View Full Version : Angel fans screwed by Fox
Hi all,
Obtaining a test pressing of the upcoming Angel season one box-set, Lee J Stoneman over at DVD Debate has confirmed that the series is presented in 4x3 fullscreen, not the 16x9 anamorphic widescreen format the show was filmed in.
This is in spite of a campaign calling on Fox for a widescreen release, with a petition that now carries over 2150 signatures.
Angel's co-executive producer Tim Minear has reported that Angel was filmed in anamorphic widescreen, anticipating the HDTV and DVD formats. The series' first season was filmed at the same time as Buffy's fourth, which was broadcast in widescreen by the BBC, and as of the show's third season Angel is now even broadcast in widescreen in the US.
Although Fox has been asked to offer an explanation for its decision to press ahead with a 4x3 release, the seemingly complacent company has yet to respond to campaigners.
The best we've had is an email to forum member Daz stating, "Unfortunately we are quite far down the line in the production of Angel to make this a Widescreen release," implying that a 16x9 release was possible.
Personally, I'm going to write again to Fox, expressing my anger and frustration at this decision, and stating my intent to reject the first Angel DVD box-set in the hope that they will see sense and subsequently release a widescreen version, or, more likely, that the series is eventually released in its proper format in US Region 1.
For more on this, check out http://www.dvddebate.com
To contact Fox, write to...
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
31-32 Soho Square
London
W1D 3AP
Phone....
0207 753 8686
Or email via the feedback section at the bottom of Fox's web-site...
http://www.fox.co.uk
Cheers,
Desk
jonathan.e
24-10-2001, 11:10
Mailed them:
First Channel 4 cut "Angel" to bits and then you guys decide to release it on DVD in full frame only when it was filmed in widescreen. Genius. Do you hate the show or something? I’ve had this set on order for some time now anticipating that you would change your mind over this dense decision but have now cancelled my order, as will many others.
I’ll wait for the US to hopefully do this right.
Unfortunately 2150 signatures on a pettition is not going to cause a distributer to change their descision. Especially as they have probably already spent a small fortune on producing these DVD's. Now had you got 215,000 that might have been a different story. In fact a pettition with a small number of members is only likely to convince the distributer, that a small portion of the general public actually want the DVD's in widescreen. People should really consider the effect a pettition is going to have before they actually submit it, as, more often than not, they do more harm than good.
That said I do sympathise with your feelings on this poor effort.
Well what do you think we should do - go out in the streets and hunt down sigs ??? - over 2000 sigs from the net is superb!!
bddidier
24-10-2001, 13:01
I gave up fighting, the world is already taken over by money and greed. The problem is that 2000 signatures are nothing compare to the number of people who will buy the boxset WS or not.
Bapapapa
24-10-2001, 13:05
http://www.bapapapa.btinternet.co.uk/angelpetition.jpg
Just to let you know, a copy of the petition was also sent to Peter Staddon, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Fox Home Entertainment US.
He's the guy who in a recent online chat acknowledged fan desire to see TV material presented in widescreen where available, hinting that this would be the case for X-Files, so hopefully he'll bear consumers' desires in mind when it comes to preparing the eventual US releases.
BTW, Dave L, I believe an Internet petition of over 2,150 signatures is very creditable. Note that WB quickly backed down on the P&S release of Willy Wonka when that petition was at 10,000 - and that was a US release with a MUCH bigger market.
Exactly how many people do you think will be buying the Angel DVD set, and of them how many were on the Internet and aware of the petition's existence?
Fox really should have taken note, or at least been courteous enough to explain their position to fans or even acknowledge the campaign.
After all, if everyone who signed the petition boycotts the box-set in the hope of an eventual widescreen release (UK or more likely US), that's still £171,978.50 of sales that Fox won't be getting.
Not exactly chump change.
Desk
Well, I'm not touching it with a barge pole along as it's 4:3 - not sure if I signed the petetion or not, so that amount could be higher!
That makes two of us...
I have signed the petition and I will not buy it as long it is 4:3....
Fox can put the Angel 4:3 DVD masters down the toilet....
Well there are now 3 of us that will not be buying it when it is released.:mad:
make that 4.
Lets hope Fox US make the right decision when the time comes.
Well, I was dithering whether to get this set, or wait for the R1.
My decision has been made for me.
Another lost sale...
Dxfatass
24-10-2001, 21:26
I guess I make 6 then.
I am not even going to think about getting it. I can live without it until the R1, or a "special" widescreen edition over here
Just cancelled my order to. I hope no one has shares in FOX :-)
It's sad realy when Stargate SG-1 has been anamorphic widescreen from the start, that Angel can't be either.
Just goes to prove 'Those who can do, those who can't work for Marketing in Fox or Warner' :D
Originally posted by ajm
Just cancelled my order to. I hope no one has shares in FOX :-)
It's sad realy when Stargate SG-1 has been anamorphic widescreen from the start, that Angel can't be either.
Just goes to prove 'Those who can do, those who can't work for Marketing in Fox or Warner' :D
The Stargate dvds also has the pan&scam flags set that allow users with their dvd players set to 4:3 Pan&Scan to watch a 4:3 version so it keeps both widescreen and 4:3 users happy.
staffyman
25-10-2001, 00:28
Another lost sale here...
FOX (UK), what do we have to thank them for?
The first company to take up the DVD Rental Window, £25 price points for single disc films, needlessly censored DVD's and now complete disregard for the wishes of the consumer...
What a bunch of champs!:mad:
Well *damn* (though was pretty much expected).
Friggin' bunch of berkley hunts ...
gavinhanly
25-10-2001, 09:04
I would ony have been tempted to buy it if it was widescreen - now I can't be bothered - so another lost sale...
akira9000
25-10-2001, 09:10
Count me out aswell...is that 8 or 9 of us?
And another lost sale here. Will be holding out now for the R1 release in the hope that it is widescreen.
Yep add me to the list. Forking out that sort of inflated dosh to rip off Region 2 outlets for an imperfect product. No thanks.
Someone close the coffin lid after me.
surely you buy the dvd for the film not the aspect ratio. Does that mean that you lot won't watch a film or tv program on the BBC if it is not in the OAR. It can't make that much difference, can it?
Originally posted by RES999
surely you buy the dvd for the film not the aspect ratio. Does that mean that you lot won't watch a film or tv program on the BBC if it is not in the OAR. It can't make that much difference, can it?
I agree in part. If it's a good series or film that I want to watch and will watch many times then I will still probably buy it. But if there is a widescreen version about but they just couldn't be bothered to release it then by not buying it is the only real way to protest. That way hopefully they will reconsider and release a w/s version as well.
That said I have pre-ordered Angel already, and paid for it so I'll be getting it anyway.
jonathan.e
25-10-2001, 11:29
Originally posted by RES999
surely you buy the dvd for the film not the aspect ratio. Does that mean that you lot won't watch a film or tv program on the BBC if it is not in the OAR. It can't make that much difference, can it?
Big difference between watching it for free on network TV in a *******ized ratio and paying £60-£70 to own something that is essentially "broken". Especially in the case of Angel where I’ve seen the whole damn thing twice already thanks to C4’s obscene hack and slash job they did on it the first time around. Frankly the only way I’d entertain watching it again so soon would be if it was in widescreen. I feel like the show is burnt into the front of my brain anyways so I can go without seeing it until the US (hopefully) treats the show with some respect.
I don't expect there has been any mention of when the other Buffy and Angel series will be released in the US?
Now that Buffy S1 is coming out is it gonna be 6 months between series over there or a pretty quick catch up?
yup - another lost sale here!
After trying to convince myself that "it doesn't really matter", I've decided that hell! yes it bloody well does!
I want Angel in widescreen on DVD or not at all.
Richie
Will cancel over the weekend (need to find another use for my Amazon £5 voucher before cancelling). I can wait to see what the R1 release will bring.
Just Call Me Wanda
26-10-2001, 17:29
Obtaining a test pressing of the upcoming Angel season one box-set, Lee J Stoneman over at DVD Debate has confirmed that the series is presented in 4x3 fullscreen, not the 16x9 anamorphic widescreen format the show was filmed in.
Haven't read the whole thread so someone might have mentioned this however, surely 'Angel' is filmed in 4:3 therefore its Original Aspect Ratio is preserved on DVD - what's the problem? :confused:
Originally posted by Just Call Me Wanda
Obtaining a test pressing of the upcoming Angel season one box-set, Lee J Stoneman over at DVD Debate has confirmed that the series is presented in 4x3 fullscreen, not the 16x9 anamorphic widescreen format the show was filmed in.
Haven't read the whole thread so someone might have mentioned this however, surely 'Angel' is filmed in 4:3 therefore its Original Aspect Ratio is preserved on DVD - what's the problem? :confused:
It the bit you quoted it said the answer 'not the 16x9 anamorphic widescreen format the show was filmed in.
So, (as has been stated by the producers already), Angel was filmed widescreen from day 1.
Just Call Me Wanda
26-10-2001, 19:29
Originally posted by ajm
It the bit you quoted it said the answer 'not the 16x9 anamorphic widescreen format the show was filmed in.
So, (as has been stated by the producers already), Angel was filmed widescreen from day 1.
Maybe the reason behind not providing an anamorphic 16:9 transfer is because the programme is so ******.... :rolleyes:
Additionally, why did the programme makers feel it necessary to film in 16:9 when such a small selection of viewers in the U.S will watch on 16:9 TV sets? If they did actually film in 16:9, like you state, they're pretty dumb not releasing them in this form. However, surely you fell in love with the program while watching in 4:3 which begs the question why change the winning formula?
Just dumb questions from my dumb alter-egi.... :rolleyes:
Originally posted by Just Call Me Wanda
Obtaining a test pressing of the upcoming Angel season one box-set, Lee J Stoneman over at DVD Debate has confirmed that the series is presented in 4x3 fullscreen, not the 16x9 anamorphic widescreen format the show was filmed in.
Haven't read the whole thread so someone might have mentioned this however, surely 'Angel' is filmed in 4:3 therefore its Original Aspect Ratio is preserved on DVD - what's the problem? :confused:
It was filmed in widescreen. The OAR ratio is widescreen. The 4:3 version is a cropped one. The shows creators and Fox have confimed this.
jonathan.e
26-10-2001, 19:36
Originally posted by Just Call Me Wanda
Maybe the reason behind not providing an anamorphic 16:9 transfer is because the programme is so ******.... :rolleyes:
Additionally, why did the programme makers feel it necessary to film in 16:9 when such a small selection of viewers in the U.S will watch on 16:9 TV sets?
Wow - and they say incisive, constructive criticism is dead.
It’s filmed in 16x9 so that in 5-10 years time when the show is syndicated and everyone is watching on widescreen sets, the show will still look fresh and contemporary as the makers had the good sense to "future-proof" it by filming it what will be the predominant ratio for viewing all home video product.
Just Call Me Wanda
26-10-2001, 20:02
Wow - and they say incisive, constructive criticism is dead.
Posted by jonathan.e - ''You’re all wrong - Alien 1, 2 & 4 rock while 3 is appalling.'' :rolleyes:
:D
jonathan.e
26-10-2001, 20:12
Oooohh touché. How could I even have thought to cast aspersions on Maybe the reason behind not providing an anamorphic 16:9 transfer is because the programme is so ******..... Re-reading it now I can see how that would make sense. :rolleyes:
Just Call Me Wanda
26-10-2001, 20:23
Originally posted by jonathan.e
Oooohh touché. How could I even have thought to cast aspersions on Maybe the reason behind not providing an anamorphic 16:9 transfer is because the programme is so ******..... Re-reading it now I can see how that would make sense. :rolleyes:
Well, if I were in the middle of being screwed by Fox I'd attack the integrity of it!
Originally posted by Just Call Me Wanda
Well, if I were in the middle of being screwed by Fox I'd attack the integrity of it!
Regardless of what you think of Angel, for Fox UK not to release the DVD's in their OAR is a bad move. It was filmed in widescreen, and is shown in widescreen on US TV (saw the Season 3 premiere a few weeks back and it was definitely widescreen), so why couldn't Fox UK be bothered to source the appropriate print? They should have known this would be unpopular but seem to be either ignorant of this fact or just plain stupid. :(
Cancelling R2 and waiting for R1.
Just Call Me Wanda
27-10-2001, 11:50
Originally posted by cervaro
Regardless of what you think of Angel, for Fox UK not to release the DVD's in their OAR is a bad move. It was filmed in widescreen, and is shown in widescreen on US TV (saw the Season 3 premiere a few weeks back and it was definitely widescreen), so why couldn't Fox UK be bothered to source the appropriate print? They should have known this would be unpopular but seem to be either ignorant of this fact or just plain stupid. :(
Cancelling R2 and waiting for R1.
Yes, I totally agree Fox have made a terrible move in not releasing in OAR. I hope this doesn't represent their intentions for future TV releases that have originally been shot in 16:9.
Originally posted by Just Call Me Wanda
Yes, I totally agree Fox have made a terrible move in not releasing in OAR. I hope this doesn't represent their intentions for future TV releases that have originally been shot in 16:9.
It's certainly not the opinion of Fox US who, if recent comments are accurate, consider the release of TV programmes on DVD in their OAR as important, unlike Fox UK it seems. :(
I've collected all of the Buffy boxsets (R2) so far and have Season 3 on pre-order ever since it was announced. Thos were never available in widescreen, so I'm as happy as I'm going to get on that one.
However, I too, will only buy Buffy (season 4+) and Angel DVD's if they are Widescreen.
If I had wanted the 4:3, I'd have bought the VHS tapes and saved myself a small fortune. Hell, I've got the widescreen Buffy's on VHS here anyway to tide me over until I can buy DVDn replacements.
I'll buy better picture quality versions of the widescreen version, I'm not paying squat for 4:3.
Ross.
Michael Mackenzie
27-10-2001, 20:06
Well, I certainly will not be buying a pan & scam piece of @@@@.
Oh wait, I wasn't going to buy Angel anyway. But still, I think this is an outrageous thing for Fox to do, and I hope they learn never to try it on again.
Cornelius
27-10-2001, 21:02
Originally posted by john316
Well what do you think we should do - go out in the streets and hunt down sigs ??? - over 2000 sigs from the net is superb!!
What people should do is individually email people instead. If someone like the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Fox Home Entertainment US got 2000 emails in his inbasket all on the same subject he'd sit up and notice; even if only because his sceretary would be sueing him for repetative strain injury after deleting all those messages.
I'm REALLY ****** off with this. I won't be buying this if its not in widescreen - easy enough for them to do but they seem too lazy to bother...
Question:-
EzyDVD are advertising a twin-boxset of season 1 Angel.
Are those versions going to be W/S?
If so, they'll be getting an order from me real soon.
Ross.
Davester
28-10-2001, 00:19
I am a big Angel fan but wonf't buy it because I am saving for due south, and haven't read teh whole thread but I have a number of thoughts.
1. Fox aren't listening to customers. Very poor attitude and not one that i would expect.
2. Maybe you should be happy it is coming out. I am a massive Due South fan and it has been announced it is about to come out. I would be thrilled with a release of all teh episodes (not a best of) in any format with no extras.
3. Hope fox listens next time.
Originally posted by RBT
Question:-
EzyDVD are advertising a twin-boxset of season 1 Angel.
Are those versions going to be W/S?
If so, they'll be getting an order from me real soon.
Ross.
It will likely be exactly the same content as the uk release, just in two boxes of 3 discs each instead of 1 box with 6 discs.
vBulletin® v3.8.7, Copyright ©2000-2012, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.