Terror In Region 1: Everything Old is New Again
Tracking Down Classics and Oldies of the Horror Genre on DVD
The advent of DVD brings about another golden age for fans of older horror movies. The format has encouraged restoration and reissue, from the silent Nosferatu (1922), through the bright poster-paint blood of the House of Hammer (1960's), to the Last House on the Left (1972). Former directors and producers now comb archives, film labs and theatre closets to piece together movies that have become faded with age or were hacked and censored for previous audiences, lavishing on an eager digitally-enhanced public brighter colors and never-before-seen footage. And the market for such movies is growing exponentially.
No longer relegated to cult status among those willing to stay up til 1:00am to stare sleepy-eyed at a television screen, older horror titles are finding a niche in a broader audience that through DVD is acquiring a greater appreciation for all things cinematic. Horror film aficionados and the average viewer alike benefit from all of the extras now so common on DVD releases. For the oldest titles, documentaries and commentary tracks from film historians provide viewers with encapsulated courses on the history of film and the horror genre. More recent classics feature commentaries and documentary featurettes from directors, actors, writers and other parties involved in production. Intimate histories and anecdotes about directors, actors and studios abound. Thus, even the average viewer comes away with a more in-depth knowledge of this movie genre than previous general audiences had access to.
Such attention to detail is only fueling a market ravenous for more, as evidenced by the never-ending list of new releases that always contain horror titles, from the memorable to the long forgotten. Studios like Universal have re-released Dracula and Frankenstein to the general public with restorations and a wealth of information previously aimed at collectors only. Whether any of us were even aware that companies like Hemisphere were producing cheap horror films made in the Philippines for drive-in audiences here in the states, we can now enjoy decent reproductions on DVD. The folks who run Alpha Video are making a living solely from releasing old movies on DVD, and a large fraction of their catalog is older horror flicks featuring the likes of Max Schreck and even Vincent Price. Alpha Video's case covers even depict the lurid pulp poster styles used so prevalently in the past for advertising in the genre. Anyone can own these nicely digitized prints for as little as $5.00, and we don't even have to stay up until 1:00am to watch them!
Tracking Down DVDs
Purchasing DVDs online offers numerous advantages. Online DVD retailers have a greater variety of titles, and prices are often more competitive. Online resources have also become THE source for out-of-print titles since such retailers can hold more stock for longer periods of time. Even purchases from individuals on auction sites can be an efficient means of acquiring titles at affordable prices. The greatest benefit of course is that one doesn't have to fight traffic or squeeze through crowds only to wait in a checkout line bedecked with beef jerky in all its various incarnations (which richly deserves to be dealt with in a cheap horror flick in itself).
Coming Attractions:
The best resource for a listing of upcoming horror movies on DVD is a resource horror movie fans have relied on for years: Fangoria. Or more specifically, the Fangoria web site at http://www.fangoria.com. Following its Video List link to the Video Chopping List, http://www.fangoria.com/chopping_list.php, viewers will find a lengthy list of upcoming releases on DVD and VHS. The list begins with the current week's releases (DVDs generally come out on Tuesdays), and the list shows release dates for the next ten months, including a list at the end of undated future releases. Updates to release dates for movies are preceded by UPDATE. After the list are links to the various studios producing the aforementioned DVDs. Titles are added practically daily, so DVD fans will want to check back often. Subscribers to the print magazine can read articles about upcoming movies (which can certainly sway future DVD purchase decisions) and short DVD reviews as well. If one simply wants to know when a particular title will be released, DVD Planet (www.dvdplanet.com) may be helpful. Simply search by title or use the site's advanced search capabilities. DVD Planet's records for upcoming releases extends several months in advance.
Summaries and Reviews:
Fangoria.Com gives an exhaustive list of upcoming releases, but it does not link to summaries or reviews. Should a title be unfamiliar, there are a few online resources that will give plot summaries to help you determine if a title makes the first cut for your own list of Deadly DVD Desiderata. DVD Planet, IMDb: Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com) and Amazon.Com (www.amazon.com) are all adequate sources for basic movie summaries. You can find summaries easily with the title listed from Fangoria.Com. DVD Planet will even include a case image if available and other brief details. Do keep in mind that all features of a DVD may not be known until its release date; so if you are waiting for a release with certain extras such as commentary tracks or featurettes, you may need to wait until the actual release date for a complete description.
Though we've all at some point relied on decent reviews provided by other shoppers on Amazon.Com, this web site is not the only resource for online DVD reviews. The Digital Bits has in-depth reviews for numerous DVD titles, covering not only plot elements but quality of image as well. These reviewers can even explain why a DVD release's image quality is so good or so poor (you'll learn why double-sided DVDs are not the best purchase choice for videophiles--see their review for Mothman Prophecies). Reviews are accessed through their Reviews page at http://www.thedigitalbits.com/dvdmenu.html; just browse by title.
Price Comparisons and Preorders: Choosing The Best Site:
Ordering horror movies on DVD online doesn't require knowing release dates or even waiting for those release dates to take effect. Some web sites will allow customers to submit preorders for titles whose release dates have been set. Customer accounts are not charged until titles are actually shipped. DVD Planet offers customers a preorder manager, a separate module in the customer account that tracks only preordered items. Since this web site's raison d'eter is to sell DVDs, and since it offers such a wide selection of titles, its functions are set up to serve both occasional customers and customers who are looking for a single source for routine purchases. DVD Planet also offers the option to set up email alerts for selected titles should they go out of stock. Customers get an email message when a title is again in stock. Amazon.Com also offers the option to preorder. If a title's release date has not yet been established, both Amazon.Com and DVD Planet allow customers to arrange for email alerts signaling when such titles are available for preorder. This can be helpful in arranging for reminders about future purchases of current movies. By way of example, try this out on a horror movie released at the box office within the past couple of weeks.
There are numerous sources for DVD purchases on the web. This section will describe the more prominent sites and those that are sources for older horror movies. Regardless of which site you choose to patronize, there are a few pointers to keep in mind to get the best bargain:
1. Compare Prices: An oldie but a goodie, comparing prices across sites and comparing online prices with the cost from local retailers is still the best way to build your horror movie library without going broke.
2. Compare Shipping Costs and Look For Free Shipping Options: Check to see if shipping costs are according to the number of items ordered or if a single cost applies to the entire shipment regardless of the amount ordered. A single shipping price regardless of the amount ordered may be most cost-effective when ordering several titles. Some sites will offer free standard shipping on orders that have reached an advertised price limit (example: free standard shipping on all items for orders of $25.00 or more). Other free shipping options may be advertised for limited periods of time. Keep an eye out for links to details about such offers. They can be cost effective. Even standard shipping can result in delivery within a week.
3. Look For Online Sales and Bargain Bins: Every retailer has a sale now and then. DVD titles on sale could include bestsellers, old inventory or the entire inventory could be reduced in price to make room for new releases. Look for links to bargain bins, such as DVDs under $6.00.
4. Consider Buying Used DVDs: Careful shopping on auction sites and sites like Half.Com that permit individuals to sell their own used merchandise can result in excellent purchases at lower cost.
Three web sites stand out for the broad selection of DVD titles they sell: DVD Planet, Amazon.Com and Half.Com. Oldies.Com and CreepyClassics.Com are most notable because their DVD selection centers around older horror flicks. All these sites accept credit cards. All information on these sites is current as of June 2003.
DVD Planet, www.dvdplanet.com: Now owned by Image studios (purveyors of nice productions of old horror movies on DVD), DVD Planet offers one of the best selections of DVD titles on the web. The web site setup is excellent for customers looking for a single source for frequent DVD purchases, and their shipping costs are reasonable. Customers can preorder and sign up for email notification when out-of-stock items are restocked. An advanced search engine is available, allowing shoppers to limit by various features, such as by studio, etc. DVD Planet's indexing of titles is excellent. The main Horror category is broken down into various sub categories. If you want a listing of all movies containing vampires, or werewolves, or zombies, you can be confident you will have a complete listing of what's currently available. Out-of-print titles will eventually be removed from the site, especially once a re-release is currently available. All DVD releases are automatically priced at least 30% below the list price. The site is of course one of the best sources for new Image releases at the lowest prices. The site even features a few bargain bins. Budget conscious shoppers will want to do price comparisons since occasionally another site or local retailer may have a cheaper price on a particular title, but customers less strapped for pocket money will find DVD Planet's prices reasonable if not cheaper than most retailers.
Amazon.Com, www.amazon.com: Amazon's selection has grown over the past few years and now includes a number of more esoteric titles. Its the closest rival of DVD Planet regarding selection of new and current DVD releases. Amazon has its own bargain bin. Out of print titles may remain listed for an extended period of time if used copies are available for sale through the site's affiliate and auction modules. Its advanced search option has many of the same features as DVD Planet, but it does not allow for limiting by studio, which matters when you're trying to get a list of the Anchor Bay (or your other favorite studio) titles up for sale because that studio puts out very nice DVD packages of older horror movies. Under the general Horror category, there are some nice lists including Hammer movies, Independently Distributed listings and Italian horror movies; however, the other thematic sub genres featured by DVD Planet are not listed. Titles are always discounted from the list price, but the percentage can vary.
Oldies.Com, www.oldies.com: As far as horror movies on DVD are concerned, this site's purpose is to serve as perhaps the most affordable distributor for Alpha Video releases. Though they are normally priced at $5.95, five DVDs can be purchased for $25.00. So, this site is excellent for stocking up on Alpha titles. Shipping charges are reasonable. The site's search engine is basic, likely due to its limited purpose, to sell older titles at cheaper prices.
Creepy Classics, www.creepyclassics.com: Catering to fans of B movies and older horror movies, this site features various studios releases and more. Its ad states: Classic Horror, Science Fiction and Mystery movies! Hard-to-find Horrors and Creepy Classics on DVD and VHS Video! The site also sells Posters and lobby cards, books and other memorabilia, including tee shirts of classic movie posters. Its prices are comparable to DVD Planet. There is no search engine. Though more limited in its function and purpose, fans of classic horror movies will find it a treat to browse, and its certainly a site worth checking when comparing prices for new (as opposed to used) DVDs.
Half.Com, www.half.com: Currently owned by Ebay, Half.Com allows individuals and small businesses to sell any DVD title listed in their database, which goes back to 1997 or earlier. Each DVD release includes the release date and UPC code. Sellers can match their DVDs to the appropriate release information, and prices are set--there's no auction to wait through. Some DVD listings include detailed information about DVD features. As with Ebay auctions, sellers and buyers are rated. Categories for products include Brand New (as pristine as though it came off a store shelf), Like New (items can be as pristine as Brand New, or may have been viewed once or twice) and Very Good (item or its case shows slight wear). All financial transactions are handled through Half.Com, which requires all users to securely register a credit card. Claims and refunds can be handled through their third party affiliate if necessary. Half.Com can offer better one-stop shopping as opposed to an auction. Shipping prices are set by Half.Com in accordance with current US Postal Service charges, so there are no surprise shipping fees. Aside from being useful for bargain hunting, Half.Com is also useful for acquiring out-of-print DVD releases. All DVD release listings in its database stay active even if no seller has a copy for sale (these are designated out of stock). Thus, older titles can be listed for sale at any time. Searches by title in its DVD/Movies module can also result in a quick list of all video releases of a particular movie title back to 1997 or earlier.
All of the sites listed above will give viewers a good selection of in-print releases at affordable prices. Out-of-print releases can be harder to track down. Half.Com and auction sites such as Ebay are still the best resources for out of print DVDs. Offerings can range from used copies that play like new to brand new copies still factory sealed. Caveat emptor is the rule when shopping on such sites. Buyers should closely examine seller ratings and product descriptions. The majority of transactions on such sites are satisfactory, and this reviewer has been entirely satisfied with her purchases of hard to find titles using Half.Com and Ebay.
Leaving the Matrix: Shopping Locally
Though more traditional and low tech, sometimes your local DVD retailer may be the purchase site of choice. Local stores should certainly be considered when comparing prices since local sales or manager's specials can make an in-store purchase more cost-effective. Some media retailers offer buyer clubs with discount prices for members or points toward discount coupons. Such offers can make these retailers competitive, especially for new and very current releases. Keep your eyes peeled for local bargain bins. Local stores are also handy for helping you deal with "gotta have it now" cravings; sometimes, you simply cannot wait for a new release to arrive via snail mail.