And on the BBC/WHV version, you can still hear the correct music as background on the commentary track - even though it has been replaced on the main soundtrack.
I sent an e-mail to Aardman Animations, the folks behind Wallace and Gromit, to see if they could clear any light on the subject, but they sent back a form letter saying they get so many letters about their animated films and how they are done that they can't answer each one personally. Looks like this will remain a mystery!
The UK R2 release does have the commentaries. Can't comment on the music as keeping a sealed present for my niece's birthday. May be of interest to those of you with multiregion players.
I don't understand why Dreamworks couldn't deal with the music rights--is it beyond all possible expense lately? Thank goodness I have the CBS/Fox disc!!!!!
Is 'Cracking Contraptions' a recent production and can anyone please explain exactly what this is?
Also, how is the transfer and image quality itself as compared to the Warner Bros. release? With the exception of the 'Cracking Contraptions' and the improved cover art, is there any reason to buy this new disc over the old WB issue?
the cracking contraptions are new, there are about 10 of them done for the BBC as 'tune-ups' for the new (now-out) movie for the animators. they were all released online, and (iirc) on a UK-only dvd release.
Thanks Alex, I guess I don't care that much about them than. I'll stick with the Warner Bros. release preserving the original presentation of all the films along with the recorded commentary tracks.
There must be someone at HTF with connections to get a definitive answer about the music from Aardman Animations. Perhaps there will be corrected versions available on a Deluxe DVD of the the Wererabbit DVD.