Twilight Time Discussion Thread

[dmarvin]

Originally Posted by Dex Robinson

Both excellent but very different movies. I don't have the TT Blu-ray of PICNIC although it's high on the list of those titles I hope to get soon.

I do have the BD of BYE BYE BIRDIE and I've been an unashamed and huge fan of the film for many years. BIRDIE is one of those ridiculously happy films that I can watch over and over again. It's much lighter in tone than PICNIC. As far as I'm concerned (and I say this with the admitted bias of a superfan), The TT Blu-ray of BYE BYE BIRDIE is a no-lose proposition. It's a wonderful transfer of a wonderful film with unlimited playback potential.

I only know about this movie because of the episode of Mad Men where they try to replicate the opening scene/song for a commercial with a replacement actress...trying to act like Ann Margaret and it just doesn't work out. I felt like her singing voice was annoying as heck at times with that title song -- but it still made me want to own the movie for some bizarre reason. The power of Ann Margaret I guess?

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by Dex Robinson

I just placed an order for THE WAYWARD BUS.

[Show spoiler]As some of you may recall, I mentioned a prostate cancer diagnosis last month. Nick Redman corresponded with me privately was very supportive. I decided that, if I got encouraging news from my doctor, I would start picking up some of the Twilight Time releases that I had previously let pass. Having met with my doctor today, I'm informed that this is a very early, likely slow growing disease that won't require immediate treatment. They will just "watch" it...which requires regular PSA tests and another biopsy in a year or so. The bottom line being that I'm in not going to drop dead in the immediate future (sorry ) and, when this does require intervention, the doctors will be prepared.

So I've placed my first post-diagnosis order with Twilight Time.

I have many TT titles but I went back to review some that I don't have. While not a critical darling or big blockbuster, THE WAYWARD BUS looks to fit the bill. Black and white CinemaScope is a favorite of mine. I noticed several actors that I like: Dan Dailey and even Rick Jason from the old COMBAT! TV show. And it will be fun to see Jayne Mansfield and Joan Collins on Blu. Plus I'm a sucker for old "road" pictures (buses, dusty roads).

...plus The Wayward Bus has a rich, only-in-50s-Hollywood backstory, which almost commands a second viewing with Alain Silver and James Ursinion's candid commentary switched on. Typically, I'm not a big fan of disc commentaries, but this was a case where so little had been written about this lost in the vault title that I just couldn't resist, and am glad I didn't. It explains so much about the casting and directorial choices...a fascinating bonus which I highly recommend for fans of the era...but only after you've already seen the movie.

Originally Posted by Dex Robinson

I expect to begin catching up on a few more of the older releases.

I don't know which TT titles you've passed over so far Dex, but if you're a fan of B&W 'Scope, one of the finest transfers in the collection (and home video in general) is still John Guillermin's 'fleur étrange' Rapture. And although not a 'Scope title, my own personal underappreciated gem in this collection is Jean Renoir's Swamp Water. Ditto for Fritz Lang's The Big Heat, a film that only seems to improve with age, although that one at least seems to have found its audience via this Blu-ray.

Judging by the response here and elsewhere, another TT title that almost no one seems to have taken a chance on so far is John Huston's The Roots of Heaven. Lots of interesting stuff going on there including one of Errol Flynn's final screen appearances (clearly in decline), an eccentric supporting romp by Orson Welles, plus Huston's customary storytelling cheek regardless of locale or situation. Overall, still a good, 'sure don't make 'em like that anymore' kind of movie, which I'm due to revisit.

P.S. Great news from the doc. If you're looking for something truly celebratory, then don't be shy about Crosby, Edwards, and Mancini's High Time. It's a trifle, but as trifles go, they don't get much classier.

[Blu Titan]

Originally Posted by Dex Robinson

I just placed an order for THE WAYWARD BUS.

As some of you may recall, I mentioned a prostate cancer diagnosis last month. Nick Redman corresponded with me privately was very supportive. I decided that, if I got encouraging news from my doctor, I would start picking up some of the Twilight Time releases that I had previously let pass. Having met with my doctor today, I'm informed that this is a very early, likely slow growing disease that won't require immediate treatment. They will just "watch" it...which requires regular PSA tests and another biopsy in a year or so. The bottom line being that I'm in not going to drop dead in the immediate future (sorry ) and, when this does require intervention, the doctors will be prepared.

So I've placed my first post-diagnosis order with Twilight Time. I have many TT titles but I went back to review some that I don't have. While not a critical darling or big blockbuster, THE WAYWARD BUS looks to fit the bill. Black and white CinemaScope is a favorite of mine. I noticed several actors that I like: Dan Dailey and even Rick Jason from the old COMBAT! TV show. And it will be fun to see Jayne Mansfield and Joan Collins on Blu. Plus I'm a sucker for old "road" pictures (buses, dusty roads).

I expect to begin catching up on a few more of the older releases.

Glad to read the update on your health status .
if you have any interest in Westerns, I would highly recommend TT's Bite the Bullet. A nice western/adventure story that does not feel dated. Good acting performances and just outstanding PQ.

[rafaelsalguero]

"Bite The Bullet" comes with english subtitles? Its a good western?

[Wizard-of-Wars]

I want Enemy Mine yet I can't find info for it anywhere on Twilight Times website(screenarchives.com)!!!

Can anyone help me with my search?

[*PREACHER*]

Originally Posted by Wizard-of-Wars

I want Enemy Mine yet I can't find info for it anywhere on Twilight Times website(screenarchives.com)!!!

Can anyone help me with my search?

Usually doesnt show till the release time which is Friday @4 PM(eastern)

Just keep refreshing the pre order page.

[Dex Robinson]

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

I don't know which TT titles you've passed over so far Dex...If you're looking for something truly celebratory, then don't be shy about Crosby, Edwards, and Mancini's High Time. It's a trifle, but as trifles go, they don't get much classier.[/SIZE]

I've tended towards horror (well, FRIGHT NIGHT), musicals and adventure films from Twilight Time. It was not a conscious decision but, as I take notice of what I overlooked, I seem to have ignored most of the dramas. I have HIGH TIME (it was the most recent TT Blu-ray I received...love it). And I have most of the other musicals (PAL JOEY, COVER GIRL, BYE BYE BIRDIE) Plus several more. Perhaps eight or nine.

But I see now that I've largely passed on the straight drama and Westerns. As I said, I did not do that consciously and I intend to correct it.

I see my copy of THE WAYWARD BUS has already shipped!

My plan is to slowly catch up on some of those titles by getting perhaps one every month or so.

So I've done THE WAYWARD BUS for September. And I will certainly be pre-ordering NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD when it's available. Then I'll find another previously missed title for October (Rapture, Swamp Water and The Big Heat are the leading candidates).

[EddieLarkin]

Finally got around to watching Bye Bye Birdie. Absolutely fabulous film. I imagine like a lot of TT fans my age, my first exposure to this film was when it was featured prominently in an episode of Mad Men some years back. Even then Ann-Margret completely wowed me, and I was very interested in seeing the film. Once it was announced by TT I was sold, but my purchasing was stymied a while after reading some unfavourable reviews of the film itself (those fools had no idea what they were talking about). However, once I saw the stellar screen caps I couldn't resist, and it's now possibly my favourite TT title to date!

[Dex Robinson]

BYE BYE BIRDIE was one of the first films that converted me into a lover of musicals many years ago. Prior to that, like most guys in their 20's and 30's, I had a mild addiction to shallow action films.

I bought the DVD of BYE BYE BIRDIE over a decade ago when it sold for about $35.00....widescreen on one side, pan-and-scam on the other side.

Here's the problem with reviews about a movie like this: BYE BYE BIRDIE is a movie which is fixed in a very specific moment in time. This movie couldn't have been made in 1955 or in 1965. It's a period piece that could only exist in the transition era from Eisenhower to Kennedy.

When you have a specific period piece, it will go through three stages. It starts out new and fresh. Then it will be just old. Finally, after a period of reflection it may be elevated to the status of classic or cult favorite.

It sort of like an old car. I remember when you couldn't give away a 1958 Corvette because of all the excess chrome and needless trim. People just thought it was a gaudy, over-the-top example of self-indulgent excess. Finally, people came to see it as iconic of that era of rock-and-roll and optimistic American expression.

Some people will just see BYE BYE BIRDIE as a relic from a time they don't understand. For them, it will just be old...the 1958 Corvette of musicals. For those of us who love the movie, it's piece of unbridled American optimism told in song and dance.

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by Dex Robinson

My plan is to slowly catch up on some of those titles by getting perhaps one every month or so.

Something to consider if you're spacing out your purchases like that Dex...it costs nothing to add some of these titles to your SAE 'wish list', even if you have no immediate plans to buy. I mean, if SAE offers another spot discount to members who've been sitting on items in their cart or wish list for at least 30 days (as they did last month), then that could save you 10% right there. Of course, no guarantee SAE will even run that sale again in the near future, and it's not a huge discount, but it can't hurt to have some titles on your wish list in case they do.

Originally Posted by Dex Robinson

So I've done THE WAYWARD BUS for September. And I will certainly be pre-ordering NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD when it's available. Then I'll find another previously missed title for October (Rapture, Swamp Water and The Big Heat are the leading candidates).

My mouth tends to get me into trouble when I speculate around here about TT sales performance, but of those titles, I suspect The Big Heat is the most vulnerable to early sellout...especially since it's an undisputed Noir classic with great disc specs. Rapture and Swamp Water, although equally fine films and discs, are simply more obscure, thus likelier to remain available longer.

[cavesailor]

Originally Posted by Dex Robinson

When you have a specific period piece, it will go through three stages. It starts out new and fresh. Then it will be just old. Finally, after a period of reflection it may be elevated to the status of classic or cult favorite.

Some people will just see BYE BYE BIRDIE as a relic from a time they don't understand. For them, it will just be old...the 1958 Corvette of musicals. For those of us who love the movie, it's piece of unbridled American optimism told in song and dance.

I think what you say is very true, but there is more to it on an individual level. I have been giving some thought to the question of what makes a great movie to me. The question occured to me from the poll thread on what our top 20 movies on Blu-ray are. Is it the story line, the acting, special effects? I have come to the conclusion that it is the overall emotional impact the movie has on me at the time I see it. This is related to what has or is happening in my life.

[cavesailor]

One of the movies I would like TT to market is The Ballad of Cable Hogue. It is a Sam Peckinpah movie with Jason Robards, Stella Stevens, and David Warner. The music was by Jerry Goldsmith. It was a WB release and I don't know if TT does any business with them.

[Frightener22]

Since pre-orders go up tomorrow for "Enemy Mine" and "Night of the Living Dead", does anyone know how Twilight Time / Screen Archives operates via there Amazon storefront? Will those two titles go up on there storefront tomorrow as pre-orders as well? I'm curious because if you order directly through the Screen Archives website, you're charged immediately, correct? Whereas through Amazon, it won't charge until it ships. Thanks in advance guys!

[DetroitSportsFan]

Originally Posted by Frightener22

Since pre-orders go up tomorrow for "Enemy Mine" and "Night of the Living Dead", does anyone know how Twilight Time / Screen Archives operates via there Amazon storefront? Will those two titles go up on there storefront tomorrow as pre-orders as well? I'm curious because if you order directly through the Screen Archives website, you're charged immediately, correct? Whereas through Amazon, it won't charge until it ships. Thanks in advance guys!

I don't think they go up on Amazon until the title is officially released.

[Blueherring]

So guys, just wondering what time I need to get up for pre-order tomorrow morning.
I am in Aus and a few months back probably about 4 or 5 when I got up for a pre-order it was 6am i believe in Melbourne Aus on saturday. Which was 4pm for Screen Archives in America.
So is this still the same or has there been a change in time over there due to daylight savings etc.
I am planning on ordering NOTLD, Enemy mine (after reading about it), Rapture and Swamp Water (2 i havent got around to purchasing). Also wondering if there are any others I should really consider, I was wondering about Bite the Bullet or Bell book and candle??

I already have these:
The Egyptian, Mysterious Island, Fright Night, Desiree, Picnic, Journey, The Big Heat, As Good as it gets, Those magnificent men, The wayward bus and The Kremlin Letter.

One last question, are there still magnets floating around of the blu collection a generic TT magnet i saw someone posted?

[Frightener22]

Originally Posted by DetroitSportsFan

I don't think they go up on Amazon until the title is officially released.

Thanks for the quick response, much appreciated. I suppose going directly through the source is the way to truly guarantee your copies. While I don't see these titles selling out during their pre-order stages, I don't want to risk it either. Thanks again for your help!

[oildude]

Originally Posted by Blueherring

Also wondering if there are any others I should really consider, I was wondering about Bite the Bullet or Bell book and candle??

Love them both. Hard to choose if you only want one, since they are different types of films. If you can swing it, get both.

Bite the Bullet is about a horse race in the American West. I highly recommend it. Great story, stellar cinematography, a cast filled with familiar 1970s actors, and a very nice looking picture and sound. While technically a western with cowboys (and cowgirls), horsers, villains, and gun play, the horse race for prize money makes it unusual and gives it an exciting twist. I like Ben Johnson, and he is a standout in the film, along with Gene Hackman, James Coburn, and Candace Bergen.

Bell, Book, and Candle is an old-school romantic comedy about a coven of witches living in Greenwich Village; one in particular, played by Kim Novak, develops an interest in her "mortal" neighbor, played by Jimmy Stewart. The PQ is gloriously grainy and colorful, with a jazzy soundtrack. Kim Novak and Jimmy Stewart are fun to watch and Jack Lemmon is trippy as the carefree musician brother of Novak's character. The supporting characters are quirky and amusing. Just an all around classic film with a lot of heart.

[Blueherring]

Originally Posted by oildude

Love them both. Hard to choose if you only want one, since they are different types of films. If you can swing it, get both.

You are making it harder for me, i shouldnt really get either as already ordering 4 movies, but sounds tempting...

Do you know the answers to my other questions by any chance?

[NoirFan]

Originally Posted by oildude

The PQ is gloriously grainy and colorful

The first time I watched it, I remember thinking how much I loved the look of the transfer.

[Blueherring]

Just calculated that I have spent $397.55 on 12 TT releases so far since starting with The Egyptian
And if i only buy the 2 pre-orders tonight plus Swamp Water and Rapture that will be another $133.20 taking my total to $530.75 on 16 movies. So I am thinking i may have to stick with just the 4 tonight. Getting a bit out of hand, you don't realise when you order a couple here, couple there...