Directors discuss DVD technology

Jace Radke

Monday, July 10, 2000 | 11:12 a.m.

As vendors plied everything from the newest popcorn flavors to the latest in lingerie at the mammoth Video Software Dealers Association convention Sunday, a group of Hollywood directors met to discuss the effects of digital technology on the film industry.

John Waters, George Romero and John Landis were among the directors who sat down with film critic Leonard Maltin at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, site of the convention, to talk about digital video discs or DVDs.

"DVD versus video is sort of like a hardback compared to a paperback for the consumers," said Waters, whose credits include "Pink Flamingos," "Hairspray" and "Pecker."

"The DVD format allows for more information. They want a sidebar of me talking and added footage. I'm all for it."

Landis, who is best known for "The Blues Brothers," "National Lampoon's Animal House" and "Coming to America," recently recorded commentary along with fellow director David Zucker for the DVD of their 1977 comedy "Kentucky Fried Movie."

"We're doing this commentary about the film, and I'm wondering, 'Who would be interested in hearing us talking about the movie?' " Landis said. "I thought it would only be our parents. Who else would want to hear five old Jews talking on a couch?"

Seemingly many, as director commentary, deleted scenes and documentaries on the filmmaking are becoming standard parts of DVDs. Improved picture and sound quality are also factors contributing to the growing number of DVD owners, Maltin told about 200 industry insiders who listened to the discussion Sunday.

"It's just amazing that there is so much demand for the extras that can be put on DVDs," Romero said. "I'm glad to have the additional footage there, because I'm never quite certain that I was happy with what I did the first time around."

Romero, whose cult classic "Night of the Living Dead" helped define the horror genre, says he likes the idea of his work being saved on digital discs.

"I think all the early prints of 'Night of the Living Dead' were on toilet paper," Romero said. "I think with the additional information on the discs, people will watch the movies and say, 'Gee, I learned a lot about filmmaking from this.' "

Landis said he thinks one of the best features of DVDs is the ability to restore deleted scenes from movies that may otherwise disappear on the cutting room floor.

" 'Animal House' was too long, so I cut a scene out that I was in," Landis said. "It needed to go, but for sentimental reasons I'd like to have that scene with John Belushi.

"There were also a couple of musical numbers in the 'Blues Brothers' that were cut for time. That stuff is just gone now."

This is the first time that DVDs have been highlighted as a major part of the convention, which ends today. The Video Software Dealers Association is a not-for-profit international trade association for the $17 billion home entertainment industry.