Posted by jamesgibbon on
URL: https://www.shado-forum.com/Re-DVD-Special-Features-Poll-tp1494950p1494957.html


> So not everyone is as able to afford 'boys toys' like DVD
> players as you (or me) - so what ? People make the point,
> and get criticised for it - why ? What is DVD except a way of
> increasing media and tech bosses profits ? What do you _really_
> get from DVD that you can't get from TV or video (apart from
> the opportunity to pay much more from the same product ?).

It's not really that much more - DVDs in the UK cost about the
same or a *little* more, in real terms as prerecorded VHS videos
did a few years ago.

The picture, and the audio soundtrack are of considerably higher
quality (the latter may not apply so much to old recordings I
admit). They are much more portable and storable (especially if
you discard the stupidly enormous cases they come in) - I have
about 200 and keep them in zip cases. They take up a LOT less
room than 200 VHS videos would. I know, because I have more than
200 VHS videos unfortunately .. :)

You can jump directly to a chapter insteading of fast-forwarding.
It will be a loooooong time before a DVD wears out, and there's
no tape to snap or get chewed by your VCR.

Some of the special features could be provided on a videotape -
but a commentary would be hard to provide without using up either
the left or right channel, leaving only a mono recording of the
original soundtrack on the other - and that would only work on
stereo VCRs. Unless the entire video was repeated on the same
tape of course, which few manufacturers would be willing to do.
Same for subtitles (some DVDs provide subtitles in three or four
languages)