logo Sign In

Idea & Info: 'RoboCop - The Auxiliary bonus discs' project...

Author
Time
 (Edited)

The initial project is meant to be a personal fan compilation of the best materials from both the Criterion Collection DVD and the MGM Special Edition DVD with a few added bits. The Auxilliary extras discs project are meant for distribution.

With alot of copying and pasting from various posts I made including some new bits, here we go:

If the Criterion DVD of RoboCop wasn’t so difficult to find, I’d already own it. I should’ve purchased it when I had the opportunity back in early 2002.
What I’d do, I’d use the best of both worlds and use both the discs from the MGM RoboCop Trilogy (also available individually from Japan as a Special Edition of which I own) and from the Criterion. I’d even make it in the same type of calibre as FOX Japan’s “Ultimate Edition” 2-Disc set releases.

Disc 1-
The film with both commentaries and a complete isolated score. I’d probably use the MGM 1.85:1 Anamorphic transfer if I were to be making this. Use both the 5.1 remix and the original 2.0 Dolby surround mix as the main audio choices. Subtitles would first and foremost be English and alot of others.

Disc 2-
Probably a DVD-9 with all the extras from both releases including other found gems. Would be thorough and quite extensive.

It’s probably be very complicated going about doing this. It should be a worthwhile effort if someone actually did make a worthwhile even more comprehensive release of both RoboCop and RoboCop 2.

And even more…

Concerning the Criterion Collection DVD release Only thing good about the transfer in terms of video is that it’s Paul Verhoven’s director approved 1.66:1 aspect ratio. And I totally agree with you. That’s the main reason why I’d use the MGM 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer from the Special Edition through an NTSC source (don’t want to use PAL as it has a 4% speed-up and annoys the hell outta me) and not the Criterion Collection’s transfer.
For the audio, I’d use the Special Edition again and excise the unnecessary non-original audio language tracks. The commentary of course will stay and from the Criterion disc I’d extract the Dolby Surround 2.0 and the exclusive commentary from it. Then putting in place of the remaining space left-over from extracting the non-English audio tracks a complete isolated score from Basil Poledouris from the soundtrack. Most likely one would need to customise the set-up menu to reflect the customised changes. Hell, even subtitling both commentaries would be a welcome addition. Besides the commentaries, the only other special features on this proposed custom set on disc one would be all the trailers and tv spots.
For disc 2, most likely a DVD-9 (a dual-layered DVD), I’d put on every extra from both releases and even a few more documentaries I could probably get ahold of.

Seems like a difficult project but it seems very worthwhile. And I’ll get even into more detail about it as time passes. This custom fan-made release would be highly touted as one of the most definitive releases for RoboCop on any format. Hopefully the same could be done for RoboCop 2 and perhaps even RoboCop 3.

There’s the possibility of even making this into a 3 Disc “Ultimate Edition” if enough materials were found. I’d buy that for a dollar!

Author
Time
I'd really like to see this happen... I can only dream about this.
Author
Time
Sounds quite interesting.

I did have the Criterion Robocop but I sold it on Ebay. You know Robocop will be out on Bluray this year?
Author
Time
Originally posted by: Jobel
Sounds quite interesting.

I did have the Criterion Robocop but I sold it on Ebay. You know Robocop will be out on Bluray this year?


Yes I do and I'm not going to get into high definition formats until the war is over. I'm most likelt going to adopt the winning format, most likely HD-DVD more due to familiarity, until sometime around 2009 or 2010.

I've read somewhere the full Criterion Collection DVD for RoboCop is available at a torrent site. Dual layered I think.
Author
Time
Try Hollywood Video. They have a copy of the Criterion version for rent at my local store, as well as a few other Criterion editions. Check it out. Also, if your local library carries DVDs, check and see if they carry it. Doesn't hurt to look around.
Author
Time
As much as these sort of projects appeal to me (I usually buy several different DVDs of the films I buy, to get all the extras and best audio/picture), we aren't really allowed to talk about them. I've made several "compilation editions" of films incorporationg all the special features from numerous DVD releases (ie. Underworld, Halloween, Evil Dead, etc) but only in the cases where I own the official DVDs I use to make them (and I keep mine to myself). However, as Moth3r and Jay have pointed out before, taking material from official DVD releases and rereleasing it via P2P, torrents, PiF, etc, is illegal and not tolerated on the boards.

I'm not meaning to have a go at you. And by all means if you ever do this for yourself then great (as long as you own the DVDs), I just don't want to see you get into trouble. Still, if you have any unreleased/unavailable documentaries for Robocop, make a disc of those and let us see it.

To contact me outside the forum, for trades and such my email address is my OT.com username @gmail.com

Author
Time
I downloaded the Critereon DVD from Demonoid about a year ago, have alook around a few torrent sites and you may find it. I cannot remember if it was dual layer or not though - will have to dig it out.
Author
Time
Originally posted by: klokwerk
As much as these sort of projects appeal to me (I usually buy several different DVDs of the films I buy, to get all the extras and best audio/picture), we aren't really allowed to talk about them. I've made several "compilation editions" of films incorporationg all the special features from numerous DVD releases (ie. Underworld, Halloween, Evil Dead, etc) but only in the cases where I own the official DVDs I use to make them (and I keep mine to myself). However, as Moth3r and Jay have pointed out before, taking material from official DVD releases and rereleasing it via P2P, torrents, PiF, etc, is illegal and not tolerated on the boards.

I'm not meaning to have a go at you. And by all means if you ever do this for yourself then great (as long as you own the DVDs), I just don't want to see you get into trouble. Still, if you have any unreleased/unavailable documentaries for Robocop, make a disc of those and let us see it.


This project is meant to be a personal fan compilation of the best materials from both releases with a few added bits. The Auxilliary extras discs are for distribution.

I was going to do the 2-Disc compilation from both release and then a third disc for even more bonus features unavailable on both. Basically all the documentaries and such featured on television and laserdisc for the third disc. And for those who own both the Criterion and current MGM release (I own the Region 2 Japanese NTSC Special Edition), the third disc would be in the same vein as the ALIEN Appendice I release.

I figure I could call the third disc/stand-alone-extras a "RoboCop: The Auxilliary Part I". Probably make it dual layered and in a slimpak...

Author
Time
Sounds good. If you create the first 2 discs from the official releases, please let me see the menus you create (always love seeing fanmade menus). I'd be interested in the unreleased extras disc too. Auxilliary, eh? Cool.

To contact me outside the forum, for trades and such my email address is my OT.com username @gmail.com

Author
Time
Robocop is one of my all time favourite films and I've even developed a love for it's inferior sequel Robocop 2 (such a shame there isn't a watchable workprint of that arund).

I'd love to see some decent cover art for this set as well.

Author
Time
Yeah. We're not allowed to discuss this. I was already ripped a new one for that.

Btw...I have the Robocop Criterion and the regular version as well.
Author
Time
Originally posted by: digitalfreaknyc
Yeah. We're not allowed to discuss this. I was already ripped a new one for that.

Btw...I have the Robocop Criterion and the regular version as well.


I was going to make a custom two-disc set using both releases for personal use and then just a flat-out third disc from various sources I could find.
The "RoboCop: The Auxilliary Part I" custom extras disc should be derived from various sources. Basically many various documentaries and behind the scenes which aren't available on either releases. Sort of like an "ALIEN: Appendice" if you will.
I have absolutely no idea how to go about doing this though. I figure it could be a three-part disc series where each focusing on the particular film. For example, Part I would primarily focus on RoboCop, Part II would of course focus on RoboCop 2 and Part III would (albiet unfortunately) focus on RoboCop 3. Maybe even a Part IV for the Prime Directives mini-series. All would be for slimpak cases as they're first released individually and then a lovely 4-disc alphapak final type cover version to house them all.

Maybe I could have someone conjur up a custom cover for my personal project and then another so people can put both releases in the same case? Like a dual amaray where your first disc would be The Criterion Collection DVD and the second would be the MGM Special Edition either from the Trilogy Boxset or the individual release such as the version I own displayed below.

http://www.cdjapan.jp/pictures/l/09/19/GXBS-15895.jpg
Region 2 Japan NTSC

This is all just a big pipe dream though as I don't have the software to do all this but I have the actual blank media to use. What a dilemma...
Maybe people could put together the RoboCop: The Auxilliary set I have in mind? Meaning I could be the project supervisor or something.

So, the project would be developed as followed:
RoboCop: The Auxilliary Part I of IV - RoboCop
RoboCop: The Auxilliary Part II of IV - RoboCop 2
RoboCop: The Auxilliary Part III of IV - RoboCop 3
RoboCop: The Auxilliary Part IV of IV - RoboCop: Prime Directives

Now that I think about it, it very much sounds like the very extensive ALIEN Quadrilogy set (of which I own the 2-disc individual releases of the first three films) put together by the very respected DVD Producer Charlie de Lauzirika. If this fan based project could be as extensive as the bonus materials from the above set, it'd be very sought after.
Author
Time
I like your idealism. By that I mean to say, I like how you have faith in 3 and Prime Directives having documentaries about them.

Sounds like you've got the right idea now anyway. I just have to ask: did you actually have any documentaries or know of any we could use in this set?

To contact me outside the forum, for trades and such my email address is my OT.com username @gmail.com

Author
Time
Originally posted by: klokwerk
I like your idealism. By that I mean to say, I like how you have faith in 3 and Prime Directives having documentaries about them.

Sounds like you've got the right idea now anyway. I just have to ask: did you actually have any documentaries or know of any we could use in this set?

RoboCop 3 had a various amount of production problems and a rushed schedule. Although released in 1993, it was actually finished in 1991. The main cause of Peter Weller's absence was that he lobbied hard to get Naked Lunch to be made and was unable to come back to RoboCop 3 due to scheduling conflicts. He chose Naked Lunch. It's actually my least favorite of the three from the trilogy. But I figured, what the hell, might as well search for documentaries and materials for it.
For Prime Directives, of which Page Fletcher who portrayed RoboCop, felt very un-"Robo"-like. Reason why because Fletcher didn't choose to watch the previous films or the TV series and felt he needed to make Robo his own. The main reason why I'm not planning another disc for the TV series is because it recently got released over in the UK as a multi-disc set.

I have no idea as to where I can find documentaries for this let alone enough for four seperate discs. So I guess this is just the planning stage...
Although I think I did read about a laserdisc containg a featurette about Phill Tippet's work on ED-209. I think it was part of the "VFX" series or something.
Author
Time
Wasn't there meant to be some footage on the first VHS release of Robocop 2 that starts with Weller giving a speech to camera telling the kids the drugs are bad.
Author
Time
Hello! I finally got on here. I'm a member of Myspleen.org, and I saw your project on extras for the Robocop films. If you want, I have some materials you could use. I have some files that I downloaded at RobocopArchive.com, but they are in terrible quality. I've got the "AMC: Backstory" feature on the film, the deleted scene with the final MediaBreak (I think it was already released on the official DVD already, though), and the featurette called "The Making Of Robocop". I've also got the Deluxe Edition soundtrack, but I know if you need that. I will let you know more in a day or two. Also, if this is in the wrong section, I apologize in advance, but I love this place. Keep up the good work! I'll scrounge around and see if I can find anything else pertaining to the making of the film.
Author
Time
Jobel:
I believe there is a PSA from Peter Weller on the VHS for RoboCop 2. As such, it'd be put on The Auxilliary Part II for of course RoboCop 2.

Crazyrabbits:
Those sound great! I'm also a member of the RoboCop Archive messageboad and have also posted about my project there in the "General Discussion" sub-forum. My username on there is The_Flash2019. I figure the easiest, most proficient way going about this first first assembling material for the first film first, the second film second and etcetera.

I figure all materials sourced should be NTSC based or something. I figure since digitalfreaknyc is far more knoweledgable about making DVD's I could probably ask for his assistance. Probably could even get someone to make custom covers for the intended slimpak cases. Why slimpaks, you say? Why, to save shelf space, of course! Hell, may as well even the covers be a spanning one. Then when all four are completed, a cover for a 4 case Alphapak would be nice. Only speculation as this is still very early on and I literally don't have the necessary equipment or the full knowledge as to how to go about doing this. As said, I'm better suited as the project supervisor/producer sort of type for this. I'm going to look on the internet for some suitable pictures. I even have a few in mind already...
Author
Time
I have a 20 minutes Making of Robocop on beta SP PAL. It has a french voice over but if someone has the same documentary in english, we could sync both.

french dvd releases of prime directives have featurettes about the making of the mini-series.
Author
Time
I'd be MORE than happy to put this together for you.

I love robocop
Author
Time
Originally posted by: digitalfreaknyc
I'd be MORE than happy to put this together for you.

I love robocop


Yes!

I figure the only biggest difficulty would be finding the necessary materials for some of the other parts in the Auxilliary series though. Might as well be easiest to work on Part I first then work on the next parts when the previous part is finished. Should we organise the documentaries on the disc by production date?

I figure for Prime Directives there's also alot of text based features too along with the docs featured on the French PAL release. Perhaps re-encoding it into NTSC would work. If Nicheflix, or Nicheflix a la carte, has the series it'll be a cake-walk.

Oh, and digitalfreaknyc, I'm finally downloading the discs for The Game: The Criterion Collection. The files total to 9.32GB though for both discs.

I already have some ideas for the logos too. When we do the covers, my name gets to be first mostly because of alphabetic stuff. BUT I'd like out names to be part of the indicia or not very big so it doesn't detract from the visuals of the cover and the menus.

I'm downloading a single layer version of the Criterion Collection DVD for RoboCop using a bit-torrent type deal.
Author
Time
Originally posted by: digitalfreaknyc
where are you downloading The Game from?


I downloaded the torrent file from isohunt.com and am using Azureus. I bet it'd pull faster if I'd gotten it from The Pirate Bay. Should the file be bigger? I'd be willing to snail mail you a dual-layer blank and a single-layer blank in order to just have it quicker. Did you use the CD-case Region 2 Japan anamorphic version of The Game for the project? I remember you saying something about it. As for verification, I'll post the cover image as to which version I think you used.

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/pictures/l/15/27/TDV-2584D.jpg

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/pictures/l/15/27/TDV-2584D_2.jpg




Oh, I even have a CD-R of the RoboCop soundtrack by Basil Poledouris. And although I wish the download for The Criterion Collection of RoboCop was it's full dual layer version, I'll be satisfied with the single layered version for now.

I'm in a search of logo's for the set. This one to me looks nice, only if it were in higher resolution. I should ask the Webmaster of the RoboCop Archive if it'd be okay to use this variant and for a higher resolution version.

http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/2770/robocoplogo3uw.png
Author
Time
I have the original Criterion DVD for Robocop.

Yeah, that's the version I used for The Game.

I took the links off because it's now "officially" been released...but I guess it's out of my control at this point.
Author
Time
Originally posted by: digitalfreaknyc
I have the original Criterion DVD for Robocop.

Yeah, that's the version I used for The Game.

I took the links off because it's now "officially" been released...but I guess it's out of my control at this point.


Can I send you a dual layered blank DVD of it for a copy? Or even just the original custom 2-Disc "Ultimate Edition" project I had in mind. I could PM you the specifics I'd like to see used for it if you'd be willing to do the "Ultimate Edition" also.

POSSIBLE
RoboCop: System Failure - Random bonus disc of extras which wouldn't necessarily fit the style of the other discs. Stuff about the comic books oustside of the film adaptations, the Marvel Animated series, the Television series and anything else suitable for it's own disc. A "fifth" disc.