If you want better Platinums, then READ

[Prince Phillip]

It seems a lot of people have been crying about the current condition of the BATB and TLK Platinums. And I'm tired of it. Instead of everyone whinning about fluffy extras and such, and prophecizing, terrible PE's of Aladdin and The Little Mermaid, we should all be contacting disney and telling them what we want. Don't just write to, or call up disney and say, your current Platinums suck, tell them what you want on them draft your leter, or plan what you want to say and give them ideas. Aladdin and The Little Mermaid are still a year and 2 away so there is definate time to voice your concerns and hope that our concerns result in killer Platinum editions for the future!

You can't expect the people at disney to change what they are doing, unless we, the consumers, tell them what we want, what they aree doing wrong and how they can change it.

Now, a couple of months ago, Buena Vista stopped putting little sheets of paper, with chapter listings, already found on the DVD, and everyone threw a big hissy fit and called up and e-mailed their complaints, and within a month or so the problem was corrected. They started including inserts again. YEAY

But now there is a real problem, and we can't just sit around doing nothing but cursing disney, and their "lack of respect" for the classics. It is time we told them what we want, otherwise we will end up with crap!

So go, run your letters and speechs by us if you want, every one voice that speaks out is important, and can help bring us closer to our goal!

I'm going to plan out what I'm going to them them now...

[Jack]

I actually considered calling up Disney and giving them suggestions on including more in-depth material on the PEs, but I don't really think us doing this would have as big an effect as it did with the the inserts.

The majority of the DVD consumers for movies like BATB & TLK are families, and thats exactly what the extras are taylored to. The hard-core Disney fans on the net are the only ones I've ever heard complain about the extras, and most of the other people I know who've bought Beauty and the Beast thought it was a great DVD.

[Maerj]

Jack nailed this one. There is no problem finding extras for the discs, they know exactly what to put on them because they already did it! They did it with the Laserdisc box sets! Why do you think the Snow White set was so good? It was an almost direct copy of the LD, although they left off one of the still frame galleries. So the material is there and they have already 'done it right,' they are just trying to appeal to a wider audience (families) now, so we aren't getting as many of the in depth extras like we used to. Hrumph!

On the other hand, the only people buying the big, expensive LD Box Sets were the hardcore movie fans, generally not families. so, they were catering to that audience exclusively. They had barebones, movie-only versions that were much cheaper and I imagine that families bought those.

[Jack]

Another thing: Disney is far from "disrespecting the classics" as you say. Yes, the extras could be much better. But look at what we ARE getting on TLK: Over 3 hours of bonuses, great transfer, awesome sound. This is far from disrespecting the film.

[Prince Phillip]

Another thing: Disney is far from "disrespecting the classics" as you say. Yes, the extras could be much better. But look at what we ARE getting on TLK: Over 3 hours of bonuses, great transfer, awesome sound. This is far from disrespecting the film.

I never said that I thought they were disrespecting the classics, but I have heard a lot of people saying things to that effect lately.

I'm sure they have content from those LD box sets, but as I do not own any, nor do I know what content is on them, it makes little difference to me. Besides which I know that there is plenty more they could add 10 years later, present day.

Now, it is my thought that maybe when the second wave comes around, on HD-DVD, we will see more Platinums that catter to the hardcore fans, as HD-DVD's are suppose to be for the movie lovers with 60+ inch widescreen TV's and $1,000+ stereo systems. (Atleast that's what I've heard, there a few threads floating around about this so I will check them out later.)

Still I understand that these Platinums are geared more toward families, and I don't mind the content for the children, in fact I welcome it, as after all, these movies are for the children as much as the adults, but that doesn't mean that they can't do better with the content for each generation. Kids hate crap, as much as adults do! That's why if I write into them with suggestions I will also have game/activity suggestions. I think the Sleeping Beauty Personality game, was the best Personality game so far, and I will be playing the Lion King one, to see how good that one is, but the game, still had some lamo questions/answers and even kids recognize when things are done a bit cheaply...

Any way that's all I have to add for now. As I said before, The Lion King seems to be a substantial DVD from what I can see, and I did enjoy the BATB PE, but at the same time there were a few more things I think they could have included, and that's not as a die hard fan, of disney or the movie, but rather just a curious consumer, wanting to know everything he can. I am however a diehard Aladdin fan, and a huge fan of the Little Mermaid and I want those DVD's to be the best that they can possibly be, I don't want them to simply be (ahhhhh... I can't think of the word, but I don't want disney to do just enough to make it substantial, they should be going above and beyond, for all these Platinum titles)

[Jack]

I never said that I thought they were disrespecting the classics

"Lack of Respect" = disrespect

[Tascar]

If Disney wants the world to think that their films are the masterpieces they claim to be, then they ought to treat them as such.

To say that this DVD includes 3 hours of bonuses is completely misleading figure. First of all, the commentary is included in that. So that shaves off 1.5 hours. And then you consider that a great deal of these supplements are kid oriented and have little or nothing to do with the making of the film.

So now all you have is a DVD with a great transfer and awesome sound with anywhere between 1 hour to 1.5 hours of supplements on the film itself plus a commentary. Sorry, but this seems like a rather common special edition that is practically the standard these days. Pearl Harbor had a better special edition than The Lion King, and I'd be hard pressed to find anyone that would think that Pearl Harbor were more deserving of that treatment than The Lion King.

If Disney wants to continue aiming their preminum releases for kids, then while I don't think it necessarily shows disrespect towards the movie, but it makes it clear to me that Disney only considers their movie a kids movie and chooses to throw in little that would interest animation buffs, movie buffs, Disneyphiles, and other more intellectual audiences, then Disney should stop competing with serious films like The Lord of the Rings and compete with Universal and The Land Before Time 16. But the truth is that Disney doesn't feel this way. They expect their animated films to make the type of money that big films make and they want you to think that their movies are Academy Award quality. Disney pushed The Lion King for Best Picture. They really really wanted this to be that animated film that won Best Picture. But to now put out a release that is "kid oriented" just seems hypocritical to their own expectations and views of the film.

[2099net]

I never said that I thought they were disrespecting the classics

"Lack of Respect" = disrespect

To be fair, Phillip put this in quotes and possibly attributed it to other postings on this and other Internet forums.

To say that this DVD includes 3 hours of bonuses is completely misleading figure. First of all, the commentary is included in that. So that shaves off 1.5 hours. And then you consider that a great deal of these supplements are kid oriented and have little or nothing to do with the making of the film.

In fact, it doesn't include the commentary. The 3 hours plus figure is taken from the BBFC database for the UK release, which lists all the supplements and their running times, but not the commentary which is classified seperately. Of course, it does include all of the various branch points in the set-top games, and nonsense like the Circle of Stars material.

See this thread in International DVD.

I do welcome the children's features. I do. Honest. But it appears to be going to far these days. Circle of Stars... and a making of as well ?!?!? What has any of this got to do with The Lion King?

I think Disney did take some of the complaints from the 'hardcore' fans into account this year - that's why we are getting the option of buying the 'gift set'.

I will wait until my copy arrives, then I will email Disney, and make suggestions for other content for the next gift set, while also complimenting them on having the foresight of releasing THIS gift set in the first place. Ideally I would like to see an exclusive third DVD covering materials more suited to hardcore fans (and trailers! if indeed the trailers are missing from The Lion King!)

[Prince Phillip]

I never said that I thought they were disrespecting the classics, but I have heard a lot of people saying things to that effect lately.

"Lack of Respect" = disrespect

Read the whole thing before you make a smart remark.

If you don't want to hear my opinion on the matter read Tascar's right above this one. It pretty much states all that needs to be said on the matter.

[Jack]

Read the whole thing before you make a smart remark.

If you don't want to hear my opinion on the matter read Tascar's right above this one. It pretty much states all that needs to be said on the matter.

That wasn't an attempt to make a smart remark. I understand what you're saying. I'm just explaining that when I said "disrespect", I was referring to the part of your post that read "Lack of respect".

[GoodLikeThat]

I'm sure they have content from those LD box sets, but as I do not own any, nor do I know what content is on them, it makes little difference to me. Besides which I know that there is plenty more they could add 10 years later, present day.

That's kind of silly to say. How much more could you add to Beauty and the Beast or The Lion King.. or any of the early to mid 90's films? I think Disney has presented what they feel is important enough to include on these DVDs. I mean.. what do you want them to add? Every pencil test and peice of concept art? Merchandise from every year since the film came out? Information about mediocre sequels and cartoon series? Personally I want to know about the film itself .. and these DVDs have provided just that and I believe most people are satisfied.

[Prince Adam]

I'm sure they have content from those LD box sets, but as I do not own any, nor do I know what content is on them, it makes little difference to me. Besides which I know that there is plenty more they could add 10 years later, present day.

That's kind of silly to say. How much more could you add to Beauty and the Beast or The Lion King.. or any of the early to mid 90's films? I think Disney has presented what they feel is important enough to include on these DVDs. I mean.. what do you want them to add? Every pencil test and peice of concept art? Merchandise from every year since the film came out? Information about mediocre sequels and cartoon series? Personally I want to know about the film itself .. and these DVDs have provided just that and I believe most people are satisfied.

As much as you may not like all that "mediocre" stuff like sequels, and cartoon series, and merchandise: all that is part of the film's legacy and should be treated as such-therefore included somewhere on the DVD.

[indianajdp]

I haven't read all of the replies just yet...just wanted to commend you, PP, for the content of your initial post. Yes it's easy to bitch and moan and say what should be done, so why not direct that "energy" somewhere that it might actually make a difference?

Of course the ULTIMATE way to make a statement if we are not happy with an offering is to just not buy it. But I'm too weak for that approach.

[catNC]

i have so many different opinions on this issue, i can't make up my mind. i do find some of the childish material a waste of space on the discs as far as my viewing enjoyment goes. nevertheless, i always go through the "kid section" of the dvd. i understand the need for material of that sort to be on the disc.

one other point to think about. try considering if you weren't a disneyphile and you just wanted the movie for the sake of the movie, and you didn't want to shell out $30 a pop for a movie loaded down the extras and supplements. i like the way the set up is for the newer releases.. release it to dvd fast without a lot of extras and then later come out with the special or collectors editions.. i know though disney would never do that with the platinums.

anyway, just a thought

[Luke]

one other point to think about. try considering if you weren't a disneyphile and you just wanted the movie for the sake of the movie, and you didn't want to shell out $30 a pop for a movie loaded down the extras and supplements. i like the way the set up is for the newer releases.. release it to dvd fast without a lot of extras and then later come out with the special or collectors editions.. i know though disney would never do that with the platinums.

Disney hasn't really done the two-tiered releases in a while. Well, they're kind of doing something like it for Lilo & Stitch, but it's less reflective of a staggered release, then a change in policy. I don't like when they do separate releases, because it means a price increase of $10 for us. Their single discs are overpriced at $29.99, so the 2-disc sets are fair at $29.99. Heck, every other studio (well, save for Universal, I guess) does 2-disc sets for $29.99 or lower. Of course, for things like the Platinums and Pixar 2-discers, they'll be under $20 in most stores the first week. That's where the bare, P&S degrading videocassettes were approaching before DVD pretty much put them in the grave.

[catNC]

i do agree with you luke. as far as catering to everyone, the collector's and the "families" who aren't sooo interested in extras (at least extras like the making of, the history, etc, etc..) have we reached the happiest medium of features that disney would ever give us on a 2 disc set? i personally, as a 25 year old film/history buff, would love many more "historical" features, but i totally understand where disney is coming from, as a business standpoint, for releasing the 2 disc sets with the material they do.

[Mermaid Kelly]

??? This is confusing...I like the Platiniums . I don't really want them to change!

[ZOOMBOOM0688]

I like them but i think they should have more interviews with the cast and show premere videos and some more fun stuff i know a lot of people don't like the little games but they should make the games more entertaining and put more stuff like the personality quizes (but the question should be better) and last but not least MORE DVD-ROM EXTRAS For example: RE-voice studio I love it on the Shrek DVD ......

[Tangela]

I don't really care about the "great" movie Platinums, I won't be interested in them until 'The Rescuers' is included. That movie could have had a great edition since it was an extraordinary movie, better than the Lion King anyhow...

[Prince Phillip]

I want to touch on what a few people said, but I'm not using a whole bunch of qoutes.

First of all, Tangela, I think Sleepining Beauty should have made the first Platinum cut, when there were just 10, but unfortunately they went with video sales, and I'm sorry but Rescuers didn't make the cut, there is however, hoope for a 2 disc maybe...

GoodLikeThat, you could add a lot about the movie to those and not talk about the sequels and stuff. How about showing us some of the musical numbers from the broadway show that weren't in the movie. How about the deleted scenes that I hear were on the LD but not the DVD. I'd like to hear more about Walt's first 2 attampts to make BATB a feature. How did the story develope, ok this was touched on a bit, but could always be touched on more. I would personally LOVE cast interviews, sorta a 10 year annimversary reunion interview, where they talk about their experiences making the film and how it has effected their lives. They could talk more about the legacy of BATB and what an effect it's had on Disney, how it's effected the past 10 years. We see different evolutions of Belle in the galleries but how about telling us how the Belle from the film came to be, maybe why the other drawings did not work. Those are just a few examples.

And there is tons more they can do for Aladdin and The Little Mermaid. Aladdin has tons of abandoned songs, a whole other story plot, involving 2 Genies, and the list goes on, plus both Aladdin and the Little Mermaid are being turned into Broadway shows.

The existing Platinums may be fine as you put it, but fine is not good enough, they are suppose to be extrodinary!!! That's why they are Platinum and I don't care what the average joe wants, if they care so much about that then why not just release a Pan and Scan barebones, for them, and the Platinums for the rest of us.

Platinum is not just a mere 2 disc Special Edition it is a PLATINUM EDITION, and I think each of these Platinums could easily be 4 disc sets. 3 discs containing:
1 - The Movie, in however many formats, Plus Audio Commentary
2 - Bunus features for kids and for the adults that are a bit interested but not fanatical
3 - Fan friendly movie info. All you could ever want to know, indepth stuff ect...
and the 4th disc would be the soundtrack, with all the songs plus stuff that never made it into the movie.
My Platinums would also come in box sets with an art or book, and maybe a script... Plus much much more, but I'm not asking for all that, I just want More indepth backround info.

Anyway, mt brain is starting to hurt so that's it for now.

Oh and thanks Indiana for thew complement!