Scream Factory Blu-ray Discussion Thread

[rdodolak]

I would still love to see Scream release some Sony titles even if that means they're released as non Collector's Editions with no new extras as long as the old extras are simply ported over.

[Dustin Putman]

Originally Posted by dressedtokill

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Unfortunately out worst nightmares have now become a reality:

http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/62342/cat-people/

I know it was pretty much a given considering it's from Universal and the German release but still…

I watched my advanced SF Blu-ray of Cat People a few days ago and disagree with this review's critique on the transfer. Might there by some subtle noise reduction? Possibly, but it's not egregious and the plusses highly outweigh this observation. This title looks absolutely stunning regardless with such bold colors and detail that it looks like it was filmed in 2012 rather than 1982. To not support this release, from where I'm standing, would be silly. It's one of the best-looking transfers from the early-'80s era in quite some time.

[themoviefanatic]

Originally Posted by Dustin Putman

I watched my advanced SF Blu-ray of Cat People a few days ago and disagree with this review's critique on the transfer. Might there by some subtle noise reduction? Possibly, but it's not egregious and the plusses highly outweigh this observation. This title looks absolutely stunning regardless with such bold colors and detail that it looks like it was filmed in 2012 rather than 1982. To not support this release, from where I'm standing, would be silly. It's one of the best-looking transfers from the early-'80s era in quite some time.

I've seen it as well and though I don't necessarily 100% agree with your assessment, the review on DVD Talk is not accurate as far as the level of noise reduction. I would put it at a par release, not subpar and i would say it is in the bottom third of SF releases so far.

[NoirFan]

Originally Posted by Dustin Putman

It's one of the best-looking transfers from the early-'80s era in quite some time.

Uh, are we talking about the same transfer?

[Pete Rock]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

I would still love to see Scream release some Sony titles even if that means they're released as non Collector's Editions with no new extras as long as the old extras are simply ported over.

I agree, except I wish Sony would allow for other companies to produce extras for their movies. Sony is sitting on some good stuff that Twilight Time isn't giving the justice these titles deserve.

[Talyn]

Originally Posted by Pete Rock

I agree, except I wish Sony would allow for other companies to produce extras for their movies. Sony is sitting on some good stuff that Twilight Time isn't giving the justice it deserves.

I agree.... Though Lionsgate and EB would do well to even open the door to anyone wanting to sublicense from them. Sony's bad, I won't defend their policy and business, but they are atleast are open to sublicensing.

[lionel74]

Originally Posted by rickah88

Just so you understand, it's not SF's fault. They can only work with the transfer they are given. Universal mastered this for hd dvd, and hasn't dusted it off since. At least SF is adding some extras and packaging it with a nice slipcover, which is leagues more than Universal is doing with the title.
Which is exactly why I support the smaller companies like SF & TT. Without their efforts there would be a bunch of films (most likely) never to reach the format.
Obviously a new transfer would be ideal, but most of these smaller budgets don't allow for it.

I appreciate that they are limited by the transfer supplied to them but at the end of the day it's up to Shout if they feel it's good enough to release.

In some cases like this one they risk alienating die hard supporters of the label who pick up every Shout release regardless of what the title is. I for one no longer pre-order Scream titles, I wait for reviews.

A great set of extras may sway me to buy a title with a poor transfer but I'd really have to like the film a lot and that isn't the case with Cat People so it's a no sale for me.

[ultlife2013]

After SF signs a deal to release Cat People don't they then receive the transfer? So they should then say we aren't releasing this and throw that money away and potentially alienate their relationship with Sony and any potential possible licensors in the future?

[Frightener22]

Just reviewed Cat People and I found it be one of Scream Factory's cleanest transfers. The color palette in the film is really outstanding at times. I personally didn't find the skin tones very waxy at all, but that's just me. Great interviews on the disc as well.

[redrunner97]

Originally Posted by ultlife2013

After SF signs a deal to release Cat People don't they then receive the transfer? So they should then say we aren't releasing this and throw that money away and potentially alienate their relationship with Sony and any potential possible licensors in the future?

With large studios like Universal, yes, its a buy first, see material later deal.

I have viewed the screener for Cat People, and I thinks its just fine. Not terrible, not amazing, just okay. To the average viewer, I think they'll love it. To people who know what they're looking for, you might be slightly annoyed.

It genuinely looked good.

[lionel74]

Originally Posted by ultlife2013

After SF signs a deal to release Cat People don't they then receive the transfer? So they should then say we aren't releasing this and throw that money away and potentially alienate their relationship with Sony and any potential possible licensors in the future?

Arrow Video in the UK put out some shockingly bad transfers, particularly some Argento titles a few years ago. They were announcing titles before they had seen the transfers they had to work with and then went ahead with the releases when they were well below standards expected of a Blu-ray release. This did hurt there business and alienate some of their dedicated customers (including me) and it has taking them a couple of years and some truly stellar releases to get their good name back.

I don't know how Shout do business with the studios, they probably don't get to see before they buy. I just think it would be a shame to see them harm their good name as it truly is great that these smaller labels are releasing so many cult horror movies that in most cases only appeal to a very small fanbase.

Perhaps a bit more quality and less quantity is the answer. Scorpion seem to be doing it right at the moment.

[chris_sc77]

Wow CAT PEOPLE release SUCKS!
even the extras which should have been the biggest selling point are really lame and underwhelming.
I am perfectly happy with my DVD and I will keep it and certainly not buy this one.
Cant believe they dropped the ball on this release.

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by redrunner97

With large studios like Universal, yes, its a buy first, see material later deal.

Not knocking Scream in particular but why would you buy before you get to see the goods.

[redrunner97]

I thought the extras were great, certainly would haved wowed me more if they had ported over the DVD bonus content, unforunately they were unable to do so.

Either way, like I said, I thought it looked good enough.

[Member-222782]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

Not knocking Scream in particular but why would you buy before you get to see the goods.

It's a risky move, particularly because it concerns a studio with a history of problematic transfers. But we've become so spoiled rotten with Blu-ray that we nitpick at every little glitch and hiccup that comes along. We forgot how to sit back and just enjoy whatever it is we're playing back on our big screens. I, for one, will try to be less of an armchair critic and more of a viewer. Call it my New Year's Resolution

[jlk5844]

Originally Posted by cine74

It's a risky move, particularly because it concerns a studio with a history of problematic transfers. But we've become so spoiled rotten with Blu-ray that we nitpick at every little glitch and hiccup that comes along. We forgot how to sit back and just enjoy whatever it is we're playing back on our big screens. I, for one, will try to be less of an armchair critic and more of a viewer. Call it my New Year's Resolution

I agree. Blu-ray has made me more picky with picture quality. With DVD I didn't even really think about it unless it was a terrible transfer for a 70s/80s horror movie or a more obscure title. I kinda miss that. If the movie only had one DVD release, that was it. I bought it no questions asked. This is the only release of Cat People on blu here in the States, and while it sucks that the pq is less than stellar (at least it's not a 2/5 or less on this review site), it appears to deliver in other areas of the package (audio, extras, artwork), so I'll buy this release for the right price, not $25 and over like SF's releases have been lately.

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by cine74

It's a risky move, particularly because it concerns a studio with a history of problematic transfers. But we've become so spoiled rotten with Blu-ray that we nitpick at every little glitch and hiccup that comes along. We forgot how to sit back and just enjoy whatever it is we're playing back on our big screens. I, for one, will try to be less of an armchair critic and more of a viewer. Call it my New Year's Resolution

Great post! I agree 100%!
Once I threw out my armchair a few formats ago, I've been able to sit back, relax and enjoy the greater good...not the lesser bad.
Those young whipper snappers can "fight the good fight". I prefer to look at the bigger picture(pun definitely intended)

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by cine74

It's a risky move, particularly because it concerns a studio with a history of problematic transfers. But we've become so spoiled rotten with Blu-ray that we nitpick at every little glitch and hiccup that comes along. We forgot how to sit back and just enjoy whatever it is we're playing back on our big screens. I, for one, will try to be less of an armchair critic and more of a viewer. Call it my New Year's Resolution

Originally Posted by jlk5844

I agree. Blu-ray has made me more picky with picture quality. With DVD I didn't even really think about it unless it was a terrible transfer for a 70s/80s horror movie or a more obscure title. I kinda miss that. If the movie only had one DVD release, that was it. I bought it no questions asked. This is the only release of Cat People on blu here in the States, and while it sucks that the pq is less than stellar (at least it's not a 2/5 or less on this review site), it appears to deliver in other areas of the package (audio, extras, artwork), so I'll buy this release for the right price, not $25 and over like SF's releases have been lately.

Originally Posted by rickah88

Great post! I agree 100%!
Once I threw out my armchair a few formats ago, I've been able to sit back, relax and enjoy the greater good...not the lesser bad.
Those young whipper snappers can "fight the good fight". I prefer to look at the bigger picture(pun definitely intended)

Guess I should have been more clear. That was more a rhetorical question regarding the studios. Why invest so much money on a deal up front when you don't even know what you'll have to work with in the first place. Seems like it has bitten some of the boutique labels in the past.

[ultlife2013]

I'm guessing companies like sf are at the whim of bigger studios and if they don't play ball with them they'll just cut them out. Also they probably signing package deals or first look deals at future movies if they release certain movies or vice versa they might be forced to release some movies even if they don't want them to secure rights to ones they want. This is all back door meeting stuff that we will never really know about but kind of fascinating to think about.

/end rambling

[Member-222782]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

Guess I should have been more clear. That was more a rhetorical question regarding the studios. Why invest so much money on a deal up front when you don't even know what you'll have to work with in the first place. Seems like it has bitten some of the boutique labels in the past.

I think someone at Shout Factory just gets to negotiate for personal favorites regardless of what master Universal throws at them . Why start a label if you can't get a few favorites in once in a while?