Interesting post on Shrek's affect on Disney DVD

[Luke]

Wow, thanks for the thorough explanation, netty.

[Jack]

I second that. Never thought I would know that much about branching, but I do now.

[2099net]

Going back to the point of this post, I'm not so sure Shrek did have an affect on Disney 2 disc sets.

Firstly, the only 2 disc sets released since then have been Pixar and Platinum. Platinum were always going to be 2 disc only, and I'm sure Pixar themselves, wanting to give the best value to their customers insisted on the 2 disc only release pattern.

Also Beauty and the Beast didn't have a full screen version, and Pixar have always offered this option. As for the R1 Sleeping Beauty release - although it is not OAR, there is a strong argument (even if you don't agree with it) for having both aspect ratios on the same disc, being as the film was made in 'scope.

It is true that disc contents have dumbed down since Shrek, but I don't blame Shrek for that - it's more indepth supplements were very good. I just think it's the concequence of mass appeal now DVD is more mainstream.

You know, even Sega dumbed down the play mechanics of their House of the Dead and Jet Set Radio games when they moved the franchises to the XBOX.

It appears everything has to appeal to as many people as possible these days. Forget quality if is alienates a large percentage of the population.

Yes, I know other animated films like Jonah and 8 Crazy Nights get 2 disc releases - but you could argue these are based on Disney's 2 disc sets. After all, Disney was doing 2 disc sets way before Dreamwork's Shrek.

I guess the test will come with the release of the January 2 disc editions. Will these be made to appeal to the masses, or will they be designed especially for collectors? It could go either way - especially on Lilo and Stitch where the single disc release is to remain in print.

[Joe Carioca]

I guess the test will come with the release of the January 2 disc editions. Will these be made to appeal to the masses, or will they be designed especially for collectors? It could go either way - especially on Lilo and Stitch where the single disc release is to remain in print.

I believe they are going to appeal to collectors, since the "family-friendly" editions were already released (though I don't see anything "family-friendly" about the "Pocahontas" video transfer). Disney only started this trend of doing collector's edition for everyone after they stopped releasing both standard and collector's editions for their films (Monsters, Inc.; Finding Nemo; Sleeping Beauty; the Platinums). But when there are two releases for two specific audiences, there's no need to worry about: the collector's editions are really for collectors (that means: no fluffy games!!!)

[Jack]

I guess the test will come with the release of the January 2 disc editions. Will these be made to appeal to the masses, or will they be designed especially for collectors? It could go either way - especially on Lilo and Stitch where the single disc release is to remain in print.

I believe they are going to appeal to collectors, since the "family-friendly" editions were already released (though I don't see anything "family-friendly" about the "Pocahontas" video transfer). Disney only started this trend of doing collector's edition for everyone after they stopped releasing both standard and collector's editions for their films (Monsters, Inc.; Finding Nemo; Sleeping Beauty; the Platinums). But when there are two releases for two specific audiences, there's no need to worry about: the collector's editions are really for collectors (that means: no fluffy games!!!)

Yes, I agree that the amount of appeal to enthusiasts really depends on wether or not there's already been a release or not.

And sorry Joe, but I'd bet hundreds there WILL be games on the upcoming 2-Disc SEs.

[Porce]

And sorry Joe, but I'd bet hundreds there WILL be games on the upcoming 2-Disc SEs.

I can see it now...

Alice in Wonderland: Special Edition
A classic Disney experience, with an extra disc of special features!

DISC ONE: THE MOVIE
- 1.33:1 Full Screen (OAR)
- "Catch the Cat" 3-D interactive game
- Fully animated 3-D menus

DISC TWO: SUPPLEMENTS
- Hillary Duff music video
- Coloring Fun - Color all of your favorite characters!
- Trivia Game
- Alice in Wonderland Maze Game
- Behind-the-Scenes - Find out how your favorite Disney movies are made, including MULAN, THE LION KING, LILO AND STITCH, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and others.

Oh yeah, there is also some silent Alice comedy shorts and in-depth behind-the-scenes features and concept art and Disneyland magic-themed episodes and an audio commentary, but nobody cares about that stuff...

[Jack]

And sorry Joe, but I'd bet hundreds there WILL be games on the upcoming 2-Disc SEs.

I can see it now...

Alice in Wonderland: Special Edition
A classic Disney experience, with an extra disc of special features!

DISC ONE: THE MOVIE
- 1.33:1 Full Screen (OAR)
- "Catch the Cat" 3-D interactive game
- Fully animated 3-D menus

DISC TWO: SUPPLEMENTS
- Hillary Duff music video
- Coloring Fun - Color all of your favorite characters!
- Trivia Game
- Alice in Wonderland Maze Game
- Behind-the-Scenes - Find out how your favorite Disney movies are made, including MULAN, THE LION KING, LILO AND STITCH, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and others.

Oh yeah, there is also some silent Alice comedy shorts and in-depth behind-the-scenes features and concept art and Disneyland magic-themed episodes and an audio commentary, but nobody cares about that stuff...

YEAH! And IN DEPTH documentaries on the various aspects of the movie!

-The Story - 1 minute
-The Characters - 30 seconds
-The Animation - 2 minutes
-The Music - 20 seconds
-The Release of the Movie - 10 seconds

[Joe Carioca]

Hey, don't let Disney hear you!!!

[Luke]

I really hope they don't waste space with a superflous Foolscreen transfer of Stitch and Pocahontas, and Mary Poppins for that matter. That they're going to be "Collector's Editions" has me suspecting they won't.