Scream Factory Blu-ray Discussion Thread

[dsman71]

Originally Posted by sonicyogurt

No, it's the absolute definition of constructive criticism:

Nitpciking - here right back at you..

nit·pick·ing
ˈnitˌpikiNG/Submit
informal
adjective
1.
looking for small or unimportant errors or faults, especially in order to criticize unnecessarily.
"a nitpicking legalistic exercise"
noun
noun: nitpicking; plural noun: nitpickings; noun: nit-picking; plural noun: nit-pickings
1.
fussy fault-finding.
"nitpicking over tiny details"


I sure hope you have better things to do in your time than this worthless back and forth business.. I know I do..

[dissention]

Originally Posted by Ray_Rogers

Shout/Scream Factory really ought to step up their game in their quality department and stop overly focusing on always settling for mediocre or slightly better transfers when they can more than excel at their game. They seem far too overly focused on quality of the cover-artwork and newer extra features, not so much on encoding and compression. Even The Duellists has tolerable enough DNR in it for me to watch rarely and many of their releases do in fact mirror very early Arrow UK quality output.

I suppose there is one major upside to Scream: the stuff they've released, warts and all, is miles above the shit that gets released under the Shout banner. The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea is the most abysmal Blu I've ever seen and they happily sent it out into the world. Portrait of a Lady is rather ugly, too, though not nearly as woeful as the former.

There's no denying that Scream puts forth effort into their releases. They commission new artwork while still retaining original poster art, they commission new extras that are usually quite good, and they went all-out for Nightbreed, one of my favorite films; they've also released a lot of my other favorites like The Video Dead, Terrorvision, From Beyond, and The Phantom of the Opera in lovely packages.

However, their business model is to license out available masters from studios and what they're given isn't always top-notch. Why compound the issue with questionable encodes that result in compression problems? It makes no sense. Four years in and it's something they should have gotten a handle on, not willfully ignored. (There are also other issues like that weird error in High Spirits with white lines & dialogue in one spot being clipped off.)

They are not a charity, they are not in business because they're simply goodhearted people who want to bring us smiles & rainbows & sweet treats to suckle. They are a business, we are consumers, we have every right to question the product at hand. The same kind of problems plagued Arrow and they improved. It's not a major stumbling block that can't be rectified.

[TripleHBK]

Originally Posted by Ray_Rogers

Shout/Scream Factory really ought to step up their game in their quality department and stop overly focusing on always settling for mediocre or slightly better transfers when they can more than excel at their game. They seem far too overly focused on quality of the cover-artwork and newer extra features, not so much on encoding and compression. Even The Duellists has tolerable enough DNR in it for me to watch rarely and many of their releases do in fact mirror very early Arrow UK quality output.
C'mon, it's 2015. On my birthday in 2011, Sony released TAXI DRIVER which utilized a brand new 4K remaster and restoration which has perfect compression along with encoding, especially special features. The 4K with zero extras is literally the same encode used from the features laden disc but uses far higher bitrate. Same goes for their releases for GHOSTBUSTERS 1 & 2 which I'm never purchasing again until UHD Blu and too many other titles to list which have perfect releases on Blu, especially THE EVIL DEAD.
If they can't get their act together and start making solid releases as other companies have made a complete turn-around, Universal is finally making the full go ahead to redeem theirselves for their older transfers more currently (High Plains Drifter, In the Name of the Father, and some other titles already count,) they'll be far behind on current PQ/AQ we film enthusiasts currently expect for catalog releases. Not middling piss poor transfers with excess DNR/EE, that was expected far back when Blu-ray was in its infancy and shouldn't even be accepted now and even in the future.
Why they're even considering Steelbooks in the first place when many of their releases are mediocre in terms of PQ is utterly pointless when they ought to get proper training by the scanning and compressionists from other companies. Booklets are still fine though.
If there's a dual release from both Arrow UK and Shout/Scream Factory, more often than not I'm going to flat out choose the former over the latter due to overall quality instead of having a release be comprimised due to improper use of tools in the mastering process. Only my opinion though and just a preference, including having more options available to myself. Too many.

I know you didn't just compare Taxi Driver to the material Scream Factory puts out. Studios are willing to remaster films that have historical significance and widespread appeal... Not so much for a film like The Phantom of the opera 1989. It's unfair to expect the same high level of care (and budget) for both titles as I guarentee Phantom will never have anything close.

I'd love 4k remastered transfers of all of Screams releases... But it's never going to happen. Expectations should be kept in check knowing this when reviewing a disk. It's one thing to point out that the encodes could be better, that contrast and black levels are just ok, etc etc. But when people get hung up on a blink and you'll miss it moment where grain freezes or clumps together etc. and then THAT becomes the focus of the thread rather than all the other aspects of the release is when I have a problem.

Far to often I see people saying that the releases are terrible and not worth owning. However for many of us, a step up from DVD (flaws and all) is still worth owning. Being critical is one thing... Being overly sensitive to every minor problem is something else.

[Cevolution]

^ Members misspelling disc is becoming a bad habit that I'm seeing more and more on here

[Mateo Sanboval]

Originally Posted by Markgway

Re. Universal titles:

I'd like to see both Nighthawks (especially uncut) and The Hunted (the one where Christopher Lambert kicks ninja ass).

Genius,mate. I've said it before, but The Hunted is a kick ass flick and Joan Chen deserved the Academy Award that year for side boob.

Originally Posted by Pete Rock

Haven't seen Nighthawks but I would love to see The Hunted on blu. My favorite Christopher Lambert movie after the original Highlander.

Pete, you haven't seen Nighthawks? Watch it. Watch it now. Watch it on a VHS you found in a puddle. Just watch it. And don't tarry, man!

[Mateo Sanboval]

Also, if folks are wondering why people are talking about action movies in the Scream thread, it's because this latest round of incessant bickering is the definition of boring. General notes about civility aside, there is absolutely nothing wrong with people voicing their opinions on the video and audio quality of a release on a blu-ray massage board. If everyone simply let those same folks have their say without feeling the need for endless rebuttals, as we generally do when an opinion is shared about a film itself, then this conversation would be over already. Whether it's my equipment or becsuse of my peepers, I rarely notice what folks here critique and when I do, it rarely bothers me. That said, how could anyone dispute the right of people who do see and are bothered to voice that in a forum like this one? Now everyone's said what they don't like and everyone else has said what they do, please, someone take the slightly higher road and stop responding. This thread is starting to read like how I imagine reality television sounds.

[willo007]

Is there an update with Scream Factory & Steelbook releases?

[Rz_Samurai]

I was just going to ask the same thing

Originally Posted by willo007

Is there an update with Scream Factory & Steelbook releases?

[Ray_Rogers]

Originally Posted by dissention

I suppose there is one major upside to Scream: the stuff they've released, warts and all, is miles above the shit that gets released under the Shout banner. The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea is the most abysmal Blu I've ever seen and they happily sent it out into the world. Portrait of a Lady is rather ugly, too, though not nearly as woeful as the former.

There's no denying that Scream puts forth effort into their releases. They commission new artwork while still retaining original poster art, they commission new extras that are usually quite good, and they went all-out for Nightbreed, one of my favorite films; they've also released a lot of my other favorites like The Video Dead, Terrorvision, From Beyond, and The Phantom of the Opera in lovely packages.

However, their business model is to license out available masters from studios and what they're given isn't always top-notch. Why compound the issue with questionable encodes that result in compression problems? It makes no sense. Four years in and it's something they should have gotten a handle on, not willfully ignored. (There are also other issues like that weird error in High Spirits with white lines & dialogue in one spot being clipped off.)

They are not a charity, they are not in business because they're simply goodhearted people who want to bring us smiles & rainbows & sweet treats to suckle. They are a business, we are consumers, we have every right to question the product at hand. The same kind of problems plagued Arrow and they improved. It's not a major stumbling block that can't be rectified.

I just hope they improve and I know they have to work with what's been given them, but they could aim higher too with what they have. I too really want the Night Breed 3-Disc set and for many titles for me it's pick and choosing along with heavy amounts of research for certain titles. Also glad they're releasing titles which some of the studios don't even have on their release slate.

Originally Posted by TripleHBK

I know you didn't just compare Taxi Driver to the material Scream Factory puts out. Studios are willing to remaster films that have historical significance and widespread appeal... Not so much for a film like The Phantom of the opera 1989. It's unfair to expect the same high level of care (and budget) for both titles as I guarentee Phantom will never have anything close.

I'd love 4k remastered transfers of all of Screams releases... But it's never going to happen. Expectations should be kept in check knowing this when reviewing a disk. It's one thing to point out that the encodes could be better, that contrast and black levels are just ok, etc etc. But when people get hung up on a blink and you'll miss it moment where grain freezes or clumps together etc. and then THAT becomes the focus of the thread rather than all the other aspects of the release is when I have a problem.

Far to often I see people saying that the releases are terrible and not worth owning. However for many of us, a step up from DVD (flaws and all) is still worth owning. Being critical is one thing... Being overly sensitive to every minor problem is something else.

It is far easier for the studios theirselves to go and fully remaster and restore any film they're willing to instead of a company which usually grabs different licenses and hopes for the best. Just wishing they'd demand far better materials to work with but I'm glad with what we've been given.
Guess with my current wants for my collection I'm expecting more than can be offered and be glad with what they're doing. Just the QC ought to be far greater standards.
But I still enjoy being able to choose any release currently available on the globe to add to my collection. One of the benefits of being a Blu-ray collector, being able to do comparisons and more.

I'd rather they go for booklets instead of Steelbooks, more boxsets of film series especially of previously released titles, and more 1970's and 1980's actioneers.

[Martin_31]

Originally Posted by Mateo Sanboval

Also, if folks are wondering why people are talking about action movies in the Scream thread, it's because this latest round of incessant bickering is the definition of boring. General notes about civility aside, there is absolutely nothing wrong with people voicing their opinions on the video and audio quality of a release on a blu-ray massage board. If everyone simply let those same folks have their say without feeling the need for endless rebuttals, as we generally do when an opinion is shared about a film itself, then this conversation would be over already. Whether it's my equipment or becsuse of my peepers, I rarely notice what folks here critique and when I do, it rarely bothers me. That said, how could anyone dispute the right of people who do see and are bothered to voice that in a forum like this one? Now everyone's said what they don't like and everyone else has said what they do, please, someone take the slightly higher road and stop responding. This thread is starting to read like how I imagine reality television sounds.

I agree. People can post about the pros and cons about a release, but eventually someone needs to stop responding. It becomes total bickering. On one side the fans protect Scream Factory, and the other side is accused of being "overly critical and nit-picking." It's time to find a middle ground. Scream Factory is not perfect, but they should improve on encoding and compression. They do excel in artwork and special features, but the majority of their titles suffer from picture quality. This is the reason why I read the forums. I want to know the good and bad aspects of the Blu-ray. I don't want to read overly praised Blu-ray's and be disappointed, and I don't want to read only negative comments that might lead me to regret not buying it. We have to see both sides of the issues in a factual manner.

[Ray_Rogers]

Originally Posted by Martin_31

Haha yeah I agree. People can post about the pros and cons about a release but eventually someone need to stop responding. It becomes total bickering. On one side the fans protect Scream Factory and the other side is accused of being "overly critical and nit-picking." It's time to find a middle ground. Scream Factory is not perfect, but they should improve on encoding and compression. They do excel in artwork and special features but the majority
of their titles suffer from picture quality. This is the reason why I read the forums. I want to know the good and bad aspects of the Blu-ray. I don't want to read overly praised Blu-ray's and be disappointed and I don't want to read only negative views that might lead me to regret not buying it. We have to see both sides of the issues in a factual manner.

Same. I don't want a biased review for a title, sure I don't mind if it's someones favorites or whichever, but I want them to reveiw all the pros and cons for all the releases so it's more comprehensive. Especially if they know if the image of the releases more closely follows the original theatrical showing in terms of tinting and more. Same for original cinematic lossless audio tracks in proper quality. Agreed on the majority of their titles need a picture quality rehaul but I'm glad they go ahead and design new covers along with making more special features.
As others and I've said, they need to make an Arrow UK with what the company has done and is still doing. Listen to their fans and listen to the criticisms of their old releases and work on exceeding expectations. For a boutique label and imprint such as Shout and Scream, they should've been knocking them out of the park by now with buyers being more than confident buying their releases with little research instead of almost always waiting for reviews and even more research before making a surefire purchase.
So for me it's PQ/AQ encoding/compression needs a huge step up, keep with the great bonus features they produce, still offer the new covers with the original artwork on the reverse, etc. before they even remotely consider even dual releasing titles in Steelbook format. Thick booklets with highly informative information are fine though.

[Martin_31]

Originally Posted by Ray_Rogers

Same. I don't want a biased review for a title, sure I don't mind if it's someones favorites or whichever, but I want them to reveiw all the pros and cons for all the releases so it's more comprehensive. Especially if they know if the image of the releases more closely follows the original theatrical showing in terms of tinting and more. Same for original cinematic lossless audio tracks in proper quality. Agreed on the majority of their titles need a picture quality rehaul but I'm glad they go ahead and design new covers along with making more special features.
As others and I've said, they need to make an Arrow UK with what the company has done and is still doing. Listen to their fans and listen to the criticisms of their old releases and work on exceeding expectations. For a boutique label and imprint such as Shout and Scream, they should've been knocking them out of the park by now with buyers being more than confident buying their releases with little research instead of almost always waiting for reviews and even more research before making a surefire purchase.
So for me it's PQ/AQ encoding/compression needs a huge step up, keep with the great bonus features they produce, still offer the new covers with the original artwork on the reverse, etc. before they even remotely consider even dual releasing titles in Steelbook format. Thick booklets with highly informative information are fine though.

Yup! I would rather have them use there energy in producing higher quality Blu-ray's with excellent picture and audio quality than releasing steelbooks. If they would up their game, Scream would be on the same level as Criterion and Arrow. I'm just hoping that Scream hears that fans want them to improve on their PQ and AQ Blu-ray's. Even more now that they're going to probably release some Universal titles.

[Sky_Captain]

Originally Posted by dsman71

And you can be the charter member

[Show spoiler]

[Member-222782]

Originally Posted by willo007

Is there an update with Scream Factory & Steelbook releases?

Updates to be posted on the upcoming "regular" (non-nitpick) Shout thread

[TripleHBK]

Originally Posted by Cevolution

^ Members misspelling disc is becoming a bad habit that I'm seeing more and more on here

Haha Point taken. I'll try to do better in the future. I've never really bothered to look up the difference between "Disc" and Disk, and I've seen (and used) both interchangeably for years. Your the first to point out that I was incorrect in my use.

[fuzzymctiger]

It's becoming apparent that's Scream Factory is less a cult label in the films it releases, and more cult in the fact that is has an undying following. People previously have mentioned the people who rabidly ask that Scream get every movie before other labels, and there are those who refuse to believe anything bad about them, even those written in the most polite constructive manner.

When the words "hater" and "armchair critic" start getting thrown around in response those addressing well known and long present issues brought up by reviewers, and even people start rebutting reviewers, it becomes quite apparently similar to those who will rabidly defend their favorite TV series or show if anyone declares it less than perfect.

At this point it's best to give up, it's clear none of this is going to go through to th die hard fans, and sadly also Scream themselves, who have seen those forums and acknowledge "they aren't perfect but are doing their best", and see most of this as "hate". When the label itself can't take the criticism, there's no point anymore.

[StingingVelvet]

Originally Posted by fuzzymctiger

It's becoming apparent that's Scream Factory is less a cult label in the films it releases, and more cult in the fact that is has an undying following. People previously have mentioned the people who rabidly ask that Scream get every movie before other labels, and there are those who refuse to believe anything bad about them, even those written in the most polite constructive manner.

It's extremely common internet behavior (and more hidden but still common real life behavior). I've written papers on it and taught classes about it and everything, it's not surprising. Generally the people doing it don't even realize they are, self-deception is very common in human beings.

You can even connect this company or brand cult phenomenon with larger social concepts like patriotism, religion, cults, racism, sexism and whatever else, if you wanted to. Many studies have. In essence human beings have a natural tribal mentality that pushes them to join teams and then take on an us-or-them attitude. A ton of both important and unimportant behaviors boil down to these instincts.

/sociology professor

[spawningblue]

Their Universal transfers will not great, accept that now so we don't have to spend three pages arguing about it. Look at Arrow's transfer for People Under the Stairs. With Universal, you get what you get.

As for Scream's transfers in general, I have never had a problem with them. I thought Halloween 3 looked great! I'm a big fan of their work, but that's not the reason I don't have a problem with their transfers. I just don't notice it. Even when people post screenshots for comparison, I never see what all the hoopla is about. Most of the issues aren't really noticeable if not blown up from a still.

The bottom line is, Scream releases what transfers they are given. They probably kill Arrow in sales, so why would they change and start spending extra money on new transfers. Like someone said, they are a business to make money. They are that rare cult company that has hit the mainstream and are almost as important as some of the mainstream labels. 95% of the people probably don't notice these issues, so why change to appease a handful of people on Bluray.com. The truth is this site has a reputation for nitpicking stuff to death. Really, check out other forums, people talk. As for whether or not Scream listens, well they know this has been going on lately on this site, that being said they seemed more sickened about it then willing to change.

That being said, I'm not necessarily saying people should stop complaining. I think asking them to at least improve their encodes is a reasonable request for those that it bothers, although again I've never had a problem. Just don't be surprised if nothing changes. I'm sure people would still find some thing to complain about anyway. Escape from New York is the best it has ever looked, and people complain there are a few seconds of a blue line visible on screen. Everyone complained the old MGM transfer was too dark, Scream lightens it to a more natural look, people complain it is too light.

[TripleHBK]

Just picked up both Pumpkinhead and the Ghoulies double feature using the $10 off Sears coupon for $29.08 Shipped. For those willing to take a chance, both Sleepawaycamp II and III are available for pre-order on Sears.com for 17.99 each. Get yourself a $10 coupon code and you can (in theory) get both for around $28 after shipping and tax.

[NoirFan]

Thanks for the heads-up, I ordered Class of 1984 and Invaders from Mars for $26.68 shipped. What with Blowitoutahere's inactivity, I've fallen far behind with my US pre-orders!