Popping in a DVD from the era when they were more prevalent was always something special and exciting. I recently threw in my copy of the Cowboy Bebop movie and was amazed at the interactive menu, which boasted a 3D voyage around a futuristic city. I don’t even care how long these menus took to load; it was worth it for the creative display that showcased how much the studio cared about a quality DVD.
Of course, the most enticing aspect of DVDs was the special features. Some releases had so many behind-the-scenes and promotional materials that it felt like a mini film school on a disc. Streaming could learn something from these old discs by including these special features.
5
Alternative Soundtracks
The multiple audio tracks on DVDs could be used for more than different languages or the 5.1 Dolby Mix. The tracks can also be used for alternative audio with the film. This could include a different soundtrack for movies such as Metropolis, a different narration track to offer cool details for Mishima, or an isolated music score for Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
This feature is especially important in the streaming age, as it feels like you’re missing out on an entirely different film without these tracks present. Kung-Pow is a funny movie, but it’s just as funny to watch the undubbed version, in which the English actors speak complete gibberish to be dubbed over in post. Some streaming services have come close to offering different tracks, such as anime being provided in English and Japanese, but there’s still much more to add on this front.
4
Pop-Up Trivia
DVDs allowed for more than subtitle overlays, as angles made adding more into the frame possible. My favorite use of this feature was pop-up trivia, akin to the informative bubbles that would appear on VH1 music videos. These pop-ups could mention interesting facts or provide context for certain jokes, which was very helpful for grasping the humor of the Japanese anime Excel Saga.
This feature can be a great resource not so much for learning about film and television as for pop culture insight. Think of how beneficial it would be for the younger generation to have a pop-up that mentions every 1990s pop culture reference within The Simpsons. There are plenty of applications for such a feature, and it will prevent us old folks from having to explain every dated gag we laugh at to our kids.
3
Animatic Comparisons
Animated films were always exciting on DVDs with special features about the process. My favorite among the animation-specific features was the animatic comparisons. Before producing the animation, the filmmakers will turn the storyboards into a timed animatic to give the animators an idea of pacing, timing, action, and camera movement.
Watching the animatic next to the final film gives a sense of how much can change in production, especially with CG films, and how well they reflect the 2D style of the storyboards. Considering how much work usually goes into animatics, it’s like watching an alternate version of the same film. Adding this feature might take some work to decide how the screen should be divided, but it’d be an excellent resource for those who want to figure out how their favorite films were made on a storyboard level.
2
Script-to-Screen View
If you were lucky enough to have a computer with a DVD-ROM drive, you could access the special script-to-screen feature. This feature lets you watch the film as the script scrolls past the screen, giving you a better idea of how the page progresses into production. This perspective was great for seeing what made it to the screen and what didn’t.
With films migrating to streaming services, the interactive environment is ideal for script-to-screen. Given how many audiences these days split their views between screens, having the script next to the movie could be a great way to maintain attention and appreciate the screenwriting process. The mind boggles at how many impressive interactive features could be added, such as highlighting text for speaking roles or visual cues.
Audio commentary tracks first debuted on the Laserdisc format. They were usually a fun and informative way to learn about the filmmaking process. It was like having the director and/or actors sitting right next to you while watching the movie, finding just the right anecdote for certain scenes they recall.
The good news is that audio commentaries are starting to pop up on streaming services. The Criterion Channel boasts audio commentary tracks for some of its most notable films. Hopefully, other streaming services catch on, as there’s no better resource for learning about filmmaking than hearing straight from the people who make films. It’s also just fun to hear creative minds talk about their process.
Physical media still holds a place in my heart for these key special features. While streaming will never fully replace my DVD and Blu-ray library, it could pick up the pace by offering more than the standard presentation of the film. Hopefully, streaming services will better learn from the past to provide better media for the future.