Dark Force Entertainment Discussion Thread

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by AlexIlDottore

It would be nice if DF could back up the statement that they've made many times that city of the living dead was originally meant to be a drive in movie.

I'm being polite.

https://www.cinemablend.com/dvds/Gri...1980-2218.html

Cinemablend labels this movie as a "Grindhouse Classic," and drive ins were still around at time of theatrical release despite declining in popularity. So however it's "meant" to be seen I think is a personal thing relating to how you saw it originally.

The great thing is Dark Force will be releasing a grindhouse drive in version, while Scorpion will be releasing a pristine 4k restoration - so you can get one or the other based on how you want to experience it - or better yet both for both types of experiences.

[AlexIlDottore]

Originally Posted by Ruined

https://www.cinemablend.com/dvds/Gri...1980-2218.html

Cinemablend labels this movie as a "Grindhouse Classic," and drive ins were still around at time of theatrical release despite declining in popularity. So however it's "meant" to be seen I think is a personal thing relating to how you saw it originally.

The great thing is Dark Force will be releasing a grindhouse drive in version, while Scorpion will be releasing a pristine 4k restoration - so you can get one or the other based on how you want to experience it - or better yet both for both types of experiences.

I get that. I have a problem with df repeatedly stating such a thing as fact on fb

[Dark Force]

Originally Posted by jcs913

WOW...Am I happy I waited and didn't blow $30 on this release...
Also glad I have Ruined on my ignore list...Lots of holes the last 6 pages. Easy reading.... Except for the ones who quote!!!!

Welcome back everyone! As for being happy you didn't blow $30.00 on the release...it is very likely this release will become a very valuable collectable in the very near future. As RUINED aptly pointed out the Director Jim Sotos had director's cut end credits on both of the versions on the disc. He only trimmed some drawn out slow scenes and nothing significant to tighten up the versions. Reports are in that most people are very happy about how it looks and plays now. Not to mention this is the only high def version that will ever exist on this movie. And now we have very limited inventory left and have to try and fight with Bill to get more.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by AlexIlDottore

I get that. I have a problem with df repeatedly stating such a thing as fact on fb

Why? To Dave that may be how he feels about it.

[AlexIlDottore]

Originally Posted by Ruined

Why? To Dave that may be how he feels about it.

're writing history is never a good thing.

opinion and fact. but you know this anyway.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by AlexIlDottore

're writing history is never a good thing.

opinion and fact. but you know this anyway.

I dunno I thought it was clear this was an opinion by Dark Force, not a fact.

There really aren't many (any? - but I am sure there is an exception) films where the filmmaker openly stated they intended it only to be seen in a drive-in vs a regular theater that I'm aware of.


If Dave had said something like "Gates of Hell was meant to be seen at 1.37:1" that would be a different story.

[Member-222782]

My copy of Last Victim turned up on Saturday but I didn't actually get it until today. I like the clear case and appreciate the bit of cardboard included in the packaging for extra protection

Look, I'm fine with this release. Mr. Sotos hasn't disapproved of the release in any way, right? So if the Director has no issues with this version then that's that. No point in complaining about other versions containing edits made after the fact.

[Coatchief]

Originally Posted by Dark Force

Not to mention this is the only high def version that will ever exist on this movie. And now we have very limited inventory left and have to try and fight with Bill to get more.

Any guesses when the store will open? Hoping I can nab a copy as I had not allocated enough funds the last couple of week to make a purchase. Would love to pick up one of those bundles you've been offering and am curious to see what other rare Code Red titles you were able to get from Bill.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by Cinema84

Look, I'm fine with this release. Mr. Sotos hasn't disapproved of the release in any way, right? So if the Director has no issues with this version then that's that. No point in complaining about other versions containing edits made after the fact.

When you watch it you'll see at the end of each cut an editor credit that indicates both cuts of Last Victim and Forced Entry on the disc are Sotos' directors cuts. This lines up with Dark Force's statement that Sotos' hired an editor to put together his Director's Cuts of both Last Victim and Forced Entry.

[WillieMLF]

Man, this forum feels like a like a Golden Corral after church on Sunday. I wonder how long it's going to take before the apocalypse has returned?

[GasmaskAvenger]

I have a copy of SOAWN en route to me, so I'll finally get to see what the fuss is all about.

[Lianzantoro]

Originally Posted by Ruined

https://www.cinemablend.com/dvds/Gri...1980-2218.html

Cinemablend labels this movie as a "Grindhouse Classic," and drive ins were still around at time of theatrical release despite declining in popularity. So however it's "meant" to be seen I think is a personal thing relating to how you saw it originally.

The great thing is Dark Force will be releasing a grindhouse drive in version, while Scorpion will be releasing a pristine 4k restoration - so you can get one or the other based on how you want to experience it - or better yet both for both types of experiences.

For what it's worth, I actually saw Gates of Hell at the drive-in. Does that mean that DF's release is going to be a double feature?

[HorrorBlu]

So, The Last Victim...

Is the 75 minute cut basically the entire 72 minute cut with 3 minutes of inserts? Or are the two cuts drastically different with alternate footage throughout?

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by HorrorBlu

So, The Last Victim...

Is the 75 minute cut basically the entire 72 minute cut with 3 minutes of inserts? Or are the two cuts drastically different with alternate footage throughout?

They are drastically different.

The 75min cut (1975) has more story and does a better job of building the characters as well as building more suspense. Despite being longer it's less graphic than the 72min cut.

The 72miin cut (1984) is reordered and has additional violence inserted with new actors, new narration - in some cases in new scenes and in other cases extending violent scenes from the 1975 cut with body doubles. These inserts come at the expense of plot and character development which are cut out in exchange for the violence. The longest new violent scene inserted near the beginning has a much lower grade of acting quality than the 1975 film. 1975 film was acted quite well while this particular 1984 insert is "so bad it's good" quality.

Both cuts are billed as directors cuts in the closing credits edited and restored by the same professionals.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by Lianzantoro

For what it's worth, I actually saw Gates of Hell at the drive-in. Does that mean that DF's release is going to be a double feature?

Yes but they haven't revealed what the other movie is yet.

[HorrorBlu]

Originally Posted by Ruined

They are drastically different.

The 75min cut (1975) has more story and does a better job of building the characters as well as building more suspense. Despite being longer it's less graphic than the 72min cut.

The 72miin cut (1984) is reordered and has additional violence inserted with new actors, new narration - in some cases in new scenes and in other cases extending violent scenes from the 1975 cut with body doubles. These inserts come at the expense of plot and character development which are cut out in exchange for the violence. The longest new violent scene inserted near the beginning has a much lower grade of acting quality than the 1975 film. 1975 film was acted quite well while this particular 1984 insert is "so bad it's good" quality.

Both cuts are billed as directors cuts in the closing credits edited and restored by the same professionals.

So then is the 75 minute cut entirely HD?

And the 72 minute cut is the one with the SD inserts (the new footage)?

Or do they both have SD inserts?

[cloudnine]

Originally Posted by HorrorBlu

So then is the 75 minute cut entirely HD?

And the 72 minute cut is the one with the SD inserts (the new footage)?

Or do they both have SD inserts?

Both versions are heavily cut, inserts or not.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by HorrorBlu

So then is the 75 minute cut entirely HD?

And the 72 minute cut is the one with the SD inserts (the new footage)?

Or do they both have SD inserts?

Estimating I'd say added up around 2-3 min of The Last Victim is SD inserts, the rest is very nice filmic HD with excellent color.

Forced Entry I'd say added up that figure is more like 10-15min SD inserts, and again the rest very nice quality HD.

Also its not just the violent parts that are SD, but random snippets here or there. The films were pieced together a bit, but its far less of an occurrence in The Last Victim.

[miribeau]

Originally Posted by Coatchief

Any guesses when the store will open? Hoping I can nab a copy as I had not allocated enough funds the last couple of week to make a purchase. Would love to pick up one of those bundles you've been offering and am curious to see what other rare Code Red titles you were able to get from Bill.

My car is literally falling apart and I sat here refreshing and waiting for the store to open. When it finally opens, rest assured, as soon as I've made my purchase, I'll post it here, for those who don't follow on Facebook. Of course, if I can't make one, I'll down a can of Campbell's Chicken Pot Pie soup and sulk, so you'll be on your own.

Originally Posted by GasmaskAvenger

I have a copy of SOAWN en route to me, so I'll finally get to see what the fuss is all about.

1) Anthologies.... There's just something about them.
2) SoaWN is a rare breed, with significant attention paid to the so-called bookends and those characters.
3) That fourth story being returned to the film does give you a fuller, better experience of the film, over the three-story/cut version, if you enjoy the slow burn creepy vibe of a good story-driven scary film.

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by Ruined

They are drastically different.

The 75min cut (1975) has more story and does a better job of building the characters as well as building more suspense. Despite being longer it's less graphic than the 72min cut.

The 72miin cut (1984) is reordered and has additional violence inserted with new actors, new narration - in some cases in new scenes and in other cases extending violent scenes from the 1975 cut with body doubles. These inserts come at the expense of plot and character development which are cut out in exchange for the violence. The longest new violent scene inserted near the beginning has a much lower grade of acting quality than the 1975 film. 1975 film was acted quite well while this particular 1984 insert is "so bad it's good" quality.

Both cuts are billed as directors cuts in the closing credits edited and restored by the same professionals.

As far as I know, it's not appropriate to refer to the 72-min cut as the 1984 version; it should be a 19xx/20xx version depending on when the director had that edit made. I'm sure this doesn't help to minimize the confusion.

In hindsight too, Forced Entry should have been advertised as an Unrated version since referring to it as the R-rated version isn't correct either. Edits were made to the film after the film had been rated. This would have helped consumers make an informed decision and I'm sure, to some extent, it may have lead to some additional sales since some consumers would want to check out this unique cut.