This is something all my friends who diss me for collecting blu-rays/dvds/4ks don't understand. Streaming will rarely include all of the extras one can find on a dvd or blu-ray. It's another important reason why physical media needs to exist today. Your article should be required reading for anyone who thinks physical media should become obsolete.
Only on the Criterion laserdisc for Short Cuts, there’s a commentary/conversation between Pauline Kael and Michael Wilmington I’ve wanted to hear for about 30 years, but my laserdisc machine stopped working long ago. I’ve also wanted to just read what they said.
Yes to commentaries! Also a big shout out to those standalone BTS making of shorts. I watch all of them but especially the ones on the making of sets and locations. I learn a lot from them which I can apply to my work.
Love this and totally agree... "I resent the directors that have never done at least one commentary track. I’m looking at you, Spielberg and Lynch. The popular argument is that they want the films to speak for themselves. Come off it!" I also think they should require the main cast to do a commentary track if they want to continue charging $$$ for premium releases/steelbooks.
Thanks, John! That's an interesting idea. I think the studios for sure could work that into the contracts, especially if they're paying the talent millions.
I’m really interested to see the work print that’s included in the package. Apparently the film as it was originally conceived is drastically different from the one that was released.
Great read! And I totally agree with you regarding Spielberg and Lynch. How arrogant and obnoxious of them to think that all we're looking for is 'an explanation' of their films. No, dipshit. I'm pretty sure my feeble mind can grasp the meaning behind Jurassic Park. Tell me about your vision; your creative process; an interesting anecdote or two. Kudos to those directors who get it. Their contributions are invaluable.
This is something all my friends who diss me for collecting blu-rays/dvds/4ks don't understand. Streaming will rarely include all of the extras one can find on a dvd or blu-ray. It's another important reason why physical media needs to exist today. Your article should be required reading for anyone who thinks physical media should become obsolete.
Thank you, Jim! That's very kind. Sounds like you need new friends!
I do - and more blu-rays!
😂
I see you Jim! I understand! Let’s keep it alive!
For sure!
DVD extras make it easier to understand how movies and television shows were conceived, and why they continue to matter historically.
Exactly!
One of the coolest bonus features I ever discovered was the Stillwater CD from the band included in the packaging for Almost Famous
That sounds amazing! I’m going to have to seek that out!
Only on the Criterion laserdisc for Short Cuts, there’s a commentary/conversation between Pauline Kael and Michael Wilmington I’ve wanted to hear for about 30 years, but my laserdisc machine stopped working long ago. I’ve also wanted to just read what they said.
I would love to hear that! I’m surprised Criterion didn’t include it on later releases or at least provide a transcript.
Yes to commentaries! Also a big shout out to those standalone BTS making of shorts. I watch all of them but especially the ones on the making of sets and locations. I learn a lot from them which I can apply to my work.
They are a huge resource! Love your work, Andrew. Shogun has been phenomenal!
The Duncan Jones commentary of his Moon movie is hilarious.
That’s great! I’ll have to keep an eye out for it the next time I’m thrifting.
Fantastic post!
Love this and totally agree... "I resent the directors that have never done at least one commentary track. I’m looking at you, Spielberg and Lynch. The popular argument is that they want the films to speak for themselves. Come off it!" I also think they should require the main cast to do a commentary track if they want to continue charging $$$ for premium releases/steelbooks.
Thanks, John! That's an interesting idea. I think the studios for sure could work that into the contracts, especially if they're paying the talent millions.
I had no idea SMB came out with a new release! I watched it once or twice as a kid, but maybe I'll have to give it another watch as an adult now
I’m really interested to see the work print that’s included in the package. Apparently the film as it was originally conceived is drastically different from the one that was released.
Great read! And I totally agree with you regarding Spielberg and Lynch. How arrogant and obnoxious of them to think that all we're looking for is 'an explanation' of their films. No, dipshit. I'm pretty sure my feeble mind can grasp the meaning behind Jurassic Park. Tell me about your vision; your creative process; an interesting anecdote or two. Kudos to those directors who get it. Their contributions are invaluable.
The FIGHT CLUB DVD was something special. I must have watched the movie six times with all the different commentary tracks.
Totally! Fincher has done some great commentaries. The one he did for the Criterion edition of The Game is wonderful.
Great recs, J.D.! Some recent commentaries that I enjoyed were: Last Stop in Yuma County, The Mortuary Collection, and Pixar’s Soul.
I forgot to mention in my post that any commentary with John Carpenter and Kurt Russell is delightful!
I need to check out the commentary for Sideways. I loved that film when I was younger. Haven’t seen it in years!