LIVE CHAT TRANSCRIPTS

Schawn Belston

LIVE CHAT WITH WARNER HOME VIDEO THEATRICAL  (March 23, 2009) With Warner rolling out its Archive Classics Collection this was the perfect opportunity for the studio to hold court with our membrs in the biggest live chat event of the year. Join George Feltenstein and the publicity team from Warner Theatrical as they announce a slat of exciting new projects and field questions from the dozens of HTF readers in attendance.

LIVE CHAT WITH SCHAWN BELSTON  (March 16, 2009) Schawn Belston, VP of Library and Technical Services Fox Home Entertainment joins us to talk about his efforts alongside Lowry Digital on the spectacular restoration of THE ROBE for Blu-ray and DVD. For anyone interested in restoration, this is a chat you will not want to miss.

LIVE CHAT WITH WARNER HOME VIDEO TELEVISION & ANIMATION  (September 15, 2008) It's that time of year when Warner's animation and television division pay us a visit. This time around the membership grills the studio about upcoming animation and television product. The payoff comes as the studio closes with a very special announcement that should please some very special fans!

LIVE CHAT WITH CHARLES DE LAUZIRIKA  (December 11, 2007) Charles de Lauzirika is a renowned Producer who has worked on some of the most remarkable DVD Special Editions including Twin Peaks, Kingdom of Heaven, Spider-Man 2, Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, Top Gun and The Alien Quadrilogy. Charles is the Restoration Producer, BLADE RUNNER: THE FINAL CUT and Director/Producer, DANGEROUS DAYS: MAKING BLADE RUNNER, the new comprehensive Documentary available on all versions of BLADE RUNNER: THE FINAL CUT. Charles and the Warner Home Video team join us for a 60-minute chat on the upcoming Blade Runner release.

LIVE CHAT WITH WARNER HOME VIDEO TELEVISION & ANIMATION  (May 7, 2007) It's that time of year when Warner's animation and television division pay us a visit. This time around the group tackles questions regarding complications in getting out highly requested TV product. Additionally, information is provided on upcoming product that we should see released by year's end and beyond.

LIVE CHAT WITH WARNER HOME VIDEO  (February 26, 2007) So tell me....what does a studio like Warner do after being named BEST STUDIO OF THE YEAR by HTF members for the umpteenth time? Well, before they go to Disneyland, they head on over to HTF for their huge anual chat. This one is the best of their offerings with insight into upcoming classic releases as well as HD-DVD and Blu-Ray product. In fact, one day you may look back on this description and wonder why both formats co-existed with each other. In any event, join George Feltenstein, George Parker and Ronnee Sass in this 3-hour chat full of revelations!

LIVE CHAT WITH UNIVERSAL HOME ENTERTAINMENT  (January 26, 2007) Home Theater Forum's Adam Gregorich had the opportunity to interview Ken Graffeo EVP of Universal Studios Home Entertainment concerning their upcoming HD-DVD plans for 2007. Included here are questions that were compiled in advance from our membership. Also included is a Press Release of titles that Universal is planning to release.

LIVE CHAT WITH KEVIN COLLINS [Director of HD DVD Evangelism at Microsoft]  (January 15, 2007) Kevin Collins is director of HD DVD Evangelism for the Consumer Media Technology Group at Microsoft Corp. He specializes in all aspects of the development of the HD DVD-Video specification and HDi, the interactive layer for HD DVD. Join us as we speak with Kevin about the latest trends in HD-DVD technology.

LIVE CHAT WITH WARNER TELEVISION & ANIMATION  (June 6, 2006) Join the staff of Warner's Television and Animation departments as they answer questions and make some HUGE announcements about upcoming product. Even all those EVERWOOD fans who tried to crash our party would admit this was a live event to be remembered!

LIVE CHAT WITH WARNER HOME VIDEO  (February 21, 2006) HTF members voted them the BEST STUDIO 2005! Warner Brothers joins us for yet another live chat featuring George Feltenstein who announces the rollout of several major DVD releases throughout 2006. Some great questions from members and lots of release information to be found here!

LIVE CHAT WITH WARNER HOME VIDEO  (March 29, 2005) Once again, the most popular studio amongst the HTF membership, joins us for another stellar chat. This time around, the television library is in the spotlight as well as many classic films. Come join us for an evening of great company and information ala Warner Brothers Home Video!

LIVE CHAT WITH WARNER HOME VIDEO  (March 8, 2004) Voted BEST STUDIO OF 2003 by the HTF membership, Warner Home Video is certainly riding high with their recent collection of releases. The studio spends three hours talking with us about current and upcoming release plans for both film and television product. There are a lot of "exclusive" announcements to be found here, as well as an easy-to-read compilation of what was discussed at the end of the transcript.

LIVE CHAT WITH THE CRITERION COLLECTION  (February 16, 2004) Veterans of Home Theater Forum already are familiar with Lee Kline. He's the Technical Director over at THE CRITERION COLLECTION. Lee takes questions from the membership regarding technical aspects of the company's film library. There are also some EXCLUSIVE title announcements made at the end of the chat.

LIVE CHAT WITH FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT  (January 12, 2004) We start the New Year off on a high note as we talk with Peter Staddon, a favorite guest of ours. Members ask questions regarding Fox Home Entertainment's 2004 line-up as well as their outlook on upcoming HD-technology. Please join us for what will prove to be one of the most entertaining chats of the year.

LIVE CHAT WITH J.M. KENNY and JEFF LERNER  (November 11, 2003) Ever wanted to know who is directly responsible for all your favorite Special Edition releases? Meet J.M. Kenny and Jeff Lerner. They are Hollywood's hottest DVD producers whose credits include Citizen Kane, Jurassic Park, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, XXX, The Blues Brothers and dozens of other titles. Come with us and look into the world of DVD production as we talk to these two talents.

LIVE CHAT WITH VAN LING  (July 8, 2003) Always a pleasure to have Van Ling join us in a chat -- especially when the atmosphere is laid back, and Van is in the mood to talk just about anything -- including many of the content vs. bandwidth choices facing DVD product today. A fascinating insight into what it takes to produce content in today's industry.

LIVE CHAT WITH ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT  (May 20, 2003) We welcome back Michael Felsher as he spends over 90 minutes answering questions concerning current and upcoming Anchor Bay releases. Here's an opportunity to find out about some of the more obscure titles you may have been wishing for DVD release.

LIVE CHAT WITH WARNER HOME VIDEO  (April 22, 2003) Join Mike Radiloff, George Feltenstein, Mike Finnegan, Scott Heffron and Paul Hemstreet in a highly revealing chat filled with exclusive announcements of upcoming releases. Certainly one of the best studio chats we have had as of late.

LIVE CHAT WITH BOB GALE   (January 21, 2003) We talk to the man that conceived and wrote the greatest movie trilogy of all time. Though his writing credits include Used Cars, 1941, and I Wanna Hold Your Hand, writer/producer Bob Gale's most famous work will probably remain the Back to the Future trilogy, which he co-wrote with his frequent creative partner, Bob Zemeckis. Join us as we get a little personal with Bob Gale.

LIVE CHAT WITH JOHN LOWRY   (December 16th, 2002) For over 40 years, John Lowry has been an expert in film restoration. Not only was he the first to edit videotape in the late 60s, but by the early 70s, he was cleaning up original pictures from the Apollo Moon landing. Mr. Lowry is one of the leading restorationists in the field. His credits include SUNSET BOULEVARD, ROMAN HOLIDAY and SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS. Join us as we talk to Mr. Lowry about film restoration.

LIVE CHAT WITH VAN LING   (December 9th, 2002) Ever want to probe the mind of a DVD Producer? Our members do exactly that as we spend some time with DVD "menu guru" Van Ling. Van gives some in-depth answers to the inquiries of our membership.

LIVE CHAT WITH PETER STADDON   (December 2nd, 2002) Fourth time is a charm when our favorite returning guest gives us the "everythinng you wanted to know" low-down on current and future releases from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Peter's desire to connect with the consumer and provide as much information as he can makes these chats amongst the best HTF has to offer.

LIVE CHAT WITH JOHN BADHAM  (November 25th, 2002) The director of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, WARGAMES, ANOTHER STAKEOUT and NICK OF TIME joins us for conversation. Full of intelligent questions and surprising answers, this is one of the finest moments we have had with a film director.

LIVE CHAT WITH VAN LING  (January 29th, 2002) When it comes to DVD Production, no person is more well known than Van Ling. He is the DVD guru of our time whose work on THE ABYSS, T2 and THE PHANTOM MENACE have raised the bar to new standards. Van talks about everything from Easter Eggs to where he feels the DVD format is today and where it is heading. A truly interesting chat with a man that has intelligent insight on the industry.

LIVE CHAT WITH NEW LINE HOME ENTERTAINMENT  (November 6, 2001) New Line has made great strides over the past year to become one of the most renowned Home Video companies to release feature-packed DVD prouct. Their "infinifilm" series is a testimant to their commitment to the DVD format. Join us as we talk to the Home Video team that makes it all happen.

LIVE CHAT WITH THE DIRECTOR, JOHN LANDIS  (October 24th, 2001) Director John Landis, who brought us films like ANIMAL HOUSE, THE BLUES BROTHERS, TRADING PLACES and AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON joins us for a candid chat with our membership. John gives some humerous insights into his film-making experiences.

LIVE CHAT WITH THE CRITERION COLLECTION  (October 23rd, 2001) President Peter Brecker and Customer laison Jon Mulvaney spend two hours with participants discussing current and future releases with CRITERION, the renowned company that has become the staple of the DVD and LASERDISC industry with quality releases that far outweigh most others.

LIVE CHAT WITH WARNER HOME VIDEO  (October 16, 2001) Warner Brothers returns to a live chat aftera long hiatus. Join the top DVD people at studio as members ask about upcoming releases as well as voice their strong opinions regarding catalogue product. This chat broke record attendance!

LIVE CHAT WITH ANCHOR BAY HOME VIDEO  (August 18, 2001) What has proved to be our most highly attended chats, Micheal Felsher of Anchor Bay returns for his 3rd chat with our members. Read about the latest happenings with upcoming Anchor Bay releases, including exclusive announcements on upcoming releases.

LIVE CHAT WITH FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT  (July 31, 2001)Peter Staddon joins us for the third time in a 4-hour Q&A session that covers present and future release plans from the studio producing the very best DVD product. You'll find Peter Staddon to be charming and exceedingly willing to answer all questions. This was the most highly attended chat we have ever held.

LIVE CHAT WITH MGM HOME VIDEO  (March 6, 2001)Members of this forum have been questioning the reputation of MGM HOME VIDEO and the inconsistent DVD product they have been releasing for the past few years. MGM is very concerned not only about their reputation, but the opinions of our members. MGM approached us about participating in a no-holds-barred live chat where members could freely discuss their opinions with the studio. Please join ALYSSA MOORE and BLAKE THOMAS as they talk about MGM HOME VIDEO past and future. Lots of GREAT upcoming release information is talked about here for the very first time.

LIVE CHAT WITH ROBERT HARRIS, FILM PRESERVATIONIST  (February 27, 2001)Anyone that has any appreciation for film NEEDS to read this member interview with noted film preservationist, Robert Harris. You'll learn why film preservation is of the utmost importance, and the doom that most of our most famous classics films are facing. You'll read some interesting and thought provoking stories from Mr. Harris about his personal experiences in restoring some of the greatest films of our time.

LIVE CHAT WITH DREAMWORKS HOME VIDEO  (February 7, 2001)Riding on the heels of their huge year of releases -- including GLADIATOR becoming the best selling DVD of ALL TIME -- we are proud to talk to the Home Video team of Missy Davy, Mark Atkinson, Bob Buchi and Paige Johnson.

LIVE CHAT WITH DOLBY LABS  (February 6, 2001)Brent Butterworth, Consumer Technology Marketing for Dolby Laboratories, fields questions from members regarding Dolby technologies, including the upcoming Dolby Pro Logic II format that is now being introduced to the consumer market.

LIVE CHAT WITH ANCHOR BAY HOME ENTERTAINMENT  (October 11, 2000) Michael Felsher returns to the chatroom as members ask questions regarding current and upcoming Anchor Bay releases. Michael answers over 70 questions with little hesitation. At the end of the chat, Michael makes some EXCLUSIVE announcements for upcoming Anchor Bay DVD releases.

LIVE CHAT WITH PARAMOUNT HOME VIDEO  (September 6, 2000) The long-awaited chat! Paramount's first live chat ever! Join Martin Blythe and Michael Arkin of Paramount Home Video as they talk about their upcoming DVD release of MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 2, as well as fielding questions from the membership on future release plans.

LIVE CHAT WITH WINSTAR HOME VIDEO  (August 15, 2000) Director of Operations, Maryann Manelski, spends some time with our members to field questions and concerns about WINSTAR titles and quality control issues. A very interesting chat about a company trying to turn their DVD image around and to become highly responsive to consumer needs.

LIVE CHAT WITH ANCHOR BAY HOME ENTERTAINMENT  (July 26, 2000) Michael Felsher spends nearly 4 hours with our members, and answering 100 or more questions about current and upcoming Anchor Bay releases. ADDED BONUS: Michael makes an EXCLUSIVE announcement of a few dozen upcoming Anchor Bay releases at the end of the chat.

LIVE CHAT WITH FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT  (July 18, 2000) Peter Staddon has almost single-handedly changed the face of DVD over at Fox Home Entertainment. The studio is now putting out some of the best DVD product, mostly at the suggestions of Home Theater Forum members. Fox is taking an active role on our forum. This is a record-breaking studio live chat! Peter promised to stay until EVERY question was answered. He did! The result was a 3 hour, 15 minute chat with exclusive upcoming title announcements.

LIVE CHAT WITH CRITERION HOME VIDEO  (July 12, 2000) A tag-team session with Sean Anderson and Lee Kline of CRITERION, who were very informal and open about their release plans and personal opinions of the industry. It's one of those chats where we all had a great time and there wasn't a lack of information provided.

LIVE CHAT WITH NEW LINE CINEMA HOME VIDEO  (June 14, 2000)We welcome Amy, Mike & Evan from NEW LINE CINEMA, one of the pioneers of putting out Special Edition (Platinum Series) DVDs at a low cost. Their best discs include the AUSTIN POWERS series, LOST IN SPACE, and the upcoming MAGNOLIA Special Edition. Join us for a Q&A session.

LIVE CHAT WITH MGM HOME VIDEO  (May 30, 2000)We welcome Allyssa Moore and company of MGM HOME VIDEO. Out of all our chats thus far, this studio announces the most release informaton and upcoming plans for this year and 2001. Lots of titles are talked about in this chat session.

LIVE CHAT WITH COLUMBIA/TRISTAR HOME VIDEO  (April 25, 2000)We welcome Michael Stradford of CTHV. Michael answers questions from the membership regarding plans to release the most requested Columbia catalog titles including LAWRENCE OF ARABIA. He also provides a few surprises on what titles are now in the planning stages for late 2000 release.

LIVE CHAT WITH WARNER HOME VIDEO  (April 18, 2000)We welcome Paul Hemstreet, Jim Wuthrich and the team over at WB Home Video in their second live chat with us. Here members inquire about their wishes to see BABYLON 5, LOONEY TUNES and more CLINT EASTWOOD titles. Paul and Jim give the scoop on what is currently in production and what may be planned.

LIVE CHAT WITH VAN LING  (March 29, 2000)If there is one man to be honored for the Special Editions that started with laserdiscs and then on to DVD, it is Van Ling. He is the father of Special Edition content. His recent accomplishments include THE ABYSS DVD, and the upcoming TERMINATOR 2 SE DVD. He has worked as a Visual Effect Supervisor on such films as DOCTOR DOLITTLE, SOLDIER and STIR OF ECHOES. He has worked alongside the great JAMES CAMERON. In this chat, he gives insight into the Special Edition process of DVD, as well as inside information on THE ABYSS.

LIVE CHAT WITH 20th CENTURY FOX  (March 14, 2000) Our biggest and most exciting chat to date. Peter Staddon joins us as members ask about current and future DVD plans. Learn about upcoming Special Editions, as well as how Fox has become the studio that has gone from ZERO to HERO!

LIVE CHAT WITH ELITE ENTERTAINMENT  (January 25, 2000) Meet Vini Bancalari. He is the President of ELITE ENTERTAINMENT, the company that releases some of the biggest cult horror & science fiction titles ever made. Get the scoop on what titles are being released in the year 2000.

LIVE CHAT WITH UNIVERSAL HOME VIDEO  (September 24, 1999) David Shin is the Director of Interactive Marketing for Universal Home Video. David takes on questions from our members about upcoming yearend 1999 releases, and some hints to what Steven Spielberg is up to.

LIVE CHAT WITH DAVID FEIN  (May 30, 1999) David is the co-owner of Sharpline Arts, the company that produced the original laserdisc of ALIEN/ALIENS, and the current documentary of the ALIEN LEGACY DVD. They also produced the documentary on the upcoming THE LAST STARFIGHTER DVD. Dave gives a lot of information on these sets. A chat not to miss!

LIVE CHAT WITH SCOTT SCHECHTER  (May 25, 1999) Scott is the co-producer on PIONEER ENTERTAINMENT's upcoming DVD release of THE JUDY GARLAND TV SHOW. Scott gives us a sneak peek at the upcoming DVD release, and answers specific questions on program content. Every JUDY fan will not want to miss this!

LIVE CHAT WITH IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT  (May 19, 1999) Members talk with Garrett Lee, Director of Marketing for IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT. Garrett gives us the scoop on many upcoming IMAGE releases. Garrett answers some very intelligent questions on licensing deals, as well as support for the new DTS sound format.

LIVE CHAT WITH REPLAYTV  (May 2, 1999) Members talk with Jim Plant, Marketing Director of REPLAYTV. Jim answers questions relating to the technical and performance aspects of the REPLAYTV units that are now shipping to consumers. Lots of great questions and information!

LIVE CHAT WITH PIXAR  (April 18, 1999) Meet the creative team behind A BUG'S LIFE, Bill Kinder (Editorial Supervisor) and Leo Hourvitz (Technical Director) of PIXAR Animation. Get the "goods" on how this DVD was prepared, and read the answers these gentlemen give to member inquiries.

LIVE CHAT WITH JONATHAN GAINES  (February 28, 1999) Jonathan Gaines from ACOUSTIC VISIONS is responsible for producing such Special Editions on DVD such as: CONTACT and TOMORROW NEVER DIES. He has also produced the AUSTIN POWERS Special Edition laserdisc. Get some insight on how Special Editions are produced, as well as interesting news about upcoming projects and releases.

WARNER BROTHERS LIVE CHAT  (February 23, 1999) John Powers, Paul Hemstreet, and invited Industry guests give an EXCLUSIVE live chat to the forum. Members ask questions concerning upcoming releases, studio release policies and more!

CD PLAYRIGHT-David Whitesel  (February 14, 1999) CD PLAYRIGHT makes a product that is considered the "discwasher" of the 90's. Their product helps repair DVD scratches and helps maintain DVDs against the environment. David Whitesel, President of CD PLAYRIGHT, discusses his product and proper maintenanve care of DVDs.