300 The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

[Jun-Dai]

Does that imply that a larger budget should make it less annoying?

Not so much as it attempts to invalidate any claim that the film could have been more interesting if the producers had coughed up more dough.

[Svevan]

I am most interested to see how Criterion's level of scholarship usually required for their double disc sets will match up with this film. I wasn't entirely satisfied by The Royal Tenenbaums as a two disc set, and felt that without the Maysles "Portrait" it wouldn't have been warranted. "M" is a film that there is plenty to find and talk about, and I learned more from the newly released set than from any other source. Many of Criterions multi-disc sets are high quality in this way: providing context, explanations, discussions of themes, etc. If this is merely a deleted scene, television documentary, and trailer double disc set, I will be disappointed. I do not want The Life Aquatic, or any of Anderson's films (and I am a huge fan, following him since the release of Rushmore), to be Criterions merely as a way of saying, "look, we have this great film." We can look at Cleo From 5 to 7 and Diary of a Country Priest for examples. The Life Aquatic is a great film, maybe not up to Tenenbaum's standards, but another transformation for Anderson. I believe we will view this film as a link in between Wes' heavily controlled cinema and a new style or subject manner that he chooses to focus on later. We will have to wait, though, for Criterion to re-release this on a new format, or once Anderson is dead, to see truly how it impacted its maker's future, our society, and film history itself. So, I will gladly buy this excellent movie for all the wing-dings, but I am hoping that Criterion can also wow me with excellent NEW scholarship for a NEW film. I don't know if it can be done. Prove me wrong, please.

[chaddoli]

I'm sorry if someone already reported this but the full specs are now listed on DVDAnswers....

http://www.dvdanswers.com/index.php?r=0 ... &n=1&burl=

The film will be available in both single and a double-disc Criterion edition from the 10th May. Extras on the single-disc will include director commentary on select scenes, deleted scenes with director commentary, interviews with cast and crew with behind-the-scenes footage and the original theatrical trailer.

The two-disc Criterion edition will include all of the above features along with:

• a video journal of the on-the-set intern
  a video journal of Waris Ahluwalia (Vikram)
  Seu Jorge musical performances: The Songs of David Bowie
  The Life Aquatic: A Movie - an Albert Maysles documentary
  cast and crew interviews, an interview with the screenwriters and Antonio Monda and an interview with composer Mark Mothersbaugh.

[lord_clyde]

Those extras don't exactly sound Criterion worthy but I'll take it. Any ideas on price? I remember picking up Tenenbaums on the day of its release for 19.99 at Target. Will the single disc be, say, 14.99 and the double disc 19.99? Or 19.99 and 29.99? Or 22.99 and 36.99 (Basically the average Criterion prices, but I think that it will be cheaper like Tenenbaums.)
If the single disc is significantly cheaper I might pass on the double disc set.

[cdnchris]

Hmmm, have to say I'm a tad disappointed with the supplements.

I also found out something about the single disc release (and saw someone had stated it also on the forum there at DVD Answers.) My buddy's younger brother (who unfortunately works at a video store) told me, after I mentioned this release, that the single disc might be aimed more at rental stores who don't want to carry the two-disc set, out of fear of losing one of the discs. I guess that makes sense though they could just sit on the supplement disc and not rent it out, like they do at the store he works at. But whatever, I guess that makes more sense. Because the price difference was killing me just because it made no flippin' sense.

[bunuelian]

Rushmore also has a 1-disc release. I suspect that just like that disc the 1-disc will end up on the shelves at Best Buy and other big retailers where casual fans will pick up the disc for the regular price.

This movie wasn't exactly a huge success. They need to milk the dvd market for all its worth. I don't blame them at all. Those who feel victimized because they think they have to buy both really need to check themselves before they wreck themselves. Completism is a disease. *ducks chair*

[The Elegant Dandy Fop]

Rushmore was a 1-disc but had much better supplements than The Royal Tenenbaums. It' second disc isn't that great.

I'm really dissapointed, it almost sounds like Criterion doesn't need to make a second disc, the features sound awful.

[chaddoli]

Well while I am dissatisfied with the select commentary, remember the Albert Maysles documentary, I'm hoping this will be a sweet feature length number that we all love.

[yumitree]

Rushmore was a 1-disc but had much better supplements than The Royal Tenenbaums. It' second disc isn't that great.

i think that (s)he meant that rushmore had a barebones version.

[The Elegant Dandy Fop]

I know, I'm just saying that though Rushmore was only one disc, it has better features than TRT and TLA.

[cdnchris]

This is probably going to be a geeky/technical post, but I shall continue anyways.

I was wondering how it works when Criterion co-produces a DVD with Disney or another studio, and the other studio distributes it. Are they actually more limited to what can be done? Does Disney have more of a say? Does Disney make the DVD and actually licence a spine number and the logo from them. Etc. Because this DVD feels more like a Disney release, a quickie thrown out there. I haven't seen the supplements obviously (the documentary could kick ass) but looking at the roster there I'm not too impressed.

I was wondering because both Rushmore and Armageddon look like full-on Criterion releases with no outside influences and were made fresh for DVD (though Armageddon appeared on laserdisc as well.) The supplements were excellent and well thought out for each and were up to the standards you would expect. Although now maybe Disney handles the distribution of them, their UPC codes suggest that the usual distributor of Criterion DVDs handled them at one point (the first 6 numbers, 715515 represents the company that handles the distribution of Criterion DVDs, 037429 is the other popular one, which represents HVE as the distributor--all the Janus films have that UPC number) So based on that I figure those two are full on Criterion releases through each step of the way right up to going out the door.

The Rock and The Royal Tenenbaums both have Disney UPC codes (786936) and Chasing Amy has a Miramax code (717951, Canadian DVDs will have the Alliance code) suggesting that these are more Disney releases. The Rock and Chasing Amy* are obvious ports from their respective laserdiscs, taking the nice work already done by Criterion and just moving it to DVD with no big deal.

But with Tenenbaums, a newly made DVD with no previous supplemental material, it does feel more like a typical Disney release. The supplements weren't really that great (when I have to say they're nowhere near the quality of Armageddon it does pain me) and the transfer was 'okay' and that's about it. It does feel like a full on Disney release more than a Criterion release. The only thing that saves it is the documentary. (Plus the fact I think the filmis fantastic.)

While I noticed Susan Aro-whatshername was the producer of the Tenenbaums DVD (and probably Aquatic), something tells me Criterion doesn't have much of a hand in this really, and it's more the Mouse that's in charge. Does Disney actually just licence the Criterion name and a spine number from them (while the spine numbers really mean nothing, I suspect this gets a 300 release, well before they reached that point, because for Disney it will stand out for us nerds), in a role reversal, and the DVD is made in-house, or is it actually a Criterion job?

I'm glad the movie is in the collection but it's kind of beside the point if Criterion didn't actually make the DVD, and instead it's just Disney slapping their logo on the thing. Maybe my whole rant is stupid, but Criterion can do a much better DVD than Disney, and this one looks barely on par with Disney (though I will eat my own shoe if the DVD proves me wrong when I see it.) It just pains me when I think of the other stuff that could go on it (Cousteau stuff, a lot on the creatures--which could be covered in the doc, granted--Bill Murray on the commentary, etc.). THough it says director-approved, I'm still wondering if this DVD was limited by Disney.

(I should mention that Traffic is distributed by USA Film's distributor yet that DVD feels like a Criterion DVD, as it kicks serious ass and fits the "film school in a box" thing that I love about them, so I don't know what the deal is with that one.)

*The framing is also wrong on Chasing Amy, differing from the Criterion laserdisc, matching more to the theatrical release, suggesting Disney/Miramax had more of a hand in the transfer than Criterion.

[DrewReiber]

*The framing is also wrong on Chasing Amy, differing from the Criterion laserdisc, matching more to the theatrical release, suggesting Disney/Miramax had more of a hand in the transfer than Criterion.

Or maybe Kevin Smith corrected it to what his viewing preferences were? Criterions laserdiscs weren't always known for the level of transfer quality that they can afford now in the larger DVD market. I think you're reading a bit too much into this business. As Disney owns these titles and licenses them to Criterion for development, it would make sense that Disney distribute the titles because they are the ones with the most to gain/lose in profit.

If I remember correctly, Mulvaney said that they hoped to work on the Life Aquatic release... so if it's no more than them putting their label on the disc, what purpose does their involvement serve? I think you're really stretching it when you make haphazard assumptions about the origin of supplements based on your own opinion of their quality. Disney didn't issue Pearl Harbor through the label and I recall the special features for that seemed different than the kind produced for Bay's Criterion titles.

[cdnchris]

*The framing is also wrong on Chasing Amy, differing from the Criterion laserdisc, matching more to the theatrical release, suggesting Disney/Miramax had more of a hand in the transfer than Criterion.

Or maybe Kevin Smith corrected it to what his viewing preferences were? Criterions laserdiscs weren't always known for the level of transfer quality that they can afford now in the larger DVD market. I think you're reading a bit too much into this business. As Disney owns these titles and licenses them to Criterion for development, it would make sense that Disney distribute the titles because they are the ones with the most to gain/lose in profit.

Actually that's not correct. If you listen to the commentary (which came from the laserdisc) Smith mentions how happy he is to finally see that the framing is right because the tops of heads were cut off during theatrical release. He was happy to see the space above the heads and sounded delighted with Criterion's job in his nerd way. Of course now as he says this for the DVD (right at where he says this) the scene has the top of Ben Affleck's head cut off. That's not his preference.

As for the rest, maybe I am reading too much into it but something still tells me they're limited in what they can do when they get a new movie like this from Disney. While maybe it's stupid to base it on the quality of the supplements, this movie calls for a cool release and the single-disc Rushmore, as stated by many looks more impressive.

[KJB2]

the scene has the top of Ben Affleck's head cut off. That's not his preference

My personal preference would be to see Affleck's entire head cut off, and mounted on a stake.

But that's just me.

[Andre Jurieu]

You know, I'm slightly concerned none of our forum members will have suitable footwear in the months to come, given all the wagers being made that may force everyone to eat their own shoes. People, please reconsider! Werner Herzog is a trained professional and you shouldn't attempt to eat shoes at home without proper supervision.

[Pinback]

Just got this link to an extract from an interview book featuring Wes Anderson in the Faber & Faber e-newsletter:

A Masterclass with Wes Anderson
The secret of writing a successful screenplay is sought after by ever-growing numbers of scribes and enthusiasts. In Screenwriters' Masterclass, Kevin Conroy Scott interviews the leading scriptwriters of our day, shedding light on the creation process and revealing hidden secrets of film-making. One such interviewee is Wes Anderson, whose latest film, The Life Aquatic, has just opened in cinemas. You can read an extract of what he had to say here.

Link here

[DrewReiber]

That's not his preference.

My mistake. However, it looks like Kevin Smith will get his chance to correct it again because according to convention reports he is prepping a new special edition of Chasing Amy.

[Napoleon]

Life Aquatic

Its early in the morning, my eyes must be deceiving me.

“The Life Aquatic – A Movie” An Albert Maysles documentary

[oldsheperd]

Totally looking forward to the Mark Mothersbaugh interview. Devo rocked. BTW if you're fan pick up their videos dvd. It's got commentary tracks and all that. Come Back Johnny!

[Svevan]

CDNChris wrote:

I'm glad the movie is in the collection but it's kind of beside the point if Criterion didn't actually make the DVD...

I sincerely doubt that Criterion would stamp their name on Buena Vista's DVD. I'm no purist, but here's the logical scenario: For Criterion to be able to release the first run of Buena Vista's property on home video, they have to bow to some demands. Certainly Buena Vista has test-marketed their DVDs and found out what they think viewers think are the best special features: Interviews, deleted scenes, short featurettes. Then there's going to be things that Anderson and his crew made themselves or funny items that appeal to him: I assume the on-set intern's documentary, though Tenenbaum's "Peter Bradley Show," is a current example. Finally we have to consider that for a new film, the elements available are going to be much different than for an old film. Criterion can get deleted scenes because these things are demanded of modern DVDs. If there were deleted scenes for Seven Samurai, I'm sure Criterion would attempt to put them on their DVD.

Consider this: Criterion, I'm sure, loves the Maysle's documentaries, yet do you think Buena Vista would have put this on their DVD? Do you think they would have made a two disc set? They know they can sell more DVDs through Criterion because Anderson fans have started buying Criterions and vice versa. If they had made the DVD on their own, it would probably be similar to the one disc.

So, Criterion is probably considered the sole author of this DVD, but Buena Vista definitely has demands that are fair enough: both of these companies are trying to sell DVDs, and both are helping each other. Remember, the best supplement from The Royal Tenenbaum's DVD was the insert of Eric Chase Anderson's drawings - Criterion will make this DVD worthwhile to Anderson fans, certainly, and most Criterion fans as well (provided they liked the movie). My initial concern remains though: will they be able to justify this movie as a film? I hope that either through the Maysles' documentary, the essay, or Anderson's commentary we can get some clarity on this very confusing movie.

[DrewReiber]

I'm no purist, but here's the logical scenario: For Criterion to be able to release the first run of Buena Vista's property on home video, they have to bow to some demands. Certainly Buena Vista has test-marketed their DVDs and found out what they think viewers think are the best special features: Interviews, deleted scenes, short featurettes.

The deleted scenes were arranged ahead of time for the DVD by Anderson, as mentioned several times by Henry Selick in many interviews. The featurettes and interviews were produced as marketing for the theatrical release, accessible on many PR websites, and whose production was completely independent of the DVD market.

You guys are really taking this stuff to unrealistic levels without actually looking at the origin of the material. What do you want Criterion to do, not include the press package clips because they didn't produce it? Why can't Criterion be thorough in collecting supplements without this "bowing" nonsense?

[Svevan]

I don't disagree with you; the gist of my post was that Criterion must do these things. I would rather Criterion not put useless supplements created specifically for PR purposes on their DVDs when they have no value, and my assumption would be that they wouldn't either. There's a difference between being thorough and padding. Most major studios pad, Criterion (for the most part) is thorough. If Criterion's philosophy is completism, then that's unfortunate. My experience with their best DVDs is that each piece of material is important and interesting.

I don't want Criterion to disclude anything because they didn't produce it; my assumption is that some of these supplements might be geared towards Buena Vista's demands, not Criterion's. OF COURSE let's wait to see the DVD. I just know what I saw on The Royal Tenenbaum's, and I get the feeling that there were two parties whose tastes were served by that DVD package. I see that echoed in The Life Aquatic's list. "Bowing," isn't a bad thing. Lack of quality is.

[oldsheperd]

Criterion is going to put any and all extras they can get their hands on for a release. Since this is a recent studio film, there is going to be lots of extras. A lot of it may be fluff, but who cares. If you do just get the singel disc version.

[DrewReiber]

I don't disagree with you; the gist of my post was that Criterion must do these things. I would rather Criterion not put useless supplements created specifically for PR purposes on their DVDs when they have no value, and my assumption would be that they wouldn't either. There's a difference between being thorough and padding. Most major studios pad, Criterion (for the most part) is thorough. If Criterion's philosophy is completism, then that's unfortunate. My experience with their best DVDs is that each piece of material is important and interesting.

You're reading into something that I never said or implied regarding completism. When did I say that those cast and crew interviews were useless? I've seen these clips, and if they are able to remove all the Life Aquatic footage and just show the entirety of each interview, I will be very happy to see their inclusion. Have you even seen this footage or is this more of your assuming?

I don't want Criterion to disclude anything because they didn't produce it; my assumption is that some of these supplements might be geared towards Buena Vista's demands, not Criterion's. OF COURSE let's wait to see the DVD.

But your assumptions have no basis in reality. You took a list of supplements and broke their origins down by your imagination and when I pointed out that your guesswork was wrong you held on.

At this point your argument is that Criterion might have been forced to include cast interviews that were produced by Buena Vista, because you believe that they believe that people are more likely to buy a DVD produced by a completely seperate entity when they see "CAST INTERVIEWS", despite a feature length documentary, deleted scenes and tons of other crap produced on set by Anderson. It's entirely hypothetical generalizing based on information you don't even have, over a conspiracy theory that I can't imagine would make sense for anyone in the marketing business to waste their time on.

Wes Anderson appears for all intents and purposes to have complete control over this DVD and has been working on it since production on Aquatic began. He particapted in the making of the PR material, the marketing and just about everything else involved on this film because he had complete creative control thanks to two major figures at Buena Vista, particularly Dick Cook and Nina Jacobsen at Touchstone Pictures. If you have problems with anything related to this movie, you pretty much have a problem with the decisions made by the writer/director. It's very cut and dry.

[DrewReiber]

Criterion is going to put any and all extras they can get their hands on for a release. Since this is a recent studio film, there is going to be lots of extras. A lot of it may be fluff, but who cares. If you do just get the singel disc version.

The Digital Bits - http://www.thedigitalbits.com - just posted a bit more detail on the supplements. No description on the "Video journal of Waris Ahluwalia (Vikram)" feature yet, though. Some friends of mine and I have been wondering since we saw the film if they were actually running his character's camera during all the sequences when he was filming behind-the-scenes footage in the movie.