Special Deluxe Collector's Extra Anniversary Edition

[BuckyMcSatan]

This is really starting to piss me off.

When I first started buying DVDs I was picking up films because they're on this new quality medium. Video just doesn't cut it anymore.

Down the road the distributor comes will out with a "Collector's" or "Special" Edition" - so you shell out the dough to get the newer, enhanced version, thinking you now have the definitive version of your favorite film with some interesting extras and can now continue with your collection and your life.

Well folks, this is not the case in the wonderful rape and pillage world of DVD, oh no!

It seems that any excuse is good enough to bring out YET ANOTHER (2) disk set because of an Anniversary of the film, because they found a ten minute reel of John Carpenter eating a sandwich or because they re-re-restored the print.

Why in hell can they not just put the best possible version out and move on?? - Of course the answer to this is simple.

Cabbage.

DVD's like "Lord of the Rings" 4 disk sets are worthwhile for cinephiles because the material gives you enhanced insight into the concepts, design, production and post-production of the films instead of resorting to dumping a 12 minute "featurette" (god I hate that term now - it's a sure sign the extras are crap) on the disk.

"Scarface" (1983) is coming out again with a two disk set - but for those who don't know - there is an extensive documentary (about 35 mins.) on the original DVD that Universal doesn't even bother to mention on the box cover. (This is the "Collector's" edition - whatever the hell THAT means.)

The new 2 disk version includes a documentary called: "Def Jam presents The Origins of a Gangsta' (30 mins)" - what in god's name does a short like this have to do with this film? What in the fuck does Def Jam have to do with this film? Seriously - this is a horseshit excuse to throw some idiot extras on it and re-issue it yet again.

"Halloween" is being re-released - YET AGAIN - for it's 25th Anniversary. Jesus. Not much else on the disk that hasn't been seen before so WHAT GIVES? Who cares?! Look! It's P.J. Soles and Debra Hill re-visiting the site of the "original" Micheal Myers home. WHOOOPIIIIIEEEEEE!

It's almost as if the'll never stop making these deluxe, collector's special anniversary editions so I'm just going to have to be very selective in my purchases from now on.

This shit is out of hand.

[Chris Gore]

I too am getting sick of so many special editions. I must have bought Evil Dead four times. Has anyone else bought a DVD more than once to get the most recent "special" edition?

[Eric Campos]

Yeah, Anchor Bay whoring out Evil Dead every year with yet a new edition has just gone too far.

[Pete Vonder Haar]

Bruce Campbell mentioned there were something like seven separate "Army of Darkness" DVDs. There's a comparable number of "Return of the Living Dead" releases as well.

Why would anybody bother buying the LotR DVDs yet? Just wait for the 12-disc super-commemorative, double-live-gonzo deluxe set that'll come out some time next year.

Pete

[BuckyMcSatan]

I mean, if you were a total, gung ho consumer-driven cinephile, well, heck! You might just want 15 versions of "Army of Darkness" (...and I thought the "bootleg" version was the last of these, until the "boomstick" version!)

Honestly, as much as I love Raimi and his flicks, a film like AOD just doesn't merit this many re-releases. (Now, something like "The Godfather" could use another release considering the quality of the print on the current one.)

Call me a DVD snob, but another thing that irritates me about this whole thing is that if you want to get a price break on a DVD in a department store the local Zellers here (dunno what the equivalent is in the USA) stocks ONLY full screen! What is the point of DVD if not to have the choice of both formats? Aghhh!

I think in the case of LOTR - after the 4 disk extended versions, it's not like there's much to add after that, so you can be assured of getting it once - until it breaks or is played out.

Well, I'm all ranted out for the moment.

:mad:

[Pete Vonder Haar]

I liked the fact that some of the older DVDs ("Usual Suspects" comes to mind) had the option of full or widescreen, whereas now it's pretty much one or the other. I'm a widescreen fan myself, but I can see how someone with a smaller TV might want to go the other way.

Another thing that bugs me are how they can do multiple versions for certain movies when there are tons more that aren't even out on DVD yet.

Pete

[MikeWatt]

On the other hand, we still haven't seen the ten-plus-minute longer edition of ARMY OF DARKNESS that plays on Sci-Fi Channel every now and then.

A buddy of mine recommended to Anchor Bay that they start an "Army of Darkness of the Month Club". God knows I have four copies!

Mike Watt
www.hollywoodisburning.com

[squeaka]

yes guy can complait all you want but as long as you keep buying them they'll keep makin' em, simple math

[squeaka]

you guys can complain all you want but as long as you keep buying them they'll keep makin' em, simple math
simpler than typing

[BuckyMcSatan]

Why, I think squeaka has a point.

I vote to boycott the sales of all DVDs until they stop making them.

[El Duderino Diablo]

Hell with that, I have a Special Deluxe Collector's Extra Anniversary Edition of The Howling to add to the collection.

[BuckyMcSatan]

..and you know I just finally broke down and bought the first edition of the damn thing too!

Shoulda checked Amazon first...:(

[El Duderino Diablo]

Originally posted by Buck Satan
..and you know I just finally broke down and bought the first edition of the damn thing too!

Shoulda checked Amazon first...:(

I really do hate it when I do that and I've done it a few times.

[El Duderino Diablo]

Originally posted by MikeWatt

A buddy of mine recommended to Anchor Bay that they start an "Army of Darkness of the Month Club". God knows I have four copies!


The same could be said of Romero's Night of the Living Dead. While wading through all the crap available I'm willing to hazard a guess that the Millenium Edition might be the least tampered with version and thus the one to buy but I can't say for sure.
:confused:

[Pete Vonder Haar]

The Millennium Edition is the one I got. Go for that one.

Pete

[BuckyMcSatan]

...and whatever you do, stay far, far away from the 30th Anniversary Edition at all costs.

Streiner and Russo have magnaimously co-conspired to write, shoot, and edit new scenes shot on video into the original film.

This could not be a more asinine or boneheaded move on the parts of these two.

[El Duderino Diablo]

I know, I read Chris Gore's review of the 30th anniversary abomination version of NotLD. Sounds awful.

[mruzick3]

Okay, so I just want to thank everyone at FilmThreat that started this forum site AND this particular thread because I've been thinking about this subject for quite a while. Last Christmas Bravo decided to grace their viewers with the Godfather Saga on Christmas Day. I've never seen this particular version of it and didn't start watching it until it was in the middle of, what would be, part one.

This is when I started to realize...hey there's A LOT of extra, really good scenes here that I've never seen and make A LOT more sense when added to the movie. Unfortunately I picked up the movie at around 2am and was fading fast. Well, as many of you know, there isn't a version out there to own of this really complete Godfather Saga. And that pisses me off. Especially when you consider that the recently released "special" edition box set ($74-$100) of the triology has absolutley none of those scenes that make the movies complete (I just ain't gonna buy it, sorry Francis.)

Do I have to wait for the 50th anniversary of the first showing of the first Godfather in the first theatre before Francis, or his heirs, will release the entire series with ALL of the original footage and edits without me having to wade through shitty cable commercials and the ruthless censoring of neccessary foul language? :confused:

[whatismoving]

"Civilization is a limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities."
--Mark Twain

[El Duderino Diablo]

Originally posted by mruzick3
Do I have to wait for the 50th anniversary of the first showing of the first Godfather in the first theatre before Francis, or his heirs, will release the entire series with ALL of the original footage and edits without me having to wade through shitty cable commercials and the ruthless censoring of neccessary foul language? :confused:

If I remember correctly there was significant amount of footage that was left out of the theatrical versions of The Godfather and The Godfather Part II that were restored for their (cable) television premieres. When parts I and II were released on VHS in the eighties those "extended" or "restored" television versions were released also.
Look for The Godfather Saga on VHS, a multitape box set.

[bexley]

I'm still waiting for the Ultra-Mega Collectors Robtic Mega Special Edition of Porky's and Just One of the Guys...hmmm maybe even Something Special.

[Seedy Edgewick]

To the bastards' credit, they DID include a pristine version of the original NOTLD. It sported a new, digitally cleaned-up picture, re-mixed audio and a new music track that was as faithful as possible to the original.

Yes, it ALSO included that red-headed stepchild, but whattya gonna do? George & Co. forgot to put a copyright notice on the film, which is why you see so damn many versions of it at the video store. It also means people can do any goddamn thing they want with it.

Anyone seen "Night of the Living Bread?"

[Gabitsch]

Anchor Bay used to be the best company out there for this kind of stuff, but there are other dogs in the yard now. Synapse, Blue Underground and good old Elite are finding titles Anchor Bay won't even look sideways at. Money's always the answer. Why bother with "Wild Zero" or "Deadbeat at Dawn" when there's suckers out there who will pay for yet another edition of "Halloween"? (The new transfer of that movie is absolutely pitiful, by the way. Look for screen caps of it online, vs. the edition AB put out around 1998.)

Companies are going to put out what sells. Our job as consumers is to cast our vote for what we want... and what we don't want. Damn right I'm picking up the new "Day of the Dead." But I already own "Halloween" in two versions. A ten year old commentary track isn't going to do it for me. Does anyone really give a flip what Jamie Lee Curtis thinks about this movie anymore? I've already heard about her ripping on Donald Pleasance's scenes, and I frankly don't care to hear it personally. Besides, I thougth Myers sent her to cell phone hell in the last one...

You want high-quality discs for a decent price? Dig a little deeper than "Halloween" and "Evil Dead." Give Fangoria a reason to publish more stories on foreign and underground horror movies by ACTUALLY SEEING THE DAMN THINGS. This site would be a good start.

(Here's a challenge: We all dig "Star Wars," at least a little. But are there enough of us who hate the special editions and prequels that Lucasfilm would make less money than they thought when the eventual box set comes out? I say yes. They know what the old fans want. Don't give them any of your money until they give it to us.)

[Gabitsch]

I remember "Night of the Living Bread" from the old double-VHS from 1996 or so. I showed it to everyone I knew, and was mondo pissed when I heard it wasn't going to be on the AB disc. Then I heard about the new footage in the original "Night," and just about puked in my soup, as Carlin says. Thankfully, Elite came back with a better version about a year later. It's worth picking up, if you don't already have their old single disc.

And hey, if you cult fans are really interested in movies, take a risk on titles you've never heard of. If you can't rent them, read up on them. If it sounds cool, buy it on discount. If it sucks, at least you didn't pay that much for it. Better than buying "Evil Dead" again. I'm really hoping Film Threat DVD releases more features soon, especially some sick horror movies. I even found a few at Border's Books, next to the Troma movies. Too cool. Pick up "Unspeakable" from Troma. If you like stuff like "Maniac," and dig really sick humor, it's up your alley... even with the amateurish video fades and titles.

[Bongwater]

I've replaced plenty of discs that fix technology problems like anamorphic widescreen and flipper-discs (Usual Suspects, The X-Files... er... Tron :D).

There are a lot of money-grubbing early releases though that cater to the pre-order crowd and end up disappointing. I recall The Princess Bride being somewhat notable in this department. As well as the fully-loaded Nightmare Before Christmas that had the same crappy non-anamorphic transfer that the LAST disc had! :mad: Or the Willy Wonka fullscreen goofup.

As far as releases for extra features... I dunno. Pulp Fiction was a worthwhile upgrade I guess. And if the new label says Criterion, I'm sold. :D

Originally posted by Gabitsch
(Here's a challenge: We all dig "Star Wars," at least a little. But are there enough of us who hate the special editions and prequels that Lucasfilm would make less money than they thought when the eventual box set comes out? I say yes. They know what the old fans want. Don't give them any of your money until they give it to us.)

Hear hear.

[mruzick3]

Originally posted by Gabitsch
(Here's a challenge: We all dig "Star Wars," at least a little. But are there enough of us who hate the special editions and prequels that Lucasfilm would make less money than they thought when the eventual box set comes out? I say yes. They know what the old fans want. Don't give them any of your money until they give it to us.)

I second that emotion. To tell you the honest to God truth, I haven't seen the special (what makes them special again?) editions AND will probably never see them. I'm hanging on to my now discontinued widescreen video triology for dear life. Ain't nobody gonna mess with my memory. To go off on a little rant, I just think it is appalling what Lucas started when he fumbled those movies up. I've heard the back-lash from the ranch on how the fans are having a hard time coming to grips with a change after nearly thirty years, but to that I say phooey! Yeah, I saw these films as a kid, but did it stop after the theatre? The analysis of these films have been going on for years by more stable people than the uber-geeks sleeping in the parking lot of the Kodak Theatre. The point is, the original Star Wars movies are time capsules in a lot of ways; for filmmaking, for story telling, for special effects, for modern mythology, etc. They were products of their times, they were made using the resources available in the late seventies (rubber masks, mirrors in the desert, and all.) Most importantly, the films were a collaborative effort. Lucas taking those films and morphing them into HIS vision is, well..., it's just stealing. He wanted total control and now you have seen two results....let's have a third.

So, no I won't buy the DVD special editions either.

_______________________
Mike Ruzicka

[BuckyMcSatan]

So, I'm looking at the Monty Python and the Holy Grail (2-Disc Collector's Edition) DVD and other than the nice black box and a script of the film and a "cel" from the film, this "Collector's Edition" has EXACTLY the same extras and print of the film on my already purchased copy of Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Special Edition) DVD!!

So beware Python fans if you already have the "Special Edition". (Some one should come up with an "edition" definition system I still protest...)

"Life of Brian" has also been re-released to co-incide with "The Meaning of Life" 2 disk set. "Brian" has the film and nothing else on the disc in the way of extras - so the special whiz bang deluxe version of the Criterion disc is the way to go here - but for a "collector's edition markup from hell", of course.

Is this re-release DVD nightmare starting to flow backwards or something?

http://www.dailyllama.com/news/2003/llama205.html

[Bongwater]

I still have the non-anamorphic non-SE Holy Grail.

I wish the SE didn't feature that extra footage, but I'll probably break down and get it anyway.

[Key Largo]

When "Vanilla Sky" was going to come out on DVD, there was apparently already talks about another special edition containing featuers not on the first one. Why not just release a special edition first?

I am too sick of being screwed by DVD marketing and their never ending scam of tricking us into reopening our wallets.

Has anyone ever seen "Special Editions" of movies with no extra features on them at all?

[BuckyMcSatan]

If I recall, the original edition of "Seven" had jack shit on it other than the words "collector's edition".

My question is this;

How does "Interactive Menus" constitute a "special feature"???

Yes, could you please give me 5 minute 3d animated menus so it takes me longer to get the content?

That's so special, I find.

Or how about - and by god the movie is one of my faves but - how about the psychotic MAZE of hell you have to go through to see everything on Memento??? The test is a neat idea, but for god's sake!

They've even got the instructions to this magical mystery easter egg hunt online for those of you that gave up:
(THAT information would have been a nice "special feature", hmmm?)

http://www.dvdangle.com/fun_stuff/easter_eggs/memento_sle.html

[Bongwater]

Originally posted by Buck Satan
How does "Interactive Menus" constitute a "special feature"???


Sure it is. In Nineteen-Ninety Whatever. ;)

[AshDraven]

We've all been sucked in on the super duper special collectors edition scam. I've lost count of the 2nd or 3rd copies I've bought of movies I already owned including the VHS versions before the DVD copies. As for Army Of Darkness I'm up to 5 copies of that movie including the VHS copies.

[El Duderino Diablo]

Seems like a month of limited special collector's deluxe editions right now: Collector's The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, The Great Escape, Enter the Dragon, Universal/Alliance release of Naked Lunch (so soon after the Criterion issue?), a soon to be released 2-disc Videdrome from Criterion.
And I want them all, of course.

[BuckyMcSatan]

Originally posted by The Dude
Universal/Alliance release of Naked Lunch (so soon after the Criterion issue?), a soon to be released 2-disc Videdrome from Criterion.
And I want them all, of course.

Since DVDs have come out, Cronenberg movies have been the worst of the bunch. No commentaries, or little to nothing in the way of behind the scenes. I will be getting that Criterion "Naked Lunch" and the new "Videdrome" since neither have been given the "Special Edition" treatment they deserve.

It always drives me bananas that films like "Chairman of the Board" were among the first released on DVD and things of quality like the "Godfather" and possibly the "Star Wars" trilogy we have to wait eons for.

[El Duderino Diablo]

The other day I saw an ad for a special two-disc collector's, limited edition of Cronenberg's 1979 funnycar flick, Fast Company. I'm not sure what the demand was for that movie. I had Fast Company on tape for years and just couldn't make myself watch the whole thing.
That Alliance Naked Lunch disc definitely seems to be the economy version of the Criterion set. Depending on where you go for the description it's one or two discs with commentary by Cronenberg alone or Cronenberg and Peter Weller. At $30 CDN I think I'd also spend the extra $15 to get the Criterion set instead.