; the roadshow version also has brief intermission scoring not on the general release version. Sadly, the exit music is not included on the DVD for some reason. There was a brief prologue on the battleship that Holman was transferred from, but that couldn't be sourced.

The Blu-ray release - Region A-locked for the US release but Region free for the rest of the world - only includes the general release version, with the missing scenes from the roadshow version presented separately as deleted scenes with no seamless branching option.

Ah, thank you ... for all the info! I should know that, as I watched all the special features, including the road show scenes. Guess I needed a few cobwebs dusted off. I'll watch this with added interest the next time around. (Just pulled my Fox blu-ray copy off the shelf. FWIW, it lists the running time as 179 minutes [vs. the 182 minutes you mentioned]).