Scream Factory Blu-ray Discussion Thread

[Jobla]

I too would love to see a proper DEMENTIA 13, with the original D-13 test sequence restored (MGM has that brief sequence in their vault).

[ImAWalkingCorpse]

I'm sure this has been mentioned, but the only thing I don't like about the Scream Factory stuff is there are no UV/Vudu codes. However I am sure it is because they can't do to rights issues.

[dsman71]

Originally Posted by Jobla

I too would love to see a proper DEMENTIA 13, with the original D-13 test sequence restored (MGM has that brief sequence in their vault).

Kino had it, they tried to remaster it but the film elements were too poor so it never happened. Some parts looked great and others just were terrible from what I was told.

[Ray_Rogers]

Sooooooooooooooooo, why doesn't Shout! have boxsets for Sleepaway Camp Trilogy, Pumpkinhead Duology, Psycho II & III, and more? Do they want to have more individual releases or what's going on? Just curious. They had a boxset for The Amityville Trilogy.
I don't mind it when certain Blu-ray releases have UV/Digital Copy codes so I can sell them later for even more Blu-rays. Cycle starts all over again whenever a Blu-ray release I buy has it in it since I have zero use for them.

[StingingVelvet]

Why release a box set when you can charge $20 retail per-movie and people buy them? Honest question, not really attacking Shout. I'd do the same thing.

[evilive]

I'd love to see The Screaming Skull and The Brain That Wouldn't Die released as a double feature or separate. Both films were included on those "Movie 4 You" pack were they put four films on one disc!!

The prints were great, but suffered from compression and Screaming Skull had a sync problem 43 mins into the film.

[Ray_Rogers]

Originally Posted by StingingVelvet

Why release a box set when you can charge $20 retail per-movie and people buy them? Honest question, not really attacking Shout. I'd do the same thing.

You do have a good point. Oh well, I know how to get many of the Shout releases through a cousin of mine for good prices. Might have to wait awhile for some of them though.
There's also custom covers too.

[zbinks]

Originally Posted by spawningblue

I wonder when this expires since the Weinstein's have no interest in doing anything with it besides the DVD they released 7 years ago, which I doubt is bringing in that much profit for them now.

Either way, there are still tons of other great films in public domain. What about Carnival of Souls (1962)?

Aren't Nosferatu (1922), Cabinet, Dr. Caligari, White Zombie, and Phantom of the Opera (1925) public domain films?, yet Kino has released them on Blu. Maybe they are our only hope of getting all of these great public domain films on Blu in respectable editions?

Carnival of Souls is a similar scenario. Not really Public Domain. There are valid copyrights in place for the film. The only thing PD about the film was that the original US prints did not include a proper copyright notice. Those prints and copies made from those prints can be utilized for a PD release, but again, it'll be extremely difficult to find a PD print of suitable quality.

I think the restorations that were completed on some, possibly all, of the other films you mentioned may also be subject to their own copyright protection. Kino licensed the restorations for Nosferatu and Cabinet of Dr. Caligari from Murnau-Stiftung. The White Zombie restoration was licensed from Holland Releasing. Phantom of the Opera was licensed from Blackhawk Films.

[billyearle]

Originally Posted by spawningblue

Yes! I can't believe almost ten years into the format and we don't have the Ultimate Edition of Dawn with all three cuts on Blu. This is probably one of the biggest horror films of all time and all we have is a mediocre, basically barebones release. Hopefully the producer holding the film ransom for ridiculous amounts of money realizes no one is going to pay that much, I mean, again it's been ten years now, and lets someone license it!

As for Night, this is another title that I can't believe hasn't had an official US release! I know it's public domain and all, but this is a film that will sell enough that even if someone steals your transfer it would be worth it in the end. Load it up with extras and make it the ultimate edition and people will buy your edition. Anyways, I really doubt many studios would steal the transfer, there have been countless releases overseas and how many of those have been stolen and released here in NA?

Yes, I know there is the Japanese import that is supposed to be quite good, but I want a NA release with English on the spine, English menus, etc. I would also love to see it in its proper ratio, as the Weinsteain transfer is slightly altered. Maybe even include both the widescreen and full screen versions of the film.

Companies weren't afraid to release public domain films on DVD (Criterion released several), why is everyone so afraid to now with Blu-ray? This drives me crazy as so many classic films haven't made it to Blu because they are public domain. People will buy the Scream release because they support the company and want the ultimate version, those who don't care about quality and are just looking for the cheapest option will probably just illegally stream or download the film anyway, I doubt they are running out and buying a Blu-ray bootleg!

There is a Japanese blu-ray set of all 3 cuts of Dawn of the Dead in HD. For your concern, at least the box cover and spine are in English. I can't remember if the menus include English or not, but they are quite easy to navigate. Personally, I thought they looked good. Some have a problem with the color timing being different from the US DVD. I have the big US DVD set, the Arrow BD set, and saw the film theatrically with Romero present (can't say I remember exactly how it looked then or if it matters) but the different color timing on the JP BD didn't bother me, or strike me as "wrong", at least on my set. I mean, maybe it is wrong, but aesthetically, it looked good, and I don't mind seeing certain films in alternate presentations.
Not cheap, but the yen is really weak now, $1=120 yen, so as good a time as any. Something to consider, if nothing is in the works with a deluxe edition in the US/UK.

[dsman71]

Originally Posted by zbinks

Carnival of Souls is a similar scenario. Not really Public Domain. There are valid copyrights in place for the film. The only thing PD about the film was that the original US prints did not include a proper copyright notice. Those prints and copies made from those prints can be utilized for a PD release, but again, it'll be extremely difficult to find a PD print of suitable quality.

I think the restorations that were completed on some, possibly all, of the other films you mentioned may also be subject to their own copyright protection. Kino licensed the restorations for Nosferatu and Cabinet of Dr. Caligari from Murnau-Stiftung. The White Zombie restoration was licensed from Holland Releasing. Phantom of the Opera was licensed from Blackhawk Films.

Its best to check with Misterlime on the Kino thread, Im 100% certain he could enlighten us about some more about it although Zbinks seems to have hit the nail on the head. PD films usually are not an automatic release in HD , look at all the PD titles Alpha releases and a handful of them wind up with Kino such as Hitchhiker Titles like DOA and Detour havent come out due to lack of suitable quality or the costs to restore it is greater than what a label would like to spend for it

[redrunner97]

Originally Posted by dsman71

Kino had it, they tried to remaster it but the film elements were too poor so it never happened. Some parts looked great and others just were terrible from what I was told.

Sadly, I think the Film Chest blu-ray of Dementia 13 is the best it's gonna look. A pretty good improvement over any other version I have seen, but still inferior to the quality of most other films presented on the format.

Originally Posted by evilive

I'd love to see The Screaming Skull and The Brain That Wouldn't Die released as a double feature or separate. Both films were included on those "Movie 4 You" pack were they put four films on one disc!!

The prints were great, but suffered from compression and Screaming Skull had a sync problem 43 mins into the film.

I WOULD LOVE THIS!!
(assuming their blu-ray version of BTWD would be uncut; but honestly even if it wasn't I'd still pick it up)

[dsman71]

Originally Posted by redrunner97

Sadly, I think the Film Chest blu-ray of Dementia 13 is the best it's gonna look. A pretty good improvement over any other version I have seen, but still inferior to the quality of most other films presented on the format.



I WOULD LOVE THIS!!
(assuming their blu-ray version of BTWD would be uncut; but honestly even if it wasn't I'd still pick it up)

The Film Chest is version is just TERRIBLE its DNR's so badly that you can spot the killers face during the first hatchet murder scene, its too waxy and clear. The Roan Group DVD is no picnic either but at least nobody looks waxy

[redrunner97]

Originally Posted by dsman71

The Film Chest is version is just TERRIBLE its DNR's so badly that you can spot the killers face during the first hatchet murder scene, its too waxy and clear. The Roan Group DVD is no picnic either but at least nobody looks waxy

This is a movie that has never looked good. Ever.

Hopefully one day someone changed that. Even marginally. I'd certainly buy it. Dementia 13 one of my favorite proto-slashers.

[AKORIS]

Originally Posted by StingingVelvet

Why release a box set when you can charge $20 retail per-movie and people buy them? Honest question, not really attacking Shout. I'd do the same thing.

not to mention the endless posts of people whining about "I only want --- title from the set, do you think they'll release titles individually?"

[dsman71]

Originally Posted by redrunner97

This is a movie that has never looked good. Ever.

Hopefully one day someone changed that. Even marginally. I'd certainly buy it. Dementia 13 one of my favorite proto-slashers.

Like I said, Kino had it worked on it and stopped production because the elements werent suitable so we got a crap Film Chest blu ray. I still have the Roan DVD in case I want to listen to the commentary

[Big-D]

Specs are up for Army of Darkness:
https://www.shoutfactory.com/film/fi...ctor-s-edition

DISC ONE (Theatrical Version – 81 min.) – 1080p High-Definition Widescreen (1.78:1), DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 & 2.0
NEW Medieval Times: The Making Of "Army Of Darkness" Featuring Interviews With Star & Co-Producer Bruce Campbell, Actors Marcus Gilbert, Ted Raimi, Timothy Quill, Richard Grove, Bill Moseley, Patricia Tallman And Angela Featherstone, Director Of Photography Bill Pope, Editor Bob Murawski, Production Designer Anthony Tremblay, Composer Joseph Lo Duca, Costume Designer Ida Gearon, Special Make-Up Effects Artists Howard Berger, Tony Gardner, Robert Kurtzman, And Greg Nicotero, "Pit *****" Performer And Effects Artist William Bryan, Mechanical Effects Artist Gary Jones, First Assistant Director John Cameron, Visual Effects Supervisor William Mesa And Stunt Coordinator Christopher Doyle (96 min.)
Original Ending
Original Opening With Optional Commentary By Sam Raimi And Bruce Campbell
Deleted Scenes With Optional Commentary By Sam Raimi And Bruce Campbell
Theatrical Trailer
TV Spots
Home Video Promo

DISC TWO (Director's Cut – 96 min.) – 1080p High-Definition Widescreen (1.78:1), DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 & 2.0
Audio Commentary With Director Sam Raimi, Actor Bruce Campbell And Co-Writer Ivan Raimi
NEW Additional Behind-The-Scenes Footage From KNB Effects (55 min.)
Vintage Creating The Deadites Featurette (21 min.)
Vintage "Making Of" Featurette
Extended Interview Clips With Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell And Robert Tapert.

DISC THREE (International Cut – 88 min.) – 1080p High-Definition Widescreen (1.78:1), DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 & 2.0
NEW 4K Scan Of The International Inter-positive
Television Version With Additional Footage (90 min., Standard Definition (1.33:1), DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0)
Theatrical Trailer
NEW Still Galleries With Rare Behind-The-Scenes Photos From Production Designer Anthony Tremblay, Visual Effects Supervisor William Mesa And Special Make-Up Effects Artists Tony Gardner And KNB EFX, Inc. (Over 200 Stills)
NEW Still Gallery Of Props And Rare Photos From The Collection Of Super Fan Dennis Carter Jr.
NEW Storyboards For Deleted Or Alternate Scenes
Vintage The Men Behind The Army Featurette (19 min.)

[italy12]

Originally Posted by Big-D

Specs are up for Army of Darkness:
https://www.shoutfactory.com/film/fi...ctor-s-edition

DISC ONE (Theatrical Version – 81 min.) – 1080p High-Definition Widescreen (1.78:1), DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 & 2.0
NEW Medieval Times: The Making Of "Army Of Darkness" Featuring Interviews With Star & Co-Producer Bruce Campbell, Actors Marcus Gilbert, Ted Raimi, Timothy Quill, Richard Grove, Bill Moseley, Patricia Tallman And Angela Featherstone, Director Of Photography Bill Pope, Editor Bob Murawski, Production Designer Anthony Tremblay, Composer Joseph Lo Duca, Costume Designer Ida Gearon, Special Make-Up Effects Artists Howard Berger, Tony Gardner, Robert Kurtzman, And Greg Nicotero, "Pit *****" Performer And Effects Artist William Bryan, Mechanical Effects Artist Gary Jones, First Assistant Director John Cameron, Visual Effects Supervisor William Mesa And Stunt Coordinator Christopher Doyle (96 min.)
Original Ending
Original Opening With Optional Commentary By Sam Raimi And Bruce Campbell
Deleted Scenes With Optional Commentary By Sam Raimi And Bruce Campbell
Theatrical Trailer
TV Spots
Home Video Promo

DISC TWO (Director's Cut – 96 min.) – 1080p High-Definition Widescreen (1.78:1), DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 & 2.0
Audio Commentary With Director Sam Raimi, Actor Bruce Campbell And Co-Writer Ivan Raimi
NEW Additional Behind-The-Scenes Footage From KNB Effects (55 min.)
Vintage Creating The Deadites Featurette (21 min.)
Vintage "Making Of" Featurette
Extended Interview Clips With Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell And Robert Tapert.

DISC THREE (International Cut – 88 min.) – 1080p High-Definition Widescreen (1.78:1), DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 & 2.0
NEW 4K Scan Of The International Inter-positive
Television Version With Additional Footage (90 min., Standard Definition (1.33:1), DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0)
Theatrical Trailer
NEW Still Galleries With Rare Behind-The-Scenes Photos From Production Designer Anthony Tremblay, Visual Effects Supervisor William Mesa And Special Make-Up Effects Artists Tony Gardner And KNB EFX, Inc. (Over 200 Stills)
NEW Still Gallery Of Props And Rare Photos From The Collection Of Super Fan Dennis Carter Jr.
NEW Storyboards For Deleted Or Alternate Scenes
Vintage The Men Behind The Army Featurette (19 min.)

Wow, that is really awesome...4 cuts of the movie!!!

I'm not a features guy, and I didn't own the Universal edition, but this list looks pretty impressive!

[dissention]

Sounds nice, but if it was a new transfer for the theatrical cut, I'm sure it would be noted (like the international cut). That doesn't bode well.

[spawningblue]

Amazing! It looks like this will be the ultimate edition of the film. All cuts of the film, all previous extras, plus loads of new stuff including a 90 min. documentary! Sold!

[StingingVelvet]

Originally Posted by dissention

Sounds nice, but if it was a new transfer for the theatrical cut, I'm sure it would be noted (like the international cut). That doesn't bode well.

Yeah, I want the theatrical cut looking nice as well. Hopefully that's a specs oversight, since it would make sense to scan all the footage anyway right? If the theatrical is the same shite Universal transfer that's a huge bummer.