How do you decide what dvd version to get of different films?

[Bedogsexor]

I apologize if this has been already asked, but I have been wondering how other people go about it.

First off, I think its insane different stores get different ‘exclusive’ material, usually forcing mega-fans of the films to buy multiple versions. I get it, it’s a whole money thing, but it just irritates me to no end.

I buy dvds of films I know I will watch more than once, and that is very few. I usually get them as presents or buy them myself, but I always aim for the unrated, extended, or special multiple disc sets and stick to those, tossing aside the store ‘exclusives’. I would LOVE to have EVERY single version so I could have all the ‘exclusive’ material, but I watch the bonus features once and never again and I don’t have too much money to waste.

*The exception being Superbad, I got the one disc as a present instead of the 2 disc and read the difference in features between the 2 and it didn't seem worth it*

So how do you do it? Also, do you think its right for them to have multiple versions?

I don’t know why it’s a big deal to me, I usually buy dvds just for the actual film, giving the bonus features a peak….but if it’s a movie I really like, it seems different…

[FrighT MasteR]

http://www.dvdcompare.net/ :rockin:

[Bedogsexor]

dude, that is awesome.

[Bedogsexor]

so what attracts you to a certain version though?

[cmurdur]

I always go special/widescreen edition. I fucking hate bare bones copies and I don't understand why fullscreen is even a fucking option anymore. Why do they have to make it an entirely different DVD, rather than simply putting it on the opposite side of the widescreen, if it has to exist?

[Bedogsexor]

Like I am in love with Transformers and I have the 2 disc edition and found out tonight walmart had a crappy prequel on their version and I just watched it online, saving me money lol

[FrighT MasteR]

I try to just get the best version available, which is why I only buy blu-ray now unless there isn't a blu-ray version available.

[Bedogsexor]

it sucks not having blu-ray, I think I will get a player for x-mas....you don't care if different stores have different content?

[Bedogsexor]

Do you watch all the bonus features on dvds?

[Doc Awesome]

I watch most of the special features at least once and then not again unless I get an itch to. I mostly just like the commentaries I can listen to good commentaries multiple times.

I also only go with blu-ray unless there isn't one available, in which case I just go with the Unrated, Extended, or Director's Cuts.

The vast majority of times store exclusives are really just something really stupid and not worth the time or effort. Hell even sometimes there isn't anything special at all disc wise they just package it differently or give you some cheap McDonald's toy to go along with it.

[FrighT MasteR]

it sucks not having blu-ray, I think I will get a player for x-mas....you don't care if different stores have different content?


Do you watch all the bonus features on dvds?

No, I don't really care if one store offers an extra bonus disc or what-not. I only watch bonus features if I really like the movie :shrugs:

[Lemmywinks]

I usually go for widescreen additions,uncut/directors cut,and what kind of special features the dvd has.

[Bedogsexor]

I hate Target, and they had like 30 minutes of exclusive content on the new HULK dvd from last year, I just got the normal 3 disc SE, watched the features once, and now when I watch it, it will just be for the movie...

[JeNnYFuR]

I always go special/widescreen edition. I fucking hate bare bones copies and I don't understand why fullscreen is even a fucking option anymore. Why do they have to make it an entirely different DVD, rather than simply putting it on the opposite side of the widescreen, if it has to exist?

I HATE dual discs. I like art on my disc and I feel safer knowing that if I have to lay the dvd down on a surface, I won't mess one side up.

As for deciding what version of a dvd I get....it depends on what I'm after. If it's a film that I am REALLY into, then I get special editions with the extra disc of bonus material...that type of thing. If it's just something that I liked, then I at least want an unrated or director's cut of the film.

[HEKTIK15]

I get what evers cheaper , bonus discs don't do it for me

[strtfghtr]

Primarily I go for dvds in the following list of importance:

Bluray vs DVD (unless it's a new movie it wasnt filmed in HD and you wont get the most benefits out of bluray. only if a company goes through a very expensive quality conversion and pristine master prints are available will the bluray look better than dvd of older movies. Before I buy any older movie on bluray I read the disc reviews on multiple sites.)
Widescreen
Uncut or extended
Picture quality
Price
Audio (better be at least 5.1)
Alt endings...I'll admit I cant resist a good alt ending

The rest with commentaries, deleted scenes, etc. are not too important to me in most cases...unless it's someone I want to hear commentary from like Bruce Campbell...his are always the best

[xxsic4slipknotxx]

I'm mostly a special features-type of guy. I like to get a movie that has some substantial special features on it; especially if they're unrated, extended, director's cuts of a film.

In a case where you have an all-region NTSC/PAL DVD player, I like to compare features from US DVDs to other releases from other countries. For instance:

The 2-disc UK [Rec] DVD = making-of, extended/deleted scenes, various interviews, promo galleries, theatrical trailers/tv spots. US [Rec] DVD release = making-of featurette.

The Tokyo Gore Police UK DVD release = making-of featurette, premiere footage, interviews, a 24 page booklet. The US DVD release = barebones.

The Hitcher (1986) US DVD release = barebones, The Hitcher (1986) UK DVD release = vast special features, including 2 shorts films.

[Rust In Peace]

I always try to go for the best thing I can get for my money, like the Hellboy directors cut. Took me forever to find it, but it was only $10 at Wal-Mart. Things like that though are going to annoy me and when I transition over to Blu-Ray, because the BR version of Hellboy is the regular version, same with Underworld. I got the unrated Underworld when it first came out and I have yet to see it get a Blu-Ray release.

[Luris Blear]

If it's a big release and I'm buying it on opening day (Dark Knight, Hulk) then it's Target. They usually run a few dollars less than anyone else, with a silly gimmick and widescreen.

Otherwise:
Widescreen
Price
Special Features.

I don't actually mind wide on one side and full on the other. Back when DVDs replaced VHS, that was one of the things we were enticed into switching for.

[Get Some]

i like SE and unrated