'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
03-25-09 | 01:46 PM
#76
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
Here's what I wrote.
Originally Posted by Me
To whom it may concern:
I am writing this right now, trying my hardest to find the words to compose my thoughts politely and rationally.
I received my Blu-Ray copy of ‘Let the Right One In’ today in the mail during my lunch break. I was elated, seeing as this was my most anticipated film of the year. After that, I found out about the toned down, stupefied subtitles that were used for this disk.
I am quite pleased that you guys have decided to fix the issue.
I am, however, not at all happy that you expect me to purchase the disk again to get the correct subtitles.
I have run into issues with disks like this before. Miss-framing on Back to the Future 2&3 and Pirates of the Caribbean, wrong disks entirely in the Superman Box set, repeating footage on Starship Troopers. In all instances, the studios saw it as the least that they could do to make it up to their customers to fix their mistakes, and I gladly took place in the replacement programs.
I know that you guys currently have the stance that there is actually not an error. However, before you say that the existing subtitles are correct; there are entire sentences and several smaller nuances that are missing entirely from the existing track. In some points, it barely makes sense.
"We had an alternate translation that we went with."
I really don't understand the choice to use different subtitles on home video than the theater. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" The old adage pops into mind, and I feel it fits here. At the least, can you please explain to me why you did that; used a different track that stripped out a lot of subtleties from the movie, but felt a need to still stick to the theatrical subtitle script while recording the dub track?
To tell you the truth, I was almost ready to grit my teeth and bear this issue before it was addressed at all. But now you have said, "There are no exchanges. We are going to make an alternate version available however,” in response to people that have already given you money for the movie, and gotten something they didn't expect. Because of this, I will most likely trade this disk somewhere for store credit, and not re-buy the movie. Or anything else you release, for that matter.
I would appreciate a response of some type. I am assuming it will be a form letter. I’m just dumbfounded by this entire situation. Like I said, I would at the least like an explanation. But is having it corrected really too much to ask?
Thank you for your time, and I appreciate that you actually read my letter.
I am writing this right now, trying my hardest to find the words to compose my thoughts politely and rationally.
I received my Blu-Ray copy of ‘Let the Right One In’ today in the mail during my lunch break. I was elated, seeing as this was my most anticipated film of the year. After that, I found out about the toned down, stupefied subtitles that were used for this disk.
I am quite pleased that you guys have decided to fix the issue.
I am, however, not at all happy that you expect me to purchase the disk again to get the correct subtitles.
I have run into issues with disks like this before. Miss-framing on Back to the Future 2&3 and Pirates of the Caribbean, wrong disks entirely in the Superman Box set, repeating footage on Starship Troopers. In all instances, the studios saw it as the least that they could do to make it up to their customers to fix their mistakes, and I gladly took place in the replacement programs.
I know that you guys currently have the stance that there is actually not an error. However, before you say that the existing subtitles are correct; there are entire sentences and several smaller nuances that are missing entirely from the existing track. In some points, it barely makes sense.
"We had an alternate translation that we went with."
I really don't understand the choice to use different subtitles on home video than the theater. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" The old adage pops into mind, and I feel it fits here. At the least, can you please explain to me why you did that; used a different track that stripped out a lot of subtleties from the movie, but felt a need to still stick to the theatrical subtitle script while recording the dub track?
To tell you the truth, I was almost ready to grit my teeth and bear this issue before it was addressed at all. But now you have said, "There are no exchanges. We are going to make an alternate version available however,” in response to people that have already given you money for the movie, and gotten something they didn't expect. Because of this, I will most likely trade this disk somewhere for store credit, and not re-buy the movie. Or anything else you release, for that matter.
I would appreciate a response of some type. I am assuming it will be a form letter. I’m just dumbfounded by this entire situation. Like I said, I would at the least like an explanation. But is having it corrected really too much to ask?
Thank you for your time, and I appreciate that you actually read my letter.
03-25-09 | 02:45 PM
#78
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
This could be true, but what about the dub track? It uses the theatrical translation. If this was the case, wouldn't they have to pay the translator for the use of her translation anyway?
Last edited by Bob_Bobbson; 03-25-09 at 03:04 PM.
03-25-09 | 03:49 PM
#79
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Pekin, IL
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
just sent mine. I was going for the empathy vote
"Thanks for ruining my favorite movie of 2008"
Your customer no longer,
Griffin Glass
"Thanks for ruining my favorite movie of 2008"
Your customer no longer,
Griffin Glass
03-25-09 | 03:53 PM
#80
DVD Talk Legend
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
I wrote this one regarding the Blu-ray release:
To Whom It May Concern,
You have undoubtedly received many emails already on this subject, and this will add to them.
It is absolutely unacceptable to claim the subtitles on this release are not defective and do not warrant an exchange program.
You are basically spitting in the face of loyal fans of your product who rush out to buy the items on release day - fans who are FILM ENTHUSIASTS, and of course want the proper theatrical subtitles and not some on-the-cheap substitute done by a college intern using an online translator.
Be assured your behavior on this will not be forgotten in the home theater forums. Mistakes made by studios years ago (and corrected by the way via exchange programs) are still talked about today. Your transgression will not be forgotten.
I have returned my copy to my point of purchase as defective - I hope they send it back to the studio for credit. I will encourage others to do the same until an exchange program is put in place.
Do the right thing here.
You have undoubtedly received many emails already on this subject, and this will add to them.
It is absolutely unacceptable to claim the subtitles on this release are not defective and do not warrant an exchange program.
You are basically spitting in the face of loyal fans of your product who rush out to buy the items on release day - fans who are FILM ENTHUSIASTS, and of course want the proper theatrical subtitles and not some on-the-cheap substitute done by a college intern using an online translator.
Be assured your behavior on this will not be forgotten in the home theater forums. Mistakes made by studios years ago (and corrected by the way via exchange programs) are still talked about today. Your transgression will not be forgotten.
I have returned my copy to my point of purchase as defective - I hope they send it back to the studio for credit. I will encourage others to do the same until an exchange program is put in place.
Do the right thing here.
03-25-09 | 04:22 PM
#81
DVD Talk Legend
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
Good companies do it. Anchor Bay did it, we always sent out replacements at BCI if we screwed up. Its not that expensive, most of the people who buy it never even know something is wrong, so you aren't sending out that many, and it builds ton of good will with consumers.
We're on Consumerist: http://consumerist.com/5183800/us-di...t-no-exchanges
03-25-09 | 04:40 PM
#82
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
Could this be addressed through BD-Live?
--edit--
Looks like it has been done before:
With their second Blu-ray release after PAN’S LABYRINTH, Senator Home Entertainment enters a new era: The Blu-ray release of THE ORPHANAGE which will be in stores September 29, 2008, features two audio commentaries with German subtitles – one with the director and writer and one with the sound designer and director of photography - made available via the Internet.
“We are happy that we, together with our authoring studio Imagion, managed to implement the subtitles via dynamicHD that were not available before the pressing of the disc. So we were able to react promptly to the great demand for these audio commentaries that were already included in the limited edition DVD.” says Peter Heinzemann, CEO of Senator Home Entertainment. Andreas Thran, CEO of Imagion adds: “To produce the first disc worldwide with this functionality together with our partner Senator makes us very proud. This release emphasizes the enormous potential of the Blu-ray format and gives an outlook on the exciting possibilities of this disc internet combination.”
http://www.imagion.de/en/news/news-a...r-bd-live.html
--edit--
Looks like it has been done before:
With their second Blu-ray release after PAN’S LABYRINTH, Senator Home Entertainment enters a new era: The Blu-ray release of THE ORPHANAGE which will be in stores September 29, 2008, features two audio commentaries with German subtitles – one with the director and writer and one with the sound designer and director of photography - made available via the Internet.
“We are happy that we, together with our authoring studio Imagion, managed to implement the subtitles via dynamicHD that were not available before the pressing of the disc. So we were able to react promptly to the great demand for these audio commentaries that were already included in the limited edition DVD.” says Peter Heinzemann, CEO of Senator Home Entertainment. Andreas Thran, CEO of Imagion adds: “To produce the first disc worldwide with this functionality together with our partner Senator makes us very proud. This release emphasizes the enormous potential of the Blu-ray format and gives an outlook on the exciting possibilities of this disc internet combination.”
http://www.imagion.de/en/news/news-a...r-bd-live.html
Last edited by David Levine; 03-25-09 at 05:08 PM.
03-25-09 | 05:28 PM
#84
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
Only if the disc is BD-Live enabled can new features be downloaded. I have yet to come across a Magnolia disc that is BD-Live 2.0 compliant.
03-25-09 | 05:32 PM
#85
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Formerly known as "awil1026"/ Don't Panic
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
That's funny. Last night, I thought about how this could have had a nice, easy solution if the disc were BD-Live enabled. I'd be okay with having the subtitles off-disc.
03-25-09 | 06:06 PM
#86
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
This does suck. I'm normally cautious in purchasing Blus and it was the praise for the film on Stern's show that made me bite and order this on Amazon. I was looking forward to receiving the disc but now I'm bummed. I sent my letter of disappointment to Magnolia.
03-25-09 | 06:51 PM
#87
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Antarctica
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
I haven't bought the DVD (I haven't even see the film yet!), but this situation is unbelievable.
If they refuse to offer an exchange program, I'd fight back and return it to point-of-purchase. I do know DVD's are difficult to return except to get another copy of the exact same title, but if you speak up loud enough, ask for a manager, and come with print-outs of Magnolia's response to the situation as well as The Consumerist story and other data, chances are decent that they will listen. If not, there's always the chargeback option. If you bought it on-line, simply demand a return and indicate all copies are defective right now and if they say they only want to send a replacment, tell them they have to send you back the second-pressing and show them proof that Magnolia admitted they will be fixing this.
Magnolia should be inundated with merchant returns if they are not going to take the high-road and offer an exchange program. Surely, in this economy and with consumer-trust at its lowest, this company really needs to get a clue about good PR and customer service. If they don't come around, fight back and return them to where you bought it and don't take no for an answer. As far as I can tell, the item is defective - otherwise why even do a second fixed pressing?
If they refuse to offer an exchange program, I'd fight back and return it to point-of-purchase. I do know DVD's are difficult to return except to get another copy of the exact same title, but if you speak up loud enough, ask for a manager, and come with print-outs of Magnolia's response to the situation as well as The Consumerist story and other data, chances are decent that they will listen. If not, there's always the chargeback option. If you bought it on-line, simply demand a return and indicate all copies are defective right now and if they say they only want to send a replacment, tell them they have to send you back the second-pressing and show them proof that Magnolia admitted they will be fixing this.
Magnolia should be inundated with merchant returns if they are not going to take the high-road and offer an exchange program. Surely, in this economy and with consumer-trust at its lowest, this company really needs to get a clue about good PR and customer service. If they don't come around, fight back and return them to where you bought it and don't take no for an answer. As far as I can tell, the item is defective - otherwise why even do a second fixed pressing?
Last edited by man*machine; 03-25-09 at 06:56 PM.
03-25-09 | 08:09 PM
#89
DVD Talk Legend
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
Posted on thedigitalbits:
Also, as predicted after yesterday's post, we've gotten TONS of e-mails from fans of Let the Right One In who are upset that Magnet isn't putting together some kind of exchange program for people who purchased DVD and Blu-ray versions with the substandard subtitles. For those of you who wish to contact Magnet, here's the contact page on their website. We suggest you use the [email protected] e-mail address. PLEASE BE CURTIOUS! Trust me, you're much more likely to get results if you're polite than just fire off an angry rant.
Hahaha.
Also, as predicted after yesterday's post, we've gotten TONS of e-mails from fans of Let the Right One In who are upset that Magnet isn't putting together some kind of exchange program for people who purchased DVD and Blu-ray versions with the substandard subtitles. For those of you who wish to contact Magnet, here's the contact page on their website. We suggest you use the [email protected] e-mail address. PLEASE BE CURTIOUS! Trust me, you're much more likely to get results if you're polite than just fire off an angry rant.
Hahaha.
03-25-09 | 08:17 PM
#90
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
I remember on Sony's "Metropolis" disc you had the choice of theatrical English subtitles or newly created English subtitles. Seems easy enough.
I sent an email, and asked how they are going to treat the overseas customers. Waiting to hear a reply on that one.
I sent an email, and asked how they are going to treat the overseas customers. Waiting to hear a reply on that one.
03-25-09 | 09:02 PM
#91
DVD Talk Legend
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
There needs to be a fix for the existing owners. Buying it again should not be the final solution.
If Magnolia doesn't respond to the hundreds (if not thousands) of customer complaints; fuck 'em. They just lost a huge chunk of their customer base as those are customers who go seek out independent film theatrically or on video. The same customers who would go see films released by Magnet/Magnolia.
EDIT: Holy shit. NPR picked up on it: http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2...n_subtitl.html; as did Slashfilm: http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/03/24/...ing-exchanges/. [I'm more impressed by the NPR link as it's NPR.]
Last edited by Matthew Chmiel; 03-25-09 at 09:05 PM.
03-25-09 | 09:29 PM
#92
Banned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,628
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Bellefontaine, Ohio
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
This whole issue is pretty silly. I dont know how I feel one way or the other.
I guess people are getting upset cause they are making a new version of a disk and not offering a free replacement program. Maybe they should just cancel that plan so they wont have to deal with this...
Its not like this is the first time subtitles have been shitty on a foreign film here in the states....
One thing I must ask is why cant people who own the copy take it to the nearest store that has this dvd and exchange it for the new corrected version?
I guess people are getting upset cause they are making a new version of a disk and not offering a free replacement program. Maybe they should just cancel that plan so they wont have to deal with this...
Its not like this is the first time subtitles have been shitty on a foreign film here in the states....
One thing I must ask is why cant people who own the copy take it to the nearest store that has this dvd and exchange it for the new corrected version?
03-25-09 | 09:32 PM
#93
Moderator
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
Posted on thedigitalbits:
Also, as predicted after yesterday's post, we've gotten TONS of e-mails from fans of Let the Right One In who are upset that Magnet isn't putting together some kind of exchange program for people who purchased DVD and Blu-ray versions with the substandard subtitles. For those of you who wish to contact Magnet, here's the contact page on their website. We suggest you use the [email protected] e-mail address. PLEASE BE CURTIOUS! Trust me, you're much more likely to get results if you're polite than just fire off an angry rant.
Hahaha.
Also, as predicted after yesterday's post, we've gotten TONS of e-mails from fans of Let the Right One In who are upset that Magnet isn't putting together some kind of exchange program for people who purchased DVD and Blu-ray versions with the substandard subtitles. For those of you who wish to contact Magnet, here's the contact page on their website. We suggest you use the [email protected] e-mail address. PLEASE BE CURTIOUS! Trust me, you're much more likely to get results if you're polite than just fire off an angry rant.
Hahaha.
oops, I shot them an angry rant. guess they won't read it then... told them I'd buy an import edition over their product, was THAT too harsh?
03-25-09 | 09:38 PM
#94
DVD Talk Legend
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
It's not like were writing letters telling them to casually go fuck themselves. They screwed up, acknowledge they screwed up, and won't solve the issue for early adopters. Nice and corteuous were thrown out the window when they pubically came out and said they won't replace copies for those who bought their copies.
03-25-09 | 09:39 PM
#95
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
This whole issue is pretty silly. I dont know how I feel one way or the other.
I guess people are getting upset cause they are making a new version of a disk and not offering a free replacement program. Maybe they should just cancel that plan so they wont have to deal with this...
Its not like this is the first time subtitles have been shitty on a foreign film here in the states....
One thing I must ask is why cant people who own the copy take it to the nearest store that has this dvd and exchange it for the new corrected version?
I guess people are getting upset cause they are making a new version of a disk and not offering a free replacement program. Maybe they should just cancel that plan so they wont have to deal with this...
Its not like this is the first time subtitles have been shitty on a foreign film here in the states....
One thing I must ask is why cant people who own the copy take it to the nearest store that has this dvd and exchange it for the new corrected version?
03-25-09 | 09:47 PM
#96
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
I would be fine with this, but most retailers have a return policy of 14-30 days. I imagine it will take a little longer than a month to get the corrected disks mastered and pressed, and the revised artwork printed, and shipped to stores.
Last edited by Bob_Bobbson; 03-25-09 at 09:48 PM. Reason: Typo
03-25-09 | 10:23 PM
#97
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
Just shot off an e-mail:
If Elite could afford to do an exchange program for "The Evil Dead" which was missing audio on a special feature, then surely Magnolia can afford one for this.
Dear Magnolia Pictures-
While I am grateful to hear that you have recognized the error in the subtitle tracks on the DVDs and Blu-Rays of "Let the Right One In," and have announced a rerelease, I have to admit I find it unfortunate that you have not announced an exchange program for those that have already purchased the film. Really, the complaints are coming from those like me that bought the disc upon release and to only give the option of repurchasing the disc does not seem right.
Please reconsider.
While I am grateful to hear that you have recognized the error in the subtitle tracks on the DVDs and Blu-Rays of "Let the Right One In," and have announced a rerelease, I have to admit I find it unfortunate that you have not announced an exchange program for those that have already purchased the film. Really, the complaints are coming from those like me that bought the disc upon release and to only give the option of repurchasing the disc does not seem right.
Please reconsider.
03-25-09 | 11:23 PM
#99
DVD Talk Legend
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
That's pretty awesome 
Also in response to chris_sc77's post, I would love to go into the store I bought this at and exchange it. That way I can get the corrected version and not have to deal with shipping/waiting.
Problem is (as Bob_Bobbson) mentioned, most if not all retailers have strict return policies within 30 days accompanied by a receipt. Also in my 5+ years of working retail, I haven't seen many times where Studios and Retailers were on the same page about issuing recall notices for customers (that fall outside of the store's return policy)
The only time I've personally seen one for a DVD was with the latest "Fearless" (Jet Li) disc. When I was an Inventory Supervisor, I got an email instructing me to pull all the copies of the movie I had of the disc, send them back as they were "defective", then I would be sent corrected ones.
I've seen stores issue safety recalls on toys that do no require a receipt, but that is an entirely different issue.
Also in response to chris_sc77's post, I would love to go into the store I bought this at and exchange it. That way I can get the corrected version and not have to deal with shipping/waiting.
Problem is (as Bob_Bobbson) mentioned, most if not all retailers have strict return policies within 30 days accompanied by a receipt. Also in my 5+ years of working retail, I haven't seen many times where Studios and Retailers were on the same page about issuing recall notices for customers (that fall outside of the store's return policy)
The only time I've personally seen one for a DVD was with the latest "Fearless" (Jet Li) disc. When I was an Inventory Supervisor, I got an email instructing me to pull all the copies of the movie I had of the disc, send them back as they were "defective", then I would be sent corrected ones.
I've seen stores issue safety recalls on toys that do no require a receipt, but that is an entirely different issue.
03-26-09 | 12:47 AM
#100
DVD Talk Legend
Re: 'Let The Right One In' US dvd subtitle issues
If Magnolia doesn't announce something by the end of the weekend, I feel like I'm going to trade in the disc at Zia.
I'd like some credit towards California Dreams or the Fast and the Furious trilogy on Blu-ray.
I'd like some credit towards California Dreams or the Fast and the Furious trilogy on Blu-ray.
