PS Commentaries are audio tracks that can be selected using the DVD player remote control. Using they have the regular audio mixed with the commentary at a lower level. I have dozens of DVDs that have them, and have only listened to one or two - basically it requires allocating a whole 2 hours (or 45 minutes in the case of a TV episode) just for listening to the commentary.
Generally, I'd much rather watch something I have not seen, rather than watch something again with the commentary on... it's usually only of interest to people planning careers in show biz: " Here we decided to use the closeup only because there was not enough time to finish the whole set " etc. etc.
I think most people who can play a DVD, know what a commentary feature is and how to access them. I would wager that better than 80% of my 1200+ title collection has a commentary track or two. Have I listened to all of them? I should say not, but they are a nice option to have for those who care to hear the perspective of the artists behind their body of work.
I agree with you in that many commentaries, particularly the technical ones, can be boring to the average eye such as yours and mine, but there are many technical commentaries that are entertaining as well as interesting. Yes they can be boring, however cast commentaries aren't as technical, and often come off as entertaining and enlightening. Your example of "here we decided to use the closeup only because there was not enough time to finish the whole set" sounds more like the commentary of a cinematographer or director than that of an actor. However some points made in commentaries (even the technical ones), can bring to light the artistry and magic that went into making the product. The one-shot in the opening of Serenity (the film) for instance has a hidden cut that is creative and not even known to those who didn't listen to the commentary track. It points out the magic and creativity of the artists vision and the technical wizardry that brought it to life. This is where commentary tracks can really shine!
Overall, I still prefer to hear the actors reflect on their work, tell their little stories etc. They aren't for everyone, but I for one am very glad that the artistic powers that be include the option for those who care to learn more.
In addition to some of the Firefly commentaries (as well as the cast commentary for the SE release of Serenity), I would submit Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory as well as Mr. Roberts as two excellent examples of well done commentaries.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory gathers the ensemble of former children actors from the film, who view the film for the first time ever, as a group. It is hear that we learn how nice Gene Wilder was, how the actor playing Mike Teevee released bees from a container in the inventing room set, which caused a short delay in filming.
The late, great, Jack Lemon reflects back on his days working with the legendary James Cagney while performing both in the stage play, as well as the film version of Mr. Roberts. All those stories would have been lost for eternity, had they not been recorded as commentary.
So you see, commentaries have value, but the greater point is that not all commentaries have value to everyone. It is all a matter of the viewer's level of appreciation.
I have no doubt that dfergie shares much of this view as do many others. Check out the actor commentaries, you may find them more enjoyable than you imagine!
Cheers!
Spence
