Pics of Star Wars 1 (Ep. IV) deleted scenes...

[Guest DVD Spree]

I've just posted a new column (http://thesmartmarks.com/artman/publish/article_386.shtml) about deleted scenes and how DVDs are killing the mystique of movies.

 

In it, I've included a bunch of pics of famous deleted scenes from various flicks - Star Wars: A New Hope, Alien 3, Back To The Future, The Crow, Blade Runner.

 

It's more a rant than anything else, but I'd really like some feedback on the column, so have a quick read and let me know what you think.

 

THanks.

[Guest evenflowDDT]

I disagree Jay. At least personally, I find it at the same time semi-exciting but incredibly frustrating when there's a lot of discussion on something that I'll probably never see. Take John Carpenter's The Thing: in the commentary much mention is made of an alternate ending that's not (to my knowledge) on the disc. It's great to know that such an ending exists, but any discussion of whether or not its "better" or what it'd mean in context of the film, etc. are immediately denied because "WTF? It's not on the DVD!"

 

Also, as someone who doesn't have a lot of finances, I can't afford to buy a disc more than once (in many cases it can be argued that for the withheld material, its simply being withheld to be added to a re-release of the disc a year or two down the line), or seek out such rare materials because they're too expensive/difficult to find for the "average" and even "slightly underground" consumer (the main reason I stopped buying audio bootlegs). Also, if it turns out that the footage is crap or exists merely as a "hey, that's cool, but not something I'd watch again" curio, then you feel angry that you went through all the trouble you went through and put all the resources into to get it for essentially nothing. I'd trade the mystique for having to spend less money or sift through a lot of unreliable info any day, but maybe that's just me.

 

Good column though, I wish I knew how to get screenshots w/ my laptop (I think I have to rip the DVD first into a DivX and then take the shots from that, but that seems like a lot of trouble), or even "program" the images into my article, but I'll figure that out eventually. Oh, and out of curiosity, where DID you get those images? You tease!

[Guest C.H.U.D.]

I've just posted a new column about deleted scenes and how DVDs are killing the mystique of movies.

If you personally feel that deleted scenes and DVD's are killing the "mystique" of movies, then don't buy DVD's, and don't watch deleted scenes.

 

There, problem solved.

[Guest Incandenza]

I don't believe DVDs themselves are harming cinema's mystique, but I agree that shoving deleted scenes on there can do some harm. That's why I generally skip over 'em.

[Guest Eagan469]

Wait, you WANT to see 30 minutes of Eric Stoltz footage on the BTTF DVD? There's a reason he was replaced, you know. The DVD is already packed with extras, disc space might be a factor too.

[Guest bps "The Truth" 21]

I don't know what the mystique of movies is...but I like when deleted scenes are included so that I can better understand what went into the making of the film and what the director was aiming for.

 

And the fact that you don't have to click on them to see them, makes this argument moot.

[Guest DVD Spree]

Easy fellas, just trying to stir a little brain soup.

 

I think I mentioned that I'm no extras hater or anything, and I've no wish to "not buy DVDs" or "don't watch deleted scenes" or anything like that. All I'm saying is that I got so hyped when I finally got to see all the extra shit on, say, the Alien 3 workprint, but I know full well that I won't be able to feel the same way about new films from now on, because there will never be any more "lost scenes" and such, because they're tidied up and slapped straight on the DVD without a chance for the "aura" to build up around their existence.

 

But like I said, it's more a food for thought thing than a diehard anti-extras diatribe (which I know is how it was written, but then I wanted to generate a little response). I'm the first one to cream and smoke a cigarette at the first sign of extras, so don't get me wrong.

 

And thank you for the props Evenflow - the Star Wars stuff is from Behind The Magic, the Crow pic is from the CD-ROM, ALien 3 is from... um, somewhere or other, and Eric SToltz is just one of the many scans flying around these days. As for getting screenshots, they're a bitch. Everyone used to tell me "oh, just use Power DVD", but a) Power DVD is shit, and b) there isn't a patch to make my laptop DVD-ROM multi-region, which is a problem since my DVDs are 50/50 Region 1 and 2. I finally resigned myself to picking up a Belkin USB Videobus II lead, which is absolutely superb - you can grab anything with an S-video or AV connection, and you can snag audio, too. It's a little pricey, but worth it if you do a lot of freelance and stuff.

[The Dames 0]

Although I see both points, I will say this....

 

I found out that Fox didn't know which ending of 24 they were going to air until the last minute. They shot 2 alternative endings, yet only put one on the DVD. I already know what the other one is, but I'd love to see it.

 

With that said...it would take a ridiculous amount of effort to find it knowing that the payoff wouldn't be great. To be honest, I wouldnt even know where to look so I'm happy that DVD at least gives us something.

 

Dames

[Guest MDH257]

I found out that Fox didn't know which ending of 24 they were going to air until the last minute. They shot 2 alternative endings, yet only put one on the DVD. I already know what the other one is, but I'd love to see it.

What was it?

[The Dames 0]

As to not spoil the ending of 24, I PMe'd you.

 

Dames

[Guest MDH257]

Thanks