Limited release HD DVD now available for pre-order

The Limey · 03-09-2009, 6:14 PM

Just when you thought the show was over, this goes and happens:

""SUBJECT: ZOMBIE FILM to resurrect HD DVD FORMAT

WETNWILDRADIO FILMS and ANTHEM PICTURES are proud to announce that the independent zombie horror film, DEADLANDS 2: TRAPPED, will be making its way to HD DVD.

This LIMITED COLLECTORS EDITION HD DVD will be made available in the HD DVD format in a very limited quantity on the films home video release date, October 27th 2009.

When asked why, in regards to releasing the film in this defunct format, Deadlands 2 writer/director Gary Ugarek, an avid HD DVD collector, had this to say.

"Over the last 18 months, since HD DVD's demise, I and a small group of HD DVD enthusiasts have scoured every part of the planet trying to obtain the left over releases of HD DVD material. We were early adopters of the format and still feel to this day the format shouldn't have been left to die off. So I set out to do some research and realized the following:

During HD DVD's release over 1,000,000 player units were sold, and over 800 titles were released for the format. At the end of its tenure the market penetration still remained strong, and the format built a dedicated fan base.

So I set out to see if these HD DVD owners would be interested in a brand new release. I presented all the information about the film, gave them access and links to trailers, the press kit and the technical aspects... and you know what... THEY LOVED THE IDEA. The feedback was unbelievable. Within 36 hours of putting the question out there, I received over 200+ emails, within 96 hours 380+ requests from HD DVD fans asking me to make this happen.

I presented the idea to Anthem Pictures, the distributor, and they liked it, and immediately jumped behind it."

One wouldn't think a $6,000.00 zombie film would be a candidate for such a release, but Deadlands 2 is that candidate. The HD DVD release will be limited to 500 copies only, with each disc noting the fact it is a LIMITED COLLECTORS EDITION. Also, each disc will also come with a Certificate of Authenticity numbering which copy the purchaser received. Since it is such a limited item, HD DVD fans will want to jump on this opportunity as this will be the first HD DVD to be mastered and press for release since March 2008, when production of the format ceased, Thus making the HD DVD release of Deadlands 2 a rarity item in HD collections.

"Some people thought I was flat out nuts and were asking, why HD DVD? Are you not a Blu-Ray supporter? I answered I am, but when you have a dedicated fan base for a format, like HD-DVD does, and you see the passion of its supporters I immediately knew I wanted to do this for the fans. I want to give them something special." Gary Ugarek

Special it is. Writer/Director Ugarek is in fact filming some new special HD DVD only content, and giving purchasers of this LIMITED COLLECTORS EDITION DISC more bang for their buck.

"I had been asked by the fans to include something about how I made a micro/low budget zombie film, and what my experiences were, what hoops and hurdles I had to overcome, and I though sure, why not." Gary Ugarek

The HD DVD should come packed with tons of features including: (Tentative)

* 1920x1080 version of the UNRATED CUT
* The full work print version of the film, which contains an alternate score and footage not available in the unrated edition
* A brand new director's commentary for the HD DVD release.
* A newly recorded commentary for the work print version, not available on DVD release
* Featurette on indie filmmaking from the directors POV (HD DVD exclusive)
* Featurette on the Theater cineplex location (HD DVD Exclusive)
* And more.

"Right now we have 30gb of space to fill up, so Anthem and I are working together to see what can be included, and if we have the space I will keep adding more to the list to make it a packed to the brim HD DVD release of the film." Gary Ugarek

Because of the limited production run and the extensive cost to produce HD DVD, the disc will retail through the distributors website for $29.95 + S&H and will be available for both US and International customers. HD DVD unlike Blu-Ray does not use a region coding system, so one master is just made. With HD DVD being region free, even if the disc is made in the USA it is playable on every HD DVD player around the world.

Based on the research data Ugarek has conducted he is expecting a good response and Anthem Pictures is setting up a special page on their website for HD DVD fans to pre-order their discs to make sure they have their copy reserved for when the film hits the street on October 27th.

"I know it's a gamble with HD DVD having lost out on the format war, but based on feedback from HD DVD fans we expect this to be a huge moment for them, the film and HD DVD. Kind of ironic that a zombie film would be helping HD DVD try to come back from the dead, even if for a short period of time, but who knows, if the program is a success maybe other indie filmmakers and distributors can do something similar for the HD DVD fans and keep it alive for the hard core."

To order your copy of Deadlands 2, or find out more information head to the Anthem Pictures website Anthem Pictures

DEADLANDS 2: TRAPPED OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE
OCTOBER 27th 2009

For those with questions they can be sent directly to the filmmaker at Deadlandsthemovie@yahoo.com.

He is prepared to try and answers as many questions for the HD DVD fans as possible."

Want a new horror film released on HD DVD? Send an email to... - Page 10 - High-Def Digest Forums

I have already ordered my two copies but hurry, these are selling like hot cakes and the total issue is only 500 HD DVDs...

The Limey · 03-09-2009, 6:27 PM

Updated pre-order link:

http://anthemdvd.com/store/products/...llectable.html

Cool-hand · 03-09-2009, 6:31 PM

Hi

Congrats on the new movie, i've heard it supposed to be quite good so i'll wait a week after it's release and pick up a used copy for £2 off a kind forum member

Good luck Lion Heart

CH

namuk · 03-09-2009, 6:35 PM

Looks like the guy uploaded a Trailer also

what sound format is film?
YouTube - DEADLANDS 2: TRAPPED FINAL TRAILER 2009 (WINNER BEST ZOMBIE FILM 2009 FRIGHT NIGHT FILM FEST)

The Limey · 03-09-2009, 6:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by namuk

Looks like the guy uploaded a Trailer also

what sound format is film?
YouTube - DEADLANDS 2: TRAPPED FINAL TRAILER 2009 (WINNER BEST ZOMBIE FILM 2009 FRIGHT NIGHT FILM FEST)

At the moment they are going with a plain AC3 Dolby Digital 5.1 as the licensing fees for a DTS track would not make the project viable.

museumsteve · 03-09-2009, 8:40 PM

This is great, a nice surprise. I've ordered one

I hope theres no issues shipping to the UK.

The Limey · 03-09-2009, 9:56 PM

UK shipping should be no more than $10. Anthem set the prepay tab up with a couple of errors which resulted in an extra $5 being charged. If you have been charged more than $10 then just contacting them, should resolve that.

In the meantime it would seem that Anthem are being inundated with orders for this HD DVD.... Email requests before the Payment Tab went live accounted for approximately 380 discs, so all these people plus anyone else will now be lining up to pay via the Payment Tab.
How long before the Sold Out Sign is put up on this allocation of 500 HD DVDs?

emthree · 03-09-2009, 10:29 PM

I asked the question a long time ago if after Toshiba folded the HD DVD format, someone can still release a new (or for that an old) film on HD DVD, i.e. if there was a legal hitch of any sort to prevent people from doing so. This answers the question. If something like this can succeed, what is to stop an independent company from acquiring rights to some movies and release them on HD DVD format? (say like Criterion did for some classic movies before?). This is an interesting development indeed.

Cool-hand · 04-09-2009, 6:03 AM

As interesting as it may be, and quite nice to see a tiny pulse in hd-dvd, it is only a blip and can never maintain a format or keep keep it barely alive.

Sony have slayed the hd-dvd monster that was. I wasn't happy bout it along with countless others but it is was it is...

Enjoy the new release everyone.

Rgds

CH

Ps. Any expected BD release?

**Bald Monkey** · 04-09-2009, 7:52 AM

Ordered!

The Limey · 04-09-2009, 8:26 AM

Here is the film's main website which is well worth a look:
www.playingwithdeadthings.com

I have emailed the details of this thread to Gary Ugarek - the director of Deadlands 2. Gary is currently appearing very regularly on a couple of threads regarding this forthcoming HD DVD on both thebombshelter and Highdefdigest, answering questions and providing updates. He is incredibly busy at the moment, putting in the extra features for this HD DVD but with a bit of luck he may be able to join us here too.

emthree · 04-09-2009, 8:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cool-hand

As interesting as it may be, and quite nice to see a tiny pulse in hd-dvd, it is only a blip and can never maintain a format or keep keep it barely alive.

Sony have slayed the hd-dvd monster that was. I wasn't happy bout it along with countless others but it is was it is...

Enjoy the new release everyone.

Rgds

CH

Ps. Any expected BD release?

But can it survuive as a niche product, like Criterion has done for DVD for years (although now they have started releasing on Blu Ray)? The only hitch I see is the fact that although HD DVD player base is currently quite robust, these players won't be replaced as they breakdown in the future, so it is a slowly diminishing base and any company taking it on as a long time project will have to consider this!

foghorn · 04-09-2009, 1:34 PM

Anybody know if Gary Ugarek is pals with Peter Jackson.

Foghorn

The Limey · 04-09-2009, 4:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emthree

But can it survuive as a niche product, like Criterion has done for DVD for years (although now they have started releasing on Blu Ray)? The only hitch I see is the fact that although HD DVD player base is currently quite robust, these players won't be replaced as they breakdown in the future, so it is a slowly diminishing base and any company taking it on as a long time project will have to consider this!

I think it will depend on how successful Deadlands 2 is on its HD DVD release.
That said, the signs are certainly pointing to a sell out (and quite quickly). The distributor - Anthem Pictures have been astonished by the demand for the HD DVD, and Gary Ugarek has mentioned in past posts elsewhere they could yet end up with a pressing of 1000 HD DVDs if the demand is there for it.....

The Limey · 04-09-2009, 4:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foghorn

Anybody know if Gary Ugarek is pals with Peter Jackson.

Foghorn

Someone would like to see LOTR on HD DVD

DjfunkmasterG · 04-09-2009, 5:36 PM

Howdy everyone... I am gary Ugarek... the writer and director of the film. The Limey, a member at HDdigest told me about thread and asked me to pop in... so I said hell yeah why not.

If there are any questions I can answer I will do my best, and if you have any questions about indie filmmaking, why I did a zombie wfilm... whatever, I will take your question and film it for the new HD DVD exclusive featurette I am working on.

you guys can also email me at deadlandsthemovie@yahoo.com

Although I don't get around to answering all emails right away, especially this weekend since we are filming the new Featurette tonight at the H10 movie theater location.

To those who have pre-order thanks so much...

Gary

DjfunkmasterG · 04-09-2009, 5:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cool-hand

Any expected BD release?

At this time no... I opted to take the budget for Blu--Ray and put it into the HD DVD, but if the HD DVD sells out, which will recoup the budget of the pressings, marketing printing, basically all the bru-ha-ha that goes into this we could doa BR release down the road, but I can guarantee you it will not contain any of the features I promised would be HD DVD exclusive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by foghorn

Anybody know if Gary Ugarek is pals with Peter Jackson.

Foghorn

Nope, but I wish I was... Although I am not a LOTR fans I am a huge Brain Dead aka Dead Alive (US) fan

emthree · 04-09-2009, 6:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DjfunkmasterG

Howdy everyone... I am gary Ugarek... the writer and director of the film. The Limey, a member at HDdigest told me about thread and asked me to pop in... so I said hell yeah why not.

If there are any questions I can answer I will do my best, and if you have any questions about indie filmmaking, why I did a zombie wfilm... whatever, I will take your question and film it for the new HD DVD exclusive featurette I am working on.

you guys can also email me at deadlandsthemovie@yahoo.com

Although I don't get around to answering all emails right away, especially this weekend since we are filming the new Featurette tonight at the H10 movie theater location.

To those who have pre-order thanks so much...

Gary

Welcome to the forum, and thanks for taking the time. My question is one about logistics; did you have any opposition at all from anyone when you decided to release an HD DVD, after Toshiba had 'officially' declared the format dead? I always wondered whether Blu Ray group got some sort of legally binding agreement from HD group that after a certain date no more HD DVDs/players will be produced. But it seems to me that that is not the case. In which case it is a very pleasent surprise for us HD DVD player owners, particualry many of us who have a softer spot for HD DVD. My related question is, if your release on the HD DVD is a success (which it is bound to be), would it motivate someone (perhaps your good-self) to acquire rights to some other popular movies and consider releasing those on HD DVD?

DjfunkmasterG · 04-09-2009, 6:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emthree

Welcome to the forum, and thanks for taking the time. My question is one about logistics; did you have any opposition at all from anyone when you decided to release an HD DVD, after Toshiba had 'officially' declared the format dead? I always wondered whether Blu Ray group got some sort of legally binding agreement from HD group that after a certain date no more HD DVDs/players will be produced. But it seems to me that that is not the case. In which case it is a very pleasent surprise for us HD DVD player owners, particualry many of us who have a softer spot for HD DVD. My related question is, if your release on the HD DVD is a success (which it is bound to be), would it motivate someone (perhaps your good-self) to acquire rights to some other popular movies and consider releasing those on HD DVD?

I will answer this now and on the HD DVD featurette.

While I would love to acquire other films believe it or not I am just a working guy like everyone else. I have a 9-5 job, make maybe $60,000 a year, own a townhouse, drive a Mustang... by no means oaded... just your everyday joe with bills out the wazoo.

However, since there are production houses with left over HD DVD stock I would hope if this venture is successful, meaning we sell out, other indie guys will jump on the bandwagon and do the same, but pretty much right now everyon thinks I am out of my friggin mind, and the Blu trolls have come out in force... You should see my inbox

Basically... as far as I know there is no legally binding agreement that HD DVD can no longer be produced, in fact i think CH-DVD the chinese version is the same disc just recorded with a different algorythm. I know the players look exactly the same and from what i hear the innards of the CH-DVD player is the same as an HD-A3 series unit... just a change to the read algorythm.

I haven't taken one apart myself, but I am curious to get one and see what exactly they did to it.

emthree · 04-09-2009, 6:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DjfunkmasterG

I will answer this now and on the HD DVD featurette.

While I would love to acquire other films believe it or not I am just a working guy like everyone else. I have a 9-5 job, make maybe $60,000 a year, own a townhouse, drive a Mustang... by no means oaded... just your everyday joe with bills out the wazoo.

However, since there are production houses with left over HD DVD stock I would hope if this venture is successful, meaning we sell out, other indie guys will jump on the bandwagon and do the same, but pretty much right now everyon thinks I am out of my friggin mind, and the Blu trolls have come out in force... You should see my inbox

Basically... as far as I know there is no legally binding agreement that HD DVD can no longer be produced, in fact i think CH-DVD the chinese version is the same disc just recorded with a different algorythm. I know the players look exactly the same and from what i hear the innards of the CH-DVD player is the same as an HD-A3 series unit... just a change to the read algorythm.

I haven't taken one apart myself, but I am curious to get one and see what exactly they did to it.

Well, I do hope that someone does jump on the bandwagon. I am not a horror genre kind of film buff, but I have ordered your movie out of sheer excitement and my love for the HD DVD format (and, of course, to put my money where my mouth is).

A general request for others; please don't turn this thread into one of those blu vs red debates

DjfunkmasterG · 04-09-2009, 6:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emthree

A general request for others; please don't turn this thread into one of those blu vs red debates

Yes, for the love of all thats holy... please lets not have a red vs blu debate.

I have nothing against Blu-Ray, just that I thought it would be cool to do something for the fans of the format. I wish like Hell this was a polished movie, like the DAWN remake or even Shaun of the Dead, but when you have limited budget, resources and camera equipment... It is hard to make things perfect.

However, I stand by this film and its quality for the budget, especially since the first film cost twice as much and really isn't as good.

The best part about Deadlands 2 is that you don't need to see the first to see the second it is really an in name only sequel. It was just originally called Trapped, but Deadlands 1 did have a name in the undregournd indie horror community which is why i opted to use the Deadlands 2 title.

Basically if a 3rd is produced it will be called Deadlands 3: The New World, but will have zero to do with the first two. Actually there are two more Deadlands scripts... so in theory i could do a 3rd and 4th.

namuk · 04-09-2009, 6:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emthree

A general request for others; please don't turn this thread into one of those blu vs red debates

Agreed

Getgaff · 04-09-2009, 7:30 PM

Ordered a copy - would be rude not to

.

emthree · 04-09-2009, 7:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Getgaff

Ordered a copy - would be rude not to

.

The Limey · 04-09-2009, 8:15 PM

Interesting update from Gary courtesy of HDD:

"To keep you guys in the loop... Here is what I have been up to.

I have done an MPEG 2, VC-1, and I am re-doing an AVC render (The first AVC looked like crap, so grainy you'd think it was an 80's VHS up-res'd to Blu-Ray specs)

The MPEG 2 rip at 1920x1080 at 60mbps is decent, has some of the Digital noise grain you find when shooting SD and even HD on $3-4,000 cameras. Since a majority of the film was shot SD and only two sequences shot HD you will notice a difference when viewing the HD scenes versus the SD scenes. The MPEg 2 rip so far is the best render of the bunch.

The VC-1 Rip, which is done via HD WMV files shows some compression artifacts here and there, but was still way better than the AVC rip, which was just total sh*t. The bitrate was 20mbps

The AVC I am working on now is 16mps, so far so good, the previous 20mbps rip was horrid I mean down right crap. As a back up if this doesn't work I may have to do a 720P HD rip... something I did for the MPEG 2 version as a precaution as well, which looks really nice, but I promised 1920x1080 so I will try to make good on that aspect.

The great thing about this HD DVD verison is it allowed me to go back into the film and tweak the edit some more... something I cannot do for the SD DVD version because it is already mastered and pressed.

The 5.1 Mix was easy as pie. I in fact listened to it on my home theater this morning... I am going to boost the low end some more but otherwise it is very crisp considering the entire mix is being done via Sony Vegas."