EMI DVD of David Bowie concert ("Serious Moonlight")

Stranger09

I bought this DVD yesterday.

I bought it partly because I wanted to see the documentary 'Ricochet' on DVD.

I am very familiar with the 'Serious Moonlight' live show which makes up the main programme of the DVD. This was widely available on video, I was less worried about wearing out the videos watching them (this is not paranoia...I recorded programmes in the early 90's, watched them once or twice at the most, found years later to my horror how many glitches the tapes had, even though I'd use good quality tapes and a very good video to record them on).

I had not watched the documentary Ricochet so much, for the simple reason the video was rare, and I had long and hard experience of video's getting worse with age.

I was looking forward to watching it on DVD.

I was seriously disappointed as it played in mono, despite the back cover stating 'dolby digital stereo' below the word 'Ricochet' (it states - correctly it seems - 'upmixed dolby digital & DTS Surround Sound and dolby digital stereo below the words 'Serious Moonlight').

The video was available in stereo.

I guess I have to be careful what I say here, but I'm not even convinced this is a mistake.

I worry it *could* be a cost cutting exercise by EMI.

Whatever the reason, they have falsely described the item on the back cover.

A couple of people have said 'take it back!' but then I lose the Serious Moonlight portion on DVD. The latter may be more familiar to me, but it is still of interest.

I believe EMI need to be reminded of their obligation to customers.

There is a history of Bowie products not living up to promises - not necessarily the cover details being incorrect, but reissues delivering less than expected.

A notable example was a CD reissue of Diamond Dogs containing an 'Intimacy mix' - try not to laugh :rotfl: - of a track called Candidate. The track was not remixed, but an edit.

It's difficult to know who is more responsible, David Bowie or EMI. A lot of fans have felt taken advantage of.

I feel if EMI get a wake up call, things may change.

Can anyone with legal or negotiating experience advise on this matter?

kuohu

If it was me I'd be posting this on David Bowie fan forums. (Although I'm not critisizing you posting it here btw). But on a DB forum you might get a large number of people joining your cause, its more likely to get noticed/acted upon.

Stranger09

Hi

thanks for your reply.

I have.

I posted it on Bowie Wonderworld, in my opinion the best forum.

I was advised to post here after I started a further thread about a class action, after someone suggested it after my initial outburst there on the subject.

While I view some form of legal action as a last resort, this has happened too often with Bowie's catalogue. I have actually written to EMI once before, and got a reply that showed at least a manager there was prepared to listen (although I did wonder how much his hands might be tied by Bowie's power of veto over everything).

It is worth noting then when EMI issued the Bowie At The Beeb CD set, they issued two identical versions of the song 'Ziggy Stardust'.

In this instance they pressed up a one track CD containing the other version they intended to include.

Somebody has suggested that this means EMI might be prepared to make amends.

I think they would need a hell of a lot of persuasion on this matter. There is a difference between pressing up one track which they failed to provide, and an 80 minute DVD presentation, with a stereo soundtrack they may or may not have prepared for this DVD release.

My view this has been the final straw, and that EMI need to know this -they are fooling around with the fans too often. If they were to try and pass the blame to Bowie (perhaps suggesting he expects too much royalties, who knows??), the buck lies with them on this one. They should not have released this DVD if it does not do what the cover claims.

I feel if this is made an example of somehow, even if this DVD is not corrected they will ensure they get things right in future.

I have mentioned three big mistakes in the last five years. There have been others.

In honesty I'm not sure a class action is the way forward.

I wish to write to a manager at EMI (and I know which one).

I seek advice here as to how best to argue the case.

Thanks for any further help anyone here.

Stranger09

I should add, EMI do not encourage E-mails.

Indeed they do not provide an E-mail address on their website.

So although I have offers of support, the logistics of getting handwritten signatures means a personal letter may be the best way. Or possibly a printed petition sent through the post! But even that in this day and age would be a list of printed names at best.

I reckon a personal letter that shows I mean business could be the best way.

kuohu

I see, well good luck. Don't let EMI get away with it.

Stranger09

Thank you.

Can anyone suggest how not to let EMI get away with this?

I am capable of constructive criticism and pointing out failings in a letter, but how could I induce EMI to want to put this right or at least do something about it?

If simply saying they should is the right thing / all I can do - fair enough.

However a second opinion or advice from anyone with experience in such matters would be greatly appreciated.

damo101

OFT maybe?

Stranger09

Yes this has been suggested on the Bowie forum I use too.

I guess I simply write to them putting the facts?

I will look into this, but still welcome any additions / advice on this matter.