...I thought it might be interesting (as an alternative to seeing a cheap movie that you haven't already watched) to re-watch a movie you have seen from a new perspective! What I mean of course is the commentary track.
My friends (as my university roommate used to say) "really know this" about me but I LOVE watching my favourite movies and TV shows with the commentary track on. I have to admit that being a giant film nerd is part of it but depending on who is doing the commentary it can be insightful, hilarious or altogether disturbing.
Case in point:
Don't ever EVER watch "What a Girl Wants" with the commentary track. I love Amanda Bynes for her fearlessness but it should never extend to commentary tracks on your own.
And so, on this Tuesday I present to you my top 5 commentary tracks...(in no particular order)
SHE'S THE MAN
There are several tracks on this DVD and the one that I enjoy is the cast commentary. The main reason (and it is not to swoon at the boys as they are neither visible-- clearly-- nor particularly insightful) is that when you stuff that many young actors in one room with their self deprecating director and force them to watch themselves for two hours you get gold. At any given point at least one of the actor's true personalities shines through (Robert Hoffman, the self promoting video hag; Alex Breckenridge's slightly slower intellectual speed) as they continue to make fun of themselves and each other mercilessly throughout. Had me laughing out loud a few times...you'll enjoy it.
MISS CONGENIALITY
There's something wonderful about Sandra Bullock's ease onscreen and it translates beautifully into the commentary that she does on this DVD with writer and longtime friend Marc Lawrence. They seem to travel seemlessly between teasing each other and giving insight into the process of making the film. Being one of the film's producers probably helps but the commentary is fresh and funny and stays true to the lighthearted nature of the film.
SERENITY
Joss Whedon. JOSS WHEDON. I'm sorry, let me contain myself. For those of you who worship the ground this man walks on you've already listened to this commentary several times and probably know it by heart so you can skip this pitch. For anyone who has not had the opportunity to enjoy this commentary (and has any interest AT ALL in the creative process) the commentary on this disk is almost like a personal writing class using the suprising box office smash as the example. If that sounds boring you should probably try listening to it anyway as Joss' playful sense of humour is peppered throughout the track and includes surprising insight into the physicality of film (both for the actors and the crew).
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (SEASON 1)
I have often heard it said that showrunners Carter Bayes and Craig Thomas are two of the best at what they do and this commentary track only manages to prove that statement right. Insight into characters, places, plots and jokes the commentary provides great depth to a show that already has some of the snappiest timing on prime time. If you've enjoyed HIMYM and don't want to wait until the next new episode then check this out.
DR. HORRIBLE'S SING-A-LONG BLOG
I can't actually pitch this commentary because I haven't heard it yet but just based on the original material (and rumours that there would be a commentary track that was entirely singing) I have to include it if only as an item on my commentary wish list.
Well there you have it, my top 5, feel free to post your own (or even examples of behind the scenes featurettes you love etc.). I really believe it's important to share when something is worth your time. Think of it as a public service announcement.
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