DVD Special Features/Extras

Is it the rental or, are new DVD releases including fewer behind the scenes features? I've rented Charlie & The Chocolate Factory and Christmas with the Kranks and both lacked commentary, behind the scenes exclusives, etc. If rental DVDs are being distinguished from purchased DVDs, do the studios really expect me to go out buy the DVD for the exclusives?

I've ended up buying more than my share of DVDs after renting, because I've liked the extras that I previewed on the rental enough to want to own the DVD. However, if the studious in their zeal to maintain control, think a stripped version of a rental will entice me to buy, they're way off the mark. Instead, I'm so turned off and so not willing to pay $19.99 when they release an enhanced version, that they've completely lost my $$.

Charlie & the Chocolate Factory was absolutely spectacular. I loved this film. Johnny Depp perfectly captured and portrayed Willy Wonka. The colors, music and casting are equally fantastic. As great as I think this movie is, it's not enough for me to shell out $19.95. A cheap VHS version would do me just as well.

Christmas with the Kranks was cute. Typical holiday fare that we've become quite accustomed to. I enjoyed the decorated houses and uh, even got some ideas (we're known as the Griswolds in our neighborhood), but it's not a film I'd want to own. One viewing is enough.

All around town I see vendors selling new release DVDs for $5 or $10. I've never purchased one, but I'm assuming that the buyer gets only the movie, even if the DVD has extras. So for me, it's never been a carrot. I like the packaging, liner notes and, of course, the extra footage and behind the scenes.

Hollywood's latest plan, though, leaves me thinking that more people will be enticed to buy the pirated copies at $5 or $10 and save money. Especially since they wouldn't get any extras anyway paying $19.95!