Scream Factory Blu-ray Discussion Thread

[fitprod]

Originally Posted by Cherokee Jack

Shout really needs to put some pressure on the Mexican plant to clean up their act or just switch to another replicator altogether. Unacceptable QC from a boutique label with boutique prices.

You say this like there's a lot of disc replication plants left in the world, and a small independent business like Shout has that much pull, and money to throw around.

fitprod

[Cherokee Jack]

Originally Posted by fitprod

You say this like there's a lot of disc replication plants left in the world, and a small independent business like Shout has that much pull, and money to throw around.

fitprod

I’m not privy to the process of determining which plant makes which discs (there are better options than the Mexican plant available, I do know that much) but I can only imagine how much money Shout is losing right now due to all these returns/exchanges. The source of the problem is an open secret and hopefully Shout is doing something about it.

[LeDroitDeTuer]

Shout is not smaller than Vinegar Syndrome or Arrow Video, surely they can switch to the German plant too. At the very least they can be more mindful of the issue with their customers and make it easier rather than harder to get replacements.

[MrGarmonbozia]

Originally Posted by Cherokee Jack

Decided to play hardball and attempt to get a another replacement from Amazon after the first replacement arrived with scratches as well. No dice, I have to return both to get a refund and place a new order at a higher price now. I worry about being blacklisted by Amazon for too many returns so don’t think I’ll bother trying to get a second replacement in the future.

Found out today when trying to return for a replacement Tiger Cage that Amazon will no longer issue me replacements. I asked why and they explained it was due to too many / multiple replacements (some for the same item). I tried to explain about the scratched discs, etc. but they are not reverting.

All my discs were returned for damage but Amazon doesn't look at that, require photos etc.

So now I am also having to return items back for refunds and either:
a) deal with the scratches
b) keep getting refunded and purchase again hoping for the best
c) deal with SHOUT directly (and there scratch size policy)

[fitprod]

Originally Posted by LeDroitDeTuer

Shout is not smaller than Vinegar Syndrome or Arrow Video, surely they can switch to the German plant too. At the very least they can be more mindful of the issue with their customers and make it easier rather than harder to get replacements.

A few things:

1. Arrow is a British based company, so logistically it makes sense.

2. Regarding both Arrow and Vinegar Syndrome, they're generally higher priced than Shout Factory. (Talking actual list price...)

Arrow's 4K titles list for $49.95; Blu-ray titles are $39.95. (Plus, they're sold separately)

Vinegar Syndrome's 4K titles list for $44.99 to $59.99, Blu-ray's are slightly lower, but their titles are likely much more limited runs compare to Arrow and Shout

Shout's 4K/Blu-ray titles list for between $36.99 and $39.99

3. We don't know the actual rates they're paying for A and R (Authoring and Replication), but it's likely a lower rate using the Mexico plant.

fitprod

[A Tortured Duckling]

I hadn't ordered directly from SF since January 30th of 2022, so perhaps I am simply unaware of how they do things, but my experience with this recent sale is kinda sorta getting worse and SF's CS is being rather weird about it.

• May 15th, 1PM EST - Order #1 (War Games, Rollerball, A Company of Wolves + posters for all 3)
• May 15th, 2PM EST - Order #2 (Child's Play 1-3 + NECA + 5 Posters + 2 Slipcovers)
• May 16th, 8AM EST - Shipping notification for order #2.
• May 19th, 12PM EST - Order #3 (Carrie [Limited Edition Steelbook] + Poster + Pin Set)
• May 20th, 9AM EST - Shipping notification for order #3.

I emailed them on May 20th to ask about the posters in order #1 and received a generic, brainless reply from someone who clearly didn't read my actual question, on May 24th. After a bit of back and forth I was finally told that they oversold poster stock and were figuring out how to go forward. Ultimately I was told that they always send out orders in first-come-first-serve order, and that they'd "advise" on the status of the posters. It's now June 2nd and order #1 hasn't shipped, nor has there been any more correspondence in regards to the posters.

Now, I generally don't care how long it takes any given label to send out my stuff. These people are busy, and it'll show up when it shows up. However, when I am specifically told they are going in first-come-first-serve order and I am seeing friends receiving stuff they ordered on the very last day of the sale, I'll admit I get a little annoyed. Especially so considering I placed my original order early, and did so because I wanted those posters. (INB4 shit-talk about these posters - I know they aren't anything special, but I like the artwork and they're the perfect size for what I'd like to use them for.)

Anyway, as I said I rarely order from SF so perhaps this is their usual way of doing things and I am unaware of it / not used to things being done this way. If this isn't the norm, I feel that it certainly could have been handled better.

[MassiveMovieBuff]

Originally Posted by Cherokee Jack

Decided to play hardball and attempt to get a another replacement from Amazon after the first replacement arrived with scratches as well. No dice, I have to return both to get a refund and place a new order at a higher price now. I worry about being blacklisted by Amazon for too many returns so don’t think I’ll bother trying to get a second replacement in the future.

Gotta say I’m even more relieved I didn’t place that ten film order I was considering during the sale. Shout really needs to put some pressure on the Mexican plant to clean up their act or just switch to another replicator altogether. Unacceptable QC from a boutique label with boutique prices.

The fact that the issue doesn't seem to faze anyone but the collectors who are bothered by it is very concerning. I'm going through this same thing with Amazon now.

[Rayjg]

Originally Posted by A Tortured Duckling

I hadn't ordered directly from SF since January 30th of 2022, so perhaps I am simply unaware of how they do things, but my experience with this recent sale is kinda sorta getting worse and SF's CS is being rather weird about it.

• May 15th, 1PM EST - Order #1 (War Games, Rollerball, A Company of Wolves + posters for all 3)
• May 15th, 2PM EST - Order #2 (Child's Play 1-3 + NECA + 5 Posters + 2 Slipcovers)
• May 16th, 8AM EST - Shipping notification for order #2.
• May 19th, 12PM EST - Order #3 (Carrie [Limited Edition Steelbook] + Poster + Pin Set)
• May 20th, 9AM EST - Shipping notification for order #3.

I emailed them on May 20th to ask about the posters in order #1 and received a generic, brainless reply from someone who clearly didn't read my actual question, on May 24th. After a bit of back and forth I was finally told that they oversold poster stock and were figuring out how to go forward. Ultimately I was told that they always send out orders in first-come-first-serve order, and that they'd "advise" on the status of the posters. It's now June 2nd and order #1 hasn't shipped, nor has there been any more correspondence in regards to the posters.

Now, I generally don't care how long it takes any given label to send out my stuff. These people are busy, and it'll show up when it shows up. However, when I am specifically told they are going in first-come-first-serve order and I am seeing friends receiving stuff they ordered on the very last day of the sale, I'll admit I get a little annoyed. Especially so considering I placed my original order early, and did so because I wanted those posters. (INB4 shit-talk about these posters - I know they aren't anything special, but I like the artwork and they're the perfect size for what I'd like to use them for.)

Anyway, as I said I rarely order from SF so perhaps this is their usual way of doing things and I am unaware of it / not used to things being done this way. If this isn't the norm, I feel that it certainly could have been handled better.

When it comes to customer service there's the right way, the wrong way, and the Shout way.

[Topher76]

Originally Posted by fitprod

A few things:

1. Arrow is a British based company, so logistically it makes sense.

2. Regarding both Arrow and Vinegar Syndrome, they're generally higher priced than Shout Factory. (Talking actual list price...)

Arrow's 4K titles list for $49.95; Blu-ray titles are $39.95. (Plus, they're sold separately)

Vinegar Syndrome's 4K titles list for $44.99 to $59.99, Blu-ray's are slightly lower, but their titles are likely much more limited runs compare to Arrow and Shout

Shout's 4K/Blu-ray titles list for between $36.99 and $39.99

3. We don't know the actual rates they're paying for A and R (Authoring and Replication), but it's likely a lower rate using the Mexico plant.

fitprod

Adding to your list:

There is also a strong possibility that Shout has a contract with that replication company and can’t simply switch at any time.

[A Tortured Duckling]

Originally Posted by Rayjg

When it comes to customer service there's the right way, the wrong way, and the Shout way.

Well, if this is the norm I'll just have to take it as it is. I rarely buy SF product and when I do, it's usually from Amazon because that way returns are hassle-free. However, with the way those UHDs were priced during this last sale (especially the collectors sets) I wasn't going to pass them up. If getting this stuff at such discounts means I'll have to deal with their kind of CS from time to time, so be it.

I just hope I get those posters, and in case I don't, at least somewhat of a genuine apology for the screw up. It is their fault, after all.

[sancho]

Originally Posted by MrGarmonbozia

Received Tiger Cage trilogy with all three discs scratched.

It really is surprising how nothing appears to be being done about this.

Scratch Factory does not care. Service is usually 1/2 assed with them.

[Rayjg]

Originally Posted by A Tortured Duckling

Well, if this is the norm I'll just have to take it as it is. I rarely buy SF product and when I do, it's usually from Amazon because that way returns are hassle-free. However, with the way those UHDs were priced during this last sale (especially the collectors sets) I wasn't going to pass them up. If getting this stuff at such discounts means I'll have to deal with their kind of CS from time to time, so be it.

I just hope I get those posters, and in case I don't, at least somewhat of a genuine apology for the screw up. It is their fault, after all.

I wouldn’t expect one. I once asked for a discount code to make up for one of their screw-ups and they never responded back. Even their customer service is scratched to hell

[Mushi Minion]

Originally Posted by Rayjg

I wouldn’t expect one. I once asked for a discount code to make up for one of their screw-ups and they never responded back. Even their customer service is scratched to hell

Enter discount code FOULMOUFF for 20% more scratches on your next purchase!

[Rayjg]

Originally Posted by Mushi Minion

Enter discount code FOULMOUFF for 20% more scratches on your next purchase!

I think I’ll wait for the buy one scratch get two scratches free sale. Limited edition torn and frayed poster free with every purchase! Smashed slipcover only guaranteed for three months.

[MassiveMovieBuff]

Originally Posted by Rayjg

I think I’ll wait for the buy one scratch get two scratches free sale. Limited edition torn and frayed poster free with every purchase! Smashed slipcover only guaranteed for three months.

Plus.....an exclusive downmix available now!

[TheHorrorNerd]

So I hate going this route but has anyone initiated a chargeback over scratched discs?
I am not hopeful that Scream will do the right thing and replace my discs.
I saw they have a size requirement which is insane but playback is absolutely affected in all of my scratched discs.

Also, how are you guys removing whatever the hell is on the inside of the 4K cases?

[MassiveMovieBuff]

Originally Posted by TheHorrorNerd

So I hate going this route but has anyone initiated a chargeback over scratched discs?
I am not hopeful that Scream will do the right thing and replace my discs.
I saw they have a size requirement which is insane but playback is absolutely affected in all of my scratched discs.

Also, how are you guys removing whatever the hell is on the inside of the 4K cases?

First, if you have a disc that is affected by damage they should absolutely remedy the situation.

Second, if you're talking about the outgassing gunk in/on the case/discs I've found that a blu ray cleaning rag does the job well. If the case continues to outgas then I'll have no choice but to replace the case. Occasionally I like to buy a bunch of black cases from Severin as a back up.

[Trekkie313]

Originally Posted by MassiveMovieBuff

First, if you have a disc that is affected by damage they should absolutely remedy the situation.

Second, if you're talking about the outgassing gunk in/on the case/discs I've found that a blu ray cleaning rag does the job well. If the case continues to outgas then I'll have no choice but to replace the case. Occasionally I like to buy a bunch of black cases from Severin as a back up.

$4 per case though, oof. Didn't know they even sold those.

[MassiveMovieBuff]

Originally Posted by Trekkie313

$4 per case though, oof. Didn't know they even sold those.

Yeah it can get pricey. Sadly not really many other options though.

[DetroitSportsFan]

I just received my order of 11 4K discs from the sale. I’m afraid to open them.