Panfan wrote:I'll make a topic!
Should The Walt Disney Company let their fans decide what to put on their DVD products? (Keep in mind, not EVERY Disney fan is a bonus feature/OAR enthusiest, so I would take precautions.)
Discuss!
If by "their fans" you mean "UD people" and by "UD people" you mean "anyone who contributed to the Ultimate Disney DVD/Blu-Ray" thread, then yes, definitely.
Seriously now, though, I think that Disney is in dire need of a specialised group of fans (who are very knowledgeable about Disney) to not only select what kind of features accompany a DVD and Blu-Ray, but also its video and audio presentation. They need their own Disney Restoration Team, like the (I bet someone knew I'd bring this up) Doctor Who Restoration Team.
The Classic Series DVDs for "Doctor Who" are perhaps some of the BEST releases out there for TV Shows on DVD. They feature stellar high-quality remastered episodes, some of which would not have been possible had it not been for their innovative research-and-development into restoration. Some of their restorations can be seen in such DVDs as...
"The Aztecs" - uses VidFIRE to restore the videotape look to the episodes, as it only exists as 16mm telerecordings.
"The Invasion" - in association with Cosgrove Hall, they animated the missing episodes 1 and 4 so viewers can enjoy the complete 8-part serial.
"Inferno" and "The Claws of Axos" - both are examples of reverse standards conversion, which returned the PAL speed and generation-quality to downconverted NTSC broadcast copies, as well as marry the colour signal to the higher-quality 16mm telerecordings.
The Dalek War Boxset - the new process of Colour Recovery was used to restore the third episode of "Planet of the Daleks" to its original colour, by recovering the colour signal that still existed on the 16mm black and white telerecording.
Just look at how they restored "The Seeds of Death":
Click here and use the pointer to rollover the image, which shows the unrestored VHS versus the restored DVD
Or read this extensive article for the forthcoming "Dalek War" boxset:
Click here to see screencaps of how they married the Colour Recovery result to a colourised version of "Planet of the Daleks" Episode 3
In addition, all the special features are essentially fan-produced, as in produced by professionals who are actual fans of the show, not just someone who's next assignment is "create a DVD game and a fluffy EPK featurette". So the special features know what their audience is and what kind of features they like. Every DVD release comes with an audio commentary, a photo gallery, and a subtitle trivia track. In addition, they go to great lengths to interview many participants for various documentaries and featurettes, as well as locating a lot of vintage television clips and excerpts related to the program (such as actors' appearances on shows like "Blue Peter" or "Swap Shop", BBC news items, trailers and continuity announcements). Basically, the special features do what they're meant to do: provide an honest look and remembrance of the story, as well as relevant material related to the story.
"Doctor Who" fan Ed Stradling has produced many excellent documentaries that cover various periods for the show. Some of the notable ones include "Serial Thrillers", "A Matter of Time", and "A New Beginning" (all cover parts of Tom Baker's 7-year run) and his latest is "Trials and Tribulations", an honest and candid look at Colin Baker's controversially short tenure.
So how does all this relate to Disney? Well, Disney's DVDs are a very uneven bunch and inconsistent in nearly every aspect, even in lines like the Platinum Edition (and sometimes even the Treasures). If their entire home video department had a Restoration Team to maintain quality control as well as offering high-quality presentations and at least a decent selection of special features on ALL their titles (not just the big ones), then they'd get more respect from their fans.
Panfan also mentioned that we have to keep in mind that not all DVD/Blu-Ray buyers are bonus features or OAR enthusiasts. Which is perfectly fine. Because the title will still appeal to them, regardless if they're interested or not in the extensive restoration done or the hours of special features. But for fans who do care about such things, something's gone to be done for them. It's frustrating that the majority of their live-action catalogue are barebones and not in the proper aspect ratio, taken from video masters. That's not even a good enough presentation for the casual fan.
There's a variety of materials that Disney has in their archives, most of which will already be easily clearable within the company. The fact that Disney doesn't include it is frustrating because it's essentially ready-made special features. Stuff like making-of TV specials and "Disneyland" excerpts provide a nostalgic and informative look at the film, and if Disney doesn't want to waste money interviewing people for a new documentary, the vintage stuff is just as good. The problem is that with most of Disney's DVDs, the DVD producer either wasn't aware of or didn't care to include them. Or, if the producer wanted to, Disney didn't because it'd be cheaper not to. And as a result, the product suffers and the consumers (who are aware of such material) suffer. Sure, a barebones title may still sell a nice amount of copies, but Disney should know that they can do better. And when fans on an online forum can easily suggest material that should be included, Disney should listen to them.
The only line that was actually consistent in terms of a/v presentation and special features were the Vault Disney line, and it's one that I think should be brought back.
albert
