NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD with a laugh track?!? - DVDfile.com forum for DVD, Blu-Ray, and HD-DVD

larphillips · 09-23-2003, 03:04 AM

This is some of the most horrifying news that I have read in a long time. This makes Ted Turner and his paintbox look like an archivist for the AFI...

From Video Store Magazine:

York Entertainment is tapping into some public domain titles to create a new comedy series, 'Laugh Track,' which overdubs classic films with new dialogue and sound effects and spruced-up soundtracks featuring pop and hip-hop music.

"It's like 'Mystery Science Theater 3000' but with a hip, urban flair, a la 'Def Comedy Jam,'" said Arik Treston, director of independent retail promotions for York.

Treston said York hopes to attract a young audience and not only create a new viewing experience but introduce a new demographic to some older cult classics.

"York is known for really finding those different avenues," Treston said. "We're always looking at where things are untapped, where we can fill the void. Studios are so 'A'-centric with the movies they release, but we know there are spaces on the shelves that can be filled in by different product."

York has enlisted several different crews of up-and-coming comedians to work on the different movies in the 'Laugh Track' line so each title will get its own very fresh, very unique overdubbed style, Treston said. "We want to make it feel as organic as possible, and that's whey we kept a different cast of characters for each title," he said.

York plans two or three releases each month from the new line, beginning Oct. 21 with the overdubbed versions of Psychomania, a 1971 British biker horror movie; Captain Apache, a 1971 spaghetti Western starring Lee Van Cleef; and The Chinese Connection, a 1972 martial arts classic featuring Bruce Lee.

More will follow in November, with the Jack Nicholson starrer The Terror and Alfred Hitchcock's Secret Agent. In December, horror fans get a Laugh Track treat with Night of the Living Dead.

Each title is priced at $9.99 on VHS and $14.99 on DVD.

All the DVD releases in the line will include the original version of the film, as well as extensive making-of and behind-the-scenes footage.

"The actors had a blast doing it. They get to improvise and have fun with it," Treston said. "[But] it's much tougher to do than people may think."

Treston said the titles should work for rental and sellthrough markets. The price is low enough for fans that would like to own a copy and for rentailers to get a quick return on invesment, and the concept is new and fun, which should tempt renters.

He said reception from the retail community is encouraging. "There's a lot of interest out there," Treston said. "It's new, the price is so low, it's really hard for anyone to lose."

JFelix · 09-23-2003, 03:19 AM

It might seem a little strong of an opinion, but I hope they die.

Okay, maybe not die, but become comatose after having a cinder block thrown at their head.

By ME.

Notoriousaurus · 09-23-2003, 04:03 AM

No one thought MST3K would be that great either.

Ill watch one of these before I care either way.

larphillips · 09-23-2003, 04:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Notoriousaurus

No one thought MST3K would be that great either.

Ill watch one of these before I care either way.

You know, it's one thing to pick on awful movies... it's yet another to rape a good movie just because it is in the public domain. Not just NOTLD, but The Chinese Connection and Hitch's Secret Agent too???

Notoriousaurus · 09-23-2003, 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larphillips

You know, it's one thing to pick on awful movies... it's yet another to rape a good movie just because it is in the public domain. Not just NOTLD, but The Chinese Connection and Hitch's Secret Agent too???

Don't get me wrong, I agree with your statement. However what is good and bad is subjective.

People think NOTLD is great, and it is, but to me it is inferior to Dawn of the Dead. That doesn't mean there is no cracks to be made at DOTD.

Cherry 2000 is the greatest movie ever, next to Legend of Billie Jean, but they can still be humbled

BrainofJ · 09-23-2003, 07:15 AM

This is stupid

Let's make things "hip and fresh" add a hip hop soundtrack. What a joke. I can't believe someone would give them the rights to a Hitchcock film or Night of the Living Dead.

What a disgrace

Quote:

It might seem a little strong of an opinion, but I hope they die.

Okay, maybe not die, but become comatose after having a cinder block thrown at their head.

That's actually not a bad idea

Crow T. Robot · 09-23-2003, 07:35 AM

Wow a rip off of Mystery Science Theater 3000 but good movies...how long did it take that person to think of that.

Frank Gunn · 09-23-2003, 01:01 PM

Whenever some marketing schlep describes his product as "hip", it's all I can do not to run to the store and buy a truckload of whatever shit he's shoveling.

Seriously, is there anything less "fresh" than "hip hop" these days?

PorkChopXpress · 09-23-2003, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFelix

It might seem a little strong of an opinion, but I hope they die.

Okay, maybe not die, but become comatose after having a cinder block thrown at their head.

By ME.

Sounds perfectly reasonable to me.

Riedenschneider · 09-23-2003, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larphillips

All the DVD releases in the line will include the original version of the film

It's only a special feature - one you can choose not to see. You guys need to quit coffee...

Marq · 09-23-2003, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrainofJ

What a joke. I can't believe someone would give them the rights to a Hitchcock film or Night of the Living Dead.

Nobody did "give them the rights". They are public doman movies, accessible by anyone. If I wanted to release a DVD of these titles to the market I could.

Regardless, I think the idea stinks so I won't be going near it.

C Roberts · 09-23-2003, 02:51 PM

Quote:

York Entertainment is tapping into some public domain titles to create a new comedy series, 'Laugh Track,' which overdubs classic films with new dialogue and sound effects

HOLY SH!T! I was actually planning on doing this for fun to some movies ala MST3K, but dubbed instead of commentary. Bastards!!!

manigrasso · 09-23-2003, 05:31 PM

Honestly, as long as these aren't the only way to watch the movies ever again, it's no sweat off my sack.

A company did a version of the Blob a few years ago, called Blobermouth. IMHO, since I can get a real coopy of The Blob elsewhere, it's only crim was not being funny. Woody Allen did it a few decades back with his dubbed version of a Japanese Spy movie, which was released as "What's Up, Tiger Lily?" And Spike TV's "Most Extreme Elimination Challenege,"-where a Japanese game show is mocked with funny English voiceovers0-is one of the funniest things on TV today.

People are only up in arms over the fact that this company is doing this with "Good movies." But there have been satires of great literature and art in the past. Do you all get that upset when some struggling artist makes a few bucks on the boardwalk or in the park by painting a giant version of the Mona Lisa or Whistler's Mother, but with a hole where the head ought to be so you can stick your head in there and get your picture taken? Hell, was anyone up in arms over Grendel that you knew about? Anyone boycotting music that samples from other songs?

Of course, I pity any woman who gives birth to a son who becomes a marketing jackoff who would use a phrase like "hip, urban flair a la Def Comedy Jam" without a trace of irony-you know he wanted to use the word "proactive" SO FRIGGING MUCH! Meanwhile, since these movies ARE in the public domain (and I know there's some dispute over whether or not NOTLD is REALLY in the public domain), and since you can find them intact-hell, apparently, this company is going to give you the option of seeing the movies uncut & with original audio anyway- this is something you can choose to ignore.

PorkChopXpress · 09-23-2003, 06:42 PM

Very good points mani. And I have to say I was probably a little rash in my judgement. As you stated, Woody Allen used this to great effect in the very funny, "What's up Tiger Lily?", and "Most Extreme Elimination Challenge" is indeed one of the funnier shows on tv. So, it has been done before, and it has worked. I have to admit that I only skimmed through the article, so I missed some major points. The fact that the original movie will be on the disc means the laugh track could be considered a special feature, as Ried pointed out; Not unlike the "subtitles for people who don't like the movie" that Monty Python troupe did with their Monty Python and the Holy Grail release.

With my incomplete information due to laziness, I think my biggest issue was with this statement:

Quote:

Treston said York hopes to attract a young audience and not only create a new viewing experience but introduce a new demographic to some older cult classics.

As I said, I thought the laugh track would be the only language track available, so I thought it was a pretty absurd that this guy would use the parody of a film to introduce a newer audience to these movies. In short, this news is not as bad as it seems, and if the laugh track isn't funny, you can always just watch the movie, or not buy the movie at all.

larphillips · 09-23-2003, 07:06 PM

Here is the point, though. You all know that they 'jokes' won't be funny and I'm sure that the transfers will be crap. There are deluxe versions of these films already around if people want to see them as they should be. And there are fairly good copies of inexpensive pressings around as well. This is just going to be a cheap, crappy attempt to profit off of someone else's work. Bleh, I just think this is an awful idea and it shows the worst in DVD sales and marketing. I sincerely doubt you will have the brain trust responsible for making VO comedy successful involved in this project. There will be no Woody Allen, MST3K staff, Monty Python or even Steve Oedenkirk. This is going to be a bunch of your drunken friends around the TV at night talking shit to the screen... except it won't be as funny, and you'll be alone in your room without any friends.

PorkChopXpress · 09-23-2003, 09:58 PM

Fair enough, but if they, in fact, treat these releases like shit, then a uninformed consumer will get burned once, and never buy one of these titles again. So its likely that the series of dvd's will never get off the ground to begin with, and subsequently won't turn a profit, either.

I'm not going to rush out and buy these because the description, "It's like 'Mystery Science Theater 3000' but with a hip, urban flair, a la 'Def Comedy Jam," doesn't sound all that appealing to me. They are targeting a very specific audience, which obviously none of us seem to fall into. However, I like genre films, and I find the aforementioned parodies to be quite funny. So, while I feel the idea is bad, I think it can be considered valid. If the releases turn out to be as worthless as most suspect, then it will die a quick death. The simple choice for most is to stick to the current releases, and we'll see if this company's idea will find an audience. Just because they release it, doesn't mean we have to buy it. But if someone does want it, then they'll have that option.

theta · 09-23-2003, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larphillips

"It's like 'Mystery Science Theater 3000' but with a hip, urban flair, a la 'Def Comedy Jam,'" said Arik Treston, director of independent retail promotions for York.

Okay, let's break out the pitchforks and torches. Everyone?

09-24-2003, 08:38 PM

Night of the Living Dead already received this sort of treatment on the syndicated series Mad Movies With The LA Connection back in 1985.

They kept going back to one shot of a zombie chasing someone across a field saying "Telegram!" and the person running away was going "Oh no, stay away! It's always bad news!"

Hey I was like 15 or something at the time. I thought it was hilarious.

C Roberts · 09-24-2003, 08:41 PM

Quote:

They kept going back to one shot of a zombie chasing someone across a field saying "Telegram!" and the person running away was going "Oh no, stay away! It's always bad news!"

Hey I was like 15 or something at the time. I thought it was hilarious.

I'm 29 now and just reading that made me picture it and laugh.

09-23-2003, 03:04 AM	#1 (permalink)
larphillips Actor Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Cleveland, OH	NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD with a laugh track?!? This is some of the most horrifying news that I have read in a long time. This makes Ted Turner and his paintbox look like an archivist for the AFI... From Video Store Magazine: York Entertainment is tapping into some public domain titles to create a new comedy series, 'Laugh Track,' which overdubs classic films with new dialogue and sound effects and spruced-up soundtracks featuring pop and hip-hop music. "It's like 'Mystery Science Theater 3000' but with a hip, urban flair, a la 'Def Comedy Jam,'" said Arik Treston, director of independent retail promotions for York. Treston said York hopes to attract a young audience and not only create a new viewing experience but introduce a new demographic to some older cult classics. "York is known for really finding those different avenues," Treston said. "We're always looking at where things are untapped, where we can fill the void. Studios are so 'A'-centric with the movies they release, but we know there are spaces on the shelves that can be filled in by different product." York has enlisted several different crews of up-and-coming comedians to work on the different movies in the 'Laugh Track' line so each title will get its own very fresh, very unique overdubbed style, Treston said. "We want to make it feel as organic as possible, and that's whey we kept a different cast of characters for each title," he said. York plans two or three releases each month from the new line, beginning Oct. 21 with the overdubbed versions of Psychomania, a 1971 British biker horror movie; Captain Apache, a 1971 spaghetti Western starring Lee Van Cleef; and The Chinese Connection, a 1972 martial arts classic featuring Bruce Lee. More will follow in November, with the Jack Nicholson starrer The Terror and Alfred Hitchcock's Secret Agent. In December, horror fans get a Laugh Track treat with Night of the Living Dead. Each title is priced at $9.99 on VHS and $14.99 on DVD. All the DVD releases in the line will include the original version of the film, as well as extensive making-of and behind-the-scenes footage. "The actors had a blast doing it. They get to improvise and have fun with it," Treston said. "[But] it's much tougher to do than people may think." Treston said the titles should work for rental and sellthrough markets. The price is low enough for fans that would like to own a copy and for rentailers to get a quick return on invesment, and the concept is new and fun, which should tempt renters. He said reception from the retail community is encouraging. "There's a lot of interest out there," Treston said. "It's new, the price is so low, it's really hard for anyone to lose." __________________ I'm going with Jerkstore! Jerkstore is the line! Jerkstore! Yes. - George Costanza "What a lovely day for an exorcism." Demon/Regan - THE EXORCIST Last edited by larphillips : 09-23-2003 at 03:07 AM.

09-23-2003, 04:03 AM	#3 (permalink)
Notoriousaurus Rezident Non-Black MetroSexual Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mesa, AZ	No one thought MST3K would be that great either. Ill watch one of these before I care either way. __________________ DVDFile Mascot \| A Metrosexual DVD Collection! \| STAY IN SCHOOL KIDS! "I sure hope she doesn't have a penis because that would just ruin it for me." - Damian

09-23-2003, 07:35 AM	#7 (permalink)
Crow T. Robot Actor Join Date: Feb 2002	Wow a rip off of Mystery Science Theater 3000 but good movies...how long did it take that person to think of that. Last edited by Crow T. Robot : 09-23-2003 at 07:41 AM.

09-23-2003, 05:31 PM	#13 (permalink)
manigrasso Forum Sage Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: NJ	Honestly, as long as these aren't the only way to watch the movies ever again, it's no sweat off my sack. A company did a version of the Blob a few years ago, called Blobermouth. IMHO, since I can get a real coopy of The Blob elsewhere, it's only crim was not being funny. Woody Allen did it a few decades back with his dubbed version of a Japanese Spy movie, which was released as "What's Up, Tiger Lily?" And Spike TV's "Most Extreme Elimination Challenege,"-where a Japanese game show is mocked with funny English voiceovers0-is one of the funniest things on TV today. People are only up in arms over the fact that this company is doing this with "Good movies." But there have been satires of great literature and art in the past. Do you all get that upset when some struggling artist makes a few bucks on the boardwalk or in the park by painting a giant version of the Mona Lisa or Whistler's Mother, but with a hole where the head ought to be so you can stick your head in there and get your picture taken? Hell, was anyone up in arms over Grendel that you knew about? Anyone boycotting music that samples from other songs? Of course, I pity any woman who gives birth to a son who becomes a marketing jackoff who would use a phrase like "hip, urban flair a la Def Comedy Jam" without a trace of irony-you know he wanted to use the word "proactive" SO FRIGGING MUCH! Meanwhile, since these movies ARE in the public domain (and I know there's some dispute over whether or not NOTLD is REALLY in the public domain), and since you can find them intact-hell, apparently, this company is going to give you the option of seeing the movies uncut & with original audio anyway- this is something you can choose to ignore. __________________ manigrasso I used to have a little cropped mustache and wear brown shirts with swastika armbands. Then I read about this guy named "Hitler." Man, was my face red! No wonder why Inga was the only girl who'd go to Prom with me!

09-23-2003, 07:06 PM	#15 (permalink)
larphillips Actor Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Cleveland, OH	Here is the point, though. You all know that they 'jokes' won't be funny and I'm sure that the transfers will be crap. There are deluxe versions of these films already around if people want to see them as they should be. And there are fairly good copies of inexpensive pressings around as well. This is just going to be a cheap, crappy attempt to profit off of someone else's work. Bleh, I just think this is an awful idea and it shows the worst in DVD sales and marketing. I sincerely doubt you will have the brain trust responsible for making VO comedy successful involved in this project. There will be no Woody Allen, MST3K staff, Monty Python or even Steve Oedenkirk. This is going to be a bunch of your drunken friends around the TV at night talking shit to the screen... except it won't be as funny, and you'll be alone in your room without any friends. __________________ I'm going with Jerkstore! Jerkstore is the line! Jerkstore! Yes. - George Costanza "What a lovely day for an exorcism." Demon/Regan - THE EXORCIST

09-23-2003, 03:19 AM	#2 (permalink)
JFelix Actor Join Date: Dec 2002	It might seem a little strong of an opinion, but I hope they die. Okay, maybe not die, but become comatose after having a cinder block thrown at their head. By ME.

09-23-2003, 01:01 PM	#8 (permalink)
Frank Gunn Actor Join Date: Oct 2002	Whenever some marketing schlep describes his product as "hip", it's all I can do not to run to the store and buy a truckload of whatever shit he's shoveling. Seriously, is there anything less "fresh" than "hip hop" these days?

09-23-2003, 09:58 PM	#16 (permalink)
PorkChopXpress Actor Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Norman, OK	Fair enough, but if they, in fact, treat these releases like shit, then a uninformed consumer will get burned once, and never buy one of these titles again. So its likely that the series of dvd's will never get off the ground to begin with, and subsequently won't turn a profit, either. I'm not going to rush out and buy these because the description, "It's like 'Mystery Science Theater 3000' but with a hip, urban flair, a la 'Def Comedy Jam," doesn't sound all that appealing to me. They are targeting a very specific audience, which obviously none of us seem to fall into. However, I like genre films, and I find the aforementioned parodies to be quite funny. So, while I feel the idea is bad, I think it can be considered valid. If the releases turn out to be as worthless as most suspect, then it will die a quick death. The simple choice for most is to stick to the current releases, and we'll see if this company's idea will find an audience. Just because they release it, doesn't mean we have to buy it. But if someone does want it, then they'll have that option. Last edited by porkChopXpress : 09-24-2003 at 12:18 AM.

09-24-2003, 08:38 PM	#18 (permalink)
frulad	Night of the Living Dead already received this sort of treatment on the syndicated series Mad Movies With The LA Connection back in 1985. They kept going back to one shot of a zombie chasing someone across a field saying "Telegram!" and the person running away was going "Oh no, stay away! It's always bad news!" Hey I was like 15 or something at the time. I thought it was hilarious.

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