Double Dip Demands is a column in which I propose films that deserve a re-release on DVD/Blu-Ray with more special features, better transfers and other nerdy bits. Some of the films have no DVDs out there for Region 1 viewers, and some of them have a really crappy version that's bare bones or poorly put together. Who speaks for these films? I do.
The Film: The Game (1997)
Cast & Crew: David Fincher (dir.), John D. Brancato & Michael Ferris (writers), Michael Douglas, Sean Penn, Deborah Kara Unger, James Rebhorn.
Plot Synopsis (from IMDB) : Wealthy financier Nicholas Van Orton gets a strange birthday present from wayward brother Conrad: a live-action game that consumes his life.
Is It Out on DVD currently? Yes - but with no extras. There was a laserdisc edition that had many special features and there continue to be rumors of a Criterion Collection edition coming out at some point.
Why Does it Deserve Special Features? The Game is the only film in Fincher's canon that has never received a proper DVD. Panic Room, Fight Club, Benjamin Button - hell, even Alien3 have all been repackaged with great special features, which lends credence that Fincher is a filmmaker deserving of such examination. Add on to that that this film dealt with Augmented Reality Games (ARG) before most people even knew what they were, and it seems like it's a movie well worth delving into.
What Should be On the Disc?
- As mentioned previously, there was a laserdisc edition out that had special features which should all appear on the disc, including: "screen-specific" audio commentary by Fincher, Douglas, the writers and members of the production crew; Behind-the-scenes footage with commentary shot specially for Criterion; Storyboards and production design drawings; Alternate ending; Original widescreen theatrical trailer and teaser trailer; Psychological test film.
- Feature-length commentaries on the entire movie:
- Fincher, Douglas and writers (creative commentary)
- Fincher and the production designers, cinematographer, visual effects artists (technical commentary)
- Actors James Rebhorn, Deborah Kara Unger, Mark Boone Junior, Michael Massee (all character actors who can speak to the idea of a malleable personality)
- This is Real Life: A look into the real life Game, its origins and evolution over the years. Interviews with past winners, a look at the tools needed to compete, etc.
- Reality Ain't What it Used to Be: A look into the world of Augmented Reality Games (ARGs), from LARPing, to phone apps and looking at how games may be reshaping our day to day lives. Interviews with Charles Stross (author of Halting State), Nate Simpson (author of Nonplayer), Neal Stephenson (author of Snow Crash), Damon Lindelof (producer of Lost) and various game developers.
- Fincher's San Francisco: San Francisco has been used in a handful of Fincher's movies, this feature examines the various ways he has used its various landmarks and what attracts him to the city. Also a look at the old house that serves as Nicholas Van Orton's home in the film.
- Spike Jonze - Private EMT: Spike Jonze appears as a paramedic at the end of the film. It's very likely he recorded some stuff from that time or at least can speak to the whole experience.
- Admit to Yourself That it Sounds Intriguing: A look at the various psychological elements at work in the film - including the test film, questions, pictures in hotel room, key words, imagery is used to break down Nicholas's world. Speak with psychology/military experts on the use of psychological warfare on enemy combatants.
Can you think of any other features that should be included? Any above that wouldn't be that interesting? Let me know in the comments section!