ROclockCK
Screenwriter
But isn't that what TT has been doing more or less since the beginning of this venture...allowing the quality of their product to speak quietly and confidently for itself...trusting the candour and thoroughness of those key sophomore interviews (aka the FAQs)* to provide some sober counterpoint for any attempted misrepresentation via the general media or web? At some point though, enough is enough, and any rational human being with an ounce of self-respect will understandably push back. At least that's what I heard loud and clear in those interviews.bugsy-pal said:I'm not crazy about TT's model, but I've bought about 10 or their releases so I guess I'm a supporter. I feel that the Dinman audio interview was a bit mean-spirited in itself, in the way that it scoffed at some of the criticism that has arisen from the anonymous forum people (like me), many of whom are, after all, their customers. I feel that there would have been more dignity in leaving that alone and not being so defensive.
The biggest problem I had with that Digital Bits piece was simply how backhanded it read...I mean, shouldn't this guy have at least sent TT an advance copy for review, or phrased some of his reservations as questions, which the label could have then addressed...maybe even pitched them an interview of his own? But like so many of the arrogant, line-of-least-resistance comments I've read about TT (especially on some of the other message boards), this 'Dr.' dude just weaseled out and ran blind...possibly afraid that his thin understanding and even thinner research wouldn't survive the hard light of deeper reflection and analysis. If nothing else, I thought it was an incredibly shallow and self-serving piece.
So it's like he counted on Twilight Time to just again remain silent and take his roundhouse kicks to the head, back, and groin. The irony is, with a more civilized and balanced approach, this Redman fellow is one of the easiest reaches for any discussion about what TT is trying to do for catalogue via this label. I know this personally from my own out-of-the-blue casual conversations with the guy. I mean gee...if you've got a legit query...these people are the least likely to remain aloof and unapproachable. They're all talented, experienced, hardworking (and overworked) individuals - all veteran movie fans themselves - just trying to treat catalogue titles with a little respect. They aren't alone in that of course, but they do seem singled out for a multitude of *imagined* sins having almost nothing to do with their products or service, and routinely afforded less common courtesy than I've ever seen from so-called 'professionals'. Yeeesh, you'd think the TT principals were politicians or something.
If it's any consolation, isn't TT also in the same position? I mean, this is a totally out-of-pocket fly for them with nothing but increasing fixed costs staring them in the puss each month...the Studios with their 'clean' no risk cut upfront...ditto for their production collaborators...ditto for Cinram...ditto for SAE...no deferrals here, and little wiggle-room...TT is only as good as their cashflow from all of us good folks trying to reclaim our treasured film memories. So it seems to me that they - like us - are simply dealing with the reality of what it actually costs to get the Studios to unlock their vaults and get quality titles out via such pro showcases in realistically sustainable numbers. I've never had a problem with that. We live in a bottom line, horsetrading world.bugsy-pal said:Having said that, hat's off to Mr Redman and co. for putting up the money for this enterprise, and being responsive to some of the concerns. I understand why discounting is not an option for them. They've got me by the short and curlies.
So if I seem like just another 'fanboy' over this label..."MEA CULPA!" Yes, I want TT to succeed because these are my kind of movies...my kind of composers...my kind of quality...and nearly 8 years into this Blu-ray thing, I'm finally seeing that stuff where it belongs...on my shelf and in my player, instead of trapped indefinitely within the realm of wishful thinking because the numbers aren't there for a wider Studio release. I own every single TT title and have watched and enjoyed all of them, and am still stunned by what this team has managed to achieve during such a brief period of time. Everyone's mileage will vary of course, I get that, but what I don't get is the insanely hostile attitude toward any company trying its best to raise the bar a bit, in whatever capacity their means allow.
Truth be, the last time I felt this enthused about the output of a single home video label was back in the Laserdisc era...another struggling little upstart player with a love of neglected catalogue titles and a head for quality called...uhm...what was that masthead again...oh yeah...the Criterion Collection.
* Especially Adam Gregorich's oft-quoted legacy HTF interview, which provided my earliest insight into what TT was up to and how.