DVD Times is carrying the news that The Exorcist: The Beginning has been announced on Region 1 (that means US and Canada for you non-DVD people) for the 1st of March, and is carrying the specifications:
Arriving in separate widescreen and full screen editions features on both include:
English and French DD5.1 Surround
English, French and Spanish subtitles
Director Commentary with Renny Harlin
Behind-the-scenes featurette
Theatrical trailer
Previously, on the MovieBlog, we talked about the Studio announcing that the DVD would contain both versions of the movie, the Renny Harlin version and the Paul Schrader original version, but it’s nowhere to be seen.
Hopefully this is just an oversight and the full details will out closer to the time. What I hope it isn’t is one of the many money making schemes by the Studios to release multiple versions of a DVD. First the standard movie release. Then, once sales reduce, drop the price to induce further sales, once they die down release an Extended or Special Edition and hopefully a proportion of the first time buyers will rebuy and they’ll gather some new customers as well. Perhaps there will be Box set, if it is part of a series, or a further Directors Cut too. We’re wise Studios, well some of us are, and we’ll wait for the bigger and better DVD version thank you!
Yeah, we had that too! You should read more of our stuff! ;)
I think we should educate everyone on the benefits of waiting for the better release. I certainly do whenever I hear of someone buying an inferior version.
Actually one of my cousins just got the Rocky Horror Picture Show DVD for a present, I had to point out that they didn’t get the Anniversary Special with the multiple versions. I couldn’t believe that they were selling both versions!
Ain’t It Cool had this a few weeks ago – apparently Schrader’s version will get a limite theatrical release then its own DVD.
As for wise customers waiting and buying… that might be true for us internet types, but not for most of the public. As long as we do eventually get a decent DVD version, I’m not too fussed… I’m happily waiting for Spidey 2.5, for instance.