Scream Factory Blu-ray Discussion Thread

[MTRodaba2468]

Originally Posted by Worship.my.wreck

Would love to see SF do a "Scream" box set similar to the Halloween set, and the rumored F13th set.

As of right now, Lionsgate has got the Miramax and Dimension properties, so that isn't likely at the moment.

However, if Paramount were to obtain the library, I'd have no problem with them licensing out the series to Scream Factory, as long as we got brand new transfers of the films (and preferably the uncut versions at that)...

[ShellBeacher]

Originally Posted by MTRodaba2468

As of right now, Lionsgate has got the Miramax and Dimension properties, so that isn't likely at the moment.

However, if Paramount were to obtain the library, I'd have no problem with them licensing out the series to Scream Factory, as long as we got brand new transfers of the films (and preferably the uncut versions at that)...

"ViacomCBS' Paramount Pictures has also entered an exclusive, long-term distribution agreement for Miramax's film library and an exclusive, long-term first-look agreement allowing Paramount "to develop, produce, finance and distribute new film and television projects based on Miramax's IP.""

Seems like distribution of existing titles are all Paramount's, now.

[fitprod]

Originally Posted by NeMo_ET

I have the old Prophecy collection from Miramax on blu and it has to be one of the worst transfers I've ever seen. Might be the worst in my collection. It was really bad.

Two words... Echo Bridge. (Makes Mill Creek look like Arrow)

fitprod

[DR Herbert West]

Originally Posted by NeMo_ET

I already have some of these but Fortress, The Hole, The Faculty, Existenz, Hellraiser Deader, etc. A bunch of those old miramax blus have gone OOP and were never offered as single releases. Lots of potential here.

I'd take a Collector's Edition of Fortress.

[MTRodaba2468]

Originally Posted by ShellBeacher

"ViacomCBS' Paramount Pictures has also entered an exclusive, long-term distribution agreement for Miramax's film library and an exclusive, long-term first-look agreement allowing Paramount "to develop, produce, finance and distribute new film and television projects based on Miramax's IP.""

Seems like distribution of existing titles are all Paramount's, now.

I missed the post with the news article linked, and as a result, didn't see it when I made my post. I knew Paramount was in talks but I didn't se that they'd closed on the deal. Now we just have to see if Paramount continues on being willing to license in general, and if so, whether the Miramax titles will be part of that.

Not to mention whether better materials for these titles will surface as well. For example, the Halloween box set had older scans for the theatrical cut of Curse, H20 and Resurrection, because that's what they were able to get from the then owners of the library. If those titles got individually released with new scans (or if SF were able to put out their versions with updated transfers), that would definitely be worth looking into. Same with the Scream franchise; the original trilogy is in dire need of new transfers, let alone the uncut versions.

[Mr. Thomsen]

Originally Posted by BarnDoor

A quick assessment of the Paramount deal up to this point...

Firstly I'd say that Scream have released most of the 70s-90s heavy hitters. In terms of what's left, these stand out:

Blood and Roses (probably still legal issues holding up a release)

Do you have any idea about what these rights issues might be?

[SpaceBlackKnight]

Blood and Roses was an Italian production that Paramount distributed. Scenario one would be Paramount doesn't own US rights anymore and reside with an Italian company that might be expensive or difficult to work with. Scenario two, Paramount does own US rights but the IP or OCN probably reside in a Rome vault owned by one of the Italian producers and requires a drawn out long paperwork process and $$$,$$$ to clear it.

I suspect scenario 2 since there's also other titles stuck in that whirlpool. Walt from Scorpion had mentioned a MGM owned title he tried to get had the same issue as the film elements (possible the OCN for it as well) were in Rome with an Italian company that refused to work with MGM.

[BluProofie]

So I thanked SF for releasing The Tenant and suggested Mommie Dearest and they liked the tweet. So if it comes you can thank me

[ravenus]

Last night was when I finally watched on blu-ray, the Val Lewton classic The Body-Snatcher. Of course, the film itself I have seen on DVD several times, since along with I Walked with a Zombie and The 7th Victim, it is among my favorites of the Lewton horror cycle.

Loosely adapted from an R.L. Stevenson short story, the great Boris Karloff delivers one of his best on-screen performances as John Gray, the cabman who also provides the medical school with its...erm, requirements of cadavers for study. He has a special relationship with the grand Dr. MacFarland (Henry Daniell), hinting at a shady history that compels the otherwise imperious doctor to accede to all of Gray's commands. While there are other pivotal parts (including second-billed Bela Lugosi) Karloff and Daniell are the stars of the show, both relishing their layered parts and playing off each other beautifully. This being a Lewton production, evocative visuals are a given - Visceral struggles are often depicted through silhouettes on a wall, a nightly creep through a stable provides this film's "screeching bus" moment...the crowning glory is when the camera looks impassively as a blind singer walks through a rain-soaked promenade, followed at a distance by Gray's cab until they both go out of sight, and then...understatement has rarely been more delicious. The climax goes full gothic and brilliantly succeeds at it. The Body-Snatcher is truly a masterpiece of classic horror.

The transfer on Shout's blu-ray is simply marvelous. Sourced from a 4K scan of the original negative, only the odd speckle betrays the vintage of the film. Deep blacks, exquisite detail and a fine organic grain pattern are the hallmarks of this wonderful master. The lossless mono audio, source limitations apart, is in fine fettle. In extras, the disc retains the commentary from the Warner DVD and adds the Shadows in the Dark documentary that was part of Val Lewton Horror Collection DVD set. There's a short new featurette with classic horror expert Gregory Mank talking about the film, and specifically about Karloff and Lugosi. Apart from the cover, there is also some spectacular vintage poster art on the inner side. I do hope Shout are able to release the other Lewton films I am fond of.

[JackForrester]

Originally Posted by BluProofie

So I thanked SF for releasing The Tenant and suggested Mommie Dearest and they liked the tweet. So if it comes you can thank me

[Mr. Thomsen]

Originally Posted by JackForrester

Man, that woke some memories in me. I have. only ever watched it once, as a kid, but parts of it has stayed with me since.

Isn't there a scene where 'mommy' beats up her kid with a coat hanger because she used the wrong type og coat hanger to hang her clothes?

[DR Herbert West]

Originally Posted by Mr. Thomsen

Man, that woke some memories in me. I have. only ever watched it once, as a kid, but parts of it has stayed with me since.

Isn't there a scene where 'mommy' beats up her kid with a coat hanger because she used the wrong type og coat hanger to hang her clothes?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUkE9qaVgmo

[dissention]

Everyone loves the wire hangers, though I always chuckled harder when she whacked her with the can of Old Dutch Cleanser later on in the same scene. YMMV.

Absurd movie, but Faye Dunaway is on another level the whole time. One of the greatest performances ever, idgaf.

[Member-167298]

Originally Posted by BluProofie

So I thanked SF for releasing The Tenant and suggested Mommie Dearest and they liked the tweet. So if it comes you can thank me

Especially if they include the John Waters commentary.

[ProfondoRosso]

Anyone know how many shipping locations Shout has? I placed an order of four titles. The first shipped out with one item almost right away out of TN. It’s now stuck in Georgia. The following day another package went out with two titles from KY. It looks like it’ll be delivered tomorrow. The fourth disc I assume is out of stock currently as there’s no movement on it. I just think it’s interesting how they always do these partial shipments for small orders.

[omahajon]

Just watched April Fool's Day Blu, first time seeing this movie in almost 15 years. Looked wonderful, ok selection of extras though.

[Jay H.]

Originally Posted by DR Herbert West

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUkE9qaVgmo

I love this movie for all the wrong reasons. I first saw it in Child Development class in high school. My teacher was p*ssed that I kept laughing at it. I tried to explain to her that child abuse is never funny, but bad movies are hilarious.

It didn't stop her from giving me detention. Totally worth it.

[drownsoda]

Originally Posted by KJones77

Can anyone say anything for A Quiet Place in the Country, Rasputin: The Mad Monk, The Reptile, or The Ambulance?

I'm contemplating placing an order, wouldn't want to go too over $50 (may pair 2 of those with something like The Vampire Lovers to cross the threshhold), but am struggling to pick just 2. Any help would be appreciated.

I am a big fan of A Quiet Place in the Country. I bought it and watched in December and found it really atmospheric and fun—it's a great giallo and is a bit of a one-off in Scream's catalogue. It has some creepy moments and went places I didn't necessarily expect. It somewhat reminded me of House with the Laughing Windows. Plus, it has young Franco Nero and Vanessa Redgrave, so that's an immediate plus in my book.

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by KJones77

Can anyone say anything for A Quiet Place in the Country

Quoting myself:

Originally Posted by ravenus

A Quiet Place in the Country

Blind-buy based on the reviews I read on other sites. Quiet Place has Franco Nero as an eccentric avant-garde artist who insists on moving into a crumbling villa for his work and grows obsessed with a woman that was killed in it. Vanessa Redgrave is his pragmatic girlfriend-manager who oversees the commercial aspects of his life. The film seems loosely based on Oliver Onions' classic ghost story The Beckoning Fair One and may also be inspired in its design by Jack Clayton's The Innocents. In turn I seem to see inspirations from this film in Pupi Avati's House with the Laughing Windows. While the plot is fairly straight-forward the film is shot with the sort of jump-cuts and visual juxtapositions that Nicholas Roeg became more famous for. It's not done as well as Roeg's acclaimed films but Quiet Place is a solid entry in the arty horror genre. Shout Factory give a nice organic looking presentation of the film on blu-ray, with a choice of lossless English and Italian stereo tracks. I chose English because most of the cast appeared to be mouthing their lines in that language. Ennio Morricone's atonal score is served well by the audio. Extras include a half-hour interview with Franco Nero and a commentary from Troy Howarth.

[Member-222782]

Why is Bones nearly $29 on Amazon? I thought the pricing games were over? I could order a copy direct from Shout for $6 cheaper but then shipping would kill it.