Shout Factory Silver Bullet vs Umbrella Which is the Best Option

Abstract:

When it comes to purchasing a Blu-ray or DVD release of a movie, choosing the right distributor can make all the difference. Two popular distributors for horror and cult films are Shout Factory and Umbrella Entertainment. This article will compare the two distributors’ releases of the 1985 werewolf film Silver Bullet, and help readers decide which option is the best for them.

1. Availability and Region Coding

Shout Factory’s Silver Bullet release is currently out of print, meaning it can only be purchased second-hand. Meanwhile, Umbrella’s release is still in print and available for purchase. However, it’s important to note that Umbrella’s release is region-locked to Region B, which may not be compatible with all Blu-ray players in certain regions.

Winner: Umbrella Entertainment

2. Packaging and Extras

Shout Factory’s Silver Bullet release comes in a standard Blu-ray case with reversible cover art, and includes a booklet with an essay by film critic Michael Gingold. It also includes bonus features such as a commentary track by director Daniel Attias and a featurette on the film’s special effects. Umbrella’s release comes in a standard Blu-ray case with no reversible cover art, and includes no booklet. However, it does include bonus features such as an audio commentary by film historian Lee Gambin, and a featurette on the film’s cinematography.

Winner: Shout Factory

3. Picture and Sound Quality

Winner: Shout Factory

4. Price

As previously mentioned, Shout Factory’s Silver Bullet release is currently out of print and can only be purchased second-hand. This means that prices may vary depending on the seller. On the other hand, Umbrella’s release is still in print and can be purchased for around $20-$30 USD.

Winner: Umbrella Entertainment

Conclusion:

Overall, both Shout Factory and Umbrella Entertainment offer solid releases of Silver Bullet, with each having their own strengths and weaknesses. Shout Factory’s release has better packaging and bonus features, as well as slightly better picture and sound quality. However, Umbrella’s release is more widely available and region-free. Ultimately, it depends on the individual’s preferences and priorities when it comes to purchasing physical media.

When it comes to physical media releases, collectors are often faced with the decision of which edition to purchase. In the case of the 1985 horror film “Silver Bullet,” there are two options: the Shout Factory release and the Umbrella release. Here, we will compare the two releases and determine which is the best option for fans of the film.

Packaging and Design

One of the first things collectors consider when purchasing a physical media release is the packaging and design. The Shout Factory release of “Silver Bullet” features a newly commissioned cover art by artist Devon Whitehead, which is a striking and eye-catching design. The packaging is a standard Blu-ray case with reversible cover art. On the other hand, the Umbrella release features the original theatrical poster art as the cover, which is also a great design. The packaging is a standard Blu-ray case with a slipcover.

Special Features

The special features included in a physical media release can greatly affect a collector’s decision. The Shout Factory release of “Silver Bullet” includes a new audio commentary with director Daniel Attias, a new interview with actor Everett McGill, and a new interview with special effects artist Matthew Mungle. It also includes the original theatrical trailer and a still gallery. The Umbrella release, on the other hand, includes an audio commentary with director Daniel Attias, a new interview with actor Everett McGill, and the original theatrical trailer. While both releases include an audio commentary and an interview with Everett McGill, the Shout Factory release has the added bonus of a new interview with special effects artist Matthew Mungle.

Video and Audio Quality

The video and audio quality of a physical media release is also an important factor. The Shout Factory release of “Silver Bullet” is presented in 1080p high definition with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The Umbrella release is also presented in 1080p high definition with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. While the Umbrella release has the advantage of a 5.1 audio track, the Shout Factory release has been praised for its sharp picture quality.

Price

Finally, price is always a consideration when making a purchase. The Shout Factory release of “Silver Bullet” is currently priced at $22.99 on their website. The Umbrella release is priced at $24.99 on Amazon. While the price difference is minimal, it may be a deciding factor for some collectors.

Conclusion

Overall, both the Shout Factory and Umbrella releases of “Silver Bullet” have their strengths and weaknesses. The Shout Factory release has the advantage of a newly commissioned cover art, a new interview with special effects artist Matthew Mungle, and a sharp picture quality. The Umbrella release has the advantage of a 5.1 audio track and a slightly lower price. Ultimately, the decision of which release to purchase will depend on each collector’s individual preferences.