Mike O

walking_carpet said:

i normally don't like to use anecdotal evidence, but at a superbowl party with a sharp 65' screen, we saw the commercial for the movie.  nobody booed or gave it a bronx cheer but a couple guys said 'with this big tv, why bother seeing it in the theatre? don't need the 3d".  the battleship and gi joe movies got more jeers.  surprisingly, not much enthusiasm for John Carter (man, did that commercial remind me of AOTC).

i mentioned earlier that the recent blu ray releases may put a damper on attendance - another factor is with big tvs becoming mainstream, maybe people won't care to go?

i wonder if we are going to reach a tipping point for cosumers preferring to watch movies at home because the flatscreens are large enough? ticket sales were down from 2010 to 2011 - but that was because of avatar.

anyways, i don't know what opening weekend grosses will be, but overall running I say absolute rock bottom $12 million and no more than $35 million.  Im using the lion king and BATB releases as a guide.

damn, im tired.  time for bed

John Carter I'm kind of interested in. PIXAR have always been real great artists and I like Stanton's work and it's based on a classic book. The Disney logo makes one worry and the trailers haven't been impressive, but I'll give it a shot.

I wonder how much this would have to make in proportion to how much it cost to create the 3-D version? I'm betting it'll do gangbusters because all things Star Wars do, but it'll be interesting to see.

walking_carpet said:

georgec said:

The story of George Lucas' career is a psychologists' wet dream. You see all the effects of people lauding him and giving him credit on the way he did business after Empire. He heard people saying how great he is so often that he began to believe it, and afterwards anybody who disagreed was cast aside. It's so simple in the cause/effect yet so intriguing.

Then you have the unwavering Lucas defenders who defy all logic and facts to salvage his image and prove people wrong because they don't "get" him or something like that.

 he has a core sycophancy and personality cult second only perhaps to joseph stalin.

 

I think it's comments like this that make Lucas feel the way he does though.

Anchorhead said:

AWN article; "Because of the Northridge quake, a lot of the original footage was water damaged. That’s why we knew when we went in that we were going to have to do some extensive restoration work....George went through with the editor, picked a bunch of stuff and re-edited it slightly, just to make it more what he wanted. He realized that there were scenes he wanted to expand upon… at the time with the budget that he had,"

 

Honestly.   Lucas' continued use of  - the originals were damaged, I mean it was the limited budget, I mean it was my Original Vision.  Good God, man - pick one lie and stick to it.  It's the same set of pat answers he trots out for repressing the original version of Star Wars. 

All kidding aside, the man needs an intervention - or he needs to be institutionalized. Anymore these days, he seems to have fluid stories for every project he's involved in.  He's already started it with the Red Tails promotional junkets - it was the studios trying to suppress history\me\my project - it was the critics, I mean the fans. The guy is a pathological liar.

This is the other thing. OK, the originals were "half-complete films." Fine. So what's the completed version? The 97 release? The 04 release? The 11 release?  I might buy this if he could actually stick to a consistent story. I'm not trying to criticize the man so much as trying to make sense of something I can't understand.

If the OOT was just there, this whole discussion would be academic. Lucas has taken a lot of undeserved heat and had to endure a lot immature childish comments, but the question it begs to me is, why is it so important to him? He obviously has fans since there are people who'll buy almost anything with the Star Wars name on it and more importantly, he's rich beyond measure and continues to become richer. Why does this bother him so much? It's your movie George, you said so yourself, that's fine. Do what you want with it, but that doesn't mean everyone is going to like it. That's fine, hell, I think Michael Bay is a bad filmmaker and his answer would be "Fuck you Mike. I drive a Ferarri, you work at a grocery store." Whatever one thinks of the man, he doesn't give a shit about critics.

Lucas is right, he's come under a lot of scrutiny and some of it wasn't deserved. Some of it was. But if it's more than many other filmmakers (and that's debatable), it's because Star Wars looms larger in the cultural consciousness.

TV's Frink said:

Ric O said:

TV's Frink said:

Lucas fat joke in 3...2...1...

Not what I meant.

Harmy said:

Totally true. Also films like the Alien movies, Close Encounters, Blade Runner, Terminator films and others, all have different versions included in the same BD boxset, so like you say, we are not hard to please at all, we just want what is commonplace for fans of other franchises.

Again, this isn't the only film Lucas has messed with either. Even if Star Wars does happen (Which it won't. Ever.), there's still the matter of THX 1138 or even American Graffiti, though I guess that's a minor change. This is a larger issue, and Lucas owns the stuff lock, stock, and barrel and can do whatever he pleases with impunity because, well, it's his. Raising public opinion will only go so far if we can't change his, and nothing will change his mind except him.

I don't. The only exception I could make is if it was something out of print or unavailable (ie, not subtitled in English). I understand that there's lots of shady stuff that goes on with how customers are gouged, but I don't think that gives me the right to steal anything.

Baronlando said:

7FN said:

We could mention the many reasons that have - over the past decade - given rise to the current bad feeling between George and many of his fans.

I think there should be only ever be ONE thing to publicly hold against GL at this point, the OT. The other stuff is just matters of taste and we should 't be mixing that in with a concrete, legit issue.

My sentiments exactly. I don't personally like the PT or the SE, but I don't much care, I can just choose not to watch it. The OOT, however, is the big important issue (I suppose it's too much to ask that he release un-fucked version of THX-1138 and American Graffiti while he's at it).

Baronlando said:

I don't know if Variety and the actual trade papers are what they once were. Wish we could get a banner ad on Nikki Finke/Deadline Hollywood, they all read that thing. 

(Not sure what a banner ad for this would say exactly. Purely informative maybe, we could compare the time and dollar amount spent on ONE episode of the new Star Trek Next Gen vs. giving the Blade Runner '82 treatment to Star Wars.  And then point out they are doing that for 105 more friggin' episodes. The labs don't release those numbers but we can guess pretty close. Or just push the historical, preservation angle)

It would be good to point out that this is pretty much the only filmmaker in history who's been this straight-up revisionist (and with the aforementioned two films as well). Now, whether an ad in the rapidly-dying print media will mean anything is up for grabs, and even with Facebook and all of the other social media OOT fans have tried to use for rallying, and even with celeb support, so far it has been and will probably continue to be academic: the OOT is not out because Lucas doesn't want to release it, end of discussion.

althor1138 said:

I would drop a few bucks into the donation pot as long as the message was clear that the fans want the original unaltered trilogy and it was worded appropriately.

He can make changes every year to the films if he wants and I'd probably buy them.  As it stands now, I'll never buy anything from him again just as a matter of principle until he does this one thing for the fans.

Like I said, it's bigger than Star Wars, but for me personally, I wold pay ANYTHING if the OOT was released PROPERLY, which is why what I'd always hoped they do was release in a big massive boxed set. Make no mistake, that wouldn't make me happy, but regardless of what it was priced, if it had a proper OOT release, I would pay.

Most of all though, this can't just be about Blu-Ray, because as other formats come, we need to stress the need for a release of it in all future formats. And I reiteration about THX and AG too, what's good for the goose is good for the gander, it has to be about the larger preservation issue and not our childhoods. Moreover, this HAS TO BE respectful. OOT fans have a deserved bum rap for lots of "Lucas raped my childhood" comments, this needs to be conducted respectfully and intelligently.

Don't care. Not interested, won't be watching. That's about it. There is one and only one Star Wars product I will pay money for and this is not it. Moving on. 

I find my generation's entitlement complexes pretty disgusting, to be honest. I'm not in favor of SOPA and PIPA because I do think that they're massively excessive and give way too much power to the larger interests, but I understand where they're coming from. I don't dispute that there're tons of corporate corruption or gouging from the megabucks powers-that-be, but I don't think that gives people the right to just download whatever they want and never pay for movies, music, comics, etc either. I understand why these companies are scared and I think that they have a valid point, though I don't think these bills are the way to handle it. But the sheer sense of "I'll just download it" that goes around the Internet is disturbing. I realize there are exceptions (things that aren't going to come out in your country with subtitles, stuff that's long out-of-print, etc.) that needs to be accommodated, but I think a lot of this just sounds like the everything should be free attitude that quite frankly, I find kind of disgusting. There's some stuff here that definafely needs to be dealt with, though obviously I'm glad these didn't pass because I don't think they're the right ways of dealing with the issues. 

Being the vindictive fanboy that I am, I did have a sliver of hope that Red Tails wouldn't do well so that George would have a bomb and might be closer to rereleased the OOT, but that was wishful thinking. In all seriousness though, it is admirable for Lucas to get the Airmen's story out there. Obviously, we can speculate about his reasons, but think that's unfair conjecture and I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that intentions are noble. I'm hearing that the film is actually being criticized largely because many dissenters believe that the Airmen actually deserve a better film (I have absolutely no way of knowing whether or not this is true having not seen the film). However, it is sad that most "Black films" are stereotyped as that (and as a white boy from the suburbs, I'll admit that I do tend to think of Tyler Perry movie ads that way), but excepting him, there really isn't that much "Black entertainment," at least not that I know about, in mainstream cinema and TV. Now, music, with the commercial popularity of hip-hop (and I love lots of old soul and R&B) might be another matter. If it's sad that something has to be looked upon as a "Black movie," while Hollywood blockbusters aren't called "white films," well, I might be part of the problem. I'd be no means adverse to see a critically acclaimed film by a black filmmaker or about African American issues if it built some critical acclaim, (Boyz N the Hood, Menace II Society) but most of it looks like stuff I'm just not interested in (Tyler Perry, etc.). Then again, I could just be ignorant. I've certainly not ruled out the possibility.

TV's Frink said:

Lucas fat joke in 3...2...1...

Not what I meant.

If only they'd throw their weight around.

walking_carpet said:

It took 30 years...and sadly the desecration of a once-proud saga...but we are finally making progress.

How?!

Mr. Bungle said:

SilverWook said:

Manos The Hands of Fate on Blu Ray. This is actually happening now, although not from Criterion. You get the idea. ;)

 

This is fantastic. I love that someone took the time to do this. I also love fake Criterion covers.

I have mixed feelings about this being restored. It's such a hideous piece of crap, I almost prefer that it rots. I've also never watched it without the MST3K gang. I'm not sure I could unless it was in a theater with other people or something.

 

I saw the MST3K version. Once was sufficient, twice maybe if I was drunk or with friends. Without the MST3K, I think I'd qualify as masochism. And us Star Wars fans have enough of of that.

I've always hoped George would wise up and release the OOT in a big mega-ultra boxes set with all of the other stuff he insists we have. It'd have to be a no BS restoration and I'd have to read about it looking pants-crappingly perfect online, but I'd that came out PROPERLY, I'd pay ANY price for it. 

I just think the GOUT was half-assed. If Lucas did believe that he would never release the OOT again, then he should've stuck to his guns. If he did, then it should've been done properly or not at all. I just think the OOT is too big a stumbling block for most people to get over, good bad or indifferent. On the other hand, I also think its entirely true that many fans have been whiney and immature. I don't personally feel like I should be grateful for anything that I don't like, but the sheer amount of crap Lucas has faced from his fans is pretty staggering and many have been immature, disrespectful, downright rude, and even threatening. I can hardly blame Lucas for not liking this kind of childish bashing. I think there's a place for real constructive criticism here, but unfortunately George's attitude towards the OOT and the fans' attitude in turn has created a whirlpool that caused problem on both ends.  It's now an impossible impasse. I don't see the GOUT as something sort being grateful for and I do see Lucas as the big figurehead of why the OOT isn't out. I also see lots of fans behaving like assholes and I understand why Lucas doesn't take to it. He has quite the right to be upset. 

STENDEC said:

Obviously it is genuinely horrible what some people say of him (raped my childhood, worse than Hitler etc.) but I mean come on.

I think that's the sad part. So many Star Wars fans (admittedly, myself included) have said immature, stupid things and I think that's soured the thing and the perception of us (which we do deserve to some extent), so I understand George's feelings about his fans in that sense. But at the same time, if I just had the OOT properly remastered to watch, I'd never have anything to complain about in the first place! OK, I might be critical of the prequels, but so what? Lucas is entitled to make the films he wants to make, but he has to accept that not everyone will like and agree with it. That's fine, no one gets universal acclaim, buy George, you're a billionaire. If you want to say "fuck you" to the fans, fine, by all means. Obviously, I don't like it, but hey, you own them and if you don't care about our opinions, then you don't have have to.

But if you do, then release the OOT properly to placate them. Doesn't really matter which it is (well, it does to me), but you CAN'T have your cake and eat it too George. You CAN'T. When EVERYONE, EVERYONE is saying this, don't you think you should maybe think about it? Doesn't mean you have to agree. Doesn't mean you have to do anything you don't want to do. Doesn't mean you can't put a big picture of your middle finger on Twitter if you'd like. But you did something people didn't like, you've had the opportunity to fix it for a decade and a half, and you've chosen not to. That's fine. It's your choice. But accept that people aren't going to like it. And either fix it, or move on and ignore us. It doesn't work both ways.

Let me clarify; it was HDV, not actual HD film! obviously, my little private university couldn't afford real HD :P.

twister111 said:

Emphasis mine

Mike O said:

I'm not dismissing digital. I've shit student films and such on it, it's quick and easy 

Sorry it's just, what a typo to make!

(Now making sure my post is star wars related)

What makes you think I don't just have a low opinion of my student films :p? You can decide.

Harmy said:

Mike O said:

...and if this continues, I'll never have the opportunity to see Ran or Lawrence of Arabia on the big screen, a longtime dream of mine...

Why not? Lawrence has been digitally restored to at least 4K by Richard Harris, so a digital projection looking like a newly struck interpositive should be totally possible and the same goes for most important catalogue films, except for STAR WARS of course.

Maybe so. It's entirely possible I'm just a Luddite or I've been seeing it on the wrong equipment, but I don't care for the look of HD myself, I prefer film. But maybe Harris could make it look like it did on opening night in 1962 and the sun will shine from David Lean's grin up in heaven, I don't know, I'd just love to see proper film prints of many films in the cinema at some point if I have the chance.

His fault for having a smartphone tied to himself.

Otherwise I'd drop it, OK  ;)!

SilverWook said:

Those waiting for 3D to die are in for a long wait. I heard some glassless 3D displays were shown off at the Consumer Electronics Show recently.

If the studios would remaster and release some of the classics like House of Wax or Creature from the Black Lagoon, I'd seriously consider investing in the gear to watch those at home.

Yes, I'm all to aware. Personally, I wish it'd die, but it looks like no such luck. Maybe something will come along that will actually impress me, but I doubt it. I'm still bummed Sony aren't making TVs anymore, I've always liked their stuff. But, anyway....

Yes, hopefully 3-D will die soon :p. For me personally, I've very seldom seen anything older than the 1990s on the big screen and if this continues, I'll never have the opportunity to see Ran or Lawrence of Arabia on the big screen, a longtime dream of mine. I'm not dismissing digital. I've shit student films and such on it, it's quick and easy, and there are filmmakers (Michael Mann, etc.) who've done interesting things with it, but I'd hate to see film itself die. Progress can be a bit of a sad thing sometimes. 

SilverWook said:

Doesn't bode so well for revival screenings if the studios aren't going to replace worn out rental prints, or convert their libraries to screen in the new format.

All the theaters near me were built before digital, but are totally converted now, or soon will be. Whether they've kept the 35mm projectors in place or ripped them out, I have no idea.

Actually knowing how to operate a film projector is on it's way to becoming a lost art.

Yeah, it's a damn shame. Projectionists are sadly a dying breed. Kermode's been vocal about it, and he's too right. I'm no fan of 3-D, but obviously digital is the future. 

asterisk8 said:

Mike O said:

Lucas sees the 3-D craze winding down and wants to take advantage of it.

The 3D craze is not winding down. Just wait until The Hobbit comes out in IMAX 3D at 48 fps and people feel like they're looking through a giant window into Middle Earth. From where I'm sitting, true 3D movies are just getting started.

I was under the impression that The Hobbit wasn't going to be 3-D. Avatar is the only evidence of 3-D doing anything interesting so far as I've seen, and I'm beyond sick of it. I'm with Mark Kermode on this one, 3-D can die a quick death. If someone wants to come along and show me an artistically interesting film in 3-D, I'm still waiting for it. In any case, it's academic. People will pay for the gimmick, Lion King proved it, and Star Wars will certainly cement it.

TV's Frink said:

Mike O said:

I'm not paying for it; hats for sure

Why would you pay for a hat instead?

I was tying on a smartphone on a 15 break, cut me some slack :P.

Bingowings said:

As I recall Lucas took interest in the retrofitting process quite early on but he just dragged his feet.

If he had jumped in a re-released the films in 3D right after Avatar it probably would have drummed up a bit more interest in the Blu-Ray sets.

After the Blu-Ray sets I can't see how adding the gimmick to a set of films people can watch at home in HD (even it's mangled form) will be worth the effort but I often under estimate the gullibility of Joe and Joanna Public.

We can hope, but I doubt it. Star Wars is now something unto itself. The name sells, and people will pay for it immaterial of what it is. 

hairy_hen said:

 

To quote Simon Pegg:

"Enjoyed Hugo, despite almost being ruined by Phantom Menace 3D trailer. Come and revisit the most disappointing 2 hours of your life, in 3D!"

"Who is going to actually pay for the pleasure of having that ponderous, uneven, clumsy piece of shit, literally shoved in their face? WHO?!!"

 

Probably lots of people, especially kids. Lucas sees the 3-D craze winding down and wants to take advantage of it. Make no mistake, this will do gangbusters business and be another nail in the OOT's coffin. I'm not paying for it; hats for sure, but I'm sure tons and tons and tons and tons of people will. 

Okay, so I've thought that buying that Oppo and the mod would most likely be pointless at this juncture (I would kind of like to build a quality inexpensive home theater for myself, but my guess would be a contradiction of terms). So I gave eBay a look and came across a few things, but what stuck out to me was this. It looks way too good to be true; 200 bucks for a play-all machine with 1080p, but the 99.6 approval rating rings bells for me. I'd really like to have streaming and be able to play my VCDs, so that naturally means I'd have to pay more....

Tobar said:

So today Andrew Stanton (writer/director Wall•E/John Carter) has been replying to tweets of a hashtag of people's "favorite Pixar movies". Here's one of them:

andrewstanton andrew stanton 

 

@DisneyandBeyond: The Star Wars Blu-Ray Re-Release #favoritepixarmovie / Nope. The original '77 release ONLY.

Good to know he's with our cause at least. It's a shame more big names don't sling dirt about the issue, but maybe they're worried about upsetting the most powerful person in Hollywood, or more likely they just realize it won't do any good.