Dark Force Entertainment Discussion Thread

[tardif]

I have to say, I did enjoy Demon and Bill’s pre-show entertainment on Facebook. Did anyone here manage to catch the show?

[cgurley]

Well whatever they are doing seems to be working. Despite all the people that won't buy anything from them, there is only one left of the gold magnum pak. Everything else for Dead Pit is gone.

[drumlewi]

I tried to order Dead Pit from my phone while I was at work but Google told me the site was dangerous and my information could be stolen. By the time I got home and checked the site on my laptop it was sold out except for one bundle which I was not interested in. I guess I'll just wait for the regular version and save some money.

[Sector Drone]

Originally Posted by cgurley

Well whatever they are doing seems to be working. Despite all the people that won't buy anything from them, there is only one left of the gold magnum pak. Everything else for Dead Pit is gone.

It looks like more $40 slipcovers and $100 bundles will be in our futures.

[Sleazeaddict]

so in the end no shipping outside usa ? dead pit available for 5 minutes middle of the night here.

money will be well spent elsewhere...

[thechicken]

I was decidedly not in for Dead Pit but hope there was nobody UK based who wanted a copy - both times it has gone live (at a not previously announced time) and sold out in full somewhere between the hours of ~midnight and ~7am.

What’s most disappointing is the hype tactics seem to be working - shifting 1000 copies in such a short space of time (at that price point, for that film) is impressive. But means we are only going to see more of this going forward, and I can’t see myself buying any new dark force releases going forward (even if I’m blessed enough to be awake for one) if this is going to be their strategy

[movieben1138]

Do Dark Forces normally sit a long time on orders? I placed one on the 5th for two blu-rays that still hasn't shipped. I got used to waiting when ordering directly from Code Red, but I'm shocked these guys are taking this long.

[Sixer]

Originally Posted by thechicken

I was decidedly not in for Dead Pit but hope there was nobody UK based who wanted a copy - both times it has gone live (at a not previously announced time) and sold out in full somewhere between the hours of ~midnight and ~7am.

What’s most disappointing is the hype tactics seem to be working - shifting 1000 copies in such a short space of time (at that price point, for that film) is impressive. But means we are only going to see more of this going forward, and I can’t see myself buying any new dark force releases going forward (even if I’m blessed enough to be awake for one) if this is going to be their strategy

I was and tbh the companies antics have put me off buying from them again. I wouldn't be surprised if more copies will be 'found' also letting people buy multiple copies is just bad too. Apparently orders in the region of 15 copies have gone out. Madness. My money is now going to scorpion, VS, MM, Severin etc.

[WinterBox]

Just imagine if they put a 2 limit from the get go. Everyone who wanted a copy (with slip) would have gotten one. What a shame.

[Sixer]

Originally Posted by WinterBox

Just imagine if they put a 2 limit from the get go. Everyone who wanted a copy (with slip) would have gotten one. What a shame.

Or a 1 limit like some of the VS releases which have double or treble the units of Dead Pit. Also 'glow in dark' slipcases, didnt Grindhouse do this already like 3 or 4 years ago

[Member-222782]

Originally Posted by thechicken

... But means we are only going to see more of this going forward, and I can’t see myself buying any new dark force releases going forward (even if I’m blessed enough to be awake for one) if this is going to be their strategy

The good news is, no other label seems to be interested in engaging in similar tactics - yet. The labels I tend to patronize are all reputable and established legit businesses so I don't envision them resorting to such lowbrow carnival games to make a buck. Luckily for me, Dark Force doesn't sell the types of movies I crave enough to purchase so, as long as this BS is confined to DF I won't lose any sleep.

[Hedji]

Originally Posted by cgurley

Well whatever they are doing seems to be working.

Yes, for the short term, it is. They sold out (supposedly). Hooray.

But at what cost? People will only put up with this for so long. Fool me once, that kind of thing. It's pretty easy to read behind the lines of the facebook hype now and see precisely what is going on.

The good news for me personally is, none of these are titles I can't live without, so have at it and good luck to those who want to try for them.

It's only a matter of time before this does real damage, eroding whatever customer loyalty they may have. Plenty of other places to spend money without feeling like a chump who got taken advantage.

Did you notice there is no one talking about the film itself or how good it looks?

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by Hedji

Did you notice there is no one talking about the film itself or how good it looks?

That's a great point, especially since Dark Force already announced they will be releasing exactly the same product sans slipcover for less money soon.

So, are people actually interested in the disc/movie, or more just in the glow in the dark cardboard slipcover? Or perhaps people are interested in the slipcover version since it is limited?

Regardless of reason, it should be again noted that the movie will still be available and at a cheaper price point without slip now that the slipcover has sold out. So no one is going to be denied getting the movie here, just the glow in the dark cardboard slip.

[Jope]

if bill were smart, and with him having paid to do an HD master, he'll eventually license the title to other overseas label in an attempt to recoup some of his costs, if he really does own the title outright like he claims. if/when that happens, i'll just import.

to quote zeus carver, i'm not jumping through hoops for some psycho.

[Puffy]

Originally Posted by Ruined

So, are people actually interested in the disc/movie, or more just in the glow in the dark cardboard slipcover? Or perhaps people are interested in the slipcover version since it is limited

I’m a fan of the movie. The slip is nice and all but my desire to get this now has more to do with my impatience. I don’t really want to wait months for the standard version.

I’m probably in the minority but ultimately the tactics, if continued, deter me from blind buying anything, at least when it’s new. Like I’m not going to F5 for The Banker. I didn’t mess with SOWN. The hype machine doesn’t work with me, just frustrating for myself and others who are genuinely interested in the movie.

[Puffy]

Actually, another way to put it:

I’m not sure the strategy is good for the long term. Rather than create a fan base who browses the store and picks up titles on the regular, I feel like they’re just making people get in and get out, not to mess with it again until something else they want comes along.

Personal anecdote but VS for example. Due to quality of product and customer service, not to mention consistent store hours... I visit frequently and try out titles I never thought I would, like Pets and A Climax of Blue Power

I’ve never done that at DF.

[Sixer]

Originally Posted by Puffy

Actually, another way to put it:

I’m not sure the strategy is good for the long term. Rather than create a fan base who browses the store and picks up titles on the regular, I feel like they’re just making people get in and get out, not to mess with it again until something else they want comes along.

Personal anecdote but VS for example. Due to quality of product and customer service, not to mention consistent store hours... I visit frequently and try out titles I never thought I would, like Pets and A Climax of Blue Power

I’ve never done that at DF.

Agreed.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by Puffy

Actually, another way to put it:

I’m not sure the strategy is good for the long term. Rather than create a fan base who browses the store and picks up titles on the regular, I feel like they’re just making people get in and get out, not to mess with it again until something else they want comes along.

Personal anecdote but VS for example. Due to quality of product and customer service, not to mention consistent store hours... I visit frequently and try out titles I never thought I would, like Pets and A Climax of Blue Power

I’ve never done that at DF.

DF is using a similar method to the Mondotees collectibles strategy, which is basically as you describe. There havent been any other labels that tried this strategy with Blu thus far . But Mondo has been ultra successful with this model.

[eric_angelus]

Yep this company can put it right where the monkey puts the nuts. I love collecting movies, I am a sucker for limited editions, I like The Dead Pit enough. But I also like taking my money and giving it to a company that shows something other than contempt for its customers. In this instance I ordered three used movies for less than $30 from Family Video that would have cost me 60 new. That other $30 will go to Vinegar Syndrome for a lovely Hellmaster Blu with a gorgeous slipcover. No hoops. no fuss.

[Fiocca_Cola]

Originally Posted by Ruined

DF is using a similar method to the Mondotees collectibles strategy, which is basically as you describe. There havent been any other labels that tried this strategy with Blu thus far . But Mondo has been ultra successful with this model.

Comparing DF’s “success” to Mondo’s success?