By
Robert Meyer Burnett
Okay, so sue me. This week's promised interview with DVD producer Michael Pellerin will just have to wait. He's busy delivering the final elements to New Line for the four-disc FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING Extended Version DVD. He didn't have more than a few moments to speak with me, other than to ask if my own piece on the editorial process of FELLOWSHIP would deliver to the studio by 9:30 Friday morning. Thankfully, I met the deadline, with about five minutes to spare. However, in those extra five minutes, I was able to get Michael to say a few words.
Since this site went active two weeks ago, I've been deluged with questions regarding the two announced FELLOWSHIP DVDs. New Line posted the specs of both discs, but apparently, much confusion still exists as to the state of digital affairs in Middle Earth. In the interest of viewer satisfaction, I was able to get Michael to clearly and succinctly explain the difference between the August Theatrical Release of THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING on DVD and November's Extended Version of FELLOWSHIP.
Michael explains, "DVDs usually have a variety of both artifacts that supported the release of the film, television specials, trailers, etc., combined with original materials created especially for the DVD. The August release of FELLOWSHIP will contain the award-winning theatrical version of the film and everything used to support the release of that version. From the Sci-Fi Channel program, the Web-site featurettes, trailers, television spots, etc., it's all here. The disc will also contain an exclusive, 10-minute, behind-the-scenes preview of THE TWO TOWERS and a three-minute preview of the Extended Version DVD, which I produced.
"The November release will contain the brand-new Extended Version of the feature and many, many hours of exclusively produced material, all approved by Peter Jackson himself, to support the Extended Version. Nothing from the August release will appear on the November edition. No duplication at all. So actually, for the true fan, FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING is a six-disc special edition split into two parts."
Personally, I think New Line's strategy here is sound. It allows the regular Wal-Mart or Best Buy consumer the option of purchasing the film they loved in theaters without incurring the extra cost of an additional four discs they might not otherwise be interested in.
Oh, sure, I can hear you die-hards out there already bitching at New Line. But consider the alternative. What if New Line ONLY released an all-encompassing six-disc version of FELLOWSHIP for 70 or 80 bucks? Can you imagine the consumer outcry? That would be like Universal charging 70 bucks for a special edition of E.T. containing both the original version and the recent, digitally altered 20th-anniversary re-release. Oh...wait a minute...
So I'm in favor of New Line's decision to release two versions of the FELLOWSHIP DVD. My mom Nancy can go out and buy the August release at K-Mart and live happily ever after while I get my Extended Version from my favorite online retailer. But who am I kidding? Any reader of this column knows we're all buying both versions anyway, so what difference does it make?
A CONTEST FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY
I've received a lot of e-mail from folks this past week who want to know where they can get their grubby little mitts
on that four-disc STAR WARS -- THE ORIGINAL VISION DVD set ... complete with that fun disc of supplements.
Well ... I don't have any answers for you people ... but seeing as I have ONE EXTRA SET of the DVDs, I've decided to run a little contest in honor of not just American Independence, but the spirit of human freedom and imagination the world over.
So, instead of blowing yourself up this Fourth of July holiday, instead take a few moments to tell me about your favorite film and why it's important to you. Simple as that.
I'm not looking for anything in particular ... just an answer that warms my heart as much as AMELIE does. Each week, I'll post my favorite response so far ... so you all know who you're competing against. I reserve the exclusive right to arbitrarily decide the winner ... the judging criteria is completely subjective to my mood at the time. I'll announce the winner on Sunday, August 4th at the "Starship Smackdown" panel at the San Diego Comic-Con. Then, I'll get in touch with you and send you copies of the discs.
POST ALL RESPONSES IN THE TALKBACK TO THIS COLUMN. CONTEST ENTRIES SENT DIRECTLY TO ME WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.
There are no restrictions of any kind. I don't care if you're six or 60.
All I ask is that you own a rather new DVD player, as the STAR WARS discs don't play well in PlayStation 2s or older DVD players.
Good Luck and Have a Better Day.
Robert Meyer Burnett will appear in Minneapolis at the "Convergence" convention over the Fourth of July weekend.
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