Does anyone know when this video is expected to be released? I placed my order the day it was first available, but there is still no expected date, just a "coming soon." I tried emailing Digital Theater, but haven't had a response. Any idea when we can finally watch it?
Also, I'm slightly confused about the process. I pre-ordered the HD version, but does that mean it's available to download in HD, or only be watched online in HD?
I'd like to know as well. From the way it looks, you can only view it through their special video player. Does anyone know if the files can be burned to DVDs?
I just saw this today - how does it work? Do you pay to watch it once? Do you always have access to it after you get it once? Can you only get it online - and can you get it in America (money is listed in pounds)?
jasonf, one of their options, as someone already mentioned is Video On Demand, which is paying to watch it once. That should mean that if you buy one of the other two options (standard definition and high definition) you own it and can watch it multiple times.
Also just received the following e-mail from Digital Theatre:
Upcoming Digital Theatre release Into the Woods was last night awarded the 2011 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.
Director Timothy Sheader collected the award for the production which was also nominated for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Michael Xavier.
Stephen Sondheim was also presented with a special award by Angela Lansbury and Sir Cameron Mackintosh, to celebrate his contribution to theatre in the United Kingdom.
All My Sons, also coming to Digital Theatre, was nominated in two categories with director Howard Davies taking home the Best Director award for his work on The White Guard at the National Theatre.
The news follows the success of both productions at the Whatsonstage .com Awards, with David Suchet and Zoe Wanamaker taking the Best Actor and Best Acress respectively for All My Sons and Timothy Sheader taking Best Director for his work on Into the Woods and The Crucible at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.
With both productions captured by Digital Theatre, audiences will soon be able to enjoy these award-winning productions from the comfort of their own home.
Information on the release of All My Sons will be announced soon.
Into the Woods will be made available to download or watch on-demand from Thursday 31 March at 10am
HD offers greater picture quality and sharpness for the premium viewing experience. Our HD films are downloaded via the Digital Theatre Desktop player.
You will be able to view HD quality material if you have a compatible HD television or computer monitor. There is a short film giving an overview of how to connect your computer to a television in the How To section.
Of course the quality of the HD films is reflected in the larger file size which will result in slower download time than standard definition. This is dependant on your internet connection speed.
SD – Standard Definition
Standard Definition is typically what you experience when viewing normal television channels. Our SD films are also downloaded via the Digital Theatre Desktop player. The quality is perfectly suited to watching the plays through a laptop or computer, and will also provide a good viewing experience when watched via a standard television. The files being smaller will download in less time than an HD film.
VOD – Video On Demand
Video on demand offers the greatest convenience for getting access to the Digital Theatre productions. There are no downloads to install and you can begin watching the moment your purchase is complete. VOD is achieved using a technology known as ‘streaming’ (often the two terms are used interchangeably). Our systems automatically let you watch the film as many times as you like for 30 days from the first play.
Digital Theatre Desktop Player
The Digital Theatre Desktop Player is our video player that is downloaded and installed for free on your computer and allows you to download and play our films. You can even test out our show trailers first before you purchase a production. Once downloaded the DT player sits on your desktop giving you quick access to DT and your library of productions. It works in a similar way to the other television over the web players.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
I think that kind of really sucks. Will we not be able to somehow download them and burn them onto a DVD? When I connect my MacBook to my TV, quality is instantly lost.
I'm sure there'll be some smart computer-oriented person who'll be able to rip it for us
I was hoping to watch this this weekend, so I hope "shortly" isn't measured in decades.
I'm fine with watching it on my computer, but if it turns out there are any issues with US viewing in VOD format, it would be great to know before I buy it.
Agreed, but it sucks for those of us Americans who already paid for it! I paid on Valentine's day, and I've been waiting anxiously ever since! They sent out an e-mail this morning, after I posted on here, saying:
"Dear Customers,
Unfortunately due to a minor technical issue, there is a delay on the release of Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. Please accept our apologies for this temporary inconvenience."
I hate that they've been so secretive about everything with this release. We only got a release date two or three weeks ago, and now they don't tell us how long this delay is expected to be. If it's really a "minor" technical issue, it shouldn't be too long, should it?
The London Revival of Into The Woods was taped for viewing purposes, and we are upset because the website which was supposed to be releasing it has had some technical difficulties.
I was disappointed that initially they offered only the stream at £6.99, with no mention of the download options. If I'd known there would be "for keeps" options at a couple of £s more, I'd have waited for that choice..
I've emailed to ask whether I can pay a bit extra for the download, but they haven't replied.
Hardly putting the customer first..and they wonder why people end up get these things in other ways...
I've e-mailed them a few times, as well, with no reply. I'm not so much annoyed at the fact that they are delayed, it's more the fact that they're not telling us anything at all. They waited till the day of release to say it's delayed, but no clue as to how long or even why, aside from the vague "minor technical issue."
abitoftap, are you sure the streaming is working already? I'm in the US, and at work, so I can't check right away, but I wonder if it would play for those of us who paid for the download instead of the VOD...
joined:8/12/07
Into The Woods - Digital Theatre Preorder
#1Posted: 3/3/11 at 7:05pm