STACK #163 May 2018

D I D Y O U K N O W ? Steven Spielberg doesn’t do audio commentaries, believing the films should

OPINION

visit stack.com.au

of

speak for themselves. David Fincher and David Lynch are also commentary shy.

ONE SET OF EXTRAS TO RULE THEM ALL There are cursory behind- the-scenes featurettes and then there are The Appendices to The Lord of the Rings Extended Editions. The bonus content on Peter Jackson’s fantasy trilogy is simply staggering; the pinnacle of extras covering every possible aspect of the mammoth production, from book to script, building and designing Middle- earth, visual effects, post production, digital grading, and much more. Additionally, a series of documentaries by Wellington filmmaker Costa Botes chronicles the making of the saga in every detail. Moreover, the movies themselves are loaded with multiple audio commentaries from cast and crew – the entire package amounts to over 26 hours of bonus content! If you take the plunge – and it is an investment – you’ll emerge with a comprehensive knowledge of all things LOTR, and may even be tempted to shoot your own backyard version. 10-MINUTE FILM SCHOOL If you own any films by Robert Rodriguez, chances are the extras will include one of his 10-Minute Film School featurettes offering the fundamentals of filmmaking. You might even come across one of his cooking school vids, too, and learn to make some tasty tacos. Rodriguez, who made his feature debut in 1992 with the ultra low budget El Mariachi , delivers fun and practical advice like, "Take stock in what you already have. If your father owns a liquor store, make a movie about a liquor store. You've got a dog? Make a movie about your dog."

EXTRA, EXTRA DVD and Blu-ray bonus features can be just as entertaining as the film itself, and also provide a potted education in the art of filmmaking.

Words Scott Hocking

W hen the DVD format arrived in Australia in 1999, it was touted as “more than just the movie”, offering extra features beyond multiple language options and chapter access. Initially this bonus material amounted to little more than cast bios, production notes, a stills gallery and maybe a trailer. But as the format quickly took off, the extras became more extensive, including deleted scenes, alternate endings, audio commentaries from filmmakers and cast, behind- the-scenes featurettes, making-of documentaries (some running longer than the film itself), and more. Now we have entire bonus discs crammed with extras; scene breakdowns, workprints and alternative cuts of a film, and on Blu-rays, interactive features like in-episode guides and Picture-in- Picture pop-up options. Such detailed – and sometimes exhaustive – insights into moviemaking can prove invaluable to the aspiring filmmaker. Quentin Tarantino once said, “When people ask me if I went to film school, I tell them, ‘No, I went to films.’” Nowadays, good DVD and Blu-ray extras can be a mini film school for DIY directors, covering everything from set dressing and camera blocking, make-up effects and VFX, to screenwriting, storyboarding and editing. Indeed, Stranger Things creators The Duffer Brothers have noted that bonus features enabled them to “experience a movie set and discover how movie magic was made.”

The Last Jedi 's Andy Serkis in mo-cap suit – not quite

as creepy as Snoke

Bonus features are the perks that give physical media the edge over streaming services

Chris Hemsworth

having a laugh in the Thor: Ragnarok gag reel

scenes didn’t make the final cut? Retrospective documentaries, too, make a fun addition to older films, not just to learn what those involved think of the movie today, but also to see how well (or otherwise) the actors have aged. And if a film is based on a true story, a documentary on the events that inspired it becomes a must-watch. One member of the STACK team – who shall remain anonymous – will often watch the bonus features before the film, regardless of spoilers. Bonus features are the perks that give physical media the edge over streaming services, which offer just the movie. For some, that’s enough. But for many, the extras are the cream on top and sometimes just as important as the film. Vanilla versions just don’t cut it anymore and a fully loaded 2-disc set is the only way to go. More than just the movie has now become more than you’ll ever need to know about the movie.

Even if you have no desire to become the next Tarantino or Stanley Kubrick, an understanding of the artistic process will leave you with a better appreciation of the film. Audio commentaries are my personal favourite bonus feature – what better way to understand what was going on inside a director or cast member’s mind, and learn some fantastic on-set anecdotes, than a running commentary as you watch the film. It’s the closest you’ll get to watching it alongside them. However, a good commentary track is often dependent on a good moderator – lazy or disinterested directors going it alone will often narrate what’s happening onscreen: “Now she’s walking into the kitchen.” Well yes, I can see that! The sheer diversity of DVD and BD extras guarantee there’s something to satisfy all interests. Who doesn’t love a great gag reel, or discovering which

044

MAY 2018

jbhifi.com.au