Twilight Time Discussion Thread

[20th Century Boy]

Originally Posted by StarDestroyer52

I highly doubt that many of the Fox owned films released by TT will ever see a re-release for sure.

This.

[hariseldon]

Originally Posted by bdgking

Me I have almost everything I want that Twilight time has and I refuse to buy from SAE as both sites shipping rates are bad but SAE is horrible beyond belief IMO .

Be that as it may, but for 10 items or less which I suspect are the overwhelming number of orders, the shipping/handling costs are nearly identical (less than $1 total) UNLESS you have one of those review Discount codes.

It's not until you get past 20 items before the difference is more than 0.50 per item and a $10 difference on a $250 seems to be less than a wrist slitting amt.

If it turns out that SAE has the titles you want and TT doesn't then it's all a moot point. SAE currently is exclusive for 20% of the available titles

[hariseldon]

Since I opened my mouth yesterday and spouted some seat of the pants numbers abotu alternative releases, I spent a couple hours scanning the TT releases and ran some actual numbers. I found about 10 I didn't realize had non-TT releases. I don't know if this is actually useful to anyone, but I was bored and decided to make some new lists. I make no representation that this is 100% complete nor accurate or can future results be assumed from past performance -- this is all for fun and amusement.

Of the approx 370 unique BD TT releases, I can find around 37 that have had other US releases already, but......... 2 of the US releases were before the TT release -- Beat the Devil had a BDR release from Film Detective and Birth of a Nation a 2011 Kino release.

Body Double had only a Sony Choice BD-R.

4 items were released only as part of Boxsets and 2 of those were still in what normally is considered the 3 year exclusive Zone. Crimson Kimono was part of the Kit Parker Noir Set, the Valachi Papers a Mill Creek Bronson set, and Don't Bother to Knock a Shout Boxset and yet another only as part of a 2 Movie Mill Creek Package. I'm not 100% sure how to count them.

So 35 subsequent releases or 31 if you take out the 4 only available as packages.

Criterion 2
Kino 10
Kit Parker 1
Mill Creek 2
Olive 2
Severin 1
Shout 5
Sony Choice 1
Sony 11

EDIT: add one more re-release from Scorpion The Mechanic

Ballpark -- this leaves roughly 250 of the 280 releases outside the assumed 3 year TT Exclusive dates with no US release other than TT.


Ignoring Region coding there are also quite a few International versions of TT titles. I found 250 of the 370 (+/-) TT releases have some foreign release ignoring most of those nonstudio Spanish Boots (I think some of the Fr and German might also be unofficial). Of those at least half were released only in Germany and/or France which have not boded well for burned subs, english audio tracks, poor to awful transfers including some upscaled or mastered from PAL speedups. Some might be quite acceptable, but many just aren't quality safe

The remaining 125-140 likely have good to excellent versions including many of them superior transfers and extras. Sony, ArrowUK, BFI, Indicator, and Eureka have almost 100 then Second Sight, Signal One, Studio Canal another 30 with another 10-15 among a smattering of small companies. Many of these are US Friendly and Region A compatible at least for the Feature and often the extras. There are also About 10-15 have what are likely very good items released out of Hong Kong and Japan mainly for the Asian originate films items and maybe 10 more AUS only releases or AUS releases of those German/French group

[TravisTylerBlack]

Placed an order through SAE for 9 or so titles a few days ago but have not received a shipping notice yet. Usually I wouldn’t care, delays are to be expected given the state of things, but with almost $19 in shipping charges I’m hoping they at least get it out on Monday.

Looking back I am nothing but grateful to TT for issuing a number of titles on BD that parent studios simply had no interest in releasing themselves. And at least in the case of Sony it’s caused reexamination of the demand for several that might have otherwise met their final fate on DVD and digital. Thank goodness so many here and elsewhere went nuts years ago when their initial release of Fright Night was announced.

Browsing over my collection of around 50 titles from them (not that many compared to some) my appreciation has grown for the care taken with the physical presentation. Things like full color disc art and fold out leaflets with an essay are always the exception and never the rule. TT’s relationship with film collectors has always been a bittersweet affair, but they will undoubtedly be missed. Hopefully the other boutique labels will be able to keep the good fight going for years to come.

[hariseldon]

Originally Posted by TravisTylerBlack

Placed an order through SAE for 9 or so titles a few days ago but have not received a shipping notice yet. Usually I wouldn’t care, delays are to be expected given the state of things, but with almost $19 in shipping charges I’m hoping they at least get it out on Monday.

Looking back I am nothing but grateful to TT for issuing a number of titles on BD that parent studios simply had no interest in releasing themselves. And at least in the case of Sony it’s caused reexamination of the demand for several that might have otherwise met their final fate on DVD and digital. Thank goodness so many here and elsewhere went nuts years ago when their initial release of Fright Night was announced.

Browsing over my collection of around 50 titles from them (not that many compared to some) my appreciation has grown for the care taken with the physical presentation. Things like full color disc art and fold out leaflets with an essay are always the exception and never the rule. TT’s relationship with film collectors has always been a bittersweet affair, but they will undoubtedly be missed. Hopefully the other boutique labels will be able to keep the good fight going for years to come.

I haven't always gotten dispatch notices for SAE. Sometimes I have, other times it shows up on the order summary 1st, and as often as not my USPS Informed Delivery is my first notice esp during sales. While it's not unusual to see dispatch within 24 hrs, larger orders seem to take a couple extra days and my 10+ item Wed/Thurs orders after haven't shipped until Tues/Wed of the following week. On very rare occasion it's even taken a couple weeks if an item has to be brought into the packaging area from a more distant warehouse (at least that was the explanation from an order 3-4 years ago which was unusually late). OTOH, last fall I had 2 very large orders packed and shipped within 36 hrs

[BenOswald]

One of the many things I like about Twilight Time is that so many of their releases are amazing, yet highly imperfect films. Movies are so very difficult to make, they take so much preparation, timing, and involve tons of huge personalities with often competing visions of the material. So many movies with almost all the amazing pieces can be so very interesting.

The Chase (1966) is a great example, and was kind of a 'gateway' to TT for me. There's so many interesting things going on, but it's really not a great movie. I mean, the depth of the cast, the sultry way Angie Dickinson is filmed, the rich Technicolor, the John Barry score.

I mean, what went wrong with this movie? Isn't that interesting enough? It should be the best movie ever made, when you look at all the parts.

TT's catalog is full of movies like this, maybe they didn't totally click with the zeitgeist, but none the less, these kind of movies should have a seat at the table, have value, and are often a reflection of the era that produced them.

[noirjunkie]

Originally Posted by BenOswald

The Chase (1966) is a great example, and was kind of a 'gateway' to TT for me. There's so many interesting things going on, but it's really not a great movie. I mean, the depth of the cast, the sultry way Angie Dickinson is filmed, the rich Technicolor, the John Barry score.

I mean, what went wrong with this movie? Isn't that interesting enough? It should be the best movie ever made, when you look at all the parts.

I think parts of it are great. Actually, I think most of it is great, especially when you view it as a bridge between the early and later parts of the American 1960s.

[Gunsnroses092789]

Originally Posted by noirjunkie

I think parts of it are great. Actually, I think most of it is great, especially when you view it as a bridge between the early and later parts of the American 1960s.

I also think it's a really great, and oft-times touching film.

It's not a particularly sharp or concise film, and I suppose that may be part of the reason it has limited popularity, but I think it has an incredible amount of depth and subtlety when it comes to both characterization and performance, as well as theme and subtext.

[Traveler]

Received another order that I made in mid-April today (Canada Post working on Sundays to keep the mail flowing - kudos to them!)



Again...no charges from Canada Customs so I'm assuming that they're not wasting time and manpower on small amounts over their customs limits.

Made what was supposed to be my last order for this sale on April 29th..They shipped out the next day so I'm expecting them in 2 weeks time as usual:



Since they extended it, I may do one last order before the month is out. Might as well clear out most of my want list while they're still available.

[hariseldon]

New add-on sale* at twilighttimemovies.com through MAY 17

30 Titles -- mostly the newer releases with lots of stock*
Pick 10 for $115
Multiples of 10, maximum of 100.* 11 or 12 doesn't get you a prorated discount so must be groups of 10 to get full discount*

ADMIRABLE CRICHTON, THE (AKA PARADISE LAGOON / 1957)
BABY THE RAIN MUST FALL (1965)
BANDOLERO! (1968)
BEDAZZLED (1967)*
BEHOLD A PALE HORSE (1964)*
BIG FIX, THE (1978)
HELLO, FRISCO, HELLO (1943)*
HUSSY (1980)*
MELVIN AND HOWARD (1980)*
MORITURI (1965)
MOTHER WORE TIGHTS (1947)*
PIN UP GIRL (1944)*
PRESIDENT'S LADY, THE (1953)*
QUILLER MEMORANDUM, THE (1966)*
RETURN OF FRANK JAMES, THE (1940)*
RIVER'S EDGE, THE (1957)*
SNAKE PIT, THE (1948)*
STAGECOACH (1966)*
TALK RADIO (1988)*
TALL MEN, THE (1955)*
TEN NORTH FREDERICK (10 NORTH FREDERICK / 1958)*
THE CHAIRMAN (1969)*
THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN (1954)*
UNTAMED (1955)*
WARLOCK (1959)*
WHIRLPOOL (1949)*
WHOLE TOWN'S TALKING, THE (1935)*
WILD IN THE COUNTRY (1961)*
WILL SUCCESS SPOIL ROCK HUNTER? (1957)*
YANKS (1979)*

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by hariseldon

New add-on sale* at twilighttimemovies.com through MAY 17

30 Titles -- mostly the newer releases with lots of stock*
Pick 10 for $115
Multiples of 10, maximum of 100.* 11 or 12 doesn't get you a prorated discount so must be groups of 10 to get full discount*

[Show spoiler]
ADMIRABLE CRICHTON, THE (AKA PARADISE LAGOON / 1957)
BABY THE RAIN MUST FALL (1965)
BANDOLERO! (1968)
BEDAZZLED (1967)*
BEHOLD A PALE HORSE (1964)*
BIG FIX, THE (1978)
HELLO, FRISCO, HELLO (1943)*
HUSSY (1980)*
MELVIN AND HOWARD (1980)*
MORITURI (1965)
MOTHER WORE TIGHTS (1947)*
PIN UP GIRL (1944)*
PRESIDENT'S LADY, THE (1953)*
QUILLER MEMORANDUM, THE (1966)*
RETURN OF FRANK JAMES, THE (1940)*
RIVER'S EDGE, THE (1957)*
SNAKE PIT, THE (1948)*
STAGECOACH (1966)*
SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER (1959)*
TALK RADIO (1988)*
TALL MEN, THE (1955)*
TEN NORTH FREDERICK (10 NORTH FREDERICK / 1958)*
THE CHAIRMAN (1969)*
THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN (1954)*
UNTAMED (1955)*
WARLOCK (1959)*
WHIRLPOOL (1949)*
WHOLE TOWN'S TALKING, THE (1935)*
WILD IN THE COUNTRY (1961)*
WILL SUCCESS SPOIL ROCK HUNTER? (1957)*
YANKS (1979)*

Yeah, I got that email. There are only five titles in that list that I don't already have.

[hammer99]

Originally Posted by BenOswald

One of the many things I like about Twilight Time is that so many of their releases are amazing, yet highly imperfect films. Movies are so very difficult to make, they take so much preparation, timing, and involve tons of huge personalities with often competing visions of the material. So many movies with almost all the amazing pieces can be so very interesting.

The Chase (1966) is a great example, and was kind of a 'gateway' to TT for me. There's so many interesting things going on, but it's really not a great movie. I mean, the depth of the cast, the sultry way Angie Dickinson is filmed, the rich Technicolor, the John Barry score.

I mean, what went wrong with this movie? Isn't that interesting enough? It should be the best movie ever made, when you look at all the parts.

TT's catalog is full of movies like this, maybe they didn't totally click with the zeitgeist, but none the less, these kind of movies should have a seat at the table, have value, and are often a reflection of the era that produced them.

To me, I think TT's catalog has a lot of movies by higher-profile directors or with higher-profile stars, but really aren't all that good. Unless you are a completist for one of them, it's always best to do a thorough research before making a blind buy.

[Page14]

I don't know why, but Twilight Time's releases are way more hit than miss with me. I'm thinking it must have a lot to do with nostalgia, as I grew up on many of the films from the 50s, 60s and 70s. I'm much more a fan of the films from those decades (and earlier) than what comes out today ... although I'm slowly starting to pay attention again, to what comes out today too.

There are at least 16 titles in this latest TT sale that I'm interested in. I'm not ready to pull the trigger on any of them yet though, because I've been buying so many titles from other sales ... I can't keep up with them all.

[hammer99]

Originally Posted by jayembee

Yeah, I got that email. There are only five titles in that list that I don't already have.

There are 5 titles that I don't have in the sale that I would buy for $10 each, plus about another 5 not in the sale that I would also buy for $10 each. I can wait.

[HaroldnMaude]

Originally Posted by hammer99

To me, I think TT's catalog has a lot of movies by higher-profile directors or with higher-profile stars, but really aren't all that good. Unless you are a completist for one of them, it's always best to do a thorough research before making a blind buy.

Here's an example, last night I finally got around to watching The Roots of Heaven. I guess I bought it because it was directed by John Huston, and was a bit of an adventure film actually filmed in Africa. Interesting, but it sure ain't The African Queen.

[hariseldon]

Originally Posted by HaroldnMaude

Here's an example, last night I finally got around to watching The Roots of Heaven. I guess I bought it because it was directed by John Huston, and was a bit of an adventure film actually filmed in Africa. Interesting, but it sure ain't The African Queen.

But you will happy to note -- it holds the record for longest lasting TT item at around 2570 days from Preorder date to selling out and is the only disc to survive 7 years. Alamo Bay as the last remaining 2013 item has a decent chance at taking over the top spot -- it will pass Roots of Heaven by September if it stays available.

I actually quite like the movie though certainly agree it's not African Queen.

[hammer99]

Originally Posted by HaroldnMaude

Here's an example, last night I finally got around to watching The Roots of Heaven. I guess I bought it because it was directed by John Huston, and was a bit of an adventure film actually filmed in Africa. Interesting, but it sure ain't The African Queen.

That's a great example. I also bought that one (against my better judgment), but it's a John Huston film, it was going OOP, and the price was right..

[BenOswald]

Originally Posted by noirjunkie

I think parts of it are great. Actually, I think most of it is great, especially when you view it as a bridge between the early and later parts of the American 1960s.

Yes, it certainly has one foot in two eras. It's like a fat studio picture, but it's shirt is too tight and the buttons are breaking out.

Also another early weird Robert Duvall 1960s role (like The Detective 1968) before he became other-worldly in the 1970s.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by hariseldon

But you will happy to note -- it holds the record for longest lasting TT item at around 2570 days from Preorder date to selling out and is the only disc to survive 7 years. Alamo Bay as the last remaining 2013 item has a decent chance at taking over the top spot -- it will pass Roots of Heaven by September if it stays available.

Well, as I pointed out in an amendment to a previous posting, that's only true if you're only talking about Blu-rays. There are still two DVDs from 2011 that haven't sold out yet.

I actually quite like the movie though certainly agree it's not African Queen.

While I'd be happy to say that I agree with that as well, I also have to say that I don't expect it to be. By the same token, Touch of Evil isn't The Lady from Shanghai and Two Rode Together isn't She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.

[hariseldon]

Originally Posted by jayembee

Well, as I pointed out in an amendment to a previous posting, that's only true if you're only talking about Blu-rays. There are still two DVDs from 2011 that haven't sold out yet.

Point for forgetting the clarify format

While I'd be happy to say that I agree with that as well, I also have to say that I don't expect it to be. By the same token, Touch of Evil isn't The Lady from Shanghai and Two Rode Together isn't She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.

Again no argument, but it does fit with the premise the many of TT items do seem to be complementary releases to a library rather than cream of the crop. That's certainly not a flaw since otherwise many of these were never going to be released.

OTOH, there are a few items that were forgotten or several I'd now classify as Top Tier possibly that weren't ever considered that way even when they were released.

Rapture I still think is an absolute Top 250 Movie and may explain as much as any release WHY TT is important and may be one of the jewels of the collection