Black Christmas (1974)

[Wernski]

I'm thinking this might just be a region A version of Capelight's recent blu in Germany with the new extras and all...

[mar3o]

Originally Posted by TripleHBK

It also included lost/uncut footage that was in notably worse condition than the rest of the film. Anchor bay may have decided that going the way they did was preferable since they could give the complete uncut version of the film and minimize the complaining from people saying the film had been cut and footage was missing. It would appear that the elements for those scenes are gone, possibly forever. So what would have been better... slightly better picture quality and those scenes removed, or Completely uncut but an upscaled image? Personally I think this was a Damned if they Do, Damned if they Don't situation. Had they just not released it at all we'd all still be complaining about never having the chance to own it. I picked it up for $10 and am more than satisfied with it. I'd love better picture, but if my only option was no release at all, than I'm happy with what i have.

I'll likely be grabbing this new Steelbook edition regardless if it's available for a similar price. I'm liking the new design and I hadn't gotten around to grabbing the initial release yet, so good or bad, as long as it's no worse than whats already available I'll grab this version instead.

SNDL was remastered by Fangoria, but it was only the R-rated theatrical version that was remastered. AB chose to release an upscale instead of using the newly mastered version as a base. They should have used Fangoria's master and patched in the rough unrated footage as branching so we'd have a choice. That's what was done with My Bloody Valentine - a great-looking master combined with branching rough uncut footage, giving us the choice of watching either version. Instead AB went cheap, knowing full well that the fans were hoping the blu-ray would include the new remaster.

The version available from HULU is the remastered R-rated cut. The HULU version actually looks better than the AB blu-ray.

[mar3o]

Originally Posted by Wernski

I'm thinking this might just be a region A version of Capelight's recent blu in Germany with the new extras and all...

Would that be a bad thing? How does the German version look?

[Rockercub]

Originally Posted by mar3o

Would that be a bad thing? How does the German version look?

I think it's a small, but noticeable improvement, but over on Caps-A-Holic, it's been accused of being the same encode zoomed in with DNR to hide the artifacts.

[Dylan34]

Originally Posted by mar3o

SNDL was remastered by Fangoria, but it was only the R-rated theatrical version that was remastered. AB chose to release an upscale instead of using the newly mastered version as a base. They should have used Fangoria's master and patched in the rough unrated footage as branching so we'd have a choice. That's what was done with My Bloody Valentine - a great-looking master combined with branching rough uncut footage, giving us the choice of watching either version. Instead AB went cheap, knowing full well that the fans were hoping the blu-ray would include the new remaster.

The version available from HULU is the remastered R-rated cut. The HULU version actually looks better than the AB blu-ray.

Ever since Starz took over AB their stuff is hit and miss. The only series they treat well is Halloween and Evil Dead because that's their bread and butter. They know if they botch those 2 that they lose all their customers.

[Braktastic]

Originally Posted by Dylan34

Ever since Starz took over AB their stuff is hit and miss. The only series they treat well is Halloween and Evil Dead because that's their bread and butter. They know if they botch those 2 that they lose all their customers.

Ugh. I was excited, until I heard this was to be a Starz/AB release. Their catalog releases have absolutely sucked recently. The most recent disaster being The Osterman Weekend. I would definitely wait for reviews on this one before buying.

[filmmusic]

Yes, it's really frustrating they're releasing it.
If only Arrow released it, i think the results would be exceptional!

[spawningblue]

Originally Posted by Dylan34

Ever since Starz took over AB their stuff is hit and miss. The only series they treat well is Halloween and Evil Dead because that's their bread and butter. They know if they botch those 2 that they lose all their customers.

And even Halloween and Evil Dead are the not the ultimate editions they deserve. Halloween you have to buy the Scream collection to get everything together in one package, Evil Dead is pretty much barebones unless you were lucky enough to get the limited edition, and even that is still missing extras found on the Ultimate Edition DVD. Anchor Bay is definitely one of the worst studios out there right now, at least as far as catalog titles are concerned. They are all about putting as little effort into their releases as they can.

[Nailwraps]

I like to think that since they have a deal with The Weinstein Company (and now ITV probably), that we've entered into a new age (and I say that as a good thing). Think about it; they released Big Eyes, Paddington, and soon Aquarius all of which are big hits of today and they deliver them, it's like their golden age all over again.

It doesn't mean though they stopped releasing classic titles. Less than it used to be, yes, but still. Plus if they have a deal with ITV, we can suggest that they look into Space: 1999 and UFO.

[filmmusic]

And I assume no English subtitles again.
By the way, I was curious:
Do you all native English speakers understand the dialogue? (i mean the one spoken on the phone)

[NoirFan]

Originally Posted by filmmusic

Do you all native English speakers understand the dialogue? (i mean the one spoken on the phone)

Yes, with one notable exception. What the forum and I must know is...where did he put the baby?

[Jpapp25]

I love this film. It is creepy and scary and is just an all around entertaining horror film. I would love a new transfer and "ultimate edition" of this one, but won't hold my breath as it doesn't usually get the accolades it deserves for helping kick start the stalk-slash genre.

On a side note I dragged my brother to a 35mm showing of this a few years back. It was part of a Bob Clark double feature with A Christmas Story. He hates horror movies, and even he liked Black Christmas.

[Blu Myers]

Originally Posted by spawningblue

And even Halloween and Evil Dead are the not the ultimate editions they deserve. Halloween you have to buy the Scream collection to get everything together in one package, Evil Dead is pretty much barebones unless you were lucky enough to get the limited edition, and even that is still missing extras found on the Ultimate Edition DVD. Anchor Bay is definitely one of the worst studios out there right now, at least as far as catalog titles are concerned. They are all about putting as little effort into their releases as they can.

I actually found the Ultimate Ed DVD for Evil Dead at FYE for around $12. I just took the special features discs out and threw them in a 3 disc case with the Blu-ray and artwork.

[Scoot79]

I would think we'd be hearing some details soon? November is just 2.5 months away.

[Scoot79]

New extras?

[elecrofunk]

No subtitles would be a deal breaker for me. Unless the new extras include a new Margot Kidder interview or something of that caliber. What a waste it would be after waiting this long for it not to be worth it. It's amazing how those interviews, once fairly current, are now just old.

[Wernski]

Originally Posted by elecrofunk

Unless the new extras include and a Margot Kidder interview

The old extras include that.

[demonknight]

Originally Posted by elecrofunk

It's amazing how those interviews, once fairly current, are now just old.

Yeah, time is amazing.

[elecrofunk]

Originally Posted by Wernski

The old extras include that.

I meant to say a new one. I like the old one just fine but let's see some new ones from the cast

[elecrofunk]

Originally Posted by demonknight

Yeah, time is amazing.

Yup it sure is.