UltimateDisney.com/DVDizzy.com Reviews: Discussion Thread

[Timon/Pumbaa fan]

As an overall package, I think they come out even - <i>Cars</i> being the better movie.

Absolute blasphemy there.

Okay, seriously, I completely understand the "different DVD sets should require different tools for ranking", sort of like ranking movies, but I don't think this is like comparing a Sing-A-Long Songs to a Platinum Edition. Both were the biggest grossing movies of the year. Therefore, should've been compared imo.

Now I understand DMC could've had a better DVD(but it doesn't explain Luke's 5 star rating for TLM when he said it "probably could've included more") but comparing to Disney's recent efforts, Disney obviously put effort quite a lot into this release with a informational commentary, over-an-hour length documentary, featurettes on special effects, stunts and costume design and other features such as a documentary on the changes of the ride, it truely shows effort and probably ranks as Disney's best 2-Disc set since Narnia.

Cars, on the other hand, had such a barebones release, especiall for the 2nd highest grossing film. I mean, I would understand the high ranking if it had a commentary and trailer to go with the existing features, but even for a single disc, it disappointed. Looking back at this release, it didn't even have any music videos! All it had was deleated scenes(which isn't much considering some VHSs have them) a 16 minute documentary(which if it's anything like Chicken Little's 18 minute documentary, it'll be somewhat informational, but rather fluffly) and a couple shorts(well one, as technically, it could be argued One Man Band should've been on there anyway as it was part of Cars' OAR.)

Overall, what's my point? Well, I'd like Pirates to at least have 1/2 a star more than Cars, maybe even a star, as it's the better film(just imo though) but had a lot of effort put into it's release..

[Luke]

Absolute blasphemy there.

Okay, seriously, I completely understand the "different DVD sets should require different tools for ranking", sort of like ranking movies, but I don't think this is like comparing a Sing-A-Long Songs to a Platinum Edition. Both were the biggest grossing movies of the year. Therefore, should've been compared imo.

They can be compared to one another. As I pointed out, the difference in movie quality cancels out the difference in bonus features. Keeping in mind that <i>Pirates</i> costs $5 more, I would say that both DVDs deliver equivalent amounts of entertainment.

And while I know you're partially joking, I'm not sure why you think it's so strange that I'd deem <i>Cars</i> better than <i>Pirates</i>. I would wager that most people would agree with that sentiment - check out Rotten Tomatoes for critic ratings, and even the fanboy-slanted IMDb ratings are tilted in <i>Cars</i>' favor. While ultimately, I don't care too much about what the scores in either of those places show, I can honestly state that I feel <i>Cars</i> is clearly the better movie. If <i>Dead Man's Chest</i> was more self-contained and more consistent and focused, that might not be the case.

In any event, thanks for the feedback and for paying attention to the ratings. And thanks for the poster feedback, CJ!

[TheSequelOfDisney]

Awesome job on the new Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe EE DVD set. It is very informative. I would looooooooooove to buy this, but I haven't the money, and I don't want the burden of practically rebuying the first 2 discs (I mean, only 7 minutes were added!). Nonetheless, I would still love this to be a great present.

[Escapay]

Read the review for Narnia Extended Edition, once again a spectacular job, Lukester! I'm a bit disappointed at how little is actually extended (especially given that there are a few known scenes that did not get re-instated), but that fourth disc sounds AMAZING! Also, I loved that comment about blood and sex, it just was so...out there compared to everything else, and I had to give it a nice chuckle.

Question, though: Is there any insert booklet for the DVD? Cause the dvdtalk review mentioned how there is supposed to be one (according to the back of the box), but none was in his set, and there was no mention of it in the UD review either.

All in all, wonderful review, and the pink elephants will now dance...



Escapay

[Luke]

Question, though: Is there any insert booklet for the DVD?

Wow, can't believe I didn't even think of that 'til you brought it up. No, there was no booklet in my copy. But it is both depicted and described on the back of the package. "Vivid and in-depth companion guidebook"? Where?

The review will be updated to reflect it. Thanks!

[Timon/Pumbaa fan]

They can be compared to one another. As I pointed out, the difference in movie quality cancels out the difference in bonus features. Keeping in mind that <i>Pirates</i> costs $5 more, I would say that both DVDs deliver equivalent amounts of entertainment.

And while I know you're partially joking, I'm not sure why you think it's so strange that I'd deem <i>Cars</i> better than <i>Pirates</i>. I would wager that most people would agree with that sentiment - check out Rotten Tomatoes for critic ratings, and even the fanboy-slanted IMDb ratings are tilted in <i>Cars</i>' favor. While ultimately, I don't care too much about what the scores in either of those places show, I can honestly state that I feel <i>Cars</i> is clearly the better movie. If <i>Dead Man's Chest</i> was more self-contained and more consistent and focused, that might not be the case.

But then, POTC had both a 1-Disc and a 2-Disc. The 2-Disc has a commentary, and I would prefer a commentary over any type of feature Cars had to offer. So for people who don't want to pay $5.00 more, they could by the 1-Disc, and get the movie at the same price.

As for the movie, it's better beacuse...because.... it's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest! Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow has more character development than all of Cars' character combined. Plus, it's an original story. I could be mistaken, but I'm pretty sure DMC was the first "official" film to bring hundred year old legends as "Davy Jones" the "Kraken" and "The Flying Dutchmen" to the big screen which deserves something. Cars was just "Toy Story 2: With Cars"!

Okay, I'm getting off-topic here, and sorry if you think I'm being too harsh Luke, it's just that when there's no POTC banner on the forum and the front page only has 1/6th of a Pirates theme, I think the set should've at least recieved .25 of a star more than Cars. Oh well.

Anyway, you still should be proud Luke! It's not everyday your review get nitpicked to extreme right? Besides, you did recommend it, so I can't complain much. Good review!

Also read the Narnia review. GREAT REVIEW!!!

I've even now decided to just pass because of it. Don't get me wrong, I love Narnia as much as the next guy, the extra bonuses seem a bit too much(I haven't even finsihed all of Disc 2's features) and the Extended Edition of the movie must seem pretty desperate is the new logo counts as part of it.

[Disney Duster]

Hey...is that other DVD Game World DVD getting reviewed...you know the one I mean...about the girls...who are royal...? I was thinking Renata Joy would surely like to tackle something that's less crappy than the Stories and Party DVD's.

[Kossage]

I'd like to thank Luke and all the others who have written reviews for this site. I've enjoyed reading your reviews which are both informative and entertaining, and I really appreciate all the time and effort you spend on writing these wonderful reviews. It's also been nice to read the picture texts which are quite amusing.

Keep up the good work.

[pinkrenata]

I was thinking Renata Joy would surely like to tackle something that's less crappy than the Stories and Party DVD's.

Yes, but who else is such an expert on the Disney Princesses? Being that I both love and hate them, they're probably the most enjoyable reviews for me to write. Of course, that doesn't mean that I will ever get a review in before release date. (Also a reason why I should not be allowed to review anything more important ... )

Anyway, I have the best intentions to get the review finished tonight, meaning it will be up some time by the end of the weekend.

[Escapay]

Finished up Ed's masterful review on True-Life Adventures. Great read, loads of information and entertainment! Great job, Mr. South!



Escapay

[Timon/Pumbaa fan]

Did Aaron write the review for "Disney: Music Behind the Magic"? I wondered at first who wrote it, but when it mentioned "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" and "Pete's Dragon" there's no way anybody else but Aaron could've wrote it.


Oh and how in heck did The Little Mermaid rank above Pirates 2, Cars(the soundtrack was great, Randy Newman's tired score taken out) and Nightmare Before Christmas? I never did think TLM is all that great or even all that good of a soundtrack or movie.

But good roundup though. I'm interested in "Disney: Music Behind the Magic".

[Escapay]

Renata, I just read your Princess DVD.

Hi-la-ri-ous.



Especially loved that line "Cheating's never been easier"!

Appropriately, some PINK elephants...



Escapay

[AwallaceUNC]

Did Aaron write the review for "Disney: Music Behind the Magic"? I wondered at first who wrote it, but when it mentioned "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" and "Pete's Dragon" there's no way anybody else but Aaron could've wrote it.

Nope, that was Luke. I did The Cheetah Girls 2 SE. I whole-heartedly echo his PD/BaB-lovin' sentiments, though.

-Aaron

[pinkrenata]

Congrats on the Jim Kammerud interview, Escapay! And might I mention that the title pic looks very similar to a favorite cereal box picture of mine:



Here's hoping you and Jim continue to be "Good Friends!"

[Disney Duster]

Renata, I read your DVD Game World: Princess Edition review and Escapay was right, it was hilarious! I'm so disappointed, though! If Dogs Edition was so great... But what do you expect when the princesses are aimed at the younger crowd? Questions aimed at the younger crowd. Still, they could have at least given us new animation of the characters, instead of just flat cardboard cut-outs. What the heck...? That's not really meeting the princesses, just passing by non-speaking displays.

Thanks for the thorough review that let's me know I'm not missing anything good if I don't buy/rent it. At all.

Love you and Luke's matching Scrooged avatars. Any other mods or members joining in?

[TheSequelOfDisney]

Great review for The Fox and the Hound 2, Aaron. I agree that a little more substance could be made for the DVD, but it's a DTV, so there really no hope in hoping. Then again, there is that Lady and the Tramp II DVD, which is remarkable for a DTV. Anyway, great job on the review! Hey, do you know when the other two WDT reviews will be up?

[danfrandes]

Can there be a "DuckTales Volume 2" review? The review of "DuckTales Volume 2" is kinda late, I think.

[CJ]

I read Aaron's "The Fox and the Hound 2" DVD Review, and curiosity got the best of me. I gave in and rented the movie. And I must say that I am pleasantly surprised with the movie just as Aaron predicted in his review. Great job on the review Aaron, it was definitely spot on.

I would also like to say great job to all the other reviewers too. I've been busy reading all the other recent interviews and reviews lately. Keep up the good work everyone. The reviews are definitely my favorite part of the site.

[hutch]

Haveany reviews for for WDT More Silly Symphonies been posted? If so, where?

[brotherbear]

I've been actually wondering the same thing for a long while...Escapay? Luke? Anyone? When is the WDT:MSS review going to be posted? Although I already have the set, I would love to see the review...

-BB