Stuart Galbraith IV Explodes on Sci Fi Japans Facebook page

[Emperor5353]

Ouch

"I researched, wrote, and recorded an audio commentary track for Media Blasters with my pal Steve Ryfle, for that pantheon of cinematic art, GODZILLA VS MEGALON. We did some of our best work on this title, but in a flash of spectacular foolhardiness, they screwed up and now the disc and our hard work in all likelihood will never see the light of day, to say nothing of the generous contributions of members of the original cast and crew, who really made this track something special.

Media Blasters has also been making one meaningless promise after another to pay me for above-and-beyond work Steve and I delivered way back in October. (I’ve been hearing the wire/check’ll go out next week for the last nine weeks.) As some of you know, they recently laid-off 60% of their staff, and my own theory is that they’re simply out of cash, partly because of the financial mess they themselves created with these two Toho titles.

Regardless, I’ve been writing professionally for 23 years, and never in my experience have I encountered a more incompetent and dishonest home video label. It’s been one unbelievably lame excuse after another, unreturned voice-mails and unanswered emails, a refusal to own the problem and treat it with any sense of urgency. In short, a total lack of professionalism. A word to the wise: Media Blasters CANNOT BE TRUSTED to pay its bills.

And so, this week Steve Ryfle and I informed Media Blasters’ John Sirabella and Carl Morano that unless I am adequately compensated they cannot legally use our commentary track even if Toho finally approves every other extra feature on the disc. As with Toho and its unlicensed extras, I’ve not signed off on the commentary’s use. If necessary I’m prepared to fly to New York to get an injunction to block its release and/or have copies pulled from distribution a la DESTROY ALL MONSTERS.

If this statement seems harsh, you’ve probably never been ripped off like this. Steve and I spent the last two months quietly trying to resolve this issue with a minimum of fuss, but at every step Media Blasters made it clear they just can’t be bothered. So …"

That's all folks.....

[B34sT]

If I were in his shoes I would probably be upset and willing to have the releases pulled.

[Legion1979]

Eh.

Still hoping this comes out somehow.

[Tohosaurus]

Eh.

Still hoping this comes out somehow.

Same. He also needs to be careful not to get sued over such harsh public rants, whether or not he's honest/right. Anyhow, I hope the two are compensated for fully and soon.

[KeizerKing81]

I understand that can be frustrating to not be compensated for the hard work Mr. Galbraith has put into this but all MB has to do is yank the commentary to avoid any legal issues if need be.

[Cimmerian Dragon]

That is absolute nonsense. As I said in another thread, I spent years contracting work of various kinds in relation to my videography business, and no matter how bad things were, or how dirt-broke I personally was in a given month, I never, ever failed to pay someone who performed a service for me. Media Blasters, regardless of their situation, cannot be excused for MONTHS of failing to pay what they owe. Maybe they're short on cash, but they ought to have been upfront, apologetic, and as helpful as possible when dealing with Mr. Galbraith.

[omgitsgodzilla]

Yeah, that is pretty skreeonk lame. I've no great personal admiration for Galbraith, but he worked hard and deserves the compensation he was promised. I honestly wouldn't blame the guy for having it pulled if they put it out with the commentary without paying him first. It's a shame to a degree, this disc has been delayed long enough already and I want it out soon, but Media Blasters is pulling some serious shit.

[TheSecondComing]

As a guy who's worked as an independent contractor and is involved in a class-action lawsuit against that company, I understand Galby's frustration with corporate BS. That said, he should be careful to avoid any libel.

And as said before, I don't buy Godzilla DVDs for commentary, be it from him, Ryfle, August (prick that he is) or anybody else, so I'm not particularly keen on their problems either.

Meh.

[Rockzilla]

Wait a minute, I thought Media Blasters was a good hearted company who just wanted to please us ungrateful whiny fans. Now they are the the worst video label he has ever worked with.

[Chris55]

Now they are the the worst video label he has ever worked with.

My first clue was the release of DAM and on release day, no one knew where to buy the damn thing

[wataru]

Boycott MB, buy bootleg.

GO STUART! MB doesnt pay, get an injunction. Stall them til they go under!

[omgitsgodzilla]

Boycott MB, buy bootleg.

GO STUART! MB doesnt pay, get an injunction. Stall them til they go under!

Jesus, I get liking bootlegs, I'm no intellectual-property angel myself, but why at the expense of quality legitimate releases? MB should just pay up. I see no reason to drive them out of business over this.

[wataru]

I dont like MB. Constant delays on titles, lying to customers, not paying people, firing 60% of their staff. I dont like that.

[Legion1979]

Jesus, I get liking bootlegs, I'm no intellectual-property angel myself, but why at the expense of quality legitimate releases?

Because it's wataru.

[wataru]

Jesus, I get liking bootlegs, I'm no intellectual-property angel myself, but why at the expense of quality legitimate releases?

Because it's wataru.

Hey. Bootleggers dont lie to customers or delay releases constantly for sometimes years at a time. Sure they dont pay for the media, but again if they own the original DVD/BRD/VCD then I say they can do WTF they want with it.

[Chris55]

Hey. Bootleggers dont lie to customers or delay releases constantly for sometimes years at a time.

How could they when they don't create anything?

[Legion1979]

Hey. Bootleggers dont lie to customers or delay releases constantly for sometimes years at a time.

Well of course you don't have to worry about stuff like that when you're doing things illegally.

Sure they dont pay for the media, but again if they own the original DVD/BRD/VCD then I say they can do WTF they want with it.

Tell that to Toho. Or any other company trying to protect their property.

[wataru]

Hmmm....think I might get out my Megs bootleg and watch it.

[Legion1979]

Hmmm....think I might get out my Megs bootleg and watch it.

You do that. I've watch my R2 guilt free.

[wataru]

Hmmm....think I might get out my Megs bootleg and watch it.

You do that. I've watch my R2 guilt free.

Who feels guilty? How much did you pay for that?