LACK OF BONUS FEATURES ON STANDARD DVDs

[ohmahaaha]

I have to say that I've become really disappointed with Disney over the last couple of years in that they have opted to strip down their Standard DVD releases to "bare bones minimum" bonus feature content in favor of packing the Blu-Ray releases with much more content. Or worse yet, force you to buy a combo-pack.

I don't wish to take away anything from Blu-Ray owners - works out great for you, and that's fine - I daresay that they could probably fit even more on their Blu-Rays - I just think it's kind of unfair to those of us who don't yet have Blu-Ray players.

What do the rest of you think?

[disneyboy20022]

....
What do the rest of you think?

[Victurtle]

You can say the same thing for laserdisc & DVDs. The bonus features existed, but they just didn't put them on. Sad to say, but the heyday of DVDs are over. Atleast a notable amount of films did receive the royal treatment in atleast one edition.

[KubrickFan]

Yeah, Blu-ray got so much more with the Fantasia movies... oh, wait.

But yeah, it's a subject beaten to death. Disney wants to push Blu-ray, so it makes sense that they want to do that with additional content. On the other hand, there are much more titles out on DVD than there ever will on Blu-ray. And DVD releases of titles like Atlantis: The Lost Empire or Dinosaur still had more content than, say, a Tangled has now.

[dvdjunkie]

Blu-ray players cost as little as $100 so there really is no reason not to buy one, unless there are other financial reasons you can't get into Blu yet.

I have seen Blu-ray players hooked to regular televisions and the pictures look phenomenal, not as good as HD, but better than regular DVD and a lot better than VHS.

There are tons of titles coming out on Blu-ray/DVD combo packs and you should start buying those so you don't get left behind when things go back into the vault or become to hard to find.

I was buying Blu-ray/DVD combo packs before I had a HDTV and am glad that I did. Most of the early titles I bought are no longer available and are over-priced on eBay.

[Mmmadelon]

I still buy DVD's because I'm a student and I don't have the money to buy a Blu-ray player. Here in Holland Blu-ray isn't as popular as DVD and those players are really expensive here (same with the Blu-ray's.. sometimes you pay twice as much).. I'm still hoping on a comeback of the DVD

[Prince Edward]

I still buy DVD's because I'm a student and I don't have the money to buy a Blu-ray player. Here in Holland Blu-ray isn't as popular as DVD and those players are really expensive here (same with the Blu-ray's.. sometimes you pay twice as much).. I'm still hoping on a comeback of the DVD

Just a friendly tip, in case you should want to buy Blu-ray's sometime: If you import Blu-ray movies from www.play.com you can get movies for great prices. Play.com delivers stuff with free shipping.

[milojthatch]

I have to say that I've become really disappointed with Disney over the last couple of years in that they have opted to strip down their Standard DVD releases to "bare bones minimum" bonus feature content in favor of packing the Blu-Ray releases with much more content. Or worse yet, force you to buy a combo-pack.

I don't wish to take away anything from Blu-Ray owners - works out great for you, and that's fine - I daresay that they could probably fit even more on their Blu-Rays - I just think it's kind of unfair to those of us who don't yet have Blu-Ray players.

What do the rest of you think?

I agree, it is really dumb how Disney has handled it. Even dumber still is how then the dang Blu Ray's don't even get THAT much new material. I let myself get caught in the Blu Ray trap and I'm telling you now, it's not worth it. "Chicken Little," "Meet the Robbinsons," "Bolt," "Princess and the Frog," and Tangled, all films that have come out since the "Blu Ray Boom," all films that had more extras features on the Blu Ray becuase Disney wants you to go Blu and leave DVD behind. You know what? The sad excuse for extras on these Blu Ray's as it turns out isn't reason enough to ditch good old DVD.

Then let's not even get into the fact that when they do re-release older titles on Blu Ray like "Fantasia," all the great stuff that was on DVD is left on DVD. Fact is, if your a collector and extras features are what you crave, in the long run DVD is still king. Disney has sadly chosen to make it so the only way to have "every extra feature" is to keep your old DVD's and then add some Blu Ray's to the mix. It's there way of getting you to shell out money for a film you've probably bought two or three times already. And the sick part? They know you will even if you realize their evil plain. I know this as I'm just the latest sucker in their evil business plains.

But, all that said, it is what it is. If I was my brother who only cares about the movie and not the extras, this would be so much simpler an issue for me. Such is life. Avoid Blu Ray and still to DVD. And hey, not every DVD is totally worthless for the new releases. The "Toy Story 3" DVD had a lot of extras, even had disc art.

Blu-ray players cost as little as $100 so there really is no reason not to buy one, unless there are other financial reasons you can't get into Blu yet.

Actually there is plenty of reason not to buy Blu Ray and I say to anyone who doesn't get sucked in, more power to you. For heaven sakes, there are still people who only watch VHS!

For me, I think the biggest thing Blu Ray has going for it is that it can hold more data (which could be great for non-HD tv shows to have even fewer discs) and that it's far more kid proof then DVD. The HD doesn't do much for me honesty, in fact, I hate how my new Pixar films look in HD. Sadly, my wife loves them, so that is the end of that, but if not for her, I'd go back to a pure DVD collection in a heart beat.

I still buy DVD's because I'm a student and I don't have the money to buy a Blu-ray player. Here in Holland Blu-ray isn't as popular as DVD and those players are really expensive here (same with the Blu-ray's.. sometimes you pay twice as much).. I'm still hoping on a comeback of the DVD

Based on what I can tell, I think the home entertainment industry is at a funky cross roads of their own making. DVD is still strong, Blu Ray, for as strong as it has become, still has yet to catch on the way DVD did at it's same age, many are pushing for digital streaming and down loading, but if that ever catches on in full swing, it will be some time. I honestly don't think even the studios know what they want when it comes to home entertainment, and thanks to such web sites at YouTube, the future of Hollywood is looking to be rather interesting.

Point blank, I don't think the industry is ever going to find a medium like DVD ever again. That doesn't mean DVD won't die off one day, or that Blu Ray may not end up the new format of choice for the Average Joe, just that on it's best day, Blu Ray or digital download or whatever they come up with next, won't be as powerful as DVD was at it's peak. That's why DVD won't be dying off anytime soon, becuase deep down inside, the studios know this and they'd loose a lot of money if they just killed it off right now.

[Marce82]

Frankly, I am against blu ray. i think there are plenty of reasons not to buy into it. I dont have a big tv, nor do I want one. And I have more than one dvd player in the house, but Im not going to buy a blu ray for each tv that I own. So does this mean I should buy movies and only watch them (or the special features) in the ONE room in the house where I have a blu ray player? STUPID.

I love bonus features. Which is why I have bought some combo packs, even if I dont have a blu ray player. I assume at some point, I will buy a computer that has one, and dont want to miss out on the special features. Combo packs are still a miniscule part of my collection. And if a dvd is available with all the same special features, I will of course buy the dvd.

If this is all about the studios making more money, why not go back to collectors editions? Meaning: release a barebones dvd, release the blu ray w all the features, BUT release a 2 disc dvd with the same features, at the same price as a blu ray. I wouldn't mind paying extra for special features.

[PheR]

The thing is, that Disney blurays don't have that much special features either, I mean, Tangled has a barebones DVD but the "special features" on the BD are ridiculous! what happened to those times when they released amazing special editions of Tarzan, TENG and Atlantis?, even the Diamond Editions are really lazy compared with the Platinum ones, Snow White, BTAB and the Fantasia movies had outstanding special features on their DVD releases but on BD, not so much, and don't get me started on Bambi and TLK one disc editions.

Some other movies like Hunchback or Pocahontas have really cool special features on Laser disc, well, don't even dream about to have those on bluray....

About the DVDs, well, it's getting sadder for DVDs, we're not too far from the day the only special feature in them will be a preview for the next Buddies movie

[Lazario]

I don't think any of these problems would be problems if Disney didn't have their goddamned Moratorium Policy (yes, I'm STILL harping on that!). Think about it: you may be anti Blu-Ray now. As I am. But in years to come, you may finally adjust to it and acquire the money to get set-up... and in that time, how many classic films, in must-have, packed Blu-Ray editions, will have been Vaulted? Then, you have to settle for frickin' used DVD's which may come with damaged artwork, scratched discs, and scuffed cases or scower online sellers for new copies taking the risk you'll get a counterfeit.

And do you think Disney: the Corporation cares?

[PheR]

you may be anti Blu-Ray now. As I am. But in years to come, you may finally adjust to it and acquire the money to get set-up... and in that time, how many classic films, in must-have, packed Blu-Ray editions, will have been Vaulted? Then, you have to settle for frickin' used DVD's which may come with damaged artwork, scratched discs, and scuffed cases or scower online sellers for new copies taking the risk you'll get a counterfeit.

And do you think Disney: the Corporation cares?

Well this time we warned you guys, if you don't buy BDs but planning on go blue in 2 or 3 years, buy those damned combos now, you've already missed that amazing 'Sleeping Beauty' one, who knows how the 2015 edition will be.

[DarthPrime]

DVDs may not go away anytime soon, but the push is for Blu-ray now. Studios want to sell Blu-ray, so they are stripping down the DVD versions, etc...

As far as Blu-ray players they do look a little better than a DVD player on a standard def TV, but once you go high def its a very nice jump in picture quality. The audio quality is also a nice benefit of Blu-ray over DVD. Walmart has had players for $60ish in the past, and Best Buy has had some Insignia players recently for $70ish.

No one is forcing you to upgrade, and DVD may last for a long time. However the DVDs days are numbered when it comes to bonus features. Also remember that not all DVD titles will be released on Blu-ray (Not all VHS titles got a DVD release either).

Also I love the scratch proof coating on Blu-rays. I wish they would put this on DVDs too. I don't see any reason it couldn't be done, and it would be a benefit for DVDs.

One thing I am noticing is people are buying less overall. I had someone recently say to me "People still buy movies? I thought everyone was streaming content on services like Netflix?". I think thats where the majority will go, and it makes me sad. I'd rather have a physical copy of a movie, than a digital one.

[disneyboy20022]

I agree, it is really dumb how Disney has handled it. Even dumber still is how then the dang Blu Ray's don't even get THAT much new material. I let myself get caught in the Blu Ray trap and I'm telling you now, it's not worth it. "Chicken Little," "Meet the Robbinsons," "Bolt," "Princess and the Frog," and Tangled, all films that have come out since the "Blu Ray Boom," all films that had more extras features on the Blu Ray becuase Disney wants you to go Blu and leave DVD behind.

Speaking of this....the new 3D combo Pack that's coming for Mars Needs Moms has an exclusive on the 3D Blu ray..only on the 3D blu ray...I really hope that doesn't start to be a big tradition because then I will not get the 3D version of any film unless it has a $10 and I get it cheaper than the regular combo pack...

from the press release

Blu-ray 3D:
Everything on the Blu-ray & DVD plus...
· Mom-Napping (All-new 3D Exclusive) – There’s more than meets the eye during the Martian abduction of Milo’s Mom. This alternate scene — completely finished in 3D — tells all.

And wait a minute..... there's more than meets the eye...is Megan Fox or Optimus Prime, or Michael Bay in on in on this

[Christopher_TCUIH]

I'm being raised by a single parent with a pretty good job but things can get tight sometimes. I think dvds are pretty great still. I don't see the difference between blu-ray and dvd (for now) other than the price.

When I went to target last week to get Bambi Diamond the blu-ray was $24.99(i think) and the dvd was $19.99. I'm sure my mom would buy me the blu-ray if I wanted it but I like to go easy on her dollar you know?

When I get another part-time job I'll most likely upgrade. haha I like how the blu-rays have colorful discs as opposed to the new 'grey' look to the dvds. They got really cheap on Bambi too, the dvd didnt even come with those cool dvd guides. If it weren't for this forum I wouldn't even know Lady & the Tramp is due for spring 2012!

What does blu-ray offer that dvd doesn't? Does it make the cartoon movies look any different? I'm sure it makes a difference for live action pictures though right?

ps Bambi basically had the same stuff as it did on the Platinum(waste of that green $) plus is it just me or does the restoration look the same other than they made Bambi darker than usual that makes him stick out awkwardly from the bakcgrounds?

[ajmrowland]

I have to say that I've become really disappointed with Disney over the last couple of years in that they have opted to strip down their Standard DVD releases to "bare bones minimum" bonus feature content in favor of packing the Blu-Ray releases with much more content. Or worse yet, force you to buy a combo-pack.

I don't wish to take away anything from Blu-Ray owners - works out great for you, and that's fine - I daresay that they could probably fit even more on their Blu-Rays - I just think it's kind of unfair to those of us who don't yet have Blu-Ray players.

What do the rest of you think?

Um, Blu-ray aint exactly being treated like royalty except for the movies that are about Royalty and even then, Tangled and Frog got the short end.

Disney's cutting costs everywhere. the only movies they use a Cine-Explore for now are Pixar films, with the only exceptions being Dumbo, Pinnocchio, and Sleeping Beauty. The rest are audio commentaries, and even those are sparse.

[ajmrowland]

I have to say that I've become really disappointed with Disney over the last couple of years in that they have opted to strip down their Standard DVD releases to "bare bones minimum" bonus feature content in favor of packing the Blu-Ray releases with much more content. Or worse yet, force you to buy a combo-pack.

I don't wish to take away anything from Blu-Ray owners - works out great for you, and that's fine - I daresay that they could probably fit even more on their Blu-Rays - I just think it's kind of unfair to those of us who don't yet have Blu-Ray players.

What do the rest of you think?

Um, Blu-ray aint exactly being treated like royalty except for the movies that are about Royalty and even then, Tangled and Frog got the short end.

Disney's cutting costs everywhere. the only movies they use a Cine-Explore for now are Pixar films, with the only exceptions being Dumbo, Pinnocchio, and Sleeping Beauty. The rest are audio commentaries, and even those are sparse.

[Christopher_TCUIH]

I have to say that I've become really disappointed with Disney over the last couple of years in that they have opted to strip down their Standard DVD releases to "bare bones minimum" bonus feature content in favor of packing the Blu-Ray releases with much more content. Or worse yet, force you to buy a combo-pack.

I don't wish to take away anything from Blu-Ray owners - works out great for you, and that's fine - I daresay that they could probably fit even more on their Blu-Rays - I just think it's kind of unfair to those of us who don't yet have Blu-Ray players.

What do the rest of you think?

Um, Blu-ray aint exactly being treated like royalty except for the movies that are about Royalty and even then, Tangled and Frog got the short end.

Disney's cutting costs everywhere. the only movies they use a Cine-Explore for now are Pixar films, with the only exceptions being Dumbo, Pinnocchio, and Sleeping Beauty. The rest are audio commentaries, and even those are sparse.

Ugh in that case I want commoner prices :/ haha Can I get a $19.99 up in here haha I do like that the discs are colored though. Colors are great

[ajmrowland]

^You can.......release week.

And there is a difference in Blu-ray over DVD. It surfaces mostly on bigger screens, but even on a smaller screen if you sit close enough you'll see it. Not as big as the difference between low-SD and HD streaming video, but still there. Also, I love the sound.

Unfortunately, the technology for bonuses is being underused because it's expensive and we're no longer enjoying a $200 Billion surplus like we did when those amazing Collector's Editions hit the market. It was about 5 years before I tracked down the Tarzan DVD and bought it used at a video store that closed in 2009.

Has anyone noticed even Pixar movies have less features than they did 9 years ago?

[Christopher_TCUIH]

^You can.......release week.

And there is a difference in Blu-ray over DVD. It surfaces mostly on bigger screens, but even on a smaller screen if you sit close enough you'll see it. Not as big as the difference between low-SD and HD streaming video, but still there. Also, I love the sound.

Unfortunately, the technology for bonuses is being underused because it's expensive and we're no longer enjoying a $200 Billion surplus like we did when those amazing Collector's Editions hit the market. It was about 5 years before I tracked down the Tarzan DVD and bought it used at a video store that closed in 2009.

Has anyone noticed even Pixar movies have less features than they did 9 years ago?

Yeah you really have to be apart of the crew for the movie itself to get all the good stories. Omg I've seen that collector's tarzan dvd (used) at Second Spin forever now. I dismissed it since I figured they'd go all out on their "Special Edition" I hope it is still there. It was only like 15 to 20 bucks too :/