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Author
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Topic: Aussie's "Films On Super 8"?
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James N. Savage 3
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1375
From: Washington, DC
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted March 08, 2008 08:10 AM
I know this has been discussed on the forum before, but I'm wondering if any of you have had luck making any contact with this company in Australia.
I have attempted to E-mail and telephone them at various times over the last year or two, and never, ever, get a response. The web site is very curious, because, everytime I check it, it will say "last updated..." and will list a date from one day before. I don't know of ANY super 8 website that updates EVERY DAY! So, I really starting to wonder what's up with this company. The prices have been the same for the past few years, in spite of the fact that the films, especially the U-8's, which are many, are probably faded.
Its all very strange to me. Has anyone else out there had any luck making contact?
James.
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Patrick Walsh
Jedi Master Film Handler
Posts: 723
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Registered: Jul 2006
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posted March 08, 2008 03:28 PM
I have brought a number of films from him and I have had no trouble, the guy who runs the website used to have a film shop in the 1970s/80s and he closed when VHS came in, about 4 years ago he set up the website to sell the stock he has had in storge, I brought the 400fter Ken Films TITANIC from him, as Trev said his prices are expensive, but is stock is all new ex old shop stock. He may of gone out of business now as I brought my last film from him about 2 years ago, but his list on the website has had a number of films sold on it over the last year or so, someone must be buying some then....... ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Pat
--------------------
"Raise The Titanic!", It would of been cheaper to lower the Atlantic!
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James N. Savage 3
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1375
From: Washington, DC
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted March 11, 2008 05:33 PM
Like David said, although the prices are high, there are a couple of films on the list that I would be willing to spend good money for. But I don't want to send money all the way over there, and never hear from them again.
Incidently, a couple of items that I was going to order from them, while I was waiting for a response, I found used in excellent condition and in original boxes, so I saved a lot of money on those. Still there are one or two that I would still purchase, if only I can confirm that they are in business.
James.
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James N. Savage 3
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1375
From: Washington, DC
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted October 24, 2009 07:11 PM
Update.....
Well, my curiosity finally got the best of me. I had to know. Is this a real business? Do they really sell brand new sealed prints of super 8 films that were produced decades ago?
So....
I e-mailed to the listed address, and waited.
A week later....What's this?? I've got mail. From "Films on Super 8"!
The mysterious person stated that they were in fact in business, almost implying 'what a silly question, why would one ask'. The mysterious person stated for me to list any titles desired, and he would confirm availability and how much in U.S. dollars.
Hmmm. Could still be a hoax. But maybe not. So...
I decided to take the risk, with a very small order of two 200 foot movies. The exchange rate was in my favor at the time, and, at worst, I would loose a few dollars. But NO CREDIT CARD NUMBERS! I'm not that trusting. So, I e-mailed the titles I wanted, and that I would be using the Western Union method.
So....
A few days later, I had another e-mail from "Films on Super 8". They had the titles. And now, THERE WAS A NAME! The mysterious person's name was stated as "Chris Williams". (Anybody know him?)
I was given a special code number, and instructed to respond to my local Western Union office and send the U.S. dollars to a person named "Kingsley Rowston" (Anybody know him?)
I was starting to get scared. Is this "Films on Super 8" just a front for some illigal activities? Am I already in too deep??
I did as the man asked. And waited....
About three weeks later, I came home from work. There was mail.......
..............TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK................
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Winbert Hutahaean
Film God
Posts: 5468
From: Nouméa, New Caledonia
Registered: Jun 2003
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posted October 24, 2009 08:04 PM
James, is already a week...why you haven't continued your story?? ( ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif) hehehhe... I am so eager to read the end of your story...)
James,
Two questions I'd like to know,
First, why you use Western Union which is (usually) uneconomical for a small order (in terms of charge) while he offers paypal for payment?
He charges only 5.5% from your total order. On the other hand, it is also safe for you (in case it is a scam) if you fund the payment through Credit Card.
Secondly, on the bottom of his page, he says "Free USPS Shipping on all USA orders", did you enjoy this advantage?
(ps: I have physically visited his place, but did not meet him. I reported that in other thread, so his shop do exist)
cheers,
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Winbert
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James N. Savage 3
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1375
From: Washington, DC
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted October 27, 2009 05:46 AM
Sorry guys. It wasn't my original intention to drag this post out, but I was in a hurry the other night and just got back in town.
So......
And now the conclusion to "Films on Super 8: Reel or Not?"
So, I arrived home after work. My wife says "Oh, you got a wierd little package in the mail. Smells like vinegar or something".
![[Embarrassed]](redface.gif) Noooooooooo!
So, I follow my nose to the little jiffy envelope. It was so strong, I had to take it out to the back yard to open it (it was a nice sunny day anyway). So, I open the package and pull those poor little films out of the toxic bag, discarding the pungent packaging immediately.
There they were before me. Two, brand-new, plastic sealed prints. One, a digest of the Castle Films classic, "Man-Made Monster", starring Lon Chaney. The other, a Walton Pink Panther cartoon, "The Pink Tail Fly". At that moment, I no longer smelled the vinegar oder, and I flashed back to my childhood, when getting these sort of brand new package movies was a common occurrance. But, back to the problem at hand.
I had NEVER dealt with "vinegar syndrome" in all my 35 years of collecting. But, thanks to this forum, I was aware of its existance. I quickly peeled the plastic coverings from the boxes, opened them up, and let them air out a bit. I quickly realized that the CASTLE short, once separated from the other, had no odor at all. The vinegar smell was all from the Pink Panther short.
I then treated both films with a coating of Film Renew. I let both films sit out for the rest of the day. The next morning, I checked my babies. Man-Made Monster was fine now, and went back into its perfect little box. Pink Panther, however, still smelled like hot vinegar, and was relegated to stay in the back yard, like an unwanted pet.
My next course of action was to put Pink Panther on a metal spool, and completely immerse it in a bath of Film-Guard, and let it soak for a few days. After about a week, I clean and dried her (again), and let her air out for one more day. Alas, the vinegar smell was MUCH less than before, but still slightly present.
Finally, it was time to put my babies on a projector, to fulfill thier purpose in life. First, was the Pink Panther cartoon. What a beautiful print it is. That cool music blasting through my speakers. And the colors? They were just fine. Pink Panther are not the most colorful cartoons, but I didn't notice any fading at all. There was no warpage at all either. Just a perfect print (except the smell).
Next, was Man-Made Monster. A perfect print in every way. Nice black and white image, and good strong sound.
So, at the end of the day, "Monster" went up on the shelf, with my collection of 200 foot digests. Pink Panther, however, has a 'special shelf' to himself, for now anyway (at least we let him stay in the house now). But he will get plenty of showings, as long as he can hold out.
*************************************************************
So, my take on "Films on Super 8".
Well, as the saying goes, "It is what it is". They promise new, sealed prints, for said price, and thats what you get. There's no guarantees of good colors or good smelling prints, just that they will be "new and sealed".
A couple of observations:
I did notice a small sticker on the back of the films that said "The Home Talkie Co.", so you were right David.
Another strange thing was that there was absolutely no paperwork or corespondence with the films at all. No receipt, no packing slip, no "Thanks for your order". Nothing. Just the films.
Also, I did email them back, thanking them for the order, letting them know I was satisfied with the films, but perhaps they should maybe separate the vinegar films from the good films at the store, and maybe let them get a little air. No response whatsoever. It seems they only respond when their waiting for the money.
So, I would say, if there's something on that extensive list that you've been wanting for a long time, go for it. Chances are you will get it. But just be aware that there might be vinegar or fading.
Now I'll take questions ![[Wink]](wink.gif) .
James
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Winbert Hutahaean
Film God
Posts: 5468
From: Nouméa, New Caledonia
Registered: Jun 2003
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posted October 27, 2009 09:18 AM
Yes James, I have a couple questions:
First, why you use Western Union which is (usually) uneconomical for a small order (in terms of charge) while he offers paypal for payment?
He charges only 5.5% from your total order. On the other hand, it is also safe for you (in case it is a scam) if you fund the payment through Credit Card.
Secondly, on the bottom of his page, he says "Free USPS Shipping on all USA orders", did you enjoy this advantage?
Thirdly, IS the PInk Panther from Walton or Italian print (AVO)?
Lastly, how rare is the "Man-Made Monster"? Haven't you checked Ebay?
regards,
--------------------
Winbert
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James N. Savage 3
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1375
From: Washington, DC
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted October 27, 2009 09:49 AM
Hi Winburt- Sorry, I forgot to answer your questions from previous post.
About not using credit card-
I had a bad experience with using credit card with an unfamiliar company years back (a non-film purchase), where the exchange rate was exagerated, plus hidden fees, and I ended up paying too much for something. At least with Western Union, I know EXACTLY what I'm paying, and no more can be added. If I ever order from "Films on Super 8" again, I will probably use a credit card, since they seem to be what they say.
About free postage-
Yes. That was one small perk, and I was glad to have it!
About e-bay-
Yes, Winbert, I know. In fact MOST of the films on the "Films on Super 8" site DO pop up on e-bay. And I have bought many of them from ebay, and some great deals, too. It was just the magic of getting a "new, sealed print", perfect box, etc. It was like I needed a "fix", of opening a fresh print, one that had never been through the gate of a projector before. I think I'm cured now.
At least until my next wave of insanity .
James.
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