Twilight Time Discussion Thread

[Pirate King]

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

The more Blu-ray releases, the better. We all have our label preferences and we can disagree. However, at this point, the TT business model has been dissected a billion times and continued postings about this will be treated as "thread crapping. There are many members actually interested in discussing the films getting released and that is the main idea of this thread.

I also agree with you. This forum is and should be about the movies that are being released from TT. It's a great film... it's a bad film... the PQ and AQ are great... or not. That is where the discussion should begin and end. Thank you for your post.

[Kevtronn]

Speaking of blu rays being released, When can we expect to order Twilight Time's March releases???

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by IndyMLVC

I will say this: as opposed to most people in this thread, I've done a complete 180 on TT this morning. As long as the extras are included for the releases that they are doing, I have no problems paying a premium for these discs. As someone who regularly pays $20 for a LLL or Intrada soundtrack release, I'm getting that plus the film in HD. If it means getting a movie that otherwise wouldn't be released, I'll pay it. However, if the release is barebones when extras are readily available, I'm going to be pissed.

That's the spirit IndyMLVC! When you consider a limited CD release of a vintage movie score routinely costs $19.95 to $24.95 (if even available), then TT's standard offering of the IST feature actually makes these Blu-rays a hybrid media bar-goon.

Often ignored, dismissed, or outright disparaged is the IST feature, and yet this critical component of TT's home video model continues to offer considerable delight and value to 'core catalogue movie fans and soundtrack collectors. That's because TT's principals - Nick Redman, Brian Jamieson, and Julie Kirgo - are among our most experienced (if not the most experienced) working archivists in movie soundtrack research, restoration, and reproduction. They cut their teeth on this end of the industry, and it shows in these highly collectible movie + soundtrack Blu-ray showcases.

For anyone interested, just grab any TT disc at random (except for Cover Girl), and listen to the IST. It quickly becomes obvious that these guys have preserved the original studio recording sessions, wherever still available. Sometimes there are minor but noticeable differences between the OST recording and the final mix-down with effects heard in the movie, or even 'floor chatter' (e.g. on High Time you can hear Mancini's lead ins/outs while conducting). To the 'Blu-ray-by-the-pound' crowd interested in the movie-only at the cheapest price, this IST feature means nothing to them, so they continue to flog the dead horse term that these Blu-rays are "barebones". But to any vet soundtrack collector, this is r-a-r-e studio library material that would unlikely surface any other way. Together with a superb transfer of the movie, such archival audio material is practically a 'gift' at this price point.

Originally Posted by IndyMLVC

Regardless, that's GREAT that they're starting to include the extras and TT has just begun to pop up on my radar.

It's great that they can get them! TT has always included any features when available...in fact, their very first Blu-ray release, The Egyptian, was not only the most recent Fox HD remaster, but also included a superb feature-length commentary track, plus Herrmann/Newman's lovingly transferred IST, none of which were available via any of the overseas Blu-rays. Obviously, both Sony and Fox are trusting TT with more features these days because the label has demonstrated its trustworthiness in the handling of the entire package, including some very deep vault audio elements. No new licensee can start out getting everything they want...it takes time to build up that trust factor with the licensor.

Originally Posted by IndyMLVC

Anyway...figured that might be refreshing, considering all the *****ing and moaning in this thread.

It was IndyMLVC, along with the comments of several others who provided some much-needed balance and perspective here. As oildude said, that kind of spoiled brat snarking is usually contained within the individual title threads...here, we're mostly a civilized and respectful bunch discussing these wonderful until now neglected movies which are not only finally being released in HD, but also being afforded such end-to-end showcase collector treatment.

So back to the movies: here is Part 1 of Gene Tierney's fascinating 1985 Houston interview for French TV (her comments are in English):

gt

[Arkadin]

Originally Posted by Kevtronn

Speaking of blu rays being released, When can we expect to order Twilight Time's March releases???

90% of the time it's the Friday closest to the middle of the month at 3 or 4 ET.

[Kevtronn]

Originally Posted by Arkadin

90% of the time it's the Friday closest to the middle of the month at 3 or 4 ET.

Thanks! So February 15th?

[arcadeforest]

Originally Posted by cine74

For the record, I didn't "stuff myself" for $45, there were 2 of us and we ordered the cheapest thing on the menu and it still came out to $45 plus tip. The point was, people don't think twice about dropping exorbitant sums of money on "momentary" things like dining out and trips to the hair salon, but spending a bit more than they usually do at Best Buy for a movie that they can watch over and over at their leisure seems to be where they have a big problem.

There are 2 types of people who watch movies: those who walk away from a theater screening thinking about something OTHER than the movie they just saw, and those who walk away in awe and excited after just having watched the same film and counts the days until it comes out on Blu-ray. The latter category are the kinds of people who never think twice about spending $30 on a movie. Which category are you?

I hear you, just spent $30 on dinner (takeout) for the wife and I. Grilled chicken salads from the local steakhouse that were very good. Funny thing is on my ride home I kept thinking I could have picked up a TT title (I thought twice) that I have yet to get with the money I just spent

[jcs913]

TT simply caters to the 'collectors'. They are generally the people that will spend a premium amount to own a 'collectible' or 'limited edition'. Let's face it, every title they have released is easily a $15 or lower title from almost any other distributor, but because they are all limited to less than 3000, the 'collectible' factor comes in. Film collectors love to say they have that OOP title and frankly TT knows that, hence driving their MSRP up. It's a great business model and honestly, I don't know why another distributor doesn't do the 'Limited Edition' model too. I can understand why people will pay $100+ for Criterion's The Third Man, as it is a classic and one of the greatest films ever made. The completists and 'collectible' factor help that price stay high. But folks paying over $100+ for Fright Night is frankly laughable and proves to TT what they thought all along, that they cater to 'collectors' and can keep that MSRP at $30 and still sell titles.

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by jcs913

TT simply caters to the 'collectors'.

But that has always been TT's gig! Just as it was for all of those other specialized catalogue soundtrack CD labels like Intrada and LaLa Land who continue to survive and thrive via micro-targeted 'Net-based venues such as SAE and FSM. TT never positioned themselves as anything other than a cottage Blu-ray label dedicated to serious fans and collectors who want these movies in highest possible quality, and might also appreciate a vintage, hard to find movie soundtrack included with their meal.

Sounds like you're accusing a pony of being...a young horse.

P.S. Do you truly believe The Third Man is somehow different - i.e. more 'special' - than Fright Night? Really??? To the 'core fan of either movie, it's a 'touchstone' title, and a must have at almost any price. TT didn't create that need; it's just human nature.

[P@t_Mtl]

I see the pattern is once more repeating as a new Twillight release turn's out to be a more major release. I wonder where all these "super offended movies fans" are the rest of the time when Twillight releases movies they have no interest in

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

I see the pattern is once more repeating as a new Twillight release turn's out to be a more major release. I wonder where all these "super offended movies fans" are the rest of the time when Twillight releases movies they have no interest in

Exactly P@t.

[arcadeforest]

I'm falling way behind on picking up TT titles. Still want to get:

Both Flint Movies
Rapture
The Big Heat (may be getting sooner rather than later)
Bite the Bullet
Desiree
Enemy Mine
Experiment in Terror
Nicholas and Alexandra
and possibly Swamp Water

Dang thats 10 films not including those releases coming in the next few months.

[DetroitSportsFan]

Originally Posted by jcs913

TT simply caters to the 'collectors'. They are generally the people that will spend a premium amount to own a 'collectible' or 'limited edition'. Let's face it, every title they have released is easily a $15 or lower title from almost any other distributor, but because they are all limited to less than 3000, the 'collectible' factor comes in. Film collectors love to say they have that OOP title and frankly TT knows that, hence driving their MSRP up.

If "collectors" only buy movies from them just because they're limited, why have only a few releases from them sold out? Perhaps "collectors" are being more selective than you give them credit for.

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

P.S. Do you truly believe The Third Man is somehow different - i.e. more 'special' - than Fright Night? Really??? To the 'core fan of either movie, it's a 'touchstone' title, and a must have at almost any price. TT didn't create that need; it's just human nature.

I'll take Fright Night over The Third Man any day. But then again, I wouldn't be in the position to buy any BD for $100+. Instead of pouting about it, I buy at the lowest price possible before a title goes OOP and the price shoots up. There are quite a few people that now wish they bought FN at the "high" price of $30 or TTM for the $25 or so it went for before going OOP.

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

I see the pattern is once more repeating as a new Twillight release turn's out to be a more major release. I wonder where all these "super offended movies fans" are the rest of the time when Twillight releases movies they have no interest in

Agreed.

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by DetroitSportsFan

I'll take Fright Night over The Third Man any day.

[Show spoiler]But then again, I wouldn't be in the position to buy any BD for $100+. Instead of pouting about it, I buy at the lowest price possible before a title goes OOP and the price shoots up. There are quite a few people that now wish they bought FN at the "high" price of $30 or TTM for the $25 or so it went for before going OOP

I didn't want to go quite that far DetroitSportsFan - Carol Reed's The Third Man happens to be a longstanding personal fave - but Fright Night was also very fine film...managing to be tragi-smart and slyly satirical while still delivering its obiligatory B horror thrills. So I certainly understand why FN is considered a modern horror classic and has such a committed cult following. You're definitely not alone in your high regard for it.

[frogmort]

Originally Posted by Arkadin

90% of the time it's the Friday closest to the middle of the month at 3 or 4 ET.

60% of the time, it works every time.... - YouTube

[MrClarke]

Originally Posted by jcs913

TT simply caters to the 'collectors'. They are generally the people that will spend a premium amount to own a 'collectible' or 'limited edition'. Let's face it, every title they have released is easily a $15 or lower title from almost any other distributor, but because they are all limited to less than 3000, the 'collectible' factor comes in. Film collectors love to say they have that OOP title and frankly TT knows that, hence driving their MSRP up. It's a great business model and honestly, I don't know why another distributor doesn't do the 'Limited Edition' model too. I can understand why people will pay $100+ for Criterion's The Third Man, as it is a classic and one of the greatest films ever made. The completists and 'collectible' factor help that price stay high. But folks paying over $100+ for Fright Night is frankly laughable and proves to TT what they thought all along, that they cater to 'collectors' and can keep that MSRP at $30 and still sell titles.

I haven't bought a single movie of theirs just because its limited. I'm a movie collector, but I only collect movies I like, and I'll only buy titles from them I want.

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by MrClarke

I haven't bought a single movie of theirs just because its limited. I'm a movie collector, but I only collect movies I like, and I'll only buy titles from them I want.

In his early interviews, Nick Redman promised that TT's output would be "eclectic", spanning generations and genres, and after 18 months this is exactly what we've seen. I wasn't expecting them to go quite as modern as the 90s, but there you have it. On the other hand, just because a movie has been a staple on home video for 2 or 3 decades, the blunt fact remains that the overwhelming majority of pop movies will have their day, then become just another overexposed and mostly tapped out catalogue title. A select few will retain more re-release market potential than others, but for the rest - even some very high profile former hits and award-winners - they will be of residual "buy appeal" only to the faithful. And let's face it, another Blade Runner, Philadelphia most certainly is not.

Your post merely reinforces an impression I get from these boards MrClarke...that the typical TT buyer does not go after all of these Blu-rays, and never will. I happen to, but I just have a voracious appetite for all types of movies from all eras, and of course, am a sucker for ISTs. But I would be the first to admit that's not SOP among most TT buyers. And with no number on the spine, it's not like they're going to attract OCD type collectors who...must...have...them...all.

So that deeply flawed assumption about TT "collectors" is the biggest head-scratcher of all. Otherwise, every TT title would sell out, and at roughly the same rate.

[IndyMLVC]

Originally Posted by MrClarke

I haven't bought a single movie of theirs just because its limited. I'm a movie collector, but I only collect movies I like, and I'll only buy titles from them I want.

Agreed. Thus far, they haven't released anything I'm even remotely interested in.

[jcs913]

Originally Posted by MrClarke

I haven't bought a single movie of theirs just because its limited. I'm a movie collector, but I only collect movies I like, and I'll only buy titles from them I want.

I agree with your point, as I have only bought 2 titles from them. My comments were directed toward the people that complain about the TT price and was misread. I know that TT has always been a collectors label. Their price points are high because of it, so when I read someone's posts about their price being too high, they obviously do not know the history of the label.
I will say though, the 'Fright Night' justification a few posts above is based on their preference, not the reality of the title. Anyone that purchased the title initially for $30 is a fan of the movie, or frankly a reseller, as seen on Ebay time and time again. My comment was simple, IMO anyone that spends $100+ on that title is simply a 'collector' of TT or OOP films. Meaning they are probably not a 'lover' of the movie. There may be a select few that absolutely love that movie and did not know of the release when it came out, but be realistic, the overwhelming appeal of that title is the fact that it's OOP. Everyone likes to say they have something others do not... It's a 'collectors' thing...

[ROclockCK]

...at least I haven't heard it mentioned anywhere else. Back in mid-December on TT's Release Schedule page Nick Redman posted the following response to a question about porting the commentaries for Christine:

"We are hoping so, and Keith [Gordon] has offered to do a signing." December 11, 2012 at 12:51pm

Would that be like before, for the first 100 orders only? Or for free if you purchase $XXX amount of TT product? Or via some kind of random draw? Or only if you show up at a special screening in L.A. with Keith Gordon in attendance?

February 15th at 4:00pm EST could get rather 'interesting'...again.

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by jcs913

I agree with your point, as I have only bought 2 titles from them.

[Show spoiler]My comments were directed toward the people that complain about the TT price and was misread. I know that TT has always been a collectors label. Their price points are high because of it, so when I read someone's posts about their price being too high, they obviously do not know the history of the label

.

And yet you felt 'qualified' to state the following jcs913?:

"Let's face it, every title they have released is easily a $15 or lower title from almost any other distributor, but because they are all limited to less than 3000, the 'collectible' factor comes in."

I merely read what you wrote sir. And frankly, it dripped with disdain for not only TT "collectors" (i.e. we couldn't possibly be passionately interested in any of these movies, merely their limited collectibility). But also, specifically, and more telling, was your rather snobbish dismissal of anyone's preference for Fright Night over The Third Man as being inherently "laughable".

How's the air up there bud?