"Club Penton" - Ask questions to Hollywood insider "Penton-Man"

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Oliver K

OK
In my opinion the remarks about the publicity and the rumor were really directed towards the studio daily article but I can respect if you do not want to go into more detail on this topic....

I’ve been advised by the overseer of the whole project that it would serve no productive purpose.

In terms of analyzing “forthright publicity”, I find it funny that no attention was ever given to critiquing more directly related Blu-ray issues like, for instance, the official press announcements from studios (not reporters) regarding such things as “standard processes”, for if they are standard, the same thing is destined to occur sometime with some other Blu-ray movie(s) in the future, in order to achieve that ‘highest quality’…..

"We are implementing a limited exchange program. This program is only for those consumers that may have preferential issues with some of the technical DVNR (digital video noise reduction) and EE (edge enhancement) choices made in the original source transfer, and so would prefer to exchange it for one that addresses those preferences in a different manner.

While the version that we originally distributed was of the highest quality, some enthusiasts may prefer to view it without the Edge Enhancement and DVNR implemented as standard process in bringing the film. This new master resolves those issues."

[DenonCI]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

I’ve been advised by the overseer of the whole project that it would serve no productive purpose.

In terms of analyzing “forthright publicity”, I find it funny that no attention was ever given to critiquing more directly related Blu-ray issues like, for instance, the official press announcements from studios (not reporters) regarding such things as “standard processes”, for if they are standard, the same thing is destined to occur sometime with some other Blu-ray movie(s) in the future, in order to achieve that ‘highest quality’…..

"We are implementing a limited exchange program. This program is only for those consumers that may have preferential issues with some of the technical DVNR (digital video noise reduction) and EE (edge enhancement) choices made in the original source transfer, and so would prefer to exchange it for one that addresses those preferences in a different manner.

While the version that we originally distributed was of the highest quality, some enthusiasts may prefer to view it without the Edge Enhancement and DVNR implemented as standard process in bringing the film. This new master resolves those issues."

Penton,

I commented at the time the exact same thing. While I'm glad they initiated an exchange program, their excuse for the screw-up sucks.

[sharkshark]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

While the version that we originally distributed was of the highest quality, some enthusiasts may prefer to view it without the Edge Enhancement and DVNR implemented as standard process in bringing the film. This new master resolves those issues."

Meanwhile, I finally watched "M". After all these years I was pleased to have waited to see this restored version, it's downright astounding how well the film looks, no doubt due to some extraordinary work by the restoration team.

Hell of a film, and I really appreciate the Criterion "extras" (hell, they include the entire English Language version as a "treat"!). Late to the game, but in a sea of negativity, I'll drop some positivity. For an 80 (!) year old film, we're pretty blessed to have it look this good at home.

[neo_reloaded]

Originally Posted by DenonCI

Penton,

I commented at the time the exact same thing. While I'm glad they initiated an exchange program, their excuse for the screw-up sucks.

It's just standard cover-your-ass doublespeak, I highly doubt it indicates any ACTUAL policy in regards to bringing titles to Blu-ray. For one, Paramount isn't even responsible for the Gladiator master - that was handled by Universal, and just shared with Paramount as per their distribution agreement. And second, all the other Sapphire titles (as well as other Paramount releases like The African Queen) have arrived sans-DNR and sans-EE, and have received quite stellar reviews.

[Oliver K]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

I’ve been advised by the overseer of the whole project that it would serve no productive purpose.

Too bad he feels that way.

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

In terms of analyzing “forthright publicity”, I find it funny that no attention was ever given to critiquing more directly related Blu-ray issues like, for instance, the official press announcements from studios (not reporters) regarding such things as “standard processes”, for if they are standard, the same thing is destined to occur sometime with some other Blu-ray movie(s) in the future, in order to achieve that ‘highest quality’…..

I did not pay much attention to this as overall Paramount was in a not so good position as apparently they received the master from Universal. So as far as I am concerned they are partly excused for that. Still you are right that the less than optimum previous Blu-Ray should never be considered a disc that has been produced with "the usual procedures" - I am shuddering at the thought of it.

I think that an important difference to the studio daily piece is that the studio daily piece is directed at a clientele that is knowledgable enough to suspect that what that woman wrote is probably not entirely correct.

[sharkshark]

wow. I'm genuinely surprised and pleased that we're getting Star Wars. I really thought it'd be at least another few years. No "original" version, alas, but not surprising. Here's hoping for a flawless transfer.

[Kris Deering]

So George says it would be too expensive to do a proper restoration and master for the original theatrical cuts. How is that the case?? They've made boat loads of money from these films over the years with their multiple re-releases. Look at the money that studios are spending on restorations of classic titles that won't see a fraction of the sales that Star Wars will on Blu. Piss poor excuse if you ask me. I would be more inclined to believe that holding off on the restoration gives Lucas the opportunity to release those versions later for yet another cash grab. I really hope the fans raise hell on this one. His excuse is ridiculous and the uproar of the fans was obvious when the DVDs hit so it isn't some new surprise as to what they want.

[DenonCI]

Originally Posted by Kris Deering

So George says it would be too expensive to do a proper restoration and master for the original theatrical cuts. How is that the case?? They've made boat loads of money from these films over the years with their multiple re-releases. Look at the money that studios are spending on restorations of classic titles that won't see a fraction of the sales that Star Wars will on Blu. Piss poor excuse if you ask me. I would be more inclined to believe that holding off on the restoration gives Lucas the opportunity to release those versions later for yet another cash grab. I really hope the fans raise hell on this one. His excuse is ridiculous and the uproar of the fans was obvious when the DVDs hit so it isn't some new surprise as to what they want.

If the fans complain too loudly, Lucas will metaphorically take his ball and go home. He'll just pull the release and stick it to the "lunatic fringe." Then again, maybe cash flow is tight at the ranch and he's looking for an infusion.

[Oliver K]

Originally Posted by Kris Deering

So George says it would be too expensive to do a proper restoration and master for the original theatrical cuts. How is that the case?? They've made boat loads of money from these films over the years with their multiple re-releases. Look at the money that studios are spending on restorations of classic titles that won't see a fraction of the sales that Star Wars will on Blu. Piss poor excuse if you ask me.

Not putting them out because of financial considerations has to be the lamest excuse ever as we all know that the work done on the original cuts would easily make ten times as much money in disc sales!

[PeterTHX]

Originally Posted by Oliver K

Not putting them out because of financial considerations has to be the lamest excuse ever as we all know that the work done on the original cuts would easily make ten times as much money in disc sales!

10x? The vocal fanboy ("originals or nothing!") population is a lot smaller than you think.

[Doctorossi]

Originally Posted by PeterTHX

10x? The vocal fanboy ("originals or nothing!") population is a lot smaller than you think.

I'm sure the market for the original trilogy is at least as large as that of any number of catalog classics in need of (and receiving!) a similar amount of work.

It's just a terrible excuse, not unlike his last one in which he claimed that they no longer exist.

[sharkshark]

Originally Posted by Doctorossi

I'm sure the market for the original trilogy is at least as large as that of any number of catalog classics in need of (and receiving!) a similar amount of work.

It's just a terrible excuse, not unlike his last one in which he claimed that they no longer exist.

true, and I'm just as happy to have them preserved as anyone, but we're once again stuck behind that "Director's intent" thingy.

Meanwhile, this is also quite relevant to this thread:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0e709eee-a89...44feabdc0.html

Again, for me, the 3D film I'm most looking forward to all year is the Herzog. The rest I could care less about, alas, despite Penton's astute observation that helping 3D helps the studios which helps classics on Blu. Or, at least I guess that's the Reagan/Thaterite trickle-down theory.

I'll do my part by actually just buying Blu.

[sharkshark]

ps. Interesting viewpoint on 3D conversions done right (from the "Bear Jew", no less...)

[Doctorossi]

Originally Posted by sharkshark

we're once again stuck behind that "Director's intent" thingy.

I would call that quite a stretch, in this case, to say the least. We're not dealing with an issue of studio interference here; these are additions, subtractions and changes made well after the fact. Besides, I don't think anyone's interested in denying Lucas' "intent" with the primary presentation; they just want the earlier incarnation available, additionally.

[Oliver K]

Originally Posted by PeterTHX

10x? The vocal fanboy ("originals or nothing!") population is a lot smaller than you think.

Unfortunately I doubt that we will be able to find out about this, not that the issue was as clearcut in the first place. I would expect the originals to sell nearly as good or even better than the changed versions which is however not to say that those who prefer the original would not buy the changed version if there is no other option available on Blu-Ray.

[ScarredLungs]

Originally Posted by sharkshark

wow. I'm genuinely surprised and pleased that we're getting Star Wars. I really thought it'd be at least another few years. No "original" version, alas, but not surprising. Here's hoping for a flawless transfer.

MY thoughts exactly

[sharkshark]

Originally Posted by Oliver K

Unfortunately I doubt that we will be able to find out about this, not that the issue was as clearcut in the first place. I would expect the originals to sell nearly as good or even better than the changed versions which is however not to say that those who prefer the original would not buy the changed version if there is no other option available on Blu-Ray.

Yeah, I probably have more versions of SW on shiny disc than all of you combined ($200+ for TPM on LD, beayatches! ). I don't like the gross simplification that it's "too expensive" to restore the originals, especially galling given what those films have made. However, it's a hell of a lot less cut-and-dry than some make it out to be (the dialectic regarding his film/our film is clearly going nowhere).

Hell, it's not like he doesn't know that people want it, living in some bubble. I mean (for those more casual fans), you might be amused by this:



the image on his shirt is this:



SW nerddom has become increasingly fickle with age, and I've got no doubt that a double dip with a more "Definitive" archive than my beloved set (or their DVD equivs, which came out last version in non-anamorphic) may happen in my lifetime. I'm not sure it'll happen in George's, and he frankly may want it that way. Good for him, annoying for us for all very valid reasons.


I have full and complete faith that these "extras" will be extraordinary, very well produced and compelling. I think the films will look fabulous. And I think, yeah, that I'll miss the "Yub Nub" every time I get to the end of VI. But, still, I'm happy to see this format get to the point that we're getting the films that I gave at best a 50/50 shot of ever seeing. So, celebrate a little...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np6vAuS0KNs



ps. I like Bill's idea about the big box filled with the Holiday special, making of vids, etc.

I guess after all these years, my own feeling is that if you really want a TRULY ultimate Star Wars box set, here's what you need to do: Go find a big box, and fill it with every copy of the Star Wars films you already own on whatever format... along with all the related and spin-off DVD titles, all the bootlegs you may have (including those "unofficial" DVD copies of the Star Wars Holiday Special and the From Star Wars to Jedi: The Making of a Saga documentary - come on, I KNOW a lot of you guys have them because I certainly do), plus all the "making of" books, the soundtrack CDs, etc... then put the lid on the box, apply a Star Wars logo sticker on top and write the words "Ultimate Box Set" in Sharpie underneath. Voilà.

Yeah, Bill. I call that box my house. Anybody good with a woodburner to make a sign for the front door?

[sharkshark]

Meanwhile, Penton, and you know I never ask you for anything (LIES!), can you please, in as terse a way as you feel comfortable stating, indicate whether or not Kwai will include all the relevant elements from the 2-Disc DVD edition (docs, etc.)

I just sold my DVD yesterday, confident in knowing Sony would be doing right by this title, only to find the formal press announcement not discussing those elements. If I've got to get my disc back, I should do so ASAP.

Cheers.

[Dennis M]

Originally Posted by sharkshark

Yeah, I probably have more versions of SW on shiny disc than all of you combined ($200+ for TPM on LD, beayatches! ).

Brother, you know I have 2 copies of that puppy. One of which is still sealed.
Let's not pull out the measuring stick.

[sharkshark]

Originally Posted by Dennis M

Brother, you know I have 2 copies of that puppy. One of which is still sealed.
Let's not pull out the measuring stick.

Yeah, but I have this on Laserdisc:



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Making_of_Star_Wars

I, uh, "win"?