Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Harry Potter 7.1 keys unlock 30 minutes before the first show?

This is topic Harry Potter 7.1 keys unlock 30 minutes before the first show? in forum Digital Cinema Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by John Wilson (Member # 269) on 11-15-2010, 01:40 PM:

Our Harry Potter 7.1 keys unlock 30 minutes before the first show Wednesday night.

Security, right? OK. I can sort of get that. They want to make sure they keep a hold on it so cinemas can't possibly get a recording of it or see it too early. Makes checking it all works almost impossible though and even if it doesn't work at that point there's not much that can be done about it. Still...security blah blah blah...

Why then do I have a complete 35mm print here that's built and ready to screen right now ...42 hours before my digital key unlocks.

This late key thing is ridiculous and makes it impossible to do my job correctly.

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 11-15-2010, 02:03 PM:

It's digital, it will work perfectly, it cannot fail. Now be quiet and get back in your corner!

Oh, when you pirate the movie, just use the film version. [Razz]

Posted by Mark J. Marshall (Member # 1409) on 11-15-2010, 02:13 PM:

Someday everyone will have the same problem with their digital copy and the first shows will be screwed up all over the globe. How much fun would that be? [Smile]

Posted by John Wilson (Member # 269) on 11-15-2010, 02:15 PM:

That already happened in Germany, Mark...with AVATAR. OK, so it wasn't global, but...

Posted by Caleb Johnstone-Cowan (Member # 3710) on 11-15-2010, 07:28 PM:

You're showing HP7 on Wednesday? Lucky you, we're not even getting midnight showings and it opens on a normal Friday.

The KDMs are time-sensitive, so why not send one for a rehearsal of the film at a pre-determined time for each territory, and then one for the actual release? No-one wants to go to screen on such a big title without running the print/copy through.

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 11-15-2010, 07:35 PM:

Megamind came with two keys - one for a one-reel test run, that became available Wednesday or Thursday, and the other for the whole movie that opened on Friday. I wouldn't be surprised to see that becoming the standard practice.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 11-16-2010, 06:41 PM:

I'm betting it's like Megamind with some sort of test reel. This wold only be good to make sure the filum looks and sounds good. Of course that still doesn't guarantee you that the actual feature KDM is going to work properly... Fortuinately the studios have the KDM thingy pretty well nailed down now. New installs may be the ones to suffer.

Mark

Posted by Mark J. Marshall (Member # 1409) on 11-16-2010, 06:50 PM:

Why they can't put those two things in the same key is beyond me. It's a shame I don't work for those people - There are much better ways to do what they're trying to do. Oh well.

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 11-17-2010, 11:23 AM:

We just got our keys. They unlock at 10:00 PM, so we can at least do a test before we have to start selling tickets.

Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 11-17-2010, 02:31 PM:

So much for the so-called "security" of D-Cinema: just found this news item about how the first 36 minutes of the movie is already on the 'net:
LINK

quote:
Movie bosses to prosecute 'Harry Potter' pirates
Nov. 17, 2010, 9:27 AM EST
Photos: 'Deathly Hallows'
Bing: 'Deathly Hallows' clips

WENN

Executives at the Warner Bros. film studio are planning to prosecute any Internet user caught pirating the new "Harry Potter" movie online, after scenes from the blockbuster leaked early.

The first part of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" hits the big screen on Friday, but earlier this week, the first 36 minutes of the blockbuster were discovered on several download sites.

Related: More on the 'Deathly Hallows'

Bosses at the movie studio are fuming over the leak, and have vowed to take legal action against "those involved."

A statement from Warner Bros. chiefs reads, "A portion of 'Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part One' was stolen and illegally posted on the Internet. This constitutes a serious breach of copyright violation and theft of Warner Bros. property.

More: Get up to date with a 'Potter' Primer

"We are working actively to restrict and/or remove copies that may be available. Also, we are vigorously investigating this matter and will prosecute those involved to the full extent of the law."

The second part of the wizard tale, starring Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, is due to be released next July.

Makes me wonder if this movie was originated, post-produced and distributed EXCLUSIVELY on film if this kind of thing would still be happening?

Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 11-17-2010, 02:39 PM:

aww tony -- don't be so gullible!

isn't if more fun if it's all marketing BS?

consider the possibility:

1. those scenes were planted to work the fans into a rich lather

2. the "piracy" angle gets the upcoming release into the mainstream news (free advertising); while also letting the fans know that there's 30+ minutes for them to preview (more free advertising)

i rest my case!

Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 11-17-2010, 02:57 PM:

LOL, a distinct possibility..but I'll bet the MPAA would have a cow over it. [Smile]

I guess the REAL test will be to see how soon (or if) the "pirated" material is taken down.

Check your emails Manny..I sent you a message Sunday.

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 11-17-2010, 04:03 PM:

Update: Our key unlocks at 10:00 A.M. so plenty of time for a test run, if necessary.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 11-17-2010, 06:48 PM:

Yea, found that out since we wanted to screen it tonight for checkup since I've already injested our copy .. saw that on the cover letter of the unlock time being 10am on the 18th...

oh well, no rest for the wicked...