Dark Force Entertainment Discussion Thread

[Marsupial Werewolf]

It seems pretty obvious that Bill is beyond help at this point. He just doesn't understand anything at all.

• He can't understand why VS is eating his lunch.

• He can't understand why some of his titles don't sell (whereas Walt, on the previous page, has a very good theory on why some niche titles don't move the needle at all)

• He doesn't care at all about his customers, just what money they'll willing to give him in the moment

I know a lot of people on here don't like Dave, but I actually do. And while Bill is a lost cause, I would say this to Dave after watching the last Dark Force video:

It shouldn't matter how many copies Bill has left of BUTCHER BAKER NIGHTMARE MAKER. If he pressed 2000 and sold 1500 of them for $30, then sell the other 500 for $30 as well. That's what every other reputable company does, and that's why this "strategy" is irritating some of your customers.

Companies like Vinegar Syndrome have slowly curated a strong and loyal customer base because they DO NOT pull this crap. For example, they moved roughly 3000 copies of MAUSOLEUM over Black Friday and, during that time, reached out to their customers asking them NOT to pay inflated eBay prices because they'd have some extra copies after the smoke clears and would offer them for the same price everyone else paid.

That's pure class. That's what people appreciate.

I say that with respect, Dave. I like your label.

Not going to tell you how to run your business, but if I can offer one bit of customer feedback, I would recommend you listen less to Bill and instead take a look at what some of the other labels are doing to find success in this era of stricter competition.

Figure out how you can apply some of that to Dark Force.

Yes, Bill has great knowledge of movies and rights holders and what not. I think you should still utilize him in that sense. But I also think you have a great opportunity to distinguish yourself from Code Red even further if you choose to do it.

Again, just some feedback as a customer.

Sorry for the wall of text, everyone. Didn't mean to pull a miribeau.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by Marsupial Werewolf

It seems pretty obvious that Bill is beyond help at this point. He just doesn't understand anything at all.

• He can't understand why VS is eating his lunch.

• He can't understand why some of his titles don't sell (whereas Walt, on the previous page, has a very good theory on why some niche titles don't move the needle at all)

• He doesn't care at all about his customers, just what money they'll willing to give him in the moment

I know a lot of people on here don't like Dave, but I actually do. And while Bill is a lost cause, I would say this to Dave after watching the last Dark Force video:

It shouldn't matter how many copies Bill has left of BUTCHER BAKER NIGHTMARE MAKER. If he pressed 2000 and sold 1500 of them for $30, then sell the other 500 for $30 as well. That's what every other reputable company does, and that's why this "strategy" is irritating some of your customers.

Companies like Vinegar Syndrome have slowly curated a strong and loyal customer base because they DO NOT pull this crap. For example, they moved roughly 3000 copies of MAUSOLEUM over Black Friday and, during that time, reached out to their customers asking them NOT to pay inflated eBay prices because they'd have some extra copies after the smoke clears and would offer them for the same price everyone else paid.

That's pure class. That's what people appreciate.

I say that with respect, Dave. I like your label.

Not going to tell you how to run your business, but if I can offer one bit of customer feedback, I would recommend you listen less to Bill and instead take a look at what some of the other labels are doing to find success in this era of stricter competition.

Figure out how you can apply some of that to Dark Force.

Yes, Bill has great knowledge of movies and rights holders and what not. I think you should still utilize him in that sense. But I also think you have a great opportunity to distinguish yourself from Code Red even further if you choose to do it.

Again, just some feedback as a customer.

Sorry for the wall of text, everyone. Didn't mean to pull a miribeau.

You make good points but its crystal clear over all the years Bill wants to do business the way Bill wants to do it, even if it is not the ideal model and may cost him a lot of lost revenue doing it that way; that way he does business is part of the CR/DF "charm". Some may not like DF but the fact is they've gotten Code Red product out there with fast shipping speeds, reasonable prices for the vast majority of the releases, and stuck with Bill in a business relationship for an extended time, which is an accomplishment in itself. Some of that sticking with him is likely also, though, paying Bill higher than usual amounts for in-demand titles Bill wants to move - which as a result DF must charge higher than usual in order to turn a good profit. Some other places might refuse to do this unlike DF, and hence this does not sit well with Bill when he thinks the titles are worth a higher price (see dumping Ronin for sale prices).

Its not that much different than one of those high end restaurant/hotel owners that publicly chides customers when they leave a bad review on yelp instead of saying "sorry for your experience" etc. Maybe not the ideal business model, but it works for them (sometimes).

People can take Code Red/DF or leave it, but IMO they are not going to change to a "typical" business model based on feedback.

[kraven]

Just stop ruin. I know you get free product to keep your nose there, but It's ridiculous. No one should have to pay more for bills titles just cause he's kept them hidden in a storage locker for years. If bill expects df to do so(which again I think is a lie)they should decline.

It's more important they don't tarnish their business over scalping an extra $20.

[Crispy Noodle]

Originally Posted by Marsupial Werewolf

• He can't understand why some of his titles don't sell (whereas Walt, on the previous page, has a very good theory on why some niche titles don't move the needle at all)

I see what you did there.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by kraven

Just stop ruin. It's ridiculous. No one should have to pay more for bills titles just cause he's kept them hidden in a storage locker for years. If bill expects df to do so(which again I think is a lie)they should decline.

It's more important they don't tarnish their business over scalping an extra $20.

What I stated is factual.

Bill has sold certain in-demand titles for much higher than their release date price on numerous occasions in his own store. This is not a new thing with Dark Force, Code Red did this on the Code Red cartel before Dark Force. Also long before Dark Force (we are talking like 5 years ago), Code Red used to sell rare titles to a certain third party seller who would resell at 2x-4x original price on Amazon.com.

Dark Force is simply Code Red's latest method for maximizing profit on those rare in demand titles, instead of the old Amazon third party seller or selling on his own store. No one is forcing anyone to buy them. By all means, if you don't want them don't buy them. Part of the Dark Force/Code Red business relationship may be Code Red wanting to resell those titles at higher prices on occasion through Dark Force, so DF simply declining all of them might not be an option in that deal.

[kraven]

What bill used to do is irrelevant. Other than to show what not to do. The guy that can't sell more than 300 copies is not the guy to follow.

[Marsupial Werewolf]

Originally Posted by kraven

Just stop ruin.

I've had that shill on block for a year and when I see posts like this, it only reaffirms my decision.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by kraven

What bill used to do is irrelevant. Other than to show what not to do. The guy that can't sell more than 300 copies is not the guy to follow.

Its relevant because its a code red pattern existing for years that continues to this day. The point is that its simply the way Code Red wants to operate, and Dark Force is simply the latest business partner to help Code Red operate that way.

You think Dark Force could stay afloat on sales of solely their 100% own content with no code red involvement? That would include only:

Backlot Murders
Chaos (standalone release only)
Freeway 2
Kill or Be Killed
Mirror Mirror 2


Everything else DF has put up for sale to date, including all of the Drive-In series, includes heavy Code Red involvement or are straight up Code Red releases. So DF needs to keep that business relationship going because its the bulk of their sales.

Finally, can say what you want about selling 300 but Bill is still in business and has been for a while. So he can't in reality be doing as bad as portrayed publicly or he would have closed shop a long time ago.

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by Fury Road

sbarro coupons (?)

Looks like coupons for Arby's gyros.

[Show spoiler]

There's even a big box of Mrs. Fields cookies and RedBull.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by ScorpionReleasing

To me what's amazing is both of them don't seem to understand films like race for glory or even steel Arena is not really meant for their clientele which is why those kind of titles should go through a distributor so it'll be sold at Amazon and wider venues so general audiences can purchase them, i doubt race car or motorcycle fans are aware of both of their stores

Race for Glory is definitely Kino's audience. They have a lock on movies like that.

Steel Arena's title and marketing is probably interesting enough that it would sell to some of CR's audience. But again would also perform well with Kino.

But, if they feel they have a certain # of people that will buy every title they release regardless of what it is, they may feel safe in releasing themselves if they were very cheap to license.

[Frightener22]

"HUGE NEW CODE RED ARRIVALS coming to the all new DARK FORCE SUPERSTORE like these two that you won't be able to find anywhere else! *A large portion of all Dark Force sales go towards the CODE RED/BANANA MAN RELIEF FUND.
Help BANANA MAN rebuild his business which has been devastated for almost 2 months now. William Olsen has done more for the cult home video business than any other man alive.
KEEP CODE RED & BANAN MAN ALIVE! SUPPORT CODE RED!
darkforcesuperstore.com"

[JasonMichael]

Originally Posted by Ruined

Race for Glory is definitely Kino's audience. They have a lock on movies like that.

Steel Arena's title and marketing is probably interesting enough that it would sell to some of CR's audience. But again would also perform well with Kino.

But, if they feel they have a certain # of people that will buy every title they release regardless of what it is, they may feel safe in releasing themselves if they were very cheap to license.

So now you're explaining the market place to Walt Olsen? That's self confidence!

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by JasonMichael

So now you're explaining the market place to Walt Olsen? That's self confidence!

I was agreeing with him if you actually read my post, but also offering additional points. Make sure you read the whole post before replying, it was only five sentences.

[Blu2u]

The problem I have with Code Red right now is that his store did not have to go down, according to Walt. It was an easy fix and Bill chose not to do it. What is there to feel sorry about?

[JasonMichael]

Originally Posted by Ruined

I was agreeing with him if you actually read my post, but also offering additional points. Make sure you read the whole post before replying, it was only five sentences.

I did read the whole post. Agreement or not, I doubt he needs your supporting his comments.

[AKNewbie]

Originally Posted by Dark Force

We are Dark Force not looking for positive anything. But now that you mention it, myself and a friend that works for Dark Force spent 3 months cleaning up his place last year when he went back to Seattle so he didn't get evicted. Didn't take him too long to get it in the condition it is now since returning to LA. Are we gonna clean it up again? HELL NO! And I don't see how we are the bad guys by buying stock he has laying around at the prices he wants to help out while his store is gone.

I get you are helping him, and from what we gather here and FB, you are probably his only friends.

Just bad optics in the video - just doesn't "look" like someone helping another. BM is hunched over, looking depressed and half aware of what is going on around him.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by JasonMichael

I did read the whole post. Agreement or not, I doubt he needs your supporting his comments.

I doubt the forum needs meaningless posts that criticize open discussion, which is the point of a forum.

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by Dark Force

We are restocking a bunch of the titles we got the other night. And when it reopens everyone will see that our prices are better than any place else that happens to be carrying the exact same title.

Hmm... looks like you're batting 0 for 11.

Acapulco Gold (DF: $15.99; HB: $7.95)
Alice Goodbody / Those Mad Mad Movie Makers (DF: $10.99; HB: $7.95)
Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes (DF: $12.99; HB: $9.95)
Caged Men (DF: $17.99; HB: $12.95)
Death Journey (DF: $19.99; HB: $7.95)
Electric Chair (DF: $16.99; HB: $7.95)
Foxbat (DF: $16.99; HB: $6.95)
Lord Shango (DF: $17.99; HB: $9.95)
Sasquatch / Encounter with the Unknown (DF: $13.99; HB: $7.95)
Spontaneous Combustion (DF: $15.99; HB: $12.95)
This is a Hijack (DF: $10.99; HB: $5.95)

[noirjunkie]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

Hmm... looks like you're batting 0 for 11.

Acapulco Gold (DF: $15.99; HB: $7.95)
Alice Goodbody / Those Mad Mad Movie Makers (DF: $10.99; HB: $7.95)
Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes (DF: $12.99; HB: $9.95)
Caged Men (DF: $17.99; HB: $12.95)
Death Journey (DF: $19.99; HB: $7.95)
Electric Chair (DF: $16.99; HB: $7.95)
Foxbat (DF: $16.99; HB: $6.95)
Lord Shango (DF: $17.99; HB: $9.95)
Sasquatch / Encounter with the Unknown (DF: $13.99; HB: $7.95)
Spontaneous Combustion (DF: $15.99; HB: $12.95)
This is a Hijack (DF: $10.99; HB: $5.95)

Wow. This is amazing. Time to pack it in, Dark Force.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

Hmm... looks like you're batting 0 for 11.

Acapulco Gold (DF: $15.99; HB: $7.95)
Alice Goodbody / Those Mad Mad Movie Makers (DF: $10.99; HB: $7.95)
Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes (DF: $12.99; HB: $9.95)
Caged Men (DF: $17.99; HB: $12.95)
Death Journey (DF: $19.99; HB: $7.95)
Electric Chair (DF: $16.99; HB: $7.95)
Foxbat (DF: $16.99; HB: $6.95)
Lord Shango (DF: $17.99; HB: $9.95)
Sasquatch / Encounter with the Unknown (DF: $13.99; HB: $7.95)
Spontaneous Combustion (DF: $15.99; HB: $12.95)
This is a Hijack (DF: $10.99; HB: $5.95)

Originally Posted by noirjunkie

Wow. This is amazing. Time to pack it in, Dark Force.

All of your Hamilton prices are wrong because they don't include the shipping cost and Dark Force does. With shipping included Dark Force beats Hamilton or comes close on many of those items. But hey lets drink the haterade.

How come you didn't mention SLAVE OF THE CANNIBAL GOD which is $6 cheaper at Dark Force than Ronin, and $11 cheaper at Dark Force than Diabolik?

https://darkforcesuperstore.com/slav...-ray-code-red/
https://roninflix.com/products/slave...cannibal-god-1
https://www.diabolikdvd.com/product/...asing-blu-ray/

Same goes for SIMON KING OF THE WITCHES, EROTIC NIGHTS OF THE LIVING DEAD, and several others, cheaper at DARK FORCE than RONIN or DIABOLIK. Looks like you didn't really look into this very far. Or rather, you did, but purposely only included items that fit your case and even then failed to include Hamilton's shipping cost to make the difference look larger than it is in reality.