HD-DVD LIVES! New title, "Smokers" Available for Pre-Order

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spidamatrix

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This is not a "deal" per say but to those who have an HD-DVD player and are looking to add to that collection, here is your chance!

MCB Entertainment is releasing one of their upcoming features, Smokers, on the HD-DVD format.

Price is $30 shipped, but hey it's a new HD-DVD. The first 100 pre-orders also get a special thanks credit as well as a free mp3 from the director's band.

http://www.mcbtv.net/hddvd.html

More info on Smokers, direct from the director;

I am the director of Smokers. A friend of mine this discussion to my attention so I thought I would clear a few things up:
- Our site is under construction, but we had to make parts of it accessible despite being unfinished because an article about the HD-DVD release with a link was being printed. A link to an under construction message with a pay pal button would have been allot more "shady". You can stop back later in the week when we are more presentable, or go to IMDB for more details about our films.

- The price is directly related to the cost of making fully packaged, professionally manufactured HD-DVD's. As a couple people mentioned another indie film Deadlands 2 was recently released on the format. Those were burned discs with computer printed labels and covers that had a higher price tag than Smokers does. I know this because I bought a copy. I am not knocking their movie in any way, I just want to clarify the difference between the releases.

- This is a very limited set that comes with alot of exclusive stuff some of which isn't even listed yet on the site. It is intended for fans of the HD-DVD format and collectors. For everyone else there will be a standard DVD you will be able to pick up at most stores.
Thank you guys for taking the time to read this.

- These are not HD-DVD R's but professionally replicated discs. It is being manufactured in the US. I can't speak for the makers of Deadlands 2 or explain their situation. In my own experience it was difficult to find a plant, but we did. It is also expensive to go this route, but I want to deliver the best product possible. Again I can't answer for another filmmaker or company.

- Manufacturing and shipping begins as soon as the 100th order is received. The first 100 people receive a "Special Thanks" credit in the film so it couldn't have already been manufactured.

- Those trailers are old promo trailers that were put together as a demo for investors. They are NOT official trailers.

- Also the "Family Friendly" version is NOT the TiVo version of the film. It is a special feature that is exclusive to the HD-DVD release. Smokers has allot of nudity, but is not pornographic. The TiVo version edits the nudity for a TV-14 rating. Think the VH1 cut of Showgirls. That was made specifically for TiVo and I have no intention of releasing anywhere else at this point. With two versions of the film the unedited is the "Director's Cut".
Thanks again!

- Also Smokers is not just a collection of random clips. That said don't expect hard hitting reporting either. This is a comedic documentary meant to entertain that is assembled like a drive-in or grindhouse presentation complete with cartoons at the beginning and an intermission. It is hosted by Debbie D of JT Petty's S&Man.

- These are fully packaged, professionally manufactured HD-DVD's with the appropriate cases and inserts.

- The first 100 pre-orders will receive a "Special Thanks" credit, so the disc will be pressed and shipped as soon as the first 100 orders are processed.

- I did not make Deadlands 2. I don't know why it took them so long, or why they were made with HD-DVD R's. I bought a copy as soon as the they began taking orders, so I am in the same boat as everyone else there.
 
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So a "new" HD-DVD costs more than any HD-DVD player out there. The fact that this studio is even putting this movie out on a completely dead format is dumb, not to mention how overpriced it is.
 
[quote name='AFarewell2Arms']So a "new" HD-DVD costs more than any HD-DVD player out there. The fact that this studio is even putting this movie out on a completely dead format is dumb, not to mention how overpriced it is.[/QUOTE]

I understand where you are coming from about the price, but another company recently did it and sold out really quick with about 500 copies I believe. There is an audience out there, and with the cost of making these discs next to nothing there is certainly some to be made.

Here is an article about the last release;

http://www.highdefdigest.com/blog/deadlands-hd-dvd/
 
well, 'house of the devil' was released in the fall on VHS, so you can argue that this HD-DVD isn't that big of a deal.
 
[quote name='AFarewell2Arms']So a "new" HD-DVD costs more than any HD-DVD player out there. The fact that this studio is even putting this movie out on a completely dead format is dumb, not to mention how overpriced it is.[/QUOTE]

Where can you find a HD DVD player for under $30?
 
[quote name='PenguinMaster']Where can you find a HD DVD player for under $30?[/QUOTE]

Maybe eBay? I actually purchased one at Sears a few months ago for $25 new in box, lol. Stuff that I guess had just been rotting in the back.
 
Talk about a shady website. Even if I really did want that movie, I could see sending money to a site like that.
 
[quote name='tholly']Talk about a shady website. Even if I really did want that movie, I could see sending money to a site like that.[/QUOTE]

It's legit, movie is on IMDB and all. It is only being sold in the HD-DVD format through the direct website of the production company. The DVD and Blu-Ray will be sold on Amazon, Best Buy and Target to start. As well as being offered digitally On Demand and Tivo. Also the payments go through paypal so you are covered.

For those who have heard of "Evil Bong," the director was a producer on that movie.
 
[quote name='AFarewell2Arms']So a "new" HD-DVD costs more than any HD-DVD player out there. The fact that this studio is even putting this movie out on a completely dead format is dumb, not to mention how overpriced it is.[/QUOTE]

Where can I get a brand new stand alone 1080p HD DVD player for $30? Where can I even get one used for that price? I think even the 360 add on thing goes for $30-40.
 
I guess if this movie is your thing and you do not own a Blu Ray player, go for it. I just don't understand why they are charging so much for a movie they are putting out on a completely dead format, especially when they are releasing the DVD and Blu Ray versions. Any existing HD-DVD titles that still sell are only because they are so cheap or whoever bought a player is trying to justify their purchase, and this movie doesn't really have broad enough of appeal to apply to the latter (in most cases). I just think that with a title as obscure as this, it is a waste of their money to put it out on HD-DVD, and even Blu Ray to be honest.

@phishphreak77 House of the Devil was released on VHS as more of a novelty factor. And it worked for them. Watching bad horror films like that on VHS is a nostalgic experience that would not have had the same effect if it is viewed on DVD. Not saying you couldn't enjoy it on DVD, but just that watching it on VHS just made it a more unique experience.

@PenguinMaster If you can find an HD-DVD player, then it's probably under $30. And if it isn't, you are getting ripped off.
 
[quote name='spidamatrix']It's legit, movie is on IMDB and all. It is only being sold in the HD-DVD format through the direct website of the production company. The DVD and Blu-Ray will be sold on Amazon, Best Buy and Target to start. As well as being offered digitally On Demand and Tivo. Also the payments go through paypal so you are covered.

For those who have heard of "Evil Bong," the director was a producer on that movie.[/QUOTE]

Only covered through Paypal for a limited time.

Very shady website...Seems they are trying to dig into a niche market with HD DVD releases.
 
[quote name='phishphreak77']well, 'house of the devil' was released in the fall on VHS, so you can argue that this HD-DVD isn't that big of a deal.[/QUOTE]

Like this movie and even Deadlands 2, the HD DVD/VHS release is a cheap way for a low budget film to gain some sort of press. How many sites covered Deadlands 2/House of the Devil because of the HD DVD/VHS? A lot. It's a very cheap way to get coverage on a title that probably would get overlooked. Hell, Deadlands 2 is even getting a third film and the movie was picked up by another distributor for a Blu-ray/DVD release as well as possibly a Theatrical one.
 
HD DVD owners showing they are the morons of the electronics industry even after the death of the format. Very nice. Ill sell you AVATAR on Betamax for only 400. ONE OF A KIND. Good deal since its rare and i'm doing a custom one-off copy for fans of the dead format.
 
[quote name='AFarewell2Arms']I guess if this movie is your thing and you do not own a Blu Ray player, go for it. I just don't understand why they are charging so much for a movie they are putting out on a completely dead format, especially when they are releasing the DVD and Blu Ray versions. Any existing HD-DVD titles that still sell are only because they are so cheap or whoever bought a player is trying to justify their purchase, and this movie doesn't really have broad enough of appeal to apply to the latter (in most cases). I just think that with a title as obscure as this, it is a waste of their money to put it out on HD-DVD, and even Blu Ray to be honest.[/QUOTE]

Simple - because 500 other people paid $500 for another film several months ago. They think it will happen again (and sadly, it likely will). If they have the ability to press HD DVDs (likely HD DVDR, like Deadlands 2), they could easily make a $20 profit on each disc which is far more then what they would get from selling a DVD/BD to a retail store. It's a win-win for them.
 
[quote name='blitz6speed']HD DVD owners showing they are the morons of the electronics industry even after the death of the format. Very nice. Ill sell you AVATAR on Betamax for only 400. ONE OF A KIND. Good deal since its rare and i'm doing a custom one-off copy for fans of the dead format.[/QUOTE]

You do know Deadlands 2 on HD DVD just sold for $200+ on eBay, right?
 
[quote name='GizmoGC']Like this movie and even Deadlands 2, the HD DVD/VHS release is a cheap way for a low budget film to gain some sort of press. How many sites covered Deadlands 2/House of the Devil because of the HD DVD/VHS? A lot. It's a very cheap way to get coverage on a title that probably would get overlooked. Hell, Deadlands 2 is even getting a third film and the movie was picked up by another distributor for a Blu-ray/DVD release as well as possibly a Theatrical one.[/QUOTE]

Exactly, great point. Most of you do not realize how hard it is for an indie film company to get their product out there. So any little thing that they can do to get that niche market and make some money, why not do it?
 
Anyway, this idiot just bought a copy. Made some extra cash this weekend selling some stuff I found very cheap, so I'm willing to take the risk. I've thinned out my HD DVD collection, but this seems like an interesting title worth checking out. Also don't mind supporting the indies vs. big studios.
 
[quote name='blitz6speed']HD DVD owners showing they are the morons of the electronics industry even after the death of the format. Very nice. Ill sell you AVATAR on Betamax for only 400. ONE OF A KIND. Good deal since its rare and i'm doing a custom one-off copy for fans of the dead format.[/QUOTE]

I am a HD DVD owner and take offence to your statement ;). I agree that $30 for this HD DVD is ridiculous and for one wouldn't buy it. Even though HD DVD is a dead format it is a good way for people that don't have alot of money to get into the high def scene until they get blu's. I'll take your betamax copy of Avatar off your hands for you :D
 
[quote name='phishphreak77']well, 'house of the devil' was released in the fall on VHS, so you can argue that this HD-DVD isn't that big of a deal.[/QUOTE]

Except there are far more VHS players/recorders around even today compared to HD-DVD. Not to mention VHS has been around for a number of decades compared to the few years at best HD-DVD lasted. So yes this HD-DVD is quite a big deal for a format that didn't last very long.
 
I second neoz sentiment. I bought into hddvd a couple years ago, just before the war ended, and it was one of the best things I ever did. The movies were consistently cheap (and only got cheaper once the war ended), and were of the same quality (in most regards) as the more expensive bd counterparts. Never understood why people acted (and act now more than before) like buying an HD DVD is the worst thing you could do. In this case, seems way too steep, but I don't buy $2 hddvd 's to "justify" my jumping into the format. I buy them because I am a CAG.

For the record, I own a hddvd/bd combo drive for my htpc, which I bought so I could get on either side and win.
 
I am the director of Smokers. A friend of mine this discussion to my attention so I thought I would clear a few things up:
- Our site is under construction, but we had to make parts of it accessible despite being unfinished because an article about the HD-DVD release with a link was being printed. A link to an under construction message with a pay pal button would have been allot more "shady". You can stop back later in the week when we are more presentable, or go to IMDB for more details about our films.
- The price is directly related to the cost of making fully packaged, professionally manufactured HD-DVD's. As a couple people mentioned another indie film Deadlands 2 was recently released on the format. Those were burned discs with computer printed labels and covers that had a higher price tag than Smokers does. I know this because I bought a copy. I am not knocking their movie in any way, I just want to clarify the difference between the releases.
- This is a very limited set that comes with allot of exclusive stuff some of which isn't even listed yet on the site. It is intended for fans of the HD-DVD format and collectors. For everyone else there will be a standard DVD you will be able to pick up at most stores.
Thank you guys for taking the time to read this.
 
[quote name='GizmoGC']You do know Deadlands 2 on HD DVD just sold for $200+ on eBay, right?[/QUOTE]

Wait, so if something is worth a lot of money, its worth owning? I need to get my hands on those rare NES titles like world challenge and that sports game, they're worth thousands, it MUST be worth owning! Thanks for the insight.

Gizmo, don't think i forgot you. You're still the imbecile you were back when you were on a crusade for hd dvd. Some things just never change.
 
[quote name='mcb']I am the director of Smokers. A friend of mine this discussion to my attention so I thought I would clear a few things up:
- Our site is under construction, but we had to make parts of it accessible despite being unfinished because an article about the HD-DVD release with a link was being printed. A link to an under construction message with a pay pal button would have been allot more "shady". You can stop back later in the week when we are more presentable, or go to IMDB for more details about our films.
- The price is directly related to the cost of making fully packaged, professionally manufactured HD-DVD's. As a couple people mentioned another indie film Deadlands 2 was recently released on the format. Those were burned discs with computer printed labels and covers that had a higher price tag than Smokers does. I know this because I bought a copy. I am not knocking their movie in any way, I just want to clarify the difference between the releases.
- This is a very limited set that comes with allot of exclusive stuff some of which isn't even listed yet on the site. It is intended for fans of the HD-DVD format and collectors. For everyone else there will be a standard DVD you will be able to pick up at most stores.
Thank you guys for taking the time to read this.[/QUOTE]

I wish the idiots that made Red Velvet cared this much.
 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400122129571

That is the auction for the Deadlands 2 that someone was talking about.

As for the Deadlands movies if I understand correctly their is talks about reshooting them. Two will be coming out on BD some time and it looks like this new destributor is actually trying to get this series out there. Hell I don't know if it was a joke/wishfull thinking or what but the writer/director said something about maybe even getting a deal with Fox.

Also I don't think it sold out. If you know who to contact you can still get a copy due to most of the people that ordered canceling. It took Anthem a long time to find someone to press the HD DVDs and even then the only thing they could do is get a burned copy.

Anyway you can read more about Deadlands 2 HD and Deadlands 3 at http://forums.highdefdigest.com/hd-...arch-2010-deadlands-2-hd-dvd-project-faq.html.

As for this one I see it having the same issue as Deadlands 2 unless they have them already pressed. The price is a little high for me however Deadlands 2 was the same thing. However I like independent horror movies and the trailer didn't look bad. This they have no trailer for. If they do I didn't see it.

EDIT:

Looks like this same post was made at the High Def Digest Forums.

http://forums.highdefdigest.com/hd-...es-new-title-smokers-available-pre-order.html

A mod ended up locking it and taking down the link. The OP as word for word as the OP in this thread. Also it was started by someone new with the name SmokersMovie. I'm starting to wonder about it. When they reopen that thread I will think about it.
 
Yes, I did post the exact thing at highdefdigest. The mod asked me for references which I gave, and am waiting for it to be unlocked. I am a producer on the flick, not looking to screw anyone over. I have been apart of this community for the last 4 years. We do have trailers for this movie, I though am currently not at home to have the direct link but I will post it in a few hours, there are two trailers actually.

EDIT:

Found the links to the two trailers on Google Video. Must be 18+ to view there is nudity, these were the uncensored trailers.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6493255542028929574#

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8629160303921083870#
 
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So how about some info on the disc. Has it been pressed yet or is it HD-DVDr? With Deadlands 2 they were having issues finding the discs and places to press them with out going to China. Is it a limited number going to be made? When does it come out? Also if they were short adult films what the hell is up with the "Family Friendly Version" and the "Unrated Director's Cut"? More info about the film and the disc in the OP would be nice.
 
[quote name='sendme']So how about some info on the disc. Has it been pressed yet or is it HD-DVDr? With Deadlands 2 they were having issues finding the discs and places to press them with out going to China. Is it a limited number going to be made? When does it come out? Also if they were short adult films what the hell is up with the "Family Friendly Version" and the "Unrated Director's Cut"? More info about the film and the disc in the OP would be nice.[/QUOTE]

As I said, I am currently out with the misses for memorial day things, but when I get home I will update the OP with a bunch of info for now though.

Just quick though about family friendly verison; this is the Tivo release, they would only show an edited version of the film. The Unrated Director's cut includes more nudity, and is a bit longer.

When I get back I will post a whole bunch of info.
 
This is the director of Smokers again, just stopping by to clarify a few more things.
- As I said these are not HD-DVD R's but professionally replicated discs. It is being manufactured in the US. I can't speak for the makers of Deadlands 2 or explain their situation. In my own experience it was difficult to find a plant, but we did. It is also expensive to go this route, but I want to deliver the best product possible. Again I can't answer for another filmmaker or company.
- Manufacturing and shipping begins as soon as the 100th order is received. The first 100 people receive a "Special Thanks" credit in the film so it couldn't have already been manufactured.
- Those trailers are old promo trailers that were put together as a demo for investors. They are NOT official trailers.
- Also the "Family Friendly" version is NOT the TiVo version of the film. It is a special feature that is exclusive to the HD-DVD release. Smokers has allot of nudity, but is not pornographic. The TiVo version edits the nudity for a TV-14 rating. Think the VH1 cut of Showgirls. That was made specifically for TiVo and I have no intention of releasing anywhere else at this point. With two versions of the film the unedited is the "Director's Cut".
Thanks again!
 
[quote name='blitz6speed']Wait, so if something is worth a lot of money, its worth owning? I need to get my hands on those rare NES titles like world challenge and that sports game, they're worth thousands, it MUST be worth owning! Thanks for the insight.

Gizmo, don't think i forgot you. You're still the imbecile you were back when you were on a crusade for hd dvd. Some things just never change.[/QUOTE]

Ahh look! A blu-Ray fanboy. Post reported and your put on ignore. Funny how once the war ended, all the blu-ray fans stopped caring about the format.
 
[quote name='mcb']This is the director of Smokers again, just stopping by to clarify a few more things.
- As I said these are not HD-DVD R's but professionally replicated discs. It is being manufactured in the US. I can't speak for the makers of Deadlands 2 or explain their situation. In my own experience it was difficult to find a plant, but we did. It is also expensive to go this route, but I want to deliver the best product possible. Again I can't answer for another filmmaker or company.
- Manufacturing and shipping begins as soon as the 100th order is received. The first 100 people receive a "Special Thanks" credit in the film so it couldn't have already been manufactured.
- Those trailers are old promo trailers that were put together as a demo for investors. They are NOT official trailers.
- Also the "Family Friendly" version is NOT the TiVo version of the film. It is a special feature that is exclusive to the HD-DVD release. Smokers has allot of nudity, but is not pornographic. The TiVo version edits the nudity for a TV-14 rating. Think the VH1 cut of Showgirls. That was made specifically for TiVo and I have no intention of releasing anywhere else at this point. With two versions of the film the unedited is the "Director's Cut".
Thanks again![/QUOTE]

These will be in official HD DVD Cases with HD DVD Artwork?

Curious what distributor you found that still had a few thousand HD DVD discs. I have a feeling I might know which studio it was...and still not sure why Gary (Deadlands 2) never contacted them to get his title pressed there.
 
[quote name='Demolition Man']Except there are far more VHS players/recorders around even today compared to HD-DVD. Not to mention VHS has been around for a number of decades compared to the few years at best HD-DVD lasted. So yes this HD-DVD is quite a big deal for a format that didn't last very long.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, but HD DVD quality is going to be the same as Blu-ray. They are, in essence, the same format that can produce the same visual and audio results. That's why even now, picking up a $3 HD DVD is still a good deal because typically the Blu-ray version looks and sounds the same (some exceptions on both formats, of course). The VHS release of House (which I have, thanks to the studio for providing them to reviewers), was a simple gimmick because the film was made to look and fell like an 80's film. It was a very effective marketing tool that got the name of the movie out on several big blogs.

Deadlands 2 was slightly less affective because HD DVD is a much niche format, but people pay $30 for Blu-rays all the time at Best Buy. It's not that far of a stretch, and in Deadlands 2 case, the HD DVD has, and will always have, some exclusive features. Gary has seen to that which his new distributor (hopefully I didn't spill the beans on this, pretty sure he spoke about it on HDD). Plus all the trouble with getting the title pressed etc. But for Gary, he got a ton of press, a ton of new fans, a chance to get all of his movies on Blu-ray and DVD (again), another shot in rental stores, possible Theatrical release....I think he's pretty pleased.
 
[quote name='GizmoGC']These will be in official HD DVD Cases with HD DVD Artwork?

Curious what distributor you found that still had a few thousand HD DVD discs. I have a feeling I might know which studio it was...and still not sure why Gary (Deadlands 2) never contacted them to get his title pressed there.[/QUOTE]

I think it was more Anthem doing the contacting as far as getting them pressed. I think Gary said on HDD.com that the new distributor doesn't think that Anthem even tried. It wouldn't surprise me if they didn't. Also I think they got sick of it taking so long and just wanted to get it done so the fans could get the movie on HD and stop canceling their orders.

[quote name='GizmoGC']Yeah, but HD DVD quality is going to be the same as Blu-ray. They are, in essence, the same format that can produce the same visual and audio results. That's why even now, picking up a $3 HD DVD is still a good deal because typically the Blu-ray version looks and sounds the same (some exceptions on both formats, of course). The VHS release of House (which I have, thanks to the studio for providing them to reviewers), was a simple gimmick because the film was made to look and fell like an 80's film. It was a very effective marketing tool that got the name of the movie out on several big blogs.

Deadlands 2 was slightly less affective because HD DVD is a much niche format, but people pay $30 for Blu-rays all the time at Best Buy. It's not that far of a stretch, and in Deadlands 2 case, the HD DVD has, and will always have, some exclusive features. Gary has seen to that which his new distributor (hopefully I didn't spill the beans on this, pretty sure he spoke about it on HDD). Plus all the trouble with getting the title pressed etc. But for Gary, he got a ton of press, a ton of new fans, a chance to get all of his movies on Blu-ray and DVD (again), another shot in rental stores, possible Theatrical release....I think he's pretty pleased.[/QUOTE]

Nope don't think you spilled the beans as I Gary talked about it on HDD.com's forums and I think he said something about Fox but don't know if it is going to be them to distribut it or not.
 
I actually contacted Gary via email last year when we were considering going the HD-DVD route. He told me at that time Deadlands 2 was going to be handled by an outside pressing plant. I ordered my copy but never heard anything from Anthem despite numerous emails I sent earlier this year when my disc had yet to arrive. I read that customers were offered refunds prior to the decision to produce the discs in house on HD-DVD R. I was never offered a refund and when I finally got a response not long before my copy arrived there was no mention of it not being a replicated disc. I didn’t find that out until I opened the package. I don’t know who made that decision, and I wasn’t disappointed with my purchase, but we are still opting for professionally manufactured discs. To answer another question they will be packaged like a standard HD-DVD with the appropriate cases and inserts.
 
Also Smokers is not just a collection of random clips. That said don't expect hard hitting reporting either. This is a comedic documentary meant to entertain that is assembled like a drive-in or grindhouse presentation complete with cartoons at the beginning and an intermission. It is hosted by Debbie D of JT Petty's S&Man.
 
i picked up a my 4th HD dvd player a Toshiba A30 for only $15 and currently have about 150 hd dvd title. paid from 40 cents to $5 each .. a hella cheaper than BD
 
[quote name='Friend of Sonic']Deadlands 2 came out finally? Because, I never got my friggin copy.[/QUOTE]

Same here. I need to do some digging!:bomb:
 
Just a quick update, I have been receiving a few PM's about international shipping, I just wanted to let all of you international customer know that you too can purchase the HD DVD as well, and it will be shipped out first class.
 
[quote name='maximus101']30 bucks for a disc on a dead format? No thanks.[/QUOTE]

Vinyl LPs are a dead format. I don't see anyone complaining about those.
 
[quote name='techstar25']Vinyl LPs are a dead format. I don't see anyone complaining about those.[/QUOTE]

Seeing that vinyl LPs are still being made to this very day its not a dead format. Its not small niche indie stuff that's getting released either. Most major albums from the major studios are getting LP releases these days.
 
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