There was a time when I loved DVD extras. They were one of the things that sold it to me, I always used to go for the two-disc editions. Recently, I’ve noticed that, actually, I couldn’t care less anymore. In fact, I’m more than happy to opt for the single-disc editions, unless they’ve crammed the disc with too many extras (thereby affecting the quality of the picture).
I’m not sure why my view on them has changed. It might be because I simply don’t have time to watch the extras anymore, or because I lose all enthusiasm about watching them just by thinking of them. I haven’t even looked at the special bonus CDs on my Star Wars and Indiana Jones trilogies. It could be because, having watched a lot of extras, they come across more as marketing material than insights into the film-making process (and the fact that they keep releasing extra editions with a handful more bonus features). Yet another reason could be that commentary tracks are, invariably, boring, ‘making of’ videos tend to all look the same, deleted scenes typically aren’t finished or were deleted for a good reason and alternative endings are pointless (if I like a movie, why would a different ending ever appeal to me?). Trailers and music videos tend to be okay with me, but I can’t stand the detailed specials about the costumes or the history of a comic book character.
I prefer to have very little on the DVD but the movie, to make sure the movie is a high-quality rendering. Maybe they should take DVD extras off the DVD and, with the rise in high-speed internet access, allow people to use the DVD to access a special area where they can download these things to their hearts content.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
I’m a geek for DVD extras but only for the commentaries really. All those press packs and PR interviews are useless. If they say ‘behind the scenes’, I want a proper behind the scenes documentary, faves being The Exorcist (although that was made separately by C4) or Twelve Monkeys. Steven Soderbergh & Lem Dobbs do a great commentary on The Limey, and Alan Ball does good ones on Six Feet Under. Rarely do actors add anything insightful except to gush about themselves and their peers (”I love your choice here”).