Just found out that the Portage Theater here in Chicago (4050 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL) is having a super cool horror show/collectible event on April 3rd - 5th, sponsored by Time Tunnel Toys. There are 3 days of convention and two movies every night. Cost for the entire 3 day affair (all 6 movies plus entry to the convention all 3 days) = $25! Not bad at all! Single days are $10. Kids under 12 are $5.
So there's a double feature each night, with the titles TBA. Usually they pick good ones. In March they had Seventh Voyage of Sinbad, The Mummy (1959) and Attack of the Giant Leeches triple feature. So I'm hoping this is going to be good. There's also a monster model contest, tons of DVDs, comics, magazines, and other monster material for sale.
If anyone else here wants to go, let me know so we can meet up and say hello. As soon as I find out which movies they're playing, I'll post it here.
Just visited the store of the sponsor this weekend, and this sounds great! He has 50 dealers (so far!) from all over the states coming to the show. Also, this is the new flier for the show, with the movies being played each night, etc.
(http://www.undermountain.org/show.jpg)
'clash of the titans' is a horror classic? lol. sounds fun, wish i could go.
I'd go too if I had the money and time! Please tell us how the show was!
BK
Yeah, Clash of the Titans is the odd one out, but it's worth it just to see that cool Medusa monster! :)
I hope at least a few other UMA members can make it. Either way, I'll take pics and report on how it went.
Good lord, the show was incredible!!! :)
I have several dozen pics I took, and for those who didn't make it, you won't believe what you missed! Wait till you see it! I gotta re-size the pics in Photoshop, so I'll post them on Sunday or Monday. But wow, it was one hell of a fun horror show!
There is another one in May, and for anyone who can make it, I can't recommend it highly enough. Great movies, tons of great collectibles, it was just a great time!
Ok, here are the pics from the convention! :)
This is the outside of the Portage Theater where it was held, taken Saturday night:
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-01.jpg)
And the front doors:
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-02.jpg)
As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by a life-sized Phantom of the Opera, complete with vintage organ!
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-26.jpg)
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-25.jpg)
Notice what's prowling behind the organ? Not on my list of good werewolf movies, but nonetheless it was impressive in person:
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-27.jpg)
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-28.jpg)
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-21.jpg)
Wow!!!
Here is the area just past the lobby where most of the dealers were, going into the concession stand area:
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-19.jpg)
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-07.jpg)
Here are some shots of the awesome goods on sale by the many dealers who were there (great people, all willing to make a fair deal, and very informative):
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-03.jpg)
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-04.jpg)
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-05.jpg)
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-06.jpg)
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-10.jpg)
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-20.jpg)
Here is an awesome King Kong diorama that I was told took over 60 man-hours to complete! :o I took two different shots from the front, to adjust for lighting:
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-18.jpg)
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-17.jpg)
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-16.jpg)
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-15.jpg)
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-14.jpg)
And this was a display near the stage itself. Nice scary life-sized figures!
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-22.jpg)
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-12.jpg)
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-13.jpg)
There were also a few dealers in front of the stage, though I didn't get a shot of them. LOTS of dealers here!
Finally, these shots blurred for some reason, but one dealer had a ton of resin statues, some of which were remakes of the original Aurora plastic monster models. These are smaller, but beautiful! Note the Dark Shadows/Barnabas Collins/Quentin Collins diorama (available as a kit, and also comes with a Quentin werewolf head!), and the larger Barnabas bust. How I wish they were in my budget!
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-23.jpg)
(http://www.undermountain.org/monster-con-24.jpg)
The dealers were friendly, informative and knowledgeable, and they were all very fair when it came to striking a deal. Lots of great people there! I was only able to attend Saturday due to work and other issues, but it was a blast! They played the full-length Kino restored version of Nosferatu, and Brides of Dracula. What a double feature! Plus, two short independent films. A great night for sure!
I couldn't believe all the stuff that was there! Comics, magazines, action figures, dioramas, model kits, busts, lobby cards, posters, trading cards, and all sorts of other monster-related goodies from the 60's, 70's, and even earlier! I saw a vintage Strange Change Machine, a Six Million Dollar Man Bionic Bigfoot, Mego original Mad Monsters as well as the more recent remakes, records such as Monster Mash and Monsters Speak...I could go on and on!
Plus newer stuff as well. Just mind-boggling for the monster fans!
There's another being held here in May, and for anyone who hesitated to attend April's, I can only strongly suggest you check it out. I almost ended up not making it on Saturday, and after having gone, I'd be kicking myself in the backside if I hadn't gone, now that I saw what it was like.
Barlow--
Wow, it looks like it was a great time. Looks like they were selling some pretty cool stuff. I like that Yeti bust in particular. Maybe for the May show, the UMA can get some fliers or something to drum up some membership.
Rob
Wow! Great stuff! Thanks for posting photos.
Fantastic pics. Thanks for sharing. Looks like lots of fun and plenty to see and do.
*Prefacing this by saying I hope I have a reputation as a pretty upbeat gal around here, when I do post... * ;)
I attended this show this weekend, all three days... friends of mine were there with one booth professionally (kit sales) and another friend had a booth for his indie film that was screening this weekend. (They were tucked in the theater, where it was, unfortunately, more difficult for folks to find them.)
As far as vendors, folks there selling... did they really tell you 50? (?!?!?!!!) there were (counting from memory here) maybe 14 dealers. (There were certainly more than 14 tables, but some dealers had multiple tables in one area.) There were three tables representing organizations/indie movies.
Barlow, I am sorry I did not see your post that you were heading here this weekend, or I would have made arrangements to say hello.
Minion got to attend this weekend, Sunday, and we did meet up and visit. (Hello, Minion! :))
Dennis Druktenis was there, from Scary Monsters-- it was great to see him (and nab an advance copy of the wonderful Forry Tribute issue).
The Portage Theater is a beautiful venue-- there is always something magical about being in a historic theater. (www.portagetheater.org (http://www.portagetheater.org)) I can't say enough good about folks like Dennis and Linda (the managers) who work to keep these glorious barns of buildings going, fighting the ravages of time and neglect.
It was a nice little convention... and I had fun, but my enthusiasm was not as warm. We can agree it's always fun to meet and gather with fans. And it's always nice when things happen close to home, and can help support a historic site like this.
Barlow, based how much you enjoyed this event, I think you need to get thee to Wonderfest, my friend... although your head might explode a la Scanners from sheer joy!
QuoteMinion got to attend this weekend, Sunday, and we did meet up and visit. (Hello, Minion! Smiley)
Hi Elizibeth!
QuoteDennis Druktenis was there, from Scary Monsters-- it was great to see him (and nab an advance copy of the wonderful Forry Tribute issue).
If you flip to the very back page of that issue there's a full page ad for Monsterpalooza in Burbank, CA, that has my name listed as an attending artist. Woo hoo!
Had a great time at the show. I'll try to check out the next one too.
THe TIme Tunnel show was great. I attended it too. Lot so dealers. I don't know what Elizabeth is talking about. Maybe she was too busy "necking" in the theater, LOL. THere was a nice selection of garage kits, toys, DVD's, posters and more. Kitbuilders Magazine was there! Selling thier great airbrush paints. The movies were fun and family friendly. This show was affordable and close unlike Wonderfest which is too far and WAY too expensive.
That looked like an awesome show.
THE SHOW WAS GREAT.....THE ITEMS IN THE LOBBY YOU JUST CAN FIND LIKE THIS IN ONE PLACE...THE DEALERS ALL SUPER COOL AND THEY TAKE TIME TO TALK TO YOU...THEY HAVE A ONE DAY SHOW ONCE A MONTH WITH DEALERS AND THREE GREAT OLD MONSTER MOVIES..I ALWAYS HAVE A GREAT TIME THERE..IF YOU LOVE MONSTERS THIS IS FOR YOU........AND ONLY TEN BUCKS..THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN....MAYBE WELL SEE YOU MAY 30TH.......GHOUL BYE..
No, not necking in the theater.
But I was sitting in the theater, with four people who paid for good money for tables, who found themselves with ample time to explore the source of a chirping noise. It turns out it was not crickets but the refreshment stand's hot dog machine ('way out in the lobby) squeaking.
I always get the "Time Tunnel" places mixed up. Is this the one that sold one of Matt Jaycox's fantasy monster magic slates on eBay, representing it as vintage? Or the other "Time Tunnel"?
a wonderfull time, LEFT ME MONSTERED OUT,I WILL ATTEND MAYS SHOW,JUST FOR THE DEALERS STUFF
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As an old monster movie buff living in Chicago, I've lamented for decades how smaller burgs seemed to have plenty of revival monster movie showings, but outside of Northwestern's annual B-Fest, we had none. For a couple of years a carload of us would drive all the way up to Milwaukee at Halloween because up there they'd been showing old Universals, while there was squat available here in ChiTown.
Luckily, this has changed over the last several years. The Music Box runs annual Horror movie (24 hours in Oct) and sci-fi (12 hours in May) fests, and now the Time Tunnel guys run a showing of old monster movies every single month, generally giving you three or even four movies for $10. Last year I got to see three big bug movies in a row in an absolutely gorgeous theater for only a tenner. What a deal! I try to get down at least every other month. Especially nice is that you see people bringing their kids to the movies; it's great to know that they are getting passed down to the next generation. Generally they littler ones only stay for a movie or two, but even so, once they get a taste there's always DVD.
The lobby is generally pretty packed with dealers, and there always seems to be a ton of merchandise available. Admittedly, I'm more there for the films, but there's a huge array of posters, toys, shirts, comics, etc. If I didn't have so much stuff in my house already I'm sure I'd be checking out the dealers more diligently. Still, it's fun to look over the vintage stuff especially, of which there's quite a lot. And there's always expertly assembled garage kits on display, etc.
So to sum up, classic monster movies on a big screen, typically three movies for ten bucks, ample cheap parking in a city lot about a half block away, gorgeous venue, tons of great stuff on display and for sale...more, please.
I love coming back and looking at the pictures. I hope we never tire of having monster shows.
Anybody know the movie line up for the May show?
I just got a look at the pics from this event. Man that's looks like a killer little monster event right there!!!
Wish I could have gone, looks like it was awesome! Thank you for sharing all those great pictures!
HELLO MONSTERS.........IT WAS A COOL EVENT....THE NEXT ONE IS MAY 30TH AT THE PORTAGE THEATER ..4 MONSTER MOVIES AND DEALERS IN LOBBY..ALL FOR TEN BUCKS..DOORS OPEN AT 3...TILL MIDNIGHT.......FOR MORE INFO JUST LOG IN TO PORTAGE THEATER IN CHICAGO AND LOOK AT UP COMING EVENTS........THERE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR MORE DEALERS.. GHOUL BYE.....BIG J......
Looks like the show will only be one night this go around!
(http://www.portagetheater.org/spine.jpg)
Nice! good line up! I like that they show local independant flicks too. Who knows we might be seeing a work by the next Speilberg or Lucas!
I went to the Time Tunnel Movie show last Saturday night and had a blast. they showed Attack of the Crab Monsters, It Conquered the World, an independent sci-fi movie called Time Men and Day of the Triffids. all for 10 bucks! and there were dealers in the lobby selling monster stuff! I picked up a Creature wiggler and some DVD's. Very cool. Next month they are going to have a Universal triple bill! The Mole People, Revenge of the Creature and Werewolf of London! It's at the Portage Theater in Chicago and will happen June 27. I am stoked for that!
GREAT SHOW......I SEEN TWO U M A MEMBERS THERE WHAT A BLAST.........CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE.......THE MOLE PEOPLE....CREATURE ...WEREWOLF OF LONDON WHAT A LINE UP......THERE WAS A WHOLE DISPLAY CASE WITH THE 1960S RUBBER MONSTERS THERE.....BIG J.......
I too attended this event and let's just say I was underwhelmed by the poor quality DVD projected movies . . . especially the bootlegged copy of "Attack of the Crab Monsters" with the TCM UNDERGROUND logo/bug in the lower right hand corner.
If the upcoming Universal triple-bill is of equal (sub par) quality, I won't be in attendance and will actively recommend others to follow suit.
I'd be very interested to know if the people who are sponsoring these movie screenings are following the proper legal/licensing channels.
Quote from: ICEMANN333 on June 01, 2009, 07:37:05 PM
GREAT SHOW......I SEEN TWO U M A MEMBERS THERE WHAT A BLAST.........CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE.......THE MOLE PEOPLE....CREATURE ...WEREWOLF OF LONDON WHAT A LINE UP......THERE WAS A WHOLE DISPLAY CASE WITH THE 1960S RUBBER MONSTERS THERE.....BIG J.......
You're the promoter, right?
I know, what a thinly-veiled attempt at event promotion.
If the sponsor would spend a little more time and effort on securing LEGAL FILM PRINTS and less time trying to play patty-cake around here maybe just maybe they'd get a better turnout at their events.
Time Tunnel, the sponsor for many of these Portage events REALLY needs to clean up their act when it comes to the p!ss poor quality dvd's they choose to screen/project.
Rent a decent print once in a while or don't bother wasting peoples time and money. I'd be very curious to know whether or not the proper licenses for showing these films is being secured or not.
hold on here. I'm on the phone and this is getting out of hand. I'm locking it and will come back and address this in a few minutes.
Show promoters are WELCOME to promote their events at the UMA, but should identify themselves as such.
If there's some kind of copyright infringement issue, it should be taken up with rights holders.
Every time this show gets discussed, the Chicago gangland wars break out. Having monster shows is a good thing. If you don't like the show, don't go back. You're welcome to offer your opinion, but let's tone down the rhetoric and accusations.
We are not the copyright police. If you question something about copyrights and the show promoters, you need to take it up with the show promoter and/or whatever entity enforces those copyrights. If you want to start a fight with the promoter, this is not the place.
Thank you.
I'll back up a little and say that I'm a willing patron of these events and no one holds a gun to my head in the ticket line.
That being said, nothing galls me more than paying good money for admission only to see the TCM UNDERGROUND bug/logo pop up in the lower corner of the movie screen.
If it bugs you, and you know the copies are bad, take TRs advice and don't go.
Sorry, it just really grinds my gears to see the promoter of these events (and their cronies) shamelessly seed this board with disingenuous posts.
A simple "to be screened via DVD projection" on the promotional material would be ideal.
HELLO TOY RANCH YOUR RIGHT .....IF _ONE _FAN DOES NOT LIKE WHATS GOING ON...WHY WOULD YOU CONTINUE TO ATTEND THEM.... JUST TO START TROUBLE.... IF YOU LOVE MONSTERS AS WE DO ON THIS GREAT SITE ..IS THERE ANY RIGHT WAY TO SIT IN A GREAT OLD THEATER TO SEE 4 OLD MOVIES IN ...VHS...DVD..16MM...8MM..OR FILM....OR WHATEVER...AND HAVE A MONSTER TOY SHOW IN THE LOBBY...WHO WOULD NOT WHAT THIS IN YOUR CITY.....*** ITS TO SEE THEM ON THE BIG SCREEN.***...ITS FOR THE LOVE OF OLD GREAT MONSTER MOVIES......SORRY IF ONE PERSON DOES NOT LIKE IT BUT WE WILL TRY TO KEEP MONSTERS ALIVE HERE IN CHICAGO.......((((.POPCORN .SODA...AND A CANDY BAR WHILE YOU SIT WITH YOUR SON AND TALK ABOUT THE GOOD OLD DAYS WHEN WE WERE KIDS ))))....PRICELESS..!!!!!...****...WHY WOULD SOMEONE TRY TO STOP THIS..***........THANK YOU ........
Quote from: ICEMANN333 on June 01, 2009, 10:18:36 PM
...****...WHY WOULD SOMEONE TRY TO STOP THIS..***.
(http://imgsrv.kmbz.com/image/kmbz/UserFiles/Image/ejs%20pix/sesame-street-oscar.jpg)
Hey Gill-MAn if you dont like it. Stay home. Let those of us who do enjoy the show.
Well, let me address this.
First, I'm not at all sure which movies you're referring to as far as poor quality. All the movies I have seen at the various events at the Portage Theater sponsored by Time Tunnel Toys have been fantastic quality prints. For example, when they recently screened Nosferatu (1922), they used the newest Kino DVD release, which is perhaps the highest quality and most complete version of the movie that currently exists.
I'm currently working on getting an OK from Synapse films to allow them to use their super-high quality print of Lemora, A Child's Tale of the Supernatural, which is by far the finest print of the movie ever seen.
If you're talking about Day of the Triffids (which I could not stay for unfortunately, due to an emergency at home that came up), then I would assume that's because the only available print of that movie on DVD is itself not a great transfer. You can't blame Time Tunnel Toys for the limitations of the available transfers. They can only screen what's available. The Children (1980) for example, exists on DVD only on a crappy transfer from Troma. If Time Tunnel Toys screened that movie, there is no way for them to get a better print, short of buying the rights, paying to have the film totally remastered, and sinking in an ungodly sum of money to do so, which no one in the right mind could expect them to do.
I have not heard one person complain about the event or the quality of the movies themselves, and I see a lot of repeat faces there, so I'd have to say you're in the minority by far when it comes to being unhappy with their events. Also, the promoters aren't "shamelessly seeding" the board with "disingenuous" posts. I for one am not a promoter (or a "cronie"), just a fan of the events. I've brought friends alone each time, and they've all had a great time.
So, there's the other side to the story. ;)
Chalk it up to "Buyer Beware!" I guess.
And yes, the rights to show the movies are secured, so there is no problem with Universal or anyone else. It's a shame that some people just try to ruin the fun for everyone else. If the shows were not so good, I wouldn't be wasting my time telling people about them.
Amen Brother!
Quote from: hammerfan on June 01, 2009, 10:25:24 PM
Hey Gill-MAn if you dont like it. Stay home. Let those of us who do enjoy the show.
I wish someone would do something like this in Phoenix. HHW
;)
Hey, btw...why do we have two threads about this? Hmmm. ???
I for one am just happy to see so much high quality entertainment at such a low price. A lousy $10 gets you into the convention and gives you access to a dozen or so dealers who have tons of cool horror stuff for sale, and you get to see 4 moves. That's like paying $2.50 a movie with the convention free. You can't rent movies that cheap at the library for God's sake! ::) Plus you're seeing it on the big screen, in a real theater. It doesn't get any better! :)
And it's fun talking to all the fans and just being around other monster fans who are enjoying themselves. For monster fans, what better way to enjoy a Saturday than to spend 6-7 hours (an entire evening) viewing numerous cool monster movies, meeting other fans, etc all for $10.
Now it's one thread.
If you are involved in this show as a promoter, employee, helper, dealer, etc. then you should state that in your post and not suggest that you are a fan who just happened to go. You guys are welcome to post about your show, but be upfront about it.
If you went to the show and didn't like it, you are welcome to state your opinion, but please do not hurl accusations or insults.
Carry on...
I think I can understand some of Gill Man's frustration... I was similarly frustrated when I read the posts here back after the April show, and I felt the advertising here was not in line with my personal experience.
And I was even more disappointed when my earnest and just criticism was dismissed in this thread by one of the show co-hosts with a sexist quip. It diluted a what I had hoped would be a useful conversation, and set an unfortunate tone to the thread. (And... it was just lame. It was also the FIRST time that had ever happened to me in the context of the UMA community.)
That said, I do sincerely respect that moderators do not wish this to erupt into a fight... nor do I.
Ultimately, I think folks in Chicago, who have tried attending and supporting these events, and love monster movies, are disappointed and frustrated when they compare their experience to what is being said here. When someone expends time and money to attend an event, and leaves unhappy, they are understandably frustrated. If the only recourse is to not support classic horror film festivals... that does not feel very satisfying. It is frustrating when you attend an event genuinely WANTING to enjoy and support something, but have had a negative experience doing so.
As the host(s) of these events post and promote their events here, likewise it invites a review of the event after it takes place-- both positive feed-back and negative.
The Portage Theater is a beautiful, historic venue... there is tremendous opportunity there. Chicago area classic horror fans would be and are happy to support these events, but it would be good to have the organizers similarly respecting the fans who attend these events, and listening to their feed back.
This community has experienced, knowledgeable horror fans in it-- fan opinions have value, and could help a promoter to take a good idea and make it great.
And, with respect to the moderators who keep this place running-- we will seek to find ways to give feedback without putting you all in the position of playing Eliot Ness. ;-)
Quote from: Barlow on June 01, 2009, 10:25:35 PM
All the movies I have seen at the various events at the Portage Theater sponsored by Time Tunnel Toys have been fantastic quality prints. For example, when they recently screened Nosferatu (1922), they used the newest Kino DVD release, which is perhaps the highest quality and most complete version of the movie that currently exists.
Nosferatu is a public domain movie, but it gets a little gray when you use a Kino DVD. They did an extensive restoration of the movie. I'm not a lawyer... but they may own the rights to this restored version.
Toy Ranch wrote:
QuoteIf you are involved in this show as a promoter, employee, helper, dealer, etc. then you should state that in your post and not suggest that you are a fan who just happened to go. You guys are welcome to post about your show, but be upfront about it.
Just for sake of clarity, I am being up front about just being a fan. I took it upon myself to post and spread the word simply to share the info with other monster fans. I don't work, promote, or have a dealer table there. Just a fan who really enjoys the show. I'm hoping that as it grows in popularity, more people will show up and it'll get bigger and even better.
Elizabeth wrote:
QuoteUltimately, I think folks in Chicago, who have tried attending and supporting these events, and love monster movies, are disappointed and frustrated when they compare their experience to what is being said here.
From my own experience, I can honestly say that everyone I talked to about the show enjoyed it. No, these shows are not huge events like Monster Bash or something. But I think that's the charm of it. It's more personal, more friendly.
QuoteChicago area classic horror fans would be and are happy to support these events, but it would be good to have the organizers similarly respecting the fans who attend these events, and listening to their feed back.
I think they do respect our opinions. But I think some of the criticism is over the top. Yes, some prints being screened aren't perfect quality. But if they don't exist in a perfect form to begin with... ::)
What about stuff like the Kino Nosferatu? No one can say that wasn't top-quality. Mad Monster Party was also top quality, as was Invasion of the Body Snatchers, etc. Seems to me that people are trying to nit-pick about little issues.
Constructive criticism and lambasting are two very different things. Obviously Gill-Man felt he had an axe to grind for whatever reason. Perhaps he works for a certain store that feels some sour grapes? Regardless. I like what Time Tunnel is doing. THey are trying to support the very things this forum is about. Monsters! Whether someone is disappointed with one showing of a movie, they should be still positive that someone is holding a Monster oriented event in thier home town. If they have another agenda, maybe they should take it elsewhere.
Quote from: Barlow on June 01, 2009, 10:57:56 PM
What about stuff like the Kino Nosferatu? No one can say that wasn't top-quality.
It was excellent quality. I never said it wasn't. I own the DVD myself. Marvelous print. The extras are fabulous.
The point is... unless I am mistaken, Kino holds a copyright on the Kino copy. It's their restored copy, their music. They put a lot of work into restoring it. If Kino does hold a copyright, screening it in a theater should be cleared with Kino.
It's great to see movies on the Big Screen. But Big Screen tends to imply film... not projected DVD. I think a simple note on the ads, or the posts here, about it being a projected DVD would completely solve this problem.
I agree that we (the attendees) should post both positive and negative reviews as we see fit based on our experience. But we need to be realistic about it. Complaining about stuff like squeaky hot dog heaters is sorta irrelevant, isn't it? And again, people need to realize that the promoters are limited by the availability of quality prints. Back to my example of The Children (1980). Only one print available, and that one is...eh. Nothing they can do with something like that.
There's a huge difference between constructive criticism and pettiness.
Wow! I think most Monster kids here would likely give thier eye teeth (or fangs) for a movie show with cool stuff for sale at a reasonable price. I doubt most would nit pick whether they were seeing a DVD, 16mm or Super 8 as long as it was on the big screen in an old theater with tons of atmosphere. We are lucky that Chicago has a venue like this. I think true fans of Monsters and Sci-fi WOULD support such a venue, rather than find rather petty faults with it. Unless they have other agendas of course.
HELLO TOY RANCH IM ONE OF THE THREE PROMOTERS.....ALL MY LIFE AS A KID MONSTERS WAS THE GREATEST TIME OF MY LIFE.........IM TRYING TO KEEP IT ALIVE BY TRYING TO GIVE 4 MOVIES AND A TOY SHOW IN THE LOBBY SO THAT A FAMILY CAN GO OUT ON A SAT NIGHT AND HAVE FUN..ITS NEVER EASY TO PLEASE EVERYBODY......IN 18 MONTHS TWO FANS WHO DONT LIKE ONE MOVIE.!!!!. WELL I WOULD SAY THATS NOT BAD FOR THAT MANY SHOWS..........IM SORRY THAT THIS HAS TO HAPPEN ON YOUR SITE ......I KNOW TWO THINGS AT MY SHOW . TO DO MY BEST TO MAKE MY FANS HAPPY.AND ALWAYS TRY TO DO BETTER AT THE NEXT ONE....AS FAR MY NEXT SHOWS IF YOU DONT LIKE ME OR MY SHOWS STAY HOME AND RENT YOUR OWN MOVIE .....AND THE REST OF US WILL TALK AND .WATCH .AND MEET NEW MONSTER FANS EVERY SHOW..AND LOVE OUR MONSTERS ON THE BIG SCREEN WITH ARE LOVED ONES..... AS I SAID BEFORE WHO WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THIS IN YOUR CITY.....AND I DO ALL THE WORK.......GHOUL BYE.........
Gillman Fan is a professional artist/illustrator who resides in Chicago, and supplies art to the Svengoolie fan group. He is unconnected to any commercial collectibles enterprise.
My squeaky hot dog machine remark (made back in April) was my effort to make a joke in reply to the lame, sexist remark that was made about me 'necking in the theater.' Sorry if it fell flat-- the 'joke' I was replying to did not give me much to work with.
When you have a film festival, feed back about the quality of the print is NOT petty feed back.
Elizabeth wrote:
QuoteIt's great to see movies on the Big Screen. But Big Screen tends to imply film... not projected DVD. I think a simple note on the ads, or the posts here, about it being a projected DVD would completely solve this problem.
This is an example of what I see as an irrelevant complaint. I assume it's a lot cheaper for the promoters to use a DVD copy than to obtain an actual film copy of the movie. If it looks great on the screen, who cares whether it's film or DVD? The bottom line is that I've been at virtually every event they've sponsored, and every film I saw had great quality. Not every film is going to be HD-quality or anything due to limitations on rights and the availability of transfers.
*Contented sigh*
At last, we get to the gist of the matter.
What Gillman was saying was... it did not look great on screen. Which is not irrelevant if it is a film fest. (If this is primarily a collectibles show, then yes, it's irrelevant.)
But (judging by the quiet on his end)... I would think he has gone to bed for tonight... so this conversation may need to be tabled for another day. :)
Ah what tangled webs we weave.................
TO MY FANS THE SHOW WILL GO ON . NEXT MONTH LINE UP IS GREAT I HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE ........AS FOR THE UNHAPPY TWO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE .MAYBE THE TWO OF YOU CAN RENT A MOVIE HAVE SOME JIFFY POP ........FALL A SLEEP WHILE THE REST OF US HAVE A GOOD TIME AT THE UNIVERSAL MOVIES NEXT AT THE PORTAGE.........GHOUL BYE ..........
Elizabeth wrote:
QuoteWhat Gillman was saying was... it did not look great on screen. Which is not irrelevant if it is a film fest. (If this is primarily a collectibles show, then yes, it's irrelevant.)
Well, let's take a quick peek back at what Gillman Fan originally wrote. Here are his
exact words:
QuoteTime Tunnel, the sponsor for many of these Portage events REALLY needs to clean up their act when it comes to the p!ss poor quality dvd's they choose to screen/project.
Rent a decent print once in a while or don't bother wasting peoples time and money.
He didn't say
one movie was bad. His wording implies that
all the movies screened were "piss poor quality" (ie "rent a decent print
once in awhile"). Which is simply untrue. That's like saying "That barrel of apples are all rotten" when in fact just one had a worm in it. We know for a fact that most the movies screened were high quality. He makes it sound as if Time Tunnel were routinely screening poor quality prints, which is also
demonstrably untrue.
As for showing rights, who in their right mind goes around wondering if the promoter obtained rights to screen the movie? One would assume such rights have been obtained (as they have been). Again, look at my example that you keep ignoring. Even if the movie The Children (1980) were shown at one of the largest monster shows in the world, it would look no better than if Time Tunnel Toys screened it at one of their smaller shows, simply because
no better print exists. All of the existing prints are damaged, filled with dirt and pops, etc. Seems like unfair criticism to me.
There was a show here a couple years ago, the weekend of Halloween. I set up a dealer table and stayed there all weekend. I thought it was at a rec center, but it actually turned out to be at a church facility and was part of their Halloween (Methodists, they were doing full Halloween) party and rummage sale. There were a handful of dealers, a couple of (very) minor celebrities, and they showed monster movies on a big screen using projected DVD's that I brought from my own collection. I spent a whole day getting ready for the show. $50 on my tables. A whole day at the show, and a day putting everything back. My total sales for the show were $25. I had everything from expensive vintage monster collectibles to a box full of unused old stock monster masks, wigs, gorilla feet, and stuff for a couple bucks each, used DVD's and VHS tapes, Halloween decorations, etc. I think if it had been at a public rec center, attendance would have been much better. Anyway, I came away wishing I hadn't spent so much time getting ready for it and all, but it was a cool event and I am glad I was part of it, spreading monster stuff around. Just watching a bunch of little kids sitting in chairs watching Bride of Frankenstein on a big sheet hung on the wall, projected from a DVD projector made it worthwhile for me.
There were some folks who were pissed, and I understand that too. Some of the dealers were put in a back room where many people didn't even know they were there. Personally, I was next to the door and it didn't make much difference. Admission was free, so nobody paid $10 to enter and then be disappointed. The Time Tunnel shows seem to be a little more ambitious. I guess I can see both sides of it.
Toy Ranch wrote:
QuoteThe Time Tunnel shows seem to be a little more ambitious.
I'd agree there. The shows I've been to have all been a blast! And I think the key is that Time Tunnel Toys seems to be trying to re-capture that sense of fun we all had as monster kids. If one of the films wasn't the best quality projection possible, so what? That didn't kill the fun at all. Whenever possible, the films were top quality prints, and the show area had tons of cool monster displays and items for sale. A while back there was a model making contest. I've seen one or two people come in costume (there was a giant robed skeleton at the last one for example).
Was the screening of Attack of the Crab Monsters not the best quality? I don't know. Is there a better print of it available out there? Again, I don't know. But I do know that the prints for Nosferatu, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Thing, Mad Monster Party, Brides of Dracula, etc were great prints. So if one movie had a lesser quality print, why would someone bash the entire enterprise and say "they should screen a decent print once in awhile" as if to imply that every print shown was terrible? That's just being dishonest.
I really don't see what more can be expected for a lousy $10. In June, they're having 8 hours of fun. First there's The Magic Sword with Basil Rathbone, then The Mole People, then Revenge of the Creature, then Werewolf of London. Plus all the exhibits and opportunity to buy cool monster items, plus meeting up with a bunch of other monster fans in a relaxed, laid back atmosphere. What more can anyone ask for $10? Plus, they have a club you can join (for free) and get a card that gets you $1 off admissions. So now you pay just $9 for 8 hours of fun. I just fail to see how anyone could condemn that. ::)
I'm hoping more fans come out and support them, because nobody else is doing anything like this. As more and more people attend, it generates revenue for even better future shows. Isn't that something we'd all like to see?
HELLO TOY RANCH. I AM TRULY SORRY ABOUT WHATS GOING ON YOUR SITE .. IM JUST LIKE YOU TRYING TO KEEP MONSTERS ALIVE....SOME JUST WONT BE HAPPY AND ENJOY .. AS FOR THE UNHAPPY TWO ...WHAT CAN YOU SAY ..IF YOU DONT LIKE IT STAY AWAY FROM IT.........AS THEY WILL BE................IF ANY UMA FANS HAD A CHANCE TO HAVE A MONSTER MOVIE FEST 4 MOVIES AND MONSTER TOY DEALERS SHOW IN YOUR CITY FOR TEN BUCKS WOULD YOU WELCOME ME..........PLEASE REPLY.......THANK YOU GHOUL NITE .....ITS ALIVE !!! WHAT MOVIE........
Here's a scan of the flier for the upcoming event. Excuse the quality...I only grabbed one flier and it was folded in my pocket! :D
(http://www.undermountain.org/portage-june2.jpg)
Hope to see some more UMA members there! ;)
Quote from: ICEMANN333 on June 01, 2009, 11:56:04 PM
TO MY FANS THE SHOW WILL GO ON . NEXT MONTH LINE UP IS GREAT I HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE ........AS FOR THE UNHAPPY TWO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE .MAYBE THE TWO OF YOU CAN RENT A MOVIE HAVE SOME JIFFY POP ........FALL A SLEEP WHILE THE REST OF US HAVE A GOOD TIME AT THE UNIVERSAL MOVIES NEXT AT THE PORTAGE.........GHOUL BYE ..........
If one of the posters you are referring to is Gillman, I could care less he was a little rude and aggressive in his posts. If the other poster, you are referring to is Liz, She was being nice, after rude comments were made to her and just giving her opinion. She is well loved and respective among this group. I myself as an elder of the group, Really like her , as the owner of this group does. When I first posted on this thread I respected, what you were doing and would love something like this in my city, but if I were you, I would advise you, to make an apology to her and tread very lightly on this board my friend. HHW
Elizabeth wrote:
QuoteBarlow, based how much you enjoyed this event, I think you need to get thee to Wonderfest, my friend... although your head might explode a la Scanners from sheer joy!
I've been wanting to attend a huge, major monster show for some time now. Wow, it's been a lot of years since the last time I went to something of that size. I'd love to go see the Dark Shadows stuff they have every year out east. But I do also enjoy these little shows because they are close, convenient, and inexpensive. I just may go to the drive-in night thing they have in Pennsylvania this September though. :)
I think one of the reasons this show has been controversial is because the promoter has a somewhat controversial history with many folks, and first became known to the UMA when he was selling a fantasy monster magic slate on eBay made by our friend and fellow UMA member Matt Jaycox, as a vintage monster item, knowing full well it was a fantasy item. That was a big discussion on this forum, and has been referred to numerous times since as an example of eBay practices that are abhorrent to most monster collectors. From what I understand, that was eventually settled to the satisfaction of the buyer, but only after the involvement of many UMA members. Numerous other members have related tales having to do with "Big John" of Time Tunnel Toys (there is another Time Tunnel Toys located somewhere else, not to be confused with this one) coming away with much ill will. So I imagine folks who have had some bad dealings with Time Tunnel in the past are less likely to cut them slack today, and has led to some of these comments. Frankly, I've never seen quite so much controversy over a little monster show, but I think the source for some of that lies in the personalities involved. As they say on eBay, caveat emptor... buyer beware.
If you live in the Chicago area and just want to see some monster stuff and watch some DVD projections, seems like a fun thing to do.
UMA MEMBERS....***(((I DID NOT NAME NAMES HERE.**)))......SINCE THIS HAS STARTED LAST NITE OVER 25 PHONE CALLS TO ME ..IN WHICH THE TWO .WHO WILL STAY UNKNOWN AS I DID DO SO .**HAVE TRIED TO CONVINCE THESE MANY FANS TO STOP GOING TO THE PORTAGE THEATER FOR MANY MANY MONTHS..****.NEEDLESS TO SAY ITS NOT WORKING AND THIS IS ALL STARTED ON THIS SITE IN JUST A WAY TO TRY TO DO SO......THIS IS ONLY MAKING THE SHOW BETTER AND WILL GET BIGGER...PEOPLE WILL SEE THE REAL TRUTH FROM A LITTLE SHOW..ALL THE GOOD THINGS AND GOOD REMARKS ARE FROM FANS........LIFE IS ABOUT A DOLLAR....IF THIS SHOW WAS ABOUT A DOLLAR IT WOULD HAVE LASTED ONE MONTH.........THIS SHOW IS ABOUT WHAT THIS SITE IS ALL ABOUT LOVE OF THE MONSTERS......AS FAR AS LIZ SHE BEEN TO MY SHOWS WAS WELCOME WITH OPEN ARMS AS SOME OF HER FRIENDS GOT MONSTER ITEMS FROM ME IF SHE DOES NOT LIKE THE SHOW ITS HER CHOICE AS WELL WITH ALL MY OTHER FANS..TO COME OR NOT....I GOT NOTHING BUT SUPPORT FROM THIS SINCE THIS STARTED YESTERDAY AND I DID NOT KNOW HOW MANY FANS IN 12 HOURS CAME TO CALL ME AND SAID JOHN .KEEP IT UP THE SHOW ITS PART OF THERE LIFE IT BLEW ME AWAY ..THIS IS LIKE A CHILD IN A CANDY STORE IF THEY CANT HAVE ALL THE CANDY THEY CRY AND WHINE....JUST LIKE WAS GOING ON.....WHY HAS SOME UMA MEMBERS CAME TO THE FRONT TO GIVE QUALITY REMARKS FROM THIS SHOW WHY THEY LOVE IT.....TWO APPLES DOES NOT RUIN THE BASKET ........THANK YOU...UMA FANS......OH YES HAVE YOU BEEN TO A MONSTER SHOW AND GOT A 1966 KING KONG BUILT UP FOR TEN DOLLARS YOU WOULD HAVE HERE.......FAMOUS MONSTERS FOR TEN DOLLARS EACH YOU WILL HERE.....WOULD YOU GO TO A SHOW THATS TEN DOLLARS AND ONLY HAVE 4 DOLLARS AND GET IN YOU WOULD HERE........I REST MY CASE.........IF ANY ONE WHO WILL HAVE SOMETHING BAD TO SAY AFTER THIS I WOULD SAY ........I REST MY CASE...........TY.....
For the record, I'm not a collector as such nor do I have any affiliation with local businesses who deal in these types of items.
I do have an axe to grind when it comes to DVD projection in this type of venue. I've had some amazing film experiences at The Portage over the years that have been hosted by a variety of different cinemaphile groups, particularly their silent film society that runs selections with live organ accompaniment.
Sadly, we live in a time where it's become commonplace to steal music online and plagiarize other peoples creative product without batting an eye. My disappointment over seeing a bootleg movie copy shown on a big screen (for profit) is clearly not shared here.
There are occasions when one bad apple does spoil the whole barrel and I don't see business ethics as a "tangled web".
TO THE UMA FAN WHOS NOT A MONSTER COLLECTOR........IM ALWAYS TRYING TO MY BEST SOMETIMES YOU JUST CANT FIND CERTAIN PHONE NUMBERS FOR TITLES YOU LEAVE MESSAGES TO RUN A PRINT FOR ONE SHOWING THE CALLS ARE NOT RETURNED.....AS FOR YOU GREAT CONCERN WHY DONT YOU TAKE A DIME AND CALL UNIVERSAL NEED THE NUMBER ILL GIVE IT TO YOU.I HAVE THE RIGHT TO PLAY NEXT MONTHS MOVIES .........**OH YES THATS ALL READY BEEN DONE.**......I TRY TO GO BY THE BOOK BUT SOMETIMES THE BOOK WONT OPEN.........YOUR JUST ONE FAN WHO STANDS ALONE ON ONE MOVIE LIKE YOU SAY YOU ATTEND SOME WHY COME IF YOUR UNHAPPY.ARE WE A SPY SURE SEEMS SO.......GOOD LUCK YOU NEED IT .. NO NAMES HERE JUST TO ONE FAN WHO IS NOT A COLLECTOR.....TY
Icemann, people all have different expectations from a show. Those who are accustomed to attending big, professionally run shows running film of old movies and having name celebrities and dealers from around the country and paid the same $10 to get into those as you are charging probably aren't going to be too impressed. Others who pay $10 to go see a crummy new movie at the cineplex and endure screaming kids, cell phone texting distractions, and overpriced popcorn may appreciate what you are doing very much. It's all a matter of perspective. At the very least, anyone thinking about going has a good idea of what to expect, so you are more likely to get happy attendees in the future.
TOY RANCH........I ALWAY TRY MY BEST........THE SHOW HAS MANY FANS NOT ONE OTHER FAN HAS CAME FORWARD OR SAID ANY THING BAD ABOUT WHAT WERE DOING..IM ALWAYS THERE AND ANSWER AND GREET EVERYBODY ASK BARLOW..........90 PER CENT OF THE MOVIES THAT ARE PLAYED ARE ASKED TO BE SHOWN BY THE FANS.... THIS IS ONE PERSON WHO JUST DOES NOT UNDERSTAND HE STANDS ALONE OR WITH ONE OTHER PERSON....I WOULD NOT STOP THE SHOW FOR TWO PEOPLE WHO HAVE MAYBE NOTHING BETTER THAN TO TRY TO RIP A GOOD THING DOWN.......YOU JUST CANT MAKE A HORSE DRINK WATER IF IT DOES NOT WANT TO.........
TOY RANCH.YOU SEEM TO BE A LEVEL HEADED MAN...I HEAR GOOD THINGS ABOUT YOU ..WHY WOULD UMA MEMBERS HAMMER FAN AND BARLOW SAY GOOD THINGS ABOUT THE SHOW TO LET OTHERS KNOW ABOUT IT TO COME AND HAVE A GOOD TIME IN THE LOBBY WITH DEALERS BUY SELL TRADE MONSTERS...SHOW PICTURES OF THE SHOWS.......**.NO NAMES HERE.**.NOW JUST MAYBE TWO LONELY UNHAPPY PEOPLE TRY TO RIP IT APART FOR ONE MOVIE .WHY NOT SAY SOMETHING GOOD ABOUT IT .NO THEY WONT ...THEY WOULD RATHER RUIN IT FOR EVERYONE......TOY RANCH ITS JUST LIKE WHAT YOU DO ON THIS SITE YOU BAN OR STOP THE BLEEDING BY REMOVING THEM...THE BAD APPLES ARE HERE AS I MUST DO AT MY SHOW REMOVE THEM...ONE PERSON WILL NOT RUIN FOR EVERYONE ELSE.......THANK YOU ... THIS IS LIKE A TOY PLAY WITH IT OR DONT......
Icemann, fair and honest criticism is welcome here. Just because someone doesn't like your show does not make them "lonely, unhappy people". That's the kind of thing that isn't welcome here, insults. Whether you are naming anyone or not.
We don't ban or remove people for sharing their opinions.
TOY RANCH ....TELL ME WHAT WHAT YOU WOULD CALL THEM..........IF YOU DONT LIKE THE SHOW STAY AWAY.......RIGHT.......WRONG.......WHATS THE ANSWER......
THE LITTLE SHOW YOU WENT TO AND SEEN THE LITTLE KIDS SEE THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN WOULD YOU TELL PEOPLE TO STAY AWAY.........AT MY SHOW ITS JUST NOT KIDS HERE THE ADULTS ARE THE KIDS CLAPPING THERE HANDS AFTER EACH MOVIE......PRICELESS......
Quote from: Gillman-Fan on June 02, 2009, 08:21:11 AM
I do have an axe to grind when it comes to DVD projection in this type of venue. I've had some amazing film experiences at The Portage over the years that have been hosted by a variety of different cinemaphile groups, particularly their silent film society that runs selections with live organ accompaniment.
Sadly, we live in a time where it's become commonplace to steal music online and plagiarize other peoples creative product without batting an eye. My disappointment over seeing a bootleg movie copy shown on a big screen (for profit) is clearly not shared here.
I want to address this. Over the past few years, I've been to many horror/monster shows and conventions. I can't recall a single one that didn't have dealers set up selling gray market DVD's (gray market meaning titles that aren't in general release), copies of movie posters, T-shirts with artwork and scenes from movies, etc. Things that are probably in many cases or certainly in most cases infringing on someone's copyright. I've been to large conventions where things like Milton the Monster cartoons from gray market DVD's have been shown on screen for hundreds of people. I don't know what rights were or were not secured for showing these things. If you have a problem with this show and it's licensing, you need to take it up with someone who has the ability to enforce that. There are a number of entities which enforce film copyrights. If your rights are being infringed, that's a different matter. The UMA isn't going on a copyright warpath against every monster convention in the country. Although they can't say it publicly, many of the rights holders understand that small shows like this can't afford to license showings of their films, but when they do, people who enjoy them often purchase the DVD's of films they see and enjoy. I have spoken with DVD distributors and rights holders who have expressed that. I'm sure not all of them feel the same.
Quote from: ICEMANN333 on June 02, 2009, 09:07:42 AM
TOY RANCH ....TELL ME WHAT WHAT YOU WOULD CALL THEM..........IF YOU DONT LIKE THE SHOW STAY AWAY.......RIGHT.......WRONG.......WHATS THE ANSWER......
If they go back and come back again to complain, then you have a point. Going once and expecting something other than what they got and saying that is fine. Go look in that Wonderfest thread and read some of the comments from a member who didn't like the UMA exhibit this year, that we spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars (many of which were donated by UMA members either outright or through the purchase of our premium items) to bring to Wonderfest without receiving a dime for doing. He's not banned or called names. We may not agree with him, and his comments may be hurtful to us, but he is free to make them, just as Gillman is here.
TOY RANCH....... I HEARD MANY GOOD THINGS ABOUT WONDERFEST .BUT ALSO MORE NOT SO GOOD ABOUT THE FEST.......OVERPRICED ..OVERRATED NOT AS MANY DEALERS AS THERE WAS.....DEALER TABLES THAT DEALERS CANT AFFORD.........DEALERS TRYING TO SELL AUTOGRAPHS BASIC AT ANY SHOW ..LOTS OF MILES FROM HOME........10 OF MY FANS FROM MY SHOW WENT AND ALL SAID THE SHOW IS NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE........THEY WOULD HAVE RATHER STAYED HOME IF THEY KNEW TO WAS GOING TO BE LIKE IT WAS..........HOWEVER I CANNOT JUDGE THE SHOW FROM HERE SO I CAN NOT KNOW HOW IT WAS .....SOME SAID THE UMA DISPLAY HAS NOT CHANGE IN YEARS ...I DONT KNOW I NEVER SEEN IT ........***.I CANNOT JUDGE IN THE BLIND NOR WOULD I IF YOUR DOING THE BEST JOB FOR THE LOVE OF MONSTERS THATS WHAT MATTERS.****.............
Again... Gillman Fan and I have never personally met-- or met in person, however that is phrased. Really, honestly. (And when I say really, honestly, I do mean it.) We have corresponded by email, through the Svengoolie fan group. I joined the group in 2005, and have known Gillman Fan since he joined the fan group the following year-- but our interactions (up until now) have been via email. I would not know him if he passed me on the street.
I don't know when I joined the UMA... I lurked and read the archives for a long time, I think, before I gave up and joined and was assimilated into the collective.
But I keenly remember the Matt Jaycox Magic Slate Ebay Imbroglio (say that ten times fast) here at the UMA, which took place at the old Yahoo group, back in June/July of 2007:
http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/UniversalMonsterArmy/messages (http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/UniversalMonsterArmy/messages)
(And, to restate the clarification Matt has made before whenever his name is tied to this-- he was not involved in the selling of his creation on ebay-- his name is solely attached to this story as the artist who originally created the piece.)
Folks here have a long memory... which is why, as Toyranch said, this story lives on in infamy here at the UMA, and is mentioned in posts at this new site from time to time. (I'm not sure Icemann made the connection that this message board is directly tied to that old Yahoo group, and is comprised of the same folks who raised the red flags on that auction over at ebay.)
Back when I initially posted in this thread (after the April event), my frustrations were that the descriptions I was reading here were not quite in line with my show experience. I have a very dear friend here at these boards (Creepy Jeff) who will sometimes buy a booth at a Chicago area toy/collectibles show. We were chatting by phone, and he repeated some of what had been posted here, saying he was sorry he'd missed the show-- and that is how I first learned of this thread. My concern was the posts here did not accurately reflect the inequities in vendor booth conditions/positions, nor did they accurately reflect the attending crowd size-- which are both very legitimate considerations when someone is plunking down hard-earned money for a vendor booth.
I think Toyranch has said it well... if you want to advertise here, that is fine, but please identify yourself as the person hosting the event (which is what BOTH Iceman and Hammerfan were as applies to the April model show), or as a vendor AT the event... because testimonials from folks attending are different from advertisement from vendors/hosts. It's fine to advertise here, just be truthful about it. (Kinda like an ebay posting saying a magic slate is a fantasy recreation, not implying it's a rare, vintage piece... )
What Gillman is saying, Icemann, is that if you want to promote these events as film festivals, and attract film fans and cinephiles, and increase participation and crowd size, the quality of the prints should be worthy of a glorious barn of a place like the Portage. Screen the movie first to make sure it's sharp and clear and easy to see. Make sure the picture is not distorted. Ideally, get prints. It's a totally different feeling when the cameras are flickering in the projection booth, as opposed to an overheated DVD projector doing its best to keep up.
Toyranch is also right when he says fans compare experiences. I have, in recent years, attended classic movie screenings at the Portage, the Music Box, the Tivoli, the York and Hollywood Boulevard in the Chicago area. (And just saw Alien at a theater in Louisville.) I've had good experiences and disappointing experiences.
I live probably 35 miles away from the Portage. However, I can be enticed to drive into the city, pay to park and pay $10 at the door for classic horror/sci-fi. But that evening is going to cost me more than just $10, factoring all that together. (Plus if I buy something at the concession stand, to help support the Portage itself-- which I am also happy to do.) If I am going to do all that, and spend that time, energy, gas and money... I do want an movie experience that is more than something I could have staying at home, sitting on my sofa watching a mediocre dollar store DVD of a public domain movie.
These are just and useful suggestions, that could help take a nice idea and really make it great. Gillmanfan and I are both solid Chicagoland horror fans. We are neither of us collectors, but we are both film fans... so I would think that makes us target audience members for the movie part of your show. We are both experienced attendees of film festivals. I've been to a fair number of conventions and model shows. You are offering a product, and we are giving you feedback and telling you we'd like changes. Responding to our disappointment, frustration and suggestions in a mocking and dismissive way is not good business. We are the kind of customers that bring friends when we go out, spread the word when we like something, and put other rear-ends in seats. (I'm the kind that brought folks to your store.)
Don't ever think we stand alone.
Really, the main conflict for me is that I really want to enjoy and patronize these local events.
There are several things I think TTT could do to improve . . . and not posting in all caps would be a great place to start. A simple "* All movies shown via DVD projection unless otherwise noted." on their handbills and other promo material would go a long way to clearing things up as well. So far, neither of these suggestions would cost anyone a dime. Also, TTT, don't promote your events as "family friendly" and then have your half-assed MC drop some sleazy humor while introducing the movie . . . save that for the later screenings if you must.
The people I sympathize with the most in this matter are the folks who run The Portage Theater itself. Times are tough and they're in a position to take any booking that comes along. Every time I attend events there I make a point to load-up at the snackbar . . . they also sell beer and wine, which is awesome.
What this entire situation leaves me with is a feeling that these events could be so much more satisfying if certain people's decisions weren't dictated by the money they might make selling collectibles and other ephemera. We're talking about a venue that can be secured for about $500. Film prints can be obtained for virtually nothing if you do your homework.
No fretting that I am lonely or unhappy either.
Opinionated and feisty, perhaps. Lonely and unhappy, no. ;)
Yes the Portage does have many opportunities for different venues. Like the recent showing of "Blood Scarab" with Don Glut. Wow I think there were a whole 7 people who attended.
What's you point?
Sorry, the fact that you're not schilling for TTT just threw me a little.
It's a shame, though, when that happens.
Low audience turn out could mean the event was not properly promoted and/or the material is unappealing to fans. Bad weather can be a factor, too, or timing... which might have been a factor with screening an indie horror movie the day after Thanksgiving.
They also had premiered the movie at the Music Box in April... so maybe the Chicago audience that wanted to see it already did.
UMA FANS ..........LIFE IS ABOUT CHOICES ......16 MONTHS OF SHOWS .AND OF ALL THE FANS ......TWO DONT LIKE IT.......I HAVE NOT HAD ONE OTHER PERSON COME TO ME AND ASKED TO CHANGE ANYTHING THAT WE ARE DOING.......BUT TWO OUT OF MANY ....IM SORRY FOR THE SHOWS YOU DID NOT LIKE HOWEVER YOU ARE NOT FORCED IN ANY WAY TO COME TO THEM.....IN LESS TO SPY OR START TROUBLE........FILMS ARE VOTED BY FANS NOT US......WAS DOES SCARY MAGAZINE SUPPORT ARE SHOW........WHY DOES OTHER SITES SUPPORT US.......FOR THE LOVE OF MONSTER ...IN DVD..BETA...16 MM 8MM FILM PRINT.....ITS ABOUT A GOOD TIME AND SEE IT ON THE BID SCREEN ..YOU CAN STAB ALL YOU WANT.......I STAND WITH MY LOYAL FANS AND FRIENDS WHO WILL SUPPORT ME AS THERE ARE ON THIS SITE A GREAT SITE ITS ABOUT MONSTERS AND FAMILY FAN..YOU SAID YOURSELF THERE ARE KIDS IN THE SEATS .WHY FOR THE FUN AND THE LOBBY WITH OUT DRIVING MILES FOR SITE SEEING AND COMING BACK WITH NOTHING.. THIS IS LAND OF THE FREE..MY SHOW WILL GO ON WITHOUT YOU OR YOUR UNHAPPY FEELINGS TWO OUT OF MANY .I WILL STICK WITH MANY THEN TWO............TO MY MANY FANS LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE NEXT SHOW.OH YES GET READY AT THE END OF THE YEAR FOR A BIGGER AND BETTER THREE DAY SHOW.........THANK OYU
I'm not schilling for anyone, although I'm sure you would be happy to schill for say another collectible store in Ber-wyn? I am trying to support a local show which is fun to attend. I also support Fangoria shows, Wizard world and Flashbacks Weekend. So what? If local horror fans dont support these shows, they will go away. I dont care if every film shown isnt from a Criterion print. This isnt Cannes. Its very grassroots and deserves to grow. John does a good job with the show and brings in a nice selection of collectibles to buy. Most people I've spoken with at the show enjoy it and look forward to the next one. I guess they are just blue collar slobs like me and not high falutin' film critics. I'm fine with that. Better to be the Hoi Polloi i reckon.
Life is about choices, John.
How profound! Was that from a fortune cookie?
Funny how someone else mentions TTT's competition to the West . . . because I never did and have no intention of doing so.
I may be "high falutin'" by your definition. There was a Mario Bava retrospective at the Gene Siskel I attended a couple years ago . . . it was about as good as it gets and the admission cost was about the same as seeing one of TTT's muddy bootlegged dvd's.
This has degraded into a tiresome shouting match.
TTT/John would do well to up his game a little . . . I've no vested interest in it either way.
I attend Portage events to support the theater more than anything and will continue to do so straight across all sponsoring groups.
thats great. so i guess we wont see you anymore at the show. you'll be missed!
Stay classy, HammerFan.
I have locked this topic because it has degraded into something very unproductive.
Monster movie cons run a large range in size and quality. CHiller in northern NJ is probably one of the biggest in the country and it has grown tremendously over the years to the point where it's sometimes a bit of a madhouse. That's not to say that you still can't have a blast. Then are smaller, local ones like this one at the Portage theatre. Is it top of the line in execution? Probably not, but it sounds like a sincere effort is made to make it fun. I'd probably enjoy it if it were near me. I'd tend to be more interested in meeting fellow fans than watching the movies. I, myself, am not always worried about quality, as I grew up watching them on a small B&W TV in the 1970s. Sometimes cons work, like Monster Bash, Wonderfest, etc. and sometimes they don't. Only time will tell.
The legality issue? Well, as Bobby(toyranch) pointed out, there is a whole slippery slope there. Let's not go there.
Rob
(Slipping on moderator hat) Icemann, try not to type in all caps. It's a pain in the neck to read and is considered bad online etiquette.