Midnight Legacy - News and Updates

Update

2011-07-23T20:13:00.003-04:00

Posted this in response to questions on the forums, and thought it relevant here as well.

First off, the plan does not, in ANY shape or form, involve MOD, as in my opinion, it frankly sucks! Secondly, quality will actually be improved, and certainly not sacrificed, as we are eliminating the HD-SR step and moving to exact copy DI files onto a hard drive to eliminate any (and yes, there was a slight difference between the raw DI files and the HD-SR master we created) actual transparency. Also look for the constant bitrate encodes I mentioned a few months ago!

Third, I am currently in Rome, actively seeking the "located" negatives for our next title. It was not where they were supposed to be, so I flew over to help locate them and supervise the transfer as per Alien 2.
This becomes an all too common event, and as we previously stated, this is the main reason we are not announcing titles. Until I see it firsthand, we're not ready to discuss it.

Just be patient and the new plan and title will be coming soon.

Thanks for the continued support, and I'm sure most will be thrilled with the increased output, and what the future holds.

2011-05-13T22:41:00.004-04:00

BREAKING NEWS!!!
Media Blasters Buio Omega is CUT!!! (Part 1)

In addition to it not being sourced from the negative, and also that there are pal speed-up issues with the audio, and in double addition to the the MAJOR clipping issues with the audio, on top of the the audio skips, flubs, and other hiccups (it's called QC), on top of the RIDICULOUS pillar boxing of the intro which is incorrectly titled Beyond the Darkness, the BD, when compared to their OWN DVD included in the same package, is cut!!!

Have I mentioned that I'm 5 minutes into the movie?

At 5:15, about 25 seconds are missing as Frank opens the garage, gets back in the car, drives in, and carry's the box containing the monkey.

I will follow up tomorrow, but this already is destined for the trashcan! A sub-par release, poor non-negative sourced transfer, audio issues on every front, drastically cut (again, I'm 5 minutes in), and a year's worth of delays.

Yeah, Media Blasters is determined to deliver "the highest quality releases"! How you put the BD in the same package with the DVD and don't bother to compare them sums it all up. Will post a follow-up with anymore relevant info once finished.

Dolph

Tech guru Kentai weighs in on Alien 2 On Earth

2011-03-18T14:00:00.003-04:00

Well respected Kentai shares his thoughts and technical prowess for our first release. Everybody interested in the most comprehensive technical analysis should check out his blog post for Alien 2 On Earth and many other cult favorites:

http://kentaifilms.blogspot.com/2011/03/midnight-legacy-and-alien-2-match-made.html

The Alien 2: On Earth DVD has been finalized & Constant Bitrate encodes

2011-02-11T18:01:00.003-05:00

The final version DVD has been issued, checked, and approved. The progressive encode, for both the film and the effects outtakes, sourced from a 480P down conversion of our HD SR master, carry an average bitrate of 8 MPS, and look fantastic! We have also successfully concluded tests indicating that all future Blu-Ray and DVD titles will carry maximum constant bitrates to ensure the highest quality and maximum master transparency is being delivered to all end users, regardless of format. We can't wait for everyone to get this in hand and see for themselves.

MVDs first Midnight Legacy Press Release

2011-01-20T14:29:00.004-05:00

"Alien 2 On Earth" Coming to DVD and Blu-ray

on March 22 via Midnight Legacy

Classic Italian Horror / Sci-Fi Film Never-Before-Released in the United States

For their inaugural release, Midnight Legacy is presenting the first-ever widescreen release of

Alien 2 On Earth. The uncut, English language, 1.85 widescreen release of the 1980 Italian Horror / Sci-Fi film directed by Ciro Ippolito (Sam Cromwell), is coming to DVD and Blu-ray on March 22.

This film has never been released in the United States... Only a handful of countries saw a cropped and edited VHS release nearly thirty years ago. This definitive version, transferred from the original 35mm negative, runs longer than any other version seen throughout the world. It is the presentation that finally represents the intended vision of Alien 2 On Earth.

"We are immensely pleased to have partnered with MVD as it presents a strong opportunity for strategic market penetration for our releases with a distributor who shares our vision for preserving and delivering films of the highest technical quality," said Dolph Chiarino, Co-Founder of Midnight Legacy. "MVD possesses a rather unique model within key business sectors bringing Midnight Legacy titles to the broadest possible audience."

For the past 10 years, Chiarino and Bill Knight (founders of Midnight Legacy) has been the go-to people for independent genre labels to release European horror and sci-fi titles on DVD. Whether it is to provide elements, ensure a title was uncut, or to advise what titles would be choice candidates, their knowledge proved to be quite lucrative for companies such as Anchor Bay, Blue Underground, Synapse, Media Blasters, and quite a few others.

"When we started this venture, we knew we had to be fully committed to going the distance when preserving many rare films without the typical cost cutting procedures employed throughout the industry," said Chiarino. "A rather distinctive hands-on approach encompassing personally supervising the transfer work in Rome, the disc work here, and simply building relationships with some of the most respected film and post-house individuals that share our vision. These are all key facets that deliver a measurable benefit to the viewer. As far as we are aware, we are the only genre company creating Digital Intermediates (DIs) for all of our titles. The results are more of a major restoration rather than simply a "new" transfer, and it certainly is visible to our viewer base."

Midnight Legacy's most fundamental principal was to establish a trust between the consumer and the brand... One that ensures all titles are fully uncut, properly framed, and presented in a definitive version of the absolute highest quality. With over 23 years experience dealing in these types of films, Midnight Legacy is proud to bring many rarely seen titles to the their collection. They pride themselves on respecting the original intentions of the filmmakers, and preserving the legacy these films have created.

"MVD is proud to represent Midnight Legacy," said Ed Seaman, COO of MVD Entertainment Group. "Between the classic content they are uncovering and their commitment to excellence, they separate themselves from the pack. MVD has a lot of experience representing classic horror, and Alien 2 On Earth is a great start with Midnight Legacy, particularly considering the great job they have done with the restoration, transfers and packaging."

"Alien 2 On Earth" SYNOPSIS:

A group of cave explorers are confronted in an underground cavern by a mysterious living rock. Little do they know that it bears home to deadly, flesh-eating creatures, intent on wiping out the entire human population. Can they survive and ultimately prevent earth's total annihilation? The film stars Belinda Mayne, Mark Bodin, Roberto Barrese, Benny Aldrich, Michele Soavi and Judy Perrin.

Blu-ray FEATURES:

- Brand new 1.85:1 high definition transfer from the original 35mm negative featuring significant additional footage not seen anywhere in the world.

- Ultra high bitrate AVC encode @36 MBS, on a BD-50, faithfully representing our 2k scan and preserving the integrity and look of film.

- English DTS MA 2.0, fully restored from the original audio masters, and respectful of the original sound design.

- Special features include the only surviving trailer from the mega rare Dutch VHS , and effects outtakes transferred directly from the negative B-roll in full HD.

- Limited Collector's Edition designed as a true collector's item.

Trailer: click here for trailer...

Blu-ray Info: click here for Blu-ray info...

DVD Info: click here for the DVD info...

# # #

Distribution and the Midnight Legacy Collection expands to DVD

2010-12-23T10:30:00.006-05:00

As we had previously stated, getting proper distribution for future titles, including pre-order links at all retailers was a priority for us. We are happy to announce that we have secured such and a general mass re-release will occur on 3/22/11. This will obviously make Alien 2 : On Earth and all future titles available at many more locations, and with a lower price due to retailer discounting and our distributor's input. We have just about sold through our initial allotment to Amazon, and we expect the ability to order there, until the pre-order link arrives, to end shortly. All pre-order links are expected to start being posted in the next few weeks, and the only downside being that our next title will need to be pushed back until Alien 2 : On Earth is released, so please bear with us in this time of transition.

Secondly, we are now bringing the collection to DVD as well due to overwhelming demand. All DVD versions will adhere to the same principals our Blu-Ray releases are built upon, with the highest possible quality and presentation, slipcover, and spine numbering. The pre-order date for the Alien 2 : On Earth DVD is also 3/22/11.

We hope this comes as good news to all, and we look forward to bringing all future titles to both formats simultaneously so as to ensure ALL serious collectors have the ability to enjoy these films.

DVD and Blu-Ray coming March 22, 2011

2010-12-22T02:39:00.000-05:00

Alien 2 On Earth (Midnight Legacy Collection) [DVD]
Alien 2 On Earth (Midnight Legacy Collection) [Blu-Ray]

Available March 22, 2011

All of our time and effort went into insuring the highest quality transfer and presentation which is always the most important thing to us. It should be available at your favorite online shop or local store in the near future.

Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions on the release!

The Second Review (With Screenshots)

2010-11-17T10:55:00.000-05:00

Many people have been asking us to post screenshots, and Matt at doblu.com was kind enough to do so within his review. Check it out below.

http://www.doblu.com/2010/11/17/alien-2-on-earth-review/

Thanks to Matt for his coverage.

The First Review

2010-11-12T19:20:00.001-05:00

Our first review has appeared at Digital Bits:

http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/adamjahnke/jahnke111210.html

Enjoy, and we apologize for the delay.

Alien 2: On Earth Final Details

2010-10-28T12:08:00.002-04:00

Just approved the final check disc this morning and everything looks great. Transparent to the master and exactly as we had hoped. As an aside, the effects outtakes carry an average AVC bitrate of about 37 MBS.

Also, the final street date now is set for March 22, 2011.

Also, look for the first review over at Digital Bits mid next week, as they have been kind enough to quickly accomodate us before the release.

Slipcover and Blu-Ray cover

2010-10-27T23:16:00.001-04:00

Here are the final shots of the Slipcover and Blu-Ray cover:

Listening To The Fanbase

2010-10-21T21:43:00.003-04:00

If you'd read one of our initial posts here, we mentioned that we really wanted customer/fan feedback considering all aspects of the collection. The first evidence of this has materialized in the case color controversy.

You may have seen this on some of the forums, but we got an overwhelming response in opposition to the red case color. Many people insisted that the cases we use need to retain the conformity between all releases. Furthermore, many retail stores were having the problem with the association with HD-DVD and were concerned that many customers would automatically be confused. I like to think most are more in tune, but what do I know. The bottom line is that we are very much trying to accommodate everyone in an attempt to create this label with your assistance.

Please know that this is an easy fix, and certainly one that will have NO effect on the release date. Finally, to all the people who were looking forward to those AWESOME red cases, know that I am right there with you; It really would have been a great thing.

Hopefully, the lack of special packaging will not overshadow the fact that we are trying to deliver a special product.

Alien 2 On Earth– Artwork

2010-10-16T11:29:00.004-04:00

When we formed Midnight Legacy, we continuously discussed quality and remaining true to the films and their original material. I support this completely, and I am dedicated to providing the best visual representation possible.

Let me address the unique situation regarding the cover art for "Alien 2 On Earth". This is the first of many titles Midnight Legacy will pull from obscurity. The artwork available was limited to old foreign posters using screen captures as well as an illustrated poster inspired by "Blood on Satan's Claw". After careful consideration we collectively decided that it was in the best interest of the release to work up a new cover.

It is not my desire to create new artwork or a more contemporary look. We also would never want the lack of proper art material to keep us from our goal; unearthing, restoring, and preserving these films. It just so happened that right out of the gate we were playing a balancing act of creating a new cover that represents a film produced in 1980, without taking it too far. I hope everyone is pleased with the results.

It is my promise to go to any lengths to ensure that the artwork for each Midnight Legacy release represents the films properly.

The best is yet to come.

Alien 2 : On Earth Restoration & Disc Specifics

2010-10-14T20:22:00.012-04:00

When I closed my previous post, I mentioned that this follow-up piece would focus solely on the audio and video restoration Alien 2 On Earth had undergone, and the final disc specs everyone can expect when our first title is released.

To begin, let's start with the final specs for The Blu-ray.

Alien 2 will be presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, on a BD-50, with an AVC encode remaining relatively constant at between 36-37 MPS. This really allowed us to avoid any compression issues including unnatural grain patterns,and posterization, especially in fades. This was the foremost issue in retaining the absolute best video quality, and coupled with our stance on DNR and edge enhancement, really allow the film to breathe and properly retain the unaltered grain structure. The English audio track will be presented in DTS MA 2.0, and our extras consist of two items. The first is the only surviving trailer that needed to be taken from the Dutch tape. Shortly before attending Rome, we were informed that no film existed for the trailer created long ago. Minerva did not even have a copy of the trailer on Digibeta or VHS, so we were forced to look elsewhere. Compared to the film, and even the final supplement, we understand that it will reside in stark contrast to the quality, but we have included it for completeness' sake. Our second item was quite a rare find. When creating the DI from the negatives, we stumbled upon a fifth reel which contained various effects outtakes, mistakes, and alternate angles for tests and or use in the film. There was obviously no sound for these clips, but we decided to treat them with the same care as the film. They were digitally scanned, color corrected, and are presented on the disc in full 1080/24P. Fans of the film should really get a kick out of these as some are quite different.

As far as the restoration, let me begin with the video work first.

The transfer was completed on a Spirit Datacine from the original 35mm camera negatives. The 2K scan DI was then processed to reduce minor scratches, dirt, and in one instance, a rather huge emulsion mark that encompassed 2/3 or the screen and lasted for exactly one frame. To be clear though, no DNR was performed; a policy we at Legacy absolutely abhor, and one you will never see in any of our titles. Three entire passes of color correction were applied, not only to restore the colors, and wear and tear a thirty year old negative normally endures, but also to ensure that color timing matched in all similar sequences, and that reference blacks and reference whites were attained. On that note, there were a few instances that contrast manipulation was necessary to correct abnormally bright scenes that fell victim to unavoidable shooting conditions. Once completed, the remaster was projected on a 20' screen for review and final approval. What we saw was a beautiful 1.85:1 image, with more picture on all four sides when compared to previous versions. More importantly though, was that all the grain inherent in the negative had been retained, and our final image contained all the natural benefits of film without excess digital tampering.

For the audio, we began by needing to build a composite from three separate master sources in order to ensure completeness. These sources included the original English mag tracks (used 99% of the time), the original Italian mag tracks (used 3 times), and the Italian Digibeta track (used once). All four times the alternate sources were utilized were during sections never before seen, and ones where dialogue was not present, only sound effects and music. The film is presented entirely in English, as it should be, in its original stereo mix. Once compiled, the composite track was remastered at 24-bit and processed through Pro Tools HD to remove track hiss, crackle, high-end brittleness, and three abnormal thuds throughout the film's duration.

And that about wraps up this post. ML strongly believes that all original intentions should be retained when presenting a film in our collection. Whether it be image ratio, sound design, or the principle that film should look just like film, we are striving to keep the the filmmakers intent in every regard so as to be creating definitive versions of many of your treasured titles. We look forward to continuing to provide these types of restoration specifics in the future, and please let us know if there are any questions that I have failed to cover thus far.

Alien 2 On Earth First Details

2010-10-11T12:50:00.006-04:00

When we began this venture, there were certain fundamental principles that we realized were vital in ensuring every aspect of each release would be completed correctly. One example is that I needed to go to Rome and supervise the transfer and restoration of Alien 2. As mentioned in the mission statement, this is a policy we will employ throughout every title in order to maintain the self-imposed standards we believe necessary in order to exceed expectations.

The work was completed at Cinecitta, and simply put, the film looks gorgeous. It is finally, correctly framed at 1.85:1 (contrary to many who believed this was shot in scope), with more picture on all four sides when compared to the previous reference standard, the Japanese Pre-Record. As it turns out, there was actually more footage contained in the negative than anyone has ever seen, including the much fabled Dutch Pre-Record, which we can confirm now, is nothing more than a myth, as ALL versions came from the exact same digibeta which was reviewed and on hand when in Rome.

As far as the differences go, the biggest find here was that all iterations of the opening credits we have seen are incorrect. The film no longer begins with the standard credits over a black background, but with the stock footage which followed. Once the credits do finally appear, just before the three minute mark, they come over new stock footage and completely unseen sections of the film. The end credits differ as well, but are less drastic. With both of these instances in mind, we opted to keep both sets in their respective Italian text, as recreating them would have us altering the original font used.

Another interesting anomaly came from the day for night shots at the very end. The digibeta displayed the same post work we have all seen, but the negative did not, they were simply daytime shots without the overbearing color grading. We choose to remain true to the negative, the true reference point, so essentially what you are viewing is very different from anything previously released. All in all, there are over 23 other scene extensions, not mentioned, contained in the new HD master not seen before. This is truly the longest version of Alien 2 clocking in at exactly 84.25

Stay tuned in the next few days for a complete breakdown of the audio and video restoration performed, and the BD specs we've chosen in order to present the definitive release of Alien 2.

ALIEN 2 : ON EARTH - Midnight Legacy debut Blu-Ray release!

2010-10-10T12:50:00.005-04:00

This is the beginning. While there will be future posts going into detail about Alien 2, this is really to give fans an idea of what we are about. Our commitment to completing each title correctly is something that even the most skeptical of people should be able to count on with every new release. Please see our mission statement on the website to see how Alien 2 and other titles will be presented. And MANY more titles will be on their way shortly. This couldn't be an attempt at seeing how the films do, it needed to be a full fledged promise that we could continue to release a multitude of titles in a very different time frame than what most buyers are accustomed to. And while it is very early to begin discussing other future titles, please be assured that 2011 will be the start of a landfall of releases; many of which have never seen a release past VHS many years ago. We had spent many months identifying titles and creating a pool of viable and complimentary films that could be released within the scope of the collection.

While each title should stand on its own, this collection should also stand as an example of a cohesive line. Each spine numbered release should be able to show a correlation between past and future titles. The bottom line is that we are trying to do something unlike what many have done in the past. I think the most important message we can hope to convey to all the fans, is that we are merely among you. We very eagerly await comments, suggestions, and moreover, feedback on what YOU would like to see. As mentioned in our mission statement, we are fans of these films, who understand them, cherish them, and want them completed correctly so that all can enjoy definitive editions that remain true to the reference materials. Whatever differences many of us have, this is an opportunity for all of us to work together in an attempt to save and restore these titles from the oblivion of VHS obscurity. YOUR participation is what is going to be the driving force, instrumental to the continued existence of, as mentioned above, maintaining a cohesive line that grows as do the years.

Much thought has been put into every facet to ensure that we have longevity in continuing to serve the serious collector as we have for over 23 years.

It should always be about the films, and with your assistance, that is the legacy we hope to leave behind.

Sincerely,

Bill, Dolph and Chris