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• Aug 19, 1999 7:32:44 AM CDT

  Decent Diz DVD desicions...

  by essemtee

  ...but the Lion King II?? Yeah ok, that'll stay right on the shelf with the already released Beauty and the Beast: Enchanted Christmas disc! While the company did name the titles, they didn't specify the extra goodies, if any, on each disc. Or if they did, I missed it! They should really take advantage of that opportunity, like behind-the-scenes stuff, storyboards, interviews with the voice actors, something disney dot com related, etc. instead of just hawking their other upcoming releases, like they've done on VHS!

  Reply to Talkback

  Subject

  Content ...but the Lion King II?? Yeah ok, that'll stay right on the shelf with the already released Beauty and the Beast: Enchanted Christmas disc! While the company did name the titles, they didn't specify the extra goodies, if any, on each disc. Or if they did, I missed it! They should really take advantage of that opportunity, like behind-the-scenes stuff, storyboards, interviews with the voice actors, something disney dot com related, etc. instead of just hawking their other upcoming releases, like they've done on VHS!

• Aug 19, 1999 8:47:05 AM CDT

  DVD Journal "scoop": Spielberg on DVD?

  by alexandra dupont

  Glad to see you back in action, Glen. Give 'em hell. Using the media is an excellent idea, but have you also explored the possibility of some sort of Bureau of Labor and Industries-style claim, provided a national or international agency of that sort exists? It takes a year, but there's a penalty and the government can garnish bank accounts. (Of course, BOLI only exists on the state level. Any suggestions, readers?) Now on to my subject heading: If y'all are interested in a bit of rather intriguing gossip, the DVD Journal just featured a report from one of its readers who pinned down Steven Spielberg at that Smithsonian awards ceremony. The diligent reader asked The Man when his classics might be out on disc. Sounds like Mr. Spielberg is waiting for 3 million players to sell. There's a bit more to the story; to read the whole thing, go to www.dvdjournal.com and scroll down a couple of days in the front page's gossip/news section. And again, Glen, welcome back and good luck.

  Reply to Talkback

  Subject

  Content Glad to see you back in action, Glen. Give 'em hell. Using the media is an excellent idea, but have you also explored the possibility of some sort of Bureau of Labor and Industries-style claim, provided a national or international agency of that sort exists? It takes a year, but there's a penalty and the government can garnish bank accounts. (Of course, BOLI only exists on the state level. Any suggestions, readers?) Now on to my subject heading: If y'all are interested in a bit of rather intriguing gossip, the DVD Journal just featured a report from one of its readers who pinned down Steven Spielberg at that Smithsonian awards ceremony. The diligent reader asked The Man when his classics might be out on disc. Sounds like Mr. Spielberg is waiting for 3 million players to sell. There's a bit more to the story; to read the whole thing, go to www.dvdjournal.com and scroll down a couple of days in the front page's gossip/news section. And again, Glen, welcome back and good luck.

• Aug 19, 1999 9:47:22 AM CDT

  DISNEY DVD ALARM

  by irie

  Most of Disney's Laserdiscs have been pretty good--especially their early releases "Alice in Wonderland," "Snow White," "Pinocchio," and "Cinderella."
  
  I'm a big fan of Disney animation and have to say that some of their more recent LD releases have been less than OK. Primarily "Bambi" and "Lady and the Tramp." "Peter Pan" and "101 Dalmations" have their share of problems (primarily, they're too "bright" overall), but are generally OK.
  
  Now that Disney is about to release their animated features on DVD, I have a few suggestions.
  
  "Bambi"
  The BIG problem with the"Bambi" LD has to do with the image. The sound is great throughout--but the image has been decimated. To start with, when the camera is not moving, the backgrounds have been digitally "frozen" so that when a character moves across it, there is film grain ONLY on the moving elements--and not the background. The juxtaposition of the no-grain background and the (nicley) grained characters just doesn't cut it. When the camera DOES move, there is film grain EVERYwhere--and it's starting to look OK.
  
  Except the color timing throughout the film is terrible and way off the mark. The film is "impressionistic" in tone and design. Like film noir, it's not so much what you see, but what you feel. The things you DON'T see can be just as important as those you do. Overall the film is too bright, so that the darker elements of the film that have been made too light make the overall image fall flat--rather than impress upon the viewer any depth. Also, there were very subtle overall color shifts designed into the film which have been evened out. so that most no longer have little or no impact to the emotional content of the story at ALL.
  
  Very sad.
  
  There were also a couple of "corrections" made to the film--corrections that weren't needed and are quite bad (mostly involving some video technician trying to be more creative than he should be! ) such as actually ANIMATING characters onto and off the screen. Originally the characters popped on and off at the head and tail of a few scenes. These were minor mistakes made in 1940, and while I'm sure the artists wish they could've corrected them--it's a shame that if corrections were going to be made now that they were done so poorly.
  
  I'm not speaking from total ignorance here.I've seen a great deal of the original artwork for "Bambi" and have talked with many friends in the business (including several people who worked on "Bambi" including Tyrus Wong--the production designer!) and the concensus is that what was done to the image of "Bambi" is shameful.
  
  "Lady and the Tramp"
  The widescreen and the non-widescreen film versions available on LD are seperate prints. Disney made the film twice (two negatives), once in 2:35
  and once in 1:33. The non-letterbox version is NOT pan and scan!. Much of the artwork was completely re-formatted and reshot!! Lady actually has a slightly different design in few shots of the 1:33 version.
  
  The image on both prints is impeccable. I was worried about this film after "Bambi" and was relieved to see them do such a great job.
  
  BUT THE SOUND IS TERRIBLE. So much for THX. The music track is so loud you can hardly hear the opening chorus, and dialogue in several parts of the film. There are a few lines of dialogue that have been entirely eliminated. These elements DO exist--this film has been released on LD before.
  
  Please take another look at these films and if you agree (or if you even care)--I'd love to know what you think.
  
  I've written letters to Disney Home Video, and THX (THX is not only about sound, but picture!!) about these issues regarding the LD's when they were first issued, but have recieved little response. I also know that the film prints approved at the Disney studio were great--and that most of this happened in the "post" process.
  
  These films are gems--classics in every sense of the word. They deserve better treatment, and the public deserves better quality. On DVD these screw-ups will probably only be more noticable. AND THESE PROBLEMS ARE NOT DIFFICULT TO RESOLVE!!!! Please sound the alarm!!!
  
  A Couple of other things. The following films aren't yet on DVD.
  PUT the CIGARETTE BACK into "Pecos Bill ("Melody Time")" It's a great scene and fun to watch. Mind you, in the next sequence, "Blame It On The Same," Jose Carioca smokes a Cigar througout, and he and Donald Duck go swimming in a MARTINI!!!! What's wrong with THAT? Nothing.
  
  Release the '40's Disney animated features "Education for Death" and "Victory Thru Air Power" onto DVD.
  
  I also hope they release DELUXE DVD's. Check out the Box Sets of "Alice in Wonderland" "Cinderella" and "Toy Story" if you want to see what GREAT work Disney Home Video CAN do!!

  Reply to Talkback

  Subject

  Content Most of Disney's Laserdiscs have been pretty good--especially their early releases "Alice in Wonderland," "Snow White," "Pinocchio," and "Cinderella." I'm a big fan of Disney animation and have to say that some of their more recent LD releases have been less than OK. Primarily "Bambi" and "Lady and the Tramp." "Peter Pan" and "101 Dalmations" have their share of problems (primarily, they're too "bright" overall), but are generally OK. Now that Disney is about to release their animated features on DVD, I have a few suggestions. "Bambi" The BIG problem with the"Bambi" LD has to do with the image. The sound is great throughout--but the image has been decimated. To start with, when the camera is not moving, the backgrounds have been digitally "frozen" so that when a character moves across it, there is film grain ONLY on the moving elements--and not the background. The juxtaposition of the no-grain background and the (nicley) grained characters just doesn't cut it. When the camera DOES move, there is film grain EVERYwhere--and it's starting to look OK. Except the color timing throughout the film is terrible and way off the mark. The film is "impressionistic" in tone and design. Like film noir, it's not so much what you see, but what you feel. The things you DON'T see can be just as important as those you do. Overall the film is too bright, so that the darker elements of the film that have been made too light make the overall image fall flat--rather than impress upon the viewer any depth. Also, there were very subtle overall color shifts designed into the film which have been evened out. so that most no longer have little or no impact to the emotional content of the story at ALL. Very sad. There were also a couple of "corrections" made to the film--corrections that weren't needed and are quite bad (mostly involving some video technician trying to be more creative than he should be! ) such as actually ANIMATING characters onto and off the screen. Originally the characters popped on and off at the head and tail of a few scenes. These were minor mistakes made in 1940, and while I'm sure the artists wish they could've corrected them--it's a shame that if corrections were going to be made now that they were done so poorly. I'm not speaking from total ignorance here.I've seen a great deal of the original artwork for "Bambi" and have talked with many friends in the business (including several people who worked on "Bambi" including Tyrus Wong--the production designer!) and the concensus is that what was done to the image of "Bambi" is shameful. "Lady and the Tramp" The widescreen and the non-widescreen film versions available on LD are seperate prints. Disney made the film twice (two negatives), once in 2:35 and once in 1:33. The non-letterbox version is NOT pan and scan!. Much of the artwork was completely re-formatted and reshot!! Lady actually has a slightly different design in few shots of the 1:33 version. The image on both prints is impeccable. I was worried about this film after "Bambi" and was relieved to see them do such a great job. BUT THE SOUND IS TERRIBLE. So much for THX. The music track is so loud you can hardly hear the opening chorus, and dialogue in several parts of the film. There are a few lines of dialogue that have been entirely eliminated. These elements DO exist--this film has been released on LD before. Please take another look at these films and if you agree (or if you even care)--I'd love to know what you think. I've written letters to Disney Home Video, and THX (THX is not only about sound, but picture!!) about these issues regarding the LD's when they were first issued, but have recieved little response. I also know that the film prints approved at the Disney studio were great--and that most of this happened in the "post" process. These films are gems--classics in every sense of the word. They deserve better treatment, and the public deserves better quality. On DVD these screw-ups will probably only be more noticable. AND THESE PROBLEMS ARE NOT DIFFICULT TO RESOLVE!!!! Please sound the alarm!!! A Couple of other things. The following films aren't yet on DVD. PUT the CIGARETTE BACK into "Pecos Bill ("Melody Time")" It's a great scene and fun to watch. Mind you, in the next sequence, "Blame It On The Same," Jose Carioca smokes a Cigar througout, and he and Donald Duck go swimming in a MARTINI!!!! What's wrong with THAT? Nothing. Release the '40's Disney animated features "Education for Death" and "Victory Thru Air Power" onto DVD. I also hope they release DELUXE DVD's. Check out the Box Sets of "Alice in Wonderland" "Cinderella" and "Toy Story" if you want to see what GREAT work Disney Home Video CAN do!!

• Aug 19, 1999 11:36:52 AM CDT

  Lowdown on Disney DVD's

  by joe buck

  Check out dvdfile.com for the full low down on the Disney DVD's. They have trailers, but not much else, a couple have making-of featurette's or music videos, but nothing close to the extras on LD. Of course they are not 16x9 enhanced which is a problem since according to the release some of these discs will be on a 10 year rotation. 16x9 will DEFINITELY be an issue years before 2009.
  I have no interest in these bare bones disc's, just as I have forced myself to avoid the low quality Kubrick DVD's. Worst of all Disney is listing these discs at collector prices, $34.95, but NOT providing collector value.
  On a happier note the Mohicans disc does have some good features and I believe a Michael Mann commentary, Whoo-Hoo. Also coming in Oct. a kick-ass The Wall collectors edition with tons of extras.

  Reply to Talkback

  Subject

  Content Check out dvdfile.com for the full low down on the Disney DVD's. They have trailers, but not much else, a couple have making-of featurette's or music videos, but nothing close to the extras on LD. Of course they are not 16x9 enhanced which is a problem since according to the release some of these discs will be on a 10 year rotation. 16x9 will DEFINITELY be an issue years before 2009. I have no interest in these bare bones disc's, just as I have forced myself to avoid the low quality Kubrick DVD's. Worst of all Disney is listing these discs at collector prices, $34.95, but NOT providing collector value. On a happier note the Mohicans disc does have some good features and I believe a Michael Mann commentary, Whoo-Hoo. Also coming in Oct. a kick-ass The Wall collectors edition with tons of extras.

• Aug 19, 1999 8:21:03 PM CDT

  "Lady and the Tramp" lost scene

  by fruhead

  I was wondering if Disney will use this DVD release as an opportunity to show the deleted scene from "Lady and the Tramp." Apparently, in its initial release, the film contained a scene right before the protagonists go to the Italian Eatery. A rundown is given in the book "Cel Outs: Scenes Cut from Famous Films" by Bjorn Kraig. It goes like this:
  
  Lady and the Tramp are seen walking through the avenues and alleys of the town. Light music plays and the Tramp discusses the differences in their lives. The next shot shows Lady walking on and then glancing up suddenly. The Tramp is nowhere to be seen. She panics and calls for him:
  
  LADY: Tramp!! Tramp, where are you??!!
  
  There is no response.
  
  LADY: Tramp!!
  
  From behind a gate a voice is heard.
  
  TRAMP: I'm . . . over . . . here.
  
  Lady rushes to the voice. She enters a yard and sees Tramp walking towards her.
  
  LADY: Where'd you run off to?
  
  TRAMP: I had to take care of something.
  
  LADY: Is there a problem?
  
  TRAMP: No problem, I just . . . eh . .
  
  LADY: What?
  
  TRAMP: (whispers something)
  
  LADY: I'm sory, Tramp I couldn't hear you.
  
  TRAMP: I had a rock in my stool.
  
  LADY: What?
  
  TRAMP: I had a ROCK in my TURD, LADY!! OKAY?!! Do I have to spell it out for you?!! Christ!!
  
  LADY: I - I'm sorry, Tramp. I didn't mean to -
  
  TRAMP: You know, it's JUST LIKE you women. You Nag, nag, nag NAG NAG all the day LONG and I never get any REST!! Jesus!! CHRIST!! What do you want??? HUH??!?! Do you want BLOOD!!?? Is that It???
  
  (The Tramp begins hitting himself in the face)
  
  TRAMP: Is this what you want!!?!? IS IT?!?!
  
  LADY: Tramp! Tramp!! Please stop!! Oh, Christ, I'm sorry!
  
  TRAMP:: YEAH!! You women are always sorry!!! ALWAYS!! and it's always . . . too . . . little. . . too . . .LATE!!
  
  (on LaTE he shoves her on the ground)
  
  LADY: Tramp, no, please I love you!!
  
  TRAMP: You what?
  
  LADY: I love you.
  
  (The Tramp thinks for a second then slaps Lady across the face. In the original film this was achieved by cutting to live-acion footage of a human hand slapping a dog)
  
  (Lady lays stunned)
  
  TRAMP: Remember, when I hit you it means I love you.
  
  (Lady starts whimpering)
  
  TRAMP: DOn't gimme none o' that cryin' shit. C'mon, let's go get some s'getti.
  
  The scene proceeds to the Spaghetti scene.
  
  Anyways, I really hope Disney sees fit to include it in the DVD.

  Reply to Talkback

  Subject

  Content I was wondering if Disney will use this DVD release as an opportunity to show the deleted scene from "Lady and the Tramp." Apparently, in its initial release, the film contained a scene right before the protagonists go to the Italian Eatery. A rundown is given in the book "Cel Outs: Scenes Cut from Famous Films" by Bjorn Kraig. It goes like this: Lady and the Tramp are seen walking through the avenues and alleys of the town. Light music plays and the Tramp discusses the differences in their lives. The next shot shows Lady walking on and then glancing up suddenly. The Tramp is nowhere to be seen. She panics and calls for him: LADY: Tramp!! Tramp, where are you??!! There is no response. LADY: Tramp!! From behind a gate a voice is heard. TRAMP: I'm . . . over . . . here. Lady rushes to the voice. She enters a yard and sees Tramp walking towards her. LADY: Where'd you run off to? TRAMP: I had to take care of something. LADY: Is there a problem? TRAMP: No problem, I just . . . eh . . LADY: What? TRAMP: (whispers something) LADY: I'm sory, Tramp I couldn't hear you. TRAMP: I had a rock in my stool. LADY: What? TRAMP: I had a ROCK in my TURD, LADY!! OKAY?!! Do I have to spell it out for you?!! Christ!! LADY: I - I'm sorry, Tramp. I didn't mean to - TRAMP: You know, it's JUST LIKE you women. You Nag, nag, nag NAG NAG all the day LONG and I never get any REST!! Jesus!! CHRIST!! What do you want??? HUH??!?! Do you want BLOOD!!?? Is that It??? (The Tramp begins hitting himself in the face) TRAMP: Is this what you want!!?!? IS IT?!?! LADY: Tramp! Tramp!! Please stop!! Oh, Christ, I'm sorry! TRAMP:: YEAH!! You women are always sorry!!! ALWAYS!! and it's always . . . too . . . little. . . too . . .LATE!! (on LaTE he shoves her on the ground) LADY: Tramp, no, please I love you!! TRAMP: You what? LADY: I love you. (The Tramp thinks for a second then slaps Lady across the face. In the original film this was achieved by cutting to live-acion footage of a human hand slapping a dog) (Lady lays stunned) TRAMP: Remember, when I hit you it means I love you. (Lady starts whimpering) TRAMP: DOn't gimme none o' that cryin' shit. C'mon, let's go get some s'getti. The scene proceeds to the Spaghetti scene. Anyways, I really hope Disney sees fit to include it in the DVD.

• Aug 20, 1999 6:26:19 AM CDT

  So basically the laserdisc versions rot?

  by essemtee

  The only Disney animated movie on LD I saw was at a video store a looong while ago, Beauty and the Beast, and I don't think that was even the completed movie! Some scenes done only in pencil sketch, the Be Our Guest scene with Belle's father instead of Belle herself, and various other Work in Progress features. Those LD versions of other Diz titles just sound awful! But the DVD versions should hopefully be the same as the VHS versions.

  Reply to Talkback

  Subject

  Content The only Disney animated movie on LD I saw was at a video store a looong while ago, Beauty and the Beast, and I don't think that was even the completed movie! Some scenes done only in pencil sketch, the Be Our Guest scene with Belle's father instead of Belle herself, and various other Work in Progress features. Those LD versions of other Diz titles just sound awful! But the DVD versions should hopefully be the same as the VHS versions.

• Aug 20, 1999 10:57:00 AM CDT

  Disney LD's

  by irie

  Most of the Disney Laserdiscs are GREAT--especially the "special editions." "Bambi" and "Lady and the Tramp" proport to be approved by THX, and I would have found it hard to believe they would let such shoddy work escape their eyes and ears. But after some investigation, I found out that if a company can afford to pay to get the THX stamp on their laserdiscs, THX will accomodate. Quality can sometimes go out the window.
  
  BTW--don't forget to pick up the "Three Little Pigs" laserdisc from Disney. It has the FULLY restored short--including the scene that was excised in the '50's showing the Big Bad Wolf dressed up as an old Jew (seriously!!). SCARY--but at least it's the original short.

  Reply to Talkback

  Subject

  Content Most of the Disney Laserdiscs are GREAT--especially the "special editions." "Bambi" and "Lady and the Tramp" proport to be approved by THX, and I would have found it hard to believe they would let such shoddy work escape their eyes and ears. But after some investigation, I found out that if a company can afford to pay to get the THX stamp on their laserdiscs, THX will accomodate. Quality can sometimes go out the window. BTW--don't forget to pick up the "Three Little Pigs" laserdisc from Disney. It has the FULLY restored short--including the scene that was excised in the '50's showing the Big Bad Wolf dressed up as an old Jew (seriously!!). SCARY--but at least it's the original short.

• Aug 20, 1999 12:28:52 PM CDT

  What about Toy Story on DVD?

  by room_a113

  The Wall Street Journal article said that the only Disney cartoons released on DVD had been Pixar's A Bug's Life and Toy Story. I have never seen a Toy Story DVD. Was it ever really released on DVD? Doesn anyone know? Thanks in advance for any response.
  
  
  If they do release Toy Story on DVD, how about having Pixar do a direct-digital transfer like A Bug's Life?

  Reply to Talkback

  Subject

  Content The Wall Street Journal article said that the only Disney cartoons released on DVD had been Pixar's A Bug's Life and Toy Story. I have never seen a Toy Story DVD. Was it ever really released on DVD? Doesn anyone know? Thanks in advance for any response. If they do release Toy Story on DVD, how about having Pixar do a direct-digital transfer like A Bug's Life?

• Aug 22, 1999 1:25:36 AM CDT

  I don't like Mira Sorvino.

  by trippendicular

  I don't think she's Daisy Buchanan material. And Gatsby? I can't even imagine who'll fill Redford's shoes...

  Reply to Talkback

  Subject

  Content I don't think she's Daisy Buchanan material. And Gatsby? I can't even imagine who'll fill Redford's shoes...

• Aug 23, 1999 11:06:29 PM CDT

  THX Confusion

  by ktak

  Based on some of the posts here, there seems to be some confusion about what the THX Laserdisc program is all about. Contrary to popular belief, the THX Laserdisc program is NOT responsible for the quality of the sound mix on films put on laserdisc. The THX Laserdisc Program is simply a manufacturing quality control program designed to ensure that the audio and video on a finished laserdisc is as close as possible to the original master source. If the film was poorly transferred or mixed, it is the fault of the studio, not THX. If Disney delivers a shitty master, the result will be a shitty LD. If they deliver a good master, the disc will likely also be good, as demonstrated by such excellent THX Disney LD releases as The Lion King, Toy Story and Pocahontas. The picture and Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtracks on these discs have been exemplary. In fact, unless the DVD versions of these films are 16x9 enhanced or have lots of special features, I would be reluctant to buy them because the added value would be minimal. As far as the version of Lion King with the unfinished scenes is concerned, I believe that was one of the "Special Edition" CAV disc sets that Disney used to put out that included lots of behind-the-scenes production info in addition to the finished movie. On a related note, while I'm glad to hear that Last of the Mohicans is coming out, I fear that it also won't be 16x9 enhanced since it's coming from FOX. Disney and Fox really need to get their heads out of their asses and address this shortcoming. Using the excuse that few people currently have 16x9 displays is shortsighted and ignorant. Some of us do have 16x9-based video systems NOW which makes all non-anamorphic discs substandard. Unlike VHS, DVD is a non-degradable format that will last well into the future when 16x9 displays are commonplace. More than likely, the real reasons these studios are holding back is so they can resell their library of films AGAIN when 16x9 displays reach the mass market. In other words, they're hoping for yet another opportunity to rip you, the consumer, off again.

  Reply to Talkback

  Subject

  Content Based on some of the posts here, there seems to be some confusion about what the THX Laserdisc program is all about. Contrary to popular belief, the THX Laserdisc program is NOT responsible for the quality of the sound mix on films put on laserdisc. The THX Laserdisc Program is simply a manufacturing quality control program designed to ensure that the audio and video on a finished laserdisc is as close as possible to the original master source. If the film was poorly transferred or mixed, it is the fault of the studio, not THX. If Disney delivers a shitty master, the result will be a shitty LD. If they deliver a good master, the disc will likely also be good, as demonstrated by such excellent THX Disney LD releases as The Lion King, Toy Story and Pocahontas. The picture and Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtracks on these discs have been exemplary. In fact, unless the DVD versions of these films are 16x9 enhanced or have lots of special features, I would be reluctant to buy them because the added value would be minimal. As far as the version of Lion King with the unfinished scenes is concerned, I believe that was one of the "Special Edition" CAV disc sets that Disney used to put out that included lots of behind-the-scenes production info in addition to the finished movie. On a related note, while I'm glad to hear that Last of the Mohicans is coming out, I fear that it also won't be 16x9 enhanced since it's coming from FOX. Disney and Fox really need to get their heads out of their asses and address this shortcoming. Using the excuse that few people currently have 16x9 displays is shortsighted and ignorant. Some of us do have 16x9-based video systems NOW which makes all non-anamorphic discs substandard. Unlike VHS, DVD is a non-degradable format that will last well into the future when 16x9 displays are commonplace. More than likely, the real reasons these studios are holding back is so they can resell their library of films AGAIN when 16x9 displays reach the mass market. In other words, they're hoping for yet another opportunity to rip you, the consumer, off again.

• Aug 26, 1999 10:22:55 AM CDT

  Not worth a penny

  by snakeeyes

  These Disney releases are nothing but a money grab. They are stripped down versions of what has already been/will be released on VHS and laser disc. Most of them are missing the extras that come with the other two formats. For example, Pinocchio, will be re-released on VHS as a 60th Anniversary collectors edition with extra features while the DVD will simply be movie only version. AND they expect to charge $34.95, Collector's edition pricing for these DVD's? Get serious. I would love to have nice prints of many Disney movies but I won't spend a dime on these over-priced, low-quality discs. I wonder if it was all Disney's decision to do this or if Buena Vista had an influence. Buena Vista has fast become the preimere producer of mass low quality, no feature DVD's and there's no end in sight. BV is the one distributing the Disney discs if you didn't know.

  Reply to Talkback

  Subject

  Content These Disney releases are nothing but a money grab. They are stripped down versions of what has already been/will be released on VHS and laser disc. Most of them are missing the extras that come with the other two formats. For example, Pinocchio, will be re-released on VHS as a 60th Anniversary collectors edition with extra features while the DVD will simply be movie only version. AND they expect to charge $34.95, Collector's edition pricing for these DVD's? Get serious. I would love to have nice prints of many Disney movies but I won't spend a dime on these over-priced, low-quality discs. I wonder if it was all Disney's decision to do this or if Buena Vista had an influence. Buena Vista has fast become the preimere producer of mass low quality, no feature DVD's and there's no end in sight. BV is the one distributing the Disney discs if you didn't know.

• Aug 28, 1999 3:58:18 PM CDT

  Disney/Buena Vista releases

  by tgdbar

  Buena Vista has always been a little iffy on distribution issues. The problem is that Buena Vista IS Disney. Disney has always skimped on initial entry into new formats. They are also notorious for skimping on product at times. Anyone remember the Roger Ebert Film Festival where he wanted to show the 70mm version of TRON, and Disney had to admit that none existed? They did finally strike a new print, only because there is talk of new work on TRON. The DVD's, as someone mentioned above, will be for those who have to be first to own. Not always the best position to be in. They often do not provide good source prints either. I do not know if the DVD release of the Black Hole was ever corrected, after the initial run was discovered to have no right channel in the 5.1 mix. Sigh. Such is the way things go.

  Reply to Talkback

  Subject

  Content Buena Vista has always been a little iffy on distribution issues. The problem is that Buena Vista IS Disney. Disney has always skimped on initial entry into new formats. They are also notorious for skimping on product at times. Anyone remember the Roger Ebert Film Festival where he wanted to show the 70mm version of TRON, and Disney had to admit that none existed? They did finally strike a new print, only because there is talk of new work on TRON. The DVD's, as someone mentioned above, will be for those who have to be first to own. Not always the best position to be in. They often do not provide good source prints either. I do not know if the DVD release of the Black Hole was ever corrected, after the initial run was discovered to have no right channel in the 5.1 mix. Sigh. Such is the way things go.

• Aug 26, 2006 8:16:20 AM CDT

  For hidden porn and innuendo, trust Disney.

  by wolfpack

  Reply to Talkback

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