The Annie Col/TriStar announcement - DVDfile.com forum for DVD, Blu-Ray, and HD-DVD

BubbleGumUK · 11-03-2003, 11:50 AM

Usually, I find it pointless when one of us merely repeats the quote from the main page when the File announces a new disc from the studios, but I feel compelled to write in on this one...ANNIE

Now, I kinda like Annie, in a love/hate way. I bought it for cheap when I was in NYC and thought "yeah, haven't seen this in a while" and got it. When I got back to the UK and realized quite WHY I haven't bothered to see this in a long while, I did my best and sat through it. Some weeks later, for some unknown reason, I watched it again. And I warmed to it. But still hated it. Maybe I should go and see somebody?

Anyway, then we get this:

"Just in from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment is their January 13th lineup of new and catalog releases. Getting the special edition treatment at last following a disappointing movie-only edition released two years ago is the 1982 musical flop Annie. This new reissue inculdes only a 4:3 full screen transfer (yes, really), Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround tracks, the "My Hollywood Adventure with Aileen Quinn" featurette, an exclusive msuical performance of "It's the Hard Knock Life" by the pop group Play (be very afraid), "The Age of Annie" trivia game, sing-along and act-alongs (don't ask me) and theatrical trailers. Retail is $24.95"

WTF!! Foolscreen only? Actually, I'm none too bothered. When I first saw the announcement of an Annie SE I thought I'd have to double dip on a movie I have strange and mixed up feelings about. Thankfully, this edition looks pants. Not bothred about DTS on this one (believe it or not, but there are some films that really do not benefit from a fake surround!). This only really leaves the featurette and the music video of any possible interest whatsoever - not enough to make me rush out and buy this version at all. The trailer and anamorphic video were on the original anyway.

Who are they aiming this at anyway?

Nexus 6 · 11-03-2003, 01:48 PM

This is indeed pretty ridiculous. Even though it's true that the film didn't do that well in its initial release, it has since gained something of a cult status. It's a big, old-style Hollywood musical, and it really does look horrible cropped, especially with Columbia Tristar's digital pans (are they still doing that?).

At any rate, the previous release had an anamorphic transfer, but I believe even that was misframed.

I don't want to jump on the anti-Columbia Tristar bandwagon, because they still do some quality releases, but what would be wrong with having a dual release if they can't fit both transfers on the same disc? Even Universal has been releasing dual versions of some of their catalog titles.

I really can't believe they're doing this. What kind of "special edition" DVD of a big-budget anamorphically-shot film does not include a widescreen option? I don't know what can be done; perhaps call or e-mail the studio. Online petition could work if anyone wants to start one.

BubbleGumUK · 11-03-2003, 02:06 PM

The disc put out before had both versions of the film (widescreen and fullframe) on a single side/dual layer.

They could easily have put one on one side and the other on the other in this case. Maybe they'll do the Superbit? Or the Superbit Deluxe?

Anyrate - not worth the upgrade, especially with no cast commentary, which probably would have swung it for me with a WS transfer.

BTW, what was the problem with the framing on the old disc. Looks fine to me, and the same as the framing on the TV version, which the BBC showed last Christmas.

BADBRAD · 11-03-2003, 04:59 PM

Sony Sucks! They Are The Worst Dvd Studio

Inconceivable! · 11-03-2003, 06:05 PM

Between all this pan and scan nonsense, and the Superbit editions which are in my opinion total bullshit (because Sony degrades the original transfers to sell you new "enhanced" versions), I think Columbia/TriStar is perhaps the absolute worst studio of them all right now. I really wish they would wake up over there, and smell the shit that they're shoveling. If only a boycott would build momentum.

BADBRAD · 11-03-2003, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inconceivable!

Between all this pan and scan nonsense, and the Superbit editions which are in my opinion total bullshit (because Sony degrades the original transfers to sell you new "enhanced" versions), I think Columbia/TriStar is perhaps the absolute worst studio of them all right now. I really wish they would wake up over there, and smell the shit that they're shoveling. If only a boycott would build momentum.

I agree 100%

THXHEYNOW · 11-03-2003, 07:22 PM

Ill say it .....and i dont care what you say ...i wrote a bunch of posts here and i think maybe eve wrote to Columbia about a 5.1 Annie. AND NOW THEY DO THIS TO ME YOU COLD COLUMBIA HOME VIDEO SOCCER MOM SUPPORTING BASTARDS!!

I was waiting forever for Toy SOilders and didnt buy that cause it was full screen too! They need to get there asses a shitload of letters like Warner did with Wonka full screen. I grew up watching this and as good or bad as it was ive been raised with it stuck in my head. God not to mention its a 2.35 movie not matted or anything. Ill say it again. I dont want stupid cover art on one side of the disc. Just put the pan and scan on the other side.

ccounsil · 11-04-2003, 01:20 AM

What the hell? I admit with a small ammount of shame, I am a huge fan of Annie. Not only is the fullscreen outrageous - where is the original Easy Street (massive outdoor production number cut for length) the numerous deleted scenes, the extended original ending, the infamous Lights! Camera! Annie! documentary, commentaries, anything?

A frickin' sing-a-long?!?

What a waste. I am really upset about this.

I can't find any Columbia Tristar contact info. Does anyone know where I can write and complain?

BubbleGumUK · 11-04-2003, 01:50 AM

I like your ideas for extras.

Col/TriStar just brought out another version of The Dark Crystal. Maybe in a year's time, we'll get the "Collectors Edition" with all the deleted scenes you mentioned, the documentary (I remember that being on TV) and a cast group commentary.

"The Dude" · 11-04-2003, 03:14 AM

I've been trying to stay away from columbia/tristar dvds altogether.They
like releasing their dvds multiple times before they seem to get it right.I
just pretty much expect a superbit version with every title they have.
Any bets they'll release superbit versions of their recent releases like
Charlie's Angel's:Full Throttle,Bad Boys II and others later on?

shivvy · 11-04-2003, 08:27 AM

As silly as it is, this just pisses me off. When the old version came out and the aspect ratio was wrong I decided not to buy it. Shortly after, people talked about an upcoming special edition...so I just held off and figured I would wait for the SE. NOW, they announce the "anniversary" edition and it is full screen only?

This, coupled with the fact that they're releasing one of my favorite movies of all time (Hal Hartley's "Amateur") in full screen only means that I don't have a very high opinion of Sony's home video departments at the moment.

This full screen nonsense is just getting more and more common...when it should really be going the way of the 8-track.

MooglePorn · 11-04-2003, 08:42 AM

I've accepted the sudden trend of having Full Screen release versions for every large release... "give the people what they want as long as I get my Wide Screen as well" I said. This and Matilda being in Full Screen only is really a shame and surprising, and shafts all kinds of people. I will certainly not be purchasing either now.

The protest worked with Willy Wonka (even though an internet purchase is required, as no store sells the Wide version), and strong buyer opinion forced a release of the Vacation films in wide screen (another release I can't find however), so a protest is really the only way to go here. I am not internet savy, so I don't know how to start one, but I'm sure someone out there is doing it right now, and the link will show up in this thread at some point. I urge all of you to sign it with me.

BubbleGumUK · 11-04-2003, 01:20 PM

I'll sign - and buy if it includes some decent extras as well.

The deleted scenes, doc and com would be great and what this film deserves.

What WAS that problem with the OAR on the first disc? Like I said, I checked against the WS version the BBC showed and looked the same.

THXHEYNOW · 11-05-2003, 06:10 PM

There may at least be a SUperbit version someday that will have to be widescreen and dts. But thats the problem. Superbit is now all that represents us to Columbia and the regular versions represent the unwidescreen educated soccer moms. They think that theyll keep us happy with the SUperbits I think. If i remember correct, The Digital Bits started the Wonka petition for WS. Dont forget now that Warner is now rereleasing everything WS that they had only put out in full screen like Space Jam Vacations and all so they got it. As far as i noticed its really just COlumbia going backwards. I dont know if they have a new Home Video President or something. Also I read here or at the bits a few weeks back that Blockbuster finally got it with WS and is or will be carrying the WS versions that are available instead of just pan and scans.

11-03-2003, 11:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
BubbleGumUK Actor Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: England	The Annie Col/TriStar announcement Usually, I find it pointless when one of us merely repeats the quote from the main page when the File announces a new disc from the studios, but I feel compelled to write in on this one...ANNIE Now, I kinda like Annie, in a love/hate way. I bought it for cheap when I was in NYC and thought "yeah, haven't seen this in a while" and got it. When I got back to the UK and realized quite WHY I haven't bothered to see this in a long while, I did my best and sat through it. Some weeks later, for some unknown reason, I watched it again. And I warmed to it. But still hated it. Maybe I should go and see somebody? Anyway, then we get this: "Just in from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment is their January 13th lineup of new and catalog releases. Getting the special edition treatment at last following a disappointing movie-only edition released two years ago is the 1982 musical flop Annie. This new reissue inculdes only a 4:3 full screen transfer (yes, really), Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround tracks, the "My Hollywood Adventure with Aileen Quinn" featurette, an exclusive msuical performance of "It's the Hard Knock Life" by the pop group Play (be very afraid), "The Age of Annie" trivia game, sing-along and act-alongs (don't ask me) and theatrical trailers. Retail is $24.95" WTF!! Foolscreen only? Actually, I'm none too bothered. When I first saw the announcement of an Annie SE I thought I'd have to double dip on a movie I have strange and mixed up feelings about. Thankfully, this edition looks pants. Not bothred about DTS on this one (believe it or not, but there are some films that really do not benefit from a fake surround!). This only really leaves the featurette and the music video of any possible interest whatsoever - not enough to make me rush out and buy this version at all. The trailer and anamorphic video were on the original anyway. Who are they aiming this at anyway? __________________ Check out DVD Toons for the latest in animated discs! And catch breaking Animated-News stories here! Last edited by BubbleGumUK : 11-03-2003 at 11:56 AM.

11-03-2003, 01:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
Nexus 6 Actor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Anaheim, CA	This is indeed pretty ridiculous. Even though it's true that the film didn't do that well in its initial release, it has since gained something of a cult status. It's a big, old-style Hollywood musical, and it really does look horrible cropped, especially with Columbia Tristar's digital pans (are they still doing that?). At any rate, the previous release had an anamorphic transfer, but I believe even that was misframed. I don't want to jump on the anti-Columbia Tristar bandwagon, because they still do some quality releases, but what would be wrong with having a dual release if they can't fit both transfers on the same disc? Even Universal has been releasing dual versions of some of their catalog titles. I really can't believe they're doing this. What kind of "special edition" DVD of a big-budget anamorphically-shot film does not include a widescreen option? I don't know what can be done; perhaps call or e-mail the studio. Online petition could work if anyone wants to start one. __________________ --"It's a condition of mental divergence. I find myself on the planet Ogo, part of an intellectual elite, preparing to subjugate the barbarian hordes on Pluto."

11-03-2003, 02:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
BubbleGumUK Actor Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: England	The disc put out before had both versions of the film (widescreen and fullframe) on a single side/dual layer. They could easily have put one on one side and the other on the other in this case. Maybe they'll do the Superbit? Or the Superbit Deluxe? Anyrate - not worth the upgrade, especially with no cast commentary, which probably would have swung it for me with a WS transfer. BTW, what was the problem with the framing on the old disc. Looks fine to me, and the same as the framing on the TV version, which the BBC showed last Christmas. __________________ Check out DVD Toons for the latest in animated discs! And catch breaking Animated-News stories here!

11-03-2003, 06:05 PM	#5 (permalink)
Inconceivable! Actor Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Southern California	Between all this pan and scan nonsense, and the Superbit editions which are in my opinion total bullshit (because Sony degrades the original transfers to sell you new "enhanced" versions), I think Columbia/TriStar is perhaps the absolute worst studio of them all right now. I really wish they would wake up over there, and smell the shit that they're shoveling. If only a boycott would build momentum. __________________ From where I sat it looked as though you were conjugating some irregular verbs.

11-04-2003, 01:50 AM	#9 (permalink)
BubbleGumUK Actor Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: England	I like your ideas for extras. Col/TriStar just brought out another version of The Dark Crystal. Maybe in a year's time, we'll get the "Collectors Edition" with all the deleted scenes you mentioned, the documentary (I remember that being on TV) and a cast group commentary. __________________ Check out DVD Toons for the latest in animated discs! And catch breaking Animated-News stories here!

11-03-2003, 04:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
BADBRAD Actor Join Date: Oct 2002	Sony Sucks! They Are The Worst Dvd Studio

11-03-2003, 07:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
THXHEYNOW Actor Join Date: Jun 2001	Ill say it .....and i dont care what you say ...i wrote a bunch of posts here and i think maybe eve wrote to Columbia about a 5.1 Annie. AND NOW THEY DO THIS TO ME YOU COLD COLUMBIA HOME VIDEO SOCCER MOM SUPPORTING BASTARDS!! I was waiting forever for Toy SOilders and didnt buy that cause it was full screen too! They need to get there asses a shitload of letters like Warner did with Wonka full screen. I grew up watching this and as good or bad as it was ive been raised with it stuck in my head. God not to mention its a 2.35 movie not matted or anything. Ill say it again. I dont want stupid cover art on one side of the disc. Just put the pan and scan on the other side.

11-04-2003, 01:20 AM	#8 (permalink)
ccounsil Actor Join Date: Jun 2002	What the hell? I admit with a small ammount of shame, I am a huge fan of Annie. Not only is the fullscreen outrageous - where is the original Easy Street (massive outdoor production number cut for length) the numerous deleted scenes, the extended original ending, the infamous Lights! Camera! Annie! documentary, commentaries, anything? A frickin' sing-a-long?!? What a waste. I am really upset about this. I can't find any Columbia Tristar contact info. Does anyone know where I can write and complain?

11-04-2003, 03:14 AM	#10 (permalink)
"The Dude" Actor Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Salt Lake, UT	I've been trying to stay away from columbia/tristar dvds altogether.They like releasing their dvds multiple times before they seem to get it right.I just pretty much expect a superbit version with every title they have. Any bets they'll release superbit versions of their recent releases like Charlie's Angel's:Full Throttle,Bad Boys II and others later on?

11-04-2003, 08:27 AM	#11 (permalink)
shivvy Supporting Actor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Oxford, Ohio	As silly as it is, this just pisses me off. When the old version came out and the aspect ratio was wrong I decided not to buy it. Shortly after, people talked about an upcoming special edition...so I just held off and figured I would wait for the SE. NOW, they announce the "anniversary" edition and it is full screen only? This, coupled with the fact that they're releasing one of my favorite movies of all time (Hal Hartley's "Amateur") in full screen only means that I don't have a very high opinion of Sony's home video departments at the moment. This full screen nonsense is just getting more and more common...when it should really be going the way of the 8-track.

11-04-2003, 08:42 AM	#12 (permalink)
MooglePorn Actor Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Philadelphia, PA	I've accepted the sudden trend of having Full Screen release versions for every large release... "give the people what they want as long as I get my Wide Screen as well" I said. This and Matilda being in Full Screen only is really a shame and surprising, and shafts all kinds of people. I will certainly not be purchasing either now. The protest worked with Willy Wonka (even though an internet purchase is required, as no store sells the Wide version), and strong buyer opinion forced a release of the Vacation films in wide screen (another release I can't find however), so a protest is really the only way to go here. I am not internet savy, so I don't know how to start one, but I'm sure someone out there is doing it right now, and the link will show up in this thread at some point. I urge all of you to sign it with me.

11-04-2003, 01:20 PM	#13 (permalink)
BubbleGumUK Actor Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: England	I'll sign - and buy if it includes some decent extras as well. The deleted scenes, doc and com would be great and what this film deserves. What WAS that problem with the OAR on the first disc? Like I said, I checked against the WS version the BBC showed and looked the same. __________________ Check out DVD Toons for the latest in animated discs! And catch breaking Animated-News stories here!

11-05-2003, 06:10 PM	#14 (permalink)
THXHEYNOW Actor Join Date: Jun 2001	There may at least be a SUperbit version someday that will have to be widescreen and dts. But thats the problem. Superbit is now all that represents us to Columbia and the regular versions represent the unwidescreen educated soccer moms. They think that theyll keep us happy with the SUperbits I think. If i remember correct, The Digital Bits started the Wonka petition for WS. Dont forget now that Warner is now rereleasing everything WS that they had only put out in full screen like Space Jam Vacations and all so they got it. As far as i noticed its really just COlumbia going backwards. I dont know if they have a new Home Video President or something. Also I read here or at the bits a few weeks back that Blockbuster finally got it with WS and is or will be carrying the WS versions that are available instead of just pan and scans. Last edited by THXHEYNOW : 11-05-2003 at 06:15 PM.

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