Scream Factory Blu-ray Discussion Thread

[fuzzymctiger]

Originally Posted by theprestige85

You lot read about the Arrow Summer blu ray launch? Shivers (Cronenberg), Night Of The Comet and Bound were some of the featured blu rays. Only Bound is the one that interests me and that's already available with decent transfers throughout Europe, though i'm sure the the Arrow transfer will be the best and have good supplemental features. So out of about 8 or so titles thats ONE that interests me. No John Carpenter films despite them saying they would be releasing at least one. No Ginger Snaps, no surprisingly or ambitious releases. Still, I guess it's a step up from the announcements they made earlier in the year.

Looks like those with access to Scream Factory titles have nothing to worry about. Keep up the good work, Scream. How I wish you wouldn't region lock your blu rays

I don't remember anything said about John Carpenter....

But yeah, Night of the Comet is the only overlap between the two labels, and I would say Shivers is fairly ambitious, as is the Stray Cat Rock boxset.

[theprestige85]

Originally Posted by fuzzymctiger

I don't remember anything said about John Carpenter....

But yeah, Night of the Comet is the only overlap between the two labels, and I would say Shivers is fairly ambitious, as is the Stray Cat Rock boxset.

Somebody on the Arrow thread mentioned that a John Carpenter title was announced by Arrow as one of their surprises. Unless I misread.

I don't know much about the Stray Cat Rock set, but maybe Shivers isn't as irrelevant as I may have previous suggested. I like Cronenberg in spades, but that film isn't for me. He is one of the many auteurs who I feel commercial films out do the more experimental and personal ones, which is a tough thing to for me. Though I do appreciate the intellectual and artistic integrity of such a film, though, specially since it falls into the horror genre.

I was just expecting some pleasant surprises, that's all. I'm going to have to look to other UK labels if I want quality cult films. Second Sight are doing alright and could be a dark horse. 101 Films is still tiny, but they don't see to have limits. Eureka (Masters Of Cinema) are unpredictable too, it'll be interesting to see what they have for the autumn.

Still, Shout Factory and Criterion are kings right now and they deserve that title, specially Criterion. The UK has a lot of catching up to do.

[fuzzymctiger]

Originally Posted by theprestige85

Somebody on the Arrow thread mentioned that a John Carpenter title was announced by Arrow as one of their surprises. Unless I misread.

I don't know much about the Stray Cat Rock set, but maybe Shivers isn't as irrelevant as I may have previous suggested. I like Cronenberg in spades, but that film isn't for me. He is one of the many auteurs who I feel commercial films out do the more experimental and personal ones, which is a tough thing to for me. Though I do appreciate the intellectual and artistic integrity of such a film, though, specially since it falls into the horror genre.

I was just expecting some pleasant surprises, that's all. I'm going to have to look to other UK labels if I want quality cult films. Second Sight are doing alright and could be a dark horse. 101 Films is still tiny, but they don't see to have limits. Eureka (Masters Of Cinema) are unpredictable too, it'll be interesting to see what they have for the autumn.

Still, Shout Factory and Criterion are kings right now and they deserve that title, specially Criterion. The UK has a lot of catching up to do.

Yes that's very understandable. I actually said Shivers due to it being the first international release on blu ray, so quite exciting.

Second Sight is a bit slow, but always puts out greats, and 101 needs to fix a couple of mistakes, then they'll be on their way

I would call Arrow the Criterion of cult, due to the fantastic features, packaging and mostly flawless transfers.

But the true Criterion of the UK would be Eureka/MOC, for obvious reasons

[Ill_Be_Back]

Scream factory get a hold of a lot more well known titles than Arrow Video but Arrow Video release better quality. Still both are great labels.

[theprestige85]

Originally Posted by fuzzymctiger

Yes that's very understandable. I actually said Shivers due to it being the first international release on blu ray, so quite exciting.

Second Sight is a bit slow, but always puts out greats, and 101 needs to fix a couple of mistakes, then they'll be on their way

I would call Arrow the Criterion of cult, due to the fantastic features, packaging and mostly flawless transfers.

But the true Criterion of the UK would be Eureka/MOC, for obvious reasons

Yeah, I think that's a very accurate thing to say. Very few labels in general let alone British labels give their films 'The Full Monty' like Arrow do.

Eureka/MOC do seem to be living up to their brand and having a Criterionessque year. It'll be interesting to see what they bring out for the second half of this year and early 2015

[theprestige85]

Originally Posted by cakefactory

This is a very good description of it. I personally like it more than The Howling or American Werewolf in London but all the early black humor stuff and all the female coming-of-age stuff and the codependent relationship stuff worked on me like gangbusters, while I think a sizable part of the horror contingent is just not very interested in a movie that's so interested in specifically female ideas. A lot of people were bored by it or said stuff along the lines of "I don't want to watch a crappy movie about girls getting their periods." I think it's a minor classic of the genre. It's not on the level of something truly mature and horrific like May but it's really damn good for what it is, and it's very unique. It's like the goth girl edition of Cronenberg's Fly.

Yeah, the negative comments towards the film on this thread were very peculiar and irrational. I can understand somebody not being impressed with the film on a conventional horror level, but when people start saying things like the period comment you quoted, you have to question whether or not they've even seen the film.

The Cronenberg tags are very apt too. The notion of the werewolf as a metaphor for the transformations we go through as a teenager wasn't particularly new territory with Ginger Snaps, however, the WAY that allegory is reimagined is what makes the film stand out. The changes become, literally, horrific.

I think another aspect about the film that doesn't get enough praise is the social themes. Ginger and Bridgette's refusal to be a part of the teen social scene and embrace their 'loser' status instantly made them relatable, highly interesting and even heroic, imo. I think a lot of people who 'got the film' felt the same way.

I also love how it condemns those who seek or give into the popular social hierarchy. Ginger's body doesn't transform, her personality and relationships do, too. But not necessarily for the better. What was once innocent becomes feral and disgusting, inside as well as out. Love this film and I think it's aspects like these that make it universal for everybody, not just 'girl's who are about to start their periods'

[Craig666]

Originally Posted by theprestige85

Still, Shout Factory and Criterion are kings right now and they deserve that title, specially Criterion. The UK has a lot of catching up to do.

Your continuing tirade against Arrow is really tiresome. I think you'll find most fans of these cult films (I'm not including you in this, as you're clearly not a fan of cult) think Arrow are doing a superb job. They don't have access to as many films as say Scream or Criterion but their transfers of the same films that Scream release are far superior e.g Lifeforce.

Eureka's version of Nosferatu is also clearly better transfer wise too.

And I'm sure most people here have seen Ginger Snaps. And most people don't find it as good as you; get over it. Also, there is an interview with the writer somewhere and they even say it's a film about periods. Shock, horror.

[KenHurd]

Originally Posted by cakefactory

This is a very good description of it. I personally like it more than The Howling or American Werewolf in London but all the early black humor stuff and all the female coming-of-age stuff and the codependent relationship stuff worked on me like gangbusters, while I think a sizable part of the horror contingent is just not very interested in a movie that's so interested in specifically female ideas. A lot of people were bored by it or said stuff along the lines of "I don't want to watch a crappy movie about girls getting their periods." I think it's a minor classic of the genre. It's not on the level of something truly mature and horrific like May but it's really damn good for what it is, and it's very unique. It's like the goth girl edition of Cronenberg's Fly.

I think it's a film that you can look at from multiple different view points. On one hand, you have a very straight-forward monster movie about a girl's transition into something horrific. On the other hand, you've got a film that is full of subtext and metaphors. I love movies like that.

I also find the film to be a very tragic story between the bond of two sisters who are everything to each other, but are eventually torn apart and positioned against one another. May is another one that deserves all the praise it gets. That film needs a blu-ray release.

[Marsupial Werewolf]

Originally Posted by Catastrophe

Give The Howling III a chance. I know most people don't like it, but it's got a sly sense of humour, decent werewolf effects and a rather original hook to the whole plot.

HOWLING III rocks. Charming slice of Aussie horror that functions as a full on parody with a totally straight face.

It's smarter than the overwhelming majority gives it credit for.

"My stepfather tried to rape me...and he's a werewolf."

[theprestige85]

Originally Posted by Craig666

Your continuing tirade against Arrow is really tiresome. I think you'll find most fans of these cult films (I'm not including you in this, as you're clearly not a fan of cult) think Arrow are doing a superb job. They don't have access to as many films as say Scream or Criterion but their transfers of the same films that Scream release are far superior e.g Lifeforce.

Eureka's version of Nosferatu is also clearly better transfer wise too.

And I'm sure most people here have seen Ginger Snaps. And most people don't find it as good as you; get over it. Also, there is an interview with the writer somewhere and they even say it's a film about periods. Shock, horror.

I think it's fair to say that I AM a fan of cult titles. I just don't lap up every bit of food that's served to me.

Did you not read the post you quoted? I clearly stated that I am fine with people not liking Ginger Snaps, I simply don't like when people simplify to a film being about periods. And if the writer did say that it's about periods, then she is clearly joking. Do you really believe that the writer would sit in an interview, face straight and all and tell the interviewee that she wrote a film about periods with any hint of humour in it? Come on, man.


Look, I don't want to get into another pointless argument about this so it would be wise of you not to respond to this message and leave it at that.

I also find the film to be a very tragic story between the bond of two sisters who are everything to each other, but are eventually torn apart and positioned against one another. May is another one that deserves all the praise it gets. That film needs a blu-ray release.

Indeed, it's incredibly heartbreaking stuff. I think the fact that we are talking about all these different emotes within the story suggests how deeply layered it is. I feel like that theres something for everybody with Ginger Snaps as opposed to most cult titles.

Somebody else mentioned May, I believe it was the poster who I originally quoted and you guys are right - hell of a film. I find it a bit TOO disturbing to want to watch again but it was excellent, no doubt. I've always rated Angela Bettis and found her to be very underrated. She's also the best Carrie since Specek, too.

[Craig666]

Or maybe you can't deal with the fact that is just a film about periods. Go read reviews from when it was released. Seriously, that's what the majority get from this film.

[redrunner97]

Omfg. I understand prestige a little more now... And I agree that you shouldn't simplify Ginger Snaps as a movie about a girl going through puberty. Yes, that's the metaphorical subtext of the film but not all that's there, not by far.

I find it amazing that some people on this forum prefer The Howling 3 and it's kangaroo werewolves to a genuinely well made, good movie, like Ginger Snaps. And honestly I'm starting to wonder if some of its not just bashing aimed at Prestige and to a lesser extent the film itself.

But I'm in no way saying you should or shouldn't like anything, but come on...

[Marsupial Werewolf]

Originally Posted by redrunner97

Omfg. I understand prestige a little more now... And I agree that you shouldn't simplify Ginger Snaps as a movie about a girl going through puberty. Yes, that's the metaphorical subtext of the film but not all that's there, not by far.

I find it amazing that some people on this forum prefer The Howling 3 and it's kangaroo werewolves to a genuinely well made, good movie, like Ginger Snaps. And honestly I'm starting to wonder if some of its not just bashing aimed at Prestige and to a lesser extent the film itself.

But I'm in no way saying you should or shouldn't like anything, but come on...

I prefer HOWLING III to Ginger Snaps, hands down. I like them both, and I'm excited to revisit GS because I've never owned it before.

I would also argue that H3 is better made than your "kangaroo werewolves" dismissal comment implies, but to each their own.

[Catastrophe]

Originally Posted by redrunner97

I find it amazing that some people on this forum prefer The Howling 3 and it's kangaroo werewolves to a genuinely well made, good movie, like Ginger Snaps. And honestly I'm starting to wonder if some of its not just bashing aimed at Prestige and to a lesser extent the film itself.

But I'm in no way saying you should or shouldn't like anything, but come on...

Howling III was brought up in response to someone who asked about the Howling sequels. I don't think anyone has said they prefer it to Ginger Snaps.

[Craig666]

Originally Posted by redrunner97

Omfg. I understand prestige a little more now... And I agree that you shouldn't simplify Ginger Snaps as a movie about a girl going through puberty. Yes, that's the metaphorical subtext of the film but not all that's there, not by far.

I find it amazing that some people on this forum prefer The Howling 3 and it's kangaroo werewolves to a genuinely well made, good movie, like Ginger Snaps. And honestly I'm starting to wonder if some of its not just bashing aimed at Prestige and to a lesser extent the film itself.

But I'm in no way saying you should or shouldn't like anything, but come on...

I was more annoyed at his continuing tirade against UK distributors. If he has something to complain about go to the Arrow forum and tell them there. His main gripe with Arrow appears to be they won't release Ginger Snaps, which seems absurd if they don't have the rights.

[SendMoreParamedics]

Originally Posted by Craig666

I was more annoyed at his continuing tirade against UK distributors. If he has something to complain about go to the Arrow forum and tell them there. His main gripe with Arrow appears to be they won't release Ginger Snaps, which seems absurd if they don't have the rights.

What annoys me is I thought we were past this...he was told repeatedly that he is being off-topic and was trolling. Must have short term memory.

[Blu MacReady]

Originally Posted by Craig666

I was more annoyed at his continuing tirade against UK distributors. If he has something to complain about go to the Arrow forum and tell them there. His main gripe with Arrow appears to be they won't release Ginger Snaps, which seems absurd if they don't have the rights.

Thing is they probably will one day. Arrow seem to release titles Scream have issued. In their Q3 list announced today, it includes Night of the Comet.

My answer is, looking back through some posts in both Arrow and Scream, for every time Prestige has gotten into an argument about GS he put £1 in a jar, he'd be able to buy a multi region player and import Screams release too....plus popcorn and treats to go along with the viewing

[demonknight]

Originally Posted by redrunner97

Omfg. I understand prestige a little more now... And I agree that you shouldn't simplify Ginger Snaps as a movie about a girl going through puberty. Yes, that's the metaphorical subtext of the film but not all that's there, not by far.

I find it amazing that some people on this forum prefer The Howling 3 and it's kangaroo werewolves to a genuinely well made, good movie, like Ginger Snaps. And honestly I'm starting to wonder if some of its not just bashing aimed at Prestige and to a lesser extent the film itself.

But I'm in no way saying you should or shouldn't like anything, but come on...

I didn't like either. Howling 3 was easily my least liked of the two though. I much prefer 2&4.

[demonknight]

Originally Posted by theprestige85

I think it's fair to say that I AM a fan of cult titles. I just don't lap up every bit of food that's served to me.

Did you not read the post you quoted? I clearly stated that I am fine with people not liking Ginger Snaps, I simply don't like when people simplify to a film being about periods. And if the writer did say that it's about periods, then she is clearly joking. Do you really believe that the writer would sit in an interview, face straight and all and tell the interviewee that she wrote a film about periods with any hint of humour in it? Come on, man.


Look, I don't want to get into another pointless argument about this so it would be wise of you not to respond to this message and leave it at that.



Indeed, it's incredibly heartbreaking stuff. I think the fact that we are talking about all these different emotes within the story suggests how deeply layered it is. I feel like that theres something for everybody with Ginger Snaps as opposed to most cult titles.

Somebody else mentioned May, I believe it was the poster who I originally quoted and you guys are right - hell of a film. I find it a bit TOO disturbing to want to watch again but it was excellent, no doubt. I've always rated Angela Bettis and found her to be very underrated. She's also the best Carrie since Specek, too.

At the time, she was the only Carrie since Specek.

[redrunner97]

From FB:

Originally Posted by Scream Factory FB

***EXTRAS REVEALED on PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE!***

Our 4-month "Summer of Fear" celebration continues by announcing today the final (and stacked) list of extras for one of our titles within it: Brian DePalma’s PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE--on Blu-ray for the first time!

DISC ONE (BLU-RAY):
• NEW Audio Commentary with Jessica Harper, Gerrit Graham and the Juicy Fruits (Archie Hahn, Jeffrey Comanor and Harold Oblong aka Peter Eibling)
• NEW Audio Commentary with Production Designer Jack Fisk
• NEW Interview with director Brian DePalma
• NEW Interview with Paul Williams talking about the music of PHANTOM
• NEW Interview with Make-up Effects wizard Tom Burman discussing the Phantom Helmet

DISC TWO (DVD):
• Paradise Regained – documentary on the making of the film featuring director Brian DePalma, Producer Edward R. Pressman, William Finley, Paul Williams, Jessica Harper, Gerrit Graham and more…
• Interview with Paul Williams moderated by Guillermo Del Toro
• Interview with costume designer Rosanna Norton
• NEW Interview with producer Edward R. Pressman
• NEW Interview with drummer Gary Mallaber
• NEW Alvin’s Art and Technique – a look at the neon poster
• NEW Phantom of the Paradise Biography by Gerrit Graham - 1974 Publicity Sheet written by and read by Graham
• Alternate Takes
• Swan Song Outtake Footage
• Radio Spots
• TV Spots
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Still Gallery