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: Clue (1985)

Cast & Crew: Jonathan Lynn (dir. and co-writer); John Landis (co-writer); Eileen Brennan, Lesley Ann Warren, Martin Mull, Michale McKean, Tim Curry, Christopher Lloyd, Madeline Kahn, Colleen Camp, Howard Hesseman

Plot Synopsis (Via IMDB): Clue is a movie about 6 guests, a butler, and a maid, who are all involved in the murders of 6 people. The guests all meet at Hill House, where you learn that Professor Plum works in D.C., where everyone else lives. Colonel Mustard is a client of Miss Scarlet, who is the ex-employer of Yvette, the maid, who had an affair with the husband of Mrs. White, etc. When Mr. Boddy, who is blackmailing each guest, gives the guests each a weapon, he tells them they should kill Wadsworth, the butler, to avoid being exposed. With Mrs. Peacock's craziness, and Mr. Green's clumsiness, the whole group finds themselves tangled in a web of murder, lies, and hilarity.

Is it Out Currently? Yes on DVD with only the 3 alternative endings as an extra.

Why Does it Deserve Special Features? Clue is a hilarious comedy that is fondly remembered yet often overlooked. The movie is an ensemble piece and has plenty of work for each actor to do and leave an indelible mark. It also has the luxury of operating on multiple levels - it's not just the manic pace of the physical comedy or slapstick (though there is that), but also word play, innuendo, absurdism, character based schtick, plus a Go-Go as a singing telegram. The tightly wound script is a good example of the comedy that adheres closely to other genres in order to satirize - in this case it's the drawing room murder, or the Agatha Christie type "famous people meet up and someone dies" film. Clue arrived at a time when it was absurd to make a movie base on a board game, and yet the writers rose to the challenge and delivered a movie that is infinitely more fun and entertaining than the board game could ever be. Nowadays, everything is being optioned as a film (including Hasbro's latest rush to turn Battleship and Candyland into movies), for good or ill. A new disc would be a good way of highlighting what was done right in this adaptation and as a fitting tribute to its many fine performers. Also, the current DVD that is out looks like crap and the new version would at least clean up the picture and sound.

What Should be on the Disc?

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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: Southland Tales (2006)

Cast & Crew: Richard Kelly (writer/director): Dwayne Johnson, Seann William Scott, Sarah Michelle Gellar, John Laroquette, Wallace Shawn, Wood Harris, Lou Pucci, Christopher Lambert, Jon Lovitz, Justin Timberlake, Mandy Moore, Cheri Oteri, Amy Poehler, Kevin Smith, Nora Dunn

Plot Synopsis (via IMDB): Southland Tales is an ensemble piece set in the futuristic landscape of Los Angeles on July 4, 2008, as it stands on the brink of social, economic and environmental disaster. Boxer Santaros is an action star who's stricken with amnesia. His life intertwines with Krysta Now, an adult film star developing her own reality television project, and Ronald Taverner, a Hermosa Beach police officer who holds the key to a vast conspiracy.

Is it Out Currently? Yes on DVD (with some extras) and Blu-Ray (with a bit more).

Why Does it Deserve Special Features? Richard Kelly's magnum opus, Southland Tales, is a complete disaster. It premiered to scathing reviews and lots of booing at Cannes. Then it trimmed down about 15 minutes, reshot a few scenes, added some dialogue and effects and was re-released on the world - to scathing reviews and lots of booing. So why does a film that Nathan Rabin labeled a "Fiasco" deserve another release? Because it's utterly unique. Southland Tales is a weird synthesis of Philip K. Dick, Douglas Copeland,Robert Altman, Raymond Chandler, Jonathan Lethem, MTV, Saturday Night Live and a slew of college freshman political science, philosophy and sociology courses - often taking the weakest aspects of each of these influences when adding it to the stew. But here's the thing: it has a lot of good stuff in that abominable amalgamation. From the (oft mentioned) Justin Timberlake lip synching scene, to the semi-clever sci-fi aspects, to a lot of the visuals and a many of the characters - Kelly created a rich world that was intriguing and, if taking piece by piece, would be ultimately rewarding. Unfortunately, each piece belongs to the work as a whole, and so a scene played for comedy runs up against deadly serious characters, and vice versa. But it covers a lot of ground - from the energy crisis, to Patriot Act, to worshipping of celebrities, the way media manipulates reality, the impotent protestations of the Left, the need for drugs and escape...each of these elements stays with the viewer for many nights afterwards. Unfortunately, it usually culminates in "If only Kelly hadn't then done..." but still - it's always more impressive to find films that stay with you and vex you than forgettable movies that are lost in a sea of apathy.

What Should Be on the Disc?

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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 Wizard (1989)

Cast & Crew: Todd Holland (dir.), David Chisholm (writer); Fred Savage, Luke Edwards, Jenny Lewis

Plot Synopsis (via IMDB): A boy and his two friends run away from home and hitch cross country to compete in the ultimate video game championship.

Is It Currently Out? It is currently out on a bare-bones disc.

Why Does it Deserve Special Features? The Wizard is not a good movie. In fact, Ebert said that it was one of the worst films of 1989 (amongst other problems he had with it). The Wizard exists almost solely as a marketing tool for Nintendo and Universal - there's very little approaching artistic merit within its frames. So why should time and money be spent on this disc? The Wizard actually has a few things going for it. For starters - the movie has a high nostalgia factor for people who were kids at the time. It taps in to the excitement we felt as we read the latest Nintendo Power or hotly anticipated the next gimmicky piece of gaming equipment. Furthermore, The Wizard is one of the few times in movies when video game culture has taken the spotlight (however accurately) and it is one of the earliest films to grant some measure of credibility to this "passing fad" of video games. The crass commercialism, historical precedence, hokey plot and nostalgic sheen collide to form a wholly idiosyncratic film that is worth mockery and re-examination.

What Should Be on The Disc?

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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: Garth Marenghi's Darkplace (2004 UK TV series)

Cast & Crew: Matthew Holness (Creator/Writer/Actor), Richard Ayoade (Creator/Writer/Actor); Matt Berry, Alice Lowe

Plot Synopsis (via IMDB): This spoof TV series is an unearthed 80's horror TV show, complete with poor production values, awful dialogue and hilarious violence. The series is set in a Hospital in Romford, which is situated over the gates of Hell.

Is it Currently Out? Yes/No. It is available in UK with an extras-packed disc, but is not available for Region 1 players (i.e., Amurrica)

Why Does it Deserve Special Features? Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is a brilliant satire series that mocks 80s cheesy action TV series, pompous pulp writers, bad genre television and the self-importance inherent in revisiting old works. Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade - who created and wrote the series in addition to appearing as Garth Marenghi/Dr. Rick Dagless and Dean Learner/Thornton Reed, respectively - have a perfect understanding of the multiple genres in their sights and do a good job of adhering to the rules and limitations of them. Then, in addition to mocking the shows and their cheesy budgets/poorly realized scripts, Holness and Ayoade throw in several metatextual elements with the multiple layers of characters playing characters (badly). It's a hilarious and utterly singular show that is occasionally seen on [adult swim] (in fact, I think it'll be on the [adult swim] schedule this July). As the series is over with these 6 episodes, and since all involved have proven their abilities in creating this many layered universe - and their success in other ventures like The IT Crowd, The Mighty Boosh, Submarine, etc. - it would be worthwhile to get these brilliant comedians back together for one more go at this cult show.

What Should Be on the Disc?

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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.

Film: Terriers (2010 TV series)

Cast & Crew: Ted Griffin (Creator/Executive Producer), Shawn Ryan (Executive Producer); Donal Logue, Michael Raymond-James, Laura Allen

Plot Synopsis (via Wikipedia): Ex-cop and recovering alcoholic Hank Dolworth (Logue) partners with his best friend, former criminal Britt Pollack (Raymond-James) in an unlicensed private investigation business. The series is set in Ocean Beach, San Diego, California, although it is portrayed as a distinct town, Dolworth having been a member of the fictional "Ocean Beach Police Department".

Is It Out on DVD Currently?: Nope! There have been ominous suggestions that a major studio will release the DVDs - but so far nothing.

Why Does it Deserve to Have Special Features?: Firstly, the show deserves to be on disc. Thank the good Lord of the Nerds that I bought the first season on iTunes in a feeble and futile attempt at supporting the show/staving off the sting of cancellation. But it deserves to be released on disc with a bonanza of special features for a variety of reasons: 1) the show was amazing, was critically acclaimed and championed by every respected TV Critic; 2) it is over/cancelled - this is the only chance for fans to enjoy some more time with these characters/in this universe; 3) not a large audience, but a loyal one - if you make the discs amazing (but limited) then you'll make back your money and ensure that Terriers DVDs are given to relatives for all possible occasions. 4) Non-fans: for anyone that hasn't seen the show that does pick it up on disc, by having a great presentation with fun extras, you're enhancing the viewing experience which encourages the viewer to tell others about it. 5) Because I really really love this show and want these things, okay?

What Should Be on the Disc?

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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: Idiocracy (2006)

Cast & Crew: Mike Judge (writer/director); Luke Wilson, Maya Rudolph, Dax Shepard, Terry Crews

Plot Synopsis (via IMDB): Private Joe Bauers, the definition of "average American", is selected by the Pentagon to be the guinea pig for a top-secret hibernation program. Forgotten, he awakes 500 years in the future. He discovers a society so incredibly dumbed-down that he's easily the most intelligent person alive.

Is it Out on DVD Currently?: Yes - but in a bare bones release with no real extras to speak of.

Why Does it Deserve to Have Special Features?: Idiocracy is Mike Judge's parodic take on the dystopic future Sci-Fi movie. Much like his previous film (and future Cult Classic) Office Space, Fox did a crap job promoting it in theaters and hasn't shown it much love on home video - despite the fact that it's generally beloved, infinitely quoteable and unfortunately relevant to our society. It's funny, insightful, original and unique in its willingness to gleefully indict people and corporations. There are many aspects of the world Judge has created that are worthy of exploring. Additionally, with so many funny people involved and with so many comically absurd situations in the film, it's a fair bet that there'd be a lot of good material available to entertain Idiocracy fans.

What Should be on the Disc?

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Remember that DVD Double Dip Demands post on They Live? It was on Tuesday. Today I see this:

Boo Ya!

VINDICATION! I don't know how or for what...BUT VINDICATION!

...look, I spend my days working on landing pages and doing support. I gotta take joy from somewhere.

Well this got sad very quickly.

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: They Live (1988)

Cast & Crew: John Carpenter (writer/director); Ray Nelson (based on his short story "Eight O'Clock in the Morning"); "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Keith David, Meg Foster

Plot Synopsis (from IMDB): A drifter discovers a pair of sunglasses that allow him to wake up to the fact that aliens have taken over the Earth.

Is It Out on DVD Currently?: Yes - but in a bare bones release with no extras.

Why Does it Deserve Special Features?: Discarded and derided at the time of its release, They Live is a clever and profoundly prescient movie that arrived in theaters wearing the trappings of a dumb B-Movie. They Live has since gone on to influence many other films and filmmakers, as well as graffiti artists, video game designers with its stylish simplicity and biting social commentary. A forerunner to 21st century cultural memes, They Live lambastes consumer culture and the vapid selfishness that defined Reagan-era America and is just as relevant in today's world of Weapons of Mass Distraction.

What Should be on the Disc?

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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?

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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?

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