Scream Factory Blu-ray Discussion Thread

[demonknight]

Originally Posted by NoirFan

I honestly don't know, I had just assumed it was one of the two or three guys they usually use. It certainly didn't look unique enough to make me think it wasn't one of them.

Ghoulish Gary Pullin did it, instead of Nathan, Captain Controversy, the Prison/From Beyond guy, or TheDudeDesigns. Come to think of it, who did Phantasm 2?

[Liquid_Swords]

I like Arrow's artwork compared to Scream Factory, but that's me

[NoirFan]

Originally Posted by Liquid_Swords

I like Arrow's artwork compared to Scream Factory, but that's me

I like Arrow's artwork now, but always go with original art with their releases as well. As an added bonus, the reverse covers don't have those insane ratings logs.

[Seymour]

I honestly think the new artwork they come up with is a waste of money. Just put the original theatrical poster on the cover and be done with it. Then, they could put that money they've saved towards making sure that all of their BDs include ENG subtitles.

I highly doubt the new art has increased sales, whatsoever. But including ENG subs with all of their releases would, I think.

[TripleHBK]

While I'm not much of a fan of the Darkman art (or the movie for that matter) I will say that I actually do like that these releases all look similar. If there's one thing I enjoy it's similarity between like products, and while these certainly all have very different covers, there is enough going on in them to immediately recognize them as Scream Titles. I enjoy the basic Criterion set up (The numbered spines, White C, etc) but often find their covers very much lacking.. but again, I enjoy the similarities and they far outweigh the problems I may have with individual cover art.

If this is going to be the ongoing theme for Scream Factory titles I'm all for it. Strange/new yet familiar Slip cover art, with classic poster art on the flip side. It allows each movie to be it's own entity and yet it also allows them all to feel a part of a series. It's the best of both world's really... Like putting your scream titles all together? then the art work will blend nicely. Like your titles alphabetically? Then the individual art works just as well.

[NoirFan]

Originally Posted by Seymour

I highly doubt the new art has increased sales, whatsoever.

You don't think the gory, bold, cartoonish covers emphasizing the actors/characters/monsters appeal to teenagers and early 20-somethings who may otherwise be unfamiliar with the movies? I have no empirical data to back that up, of course, but it makes sense to me.


Edit: Of course, with Best Buy not carrying most (all?) of these, chain stores a thing of the past and most people making their purchases online, a colorful cover designed to attract the casual browser in a store may in fact no longer be necessary.

[zbinks]

Originally Posted by demonknight

Come to think of it, who did Phantasm 2?

James Rheem Davis

[Seymour]

Originally Posted by NoirFan

You don't think the gory, colorful, cartoonish covers emphasizing the actors/characters appeal to teenagers and early 20-somethings who may otherwise be unfamiliar with the movies? I have no empirical data to back that up, of course, but it makes sense to me.

I suppose if they're simpleminded and/or slightly retarded. But aren't these teenagers/young people just as likely to download it (legally or not) if they're not familiar with it? It's not like SF BDs are available eveywhere, where folks are likely to stumble upon them accidentally. Consumers have to search them out, and they probably have some idea of what they're getting themselves into.

So to answer your question: No, I don't think the artwork has any effect on sales.

Edit: I just noticed that you amended your original post.

[Liquid_Swords]

I liked the Phantasm II artwork.

[demonknight]

Originally Posted by zbinks

James Rheem Davis

Yeah. I checked that up on the Picture Archives at their Facebook before I saw your post. He did a good job. I still think that Halloween 2&3 are the best pieces that they have put out.

His Precinct 13 was great as well.

[ultlife2013]

Originally Posted by Liquid_Swords

I liked the Phantasm II artwork.

It was a nice cover.

[ultlife2013]

Originally Posted by demonknight

Yeah. I checked that up on the Picture Archives at their Facebook before I saw your post. He did a good job. I still think that Halloween 2&3 are the best pieces that they have put out.

Why ask the forum if you're just going to google it? You don't trust our research skills?

[FelixFlankin]

That Darkman art is extremely bad. I am extremely glad they are putting these films out, but I'm getting pretty good at reversing the cover art the second I get the movie now. They just seem...really uninspired.

[demonknight]

Originally Posted by ultlife2013

Why ask the forum if you're just going to google it? You don't trust our research skills?

Quite the opposite. I wanted to know fast, and knowing that not all questions are answered on the forum, I took matters into my own hands. I trust you guys.

[davidthenikonuser]

Originally Posted by demonknight

Really? Nobody else has an opinion about this? Please voice it. I am curious.

It's ok, I'm just glad I can flip it over for the original art.

[NoirFan]

Originally Posted by Seymour

I suppose if they're simpleminded and/or slightly retarded.

Of course they are, they're teenagers!

[demonknight]

Originally Posted by davidthenikonuser

It's ok, I'm just glad I can flip it over for the original art.

Yeah. I don't think that it's awful either. It just needs some time to grow on me. It's just, probably, the least good one that they've put out.

[TripleHBK]

Originally Posted by Seymour

I suppose if they're simpleminded and/or slightly retarded. But aren't these teenagers/young people just as likely to download it (legally or not) if they're not familiar with it? It's not like SF BDs are available eveywhere, where folks are likely to stumble upon them accidentally. Consumers have to search them out, and they probably have some idea of what they're getting themselves into.

So to answer your question: No, I don't think the artwork has any effect on sales.

Edit: I just noticed that you amended your original post.

How many people do you know that activity check if a movie has English subtitles. The ONLY time I ever hear/see it mentioned is places where people Bootleg the film. I have a hard time believing Eng Subs boosts sales much either... UNLESS of course, someone already knows of the film, is from over seas, AND doesn't want to buy the version available locally.

For what it's worth, I haven't rented a movie in almost 15 years. I Blind Buy a LARGE majority of my movies based solely on the commercials/Forum Comments/and Trailers. During the first part of the 2000's I made it a point to walk into FYE/Best Buy and purchase the most interesting Horror movie I could find... and it was usually based on the cover. This is how I came across Last House on the Left, and I Spit on Your Grave. I still follow this same approach to some extent as well. It has let me down only a hand full of times (10,000 BC, NINJA) but has also worked wonderfully and made the movies that much more enjoyable.

I do agree that movies should come with Eng subs as a given, but thinking that the English subs themselves are a bullet point and are going to increase sales over cool/crazy cover art is simply crazy to me.

[Seymour]

Originally Posted by TripleHBK

How many people do you know that activity check if a movie has English subtitles.

People that need/want them? And you agree that every SF BD should include them, so what's the problem. I just made a point, that the newly commissioned artwork they pay for has no effect on sales at all, but the inclusion of ENG subtitles probably would. Seems pretty logical...

[willieconway]

I don't check if English subs are listed in the specs because I assume they're included (it's 2013!).

Once in a while my assumption is wrong and I suck it up and learn. For example, I no longer buy Olive Films BDs. Not including English subs is a disgrace.