Title: Happy Birthday to Me
Starring: Melissa Sue Anderson
Released: 26th October 2004
SRP: $24.96
Further Details
Columbia has announced the first time release of Happy Birthday to Me which stars the likes of Melissa Sue Anderson, Glenn Ford and Lawrence Dane. This 1981 horror film will be available to own for the first time from the 26th October this year, and should set you back around $24.96. The disc itself will include a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer as well as an English Dolby Surround track. The only DVD extra material will be trailers for other Columbia releases. We've attached our first look at the artwork below:
Let's hope they don't stick with that cover art!!! --RickWJ324
steebo777
09-02-04, 08:02 AM
Forget about hoping, they are sticking with it. That art has nothing to do with the movie :mad:
Spodie!
09-04-04, 01:23 PM
It's also incorrect that the audio will be DS.
It's mono, just like the original.
JANK
09-05-04, 11:14 AM
Syreeta (Stevie Wonder's ex) singing the title song over the end credits was the best part. Anybody know where to get that song?
LikeMiamiVice
09-05-04, 04:26 PM
oh well..hopefully someone will make a custom cover with the original artwork
Disc-Flipper
09-05-04, 05:19 PM
Originally posted by LikeMiamiVice
oh well..hopefully someone will make a custom cover with the original artwork
Yup, I'm almost done mine.
Mountain Biker
09-05-04, 05:44 PM
Originally posted by Disc-Flipper
Yup, I'm almost done mine.
:thumbsup: Excellent! Will it be available for download?
Disc-Flipper
09-05-04, 09:41 PM
Originally posted by Mountain Biker
:thumbsup: Excellent! Will it be available for download?
For sure. I'm the former Doombear of DVDCA.
LikeMiamiVice
09-06-04, 05:42 AM
thanks dude..your a life saver..let us know when its done,please..
Clockwork
09-13-04, 03:10 PM
Read a Rumor that the Happy Birthday to me original cover art will come as a "Collectible insert". Not sure if this is true, but even if it is why would they do that? Is the original artwork too offensive for Walmart/BlockBuster?
:hscratch:
I see the "Generic CGI Girl" cover art is no longer on Amazon or DVDEmpire. It is still up at B&N & DDD..
JANK
09-13-04, 03:15 PM
Soundtrack anyone?
Mike Long
10-01-04, 12:02 PM
Originally posted by Clockwork
Read a Rumor that the Happy Birthday to me original cover art will come as a "Collectible insert". Not sure if this is true, but even if it is why would they do that? Who says that the video companies don't listen to consumers? I just got this DVD and sure enough, there's a sticker on the front which reads, "Includes Special Insert with Original Theatrical Art!"
wago70
10-01-04, 12:08 PM
That is GOOD ENOUGH for these ears! Thanks! I still want Disc-Flippers version, though for printout. Let us know!
Disc-Flipper
10-01-04, 12:36 PM
Originally posted by Mike Long
Who says that the video companies don't listen to consumers? I just got this DVD and sure enough, there's a sticker on the front which reads, "Includes Special Insert with Original Theatrical Art!"
If you just got it, can you confirm if there is indeed collectible art inside?
What are the specs of this DVD?
I've done the front and spine of my custom cover. I only need to know what special features are included, and then I can get it all finished and available for you downloading folks.
Mike Long
10-01-04, 12:46 PM
Originally posted by Disc-Flipper
If you just got it, can you confirm if there is indeed collectible art inside? Hold on a second...OK...yep, there's shish-kabob boy with the original title font and "Six of the most bizarre murder you'll ever see." underneath. On the back of the insert, it says, "Bonus Collectible Insert with Original Theatrical Art!" Gee, Thanks. The disc itself is black with "Happy Birthday to Me" in silver.
OK, from the back of the DVD case, we have:
No special features listed.
Language: English
Subtitles: English, Spanish, Japanese
1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Approx. 111 minutes
Color
Dolby Digital
(The Region 1 Logo)
CC
Remastered in High Definition
That's it.
And because I know someone will ask, I popped the disc in and the only extras are trailers for I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER, IDENTITY, and the teaser for RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE.
Disc-Flipper
10-01-04, 01:52 PM
Thanks for that info. I'll get my cover done this weekend.
A lot of DVDs offer inserts with alternate art; Dawn of the Dead US Theatrical Cut comes to mind.
Disc-Flipper
10-01-04, 02:43 PM
Mike, what are the UPC, ISBN and Catalog (spine) numbers?
Mike Long
10-01-04, 02:54 PM
Oh man, this is like being at work. Hold on a minute, I've got to walk across the room...
Too bad about the lack of trailers. I remember about 3 different TV spots in 1981 leading up to its original release. Same with When A Stranger Calls.
I dunno - it would be nice to see them again. I could care less about the trailers for the other, lesser films on the disc. As long as we got that insert, though I'm happy. Can't wait for your quick review, hint hint.
One more job: are there credits on the insert. Sorry!!! I must know since I don't have the $$ to buy this until next month.
Jeff McKay
10-01-04, 09:28 PM
*** BAD NEWS*** for fans of this flick. Sony-Columbia dropped the ball big time on this DVD release.
The entire film has been rescored. All of the original music is gone and has been replaced with a new score - including different cues and music in places where there never was any music before. Don't know why they did this and there's no mention of "music rescored" anywhere on the packaging. But it's all been changed, folks!
On top of that, it's the same old R-rated version - none of the cut moments have been restored.
I think most of us could live with the same R-rated version we've seen for years, but with all the music changed now, this is not the film we know and love. Considering Sony added the poster art insert after the fan's outcries and letter writing campaign, it's astonishing that Sony thinks they can get away with wiping out the film's original music without anyone noticing. Horror fans are a lot smarter than you think, Sony.
Another botched horror title. And they want $24.95 for it!
RickB
10-02-04, 12:34 AM
You mean even the song in the credits is changed? If so that is OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!!! I loved that song,it made the ending. PLEASE tell me that song is at least there.
philo
10-02-04, 07:34 PM
Has anyone been able to confirm the rumor about the altered score or at least post a link to the source of that information above?
Mike Long
10-02-04, 10:04 PM
OK, I just finished watching the DVD. It was my first time seeing the film (I'm not sure how I missed it in the 80s), so I can't confirm any changes in the score. I can confirm that I was very underwhelmed by the movie itself.
Originally posted by RickB
You mean even the song in the credits is changed? If so that is OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!!! I loved that song,it made the ending. PLEASE tell me that song is at least there. On the DVD, the song over the end title credits is a haunting song by a female vocalist which includes the lyrics "Happy Birthday to Me". Is this the song that you're talking about?
JANK
10-02-04, 11:11 PM
In the original movie, Syreeta (one time Stevie Wonder wife) sang a very haunting HARD_TO_GET song called "Happy Birthday to Me" - That is the one we are asking and looking for ....
RickB
10-02-04, 11:11 PM
YES!!!!!!!! Then at least they left in that song. THANK YOU. So the entire film wasn't totally rescored at least. As long as that song is there I'm cool.
Disc-Flipper
10-03-04, 05:52 PM
Check the cover section for my latest: http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=388823
prince_of_saturn
10-03-04, 09:00 PM
Originally posted by philo
Has anyone been able to confirm the rumor about the altered score or at least post a link to the source of that information above?
Originally posted by RickB
YES!!!!!!!! Then at least they left in that song. THANK YOU. So the entire film wasn't totally rescored at least. As long as that song is there I'm cool.
I hope so too. Since I haven't seen/heard this DVD, I dunno. All's I am asking is, DOES THE FREAKIN' DVD HAVE THIS SONG ON IT! (since the version I saw long ago on TV did, I was wonderin'...)
Mike Long
10-03-04, 09:58 PM
Originally posted by JANK
I hope so too. Since I haven't seen/heard this DVD, I dunno. All's I am asking is, DOES THE FREAKIN' DVD HAVE THIS SONG ON IT! (since the version I saw long ago on TV did, I was wonderin'...) I'm not sure I understand your question. I confirmed earlier that the song by Syreeta is over the end credits. As for the rest of the film, once again, it was my first time seeing it, but it certainly sounded like an early 80s slasher film score. There are no new credits on the film or DVD to indicate new music.
This is my favorite quote from the HTF forum thread: "The reviewer at DVDTalk confirmed that the end song (over the end credits) is still there. It's not clear if the guy making this claim has the disc or just heard from someone. " Um, didn't I say earlier in this thread that I have the disc?
JANK
10-03-04, 10:36 PM
Thanks for clarifying that. Any word on if the soundtrack will be released separately?
Mountain Biker
10-03-04, 10:57 PM
Originally posted by Disc-Flipper
Check the cover section for my latest: http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=388823
Just printed it out and it looks GREAT! MAny thanks DF :thumbsup:
philo
10-04-04, 09:35 PM
Originally posted by prince_of_saturn
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=212858
That HTF thread mentions DVDTalk as the source. Are they talking about the new member post in this thread? I couldn't find anything on the main page. If thats the source they're talking about, they should have said it was info posted in the DVDTalk forums.
Maybe Jeff McKay can tell us if thats something he read elsewhere or discovered for himself while watching the DVD.
I'd like to see a more authoritative review of this before grabbing the pitchforks and torches to storm Sony/Columbia, though the pricetag and coverart might be worth a few rock throws.
Mike Long
10-04-04, 09:39 PM
Originally posted by philo
That HTF thread mentions DVDTalk as the source. Are they talking about the new member post in this thread? I couldn't find anything on the main page. In my opinion, it's quite clear that they're referring to the post in this thread, and like everyone else, I haven't seen that info anywhere else on the web. I'm trying to track down a VHS copy of the movie in order to compare the music.
Wes Ray
10-11-04, 08:08 PM
The rumors are true.
My review for DVDDrive-In.com is forthcoming.
EDIT: Reserving my opinion until I find more info.
Disc-Flipper
10-11-04, 09:37 PM
I'll still buy it -- because I love the movie. But it's a sad thing they changed the sad lonely piano music of the original. Hopefully the same amount of suspense is retained with the new score. I don't think refusing to buy it will change Columbia Tristar's mind about releasing another version.
Wes Ray
10-11-04, 10:47 PM
Okay, here's an example...
The original low-key, piano and strings piece during the opening credits has been replaced.
In its place: a fast-paced disco song.
Mountain Biker
10-11-04, 11:51 PM
If this wasn't an all-time favorite of mine I'd probably pass on it, but it is, so I'm still be buying it. :rolleyes:
Wes Ray
10-12-04, 01:41 AM
The more I examine the disc, the more I'm convinced that what has happened here is that Columbia has taken a pre-release print of this film with a temp or alternate track and used it for the DVD.
I have e-mailed Columbia for their side of the story, but this is my theory.
The music fits too closely with the action in some parts. Also, editing in music takes time AND a good deal of money. There's no reason for Columbia to have gone to this trouble. "Rights issues" doesn't seem right either, considering the film's original composers are still credited on the disc. One of which, wrote the end title song. So, if there were rights issues with any of it, I would think they'd have replaced all the music and not left the end song intact.
If my suspicions are correct, this was clearly an accident, and I'm not even sure if Columbia is aware of the foul-up. Hopefully my e-mail to them will lead to some answers.
I'll keep you guys updated.
philo
10-12-04, 04:20 AM
Dang. First I hear they changed Living Dead Pt 2, now this. :mad:
Thanks for clearing that up Wes. I agree it sounds kind of strange to be intentional. Song rights I've heard of but the film's score too? Hopefully it was mistake they'll straighten out.
steebo777
10-12-04, 09:44 AM
Kind of a bummer :(
wago70
10-12-04, 10:54 AM
Oh...my...God...
Thanks, Wes for the heads up. I think major emailing campaign is in order. Seriously - this must be changed. I'm not wasting one cent on this terrific film until they offer it in the correct way. Maybe they'll even include the trailer FOR THIS FILM on a corrected DVD, who knows?
Let's get word out - since a studio like this seems to need a huge push before they correct a title they may think fans won't fight for.
DRG
10-12-04, 11:24 AM
Originally posted by Wes Ray
The more I examine the disc, the more I'm convinced that what has happened here is that Columbia has taken a pre-release print of this film with a temp or alternate track and used it for the DVD.
Aren't temp scores usually derived from music from another film? If so, then they'll likely run into bigger rights issues from THAT.
I was on the fence about buying this one just because of the high price point. But with an alternate score and no movie-related extras, this is going on the Netflix queue instead.
Wes Ray
10-12-04, 01:21 PM
One would think.
And yes, temp scores usually come from other films. To be honest, a lot of parts in this new score sound like the score to some sort of early 70's giallo. Some bits sound like the original composers' work. Some don't.
I just really don't know what could've happened here. Rights issues, again, is the most likely and logical conclusion. However, the end title song is still on the disc, and it's by one of the composers. So, if there were rights issues with the rest of their score, wouldn't this song have been taken off of the disc as well?
Also, there are actual songs added...songs, with lyrics...not just generic instrumental music (though there IS plenty of that as well). The added songs are NOT mentioned in the closing credits, nor anywhere on the DVD packaging. One would think that the artists involved with these songs would be able to sue if word got around to them that their music was being used without their permission. It seems to me a risk Columbia wouldn't knowingly want to take.
So while "music rights" is the most likely of scenarios, I can't help but feel this particular incident stems simply from an un-intentional screw-up (of some sort) on the studio's behalf.
TERRORTRAIN
10-19-04, 12:37 PM
I just read the dvdtalk review of the Happy Birthday To Me DVD and I am severly dissapointed and angry upon learning that the score has been changed! The DVD is worthless as far as I'm concerned and I won't be picking up a copy of it. How frustrating...
Has there been any update on why Sony changed the soundtrack and if there are any thoughts on their end about re-releasing this (or recalling this version)? "Birthday" may be no masterpiece but to true fans, this is upsetting. For horror film lovers, music score is EXTREMLEY important to the genre (i.e. Halloween, Psycho, Friday The 13th, Carrie, Jaws, The Omen). My question to Sony execs: How would YOU feel if one of your favorite films (regardless of how mainstream it is) was rescored?
Pissed off, indeed. I can live with crappy key art and no extras (although I still can't understand why there was no inclusion of a Theatrical Trailer) but this is just too much.
JDF5244
10-19-04, 05:02 PM
This was the first horror movie I ever saw in the theater. I remember the night my older brother took me to see this like it was yesterday.
A terrific flick. It is quite disappointing however that some beeeyatches at the studio didn't know what they were doing when they put this together.
I will await further customer feedback before buying it.
I also think $19.95 is a bit steep for this. $9.95...OK. But $19.95???????
Wes Ray
10-19-04, 08:18 PM
My review at DVDDrive-In should be up tonight sometime.
Columbia never got back in touch with me regarding the changes, so all we have to go on are theories. I still contend it's probably the wrong print.
Disc-Flipper
10-19-04, 10:07 PM
Does the music sound old or new ?
twilightdvd
10-19-04, 11:05 PM
Originally posted by Mike Long
This is my favorite quote from the HTF forum thread: "The reviewer at DVDTalk confirmed that the end song (over the end credits) is still there. It's not clear if the guy making this claim has the disc or just heard from someone. " Um, didn't I say earlier in this thread that I have the disc?
That post was saying it wasn't clear if that new member here had the disc or had simply heard it from someone. You confirmed it was there so the doubt was on the member here claiming things had been changed.
To answer your question, Disc...the music is old. Disco and such. Though, some pieces sound even earlier than late 70's/early 80's.
TERRORTRAIN
10-20-04, 12:28 PM
Hey Wes,
Your review of HBTM is great! (It shows you're a true fan). But I can't get past the whole scrore changing (especially in the beginning over the credits--as you said, the whole tone is set there.)
I want to be optimistic and hope that Sony will correct this problem. But I feel they need to hear it from us--the fans and consumers. Do you have an email address for Sony that we send our thoughts to?
Wes Ray
10-20-04, 03:11 PM
Those with a comment about the audio changes on Happy Birthday to Me can send a polite e-mail to them at...
CTHV_CustomerService@spe.sony.com
Worked (somewhat) for our cover art complaints. May work for the score as well. Let them know what you think!
reani14
10-25-04, 07:44 PM
the saw the artowrk for region 2 dvd and its black with red lettering just like the original poster. but it doesnt have the guy on it.. but it looks better than region 1's also i wonder if it will have the same resored soundtrack again???????
reani14
10-25-04, 07:55 PM
is it true that they included the original poster art on this dvd too??
henry
mattboy71
10-26-04, 08:43 PM
Hi all,
Just got the disc...the original print music is horrible but does work in some places. After knowing the VHS version by heart, it's painful to watch but the picture quality is very good. You can even see the shadow of the boom mic when the kids are leaving The Silent Woman after Rudy puts the rat in that guy's beer. :)
Anyway, can we petition to get the other version? Let me know how and I'll start it. Can Anchor Bay possibly buy the rights and release 20 versions? (sarcastic mode turned off). Anyway, it's still cool to get this gem on DVD.
"I want to hear all the gory details about you and Steve last night." (Still love that line!)
Matt
RickB
10-27-04, 01:31 AM
I watched mine. I'm glad to have it. I didn't mind the new music too much. At least it was dated music to that era and it fit the film well,but yeah I do prefer the original score. It you start a petition I will indeed sign it.
reanii14
11-09-04, 02:37 PM
just wondering if theres any info on the region 2 uk being sold at amazon uk. it does have a diffrent artwork..
any help would be appreacited
thanks!
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