Audio Commentaries.....
POSTED BY: TheSomnambulist
UPDATED: Thursday, May 25, 2006 02:15
VIEWED: 8639
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I like commentaries in which any part of the creative process is discussed, whether it's the writing, acting, filming, or technical stuff. Also comments on how one deals with those who are ultimately in control, if that had a major part in a production.
Don't really care for air-heads self-promoting or complaining about how so-and-so was always upstaging or late or some other problem, though I'll concede that some of that goes into "what it was like to make this show," which I *do* find interesting.
Would love to have a Geoffrey Rush commentary on Pirates of the Caribbean, if only on how he put together his performance of Captain Barbossa. His big "Dinner with Elizabeth" scene is simply stunning in its dynamic range -- page after page of exposition with very little bounce-back available from Elizabeth until she finally gets up from the table -- but he brings it, up, down, sideways. My favorite commentaries in the PotC set are Depp/Verbinski and Writers.
Hard to say which Firefly commentary is my favorite. Guess I'll just have to watch them all again. !!
bun
~6/23~Serenity/Firefly Summer~9/30~
----- why's the rum gone? 7706 -----
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I loved that track too. I loved the menu of the DVD as well where they talk about the menu options. And the track that's in character is really funny. I love how they keep ragging on the director and complain how the film is "a hatchet job" and that anytime a person comes across the screen, they immediately say "he's dead."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"There's only one "Return" ok, and it ain't "of the King", it's "of the Jedi."
"Maybe we should start calling your friend 'Padme' because he loves 'Mannequin Skywalker' so much, Right? (imitating robot) Danger...danger...my name is Anakin...my shitty acting is ruining saga."
Excerpt of internet teaser for CLERKS 2.
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Quote:
Originally posted by reginaroadie:
Joss is a good mix of both of these aspects, and Kevin Smith I think has perfected the commentary track. I've seen MALLRATS more times with the commentary track on then off.
If I think of any other bad commentators, I'll let you know.
Hey Reginaroadie.
I have to agree with you. Joss has the perfect blend of the two. He's informative with thechnical and as always very funny when recounting funny type stuff. :D
I also like Tim Minear. After a few commentaries of his, the impression is that he likes ticking people off. (See the Angel Commentaries) He is perhaps more anecdotal but he also explains his reasoning behind his narratives which I find interesting.
Y'know you mention Kevin Smith - and I like his stuff but I've never bought one of his DVDs as I don't find his stuff holds to repeat viewing. I'm not sure why? Maybe I should just go take the plunge and buy one for the commentaries.... Which one would you suggest? My favourite of his Clerks.
Cheers
The
Somnambulist
www.cirqus.com
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Quote:
Originally posted by Brexan:
On the technical side I don't like all the technical jargan and generally the talk about camera angles and leses when its taken into a bit too much detail. I don't mind talk about the computer generated visual effects, and the odd chat about the processes beyond the basic filming/acting which we don't really pick up on but which make all the difference (like how they used a lot of 'taboo' camaera work to fit in with the 'unpolished' nature of the show).
He,he... That's the stuff I like the best. I guess maybe because I wanted to be a director when I was younger and picking up detailed knowledge about lenses and angles is gold-dust when you're looking at how certain moods are achieved.
Oh well - guess everyone is different eh?
Cheers
The
Somnambulist
www.cirqus.com
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Originally posted by embers:
Quote:
Anyway, my favorite ones are by Joss (although some other writers, or directors have also done well), where he gives real insight into why he wrote what he did, how this relates to his view of life, and why he framed the scene or shot the scene in the way he did.... I can never get enough of that kind of insight.
Yup. Very true. I enjoy Tim Minears commentaries too. Jane Espenson is good also - she's full of energy and humour when she comments. Great to listen to :D
Quote:
I also really enjoy it when there are technical commentaries, about special effects, camera work, and lighting....
Can't get nearly enough of that stuff! I always enjoy Tim Burton films for commentaries because he usually has Danny Elfman on talking about the music score. Which is BRILLIANT. I love hearing how these guys work on the score. I remember on BUFFY one of the best features was when they did a large segment on Chris Beck. Gave him the recognition he deserved. It was a real insight also.
Quote:
Did you ever listen to the LotR commentaries by the actors? Ian McKellan complimenting everyone else's acting, Christopher Lee droning on about stories of his past successes on stage, everyone else giggling like children... Really really boring and dumb stuff!
OK I know I'm going to lose some points here, but I'm one of the few who just cannot stand the LOTR films. *Ducks and heads for cover* So the idea of sitting and listening to the commentaries.... Well lets just say it would be difficult.
Quote:
Have you listened to Joss' commentary on The Body (Buffy season 5) or on Restless (Buffy Season 4) both are almost as good as the one he did on 'Objects in Space' (which I think is the best commentary ever)
Yeah I have. They are ace! The Restless one I always loved because of the nature of the story - you know the dreamy like quality. It was fascinating to hear how he reached the point where he was able to write it. Good stuff.
Cheers
The
Somnambulist
www.cirqus.com
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Quote:
Originally posted by GeekUSA:
My favorite commentary of all time is The Simpsons commentary with Matt Groening and Co. It has the right blend of anecdotes and technical issues about each episode for me. Most importantly it's entertaining. I'm sure that'll change once they start heading into later seasons, but for now I love it.
Which Season of the simpsons are you talking about? I've not bought any simpsons on DVD because it's constantly on the tv - but if you have a suggestion for best commentary I could maybe bring myself to buy that season.
Cheers
The
Somnambulist
www.cirqus.com
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Quote:
Originally posted by jossisagod:
I like a little less technical stuff on the commentaries. I like it, don't miss-read, But I also like anecdotes and personal stories from the actors and crew. I wanna hear about who screwed up, who had too much lunch before his shirt off scene,(straight guy here so more with the funny shirt off thing than the other.) that kind of stuff, I wanna hear funny stories with some tech-y stuff.
I do like it when the actors set each other off laughing. In particular War Stories when Alan makes Nathan laugh!
Cheers
The
Somnambulist
www.cirqus.com
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Originally posted by FloralBunny:
Quote:
Would love to have a Geoffrey Rush commentary on Pirates of the Caribbean, if only on how he put together his performance of Captain Barbossa. His big "Dinner with Elizabeth" scene is simply stunning in its dynamic range -- page after page of exposition with very little bounce-back available from Elizabeth until she finally gets up from the table -- but he brings it, up, down, sideways.
That's a very good point FloralBunny. I hadn't thought about that scene in those terms, but you're absolutely right. It is a great piece of acting from him. Did you ever watch SHINE ?
Cheers
The
Somnambulist
www.cirqus.com
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I usually would rather listen to the technical aspects of a movie in a commentary, but I really love these actors and their chemistry together, so I would have much rather have a cast commentary on Serenity included with Whedon. Heck, why can't we have both technical and cast commentaries included.
FOX
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Quote:
Originally posted by TheSomnambulist:
I enjoy Tim Minears commentaries too. Jane Espenson is good also - she's full of energy and humour when she comments. Great to listen to :D
Yeah, Jane Espenson has a lot of interesting things to say, her commentaries are great, and I enjoy David Fury's too....
but yesterday (before answering your question) I happened to be listening to the commentaries from BtVS S6 (I'm going through all my Buffy & Angel DVDs)
and I came across two of the most abysmal commentaries ever:
Season 6 "Hell's Bells" with David Soloman and Rebecca Rand Kirshner
and "Normal Again" with Rick Rosenthal and Diego Gutierrez
just dead air and endless silences...
it is like they are all leaning over backwards to avoid interupting, so no one ever says anything at all!
Worst.commentaries.EVER!
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