^Hence the problem with corporations trying to stand in the way of technology. It's shorted-sighted and ultimately a losing battle.
I really don't think that the woman who puts out the new releases (she's in her late sixties I believe) really cares enough to do it. She's a really nice lady though. They order the DVDs with Special Features typically (it's an older Mom and Pop rental store). Normally if it's a two disk DVD set they get that one. If it comes out and is supposed to be exclusive to another store (i.e. blockbuster) if a customer asks for it they go out and buy copies.
For those using iTunes, yes, it downloads; I'm not sure of the exact details of how the iTunes authentication works for video, but for music there's no way to ship encrypted files on disc without a complete redesign of iTunes' DRM; the file is encrypted to allow only one account access to it, and having the account information lets you decrypt the file. You can move the movie file to any machine, and as long as you can log in with your iTMS account you can view the movie. For the Windows Media Player versions, however, those do ship on the disc. The encryption on the media file is the same for all users, while the decryption information is a separate download (a "license file") that you need the account information to get but is locked to your machine instead of the account. You can move the movie file to any machine, but you're reliant on the gods of DRM issuing you a new license file.
I'm kinda up in the air on Digital copies. On the one hand, they really need to sell them seperately or as special 'digital copy edition' for those who want them rather than forcing them on everybody OTOH, it means you can keep the dvd and give your digital copy to a friend and save them $20 (I'm looking at YOU Wall-E). I somehow suspect the reason the extras on TDK 2-disk sucked so badly was because some studio weasel insisted they needed to include a DC.
Again. Why do you need a digital copy of a movie you have on disc anyway? Just to watch it on a display no bigger than a stamp?
Like he said... a display no bigger than a stamp. Save yourself the headache of this whole thread by ignoring digital copies by just getting yourself a copy of AnyDVD and CloneDVD. -Shawn
Digital copy = Bull fucking shit. If I wanted to have a movie on my computer I'll just rip it on there. There are also tons of programs that put movies straight onto ipod from the dvd. The studios are just getting stingy and they're trying to force blu ray down our throats.
Well respectfully, you're wrong about the postage stamp comment. I have an Ipod touch and the screen is a very good size for watching videos on the go. For example, I recently travelled by plane to FL and I watched a full lenght movie on both legs of the trip and I was very pleased with video quality and size of the picture. And all without my reading glass. (Actually sound was a bigger issue as it didn't put out quite enough volume to suit me.) As for using software, just tonight I tried a program called "Handbrake." It didn't work for copy protected DVD (which I presume is all new commerically produced DVDs.) So forgive me if there are a few of us that are tired of all the "will it or won't it work" software BS. Not everybody is computer literate enough to work around these problems. So yeah, an included digital copy would be a godsend for me. Will they work for copy protected DVDs?
But then there are the "special editions" that really skimp on the other bonus features in place of the digital copy. Warner Bros. is the most serious offender on this front. The 2-disc special edition of I Am Legend only contains an "alternate version" of the movie (that isn't nearly so alternate that you couldn't put it onto the first disc with seamless branching) and a digital copy. Meanwhile, to watch any of the making-of documentaries, they're only available on the fucking internet. And many people have noted the tremendous waste of money that is the 2-disc special edition of The Dark Knight. It's the 2nd most popular movie of all time. Would it kill them to add some more making-of docs with some cast interviews? Perhaps a Heath Ledger tribute? Instead, it seems they've put all their effort into coming up with "clever" packaging gimmicks like the Bat-cowl case or the one that comes with a statue of the Bat-pod or something like that. Oddly, I've slowly come to like those.
Okay, not the size of a stamp but of a post-it then. I'm sorry, but watching a movie (even to pass the time while on the plane) on such a small screen isn't really what I would file under 'enjoying a good movie'. Movies are best watched in the cinema or on a large TV-screen. For passing the time while travelling I would recommend reading a book.
I'm glad you mentioned the insert. What, we don't need to know about the chapters? The last 3 of 4 DVDs I have purchased had no insert. I'm sorry, but if I'm paying $15-$20 for a DVD, I want the art that goes with it. J.
I don't think they've used the inserts for 5 years. Some accounting genius probably figured they could save 2-cents per DVD by not using them.
Well how about we make a deal? I don't tell you how to watch your movies and you don't tell me how to watch mine.
I agree that DVD's should be complete, but to be fair, the chapter stops ARE on the disk. You can always see them that way.
Whereas I could care less about a tiny piece of "art". I'd rather have a free blowjob with every movie purchased. God knows, the studios have been bending us over for years, turnabout seems reasonable-or do y'all think its fair to charge $21.99 for Wanted when it costs about $2 to make and package it, and the writers only put 50c worth of effort into the script?
Personally, I'm way more annoyed that when I put in a DVD, half the time I have to sit through previews automatically cued up as the START of the disc, and many times I can't disable and go right to the menu. When I put in a DVD, I want the menu THERE.
I hate it when you can't skip the animation/nonsense that precedes the menu. (The only one I like is the LCARS "booting up" on the TNG DVDs.) Yeah, when I put in the disc I should get the MENU. I could "stand" the FBI warning but I don't need to be advertised a movie that I a) also have on DVD and/or b)came out several years ago.