The Princess Diaries: Special Edition

Mushu2083 · Post by **Mushu2083** » Mon Aug 02, 2004 11:12 pm

Is the Princess Diaries SE DVD really worth it? I'm seriously considering buying the SE even though I already own the single disc. I'd like to see the outtakes and bloopers and who wouldn't want to see a movie WIDESCREEN eh? As I always say, "widescreen is the ONLY way to go!"

Satoshi · Post by **Satoshi** » Mon Aug 02, 2004 11:28 pm

Well I guess you didn't know that the currently-available single-disc set comes in widescreen as well, otherwise you would probably own that instead of the full-screen which I assume you own.

But anyways the common answer I've heard about whether or not the special edition is worth the upgrade is "no", though it sounds like a great set for those who don't yet own the movie.

But in your case (owning the full-screen version and wishing to see the outtakes), I think you should possibly upgrade anyways. Like you said, widescreen is the only way to go. And with the added bonus of the ticket to Princess Diaries 2, I think the upgrade may be worth it for you.

If having the widescreen version didn't matter much to you then I'd suggest renting the special edition. That way you get to see the outtakes and other new special features, without having to pay full price for the set.

Personally, I don't yet own the movie so I'm probably going to be buying the special edition. I've seen the movie numerous times and love it, but about the time I started considering buying it, the special edition was announced. I'm really looking forward to listening to the two commentaries, they sound great. And of course watching all of the other bonus features. The free Princess Diaries 2 ticket is icing on the cake.

P.S. If you haven't already done so, I'd suggest you read Luke's review of the special edition. I think it would be of great help to you as you try to make this decision.

Mushu2083 · Post by **Mushu2083** » Mon Aug 02, 2004 11:39 pm

At the time I bought the single-disc version I didn't know there was a widescreen version available. I think I'll get it just so I can see the movie widescreen and see the outtakes. Just have to find a place that has a decent price without having to drive three hours to the store! I was thinking about upgrading anyway. My cousin wants the Princess Diaries DVD I already have so I figured I could get the good version and I could give her my crappy version. But then I thought "If she knows about the SE and I give her the single-disc version, she'll whine until I get her the SE". I'm hoping that she'll get off her butt and buy the DVD herself!

AwallaceUNC · Post by **AwallaceUNC** » Mon Aug 02, 2004 11:49 pm

In another thread, DisneyKid was asked the same question and wrote:I think you should just stick with what you have. The only new features on this DVD are a featurette on real life princesses, outtakes and, according to some sources, a gallery (though I don't see it in the menu pics). There's also a sneak peek at the sequel, but that's not that big of a deal, especially considering that the sequel comes out about 2 weeks after this DVD. Your current DVD is all you need.

Also, if you scroll down to the Closing Thoughts section at the bottom of Luke's review (though the whole thing deserves a read!), he tackles this very question.

Hope this helps you make your decision!

-Aaron

DreamerQ18 · Post by **DreamerQ18** » Mon Aug 02, 2004 11:52 pm

I think it is all based on how much you really like the movie. Me personally I wish the SE would have been announced sooner before I purchased the single disic edition. I dont care to much for having the wide screen version. But it is a major bummer to me that I dont get the bloopers and outtakes and above all the free movie ticket. Its my favorite movie and all but I dont recommend the upgrade really. I am sure if you really want the wide screen you can find it sold sepreately and for a better price then the SE. Or fork the cash for the extra features. Just what I think.

Swiss · Post by **Swiss** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 3:58 am

I will pass on this re-release. Not enough new stuff. The one disc is fine. I double dipped on Spider-Man, because of the extra disc and free movie ticket and at $14.89, made the 3 disc set $4. Since I would be to pay $11 to see part 2. Same with Bourne Identity Explosive re-release.

Skipping Hellboy 2 disc for the three disc this November, and glad I held off on Resident Evil. Although I prefer studios to announce upcoming special editions so you can decide.

Even Luke said so and many others, this SE is not worthy of the extra $$$. Although the packaging looks more regal

Post by **Luke** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 6:52 am

Yes, please read our reviews. That's what they're there for:

http://www.ultimatedisney.com/princessdiaries.html

It sounds like you have the fullscreen single disc, so it's worth upgrading to this. Otherwise, the new features are alright, but not worth rebuying if you've got the widescreen DVD already.

Between the movie ticket and selling off your old DVD, you'll probably come out even buying the new edition.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... eimprovemz

MickeyMousePal · Post by **MickeyMousePal** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 9:32 am

Yes, The Princess Diaries is worth it or worth the upgrade if you own the single disc. But I don't own the single disc and I think of buying it today!!!
I really like the film and thought it had pure Disney magic.

buffalobill · Post by **buffalobill** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 10:48 am

I'd never gotten around to buying the original and by the time I decided to I had read of the upcoming (now released) SE. I bought it this morning at Target & I love it. Can't wait to use the free MovieCash ticket. SO glad I waited. Not knowing much about all the features of the original single disc I'm not sure of whether or not to double dip though if you've got the full screen then I'd definitely recommend buying the SE.

Joe Carioca · Post by **Joe Carioca** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 10:59 am

Since I don't own the original release, I intend to get this special edition (yes, I've changed my mind, hehe). Special editions are always welcome, and I gotta have them all.

Well, based on what I've read since the press-release was announced, getting this new edition if you already have the original one is not worth it. But if your DVD is the fullscreen edition, that is a totally different situation - the original aspect ratio version is always the one to go. A good thing to do is ebay your current DVD and get the new edition (besides, having two discs is always cooler

)

reaganhockey · Post by **reaganhockey** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 11:47 am

I sent my mum to St. Cloud today to get it for my Bday, I own the VHS but not the DVD, so to me it will be worth it. I cant watch it until Saturday though, which "royally" bites!

Satoshi · Post by **Satoshi** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 2:05 pm

I had my mom pick it up for me while she was at Target earlier. I haven't watched anything on it yet, but I just love how it's packaged and everything. I was quite pleasantly surprised to find a little coupon booklet. I always love getting those. And then of course the insert and ticket to Princess Diaries 2. Overall a lovely package.

Mushu2083 · Post by **Mushu2083** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 6:29 pm

Satoshi you got a coupon book with your SE edition? All I got was the free movie ticket (which is still good). I think I'll probably give my single-disc to my cousin so she can have a copy of the movie.

indianajdp · Post by **indianajdp** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 8:09 pm

Still very much undecided about this one. I think my little one is still too, um...little to appreciate and understand it...although my wife watched it over the weekend and liked it.

Decisions, decisions.

I suppose I'll end up picking it up at some point. Just not sure if it will be sooner rather than later.

Satoshi · Post by **Satoshi** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 9:05 pm

Mushu2083 wrote:Satoshi you got a coupon book with your SE edition?

Yes, the booklet contains the following....

Front Cover - "You're Invited To Save - Royally!" And a picture of a pillow with a tiara and sunglasses on it. Below it says "See Inside."
Page One - Advertisement for Disney Princess DVD line, being released September 7th.
Page Two - Advertisement for Aladdin: Special Edition, being released October 5th.
Page Three - Advertisement for The Three Musketeers, being released August 17th.
Page Four - Coupon for $2 off Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen DVD or Video.
Page Five - Back of said coupon.
Page Six - Coupon for $2 off any Lizzie Mcguire or Kim Possible DVD or Video.
Page Seven - Back of said coupon.
Page Eight - Coupon for $2 off The Cheetah Girls DVD or Video.
Page Nine - Advertisement for Ella Enchanted, being released August 24th.
Page Ten - Coupon for $2 off either The Princess Diaries Soundtrack, or The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement Soundtrack.
Page Eleven - Back of said coupon.
Page Twelve - Coupon for $3 off either The Lizzie Mcguire Movie, Princess of Thieves, Tuck Everlasting, or The Parent Trap (Lindsay Lohan remake) DVD.
Page Thirteen - Back of said coupon.
Page Fourteen - Advertisement for Hilary Duff: The Concert - The Girl Can Rock DVD, being released August 10th.
Back Cover - Advertisement for Mulan: Special Edition (October 26th) and Mary Poppins: 40th Anniversary Edition (December 14th).

I'm sorry that you didn't get one. Perhaps you can call up Disney and get them to send you one.

As far as my impressions on the DVD go, I just finished watching the film, as well as the bonus features that are on disc two. the "Livin Like a Princess" featurette was slightly amusing. I actually enjoyed the rap at the end.

The outtakes and bloopers I didn't find too funny (though I laughed numerous times during the actual film). And then the Princess Diaries 2 sneek peak was exactly what I expected it to be. A short, but enjoyable piece of fluff.

Mushu2083 · Post by **Mushu2083** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 10:47 pm

Eh, not having the coupon book isn't THAT big of a deal. I thought there would be some coupons for a free box of microwave popcorn or something. At least I have the free movie ticket! I'm not going to write Disney and ask demand that they send me the coupons.

AwallaceUNC · Post by **AwallaceUNC** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 11:16 pm

Well if you really want the coupon book, just call Disney and ask. I asked for the ones that came along with Treasure Planet. They weren't exactly sure which ones those were, so they sent me EVERY insert/coupon/advertisement they currently make for all their DVDs for FREE. The stack barely even fit inside my TP DVD!

-Aaron

DisneyGirl · Post by **DisneyGirl** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 11:32 pm

I went to the disney store today and I was dead set against buying the SE, since I already have the first one, but I think I'll go ahead and buy it now.

DVDFreak · Post by **DVDFreak** » Wed Aug 04, 2004 10:40 am

Satoshi wrote: But in your case (owning the full-screen version and wishing to see the outtakes), I think you should possibly upgrade anyways. Like you said, widescreen is the only way to go. And with the added bonus of the ticket to Princess Diaries 2, I think the upgrade may be worth it for you.

These are the very things that helped me to decide whether to get the Special Edition of the movie! I'm selling off my FS DVD and the movie ticket was a bonus...I want to see that movie anyways! Plus its a 2 disc set and I'm sorta addicted to 2 disc sets...I don't care if its a movie that I already have, if its being re-released as a 2 disc set then I need it!
Besides the cover is different (and better in my opinion)and the menu backgrounds are a little different from the original so in a way, its like I bought a new DVD! So, that was my justification.

DisneyGirl · Post by **DisneyGirl** » Fri Aug 06, 2004 2:14 pm

Nedakh wrote: Since I would be to pay $11 to see part 2.

Eleven dollars to see a movie!? Good grief!

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The Princess Diaries: Special Edition

Is the Princess Diaries SE DVD worth it?