Monday, Jul. 24, 2000

DVD: Do Viewers Dig?

By Melissa August, Val Castronovo, Matthew Cooper, Daren Fonda, Ellin Martens, Benjamin Nugent, Julie Rawe, Flora Tartakovsky and Josh Tyrangiel

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Jaws, Universal last week released a DVD version with such extras as a "Get Out of the Water!" trivia game and 10 minutes of deleted scenes. (When you see the one of Quint terrorizing an adolescent oboist, you'll understand what editors are for.) For the DVD-savvy who've seen one too many "Making of" featurettes, the following releases might just float your boat:

The Sixth Sense (1999) DCFT "Rules and Clues" segment walks through a plethora of hints to the movie's secret; extra footage includes an extended ending (spoiler: Bruce's still dead).

Tarzan (1999) DCFMGT Production demo lets you follow a scene from sketch to final version; plus recording sessions with neo-heartthrobs 'N Sync flattering ex-heartthrob Phil Collins.

Cliffhanger (1993) DCFST Includes two scenes deleted because they made Stallone's character too Ramboesque.

This Is Spinal Tap (1984) DCMT Contains an hour more of banter, such as the band's ruminations at Elvis' grave: "Why don't they make gravestones look cheerier?" "Probably because of that whole death thing involved with it."

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) T A crisper, digital incarnation of Ricardo Montalban.

LEGEND: D=deleted scenes; T=trailer; C=commentary by director or cast; F="Making of" featurette; M=music videos; G=game; S=special effects behind the scenes