DVD Verdict is changing its format and publication

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As you can see, we’re in the midst of some major changes here at DVD Verdict.

The most obvious change to this updated version of DVD Verdict is the format. After years of dealing with site code that has been more broken than working, we’re converting everything over to WordPress. This gives our reviews a cleaner, more easily accessible delivery method for all manner of devices. The downside is there is so much work in reformatting 30,000 pieces of content, it is going to take us quite some time to get back to full strength. We apologize for the inconvenience, broken links, format changes, and wonky search capabilities in the interim. We appreciate your patience as we work through this monumental task.

The less obvious and more profound change is that DVD Verdict won’t be publishing as many new reviews as you’ve come to expect. There’s no hiding the fact that our output has been waning over the past several years. This is due to the inevitability of our lives and careers heading in new and exciting directions. Where in the past you could count on us for several new reviews each and every day of the week, our output will now be far less consistent. However, the level of quality will remain as high as it’s always been.

And don’t forget, there is nine years and more than 1600 hours worth of our audio content — podcasts, interviews, event coverage, and more — over at DVD Verdict Presents… We’re just as proud of this work as we are of our written reviews, and it’s often far more entertaining 🙂

We have been blessed with and grateful for nearly 18 years of passionate writers; valuable studio, distributor, and filmmaker relationships; and most of all your readership. DVD Verdict will live on in ad finitum, for the film and television fan in all of us.

All the best,

Michael Stailey / Melissa Hansen

16 Comments

  1. If you need a writer to submit additional reviews, please contact me at my email address. I can send you samples of my writing as well.

    Reply
    • We appreciate the offer, Cory. However, we are not bringing on any new writers at this time.

      Reply
  2. Have relied on thie site a lot for reviews of potentially interesting films. Wishing you judges a smooth transition to the new format and also best of luck with everything else in life.

    Reply
    • Thanks, Ravenus!

      Reply
  3. Sorry to hear that the site is slowing things down so substantially, but I look forward to reliving old memories in the archives once they’re fully imported! Best of luck with everything.

    Reply
    • Thanks, Wesley! We’re making progress each day.

      Reply
  4. I love your site, both old and the new look and wanted to thank you for both entertaining and educating me in my continuing enjoyment of cinema.I read movie reviews as one of my hobbies. I love to read or hear what other think about films and your site is one of the few I would always click on at IMDB external review page. I’ve estimated watching perhaps 12,000 films. I went to movies holding my big sister’s hand or with my mom and/or dad since I was a baby until now at 71 years old. Been retired for years and watch DVDs, stream hours and hours of everything. I have real eclectic taste so I watch a lot of everything. I didn’t always agree with your reviews but read the ones on your site because I seemed to agree with them more than most sites. I was a big Pauline Kael fan ever since I picked up her fist book back in the 60s (I think). Anyway, please save all your reviews and when you say you won’t be reviewing as many films does this mean that you still have some reviews like a new film per week or do you have specific plans on that? I hope you’ll not just review big blockbuster titles but at least have an occasional indie or maybe a foreign film that deserves recognition. You have helped me many times find films that I would not have taken time to see if not for a review here at Verdict. There’s a plethora of “big films” that the studios spend so much time pushing. If not for people like you – well, now that Ebert has passed and you guys are backing away I’ll read what you will have and find, hopefully, another site or two to peruse. Thanks again for many years of good, solid and well written insight.

    Reply
    • Thank you for the kind words, Jim! Cinema will always touch our lives in unique ways, which is one of the reasons film criticism has been so important to all of us here at Verdict. While we are slowing down, there are staff members who will continue to post reviews from all genres, not just the big blockbusters. In the meantime, we are working to convert the entirety of our archive over to the new format. Nothing will be left behind 🙂

      Reply
  5. I know you said that you’re not looking for writers at this time. If you’re looking for copy editors, though, let me know. I’ve been reading your site at least twice a week for years now, and would be happy to contribute in some manner.

    Reply
    • Sincerest thanks, Andrew. Since we’re dialing back our publication schedule, we don’t need any editors at this time, but I’ll definitely let you know if and when we do.

      Reply
      • I was wondering why I could not get your review for The Earrings of Madame de… Now I know. You are our go to for reviews and my heart sinks when your site says not available. You are missed.
        So hurry up already and get those thousands of reviews up! Thanks for all you’ve and can’t wait for the New site to be up and running 100%! James

        Reply
        • 🙂 Thanks, James! We’re hoping to have the entire archive back online by October 1. #fingerscrossed

          Reply
  6. So glad to see the site back up and updated. This site has been my daily read for nearly ten years. Thank you very much for all your work.

    Reply
    • Thank you for the kind words, Derek! It’s our pleasure.

      Reply
  7. I know this is late, and has probably been answered, but are you guys going to eventually upload all your old reviews? It would be a shame for so much great material to be lost. If you are, any ideas as to when?

    Reply
    • We are, Casey. It’s just been challenging finding the time. I hope to make some significant progress over the holidays.

      Reply

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