Paramount DVDs -- Missed opportunities - DVDfile.com forum for DVD, Blu-Ray, and HD-DVD

Wflanagan · 10-20-2002, 06:48 AM

So does anyone know why Paramount seems to be the worst major studio for DVDs? The majority of their releases are overpriced yet featureless.

I don't think this is news to anyone, but I had to note this due to the volume of lousy releases Paramount has unleashed on us in the past few months. Particularly, the following titles:

Trading Places - a true comedy classic released as bare as they come, without even a trailer.

Better Off Dead - the definition of a "cult classic" yet a total nothing package.

Grease - Not my cup of tea, but I know many fans of this film and was surprised to see how little effort was put into the disc --especially in light of all the related specials shown on VH1, which is part of the Viacom family like Paramount.

Footloose - Another beloved 80s classic, another missed opportunity for a fun DVD.

I'm sure everyone can name a title they've waited for on disc only to have Paramount release a mediocre/poor version of it. Now, I'm not saying every film has to have a super-duper mega 2-disc package, but at least if they're going to put minimal effort into these things they could sell them at the more consumer MGM-like price point of $15.

Who's with me on this?

Walt

Avid · 10-20-2002, 07:46 AM

The thing is everyone's favorite film is different. While not all movies can have the Super Duper Ultra Special Edition Treatment, there is no reason why most of their films can't have:

* A high quality transfer off the best source material that they can find.

* The friggin' trailer.

* Port over pre-existing extras.

* An audio commentary.

Different companies that have films with smaller audiences than most Paramount films get much better treatment than almost all of their films.

I noticed in the USA Today list of the top selling 25 DVDs, and essential DVDs to own, they did not list a single Paramount release.

Another thing, even when I have gotten their disks on sale, I still miss not having the trailer on it.

Shawn Watson · 10-20-2002, 09:22 AM

Yup, Paramount are shit. I'm not buying any more of their stuff until they buck up their ideas. And they probably won't. They'll go straight down the toilet in the home video deptarment and it'll be no ones fault but their own.

What they should do is FIRE (totally) whoever is in charge of DVD/VHS because they have no clue what the hell they are doing.

Who the fuck do they think they are charging us top dollar for barebones DVDs when smaller, more independent films get super DVDs for less???

It makes NO SENSE! Paramount are living in their own little fairy world or the twilight zone or something and they'll never realize the true potential of DVD as a way of making BIG profit.

I cannot imagine ANYONE EVER saying, "I'm looking forward to getting F13 Part VII. It's by Paramount so it must be cool."

Get real! As long as their heads are up their asses we'll see no cool extras and they'll see no money coming in.

***chlngr1970*** · 10-20-2002, 09:44 AM

I require only two things from my DVDs.

The Best Piture
The Best Sound
Your are watching a TH....

Wait a minute...

Anywho...I would like a trailer, but that is not realy necessary. I buy a DVD for the Movie. I prefer Anamorphic Widescreen. I prefer dts sound. I will accept DD without much complaint, especialy if it was origionally a Mono sountrack. Some remastered soundtracks sound pretty good to me, but I understand that that remasterng can cost a lot. Video image on the other hand, needs to be remastered for it to be enjoyable. And if you are going to do it anyway, MAKE IT ANAMORPHIC WS.

Paramount has lately been very consistant with their releases. Great PQ, adn descent DD sound. I am a little miffed they sill don't support dts, but hey...what's a guy to do? I do plan on sendingout some emails to a few studios with some questions I have and hopefully I'll get a little insight as to why some dtudios don't support dts.

I'm starting to ramble, but in closing, as long as their releases are as good as they have been in the past ( ST, Rules of Engagement ) I will continue to purchase them.

j

The Limey · 10-20-2002, 11:28 AM

I've just had a quick look at my collection and i actually own very few dvd's from Paramount.This isn't because the discs are lacking supplements but simply due to the fact i'm not bothered about the majority of titles in their catalogue.
Like chlngr i'm more than happy with the picture and sound quality on the few Paramount dvd's i own.

As for a missed opportunity from the studio, i would have to say Payback was sorely neglected. I would love to see a 2 disc Special Edition containing Brian Helgelands original cut along with the theatrical version, deleted scenes, a documentary highlighting all the post-production problems and whatever else they could dig up from the vaults.I won't be holding my breath though...

Unicorn · 10-20-2002, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Paramount has lately been very consistant with their releases. Great PQ, adn descent DD sound.

You didn't see the Footloose DVD, then, did you?

And yes, I really miss the trailers, too. It seems like it shouldn't be a big thing to include. But, like Columbia, it seems like it's too much effort.

LBPound23 · 10-20-2002, 04:51 PM

The one good thing about Paramount is their releases are almost always in the original aspect ratio.

But, they have a lot of missed opportunities. These are Paramount-owned films that other studios would have given Special Edition's to, but are barebones (or close to it) thanks to the "Paramount Widescreen Collection":

Ferris Bueller's Day Off - awesome movie, one of my all-time faves, and not even a trailer or the deleted scenes that Hughes talks about in the commentary. At least there is a commentary, which is more than most Paramount films get.

Scrooged - this was one of my earliest DVDs, and another one of my favorite all-time movies. I can't complain too much, because I'm not sure other studios would have given it a nice SE, but it is an outstanding movie, and I'd love to see a Making-of Featurette/Documentary, and some deleted scenes. At least the trailer is on it (and it's good), which is more than I can say for...

Planes, Trains & Automobiles - excellent film, terrible DVD. Not a single extra, despite the fact that Deleted Scenes & Outtakes were announced for it originally. Not even a Hughes commentary, or a trailer.

Apocalypse Now - Sheesh, as if this one isn't crying out for a Collector's Edition (or as Paramount calls them, "Special Collector's Edition") with both cuts of the film and the Hearts of Darkness documentary, along with more supplemental material.

Major League - A title I'd been waiting long to come to DVD...finally comes to DVD, not with the deleted scenes that we all know about, not with the trailer that features some of the deleted scenes, not with the HBO First Look special that aired, not with a commentary, not with ANYTHING other than the matted widescreen film. And while the sequels sell for $5.88, this one is in stores for around $19.99. I'll pass.

and last, but not least there are the Peanuts Specials. I got the Peanuts Holiday Collection back in September 2000 when it was released, and while the specials themselves are excellent, I really wish we could get more and for less $. Fortunately, more are coming early next year, and this time 3 22-minute specials for $19.99, which is better than 2, I suppose. I'd love for "A Charlie Brown Christmas" to get a re-release with the making-of specials that aired last year and this year on CBS, but then they'd probably charge $29.99 for it.

There's no reason to not include Trailers that are right there in the vaults with the films that they take to put on DVD. Truman Show is another practically barebones DVD of a great movie. AT LEAST Paramount gives us films in widescreen, although their high prices and disproportionately low effort makes them one of the studios I am least likely to support.

rtcpenguin · 10-20-2002, 05:21 PM

The Hunt for the Red October!!!!!!!!!!!

We need to email paramount.........

davcole · 10-20-2002, 06:09 PM

I must concur that Paramount is giving it's customer's "less than value" in it's releases. I kinda get the sense that Paramount (or it's parent, Viacom) is more bottom line conscious than other studios. They seem quite content with their sales numbers and profitibility.

They generally do offer a quality presentation. Good audio/video quality (for the most part though there are some turds)!

However it's apparent to any collector that they simply pale in comparison to other studios as far as supplemental materials. I can understand the cost of trailers and the royalties that would be due. However other studios are releasing title with them.

You hardly ever see a "DVD producer" in charge of producing a special edition. There SE's all seem to be "in house". I really think the studio has no clue as far as the "special features" that we want!

I won't even get on the lack of DTS!

My biggest gripe with Paramount remains their pricing. They still release all the new releases at the $30 price. Catalog titles get released at $25 and they are for the most part "bare bones".I would have bought both BOOMERANG and TRADING PLACES at $20, but not at $25. I believe that GREASE is there only catalog title that "debuted" at the $20 list? Then their "budget line" is at $20 and they've not been aggressive about re-pricing those titles. As a matter of fact i can't remember the last time they released titles to the "budget line"? Have to admit some of those titles I wouldn't consider buying till they drop to $15!

I have high hopes for this studio. I just have this "feeling" they they will change their policies for the better. Let's see what their plans are in 2003.

David

DVDog · 10-20-2002, 06:37 PM

Paramount is the worst offender of DVD releases simply because they have one of the best film vaults/catalogs of any studio. Great films should get no less than a stellar DVD release and when Paramount learns that, they'll make so much money it'll be sickening. Paramount sucks so much it's not even funny anymore. Normally I wouldn't care but they have some titles I really want SE's of - John Woo's Face/Off being one.

blakely614 · 10-20-2002, 08:08 PM

I don't understand how Paramount could think that special editons of films like Top Gun, Mission Impossible, and The Hunt For Red October wouldn't make good business since. Hell, any new edition wouldn't even have to be that "special". A new transfer and a commentary or two would be enough for me to re-purchase all these titles.

theta · 10-20-2002, 08:51 PM

All Trek fans know what Paramount did with the Trek movies; put out bare-bones discs, and then release nice special editions.

Considering a "Grease" SE is in the works already, I have no doubt all the titles we're bitching about now will be double-dipped.

JimboQ · 10-20-2002, 11:53 PM

I'm also disgusted with Paramount, and they are losing money with each less-than-impressive release. I will not pay $30.00 for
a bare bones disc. Makes no sense. When they start dropping in
price, and when they start adding some features AND trailers (Bad News Bears didn't even have a trailer!!!), then I might start showing some love.

MooglePorn · 10-21-2002, 12:02 AM

I wouldn't care at all about Major League or Trading Places etc. being bare, but Jesus why are they $10 more than most company's SE's????? That's what pisses me off, the prices.

Anyway, I fully expect we will get SE's of all the top-tier Paramount films eventually.

10-20-2002, 06:48 AM	#1 (permalink)
Wflanagan Actor Join Date: Oct 2001	Paramount DVDs -- Missed opportunities So does anyone know why Paramount seems to be the worst major studio for DVDs? The majority of their releases are overpriced yet featureless. I don't think this is news to anyone, but I had to note this due to the volume of lousy releases Paramount has unleashed on us in the past few months. Particularly, the following titles: Trading Places - a true comedy classic released as bare as they come, without even a trailer. Better Off Dead - the definition of a "cult classic" yet a total nothing package. Grease - Not my cup of tea, but I know many fans of this film and was surprised to see how little effort was put into the disc --especially in light of all the related specials shown on VH1, which is part of the Viacom family like Paramount. Footloose - Another beloved 80s classic, another missed opportunity for a fun DVD. I'm sure everyone can name a title they've waited for on disc only to have Paramount release a mediocre/poor version of it. Now, I'm not saying every film has to have a super-duper mega 2-disc package, but at least if they're going to put minimal effort into these things they could sell them at the more consumer MGM-like price point of $15. Who's with me on this? Walt

10-20-2002, 07:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
Avid Actor Join Date: Nov 2001	The thing is everyone's favorite film is different. While not all movies can have the Super Duper Ultra Special Edition Treatment, there is no reason why most of their films can't have: * A high quality transfer off the best source material that they can find. * The friggin' trailer. * Port over pre-existing extras. * An audio commentary. Different companies that have films with smaller audiences than most Paramount films get much better treatment than almost all of their films. I noticed in the USA Today list of the top selling 25 DVDs, and essential DVDs to own, they did not list a single Paramount release. Another thing, even when I have gotten their disks on sale, I still miss not having the trailer on it. __________________ OAR or :barf:

10-20-2002, 09:22 AM	#3 (permalink)
Shawn Watson Actor Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: The Underverse	Yup, Paramount are shit. I'm not buying any more of their stuff until they buck up their ideas. And they probably won't. They'll go straight down the toilet in the home video deptarment and it'll be no ones fault but their own. What they should do is FIRE (totally) whoever is in charge of DVD/VHS because they have no clue what the hell they are doing. Who the fuck do they think they are charging us top dollar for barebones DVDs when smaller, more independent films get super DVDs for less??? It makes NO SENSE! Paramount are living in their own little fairy world or the twilight zone or something and they'll never realize the true potential of DVD as a way of making BIG profit. I cannot imagine ANYONE EVER saying, "I'm looking forward to getting F13 Part VII. It's by Paramount so it must be cool." Get real! As long as their heads are up their asses we'll see no cool extras and they'll see no money coming in. __________________ A PTA meeting with cucumbers instead of parents.

10-20-2002, 09:44 AM	#4 (permalink)
*chlngr1970* Producer/Admin Tenacious "OB" Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Spanaway Washington	I require only two things from my DVDs. The Best Piture The Best Sound Your are watching a TH.... Wait a minute... Anywho...I would like a trailer, but that is not realy necessary. I buy a DVD for the Movie. I prefer Anamorphic Widescreen. I prefer dts sound. I will accept DD without much complaint, especialy if it was origionally a Mono sountrack. Some remastered soundtracks sound pretty good to me, but I understand that that remasterng can cost a lot. Video image on the other hand, needs to be remastered for it to be enjoyable. And if you are going to do it anyway, MAKE IT ANAMORPHIC WS. Paramount has lately been very consistant with their releases. Great PQ, adn descent DD sound. I am a little miffed they sill don't support dts, but hey...what's a guy to do? I do plan on sendingout some emails to a few studios with some questions I have and hopefully I'll get a little insight as to why some dtudios don't support dts. I'm starting to ramble, but in closing, as long as their releases are as good as they have been in the past ( ST, Rules of Engagement ) I will continue to purchase them. j __________________ "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return" Christian, Moulin Rouge

10-20-2002, 11:28 AM	#5 (permalink)
The Limey Actor Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London , England	I've just had a quick look at my collection and i actually own very few dvd's from Paramount.This isn't because the discs are lacking supplements but simply due to the fact i'm not bothered about the majority of titles in their catalogue. Like chlngr i'm more than happy with the picture and sound quality on the few Paramount dvd's i own. As for a missed opportunity from the studio, i would have to say Payback was sorely neglected. I would love to see a 2 disc Special Edition containing Brian Helgelands original cut along with the theatrical version, deleted scenes, a documentary highlighting all the post-production problems and whatever else they could dig up from the vaults.I won't be holding my breath though... __________________ My Blu-Ray Collection

10-20-2002, 04:51 PM	#7 (permalink)
LBPound23 Actor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: New York, USA	The one good thing about Paramount is their releases are almost always in the original aspect ratio. But, they have a lot of missed opportunities. These are Paramount-owned films that other studios would have given Special Edition's to, but are barebones (or close to it) thanks to the "Paramount Widescreen Collection": Ferris Bueller's Day Off - awesome movie, one of my all-time faves, and not even a trailer or the deleted scenes that Hughes talks about in the commentary. At least there is a commentary, which is more than most Paramount films get. Scrooged - this was one of my earliest DVDs, and another one of my favorite all-time movies. I can't complain too much, because I'm not sure other studios would have given it a nice SE, but it is an outstanding movie, and I'd love to see a Making-of Featurette/Documentary, and some deleted scenes. At least the trailer is on it (and it's good), which is more than I can say for... Planes, Trains & Automobiles - excellent film, terrible DVD. Not a single extra, despite the fact that Deleted Scenes & Outtakes were announced for it originally. Not even a Hughes commentary, or a trailer. Apocalypse Now - Sheesh, as if this one isn't crying out for a Collector's Edition (or as Paramount calls them, "Special Collector's Edition") with both cuts of the film and the Hearts of Darkness documentary, along with more supplemental material. Major League - A title I'd been waiting long to come to DVD...finally comes to DVD, not with the deleted scenes that we all know about, not with the trailer that features some of the deleted scenes, not with the HBO First Look special that aired, not with a commentary, not with ANYTHING other than the matted widescreen film. And while the sequels sell for $5.88, this one is in stores for around $19.99. I'll pass. and last, but not least there are the Peanuts Specials. I got the Peanuts Holiday Collection back in September 2000 when it was released, and while the specials themselves are excellent, I really wish we could get more and for less $. Fortunately, more are coming early next year, and this time 3 22-minute specials for $19.99, which is better than 2, I suppose. I'd love for "A Charlie Brown Christmas" to get a re-release with the making-of specials that aired last year and this year on CBS, but then they'd probably charge $29.99 for it. There's no reason to not include Trailers that are right there in the vaults with the films that they take to put on DVD. Truman Show is another practically barebones DVD of a great movie. AT LEAST Paramount gives us films in widescreen, although their high prices and disproportionately low effort makes them one of the studios I am least likely to support. __________________ UltimateDisney.com: The Ultimate Guide to Disney DVD - News and views on all of Disney's movies.

10-20-2002, 05:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
rtcpenguin Actor Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Fairfax, VA	The Hunt for the Red October!!!!!!!!!!! We need to email paramount......... __________________ The Adventures of Ted Superfly Blog

10-20-2002, 06:09 PM	#9 (permalink)
davcole Actor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Cincinnati, OH	I must concur that Paramount is giving it's customer's "less than value" in it's releases. I kinda get the sense that Paramount (or it's parent, Viacom) is more bottom line conscious than other studios. They seem quite content with their sales numbers and profitibility. They generally do offer a quality presentation. Good audio/video quality (for the most part though there are some turds)! However it's apparent to any collector that they simply pale in comparison to other studios as far as supplemental materials. I can understand the cost of trailers and the royalties that would be due. However other studios are releasing title with them. You hardly ever see a "DVD producer" in charge of producing a special edition. There SE's all seem to be "in house". I really think the studio has no clue as far as the "special features" that we want! I won't even get on the lack of DTS! My biggest gripe with Paramount remains their pricing. They still release all the new releases at the $30 price. Catalog titles get released at $25 and they are for the most part "bare bones".I would have bought both BOOMERANG and TRADING PLACES at $20, but not at $25. I believe that GREASE is there only catalog title that "debuted" at the $20 list? Then their "budget line" is at $20 and they've not been aggressive about re-pricing those titles. As a matter of fact i can't remember the last time they released titles to the "budget line"? Have to admit some of those titles I wouldn't consider buying till they drop to $15! I have high hopes for this studio. I just have this "feeling" they they will change their policies for the better. Let's see what their plans are in 2003. David

10-20-2002, 06:37 PM	#10 (permalink)
DVDog Actor Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Unfortunately, "in the hood" surrounded by morons.	Paramount is the worst offender of DVD releases simply because they have one of the best film vaults/catalogs of any studio. Great films should get no less than a stellar DVD release and when Paramount learns that, they'll make so much money it'll be sickening. Paramount sucks so much it's not even funny anymore. Normally I wouldn't care but they have some titles I really want SE's of - John Woo's Face/Off being one. __________________ "Individual science fiction stories may seem as trivial as ever to the blinder critics and and philosphers of today. But the core of science fiction--it's essence--has become crucial to our salvation, if we are to be saved at all." --Isaac Asimov

10-20-2002, 08:08 PM	#11 (permalink)
blakely614 Actor Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: A Red State	I don't understand how Paramount could think that special editons of films like Top Gun, Mission Impossible, and The Hunt For Red October wouldn't make good business since. Hell, any new edition wouldn't even have to be that "special". A new transfer and a commentary or two would be enough for me to re-purchase all these titles. __________________ “You know what always cheers me up? Rolled up aces over kings." - Worm

10-20-2002, 08:51 PM	#12 (permalink)
theta Cheap Cerebral Paralysis Join Date: May 2002 Location: In aintnosin's basement	A theory All Trek fans know what Paramount did with the Trek movies; put out bare-bones discs, and then release nice special editions. Considering a "Grease" SE is in the works already, I have no doubt all the titles we're bitching about now will be double-dipped. __________________ "I need bling, I tell you, BLING!!!" --Palmerlime Theta's discs, 300 mark crossed, 400 here we come!

10-20-2002, 11:53 PM	#13 (permalink)
JimboQ Actor Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Tempe, Az	I'm also disgusted with Paramount, and they are losing money with each less-than-impressive release. I will not pay $30.00 for a bare bones disc. Makes no sense. When they start dropping in price, and when they start adding some features AND trailers (Bad News Bears didn't even have a trailer!!!), then I might start showing some love. __________________ "Woo Jack, that's a baaad outfit!! Woo" -street pimp to Superman after leaving phone booth

10-21-2002, 12:02 AM	#14 (permalink)
MooglePorn Actor Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Philadelphia, PA	I wouldn't care at all about Major League or Trading Places etc. being bare, but Jesus why are they $10 more than most company's SE's????? That's what pisses me off, the prices. Anyway, I fully expect we will get SE's of all the top-tier Paramount films eventually.

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