When Zavvi bought Arrow | Will Arrow ever be the same? | Arrow Video | Arrow Academy |

In this video I talk about the owners of Arrow and the implications for the fans.
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Boosting the collection | Does size Matter? | Quality not numbers |
#Collector #ManVfilm #BoutiqueBluray

[@michaelnelson7350]

I am a little late to this post, but I can see Arrow getting away from the unknown films and releasing more movies made from big studio's.

[@CS-mo7xp]

can tell from your expression in the thumbnail that you're overjoyed about this!

[@manvfilm]

😂 I will wake from this nightmare!

[@jeffreyhilliker9592]

It seems to me that Arrow is going bigger with Gamera, Daijin Trilogy, and Shaw Brothers box sets. I like their horror releases but there’s so many greats in the game (Severin, Synapse, Scream, Vinegar Syndrome)

[@manvfilm]

Agreed Jeffery. They seem to have taken their eye off the horror films or maybe they’re just running out of films to release.

[@MattBridger]

It's exactly like when Anchor Bay was bought by IDT. Anchor Bay was the Arrow of its day and was never the same after that...I guess nothing lasts forever.

[@manvfilm]

Spot on there. I miss Anchor bay.

[@AntZombie121]

Remember when brand new arrow titles were 2 for £25 at hmv? Each new title is £18 now

[@manvfilm]

I miss those days. It was easier to take a chance on a title at that price.

[@modestyblaise4167]

3 years later and fortunately they’re going strong with some of the best 4K restorations. I’ve stopped buying from Zavvi online and shifted my support to HMV. Pricing has become excessive, though. Like most people, I don’t have a bottomless pit of money so I cherry pick and look for deals when possible. Not that I’d ever want to own every single release by a company anyway. Steelbooks have never been my thing but limited editions are great when done well.

[@manvfilm]

The hmv 20% off definitely helps. But I wait for the sales now as well.

[@filmmad0076]

Completly agree mate. Whats very interesting is the arrow player. Exactly as you said am using that now to watch the likes of A Ghost Waits or The Stylist to decide whether to purchase it and you know what, none of these will get full price sale from me. It also makes sense actually Zavvi and Arrow becoming one as Arrow has been heading the way of Zavvi in its approach lately. Academy ending is another nail. I have a large arrow collection, video and Academy and will always cherish it but the times they are a changing and maybe the best days are behind them for me. Hopefully not, we shall see

[@darrenblizzard3851]

It's starting to look like their best days ARE behind them and moving away from niche cinema and artistic/foreign/historically significant cinema to more commerical stuff. That's fine .. I like that too... But it's not the only thing I want Arrow to be doing.

[@robmorris4056]

Speaking of 88 Films, i recently completed there Slasher collection all 49 of them, but they seem to not be selling, there first 1000 pressing have slip cases and there recent movies still have them so they haven't even sold 1000 ?, also they have slowed down a lot they use to release 3-6 a year, this year we have only gotten two movies on the 25th January.

[@NeilHynes]

Never knew this . A lot of people say Zavvi is terrible for delivery. So I'm afraid to purchase from them

[@manvfilm]

Their customer service is atrocious as well.

[@BristolianDave]

Zavvi were the company that push me out of collecting Steelbooks. They horribly over saturated the market. They released movies that they had done a steelbook for a year previously. The one where I really realised was with "Who Framed Roger Rabbit". I have the original release they did (which happens to be a really nice looking steelbook) and then a couple years later they released it again in a different colour... The first was long sold out and very sought after.

[@manvfilm]

Agreed Dave there idea of Limited is until they stop selling stuff. Numbers and customer satisfaction mean nothing!

[@ScubaDiverPicker]

What’s wrong with making more for people who missed out?

[@manvfilm]

Well they’re selling it as an item limited to 1000 or 2000 copies. Forcing people who really want it to get it immediately. I’d they make more then it isn’t really limited like they say and it has more copies than they originally said. That’s not a company you can trust:

[@markpugh6808]

I have the red steelbook of Roger Rabbit

[@garryhedger331]

Arrow video blu-ray are starting to get to expensive for the titles they are releasing

[@manvfilm]

I whole heartedly agree with that.

[@WilliamTurner86]

Yep, and they used to be cheap in certain places but now they're expensive everywhere. I just checked Amazon for the upcoming switchblade sisters release and it is $40. I wouldn't pay that for a classic.

[@manvfilm]

It makes it more appealing to get arrows streaming service.

[@nilspommerenke192]

@@WilliamTurner86 But on the Arrow Shop the movie costs 18£. The regular price for a new Arrow Blu-ray. I noticed this with other Arrow titles before... its weird... for some reason they are way more expansive on Amazon.com But then again: I would avoid buying collectors editions from Amazon anyway. They pack the order in the cheapest possible way. And if you are located in US, why not go to DiabolikDVD? Or Grindhouse Video? There it does cost $27.99. Again, the regular price. And if you don't want to pay that price... wait for their sales.

[@DVDandFilmBloke]

In regards to Arrow moving away from cult titles, I completely agree. I'm going to be controversial but why are titles like Robocop and An American Werewolf in London on Arrow? I mean there both great movies but they are hardly what I would call cult titles; they already have pretty good releases from the major studios for a fraction of the price. I have the 4K remastered version of Robocop from 2014, why would I want the same film again only with a few new extras which realistically I'm never going to watch? There are a lot of cult titles that need more love from the boutique labels, Peter Jackson's Trash Trilogy, Bad Taste, Meet the Feebles and Braindead for example (I know Peter Jackson has been going on about doing 4K remasters of all 3 so we might get proper Blu Ray releases of those titles in the future). I know Arrow released Meet the Feebles on DVD and even VHS before the 2009 relaunch. The filmography of Ralph Bakshi as well, a lot of his films never left the VHS era in this country, I know they released Fritz the Cat on DVD back in 2001 (with a really shit transfer) and Heavy Traffic on VHS only.

[@manvfilm]

I feel that arrows best work has been on box sets this year. But there year seems to have been sponsored by deja vu with the amount of rereleases

[@neilslater1182]

I've definitely noted a shift this last year or so. - The quality of the product, like so many of the boxes seem to be a glossy paper print-out stuck on the back of a box with a clear sticky circle. There's other issues like the spine miss prints on the Vengeance Trails set. - The price. There's a 40% sale on at the moment. The only release I really wanted was Mill of the Stone Woman. But because it retails at £49.99, it's still well over the odds for what is just a blu ray in a fancy box. But so many seem to be retailing in the £20-£30 range. I feel like you used to be able to count on eventually picking up the film you want in a sale for £6-10. But it seems that's just kind of gone. - New announcements. I'm getting a little jaded with their new announcements, only to find that half the films out that month are just re-releases or 3 version of the same thing being treated as 3 releases. Case in point this month they announced 8 films, 4 of which were True Romance. Plus a lot of the stuff you cover in this video. As much as the goal of any company is to make money, it feels more than ever like they are exploiting a market to get as much as they can for as little effort as possible.

[@manvfilm]

I’m after stone women as well, but I feel £20 is the right amount for that.

[@eastwood4lifefan334]

Thanks for sharing the info about The Hut Group, as i didn"t know, now in regards to Zavvi i won"t be only person to say this, but for me their stock & trust dropped for me in last years big bodge job of the "Jaws" 4K anniversary collectors edition in getting the pages messed up in the collectors booklet & having to wait for a reprint !!!!! Sending out collectors limited editions in bubble bags which offers no protection what so ever, & i"ve been quite lucky apart from two editions, & when they drop a release & say its a limited edition then to get sold out, then a few months later to reappear with a slightly cheaper price. Totally unacceptable if one pays for the red carpet fee every year to get treated like that in my opinion & the customer care isn"t up to scratch either, but i still like the odd collectors release & take a chance, but not as many as before. Arrow Video should take note of their suggestions request email service & they use to reply back, give the Arrow Video fans what they want !!! Not rehash releases or not as many, new cult movie releases, i sent a email about a "Sabata" movie box set of three spaghetti westerns with Lee Van Cleef & Yul Brynner as they"ve never been released on blu ray in UK. 88 Films have really come on, & i"m liking the Jackie Chan & JCVD movies & i can see more action movies coming, Arrow Video have dropped the ball of late, & should release the types of movies that made the label unique & original.

[@manvfilm]

i forgot all about the jaws carry on, that was ridiculous. I think any of the other boutiques would jump at the chance of releasing s Sabata box set, that would get global sales. I think 88 films are the new Arrow!

[@markpugh6808]

The limited edition release is just that because it has extra stuff with it like a book or poster etc whereas the cheaper version later is just the film without the extra goodies

[@Niblonian88]

Some years back at a memorabilia fair/comicon at the Birmingham NEC Arrow had a stand there. I was a big Arrow fan and spent ages at the stand chatting to the guys running it and chatting about movies (I spent a fortune that day, I remember the big Herschel Lewis cereal box had just been released and they had it on special offer at £60 - I bought 3, I picked up 7 or 8 other titles that were great value too). Those guys seemed enthusiastic about genre cinema and seemed kinda proud to be working for Arrow. I wonder how they feel about a takeover or if they are as enthusiastic nowadays after Arrows poor performance over the past 8-12 months. My problem with Arrow is not necessarily the price hikes but the quailty of their recent releases.

[@manvfilm]

I guess that’s a fair comment. I wonder how I’d feel about the prices if it was a great slate of releases.

[@brunoKenzer]

Another trend with Arrow is that their 4k releases have been troublesome to say the least with the faulty releases of Donnie darko and Demons needing replacement discs. A very good label is Second Sight who have and are continuing to release top quality films. 88 films knocking it out of the park along with 101 films. Brilliant video man. Arrow are still releasing some good quirky films from time to time. Certainly getting more expensive I have to agree.

[@manvfilm]

Second sight just seem to be nailing every release. I honestly can’t fault them.

[@mred2071]

I still appreciate some advice you once gave me about steelbooks. I was on the verge of spending £30 on the Zavvi steelbook for American Psycho on ebay! I'm so glad I mentioned it to you, I ended up buying the old Blu ray like new for £3 from CeX and haven't bought a steelbook since. Cheers mate!

[@manvfilm]

So glad to hear you managed to cut out the expensive steelbook habit. Did you save the cash or just buy more films?

[@mred2071]

@@manvfilm bought more films of course! 😆

[@manvfilm]

Good man!

[@dansmoviecave]

Arrow releases I've been very disappointed about over the last few years as I've made crystal clear , Arrow was my favorite label and I hoped this takeover wasn't true as I have the same concerns as you however I'm trying to be positive and hope with big money behind the label more rights and licenses can be acquired for movies never released hear in the uk on the label as there are plenty, I don't want any rehashes or repacking into steel books which of course zavvi are notorious for and is why I haven't purchased through them since 2016, I personally think HMV have it right with their exclusives as they trickle in from time to time at a affordable rate, I feel like my inbox is spammed by zavvi with release after release which become deja vu and merch after merch . With the likes of 88, indicator, eureka, criterion, second sight I think arrow could slip to the bottom of the pile if they stray to far from their roots regardless of the quality packaging, monster squad would be the best release to start with 👍 on point video again mate.

[@manvfilm]

Cheers Dan. I think we might be watching the begging of a possible demise of an institution of Physical Media. I hope I’m wrong.

[@abdurahman49]

The only thing that keeps me excited about Arrow Video's future is their Shaw Brothers upcoming releases, one of which they've been teasing for a while now.

[@manvfilm]

Yeah that could be a huge win if they ever release them. I believe they were offered them years ago and said no, allowing 88 films to swoop in and take them.

[@KevinShouldBeWriting]

It feels like the main reason for Arrow acquiring a lot of new release films is to release them internationally in Canada and the USA which helps them with rights issues in different regions (a bit like Netflix buying films and releasing them as Netflix Presents) With Arrow Player I think I'll be buying less films at launch and waiting until they're reduced in the sale (unless they're essential purchases)

[@manvfilm]

So would you recommend the arrow player.

[@rustyshackleford1875]

@@manvfilm I'd really recommend it for the reason Kevin makes above. I know you have a large collection of their stuff so you may want to check first but I'm using it to screen the films I'll be buying later. The quality of the streaming is good and they have a lot of films up. Only thing I would say is that what you see on the main pages isn't all that is there, the UI is not the greatest but does look nice. If you want to watch a film from Arrow it's worth searching for it in the top right as I've found stuff there not listed in the main categories. If you get it though go direct and not through Amazon, it's much easier to use with a good website and app etc. Loved the stream earlier by the way!

[@blabla7752]

Yeah quality is good, HD with extras on some films that you would get on the blu ray. A ghost awaits being one with the bonus features, not sure on commentary though. Use Amazon Web services for server side as well like Disney plus and Netflix so fine.

[@manvfilm]

Cheers Rusty. I’m gonna get it. I’ll wait till Thursday. That way the payment will come out every 1st

[@KevinShouldBeWriting]

@@manvfilm it’s well worth it. I don’t know if the offer is still on but I got the first three months for 2.99 a month. A lot of the new films have extras available as well.

[@FlipOtaku]

I don’t get the argument that having two movies on a disc is bad. When we have 1 movie and 10 hours of extras it’s fine. The Tsukamoto boxset, which in my opinion is their best set in years, had 2 movies per disc and the encode was amazing and looked great

[@manvfilm]

If you have a movie file that’s 10gb and another that’s 30gb and they’re both from the same source one will fundamentally be better than the other. If it’s a 50gb disc the file is 28-33gb and the extras take up another 10gb, usually less. Other times they use 25gb discs. Compression does matter as well as the person who masters the disc. It’s an art.

[@MarkTallen]

Absolutely, one film on one disc with a maxed out bit rate for the film is my preference for bluray. I don't mind if the extras have lower bit rates at all. The higher bit rate allows for better encoding so we don't get horrible macroblocking or banding issues, and we get better grain resolution where applicable. Squeezing two films on a disc along with extras too is a recipe for a potential bad encode and a poor quality image. Encoding is an art but to do art properly an artist needs a quality canvas to work on, a bluray film encoder needs disc space to work with.

[@nazarinprod]

I never really went to arrow for the low-budget horror films that have now gone to 88 films. I was into horror autuers argento, bava, Corman Poe films etc in their early days. The arrow academy closing down is where I worry about the future with them as that was where i spent more with their crazy good box set with world cinema. They were the kings of genre film-making from Japan for a long time and still with third window have great asian films. I am taking a wait and see approach. There's been a lot recently that I have pre-ordered (battle royale set etc). They have broadened their cult roots and have done some mainstream films like waterworld but its never gotten too bad. I hope by the end of the year we'll be able to see what their future holds. Many brands have been huge for a time and then fallen. its the way of distribution.

[@manvfilm]

I will also wait and see, but in the meantime i will play devils advocate. I have the Battle Royale set ordered, but i'm seriously considering cancelling it. The sequel sucks! What are you getting it, see if you can sway me!

[@nazarinprod]

@@manvfilm I am getting it for the 4k transfers of the various cuts of the original film mainly, as I have an old copy of the film and want to upgrade. yes the sequel is bad but getting it in a complete pack pleases me due to the absurdity of the sequels quality. this is in the buying flash gordon box set criteria for me. can't really justify it but i want.

[@21stCenturyWalks]

Over inflated prices, lack of quality and bonus features leads to less appeal for the consumer.

[@VanScott100]

Ugh... Gross... I stopped giving Zavvi my business. Their customer service sucks. Worrisome indeed...

[@manvfilm]

Agreed

[@zaroffhound]

One of Zavvi's appeals is the wide range of payment methods, including longer range payment options that other smaller businesses cannot/don't offer. If HMV did the equivalent their business would increase, as would Arrow.

[@manvfilm]

I just use credit card or PayPal.

[@Gothic55]

Fair concern but fingers crossed - Arrow have released som good product recently and have now got into 4 K - so things maybe okay.

[@manvfilm]

Now there Customer Service has merged with Zavvi’s there seems to be some issues. But their recent releases have had some interesting titles.

[@atlast6738]

Hello I've got a question. What's the difference between arrow video and arrow academy?

[@manvfilm]

Arrow video was the genre films. Horror, exploitation and films like that. Academy was more art house classic films. But they got rid of academy a while ago.

[@IanAberle]

Excellent point about Arrow Streaming. I have found recently, that with many of these boutique DVD/Blu-ray companies that I preorder the disc, only to find that a week or two after I've received my order, the same title appears on other streaming services.

[@manvfilm]

If i have the option i'm gonna watch the film first and wait on a sale to pick up the disc.

[@Youngwolf152]

I have only bought 1 movie from Zavvie and the fact that they put it in an envelope the slip looked bad and the fact that I had to get crash from them I’m hoping it looks fine when it get here but I think I pick Diabolic more even if they get here later they show care

[@manvfilm]

Yeah Eric Zavvi are notorious for their packaging and their customer service is atrocious.

[@NathanSimmonsSworn]

I'm always selective of what I buy, especially with Arrow due to the cost of importing them in. The Arrow Easter Sale was a good time to pickup titles that I waited on.

[@manvfilm]

And they were all great prices, I take it the VAT is removed?

[@NathanSimmonsSworn]

@@manvfilm Yep, no VAT, and shipping was reasonable this time.

[@Supersyncopation]

What's a 'zee box' ?

[@manvfilm]

It was a box of crap that they charges a lot for. A mystery box of sorts.

[@marcusgarlick82]

I think it will be bad news as well mate Arrow should stay as a independent label.I only hope the likes of Eureka 88 films and indicator don't follow suit

[@marcusgarlick82]

Also zavii are selling buy one get one free on titles the cheapest is £17.99 what a rip off

[@manvfilm]

That price is a joke. I’m just glad we have 88 films, eureka and Indicator.

[@darrenblizzard3851]

@@manvfilm for now! Let's hope they stay true and don't "sell out". 101 Films also starting to get better with some of what they are doing. I blind bought The Head Hunter and geez... What a dark and bleak film....but Fu**ING amazing! If you have not seen The Head Hunter you can stream it on Prime if you have it or just get it from 101. Great film! Great physical media release. Not too expensive, not overdone with features either but the ones they have are pretty interesting and do the job. Will we still see this sort of thing from Arrow going forward. Are titles like the Bloodhound and The Woman, Deeper You Dig, After Midnight etc....lesser known but really interesting films ... Going to still be coming out? I hope so...

[@JDMVman]

Two months later. I've noticed the immediate result is more expensive exclusive sets with superior packaging. The true romance set. The Dune sets. The legend sets. Zavvi gets the original art for the box slip or in the case of true romance just straight superior art.

[@manvfilm]

Yeah I was hoping I was going to be wrong about this one, but it seems that the Zavvi effect is real.

[@FarmageddonRecordsOfficial]

Can’t argue with you, spot on.

[@ScubaDiverPicker]

Regarding Years of Lead. How is it only 3 discs when it has 5 separate bluray cases? So two won’t have a disc? I’m confused. One I want to order but that sounds off.

[@manvfilm]

it has reversible covers. only 3 cases and 3 discs

[@ScubaDiverPicker]

Wow. That’s extremely misleading. So I’m assuming the box will be MUCH smaller. It’s $70 here in the states. Seems like a rip-off imo I’m gonna pass I guess. Thanks for the info

[@manvfilm]

Yeah they’ve done a similar thing with the William Grefe set 8 films on 4 discs. The picture does look like it comes with 5 boxes. Like you said it’s really misleading.

[@Grandmastergav86]

They've just announced an unmissable Shaw Brothers collection, they're fine.

[@manvfilm]

😂 super excited about the shaw set. Doesn’t fix all the recent errors though.

[@fangirl988]

I had no idea, now I started buying arrow when the window boxes came out, but lately I’ve not bought many, now as for zavvi I do buy quite a few films from them but the biggest problem I have is I’m a red carpet customer and when films come on which I want I preorder it , now in the last month alone they have cancelled my order 4 times just before release, now I’ve no idea how this keeps happening. I ordered v for vendetta in 4k with the badge on steelbook, and they cancelled that just before realise luckily I found it cheaper on Amazon the same item.. But saying that I bought 4 arrow movies buy 1 get 1 free, from zavvi it worked out much cheaper and it was better than the arrow sale. And free postage I suppose there’s pro s and con in all of it

[@manvfilm]

I was also annoyed by the red carpet thing as well, I know it’s only £10, but if they did free shipping I’d maybe ship there again. Maybe.

[@fangirl988]

@@manvfilm the £10 redcarpet you then get free postage

[@robertparkinson2110]

Had no clue about this!& explains alot with how Arrow have changed in recent months.Have bought alot from zaavi as they have some good deals but they are a running joke with me & friends with constant month long delivery times and multiple orders dispatched together in a sack!!

[@manvfilm]

Yeah zavvi’s customer service is an absolute joke.

[@markpugh6808]

@@manvfilm yeah still waiting for a Steelbook I ordered a month ago from them never purchase anything from them ever again

[@simon4179]

Arrows output has unfortunately not been as good in the last few years . I fear that arrow will unfortunately be swallowed up by zavvi ...

[@manvfilm]

I am thinking the same Simon. I hope it doesn’t happen but I am very worried.

[@StephenGrala]

Don't like the merger because I don't like Zavvi, they have a awful track record with me in terms of cancelling pre-orders that they cant fulfil, damaged items in post and customer service is terrible. With Arrow their releases are not as exciting as they used to be, but that can. be better for my wallet. I'll be very selective with what I buy from them in future and the arrow player may be the way to go.

[@manvfilm]

Zavvi have a terrible reputation and I can’t help but think that this will stain arrow.

[@ADS0791]

In my experience there are a lot of boutique collectors who will buy anything from a particular distributor, a completist mentality seems to take over and the film itself becomes secondary. This doesn’t demand a lot from Arrow, I’m not surprised quality might be slipping. Enjoy your videos 👍

[@manvfilm]

Thanks. I have a hell of a lot of titles, but if I look at the past few years I’ve only bought a handful. The collector mentality is something I struggle with a lot.

[@ragtimeryan1905]

Excellent subject/content

[@manvfilm]

Thanks Ryan

[@DavysFlicks]

Looking at the run times of the Years Of Lead box, there will be no issues putting 5 on 3 discs at all. Don't see how this is different from when they did the same with the likes of HG Lewis.

[@manvfilm]

Depends on the file size and work done to encode them. I would always rather a film on its own disc if possible.

[@spicemelange]

I think it is interesting and telling now that Arrow have begun selling releases from other distributors on their own website now, such as Elevation and Spirit, even when their catalogues dont really align with Arrow's output. Can we expect this to increase further in the future? Will Arrow shop essentially become a window to Zaavi? Personally, I found Zaavi customer experience to be very poor, and I hope this doesnt impact Arrow in this way..

[@manvfilm]

I’m unsure if arrow now owns these companies or not either. But I hope it doesn’t go that way.

[@blabla7752]

Yeah it is a concern and unfortunately as a business I agree and see what they are doing. Problem is I can also see loyal customers walking away and look more to 88 and 101 films, who are releasing the sort of films they would before and better pricing. Releasing the same films and saying this limited to a 1000 but actually find out later it isn't, is not going to help them. Especially 4k is still a very small market and will be even smaller to those who have already bought the blu ray previously from them. I have noticed the pricing going very high for a bit now and the quality of new films going down, with what looks like a deal with Universal with big films. I'll still follow them, but mainly through their player, which is the only business model of theirs that bewilds me. Why charge little for a player, but half a years subscription for one particular film revealed this month on blu ray. Suppose that is zavvi logic...

[@manvfilm]

Nailed it. Zavvi logic. I think I’m going to get the video player. It seems like the smart option.

[@tigerheart3824]

Arrow player is great. Watched stuff on there that I would have had to spend a ton on to acquire. Still love to have physical media for the films I most appreciate but there’s a balance to strike.

[@manvfilm]

That’s why it’s such a strange service, they have got to be harming their sales of physical media.

[@tigerheart3824]

@@manvfilm I would agree with you. But if they keep bumping their prices up for actual discs/box sets I don’t see how else they can keep bringing in income. I would also agree with you re: 88 Films and Second Sight - got 3 DVDs in total from them recently, two of which are 2 disc sets with extras, for less than £20 all in.

[@manvfilm]

I understand that, but how many people look at those prices and think, I’ll just wait on the next inevitable sale and get it cheaper.

[@talynncrichton141]

The promotional artwork for that Years of Lead box is a bit misleading too. They put 5 cases next to the rather large box. But it's actually 3 cases, and I'm assuming the first two have a cover on each side, and the third has just the one side with the final, fifth film. Even the box looks like it's the same size as their larger sets, but obviously it won't be when we get it. If you aren't paying attention to the 3 discs below those bluray cases, or haven't looked at the specs, you could easily assume based on the art that it will be 5 discs each in their own cases within the larger box.

[@manvfilm]

I said exactly the same thing. It’s very misleading.

[@nilspommerenke192]

When he said that there are only three Discs, I thought: "What is he talking about? There where five! I know that!"... then I checked it out and... ohhh....XD

[@garypage1963]

Man v Film you are right, arrow videos horror releases have been getting worse, I don't know why. Yeah they were no. 1 for collectors now they seem to put stuff out that's not interesting to me anymore. And the price thing as well. Long live 88 films I'm happy I've just got Huminoids from the deep. 👍

[@manvfilm]

Awesome release. That soft touch slip cover is great as well.

[@bogeymenproductions]

Couldn't agree more about being worried that zavvi now own arrow. Used to use zavvi almost exclusively but over the they just got greedy. Price hikes for steelbooks as you said. What I find hilarious is that they will have a ore order for a exclusive steelbook for maybe £30 and say it has a RRP of say £40. They make it up as they go along. Not only that ,as you pointed out the steelbook designs have got real lazy.boring and genetic.you get trash films getting steelbooks and I don't mean good trash. The nail in the coffin for me was after years of me buying hundreds of titles from them ,they reward me/ loyal customers by charging a yearly fee to get free postage and pre orders early. I never paid it out of principal.

[@manvfilm]

I felt exactly the same way about that red carpet crap. It's not monetary value it's sheer principle!

[@WilliamTurner86]

I remember back in 2014 when I started ordering directly from Arrow. Anytime I had an issue I can email someone directly and they would get back to me within the hour and we'll go above and beyond to take care of me even though I was in the United States. Looks like those days are long gone if Zavvi really bought them. I wonder how badly this is going to affect the releases. I would almost expect them to cut some of the bonus features so they can spend more money on bullshitt Packaging.

[@manvfilm]

I miss the good old days, classic films, good prices and great customer service.

[@jordanmoran1983]

I hate to think what I'd have spent this afternoon in their sale if I wasn't mad at them!

[@manvfilm]

Lol. Thank goodness for that!

[@jordanmoran1983]

@@manvfilm kept it under a hundred to show them my dissatisfaction 🤣

[@manvfilm]

That’ll teach them a lesson!

[@incarnate6779]

Ah nutz & boltz! I see a disturbing trend. Arrow bought Shameless (which I LOVED!) and now Zavvi....dark days indeed.

[@manvfilm]

I didn’t know Arrow had bought shameless!

[@incarnate6779]

@@manvfilm well, I'm just going by what I heard Moodz616 say in his room tour/movie collection video but I would make sense because I always thought it was weird the way Shameless just kinda disappeared...but also weird that Arrow didn't really seem to make any announcement (unless it missed my radar).

[@manvfilm]

I not sure it’s true. Shameless are still releasing films as is cult films which they’re a part of. Plus they have their own sight. Every other company that arrow work with sell from the arrow site. Shameless don’t.

[@incarnate6779]

@@manvfilm Wow, I did NOT know Shameless is still releasing stuff!!! Man, am I out of the loop! I guess I should've actually looked into this instead of taking old Moodz word for it, haha. I've been pretty busy lately so I tend to rely on youtubers for what's what and sales info and stuff. I stepped away from collecting for a while and just recently got back into in earnest. Guess, I need to resume my Shameless purchases. :) Thank you, sir!

[@manvfilm]

I’ve still to get Flava the heretic. From them.

[@Jadewizard]

And sure enough. When I saw Arrow’s notice to release The Bird with the Crystal Plumage bullshit for $60 I said yep. Here they go again. You’re so right.

[@manvfilm]

I was really hoping to be wrong.

[@Jadewizard]

I think the worst part is that I want it since I love that film. But enough id enough. They just released that film semi recently.

[@manvfilm]

I’m the same. I’m really tempted. I know what there doing the emails telling me it is selling fast are making me twitch. But we’ve got to take a stand at some point.

[@Jadewizard]

As much as I want it. I think I’m going to have to stand in solidarity with you. I mean they’re boasting a a 4K transfer. The last Arrow edition was the same. Why is this one so much better.

[@danielc7773]

It's the age-old problem with specialty products and the lure of bigger business. Arrow Video (and Academy, really) are very much curators of cult/obscure/niche movies. And that's just incompatible with the needs of a huge company. I happily upgraded my copies of Robocop, The Thing, Heathers, American Werewolf, and so on with the lovely new Arrow versions. But I remember thinking it odd that these iconic titles appeared from Arrow. The shift towards more mainstream and famous titles is very apparent. I do hope Arrow will get to keep on ploughing their own field. The notion of being an 'Arrow collector' is a big part of their appeal.

[@manvfilm]

I am wondering if it is down to competition now that there is so many boutiques, arrow might be struggling to get the films they want. What do you think?

[@danielc7773]

@@manvfilm That's no doubt part of it. Territories seem to be an issue, too; We still don't have an Arrow Re-animator, only the sequels, yet Arrow's US arm does. But Second Sight's release is nice enough. Gutted about Academy, though. I have all their Film Noir releases, and my Dekalog/Kieslowski boxes are prized possessions. And I have to agree that these genres are unlikely to continue under the Arrow Video banner.

[@johnnysopals]

Come to the dark side of streaming. I'm using arrow video player and am weeding out the willing to buy or not. Agree with you about 88 films. Bought all their Jackie Chan films but going to buy more in the future. Success of arrow has gone to their heads. So happy I didn't get into steelbook collecting, always thought they were overpriced.

[@manvfilm]

I will be joining arrow video channel tomorrow!

[@CinematicDependency]

I complete agree with you, mate. Let’s hope arrow doesn’t completely go down the shitter. Love what you’re doing

[@manvfilm]

Thanks 👍

[@84paratize]

Hypothetical question: What should a company do if they have already released most of the major titles that they are able to get their hands on?

[@manvfilm]

They can’t have released all the major releases. There are so many films still to be done.

[@darrenblizzard3851]

@@manvfilm exactly. Jeff from Films At Home has an interesting vid he released in the last few weeks which actually shows the stats of all movies ever produced, how many have made it to home formats like DVD, Blu ray, 4k etc. Can't recall if VHS and Laserdisc were on there. There was a HUGE amount of stuff still only on DVD and never put on Blu, not to mention the enormous amount of titles still not on a home media format AT ALL! I don't think there is any real excuse to not have any original titles to tap into. I think that vid only talked about American movies mind you so imagine the vast amount of titles worldwide still not on DVD let alone Blu ray.

[@Marvdogger2]

Make deals with studios they have yet to sign distribution deals with.

[@84paratize]

@@darrenblizzard3851 I agree that there are still many films that haven't been released on Blu, but how many of those would you actually consider to be "major" titles that would earn back enough money to cover the cost of production? It's no use putting out tons of B-movies that not many people will actually buy

[@darrenblizzard3851]

@@84paratize well I think it depends. There have been a load of noirs for example being released lately in nice sets that have sold well... But a lot these were not what you would consider to be A grade titles and are certainly B grade. Maybe it's because it's a popular genre it sells well but I get what you mean about some titles are just not worth putting out. Having said that though a lot of stuff being released for example by Indicator (Powerhouse Films) is not what I would consider well known titles but probably wouldn't be fair to call them B grade either...more like forgotten/hidden gems and are definitely A quality examples of filmmaking.

[@horrorintoj3577]

I'm not liking the road arrow are going down mate, bring us more stupid 70s and 80s forgotten horror and giallo. Not stuff like robocop and fear and loathing in Vegas

[@manvfilm]

Yeah I ant a forgotten 80’s slashathon

[@incarnate6779]

Me neither! I even stopped following what Arrow releases these days...and then just the other day I got an email from them and decided to see what was new - something starring The Rock. THE ROCK??? It's kinda like that feeling when your favorite Mom & Pop grocery store becomes Walmart.

[@nilspommerenke192]

@@incarnate6779 That was Richard Kelly's second feature film. With Donnie Darko being a sleeper hit, he was given the chance to make a blockbuster on his own terms - and that alone is interesting and so it makes total sense that Arrow picked that movie up. Kelly had very great ambitions and It was a weird movie... I didn't like it back then but would use the Arrow Release to revisit this Film, which failed at the box office and so all of a sudden it became very silent around the director. There was this Direct-to-DVD movie "The Box" in 2009, but since then Richard Kelly never made a movie again...

[@kieranb1233]

To be honest I’m stopping buying arrow titles, price and repeated releases put me off. In my opinion Criterion is overrated aswell with 50% of their films already being released on normal amaray. Eureka is the best for me considering the majority of their films have never been released before

[@rkitchen69]

I agree with Arrow. They really need to put out some fan/cult favourites. There's a tonne of 90s Action/Horror/SciFi that they should try and release. For example Event Horizon, Deep Rising, In the Mouth of Madness etc.

[@manvfilm]

Those titles are ones that I would buy in a heartbeat.

[@filmmad0076]

@@manvfilm yep agreed me too

[@ScubaDiverPicker]

Is this why most Arrow titles are cheaper on Zavvi?

[@manvfilm]

I find the cheapest prices are usually HMV and they have free shipping over £20

[@AdamOnVinyl]

I've have had issues from both companies. The customer service from Arrow is really bad. Vinegar Syndrome is the BEST!

[@manvfilm]

I like that thinking and I agree.

[@amirkhokhar5914]

Agree with your analysis bro.

[@darrenblizzard3851]

Had no idea Hutt Group took over Arrow! That explains a few things. By the way IS Arrow Academy officially dead...(i.e. been announced)? Or that's just the assumption given no real releases in that range for a while? I use Zavvi very sparingly as I've had too many bad experiences with damaged items and trying to get a replacement. Hutt Group could definitely be a good explanation as to why Arrow has become problematic in recent times. They would not understand the boutique collector like the previous Arrow we know and loved would. It's going to be more focus based on agressive commerical considerations and exploiting their market.... To their detriment over time IMHO as we will simply spend less with them or just stop buying their stuff at all and move elsewhere. Definitely a concern that these guys are on board ....

[@manvfilm]

I did a video called the death of arrow academy I use the official post announcing the end of that line kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3TRpZx7qKx8apY

[@darrenblizzard3851]

@@manvfilm hmm missed that one... I'll check that out. Thanks! That's bollocks they are getting rid of it though. Not happy! Something tells me I'll be buying less and less Arrow releases moving forward....

[@thenew947]

Personally I feel people are being a little too critical of Arrow at this moment in time. I am not convinced prices are higher than years ago. I paid £25 for the Bird with the Crystal Plumage on release and the 4k is around £28. They are still releasing prime sets like Gamera and the Imamura. I understand the worry about Zavvi though

[@manvfilm]

Those sets were great. But Donnie Darko was £35! Major Dundee £30. I think they prices Plumage lower because of the recent release.

[@thenew947]

@@manvfilm The Donnie Darko pricing seems strange but the other 4k single film collector sets like Tremors and Crash have been priced around the £30 mark, which seems fair to me as standard 4k releases are priced £20-£25. If the Donnie Darko set pricing becomes the norm they I would agree, time will tell!

[@andrewberry8701]

Curious as to how you got your information. I cant find anything on their website. Do you have any links to articles?

[@manvfilm]

This is from the government website. It gives you updates to the company and shows the hit group has a large control of arrow as of the 10th of March. Am I the first to say this? find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/02584648/filing-history

[@andrewberry8701]

@@manvfilm I have put it on a thread for a you tuber called Big Pauly.....and yes.....it is.

[@PMediaUK365]

Stopped using zavvi purely because they are over pricing delivery charge to me. What a same that arrow is now owned by these guys. Over the last few months I've not been that impressed with what they are releasing. I cancelled both darko and battle royale as they were very expensive. Maybe I've take a chance and waiting for royale as a standed edition and hoping that it comes with part 2? Plus I am getting a little fed up with these 4K re-releases. Think the only true 4k re-release I want is JC The Thing. There's so much titles that still needs a UK release, that's not even made there way here yet but are available in the US that I want buy can't afford because importing is so high now, its just annoying!

[@manvfilm]

I cancelled Donnie Darko and i'm almost at the cancelling point of Battle royale.

[@PMediaUK365]

@@manvfilm i do like darko but it's do I really need it! And the same with battle Royale. I have already got the 3 disc edition. But would like the sequel, so can upgrade my old dvd version. My last arrow titles were last starfighter and rec and at the moment not really that interested in any of there upcoming titles. 101films and 88films seems to be the companies to watch out for.

[@johnyoung7763]

I bought the stray cat Rock box set in the sale. It's a two disc set. 4 or 5 movies on 2 discs. Think Arrow are getting really tight

[@manvfilm]

I got the original set, and the 5 movies were on 2 blus, but it also had 3 dvds with it as well.

[@Stiffkittens01]

Zavvi have always done exclusive steelbooks for companies Just look at Disney

[@manvfilm]

But do they own those companies. Which other boutiques have they released steenboks for?

[@Stiffkittens01]

@@manvfilm seeing as There aren't any other premium companies doing steelbooks anymore(eureka stopped)... that question should be " What other premiun labels are dojng steelbooks?" They have had their day pretty much 🤷‍♂️ Although are being kept alive by 4K releases & great one like Robocop - arrow ones, at the moment are not exclusive to zavvi, with one or two exceptions

[@thomaswhite2700]

I can't stand zavvi either....i had a major problem with them when I ordered the Dawn of the Dead set...it was months after the initial release when i received it...and Arrow...they were always good about getting their products out asap...RIP

[@manvfilm]

Zavvi have gotten worse over the years, you would have thought they would have gotten better.

[@neonfrights1246]

I think you touched on something I hadn't actually thought about, the value of Arrow releases seems to be fading as the prices increase. The Arrow streaming could very soon take preference over paying full whack. I find myself resisting buying alot of their releases at the moment unless it is something spectacular. £18 for a bluray with a slipcover for a print which is in no way superior to a Vinegar Syndrome or Severin release just seems a tad pricey now. I'd rather spend more on an import sometimes. I'm very concerned about the acquisition. I love Arrow but hate Zavvi, I really hope it doesn't become a Love & Hate relationship with a label I've been loyal to for most of my adult life.

[@manvfilm]

I think we’re all a little worried about one of our favourite brands. It definitely feels like a turning point.

[@andygardner3910]

It is quite sad to see Arrow fall from grace a little recently. From the early days of Arrow Video & ArrowDrome, then with the addition of the Arrow Academy range they seemed to be the Ultimate Label in the UK. Their titles were top notch, the transfers were top quality, and the extras & packaging were superb. For years Arrow could do no wrong. When they rereleased the Argento Limited Editions I didn’t bat an eye, I double dipped them all without question. They start loose me around the time they released the Macabre Visions Boxset. I found that to be quite a cynical release. Am I correct to think that they were loosing the rights to many of the Bava titles. So along came this Boxset, I already owned all 9 of the individual Blu Rays, there were no Additional unreleased Bava movies. I was so disappointed with Arrow. I finally couldn’t justify double dipping 9 movie, essentially I would have been buying an £80 cardboard box. It’s a great looking set, well oop & worth a fortune now. I agree that over the last couple of years some of the new Arrow Video titles have been lacklustre. The Arrow Academy releases retained a high quality & the jump to 4K has renewed my confidence a little. So it is sad to hear that they are phasing it the Academy Label?! The Zaavi takeover could be another nail in the coffin on the other hand they may have stronger financial backing now & we could eventually see that Arrow Video release of “The Hitcher” & 4K “The Thing” that we’ve all been hoping for. Fingers crossed.🤞

[@manvfilm]

Maybe I’m just jaded and cynical. I’d love to see Arrow just nail it again, I just can’t see that happening. Seeing them announce a 2nd alternative cover for the Plumage UHD was a shocker. All those folk ordering the crappy design will be mad, or is it Zavvi influence expecting folk to buy 2 copies.

[@andygardner3910]

@@manvfilm I hadn’t heard about the second design for Crystal Plumage UHD!? Not sure if I’m shocked or just disappointed. It does reek of cash grabbing. There are definitely completists who will be compelled to get both. To my shame a few years ago I would have done it. I know someone who got all 3 versions of the Blue Underground “Zombie Flesh Eaters” 4K and will probably do the upcoming “Dead and Buried.” Are Arrow giving us more choice or is It psychological bait to reel in completist collectors? Oh dear!

[@manvfilm]

It’s weird cause you get the Limited Edition and now the Super limited edition!!!

[@andygardner3910]

@@manvfilm Hey Graham. I have a shameful updated confession. I went onto the Arrow Website & pre-ordered the super duper Limited Edition Crystal Plumage UHD. I’m definitely still a slave to the ‘siren song’ of Limited Editions. The shame! At least I held off ordering the Original UHD. If I paid for both I’d definitely be a lost cause.

[@manvfilm]

Andy I can’t blame you. We’re all a slave to the beast!

[@kamuelalee]

Sad when cinema content becomes hostage to entertainment companies wanting the quick money.

[@rutgersplague4595]

Price wise now a lot of this stuff does seem expensive, but dvds were even more expensive in their time and didn't have half the resolution or features that some blu rays have , I remember I paid 35 euros for ai artificial intelligence, Dr who dvds were 25 to 30 in hmv and Virgin here in Ireland

[@manvfilm]

I was going through my collection and I found This is spinal tap dvd in the old jewel cases and it was priced £19.99!

[@rutgersplague4595]

@@manvfilm yea I'd built up a thousand plus dvds in the early 2000s as I didn't go to cinemas much and just bought every new film, looking back I spent an awful lot of money on some awful films, I still can't bring myself to watch battlefield earth for a second time in the 20 years IV owned it

[@manvfilm]

I tried to watch it last year, I watch anything and everything. I lasted 20mins!

[@rutgersplague4595]

@@manvfilm well I salute you for trying lol, but I do hope we don't lose quality of the arrow releases, I have noticed the prices rising, major Dundee is 30 pounds on preorder and it's only blu ray, and Django is nearly 50, I know its two films but Texas adiós isn't a new release and it's not 4k, will they make them zavvi exclusive, then jack up prices, I hope not

[@manvfilm]

Major Dundee at £30 is a worrying price point most other limited editions I got for £20-25 and that was just about acceptable.

[@yournamehere6002]

Warner Archives is folding, which sucks as well.

[@manvfilm]

Such a strange thing to do as that has got to make them money.

[@yournamehere6002]

@@manvfilm Yeah, I know....they're just giving in to streaming over physical media. But it's a made-on-demand thing, and you would think it would make a decent amount, but I guess the operating cost doesn't make sense from a business standpoint. Weird that they just announced a new slate of blurays, including QUICK CHANGE, which I've wanted for a while. So maybe...they're not closing down? I dunno.

[@manvfilm]

Oh man Quick change is great, I’ve always loved that film. Curious to see how this effects HMV’s premium range as most of those are Warner titles.