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: Phantom of the Paradise (1974)
Cast & Crew: Brian De Palma (writer & director); Paul Williams, William Finley, Jessica Harper
Plot Synopsis (from IMDB): A disfigured musician sells his soul for the woman he loves so that she will perform his music.
Is It Out on DVD Currently?: Yes - but in a bare bones release with no extras.
Why Does It Deserve Special Features?: Phantom of the Paradise is an underappreciated gem that has gone on to influence many of the most lauded filmmakers today. Of particular note, Edgar Wright, Guillermo Del Toro and Quentin Tarantino have referenced the movie directly in interviews and implicitly in their films. A movie that is a crossroads between the stories of the past and the direction of the future, Phantom of the Paradise deserves a closer examination and analysis. A deluxe Phantom disc would be a great way to spread the gospel to cinephiles everywhere.
What Should Be On the Disc?
- Feature-Length Commentaries:
- Brian De Palma, William Finley, Paul Williams (screenwriter/songwriters)
- Brian De Palma, Gerrit Graham, Jessica Harper, William Finley, Paul Williams (acting commentary)
- Edgar Wright, Guillermo Del Toro, Quentin Tarantino (fan filmmakers)
- The Hell of It: Viewers can choose which song they want to sing along with (including lyrics on screen), or they can watch just the musical performances from the movie.
- Somebody Super Like You: A look at the costume and wardrobe of Phantom of the Paradise, particularly looking at the outfits of Beef, the Phantom, and everyone in the final scene.
- Special to Me: Behind the scene footage of the film, anecdotes from cast and crew (including head of Fox Movies' Tom Rothman talking about meeting Jessica Harper, his future wife, on the movie)
- Old Souls: Examination of the influence of Faust, Dr. Faustus, The Count of Monte Cristo, Edgar Allen Poe's stories, A Picture of Dorian Gray, Phantom of the Opera.
- Life At Last: The continuing influence of this film on current filmmakers, as well as the life of a cult movie appreciated by nerds, critics, hipsters, etc. that shows the various toys and other products made for fans.
- Phantom's Theme (Beauty and the Beast): An examination of recurring themes and motifs in De Palma films, as well as looking at trademark elements that appear in Phantom of the Paradise (long continuous tracking shots, etc.)
- Upholstery: Collection of various trailers, posters, radio spots advertising the movie.
- A booklet containing Pauline Kael's lengthy review/essay on the film.
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!
UPDATED: Corrected bit about Harper & Rothman meeting on the movie after the helpful folks of The Swan Archives informed me.