The 88 Films Thread

[Rik]

Originally Posted by Nosferatu@Cult Labs

The sceptic in me thinks Arrow are only 'keen to get back into the Slasher and Italian market' because the 88 Films releases have sold so well rather than out of genuine love for the films. However, if it means more of them end up available to buy with better encodings, audio tracks and new extra features, motivation is largely irrelevant.

That's exactly what I think and I'm glad they did too because I have zero interest in most of Arrow's recent output

[Demdike@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by Rik

That's exactly what I think and I'm glad they did too because I have zero interest in most of Arrow's recent output

It may have something to do with their new US deal as well. Italian films may be more sought after over there than say The Long Good Friday.

[Rik]

Originally Posted by Demdike@Cult Labs

It may have something to do with their new US deal as well. Italian films may be more sought after over there than say The Long Good Friday.

True

[Demdike@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by Rik

True

I don't honestly know though, all just speculation.

[bizarre_eye@Cult Labs]

Plus having dual territory rights makes the upfront cost of remastering these low budget, poorly stored and cared for films more cost effective.

[JAMIOUSE]

Originally Posted by Demdike@Cult Labs

I don't honestly know though, all just speculation.

But probably true. Arrow Video started off doing Italian horrors then wondered off to do Euro Art stuff which is fine, but not what I'm interested in. I've sat through my fair share of Euro Art and it does nothing for me.

I had a quick look at the 88 Films photostream on Facebook earlier, the two screengabs of Zombi are certainly interesting. The still of their 'in progress HD restoration' looks very good, grain is there but it's not overpowering and detail looks great too. I wonder what happened during the process?

I'm not been awful about 88 at all, I support them and will continue to buy their products there is just a sense of in Zombi and Anthros case it could have been better or it should look better than the final product does.

[sjconstable]

Originally Posted by Nosferatu@Cult Labs

The sceptic in me thinks Arrow are only 'keen to get back into the Slasher and Italian market' because the 88 Films releases have sold so well rather than out of genuine love for the films. However, if it means more of them end up available to buy with better encodings, audio tracks and new extra features, motivation is largely irrelevant.

Is the sceptic in you called Calum?

[Nosferatu@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by sjconstable

Is the sceptic in you called Calum?

Ha! No, just someone who knows a market trend when he sees one!

What was the last slasher or video nasty Arrow released before 88 Films started the Slasher Classics Collection? Tenebrae? A Bay of Blood? Deep Red? The Funhouse?

Now they are going to release The Mutilator, Madman and Blood Rage. Coincidence?

[bizarre_eye@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by Nosferatu@Cult Labs

Now they are going to release The Mutilator, Madman and Blood Rage. Coincidence?

You could also use a similar strain of logic in regards to 88 and state that their white bordered Italian line is an Arrow template (albeit a 'retro' one)... plus now they're including postcards in their releases too.

I like what both labels are doing. Sure, I own more Arrow titles (mainly because they've been around longer) but have/will be picking up pretty much all of 88's upcoming slate... something I can't say about Arrow.

People put too much energy into trying to play inference games - just enjoy the titles that are being released by whoever is releasing them!

[Nosferatu@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by bizarre_eye@Cult Labs

You could also use a similar strain of logic in regards to 88 and state that their white bordered Italian line is an Arrow template (albeit a 'retro' one)... plus now they're including postcards in their releases too.

Considering they had used red for the Slasher Classics and green for the Toxic Avenger films, only other Italian colour left was white, so it was a logical choice!
I really like the decision to include postcards as well!

Originally Posted by bizarre_eye@Cult Labs

I like what both labels are doing. Sure, I own more Arrow titles (mainly because they've been around longer) but have/will be picking up pretty much all of 88's upcoming slate... something I can't say about Arrow.

I'm also interested in pretty much every 88 Films' release, whereas there are 'Masters of Cinema' Arrow ones which I'll only buy if they are cheap in the sale.

Originally Posted by bizarre_eye@Cult Labs

People put too much energy into trying to play inference games - just enjoy the titles that are being released by whoever is releasing them!

At the end of the day, I'm a consumer, so the more previously unreleased/unavailable films available to buy (preferably in high definition), the better.