Hello, here are some films that I love but haven't purchased because I believe that the studio that released them should have put at least some effort (in the meantime I'll stick to my VHS copies), and would like to know what other films you think should be re-issued as SE's.
Hopefully the studios will be looking at these boards and see the interest.
By Special Edition, I mean at least some features, in relation to the importance of the film, I wouldn't expect an "Alien Quadrilogy"-type release for "Motel Hell," (more something along the lines of "Last House on the Left SE" or Howling SE), but I would for a film like Superman 2. Anyway, here goes:
1. SUPERMAN 2 - RICHARD DONNER DIRECTOR'S CUT SE
For me, the Holy Grail of films in need to be restored and taken out as Special Editions. The only DVD release was barebones, which is inexplicable given a film of this importance and turmoiled history. Donner shot about 70% of the film along with "Superman The Movie" (most of it except the battle over Metropolis), before stopping to concentrate on the first film's release. The Salkinds had Lester reshoot a lot of it, which had him get Director's credit. But Donner's footage's still there, along with all the Marlon Brando stuff that brings full circle his relationship with his son, begun in the first film, also Superman destroying the Fortress of Solitude a the end, Louis pretending to shoot Clark in order to have him show his true identity, and a lot of other stuff. With that in, Donner could get Director's credit for this version. The moment is perfect, with "Superman Returns" coming next year, and Bryan Singer sprinboarding it from "Richard Donner's Superman" and set after Superman 2. Imagine the media coverage! An in-depth documentary about the making of "Superman 2", another awesome audio commentary with Donner and Mank, etc. Maybe issue another Super-Duper Special Collector's Edition with both "Superman The Movie" (maybe this time including the Theatrical Cut and original mono soundtrack) and "Superman 2", call it THE SUPERMAN SAGA and... ok I'll stop there.
2. DARKMAN
The movie is great fun, it has a cult following, Sam Raimi does some of the best audio commentaries, this was his first studio film and could make for a great documentary. The only DVD release was barebones and one of the first titles out, must be lots of space for improvement in transfer and sound,.
3. THEY LIVE
The last GREAT John Carpenter film, imho. Carpenter audio commentary, making of, trailers, cast commentary. Come on, this movie kicks a$$! If the studio is not hip enough, give it to Anchor Bay (they did a great 2-Disc SE of Supergirl, for Chrissakes!).
4. MOTEL HELL
Awesome movie, great fun, very witty, deserves a hell of a lot more than being in a 2-pack with some piece of crap, Cinemax-filler flick. Deserves an SE to equal the one for "Return of the Living Dead" and "Last House on the Left," something modest but thorough.
5. INNERSPACE
One of Joe Dante's best, funny, moving, witty, wacky, sweet, great script, great FX, great actors with much chemistry (Dennis Quaid, Meg Ryan, Martin Short), must-see film, GROSSLY underrated, Dante is also great in commentaries, also needs a making-of, an FX featurette. PLEASE!
6. THE ROCKETEER
Another criminally underrated film, great innocent fun. Director commentary, making-of, FX featurette, history of the independent comic on which it was based.
7. THE NEVER-ENDING STORY
For some reason , this film was never as succesful here as it was in Europe. Wolfgan Petersen rocks, this film is classy, literate, sweet, has a great message and the entire production is top notch. Whatever you do, don't watch the sequels!
That's it for now, please add your entries, or second some of mine see if we can see some consensus. Any studios out there reading this?
Alex
Hopefully the studios will be looking at these boards and see the interest.
By Special Edition, I mean at least some features, in relation to the importance of the film, I wouldn't expect an "Alien Quadrilogy"-type release for "Motel Hell," (more something along the lines of "Last House on the Left SE" or Howling SE), but I would for a film like Superman 2. Anyway, here goes:
1. SUPERMAN 2 - RICHARD DONNER DIRECTOR'S CUT SE
For me, the Holy Grail of films in need to be restored and taken out as Special Editions. The only DVD release was barebones, which is inexplicable given a film of this importance and turmoiled history. Donner shot about 70% of the film along with "Superman The Movie" (most of it except the battle over Metropolis), before stopping to concentrate on the first film's release. The Salkinds had Lester reshoot a lot of it, which had him get Director's credit. But Donner's footage's still there, along with all the Marlon Brando stuff that brings full circle his relationship with his son, begun in the first film, also Superman destroying the Fortress of Solitude a the end, Louis pretending to shoot Clark in order to have him show his true identity, and a lot of other stuff. With that in, Donner could get Director's credit for this version. The moment is perfect, with "Superman Returns" coming next year, and Bryan Singer sprinboarding it from "Richard Donner's Superman" and set after Superman 2. Imagine the media coverage! An in-depth documentary about the making of "Superman 2", another awesome audio commentary with Donner and Mank, etc. Maybe issue another Super-Duper Special Collector's Edition with both "Superman The Movie" (maybe this time including the Theatrical Cut and original mono soundtrack) and "Superman 2", call it THE SUPERMAN SAGA and... ok I'll stop there.
2. DARKMAN
The movie is great fun, it has a cult following, Sam Raimi does some of the best audio commentaries, this was his first studio film and could make for a great documentary. The only DVD release was barebones and one of the first titles out, must be lots of space for improvement in transfer and sound,.
3. THEY LIVE
The last GREAT John Carpenter film, imho. Carpenter audio commentary, making of, trailers, cast commentary. Come on, this movie kicks a$$! If the studio is not hip enough, give it to Anchor Bay (they did a great 2-Disc SE of Supergirl, for Chrissakes!).
4. MOTEL HELL
Awesome movie, great fun, very witty, deserves a hell of a lot more than being in a 2-pack with some piece of crap, Cinemax-filler flick. Deserves an SE to equal the one for "Return of the Living Dead" and "Last House on the Left," something modest but thorough.
5. INNERSPACE
One of Joe Dante's best, funny, moving, witty, wacky, sweet, great script, great FX, great actors with much chemistry (Dennis Quaid, Meg Ryan, Martin Short), must-see film, GROSSLY underrated, Dante is also great in commentaries, also needs a making-of, an FX featurette. PLEASE!
6. THE ROCKETEER
Another criminally underrated film, great innocent fun. Director commentary, making-of, FX featurette, history of the independent comic on which it was based.
7. THE NEVER-ENDING STORY
For some reason , this film was never as succesful here as it was in Europe. Wolfgan Petersen rocks, this film is classy, literate, sweet, has a great message and the entire production is top notch. Whatever you do, don't watch the sequels!
That's it for now, please add your entries, or second some of mine see if we can see some consensus. Any studios out there reading this?
Alex