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Warner Archive Discussion Thread (The Announcements/The Films) - Page 103

post #3061 of 3333
2/11/12 at 2:25pm

Will finally be able to retire that laserdisc of Dangerous (on a double feature with The Great Lie). I'm happy about that.

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post #3062 of 3333
2/13/12 at 5:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by larryKR View Post

I would like to purchase " Conflict " (1945) starring Humphrey Bogart from Warner archive, but they won't ship to Canada. Amazon will send it to me for $35.27 U.S. dollars, and then I have to pay the current exchange rate. That's too much. I realize nobody cares, I'm just ranting.

Frankly, you are just ranting. Why don't you order from Movies Unlimited? They're a Canadian retailer and they have Conflict listed @ $19.99.
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post #3063 of 3333
2/13/12 at 9:41am
As far as I'm aware, Movies Unlimited are a US retailer and are based in Philadelphia - their FAQ even contains warnings about Canadian customers noting the exchange rate between the two dollars.

But the poster raises a valid point: the already awkward to get and expensive Warner Archive titles are even more awkward and expensive to get for buyers outside the USA.

European buyers face a particularly expensive route, because our tax free personal import allowances are so low - essentially any package valued at over around US$25 incurs import taxes (adding around 20%) plus the mail carrier's admin fees for dealing with a customs-due item, which adds another US$15 or so.

Given the price premium that some retailers add on to the RRP $19.99 it is often the case that even ordering the titles one at a time (with all the added shipping expenses that this entails) doesn't avoid the customs problems.

And of course, all the sales, special offers and vouchers at the Archive itself are useless to us, because Warner themselves won't ship outside of the USA.

All these factors tend to combine in a toxic mix that make the already costly MOD discs (and not just Warner, either) an even more expensive prospect for non-USA consumers.
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post #3064 of 3333
2/13/12 at 9:58am
I did order " Conflict " some time ago from Movies Unlimited thanks to a message from battlebeast. As far as I know Movies Unlimited is an American retailer as they said I was responsible for import duties.
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post #3065 of 3333
2/13/12 at 10:11am
MU is a former movie rental store in Philly. They had everything I miss them greatly. I'm pretty sure their online presence is still based in Phila.
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post #3066 of 3333
2/13/12 at 11:34am
First post.
I'd rather pay $20 for a burned 1080p Blu-ray disc compared to the same amount for a burned DVD-R from any Studio. Yes Warner Bros. needs to heavily consider offering the Archive as Blu-ray for $20 for a BD-R and lowering the DVD-R to $10.
Rip-off artists.
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post #3067 of 3333
2/13/12 at 1:41pm
The "rip-off artists" posts date back to 2009; not an original, or constructive, thought for your first post on this lengthy thread. Try harder next time.
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post #3068 of 3333
2/13/12 at 4:45pm

they're not rip off artists, they're establishing a price floor for the long term future of physical media.  Compared to Bargain Bin prices, their prices are high, but remember that most of the bargain bin films are in the bargain bin because there is near zero demand for the films.  If there is near zero widespread demand even at fire-sale prices then the studios would be better served by microtargeting the small demographics that do supply the demand for those titles and selling to them at a higher marginal price--they'll probably make more money selling 1000 DVDs made to order than selling 10,000 dvds to walmart.

 

Over the next decade you will be able to find almost no physical media at local stores, specialty or big box.  Just because Target, Best Buy, or Big Lots prefer to currently sell films at $18, $10, or $4 does not mean that the studios are obligated to match those prices in their own online stores.  In a sense, by undercutting the value of the studio's assets to $0.99 a disc as loss leaders (black friday), retailers are the rip off artists: ripping off studios by driving down the value of the studio's assets in consumers' minds. 

 

It's all a matter of perspective and sense of entitlement, really.  The market is correcting over the long term from a loss-leader driven de-valuing of physical media assets.

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post #3069 of 3333
2/14/12 at 7:33am
Well said, Adam_S. Would that Universal (especially) and other studios that are lagging far behind Warner's MOD output -- and family heirs and other laggards sitting on product -- also become "rip-off artists"! Just get the product out there, by hook or by crook, rather than leave these films rotting in vaults! And then let the marketplace decide.
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post #3070 of 3333
2/14/12 at 8:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Adam_S View Post

they're not rip off artists, they're establishing a price floor for the long term future of physical media.  Compared to Bargain Bin prices, their prices are high, but remember that most of the bargain bin films are in the bargain bin because there is near zero demand for the films.  If there is near zero widespread demand even at fire-sale prices then the studios would be better served by microtargeting the small demographics that do supply the demand for those titles and selling to them at a higher marginal price--they'll probably make more money selling 1000 DVDs made to order than selling 10,000 dvds to walmart.



Prices are partly about supply and demand. But prices are also set or inflated. Groups of big companies set or inflate prices to make an even bigger profit, setting prices as high as they can without turning off consumer demand.

MOD programs are an excellent opportunity for these companies to set or inflate prices on physical media. Controlling distribution, they can now ensure that "suggested retail price" is actually the price these items are sold at, or very close to sold at. No more dollar bins or deep discounts.

The MOD business model seems to be low productivity at high prices. By why so high a price? Do their costs really justify their price? At $20 a disc, I'd say their profit is over 3 times their cost, and that's being generous. Does that extra profit go anywhere else outside their pockets? And also, how do they know that the opposite business model, of high productivity at low prices, will not give them just as much profit? They are already producing a lot of these discs, as they are appearing at a variety of online stores (Amazon, Movies Unlimited, Deep Discount). Why not lower prices and see what happens? Maybe more people will buy them. Perhaps they are underestimating the extent to which their current price scheme is alienating their target audience.
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post #3071 of 3333
2/14/12 at 9:29am
Though I realize that the point is that the discs might be priced lower, over the past year or so I've rarely paid $20 for an Archive disc, given sales (just about one per week this year).
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post #3072 of 3333
2/14/12 at 10:38am
Even in the Valentine "Buy 2 Get 1 Free" Sale, I paid less than $10 a disc including my sales tax. I am a member and that brought the price down on some of the discs that were on sale at 25% off to 33% off. I chose only from the discs at that price point and was able to choose 9 films for $85.71 with tax. My final cost per disc was $9.52.

I, too have yet to pay full price for an Archive disc. It's a matter of being patient and waiting for the sales and playing the numbers correctly when they come up. Initially, I wasn't intrigued by "Buy 2 Get 1 Free" - until I logged in and played with the numbers. And count me as one of the people who is very, VERY pleased to see the release of all these obscure films. I thought I might never get to see many of the titles that I now am able to own. Of course, I'd like to see a price drop; who wouldn't on anything they want to spend their hard earned money on?

Suzanne
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post #3073 of 3333
2/14/12 at 10:52am
I would certainly rush to pay top dollar for the films I really want to own. I often "can't wait" for a WA deal to come along and buy at full price, especially titles like THE SQUAW MAN or THE WHITE SISTER. I guess I just wish they'd mine more of the classic silents they own, like FOUR HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE, THE CROWD, GREED and THE BIG PARADE. These will never turn up at Target or Best Buy, I'm afraid. And, bless WA for giving us what they have already. I just wonder why some beloved classic aren't being released by other studios. Universal allows a British release of THE UNINVITED ('44) but not for the USA and totally ignores YOU CAN NEVER TELL ('51). Fox won't give us the often requested COME TO THE STABLE ('49) or the infamous THE INCIDENT ('67). Often there are obscure ones that I buy for curiosity (STARS IN MY CROWN) and end up really liking. In this, I'm so on the same page as Adam and Tom. Just happy for the opportunity to have them. I'm not surprised that BDs of CRASH or SILENCE OF THE LAMBS can be had for seven bucks at Best Buy, I wouldn't pay half that for them. But, YOU CAN NEVER TELL, that's another story.
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post #3074 of 3333
2/18/12 at 11:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdee28 View Post

The MOD business model seems to be low productivity at high prices. By why so high a price? Do their costs really justify their price? At $20 a disc, I'd say their profit is over 3 times their cost, and that's being generous. Does that extra profit go anywhere else outside their pockets? And also, how do they know that the opposite business model, of high productivity at low prices, will not give them just as much profit? They are already producing a lot of these discs, as they are appearing at a variety of online stores (Amazon, Movies Unlimited, Deep Discount). Why not lower prices and see what happens? Maybe more people will buy them. Perhaps they are underestimating the extent to which their current price scheme is alienating their target audience.

The studios already tried high productivity at low prices, and the result was $5 Wal-Mart bins. The appearance of titles at Amazon or Movies Unlimited may be something of a compromise, as you don't have to shop with WHV directly. Not to defend the studios, but prices were always supposed to be higher than what you typically found - and continue to find - at retail stores. The Looney Tunes Golden Collections might have continued had the pricing been more sustainable, among other factors.

However, at $20 a pop, many big Archive titles should be pressed. I still won't bite because of that downgrade.
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post #3075 of 3333
2/18/12 at 5:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nebiroth View Post

As far as I'm aware, Movies Unlimited are a US retailer and are based in Philadelphia - their FAQ even contains warnings about Canadian customers noting the exchange rate between the two dollars.
I stand corrected. I'm astonished because I'm sure I once received a package from them with a Canadian postmark.
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post #3076 of 3333
2/21/12 at 8:22pm
It's too bad seeing a great pre-code like Blessed Event end up in the Archives. It joins other great pre-codes like Safe in Hell, Kongo, The Last Flight, Union Depot, Under 18, One Way Passage, Blondie Johnson.

I wish WB would team up with TCM. Universal and Sony have teamed up with TCM to release some special sets. Sony has used it to continue their Film Noir series. Why not WB and their Forbidden Hollywood series? The transfers and restoration on those Forbidden Hollywood sets are incredible. It's sad that it seems like we will never see anything like those sets, with their quality, from WB again.
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post #3077 of 3333
2/21/12 at 8:28pm
It's great seeing all these movies, period. This is an especially rich week. No complaints here.
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post #3078 of 3333
2/22/12 at 10:27am
Some more upcoming releases revealed by Classicflix for next week. Can't go wrong with double/triple feature releases. Also good to see some public domain titles get an official release.
Quote:
Buster Keaton at MGM will feature three early sound Keaton comedies (likely on 2 discs): Parlor, Bedroom and Bath (1931) and Speak Easily (1932), which have had numerous releases from public domain companies, and The Passionate Plumber (1932), which makes its DVD debut. Artwork below.

The other three releases are double features:

Swing Fever (1943) / Playmates (1941)

For one generation, he needs no introduction. For the next, he's the greatest Pop star they've never heard of. Regardless of where you fall, let's all make time to get reacquainted with the master of mirth and music, Kay Kyser.

Bandleader Kyser rose to the top thanks to his talented band (including the legendary Ish Kabibble) and his trademark "Ol' Professor" persona, through which Kay quizzed and enthralled audiences on stage, studio and screen.

Swing Fever (1943, 79 min.)

Swing Fever finds Kay using music and hypnosis to turn a chump into a champ. Featuring Lena Horne, the Merrill Abbott Dancers and Ava Gardner.

Playmates (1941, 96 min.)

Playmates sees Kyser and John Barrymore playing themselves in a reality-twisting showbiz parody. Washed up thespian Barrymore agrees to turn bumpkin Kyser into a Shakespearean actor in exchange for a radio contract. The whole affair culminates in a swing version of Romeo and Juliet. The always wonderful Lupe Velez adds spice and song.

Bright Lights (1930) / The Reckless Hour (1931)

Once nearly forgotten, now dearly rediscovered, Dorothy Mackaill's work is in the midst of a well deserved renaissance, and we are pleased to present a pair of films that will only add luster to her legend.

Bright Lights (1930, 69 min.)

Unforgettable film director Michael Curtiz puts Dorothy through her paces in Bright Lights, the tale of a hoofer who hulas her way from sleazy dives to the Great White Way, only to end up facing murder charges when her past comes back to haunt her. Mackaill ably struts her ex-Ziegfeld stuff, singing and dancing alongside Noah Berry and Frank Fay. A.K.A. Adventures in Africa).

The Reckless Hour (1931, 71 min.)

Dorothy's The Office Wife co-star, blondacious Joan Blondell, once again slips into the role of younger sib, supporting her in this tale of stolen virtue. Shop model Margaret (Mackaill) catches the eye of wealthy, dapper young Allen (Walter Byron). Unfortunately the primrose path Margaret sees in her future is lined with the broken rocks of her virtue...

The Crash (1932) / Registered Nurse (1934)

Ruth Chatterton and Bebe Daniels, two of the greatest leading ladies of the Pre-Code era, are the main attraction in this riches to rags "working woman" double bill.

The Crash (1932, 58 min.)

Storied director William Dieterle takes the reins in the first picture, directing newlyweds Ruth Chatterton and George Brent. The pair play a married couple who broker wifely favors for inside stock tips. When the market crashes, both must learn a new way to live. And love.

Registered Nurse (1934, 63 min.)

Registered Nurse finds Bebe Daniels leaving society dreams behind after her husband cracks up. Returning to the working world, 'Ben' (Daniels) tries to stay loyal to her mentally ill husband while fending off advances and her own temptations working the "night watch." With Lyle Talbot, Sidney Toler and Beulah Bondi. Directed by Robert Florey.
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post #3079 of 3333
2/22/12 at 11:06am
I like the double features. I wish they would do this with the shorter Cagney pics still unreleased-instead of stand alone issues of movies barely over an hour long.
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post #3080 of 3333
2/23/12 at 6:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JoHud View Post

Some more upcoming releases revealed by Classicflix for next week. Can't go wrong with double/triple feature releases. Also good to see some public domain titles get an official release.
Quote:
Buster Keaton at MGM will feature three early sound Keaton comedies (likely on 2 discs): Parlor, Bedroom and Bath (1931) and Speak Easily (1932), which have had numerous releases from public domain companies, and The Passionate Plumber (1932), which makes its DVD debut. Artwork below.

The other three releases are double features:
Swing Fever (1943) / Playmates (1941)
Bright Lights (1930) / The Reckless Hour (1931)
The Crash (1932) / Registered Nurse (1934)

WAC has the February 28 releases up for pre-order.

In addition to the titles listed above, they're giving us PICK A STAR (1937) with Jack Haley, Patsy Kelly, Rosina Lawrence and Laurel & Hardy.
512
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post #3081 of 3333
2/23/12 at 7:02am
Also for 2/28 are Bedeviled with Anne Baxter and Steve Forrest/directed by Mitchell Leisen......Play Girl with Kay Francis from 1941/RKO.........and A Soldier's Plaything with Harry Lanfgon and Ben Lyon directed by Michael Curtiz.
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post #3082 of 3333
2/23/12 at 7:04am
Should be Langdon.
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post #3083 of 3333
2/23/12 at 1:11pm
Another double feature leaked on their Facebook page, likely for a March release

Traveling Saleslady (1935) and Miss Pacific Fleet (1935)

And I must say that the Buster Keaton Collection at $19.99 is a very good deal for 3 films.
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post #3084 of 3333
2/23/12 at 11:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Cashill View Post

It's great seeing all these movies, period. This is an especially rich week. No complaints here.

Amen to that! The WB folks are doing some truly outstanding work. The preview clips on their site for both 13 Women and Blessed Event look superb. I just ordered both along with Untamed...yet another guilty pleasure.
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post #3085 of 3333
2/25/12 at 9:26am
I get mine from ClassicFlix and also my cousin Ivan.smile.gif But I'd much rather pay the same amount for a Blu-ray disc comparison to a DVD.
Edited by FremenDar - 2/25/12 at 9:37am
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post #3086 of 3333
2/28/12 at 1:22pm
any idea what is on tap for next week which is march from the wb archives.
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post #3087 of 3333
3/2/12 at 11:34am

March 6th Pre-Orders are up

 

Tick...Tick..Tick - Jim Brown

Kenner - Jim Brown

The Split - Jim Brown

The Slams - Jim Brown

The Miniver Story

Fearless Fagan

Johnny Doesn't Live Here Anymore

Traveling Saleslady/Miss Pacific Fleet - Double Feature

 

I have really wanted Tick..Tick...Tick... for a very long time.  The Joan Blondell and Glenda Farrell double feature looks like a winner.  And Simone Simon in a comedy has a lot of potential and it's a Monogram too.

 

 

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post #3088 of 3333
3/2/12 at 12:14pm
Not to mention THE SPLIT, which, like its Archive mate THE OUTFIT, is based on one of Donald E. Westlake's "Parker" novels, and is a solid caper movie with an excellent cast backing the stolid Jim Brown: Diahann Carroll, Ernest Borgnine, Julie Harris (particularly good), Gene Hackman, Jack Klugman, Warren Oates, Donald Sutherland, and James Whitmore, who out-creeps everyone else.
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post #3089 of 3333
3/2/12 at 12:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Cashill View Post

Not to mention THE SPLIT, which, like its Archive mate THE OUTFIT, is based on one of Donald E. Westlake's "Parker" novels, and is a solid caper movie with an excellent cast backing the stolid Jim Brown: Diahann Carroll, Ernest Borgnine, Julie Harris (particularly good), Gene Hackman, Jack Klugman, Warren Oates, Donald Sutherland, and James Whitmore, who out-creeps everyone else.


You just sold me on the THE SPLIT!  smile.gif

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post #3090 of 3333
3/2/12 at 12:58pm
Looking forward to a couple of those Jim Brown films along with the Blondell/Farrell double feature.
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