Directions in DVD

Today's Gold Box deal raises a common question: "If this is called the James Bond Ultimate Collector's Set, why doesn't it include Never Say Never Again?  Or the 1960 Casino Royale?  Well, that's because they aren't part of the official Bond canon (see Wikipedia for more info).

But there are many more examples of this--collections of a certain actor or director that seem to leave out obvious choices.  Yeah, it doesn't make sense if you're just looking at it as a movie fan, but the short answer is that actor and directors make movies for a number of different studios, and those rights tend to stay with the studios when the DVD comes out.  In old Hollywood, actors were under contract and made a lot of films for one studio, and some current actors still do establish and maintain relationships--Will Smith does a lot of movies for Sony/Columbia, for example.  But more often than not, someone's body of work will end up split over numerous studios.  That's why we've never seen a Terminator three-pack, because all three movies are owned by different studios and getting them together on something like that would be difficult.  Just a few more examples of boxed sets that appear to be lacking:

• Stanley Kubrick - Warner Home Video Directors Series (released by Warner) doesn't have Dr. Strangelove (owned by Sony)
• The Mel Brooks Collection (Fox) doesn't have The Producers (either version, which are MGM and Universal)
• The Rodgers & Hammerstein Collection (Fox) doesn't have Flower Drum Song (Universal)
• There were two different Bette Davis collections released in April 2008, The Bette Davis Collection, Vol. 3 (Warner) and Bette Davis Centenary Celebration Collection (Fox).
• There are at least three major John Ford boxed sets: John Wayne-John Ford Film Collection, The John Ford Film Collection (both Warner), and Ford At Fox - The Collection (Fox, obviously).
• Occasionally we get lucky.  Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers made nine films for RKO and one for MGM, but since both libraries are owned by Warner, we can have Astaire & Rogers Ultimate Collector's Edition.
• The Coen Brothers Movie Collection (MGM) doesn't include The Hudsucker Proxy, The Big Lebowski, No Country for Old Men, or O Brother, Where Art Thou?

How much do studios matter to you as a DVD buyer?  It definitely makes a difference in combining titles like this, and the studios have different approaches in packaging, bonus features, and pricing.  While I think a lot of moviegoers never thought much about studios, the emergence of DVD as a collectible has made many more people aware.  We'll be discussing this topic again in the future.  --David

 

OK, so they've actually been around since 1990.  But 1,000 issues of any magazine is something to celebrate, and EW is doing it in style, with their trademark: lists, lists, and more lists. "The New Classics: The 1,000 Best Movies, TV Shows, Albums, Books & More of the Last 25 Years" is great fun, and ranks every form of media you can think of since 1983, with input from both editors and celebs. Where else could you find a magazine cover with Harry Potter, Maggie Simpson, Edward Scissorhands, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer?  And lists written by Jodie Foster, Neil Gaiman, and and Liz Phair? 

Here's a list from none other than Viggo Mortensen, who reveals his top 10 pieces of advice he's heard on movie sets.  There's something for everyone here, I think.  (True, I'm biased because I adore him. But I hope you enjoy it nonetheless.)

1. ''One job at a time, and each job a success.''

2. ''Whatever you are feeling at this moment can be useful, no matter how far removed or even distracting it may seem from the scene you are playing. That is as close to 'real' as you will ever get.''

3. ''There is no way in hell that's going to work. That is the worst idea I have heard today — perhaps ever. Are you trying to single-handedly ruin my movie?''

4. ''Try it — what's the harm? It's only film and time.''

5. ''No hay dolor.'' (''There is no pain.'')

6. ''All you really need to play the moment is air and water.''

7. ''When in doubt, admit it.''

8. ''Don't tell me; show me.''

9. ''Censors tend to do what only psychotics do: They confuse reality with illusion.''

10. ''I love you.''

Happy weekend, everyone!