Glen here…
CLAUDE LACOMBE sent in this message about the release of CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND Collector’s Edition Laserdisc, and whether or not we should expect to see a DVD counterpart to this release arrive anytime in the foreseeable future.
After doing some hand exercises and putting on his sunglasses, MR. LACOMBE said:
The recently-released Collector's Edition laserdisc box set of Close Encounters will be the only digital version of this film you'll see on the home viewing market. I just wrote an extensive article on DVD for a local newspaper and two of the six retailers I spoke to for quotes said Close Encounters is a very sought after DVD title, but it may never see the light of day.
On a high note, I was told that if the laserdisc box set sells well, then a DVD may be considered sometime down the road. But even coming to that "may be" decision may take a long, long time. Thanking the Gods I still have my laserdisc player, I ran right out to buy the new edition of CE, even though I already have the Criterion Collection edition. The new two hour documentary (where Spielberg was interviewed extensively on the "Saving Private Ryan" set) is incredible. Interviews with Cary Guffey, Melinda Dillon, Terri Garr, Dreyfuss, Bob Balaban, etc. round out the set, including additional suppliments like long-lost deleted scenes that NO ONE but the crew filming them have ever seen until now.
DO NOT wait for the DVD. It may never happen. If you still have a laserdisc player, then buy the CE: Collectors Edition right now. It's a limited release.
