Tech Soapbox Rant : Blu-Ray DVDs Need To Revamped For Sales

January 8, 2010

Movies are a big deal in my household, very big deal. All movies are broken down into five categories:

See it in regular movie theater
See it in IMAX (4.5 hours drive)
Netflix or rent It
Buy It
Skip It

Movies Search

Since we do not have television (cable, DTV nor satilitte) so we are not influenced by over commercialization. We do watch content online, which means that we do have limited commercials announcing movies, but the rule goes “too much advertising” means it is either costing too much to fail or it just sucks. So the question remains, how do we find about movies?

IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/)
TWOP (http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/)
Variety (http://www.variety.com/)
Empire Magazine (http://www.empireonline.com/)
G4TV (http://g4tv.com/wii)

Where Do We Watch

We have a local theater, six blocks away, that show the latest six films. Since we live in a small town we are limited in our picks. One hour and twenty minutes we have access to more movies. The only problem is that “one night only showings” are always in the middle of the week, so we have to skip some great film. But the biggest city with independent films, IMAX movies and more current films is four and a half hours drive. Lucky for us we have a small (540 sq ft) co-op apartment located in the cities. Why would we drive almost three hours (RT) to see a movie? The biggest reason have been the two RiffTrax live screenings second has always been IMAX movies while last on the list is incorporating visiting family with a movie.

At home, we have a 9′ screen, a ceiling projector, 7.1 surround sound system (only using 5.1), Roku, Wii, Classic XBox, Windows XP with VPN, DVD player and very comfortable seating (thanks Tommy). We have create our own home cinema and we love our slowly growing DVD collection.

Blu-Ray Won, So What

The high-definition movie disc battle between HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc can be traced all the way back to 2000, when companies began experimenting with using new blue lasers in optical disc systems. It was a long road for Blu-Ray, but it as if nothing happened at all and we are now back to DVD vs Blu-Ray. What is the biggest feature, the pop-up menu, which allows you to access the menu functions while the movie continues playing — wow. Some have picture-in-picture video commentary and there was supposed to be Blu-ray players which to download special content via DVD.

It is said the video and audio have better quality, but that is only true if you have the latest and greatest technology to support the new functions. Which means for most people there will be no change. You have to invest at least $1500 for a decent screen and another $500 for sound system; forgot at least $150-$200 for a good Blu-ray player.

After all that investment Hollywood doesn’t have your back. The prices of limited Blu-ray movies don’t make it worth buying (3 times the price of a regular DVD), only option is renting. Also, forget taking the movie on the road, unless you invest another $150 for a portable Blu-ray player. It is not like you can take it on vacation to play it on standard computers or mini-vans (for the record we own a Jetta TDI).

Regular DVDs Are Worth The Effort

When a DVD is put out quickly is a good sign that the DVD will be crappy. Basically it will be theatrical release on a disc vs a DVD experience. What would make us buy a DVD when you can easily rent it or download it (legally or illegally)? Here are a few reasons we end up buying the DVDs.

Director’s Cut – movies are spliced and cut in the name of profit. The executives take away the vision of the Director for the sake of time and money. Getting the director’s cut is the only way to watch a film, as it was fully intended. Most people just accept the film as-is, but so much is missing.
Director’s Commentary – commentary especially from director and writer’s point of view. Why this shot? What was your plan here? Why did you keep this shot instead of a different angle?
Actor’s Commentary – this is a great insight of movies and the actor’s mind. This commentary has to be on a different track than the Director’s, unless it is a comedy.
Spoofs – The best DVDs have a spoof track.
Making Of – Great movies that use CGI are worth watching how it was made, sometimes. But only worth it if is a documentary in itself, not some lame actor walking around the set, talking to the programmer and pretend he/she is everyone’s bud.
Pop-Up Trivia – this is sort of like “Pop-up Video” from VH1, but it has slowly made it to DVDs. It shows the entire movie with Pop-up trivia or quirky information.
Closed Captioning CC – this is a must have for most movies. No, I am not deaf but any film buff will tell you that the CC is a huge help even with English speaking films and musicals. You do not get CC from Amazon, Netflix or any other streaming options.
Watchable – There are movies that are just full of substance that you can’t help watching it over and over again.
Limited – Some movies are just not for rent or available in the US. The only way to get them is via DVD overseas.

But all these extras are available on a regular DVD so why would I rent or buy a more expensive Blu-ray DVD? There has to be something that stands out, and not a digital copy (all kinds of shrinking software is available free/commercial). Why should I invest in a Blue-ray player and spend almost twice the amount for a Blu-ray?

What Would Make Me Buy Blu-ray

Blu-ray DVD cost considerably more than regular DVDs and do not offer much of a difference in DVD package. There might be a bit more extra commentary and an ever so worthless digital copy, but on a whole Blu-ray doesn’t bring much to the table. There has to be that “Wow” factor that has me dig deep into my pockets and buy the Blu-ray. Here are suggestions:

Multiple Versions on One

All on one Blu-ray package have the Director’s Cut, theatrical release and extended edition. For example; “Lord of the Rings” trilogy should have both the theatrical release and extended edition. I should not have to buy two products of the same movie.

Regular DVD Included

Forget the digital copy, actually put a regular DVD in the package. Some distributors have started, but it has to be a standard with all Blu-ray movies.

Complete Series

Any season/episode program released on Blu-ray should not limit to a single season/episode. For example; “Corner Gas” is no longer in production and the regular DVD is split up into each season, but the Blu-ray should have all season 1-6. There is no reason someone would want just one season on Blu-ray and it is ridiculous to “spread” distribution. The “Disney vault” is stupid and bad business practice, do don’t start it with Blu-ray releases.

RiffTrax Commentary

What is RiffTrax? RiffTrax are downloadable audio commentaries featuring comedian Michael J. Nelson heckling (or riffing) films in the style of Mystery Science Theater 3000, a TV show in which Nelson was the head writer, and later the host. The RiffTrax are sold online and delivered by digital download. RiffTrax commentaries must be synchronized at the start of the movie using a cue and it is not always perfect. Here’s a sample from Star Trek:

Like the odometer on your 1984 Plymouth Reliant rolling back over to zero, the Star Trek series gets a reset! The previous thirty-eight films had barely begun to scratch the surface of these fascinating characters, and so Star Trek is back to answer all your burning questions: Whatâ’s Scottyâ’s favorite brand of bacon? Why does no one seize the moment and slap the hell out of Chekov? Why does Uhura jam that huge piece of machined steel into her ear? Was Spockâ’s mom younger than him, and which uncle taught him that nerve pinchy thing?

A tour de force of shameless retconning, Star Trek nevertheless introduces a bold new sci-fi innovation: time travel! And black holes! And characters meeting themselves! And ice planets! And evil nemeses who vow revenge! And ship flybys! These are by themselves very compelling reasons to watch, but Star Trek gives you an even more compelling oneâ”to learn Uhuraâ’s first name. Sure, you never knew she didnâ’t have a first name, it was never an issue for you, and you havenâ’t even given it one millisecondâ’s thought, but at last you get to find out! (Itâ’s Nyota, by the way.)

Mike, Kevin and Bill self-consciously tug down their red Federation uniform tops and go boldly into Star Trek!

Standard Options

Any Blu-ray distribution must meet, minimally these five things on each Blu-ray release:

Theatrical Release **
Director’s Cut
Director’s Commentary
Main Actor’s Commentary
Entertaining Commentary (pop-up or triva)
Documentary on CGI, Location, Pre-Production and/or Post Production
Extended Edition

** Regular DVDs should not have anything else except the theatrical release. If it has anything except the movie, why should I buy the Blu-ray?

Bottom Line

If you want me to buy Blu-ray DVDs then make sure there is a real difference in content between a regular DVD and a Blu-ray. Right now, I just see a few extras that a Blu-ray DVD would have compared to a regular DVD. For example: “Star Trek”:

DVD	Blu-Ray
Disc 1: Commentaryâ”By director J.J. Abrams, writers Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof and executive producer Bryan Burk. A New Visionâ” J.J. Abramsâ’ vision was not only to create a Star Trek that was a bigger, more action-packed spectacle but also to make the spectacle feel real. Every aspect of productionâ”from unique locations to the use of classic Hollywood camera tricksâ”was guided by this overall objective. Gag Reelâ”Bloopers featuring the entire principal cast.	Disc 1: Commentaryâ”By director J.J. Abrams, writers Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof and executive producer Bryan Burk NASA Newsâ” This BD-Live feature gives viewers access to the latest NASA news about real space exploration. Learn about new mission developments and check out featured imagery from around the universe
Disc 2: * Digital Copy * Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary Spock Birth Klingons Take Over Narada Young Kirk, Johnny and Uncle Frank Amanda and Sarek Argue After Spock Fights Prison Interrogation and Breakout Sarek Gets Amanda Dorm Room and Kobayashi Maru (original version) Kirk Apologizes to the Green Girl Sarek Sees Spock To Boldly Goâ” Taking on the worldâ’s most beloved science fiction franchise was no small mission. Director J.J. Abrams, writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof, and executive producer Bryan Burk talk about the many challenges they faced and their strategy for success. Castingâ” The producers knew their greatest task was finding the right cast to reprise these epic roles. The cast, for their part, talk about the experience of trying to capture the essence of these mythic characters. The piece concludes with a moving tribute to Leonard Nimoy. Aliensâ” Designers Neville Page and Joel Harlow talk about the hurdles they faced creating new alien species, recreating the Romulans and Vulcans, and designing the terrifying creatures on Delta Vega for the new Star Trek. Scoreâ” As a fan of the original series, composer Michael Giacchino embraced the challenge of creating new music for Star Trek while preserving the spirit of Alexander Courageâ’s celebrated theme. STAR TREK D-A-C Free Trial Game for XBOX 360 Weblink to the STAR TREK D-A-C Free Trial Game for PC Weblink to the STAR TREK D-A-C Free Trial Game for PlayStation Network	Disc 2: To Boldly Goâ” Taking on the worldâ’s most beloved science fiction franchise was no small mission. Director J.J. Abrams, writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof, and executive producer Bryan Burk talk about the many challenges they faced and their strategy for success. Castingâ” The producers knew their greatest task was finding the right cast to reprise these epic roles. The cast, for their part, talk about the experience of trying to capture the essence of these mythic characters. The piece concludes with a moving tribute to Leonard Nimoy. A New Visionâ” J.J. Abramsâ’ vision was not only to create a Star Trek that was a bigger, more action-packed spectacle but also to make the spectacle feel real. Every aspect of productionâ”from unique locations to the use of classic Hollywood camera tricksâ”was guided by this overall objective. Starshipsâ”Abrams and production designer Scott Chambliss were careful to pay tribute to the design of the original Enterprise, but they also wanted to make it futuristic and cool for a modern audience. This chapter focuses on the unique stories behind the creation of the filmâ’s starships. Aliensâ” Designers Neville Page and Joel Harlow talk about the hurdles they faced creating new alien species, recreating the Romulans and Vulcans, and designing the terrifying creatures on Delta Vega for the new Star Trek. Planetsâ” From the frozen landscape of Delta Vega to the desert plains of Vulcan, Scott Chambliss and the art department had a number of radically different planets to create. Abramsâ’ desire to shoot on real locations whenever possible led the production team to a number of strange and surprising locations. Props and Costumesâ” Property master Russell Bobbitt had the unique challenge of designing props that were both true to the original series and pertinent to todayâ’s technology. Likewise, costume designer Michael Kaplan talks about how he designed costumes that paid homage to what came before yet were relevant and timeless. Ben Burtt and the Sounds of Star Trekâ” When famed sound designer Ben Burtt was hired to create sounds for the first Star Wars film, he took his inspiration from the original â’Star Trekâ’ series. Burtt jumped at the opportunity to pay tribute to the sounds that sparked his career with the sounds he created for the new Star Trek. Scoreâ” As a fan of the original series, composer Michael Giacchino embraced the challenge of creating new music for Star Trek while preserving the spirit of Alexander Courageâ’s celebrated theme. Starfleet Vessel Simulatorâ”Explore extensive data on the U.S.S. Enterprise and the Romulan ship, the Narada. Submerse yourself in breathtaking 360° views and close-ups, review detailed tech information and even launch weapon simulations. Gag Reelâ” Bloopers featuring the entire principal cast. Gene Roddenberryâ’s Visionâ” J.J. Abrams, Leonard Nimoy, previous Star Trek writers and producers, and scientific consultant Carolyn Porco describe and commend the optimistic and enduring vision of Gene Roddenberry. Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary Spock Birth Klingons Take Over Narada Young Kirk, Johnny and Uncle Frank Amanda and Sarek Argue After Spock Fights Prison Interrogation and Breakout Sarek Gets Amanda Dorm Room and Kobayashi Maru (original version) Kirk Apologizes to the Green Girl Sarek Sees Spock
No Disc 3	Disc 3: STAR TREK D-A-C Free Trial Game for XBOX 360 Weblink to the STAR TREK D-A-C Free Trial Game for PC Weblink to the STAR TREK D-A-C Free Trial Game for PlayStation Network

DVD

Blu-Ray

Disc 1:

Commentaryâ”By director J.J. Abrams, writers Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof and executive producer Bryan Burk.
A New Visionâ” J.J. Abramsâ’ vision was not only to create a Star Trek that was a bigger, more action-packed spectacle but also to make the spectacle feel real. Every aspect of productionâ”from unique locations to the use of classic Hollywood camera tricksâ”was guided by this overall objective.
Gag Reelâ”Bloopers featuring the entire principal cast.

Disc 1:

Commentaryâ”By director J.J. Abrams, writers Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof and executive producer Bryan Burk
NASA Newsâ” This BD-Live feature gives viewers access to the latest NASA news about real space exploration. Learn about new mission developments and check out featured imagery from around the universe

Disc 2:

* Digital Copy
* Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary
- Spock Birth
- Klingons Take Over Narada
- Young Kirk, Johnny and Uncle Frank
- Amanda and Sarek Argue After Spock Fights
- Prison Interrogation and Breakout
- Sarek Gets Amanda
- Dorm Room and Kobayashi Maru (original version)
- Kirk Apologizes to the Green Girl
- Sarek Sees Spock

To Boldly Goâ” Taking on the worldâ’s most beloved science fiction franchise was no small mission. Director J.J. Abrams, writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof, and executive producer Bryan Burk talk about the many challenges they faced and their strategy for success.
Castingâ” The producers knew their greatest task was finding the right cast to reprise these epic roles. The cast, for their part, talk about the experience of trying to capture the essence of these mythic characters. The piece concludes with a moving tribute to Leonard Nimoy.
Aliensâ” Designers Neville Page and Joel Harlow talk about the hurdles they faced creating new alien species, recreating the Romulans and Vulcans, and designing the terrifying creatures on Delta Vega for the new Star Trek.
Scoreâ” As a fan of the original series, composer Michael Giacchino embraced the challenge of creating new music for Star Trek while preserving the spirit of Alexander Courageâ’s celebrated theme.

STAR TREK D-A-C Free Trial Game for XBOX 360
Weblink to the STAR TREK D-A-C Free Trial Game for PC
Weblink to the STAR TREK D-A-C Free Trial Game for PlayStation Network

Disc 2:

To Boldly Goâ” Taking on the worldâ’s most beloved science fiction franchise was no small mission. Director J.J. Abrams, writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof, and executive producer Bryan Burk talk about the many challenges they faced and their strategy for success.
Castingâ” The producers knew their greatest task was finding the right cast to reprise these epic roles. The cast, for their part, talk about the experience of trying to capture the essence of these mythic characters. The piece concludes with a moving tribute to Leonard Nimoy.
A New Visionâ” J.J. Abramsâ’ vision was not only to create a Star Trek that was a bigger, more action-packed spectacle but also to make the spectacle feel real. Every aspect of productionâ”from unique locations to the use of classic Hollywood camera tricksâ”was guided by this overall objective.
Starshipsâ”Abrams and production designer Scott Chambliss were careful to pay tribute to the design of the original Enterprise, but they also wanted to make it futuristic and cool for a modern audience. This chapter focuses on the unique stories behind the creation of the filmâ’s starships.
Aliensâ” Designers Neville Page and Joel Harlow talk about the hurdles they faced creating new alien species, recreating the Romulans and Vulcans, and designing the terrifying creatures on Delta Vega for the new Star Trek.
Planetsâ” From the frozen landscape of Delta Vega to the desert plains of Vulcan, Scott Chambliss and the art department had a number of radically different planets to create. Abramsâ’ desire to shoot on real locations whenever possible led the production team to a number of strange and surprising locations.
Props and Costumesâ” Property master Russell Bobbitt had the unique challenge of designing props that were both true to the original series and pertinent to todayâ’s technology. Likewise, costume designer Michael Kaplan talks about how he designed costumes that paid homage to what came before yet were relevant and timeless.
Ben Burtt and the Sounds of Star Trekâ” When famed sound designer Ben Burtt was hired to create sounds for the first Star Wars film, he took his inspiration from the original â’Star Trekâ’ series. Burtt jumped at the opportunity to pay tribute to the sounds that sparked his career with the sounds he created for the new Star Trek.
Scoreâ” As a fan of the original series, composer Michael Giacchino embraced the challenge of creating new music for Star Trek while preserving the spirit of Alexander Courageâ’s celebrated theme. Starfleet Vessel Simulatorâ”Explore extensive data on the U.S.S. Enterprise and the Romulan ship, the Narada. Submerse yourself in breathtaking 360° views and close-ups, review detailed tech information and even launch weapon simulations. Gag Reelâ” Bloopers featuring the entire principal cast.
Gene Roddenberryâ’s Visionâ” J.J. Abrams, Leonard Nimoy, previous Star Trek writers and producers, and scientific consultant Carolyn Porco describe and commend the optimistic and enduring vision of Gene Roddenberry.

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary
- Spock Birth
- Klingons Take Over Narada
- Young Kirk, Johnny and Uncle Frank
- Amanda and Sarek Argue After Spock Fights
- Prison Interrogation and Breakout
- Sarek Gets Amanda
- Dorm Room and Kobayashi Maru (original version)
- Kirk Apologizes to the Green Girl
- Sarek Sees Spock

No Disc 3

Disc 3:

STAR TREK D-A-C Free Trial Game for XBOX 360
Weblink to the STAR TREK D-A-C Free Trial Game for PC
Weblink to the STAR TREK D-A-C Free Trial Game for PlayStation Network

Tell me why should I buy the Blu-ray? Why should I get a Blu-ray player, invest in a new television set, new sound system? There really isn’t anything extra on the Blu-ray I couldn’t find online. If the regular DVD had only the theaterical release or Blu-ray had the Rifftrax Star Trek I would be first in line. Until then, I will be sticking with my regular DVD player and invest in a region free player.

The Contemplation

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