Heads up! Don't buy that MGM release just yet! - DVDfile.com forum for DVD, Blu-Ray, and HD-DVD

theta · 01-27-2005, 03:05 AM

MGM might have screwed us all.

http://www.mgmdvdsettlement.com

I have no idea if this is legit, or if maybe some law firm has misunderstood the concept of "open matte", but if it is and they haven't, we've all gotten screwed, and how.

I own "Abominable Dr. Phibes", "Carrie", "A Fish Called Wanda", "Four Weddings and a Funeral", "Goldfinger" (FUCK!!!), "Killer Klowns From Outer Space", "The Howling", "Robocop", "Sleeper" (which I just bought for $10), "The Terminator", "Theater of Blood",

Can anyone who owns, say, "Wanda" or "Weddings" take a screencap from the fullscreen and a screencap from the widescreen, put them side-by-side? I think we need to establish ASAP if this is a prank or if it's serious.

**SidcupMartin** · 01-27-2005, 03:08 AM

How is The Aviator in that list? was there a previous version? this smells like BS.

theta · 01-27-2005, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sidcupmartin

How is The Aviator in that list? was there a previous version? this smells like BS.

Not the new one, the movie of the same title directed by George Miller.

Like I said, it could very well be that these movies are simply open matte and the firm is misunderstanding how it works.

But either way, I'd like some confirmation about whether or not eleven titles in my library are travesties and I wasted $100+.

Hardcore Legend · 01-27-2005, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theta

Not the new one, the movie of the same title directed by George Miller.

Starring Chris Reeves?

theta · 01-27-2005, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hardcore Legend

Starring Chris Reeves?

Yeah, here's the IMDB page (complete with MGM DVD cover):

http://imdb.com/title/tt0088758/

**SidcupMartin** · 01-27-2005, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theta

Not the new one, the movie of the same title directed by George Miller.

Like I said, it could very well be that these movies are simply open matte and the firm is misunderstanding how it works.

But either way, I'd like some confirmation about whether or not eleven titles in my library are travesties and I wasted $100+.

I dunno, I'd call a few of those movies travesties full screen or not

:p

theta · 01-27-2005, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sidcupmartin

I dunno, I'd call a few of those movies travesties full screen or not

:p

I called the number and put my address into the system. If it's a scam, it's an elaborate one; you can go to the website of the legal company and everything.

manicsounds · 01-27-2005, 03:22 AM

AH, heard about this long ago, when someone DID file a claim against MGM that the Fullscreen version showed more than the Widescreen, calling it a "Scam". Obviously he was misled on what "Open Matte" was.

Speaking of MGM and not buying those titles, check this out:

Anyone out there interested in what our friends at MGM are cooking up for up in the coming months? Well, check this out...

-Spaceballs SE
-The Thomas Crown Affair (Original Version w/New Transfer)
-Steve McQueen Box (w/TTCA w/new transfer)
-Throw Momma From The Train (w/New Transfer)
-Bill & Ted's Excellent Boxset (both films plus bonus 3rd disc)
-Midnight Cowboy 35th Anniversary Edition

so be careful of double dipping. its been warned.

Oh, and MGM supposedly are working on "She's Gotta Have It" for DVD...

Dilmo · 01-27-2005, 03:24 AM

This seems legit. WTF. Exchange or $7.10 award?

Notoriousaurus · 01-27-2005, 03:59 AM

I don't follow. Many of these titles were released in Widescreen only. What the fuck?

Sword of Whedon · 01-27-2005, 04:07 AM

Bill & Ted boxset with third disc? I have to hear the contents but I'm already itching to dip if it has good extras

manicsounds · 01-27-2005, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Notoriousaurus

I don't follow. Many of these titles were released in Widescreen only. What the fuck?

Maybe so,
but maybe he compared it to the old VHS tapes or TV Broadcasts

Version · 01-27-2005, 04:14 AM

There is nothing wrong with the DVDs. The widescreen versions are fine. The problem is that the cover incorrectly stated that the widescreen contained more information. Since these titles are open-matte the fullscreen actually does show more image but this is image above and below the frame that was not originally intended to be seen.

Basically it is just an ignorant lawsuit that doesn't understand aspect ratios.

Moonraker · 01-27-2005, 04:22 AM

Quote:

This seems legit. WTF. Exchange or $7.10 award?

It doesn't seem right to me. It sounds like these are people who are just getting into widescreen are learning about Open Matte releases.

mtcarmel00 · 01-27-2005, 04:26 AM

I've watched all the movies in my collection that are on that list. Nothing about the picture has distracted me or bothered me. I think I'll pass.

FamilyGuyfanBOY · 01-27-2005, 04:32 AM

Pardon my french...

But this is just fucking retarted, they sued because MGM they supposidly "lied" to them on the DVD packaging

Monterey Jack · 01-27-2005, 04:52 AM

A possible Bill & Ted SE set?

EXCELLENT!

theta · 01-27-2005, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtcarmel00

I've watched all the movies in my collection that are on that list. Nothing about the picture has distracted me or bothered me. I think I'll pass.

You see, that's just it. I've seen all the ones I mentioned in my first post, obviously. They don't LOOK blown up and chopped off. So that's why I posted the site.

Version, you're dead certain that it's open matte, across the board? I certainly recognize a few open matte titles.

Millhouse · 01-27-2005, 07:50 PM

MGM's booklets have to take the blame for this, where they say that widescreen shows more on the side. i knew some sue-happy bastard would get on top of that one...

ive sent some emails to places that i've seen this news posted (chud, dark horizons) explaining the mess, and hopefulyl there will be some response to that.

once again, the ignorant cause problems.

Sword of Whedon · 01-27-2005, 08:22 PM

It's not. Bill&Ted's Excellent Adventure was shot anamorphic AND lacks a P&S side

I'm guessing a bunch of the titles are simply to clear out old stock

FreeJack · 01-27-2005, 11:10 PM

According to this article about the MGM suit, in which Peter Bracke is interviewed for comment, he's still the Editor of this website. Every time you think you're out, they pull you back in...

Dilmo · 01-28-2005, 01:39 AM

A tidbit from The Digital Bits:

Quote:

MGM isn't admitting any truth to this, but they seem to have settled the suit anyway to make the whole thing go away.

Welles and Ford Fan · 01-28-2005, 03:55 AM

I remember a thread a few months back in which the subject of "too much letterboxing" was discussed. It concerned not only the "open matte" issue, but whether some films are being overly matted to be more 16:9 TV-friendly. For example, I have the first three Bond films on laserdisc from MGM. There were only barely letterboxed, in 1.66:1 ratio. If 1.66:1 films were shot in that ratio, or intended to matted in that ratio, then MGM may well have robbed us of some image if they cropped the top and bottom.

I will try to do some comparisons this weekend. It could be that the 1.66:1 laserdiscs are more "blown up". I got the recent Gone With the Wind SE for Xmas, and even though that is not a WS film, there is a tad more info around the edges than there was in the previous DVD version. The older one was apparently a tad overscanned, and spilled past the edges of the screen.

Dilmo · 01-28-2005, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welles and Ford Fan

I will try to do some comparisons this weekend.

Any help with this fiasco would be appreciated.

Nexus 6 · 01-28-2005, 05:07 AM

I'm still pretty convinced that this is just a colossal misunderstanding of the open-matte process. Perhaps MGM shouldn't have put the same widescreen explanation in all their movies, but I have to agree with Peter in that article: exactly what kind of mental anguish can you have with this sort of thing?

I imagine MGM was probably just tired of messing with them. I'd also be interested in knowing just what is on these replacement discs. You can't produce picture information that isn't there (at least in most cases).

I also can't imagine their not being able to find someone to explain this in court.

hamholio · 01-28-2005, 05:26 AM

Suck! You have to mail in each "defective" DVD to get $7 or a free DVD. I have quite the bonanza of "defective" Woody Allen DVDs, but they're not quite "defective" enough to get 7 bucks for them.

Sounds like a good way to get rid of some unwanted DVDs, but other than that, pretty useless.

reapersaurus · 01-28-2005, 06:54 AM

Quote:

...may exchange each Eligible DVD for (i) a new MGM DVD from a list of 325 titles or (ii) $7.10.

Anyone know what the 325 new DVD titles we can exchange our eligible DVD's for are?

manicsounds · 01-28-2005, 09:55 AM

I checked the old Spaceballs DVD,
all it is open matte for the Fullscreen side.....

But the little thing inside the booklet saying
"Spaceballs is offered in the Widescreen format, enabling you to experience the picture exactly as it was shown in theaters. Depending on how the film was shot, the widescreen format presents up to 50% more image to the left and right than the standard "Pan & Scan" process, thus preserving the director's vision of each scene. Black Bars at the top and bottom of the screen are normal for this format"

Depending on how the film was shot......

See? all this confusion says that dvd companies must stop making Fullscreen DVDs.

clemato · 01-29-2005, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sidcupmartin

How is The Aviator in that list? was there a previous version? this smells like BS.

Do you mean the lawsuit is BS? I saw an ad regarding the settlement in either Entertainment Weekly or Variety this week. It seems legit to me....

But, I'm not going to do anything. :p

01-27-2005, 03:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
theta Cheap Cerebral Paralysis Join Date: May 2002 Location: In aintnosin's basement	Heads up! Don't buy that MGM release just yet! MGM might have screwed us all. http://www.mgmdvdsettlement.com I have no idea if this is legit, or if maybe some law firm has misunderstood the concept of "open matte", but if it is and they haven't, we've all gotten screwed, and how. I own "Abominable Dr. Phibes", "Carrie", "A Fish Called Wanda", "Four Weddings and a Funeral", "Goldfinger" (FUCK!!!), "Killer Klowns From Outer Space", "The Howling", "Robocop", "Sleeper" (which I just bought for $10), "The Terminator", "Theater of Blood", Can anyone who owns, say, "Wanda" or "Weddings" take a screencap from the fullscreen and a screencap from the widescreen, put them side-by-side? I think we need to establish ASAP if this is a prank or if it's serious. __________________ "I need bling, I tell you, BLING!!!" --Palmerlime Theta's discs, 300 mark crossed, 400 here we come!

01-27-2005, 03:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
SidcupMartin Director/Moderator Captain Paranoia Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Philadelphia, PA	How is The Aviator in that list? was there a previous version? this smells like BS. __________________ eternally putting the kettle on

01-27-2005, 03:22 AM	#8 (permalink)
manicsounds Actor Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Tokyo	AH, heard about this long ago, when someone DID file a claim against MGM that the Fullscreen version showed more than the Widescreen, calling it a "Scam". Obviously he was misled on what "Open Matte" was. Speaking of MGM and not buying those titles, check this out: Anyone out there interested in what our friends at MGM are cooking up for up in the coming months? Well, check this out... -Spaceballs SE -The Thomas Crown Affair (Original Version w/New Transfer) -Steve McQueen Box (w/TTCA w/new transfer) -Throw Momma From The Train (w/New Transfer) -Bill & Ted's Excellent Boxset (both films plus bonus 3rd disc) -Midnight Cowboy 35th Anniversary Edition so be careful of double dipping. its been warned. Oh, and MGM supposedly are working on "She's Gotta Have It" for DVD... __________________ Only 50 per page. Don't even bother looking Last edited by manicsounds : 01-27-2005 at 03:32 AM.

01-27-2005, 03:59 AM	#10 (permalink)
Notoriousaurus Rezident Non-Black MetroSexual Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mesa, AZ	I don't follow. Many of these titles were released in Widescreen only. What the fuck? __________________ 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

01-27-2005, 04:26 AM	#15 (permalink)
mtcarmel00 Wholesome. Actor. Get used to it. Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: San Diego, California	I've watched all the movies in my collection that are on that list. Nothing about the picture has distracted me or bothered me. I think I'll pass. __________________ "That could have been your head David." *Clarksville Monkees All-Time Record: 27-27-1* My Photos My DVDs My Blog

01-27-2005, 03:24 AM	#9 (permalink)
Dilmo Suspended Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: New Braunfels, Texas. Far From Crawford!	This seems legit. WTF. Exchange or $7.10 award?

01-27-2005, 04:07 AM	#11 (permalink)
Sword of Whedon Actor Join Date: Jan 2004	Bill & Ted boxset with third disc? I have to hear the contents but I'm already itching to dip if it has good extras

01-27-2005, 04:14 AM	#13 (permalink)
Version Actor Join Date: Jan 2003	There is nothing wrong with the DVDs. The widescreen versions are fine. The problem is that the cover incorrectly stated that the widescreen contained more information. Since these titles are open-matte the fullscreen actually does show more image but this is image above and below the frame that was not originally intended to be seen. Basically it is just an ignorant lawsuit that doesn't understand aspect ratios.

01-27-2005, 04:32 AM	#16 (permalink)
FamilyGuyfanBOY Banned Join Date: May 2004	Pardon my french... But this is just fucking retarted, they sued because MGM they supposidly "lied" to them on the DVD packaging

01-27-2005, 04:52 AM	#17 (permalink)
Monterey Jack Wants to be John Smith Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Walpole, MA U.S.A.	A possible Bill & Ted SE set? EXCELLENT! __________________ Lol VHS forty dollars??? more like dvd's 5 dollars hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha skip a long to blu ray disc and get with the freakin program!!!!!!!! LOL -ty_guy123321@hotmal.com

01-27-2005, 07:50 PM	#19 (permalink)
Millhouse Actor Join Date: Nov 2002	MGM's booklets have to take the blame for this, where they say that widescreen shows more on the side. i knew some sue-happy bastard would get on top of that one... ive sent some emails to places that i've seen this news posted (chud, dark horizons) explaining the mess, and hopefulyl there will be some response to that. once again, the ignorant cause problems. __________________ "If you want to f*** with the eagles, you have to learn to fly" - Heathers (1989)

01-27-2005, 08:22 PM	#20 (permalink)
Sword of Whedon Actor Join Date: Jan 2004	It's not. Bill&Ted's Excellent Adventure was shot anamorphic AND lacks a P&S side I'm guessing a bunch of the titles are simply to clear out old stock

01-27-2005, 11:10 PM	#21 (permalink)
FreeJack Actor Join Date: Mar 2003	Bracke still editor of DVDFile.Com?? According to this article about the MGM suit, in which Peter Bracke is interviewed for comment, he's still the Editor of this website. Every time you think you're out, they pull you back in... __________________ DVD addict since 1997. View The Evidence.

01-28-2005, 03:55 AM	#23 (permalink)
Welles and Ford Fan Actor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Houston, TX USA	I remember a thread a few months back in which the subject of "too much letterboxing" was discussed. It concerned not only the "open matte" issue, but whether some films are being overly matted to be more 16:9 TV-friendly. For example, I have the first three Bond films on laserdisc from MGM. There were only barely letterboxed, in 1.66:1 ratio. If 1.66:1 films were shot in that ratio, or intended to matted in that ratio, then MGM may well have robbed us of some image if they cropped the top and bottom. I will try to do some comparisons this weekend. It could be that the 1.66:1 laserdiscs are more "blown up". I got the recent Gone With the Wind SE for Xmas, and even though that is not a WS film, there is a tad more info around the edges than there was in the previous DVD version. The older one was apparently a tad overscanned, and spilled past the edges of the screen.

01-28-2005, 05:07 AM	#25 (permalink)
Nexus 6 Actor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Anaheim, CA	I'm still pretty convinced that this is just a colossal misunderstanding of the open-matte process. Perhaps MGM shouldn't have put the same widescreen explanation in all their movies, but I have to agree with Peter in that article: exactly what kind of mental anguish can you have with this sort of thing? I imagine MGM was probably just tired of messing with them. I'd also be interested in knowing just what is on these replacement discs. You can't produce picture information that isn't there (at least in most cases). I also can't imagine their not being able to find someone to explain this in court. __________________ --"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."

01-28-2005, 05:26 AM	#26 (permalink)
hamholio Actor Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Iowa.	Suck! You have to mail in each "defective" DVD to get $7 or a free DVD. I have quite the bonanza of "defective" Woody Allen DVDs, but they're not quite "defective" enough to get 7 bucks for them. Sounds like a good way to get rid of some unwanted DVDs, but other than that, pretty useless.

01-28-2005, 09:55 AM	#28 (permalink)
manicsounds Actor Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Tokyo	I checked the old Spaceballs DVD, all it is open matte for the Fullscreen side..... But the little thing inside the booklet saying "Spaceballs is offered in the Widescreen format, enabling you to experience the picture exactly as it was shown in theaters. Depending on how the film was shot, the widescreen format presents up to 50% more image to the left and right than the standard "Pan & Scan" process, thus preserving the director's vision of each scene. Black Bars at the top and bottom of the screen are normal for this format" Depending on how the film was shot...... See? all this confusion says that dvd companies must stop making Fullscreen DVDs. __________________ Only 50 per page. Don't even bother looking