Drafthouse Films Discussion Thread

[NoirFan]

Originally Posted by Mr. Thomsen

I am a bit disappointed that Drafthouse chose this route instead of working out a deal between them.

Maybe Drafthouse tried and failed? We all know Bill isn't the most stable guy in the world, so I'm not necessarily going to believe everything he's been spouting either. I do remember at one point that Drafthouse was advertising a screening of The Vistor 'in conjunction with Code Red Entertainment', so clearly there was an attempt at one point to appease both sides.

Originally Posted by Wernsky

I can't say I'm too excited about the prospect of supporting a label that acts as a bully.

Again, based upon prior behavior and quotes, I'm not inclined to automatically take Bill's side/asserted legal position here, but in any case, give me this 'bully' - a competent and professional organization who actually keep their word and follow through on teased/announced releases on a modern, superior format that is available through multiple online channels- over the ongoing madness that is Code Red Entertainment.

Basically, if you're unable/unwilling to release anything, work out a deal with those who are active distribution companies and/or get out of the business.

[Wernski]

Maybe Drafthouse tried and failed? We all know Bill isn't the most stable guy in the world

Well, I could certainly believe this. But that doesn't give them the (legal or ethical) right to then try to shut CR's release down.

but in any case, give me this 'bully

Sure. It was pointed out in this thread before I got here that the initial fault of this whole mess was the producer who double sold the exclusive rights. So until then, I certainly wouldn't have suggested Drafthouse were in any way in the wrong.

But now, instead of taking their grievance to the producer, where it belongs, they've gone after CR, who has done nothing but sell the release he bought the rights to well before DH came into this. They clearly (unless, as you say, we're being lied to... but no party in this mess has issued a contradictory fact to date) don't have a legal right to shut down CR, but are surely doing this strictly in the (highly likely) hopes that CR won't cough up the dough to stand up for his rights. They just want CR to accept it and go away because the costs of a defense are too high - classic use of the legal system as a bullying tool.
Even if he DOES legally strike back, they've already shut down his release right now. Even though he clearly paid for the rights fair and square (again, unless you're assuming lies), he cannot sell his product now, also conveniently clearing the market for DH's release.

Basically, if you're unable/unwilling to release anything, work out a deal with those who are active distribution companies and/or get out of the business

CR's release IS out and has been for a long time. Only this C&D has just taken it off the market.

[NoirFan]

Originally Posted by Wernski

CR's release IS out and has been for a long time. Only this C&D has just taken it off the market.

Right, I was referring to their approach/behavior in general. Bill has teased/announced 10 (?) Blu-rays, all of which are vaporware to this point, over a year after the initial BD announcement. He also has, over the last decade, repeatedly teased/announced DVDs that arrived years later or in many cases not at all.

[Slasherob]

Originally Posted by zbinks

...or that the Blu-Ray gets pulled or goes OOP very shortly after release.

Is it not possible to have a dvd only release and a blu ray only release contract? I know it is not common but i feel like i have heard of this before

[zbinks]

Originally Posted by Slasherob

Is it not possible to have a dvd only release and a blu ray only release contract? I know it is not common but i feel like i have heard of this before

Depends on the contracts.

[NoirFan]

I asked Drafthouse if there was any possibility of a BD-big box VHS combo of Ms. 45:

VHS release may be down the line, since it is true to the release (like what we did with Miami Connection). There's an idea there...

There will be BD/poster bundles of both The Visitor and Ms. 45.

[Buscemi]

Originally Posted by zbinks

Depends on the contracts.

From what I remember reading, the Code Red deal ran for four years and didn't specify Blu-ray. As soon as the Code Red deal runs out (assuming they do not renew), Drafthouse can release their Blu-ray.

[NoirFan]

Originally Posted by Drafthouse

Remastered in HD from its original film negatives, Abel Ferrara's ferocious 1981 revenge classic Ms. 45 returns to theaters Friday, December 13! Starting in cities including Los Angeles, New York, Austin, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Houston, San Francisco, Seattle and more, Ms. 45 will expand to other markets through the end of the year and the beginning of 2014.

Brandon Schaefer, having made huge waves with his incredible work on our poster for The Visitor, returns to art duties for our jaw-dropping theatrical one-sheet, below:

[redrunner97]

Do they typically use their re-release art for their blu-ray?

I don't hate the cover. But it doesn't hit the mark of the film right.
Looks way too classy. Ms. 45 is a raw, dirty, nasty little movie.

[zbinks]

Originally Posted by redrunner97

Do they typically use their re-release art for their blu-ray?

I think so.

[MichaelR]

Since there doesn't appear to be a separate thread for this title (one of my favorites from Drafthouse so far):

I Declare War Blu-ray review

AFAIK, this will be the last Drafthouse title released through Image/RLJ.

[jvorhees]

Just preordered Ms .45. I have never seen it before but I love revenge flicks, especially down and dirty ones from the 1970s and early 80s.....so I have to see this

Should go well as a double feature with Death Wish which is coming out early in the new year.

[Ill_Be_Back]

Originally Posted by zbinks

I think so.

The Miami Connection release I have has reversible artwork.

[zbinks]

Originally Posted by MichaelR

Since there doesn't appear to be a separate thread for this title (one of my favorites from Drafthouse so far):

I Declare War Blu-ray review

AFAIK, this will be the last Drafthouse title released through Image/RLJ.

Did they sign up with a new distributor or will they start self-distributing?

[MichaelR]

Originally Posted by zbinks

Did they sign up with a new distributor or will they start self-distributing?

They announced a partnership with Cinedigm in September for releases beginning in 2014:

http://drafthouse.com/blog/entry/dra...-with-cinedigm

I'm still waiting to see exactly how the arrangement will be implemented.

[Shrunkenhead]

Hey folks,

Just wondering if anybody has been buying/collecting the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema line of blu-rays? I was checking out their website and noticed they had a subscription plan (which mentions some "special bonuses"---anybody know what those are?). I'm thinking about taking the plunge but thought I'd check in with my savvy fellow collectors first.

So any thoughts on their products? Thanks in advance for any responses.

[Shrunkenhead]

Btw, I meant to mention that I do own two of their blus---I was impressed with one (The Visitor) and less so with the other (Ambassador). But I'm hoping to hear comments on the line as a whole.

[kristoffer]

I have only seen 4 Lions, but of course I know of Klovn. Are their bds region all?

[xander]

I'm a big fan of their stuff, their diversity is impressive. Here's a recent thread dedicated to the Alamo line.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...ght=drafthouse

[asarg2001]

It's called DRAFTHOUSE FILMS, and the subscription plan, DRAFTHOUSE ALLIANCE, is great. Not all of the films are perfect (although a shockingly high percentage are), but they all present a full-blooded perspective far outside the mainstream. It's like the Criterion Collection's dirty little brother.