Deadlands 2: Trapped (limited HD DVD release) now available to pre-order!

[The Limey]

Originally Posted by GizmoDVD

Correct me if I'm wrong (Kosty would know this), but a HD DVD 'machine' is simply a DVD pressing machine that's been slightly retooled for HD DVD discs. The cost was (is?) very small compared to a brand new Blu-ray machine. Wouldn't there be several of these HD DVD machines around if it was a simple add-on?

Regardless, awesome news.

That was always my understanding of the HD DVD replication process too.
It certainly is awesome news and it would be truly awesome if this sends out a message to other independent outfits that to take the plunge on limited HD DVD pressings could well be a viable option.
In the meantime lets see where this one goes...

[Kosty]

The actual replication machine used for HD DVD replication is really just a recent vintage DVD box.

But the mastering machine that is used to produce the glass master to put into the high spec DVD replication machine is a different thing.

Lots of DVD lines out there that can actually produce HD DVDs. But fewer boxes are still out there that can actually create the masters to put into them to produce the units. You only needed a few of those to created the masters, but I don;t know how many of them are still active or how many that are out there for DVD mastering can produce HD DVD masters.

I do not think that Cinram is capable of producing HD DVDs anymore although those lines that did the HD DVD work are still there happily producing DVDs at the moment as they were among the more modern DVD lines in the Olyphant PA plant.

[Kosty]

I know that some of the mastering machines that were capable of producing HD DVD masters are still in use for DVDs (and maybe Blu-ray ??) so someone should be able to coordinate there use.

[GizmoDVD]

Thanks Kosty

I think if they are serious about this, perhaps when they get things 'down' they should take full, pre-paid orders. That way they won't get stiffed and it won't hurt our chances of another title coming out in the future.

[The Limey]

Originally Posted by Kosty

The actual replication machine used for HD DVD replication is really just a recent vintage DVD box.

But the mastering machine that is used to produce the glass master to put into the high spec DVD replication machine is a different thing.

Lots of DVD lines out there that can actually produce HD DVDs. But fewer boxes are still out there that can actually create the masters to put into them to produce the units. You only needed a few of those to created the masters, but I don;t know how many of them are still active or how many that are out there for DVD mastering can produce HD DVD masters.

I do not think that Cinram is capable of producing HD DVDs anymore although those lines that did the HD DVD work are still there happily producing DVDs at the moment as they were among the more modern DVD lines in the Olyphant PA plant.

Kosty,

I am hoping that the efforts of Gary and Anthem Pictures address the points that you have raised. The below mentioned does give cause for optimism though:

"They are just trying to get the replicator in on the gig. No one has pressed an in so long most sold off their equipment, but this one company still has it and we are trying to get them to sell us 500 at a bulk price so they can deplete the remainder of their inventory."

[Kosty]

HD DVD -ROMs ?? I guess thats an option too. Burning to them does not need a glass master only input into the device.


A DVD-R (HD DVD) burner thats a duplication device does not need a master like a DVD (or HD DVD) replication device does that is pressing tens of thousands of copies from raw resin.

[GizmoDVD]

I might be confusing things -

Wouldn't there be a bunch of blank HD DVDs (or HD DVD-Roms as I called them) that were never used once the format went kaput? I don't know the process, but obviously Warner cutting down on their '3 week delay' HD DVDs might be there are a ton of empty ones out there that can be used.

[The Limey]

Anyone on here up for the artwork challenge?

[GizmoDVD]

Originally Posted by The Limey

Anyone on here up for the artwork challenge?

Just the front cover or the entire case? I've done a handful for HD DVD (The Graduate, Elephant Man, In the Land of Women, Death at a Funeral etc.) before but for the 'full case' I'd need to know the specs (audio, features etc.)

[The Limey]

Originally Posted by GizmoDVD

Just the front cover or the entire case? I've done a handful for HD DVD (The Graduate, Elephant Man, In the Land of Women, Death at a Funeral etc.) before but for the 'full case' I'd need to know the specs (audio, features etc.)

I am guessing that it is the entire case. This is what Gary has requested so far so I guess the best option is to email him and see:

" Now, the best part...
Is anyone interested in doing the artwork? The distributor can do it, but since this is something for the HD-DVD fans, I figured maybe a fan that is great with photo shop would want a crack at it.
If interested shoot me an email: deadlandsthemovie@yahoo.com.
What I will do this weekend, is upload every photo taken from the set of the film, and RAR them up onto the website for the movie,
www.playingwithdeadthings.com, then those who want a crack at the artwork can send in their artworks presentations, and hopefully we can get that artwork used.

If we do I will feature that artwork on the films website with the winners name, and they have the recognition of knowing they did the artwork for what may probably be the last HD-DVD ever produced.
Any takers for this challenge?"

[GizmoDVD]

The site is a mess right now to view. I'll wait till they get some pics of and an idea on features/specs (and if this is actually happening...)

[The Limey]

Originally Posted by GizmoDVD

The site is a mess right now to view. I'll wait till they get some pics of and an idea on features/specs (and if this is actually happening...)

I asked the question on TBS. Here is the response:

" Nothing yet, other than I know at least 2-3 cuts of the film. A directors
commentary for each cut. I am about to record the 2nd and third commentaries tonight.

I was asked to film a new special feature about the theater location so I am working on that now. That is something that would be exclusive to the HD-DVD.

Audio would most likely only be 5.1, as We didn't have the source material to do anything above it while film as our budget was only $6,000.00 USD, plus to License DTS for HD-DVD is a $6,000 charge alone, so it will just 5.1 AC-3 Dolby Digital, but I did send them all 30 Audio track from the film when i sent them the original masters.

Trailers

I will also film a new intro for the film for the HD-DVD version, meaning I will
film and introduction to the movie discussing the LIMITED EDITION HD-DVD
release.
Trying to make sure you guys who get the HD-DVD's get something a little more than the DVD buyers."

[GizmoDVD]

Sounds neat. I guess I can 'mock up' a cover and just not list anything in the Special Features yet.

Lossless is not important (and probably won't matter for this film anyway).

[Kosty]

Originally Posted by Josh Z

A zombie movie bringing the format back from the dead? How appropriate!

Shame the movie was mostly shot in SD.

I'd do it just for the irony of having a zombie movie on HD DVD a format that is no longer living but still moves along.

My existing HD DVD players and discs have not blown up yet.

[DjfunkmasterG]

Hey guys... I am the filmmaker. just wanted to pop in and say hello, and thanks for the support for this endeavor.

You wouldn't believe the amount of replicators who ask me or the distributor? ARE YOU SERIOUS? when it comes to the HD-DVD replication.

Right now its looking to be a 500 - 1000 disc run, so a little more than 250, but again all will be numbered and marked SPECIAL, LIMITED EDITION HD-DVD RELEASE.

As far as features... I am going to film two new special features, plus an introduction for the film just for you HD-DVD guys.

We are pushing ahead and Anthem is excited. FYI, in case you didn't know... Anthem is also the company behind VUDU box, as well as another defunct format... HD-VMD.

So we are pressing on it full steam, to get you guys this HD-DVD set. once a replicator is locked in a pre-sale link will be added to the Deadlands 2 page on Anthem's website so you guys can get your discs.

More info to follow soon. i promise I will give you the updates as quick as I get them. This has become my new priority.

Before anyone asks, sorry, Deadlands 1 cannot be included as it is licensed by another studio. However, you do not have to see Deadlands 1 in order to see Deadlands 2. Deadlands 2 is an IN NAME ONLY SEQUEL.