8mm Forum: Number of prints for one title after 1980s

This is topic Number of prints for one title after 1980s in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://8mmforum.film-tech.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=003168

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on October 23, 2007, 11:30 PM:

Hi all,

Just my curiousity....

We all knew that circa 1982s was the time when 8mm gradually gone. However with the good work of some company like Derann and CHC we were still be able to get a limited numbers of full features.

I knew the last Master of Commander was printed less than 20 copies, right?

I am wondering if someone here can give the info about the number of prints for respective titles released after 1982. So what about Rocky, Romancing the Stones, Fugitive, Independece Day, Speed, etc ?

Any of the prints post 1982 were re-printed due to the high demand?

Anyone know how many time for one negative can be used before it is completely scratched?

thanks,

Posted by John Clancy (Member # 49) on October 24, 2007, 03:44 AM:

I believe 'Master and Commander' was 32 prints.

I would imagine the most you are ever going to sell of any title nowadays whether it be a trailer, a short or an extract would be 50. And it would have to be a popular title to sell that many. But I may be wrong.

Posted by Graham Sinden (Member # 431) on October 24, 2007, 07:28 AM:

Another problem you have is that (I believe) any title currently in the Derann catalogue can be ordered even if not in stock, and Master and Commander is there so if someone or some company ordered 40 prints say there would be 72 prints in existance. So this dosent give a true reflection of its rariety.

Whereas a number of titles have been deleated like Star Wars, Close Encounters, Dam Busters etc. and these are harder to track down because there are only so many copies (how many I dont know).

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on October 24, 2007, 11:54 AM:

I have Star Wars so that’s one accounted for at least although I have to confess I had no idea it was no longer buyable new. Master & Commander I found a bit dim particularly at Ealing one year even with the superb sound link up so it would not be one I would not aim for. Star Wars is however superb on my 10ft screen and its one which is often viewed here.

With regard to neg scratching I think this could down to the way the lab handle it each time. Perrys Movies had a highly skilled lab technician in Arthur and he handled with extreme care every time. A truly great gentleman as well.

Some do aim to get first run prints and I have a few friends who over the years asked for the new prints they purchased to be numbered to identify how close they were to a perfect neg. I still have the first two prints Perrys struck of the two films I produced which they subsequently released on 8mm, a nice keepsake from the golden years.

Interesting points you have asked Winbert…

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on October 24, 2007, 08:08 PM:

I can't recall titles, but I think I've heard Derann staff in recent years referring to one or two particularly popular shorts selling in the region of 100 prints, but that would be considerably above average.

But if you go back to the 8mm 'revival' days, popular features that have avoided negative damage - e.g. 'Aliens' or certain Disney features have got up to few hundred sold.

Even some 16mm releases have done well e.g. Steve told me that the 16mm version of the 'Flavour of the Month' reel has been a consistent seller for some time, with 300-400 copies sold.

Negative damage seems to be more down to luck, and whether an idiot handles it, rather than the amount of usage.

Posted by Mark Todd (Member # 96) on October 24, 2007, 08:38 PM:

All in all its a lot of work and outlay for not much return these days and its great that the two who do, still do !!!!!( in the UK)
I hear the new spiderman 3 trailer reel at about 4 1/2 mins is superb so we should all be giving that ago if we can.
Best Mark.

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on October 24, 2007, 10:35 PM:

quote:
any title currently in the Derann catalogue can be ordered even if not in stock,

Graham did you say that Derann will re-print the negatives they keep now, no mater it is only 1 copy?

Wooouw....it is quite expensive for Derann, since what I knew they will print it on 16mm than slit it into 2 copies. Who's gonna buy the other copy if there is no a demand?

cheers,

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on October 25, 2007, 03:35 AM:

Winbert.
I ordered two new feature films this year and yes they made two prints of each. I think the extra copies of each were sold at Ealing and one at the Open Day.

I can confirm the new print were of outstanding quality including sound reproduction and frankly I got what I paid for, first class service and high quality feature films which are bringing me hours of pleasure along with various audiences here.

In truth the prices have barely increased from the likes of Derann in a good few years and they are trying there very best to keep the hobby affordable. We use a ticket on a big dipper as a good guide to the value super 8 film collecting is here. £5 for 4 minutes a ride so that makes super 8 cheap and with no throwing up at the end of it!

Happy film collecting day.

[Wink]

Posted by Graham Sinden (Member # 431) on October 25, 2007, 07:29 AM:

Hi Winbert,

I think what I said is true (mabye Gary can tell us). Ive ordered several shorts from Derann including one which they didnt have but they would order it for me and it would take about 5 weeks for the labs to print it. Several weeks later I recieved it. Im not sure how many extra copies Derann printed at the same time but I would guess less than 10.

As I said if you want a short or feature Derann can get it but you might have to wait a few weeks. Titles which are no longer available is probably due to a rights issue (or very rarely neg damage and cost of a new negative).

Graham S

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on October 25, 2007, 07:41 AM:

One thing is for sure Winbert, Derann prints are worth the wait.

Posted by Christopher Quinn (Member # 831) on October 27, 2007, 12:02 PM:

The IMDB estimates that there was 50 - 100 copies of Derann's Star Wars. I'm not sure if that figure was just guesswork by the contributor, though.

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on October 27, 2007, 02:33 PM:

I'm betting that's guesswork on STAR WARS, as I think that particular title was no doubt ONE of Derann's best-sellers!

(I have a first day release print ... AWESOME!)

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on October 27, 2007, 02:43 PM:

Whoever made the post on IMDB couldn't even spell "Derann"; not exactly an insider...

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on October 27, 2007, 05:26 PM:

"Wooouw....it is quite expensive for Derann, since what I knew they will print it on 16mm than slit it into 2 copies. Who's gonna buy the other copy if there is no a demand?"

To look at it another way, if Derann were convinced that there was no demand, the film wouldn't still be in the catalogue!

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on October 28, 2007, 04:27 AM:

Steve. Perhaps that person has a disability?
We are not all created perfect my friend.

UBB.classic^TM 6.3.1.2