Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

Not sure what one has to do with the other, but you're probably right. The Roan/Troma SOS and UK should be safe everywhere. I was looking for a company with the best intersection between price and return policy, and ImportCD's fit the bill. Didn't realize they had shared ownership, but do recall DD changing owners a few times.

After the DVD-R revelation, I did a lot of research, and the best serial buyers guide is likely here: http://cliffhangerproductionsmessage...rogress?page=1 . According to that, VCI's Phantom is the best. Pity it's now DVD-R only. BTW, the serial folks seem to have a lot of in-fighting going on...

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

EASTER12

Coupon code for an additional 15% off all VCI DVDs and Blu Rays from their site. Code expires 11:59p on April 10.

Another B.F.D. from VCI.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

I was going to post that but you'd be better off creating a new account with a new email address and getting a 20% off coupon.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

FYI: there is a new batch of Roan's hitting the overstock market. I do not know if they are real or burned. I spoke with the wholesaler in question yesterday. I was considering making a pretty large purchase. They refused to check; I don't know if that's because they're lazy, arrogant or are drop shipping.

They were actually quite rude about it; they permanently lost me as a customer.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

It's also possible, per my comment here

http://forum.dvdtalk.com/dvd-bargain...l#post11152023

that they don't know because Troma isn't publicizing which are which. FYI, I did just have the misfortune of buying a DVD-R copy of Roan's noir D.O.A. I have no idea if it's this way for every Roan DVD-R, but mine had a small, white "DVD-R" sticker on the spine. The disk itself used a generic design the "artwork", with just the name of the movie to distinguish it.

I have since returned that version and bought a real DVD copy. Used.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

Every one I've run across says DVD-R instead of DVD. The fact they wouldn't say either way says drop shipping to me.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

You are correct.

I originally posted excerpts of yesterday's email correspondence here. About an hour after my original post, they sent me a scan of a disc, showing it isn't burned. Wonder if they read this forum?

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

Geff, that lazy attitude and blatant lack of effort doesn't surprise me in the least. It seems that most customer service reps these days just can't be bothered to actually LISTEN to anyone as they are too busy reading the script of what they are instructed to say.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch.... On the remote chance that I am not the only Bob Steele B western fan out there, here is a very nice deal for a VCI set that probably has crappy quality, but still not bad for four movies:

BOB STEELE Who Fought Shoulder To Shoulder With Davy Crockett At The Alamo!

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

I purchased "Actors & Sin" from VCI and it was a factory pressed disc. I bought it in November, however, so I'm not sure if anything has changed since then.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

Is the VCI the one to get for "Return Of Chandu"? I currently have the Alpha.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

That's the one on my list, per the comment here: http://cliffhangerproductionsmessage...rogress?page=1 . BTW, I'd originally intended to buy 6 or 7 VCI serials at once, but put those plans off in favor of a film noir binge. I'll be getting Chandu and the others myself within the next few months.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

Cheap Roan Undersea Kingdom alert (1 copy only)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=290708019404

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

Does anyone know if the stock DD/Import CD's (same company) is currently selling of Horror Classics 5: King of the Zombies/Revolt of the Zombies is factory pressed or burned? It's not possible to get a straight answer out of them.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

Do you know for sure if there is a burned version for this title? I have the original release and the cover is the same as the one on sale at DD, but that may not mean anything. Also, it's a flipper disc.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

Glen, when it comes to Roan these days, there's very little I know for sure! Just know I don't really want to deal with returning a burned disc to DD!

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

I don't blame you, Geff! Dealing with DD is kind of like walking on hot coals, it only feels good if your feet are frostbitten. Offhand though, I can't think of any MOD flipper discs, but maybe there are some out there? If this is advertised as one disc that could be an indication that it's pressed.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

AFAIK, they don't make dual sided DVDR's, though it could be split, could be combined on a dvd9, or the esteemed Mr Kaufman could just reauthor at a lower bit rate.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

4 months later I finally got around to watching the Prowler. While i wasn't that taken with the movie, I will say my opinion of VCI has gone WAY up. Outside of Kino/Eureka/MOC/Criterion this is probably the highest quality public domain transfer/restoration I've ever seen; & it's actually better than a significant number of their releases. The picture quality is impeccable.

I wasn't as impressed with the film itself, unfortunately. it's ok; but I don't think I would have given it dvd of the year! IMO, neither of the leads is good enough to carry a film (though both are fine as supporting players) & the script was a bit weak & predictable.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

I completely agree with your entire post, Geff. The DVD can't be rated highly enough, but the movie is vastly overrated.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

Just bought a VCI Phantom Creeps on Amazon that the seller claims (confirmed by email) is factory pressed & "like new"/no scratches. Since I paid $16 for a used dvd I really hope it's scratch free & significantly better than the Whirlwind edition i own!

I'm pretty fanatical about scratch free discs (the way some others are regarding case slices which don't bother me), & I've had really bad luck with buying used on the internet.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

(Sigh), this email to "Digital Dog Pound" explains it all (another lousy internet seller),

"Hi, we've got a problem (actually 2 problems).

VCI is now burning this title, rather than pressing it. The reason I was interested in yours was because it was used, I was hoping it was factory pressed.

On 5/14/12, I emailed you:

"2 questions:

1. My understanding is this title is now only being produced as a burned disc. I want to make sure this is a factory pressed VCI.

2. You list it as "Like New". Are there ANY scratches on the disc?"

On 5/15/12 you wrote back,

"This is the VCI version and there is not any scratches."

You sent me a sealed copy, rather than a used. While it's VCI, it is burned as I had feared, not factory pressed. It also is quite scratched, someone (I'm not blaming you) resealed it.

I wish to return it, & under the circumstances i should not have to pay postage."

At least VCI is using quality Falcon blank discs.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

While I have them both here, i did compare the first few minutes Whirwind vs: VCI. Both are watchable, neither is videophile quality! VCI is better.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

Ugh, there's nothing more worthless than a scratched DVD-R. :( I actually contacted them on 4/2 and received a somewhat different answer:

------------- Begin message -------------
I am sorry, this is sealed so I can not look at the disc. I do not see DVR or MOD listed by it.
--- Original message ---

Item: Phantom Creeps [DVD] [ASIN: B0011Z5NG4]
------------- Begin message -------------
Hello,
I may be interested in your Phantom Creeps DVD, but have a question. I believe there are two versions of this VCI release, a DVD and a DVD-R. (The DVD has a silver-colored laser side, while DVD-R's typically have a purple or blue laser side.) Which is yours? And secondly, I assume there are no "gotchas"...this isn't a former rental or library copy, the bar code is intact, etc.?

-----

Unless they have different people answering their email, they may have given you a deceptive reply. If they respond kindly and process the return without issue, may I suggest a 2-star transaction rating? It took me forever to work out my own Amazon system, which goes something like this:

5 stars (max) -1 (major problem with sale) -1 (could not be corrected by me) -1 (emailed ahead of time about issue(s) that became the problem) -1 merchant was rude

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

They are offering a no hassle return. Looks like getting a scratch free real copy of this is going to be similar to the Roan Human Bondage mess.

BTW, the dvd-r is dual layer. If you have one, do yourself a favor & back it up to your hard drive. Dual layer burned discs have a much shorter shelf life then single layer, even if they are using Falcons (aka FTI).

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

VCI Memorial Day Sale: Take 25% off online prices at site with the following code:

MEM2012

I guess the days of the 40% off sales are dead and buried at VCI.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

FFFFFFFFFF!!!!!

Got The Phantom Empire today from Import CDs. It's a DVD-R. God dammit!

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

If it's VCI, somebody really needs to give their web designer a kick so their site accurately reflects what is what. :( While it's still in your possession (assuming you plan a return), is the "To the Rescue! The Story of the Phantom Empire" featurette any good?

This serves as yet another reminder that I need to place my "big" serial order soon, so I can avoid any surprises...

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

I need to pick up Actors & Sin while it's still factory pressed.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

Please post if anyone finds any good deals on these indie labels during the Deep Discount sale. Thanks!

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

Here's something interesting:

I went to the Roan part of the Troma site last night:

https://www.tromashop.com/roan-group/dvd

It appears they finally have a decent shopping cart through Pay Pal & it also APPEARS that they are showing all the burned titles as out of stock but are still showing a number of titles as available; mostly at good prices. Only bad thing is the shipping is a bit pricey.

With them showing the burned titles as oos, it does once again bring up the question are the burns pirated?

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

I'm finally gearing-up for my VCI buy. Does anybody know the differences between the original and re-released Green Hornet sets? I am guessing the disk contents are the same, including the transfers, but the 75th and 4xDVD Collector's Set are missing the liner notes. This doesn't explain why "GH Strikes Again" is available in three formats (original, 75th, and Collector's Set)...compared to original serial with just two...and makes me wonder if "Strikes Again" did get a new transfer. Picture quality obviously trumps all else, but if that hasn't changed, I don't mind paying more for the original, complete release. Any thoughts?

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

I'm frustrated. I ordered a Roan Radar men serial in "like new" condition from an Amazon 3rd party.

The good news is it isn't burned. The bad news is the disc was loose in the case& scratched due to same AND had obviously been ran through a buffing machine; it had large remnants of buffing fluid in places. Also had 14 THOUSAND "PI" data failures on side 1 per Nero CD/DVD Speed. (I consider 200-300 acceptable).

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

^^
Wow, you really have bad luck sometimes. :(

On the bright side, I didn't realize Roan had their own version of "Radar Men". Finding another copy may take some time, but I suppose the picture quality will be better than the Cheesy Flicks version.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

The picture quality is superb, I can't imagine a poverty row serial looking any better.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

I have the HAL ROACH STUDIOS/Image copy of RADAR MEN, but I haven't watched it yet. I wonder how it compares to the Roan. I actually collect the ROACH/IMAGE titles as I've been pretty happy with the quality of the ones I've sampled.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

Ordered Flash Gordon last night. I'm down to 1 Roan left that's known to be in print & believed to be still factory pressed: Carnival Story. I'm pretty sure i already have all the OOP Roans I want with the possible exception of Lonely Wives which I only have a burned version of.

Now to move on the the Edward G. Robinson VCI's I need before they become burned only.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

EDWARD R. HAMILTON is now offering some Roan titles. most DVD-Rs, but at least clearly marked as such. Among others they have the OOP Pre-Code and Cagney sets in DVD-R for not such great prices. They have a few pressed Roan titles as well.

VCI has a Father's Day sale going on now, the usual 25% off.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

For those seeking factory pressed Roans, please see post #19 of this thread:

http://forum.dvdtalk.com/dvd-exchang...-question.html

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

FYI, my VCI order (described back here) arrived today. All are real DVD's, and GH Strikes Again (the original, not the 75th Anniversary) still included the lush, 12-page "liner notes"...not stapled, but folding-out like a poster. Sadly, the original GH and Buck Rogers lacked liner notes, even though these are advertised on the package. Will contact VCI to see if they can make amends. Purchased from ImportCD's with the current 10% off coupon code, for a cost of $10.17 each.

Re: Official VCI/ROAN/ALPHA Bargain Thread
 

I have got to remember to put the 2 VCI Eddie Robinsons I don't have yet on the top of my to buy list while they're still factory pressed.