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Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

post #1 of 49
3/13/09 at 10:40am
Thread Starter 
I truly appreciate the releases of such great film classics as Casablanca, Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz, but your (only) Ultimate Collector's Edition Blu-ray releases of them is too expensive at $59.49 for so many people that are currently enduring such a deep recession. I hope in the near future, you will reevaluate your marketing strategy to ensure releasing these titles on Blu-ray with modest bonus material and with reduced pricing. People are having a hard time making ends meet in today's economic climate, but they also want to continue to support Warner by purchasing your BRD product so they can enjoy their favorite classic films on the best home video format available to them. So please, consider releasing these titles in a lesser BRD release that people can purchase for $20 or less. It will help grow this format and increase the number of units sold for these all-time greats.


Amazon.com: Gone with the Wind (70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition) [Blu-ray]: Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh: Movies & TV

Amazon.com: The Wizard of Oz (70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition) [Blu-ray]: Judy Garland: Movies & TV

Amazon.com: Casablanca (Ultimate Collector's Edition) [Blu-ray]: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman: Movies & TV


By the way, just like Casablanca, I'll be buying Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz because I like these collectors edition. However, there are a lot of people that only want the movie without a whole bunch of bonus material and/or only want to buy these titles on BRD at a reasonable price that fits their budget or value pricepoint. Please, don't dismiss these consumers by not offering them a chance to buy these titles on BRD at a lesser price with more modest release offerings.






Crawdaddy
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post #2 of 49
3/13/09 at 10:45am

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

I agree and plan on buying Casablanca and The Wizard Of Oz when they're released without the cost boosting extras. I'm sure they're pretty fun and nice collectibles but they just don't appeal to me enough that I'm going to spend that much money on the sets (and, for me, the economy has no major bearing in the decision- I wouldn't spend the money if the Dow was at 20,000).
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post #3 of 49
3/13/09 at 10:47am

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

I am in total agreement. At the very least, there should be a choice. They should release these movies as both a "Big box full o'junk" version, and a slimmed-down, "recession buster" version. Some collectors, like myself, do not really enjoy "Big box full o'junk" versions; who needs all that junk. I already have a big box full o'junk for the last time Wizard of Oz came out on dvd; I don't need another Big box full o'junk. I have a whole house full of junk that I can't get rid of.
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post #4 of 49
3/13/09 at 11:04am

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

Add me on the agreement list. I have Casablanca but only because I got it for free. The case is humongous and I have only ever looked a few of the "extra items" once. The movie itself on Blu-ray is great and the extra disc about Mr. Warner is pretty good but the set is hardly worth what they are selling it for.

In the economic times we're in I really can't understand how the only versions you plan to offer of classic movies are ones which are way overpriced and in huge packages. I love classic movies and want to buy almost all of them on Blu-ray but I just can't justify these prices for these "Ultimate" sets.
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post #5 of 49
3/13/09 at 11:11am

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

I agree that they need to have a disc only release. I would buy Oz and gone with the Wind (already have casablanca on hd-dvd) but I have no desire for the extra stuff in those sets so I'll either have to pass until they release disc only versions or rent them.
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post #6 of 49
3/13/09 at 11:19am

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

I think they should make deluxe and BD disc only editions. I will prob by the deluxe but at the same time the preliminary box art just well those long packages are not cool. At least with Casablanca it was compact.. but who knows.
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post #7 of 49
3/13/09 at 11:30am

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

As a minor point in Warner's favour, at least the "ultimate" sets are out first. Usually, it's a bare-bones release first followed by a more comprehensive set and many people feel compelled (for a variety of reasons) to "double-dip". In these cases, I cannot help but think a scaled down version of these titles will make it to market relatively soon (in SD DVD, this was done with Stagecoach and The Searchers--to name but two--Stagecoach even says "Disc One" on the disc of the single-disc release I just got). Of course a simultaneous release would be best from the consumer's point of view, but I think the "ultimate" version first, rather than second, will reduce "double-dipping". Just my 2 cents.
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post #8 of 49
3/13/09 at 11:35am

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

Yes but how long to wait. There is still no standalone version of Casablanca in NA at least.
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post #9 of 49
3/13/09 at 11:36am

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

Since WB will supposedly be releasing "stripped" BD titles for rental (and already did for The Dark Knight, here), it should be possible to pick these up from Blockbuster or similar "previously viewed" one day. If they aren't released in bare-bones BD before that.
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post #10 of 49
3/13/09 at 11:39am

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

Quote:
Originally Posted by RDarrylR
Yes but how long to wait. There is still no standalone version of Casablanca in NA at least.
How long was it for Stagecoach and The Searchers on SD DVD? I'm pretty sure it was less than 24 months. I'm not saying it's ideal, but I also don't think it will be a ten year wait.
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post #11 of 49
3/13/09 at 11:40am

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

I have to believe that this is a strategic decision by Warner for their top classics to release only the "collector's editions" for a window of time. That way they can snag the borderline customers who would probably opt for the normal release but are lured to the bigger package because they don't want to wait. Then after that market is tapped eventually they will release them in standard packages to sell to the rest of us. They'll just have to figure out when it's been long enough.

I'll be patient. I have no room to store nor burning need to own the fancy extras.

Hopefully they aren't stupid enough to view limited sales of the collector's editions as a message that consumers don't want these titles on BD.
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post #12 of 49
3/13/09 at 11:47am

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

Quote:
Originally Posted by GlennH
I have to believe that this is a strategic decision by Warner for their top classics to release only the "collector's editions" for a window of time. That way they can snag the borderline customers who would probably opt for the normal release but are lured to the bigger package because they don't want to wait. Then after that market is tapped eventually they will release them in standard packages to sell to the rest of us. They'll just have to figure out when it's been long enough.

I'll be patient. I have no room to store nor burning need to own the fancy extras.

Hopefully they aren't stupid enough to view limited sales of the collector's editions as a message that consumers don't want these titles on BD.
If they had that outlook, then single disc releases of Stagecoach and The Searchers on SD DVD AFTER the collector's edition releases would likely not have happened.
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post #13 of 49
3/13/09 at 11:50am

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

But wasn't DVD a much more established format at the time compared to where Blu-ray is now?
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post #14 of 49
3/13/09 at 12:02pm

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

I'm glad the Warner titles are region free. We've gotten Casablanca in a normal keepcase, and How The West Was Won too. Not that I don't like the special packaging, but it's more (with Casablanca it's a lot) dollar. Nice to be given a choice, but I don't understand why they don't release both versions worldwide.
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post #15 of 49
3/13/09 at 12:04pm

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

Yeah I guess I might actually look into a UK standalone version of Oz, Gone With The Wind, and Woodstock.
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post #16 of 49
3/13/09 at 12:05pm

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

Oops, apologies!
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post #17 of 49
3/13/09 at 12:08pm

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

Excellent post Robert.

I agree 100% and won't be buying any of the three titles until a separate release is done. The same goes for WOODSTOCK. As much as I love these films I can't and won't spend $50+ for them.

BTW, does CASABLANCA come in a regular Blu case inside all the packaging?
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post #18 of 49
3/13/09 at 12:10pm

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Elliott
BTW, does CASABLANCA come in a regular Blu case inside all the packaging?

No not a Blu-ray case. It's in a 3 page folding cardboard case. Shown in this pic right below the big white box...

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post #19 of 49
3/13/09 at 12:19pm

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

Well said, Robert. I just hope the powers to be, takes note. Disney's Blu is also way to much.
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post #20 of 49
3/13/09 at 12:20pm

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

Thanks for the quick reply Darryl. As a film buff it would seem like I'd be interested in that "other" stuff but I never really got bitten by that bug. Hopefully at some point we'll get a different release.
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post #21 of 49
3/13/09 at 12:28pm

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

Robert, I am in complete and total agreement with you here. It would be one thing if these set sported exclusive worthwhile content (read as new, HD extras) as opposed to reproduction lobby cards and recycled SD DVD extras, but as it stands I have no interest in such things.

I'd even pay a slight premium for stand-alone releases of A-list classics. But there's no way I'm paying $60 for them when I'm balking at $23 as it is.
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post #22 of 49
3/13/09 at 1:18pm

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

I completely agree with you, Robert. I have yet to purchase Casablanca, although it is one of my favorite films. I have no use for all the extras, and will not pay for such a package. The Wizard of Oz and Gone With The Wind would also be release-day purchases for me if they were offered in a standard priced package, but I will not buy them as currently marketed.

My current SD-DVD copies will suffice on these titles until WB offers a more reasonably priced package. If WB never offers such a package, then I will never buy these titles on BD.
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post #23 of 49
3/13/09 at 1:58pm

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulDA
How long was it for Stagecoach and The Searchers on SD DVD? I'm pretty sure it was less than 24 months. I'm not saying it's ideal, but I also don't think it will be a ten year wait.
That would be my guess too. If it takes more, I can keep waiting.
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post #24 of 49
3/13/09 at 2:06pm

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

Count me as in agreement also- I don't want all the extra "goodies", and will buy all of these as soon as a "normal" release happens. I just hope that Warner doesn't gauge interest of classics on Blu-ray based on sales of the "Ultimate Collectors Editions".
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post #25 of 49
3/13/09 at 2:13pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulDA
How long was it for Stagecoach and The Searchers on SD DVD? I'm pretty sure it was less than 24 months. I'm not saying it's ideal, but I also don't think it will be a ten year wait.
I just think it's unfortunate that many classic film consumers, who have BR players won't be buying these titles on Blu-ray for a variety of reasons while a few of us are able or willing to do so. I'm afraid the forum discussion of these CE releases will be limited here just like it was with Casablanca BRD releases because of few purchases from HTF members.

IMO, the best scenario for many of our membership is to have two BR releases of the same great title at once with a CE and one with a single disc.
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post #26 of 49
3/13/09 at 3:00pm

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

unfortunately with the state of today's economy, fewer people are forking over the cash for really super duper editions. especially compared to the advent of DVD where we were buying a couple new discs every week. I will be buying the Gone with the Wind edition when it comes out on Blu-Ray eventually...maybe not on release day but I will. But looking at the current classic and big franchise releases (planet of the Apes, Dirty Harry, Batman) where you fork over almost $100.00 or more for these titles for the compete collection at this time is not economically feasible for the common consumer. Maybe these Blu Ray releases are now going to be the Laserdisc of the 21st century where only a small percent of the population will purchase them and would pay the high price.

HOwever on that note, when the Uber collections of Star Wars, Back To the Future, Lord of the RIngs, The Godfather, GOne With The Wind etc came out on DVd they were priced very high (I Think I Paid $80.00 for the Godfather collection when it first came out on DVD) Maybe the price of these Blu Rays will go down eventually. Patience is a virtue.
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post #27 of 49
3/13/09 at 3:01pm

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert Crawford
IMO, the best scenario for many of our membership is to have two BR releases of the same great title at once with a CE and one with a single disc.

You know, I'm really getting to the point where I don't need any extras. I watch too many movies and don't have enough time for them anyways. If studios started releasing Special Editions at $34.95-$39.95 and movie only editions at $19.95-$24.95 then I'd be a happy camper.

I just wonder if the downside of us saying we won't buy them might lead to poor sales where someone will ask what's the point of releasing classics at all. If sales on classic titles are already low then people boycotting these high prices might do more damage but at this time I can't worry about that. Especially when Warner releases six and seven movie box sets at a lower retail price.

I have every box Warner released with the exception of a few over the past couple years because they were the best deals out there. These prices just aren't reasonable considering I just want the movies.
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post #28 of 49
3/13/09 at 3:08pm

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

As much as I would like to upgrade some of my classic film dvds to BR, I won't do it until the price comes down. I hate to say it, but these days, $20 is about what I am willing to pay for something that I want. If WB can get out a simpler version on BD of these classics, then I'll buy. Of course, sometimes there is an exception. Every once in a while, I pay more for something that I really want. But, I would never pay $40 or more for one movie. The "big box full o' junk", as Ethan calls it, has no appeal to me.
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post #29 of 49
3/13/09 at 3:18pm

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Elliott
You know, I'm really getting to the point where I don't need any extras. I watch too many movies and don't have enough time for them anyways. If studios started releasing Special Editions at $34.95-$39.95 and movie only editions at $19.95-$24.95 then I'd be a happy camper.

I feel the same way. At first on DVD I gobbled up the special features. But after watching them on hundreds of movies (if not more), I just can't be bothered anymore. I'd rather spend those hours watching something else. Or even getting away from the TV.

As for the special packages, it's the same thing. I have a few at home. And they're packaged up, sitting in a closet gathering dust. I'd love to pick up Casablanca, but I'm not paying for all the bonus stuff. It's not even a question of cost. I just don't want anymore big, bulky packages sitting around. I already have space issues. I just don't have the space for this kind of stuff anymore.
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post #30 of 49
3/13/09 at 3:39pm

Re: Warner: Thank you for the classics on Blu-ray, but.......

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Elliott
You know, I'm really getting to the point where I don't need any extras. I watch too many movies and don't have enough time for them anyways. If studios started releasing Special Editions at $34.95-$39.95 and movie only editions at $19.95-$24.95 then I'd be a happy camper.

I try to make time for the bonus features, but my experience lately has been that most of them are fluff and generic. There are exceptions of course, but a lot of times I'm feeling that I might as well have gotten the cheaper release, if there's one available.
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