Daily Blog – Adrian Wittenberg – June 10, 2008: DVD AND BLU-RAY EXTRAS CONTENT.
Movies that are released onto DVD or Blu-Ray disc often vary in the amout of extra features they give the consumer and I don’t like it when I have bought a DVD or Blu-Ray disc for my collection and the amount of extra features on the disc is sub par. This is especially true when I buy a Blu Ray disc and I’ve spent near thirty dollars. I’m really expecting the whole kit and caboodle here.
I feel the solution is that every DVD or Blu-Ray disc should always include a standardized minimum level of content and of course, there still would be the option for the producer to include even more.
Blu-Ray is still in its early stages of consumer adoption but this would benefit its growth immensely by giving the consumer a high level of content they can always come to expect with every disc.
Personally, I would always like to see director and lead actor’s commentary, outtakes, conceptual design, an about the cast section where I can find out other movies the cast has been involved with as well as previews of movies they will soon be in, and finally a featurette about the on the set work that included footage about locations and behind the scenes material of the movie making journey, including the trials and tribulations.
June 12th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Commentary is an unrealistic expectation as a “standard” extra. Some (like Spielberg) don’t do them (and good luck getting Spielberg to do something he doesn’t want to do). Others charge a fee–one that could make a difference between profit or loss on some films. Same for actors. Moreover, while some are quite informative and/or entertaining, many are boring. It’s nice when they’re there but I’m not sure they would be as good if they became compulsory.