Whedonesque : Comments on 12606 : Serenity: Special Edition DVD to be released in July.

Well, I expect I'll buy it no matter what the features are (cast commentary, please!). But what would make this ten times better is if Universal started putting their movies out on Blu-ray... =(

jam2 | March 01, 23:37 CET

Oooh, let it be so (and here's hoping there's added content as far as everyone's concerned and not just a US release with the Aussie extras included cos that wouldn't be that 'Special' to me).

Also, let the speculation begin about what might be included. Obviously there's a cast commentary, more behind the scenes footage and Morgan Freeman's Wonder Woman screen-test but what else ?

Saje | March 01, 23:38 CET

Yeah, I was really excited for a minute, then I realized it's probably the stuff I already have. Still, hurrah for all our American compatriots--and a sign that sales must be pretty decent to warrant a new version.

Although 'Special Edition' does kinda sound like Joss is going George Lucas on the movie. ;-)

Niels(Telltale) | March 01, 23:39 CET

Extended gag reel! Extended gag reel!

I need to see it again

Angelite | March 01, 23:42 CET

Yeah, apparently, he's replacing the body of Wash with an actor younger than alan tudyk, much to the dismay of fans.

Plus ewoks.

theyarescientists | March 01, 23:43 CET

We can only pray for decent cover art.

Simon | March 01, 23:43 CET

Telltale - that's a MASSIVE SPOILER! You've given away the bit where The Operative now kills Mal, and the remainder of the movie is spent on the Reaver homeworld. They sing, they dance, Alyson Hannigan appears and sings a song or three. The special feature on the DVD is Joss Whedon's first male vampire film. He thought he burned the reels... He was wrong!

You also get a free pen set when you order.

Hey, here's a thing: have Universal learned over the first DVD cover?

gossi | March 01, 23:48 CET

July huh. Would make most EXCELLENT swag for auctions/raffles at the June 23 charity screenings.

theonetruebix | March 01, 23:52 CET

So long as they're at least true to the spirit of the DVD Llama I don't mind if they edit him/her out on any upcoming new cover.

he's replacing the body of Wash with an actor younger than alan tudyk

Yeah but only in the gravestone scene at the end.

More disturbing is that, in this version, Mal politely asks The Operative whether he's wearing body armour before shooting (though there're rumours that, after pressure from fans, the Super Special Edition may have Mal shoot at nearly the same time he asks the question).

Saje | March 01, 23:54 CET

Now Joss said the cinematic version of Serenity was his director's cut. I'm trying to remember the phrase studios use when they insert extra scenes in without the director's say-so. Extended edition?

Simon | March 01, 23:57 CET

Too bad Universal Home Entertainment's page for July isn't up yet.

theonetruebix | March 01, 23:58 CET

Yes, fanlings, there is going to be a 2 disc 'Special Edition' released this summer. You know why? 'Cause the 1 disc 'Normal Edition' has sold so well -- so maybe a little self-back-patting is in order for you guys. Way to keep her in the air.

It's too early to be sure what the Special Edition will contain, but here are some things we're going for:

NEW KEY ART.

Cast commentary -- assuming I can get a decent number of them in one room. They're very busy people, I'm happy to say.

NEW KEY ART.

The region 4 goodies, obviously.

The Tam Sessions.

KEY NEW ART.

New Yub Yub, and Greedo shoots first. So does that kid outside the trading station, the pilot who destroyed Haven, and Kaylee. And Richard Dreyfuss goes INSIDE the mothership.

KEW RAT YEN.

An alternate ending, if you turn it off early.

Proof of the existence of a benevolent higher power -- uh, I mean, new key art.

Mice.

And honestly, what more do you want? Don't answer that, I already know and it's unseemly. But I'm pretty excited here. Back to work, -j.

Take my Yub,
Take Yub Yub,
Yub Yub tak the Yub from Meee...dichlorians....

joss | March 02, 00:00 CET

Take my Yub,
Take Yub Yub,
Yub Yub tak the Yub from Meee...dichlorians....

Officially the geekiest thing you've ever said, Joss.

CAST COMMENTARY!! Oh, yes!!

crossoverman | March 02, 00:04 CET

Cool ducklings, Joss.

gossi | March 02, 00:05 CET

Hey, that purple guy looks familiar.

Y'know, what I'm really wondering is whether or not there'll be some new key art...

LiLi | March 02, 00:07 CET

New key art? So you're saying that Dawn will replace the llama?

theonetruebix | March 02, 00:08 CET

I would buy it if Morgan Freeman in his pants was on the cover. My friends wouldn't.

Universal must realise by now the last time I sent them a several thousand page document signed by a gazillion of you peeps was;

a) tedious for them
b) tedious for me
c) cost me a fortune
d) I'm pretty sure they are still burning the petition from 2005. It now powers Universal Home Entertainment.

So please. Don't make it look like Super Space Adventure 12 With Dean Cain.

[ edited by gossi on 2007-03-02 01:11 ]

gossi | March 02, 00:10 CET

New Dawn art? Are we talking about the Season 8 comics now?

ETA: Dagnabit, Bix beat me to it.

[ edited by Lady Brick on 2007-03-02 01:12 ]

Lady Brick | March 02, 00:11 CET

This is some really amazing news, I always felt that the special features on the original DVD weren't as good as they could have been and this is exactly what I hoped for.

Derf | March 02, 00:13 CET

Don't make it look like Super Space Adventure 12 With Dean Cain.

Super Space Adventure 12 With Dean Jones would be okay, though?

theonetruebix | March 02, 00:13 CET

Wait a minute, Ben knows the Llama ? Biblically you say ?

Ah, saaaaweeeeeet ! (... back you exclamatory scum ...)

Cheers Joss.

Confirmation on whether there'd be new key art would've been nice. Still, can't have everything.

And couldn't get Morgan to sign the release, eh ? We understand.

Tam sessions with fullscreen biggity, very cool. Cast commentary, super cool (so long as everyone can make it, not even necessarily at the same time but it'd be a shame to miss anyone).

Also, that's a lot of folk shooting first, I fear for our moral fibre.

Saje | March 02, 00:13 CET

I read that alternative ending thing wrong and thought he was serious for a second.....Ta ma de...

Sabri3l | March 02, 00:13 CET

Would this be what Nathan's April thing is?

What is the meaning of the interweb?

Where are my pants?

Thanks.

gossi | March 02, 00:16 CET

Would this be what Nathan's April thing is?

How would this qualify as something he's never done before, though? Although, for this fanbase, it might qualify as "blow your mind".

theonetruebix | March 02, 00:18 CET

Ooh...first step! We are on our way to a Big Damn Sequel!

;D

BlueEyedBrigadier | March 02, 00:20 CET

Just to add that so far today I've watched Serenity, watched Serenity while listening to Joss' commentary and I'm just about to go through all the special features. :)

[ edited by derf on 2007-03-02 01:24 ]

Derf | March 02, 00:21 CET

But, derf, have you made your own custom llama-featured DVD cover?

theonetruebix | March 02, 00:25 CET

But, derf, have you made your own custom llama-featured DVD cover?

I'm afraid not. :(

Derf | March 02, 00:27 CET

derf! !

gossi | March 02, 00:36 CET

Hereos Season 1 out in August? Yay!

Uhh... I mean, new key art? Whoo Hoo!

zz9 | March 02, 00:37 CET

Hearing about this new DVD version, it proves Mal is right..."Love keeps her in the air". Will it be ready just before Comic-Con, which I am sure will generate BIG business? Of course, many will also save enough cash for the first season of Heroes, too, but that's already obvious.

impalergeneral | March 02, 00:42 CET

What's this I hear about a new rat key?

theyarescientists | March 02, 00:48 CET

Who is this art guy, and why is Joss demanding new key from him? New key -- hey that sounds familiar. Hmm, newkey, newkey, nookie. Nookie? O.O Joss!

I will be first in line to buy the DVD, as long as the line starts at 4 in the morning since that's when I get off work. :)

cabri | March 02, 00:49 CET

This is awesome awesome AWESOME!

Thank you Joss and Universal and BDHs and all others who had anything at all to do with this because I am HAPPY!

*takes Joss's Yub* If you want this back, it's gonna cost ya.

BrightShiner | March 02, 00:49 CET

Monty Python and the Holy Grail had Llamas. Or Moose. Maybe both.

On topic, Joss is putting extra-terrestrials in the 'verse. And pulling them in from the Lucasverse, at that! Yub a yub dub!

napua | March 02, 00:51 CET

I just wish it was also on HD DVD in July as well. Or some news of an HD DVD version. (It will be my third time buying the movie.)

Odysseus | March 02, 00:51 CET

Oh, hey, duh, he said R. Tam Sessions.

*goes off to update the site*

theonetruebix | March 02, 00:53 CET

That's all very well, Joss, but would you care to comment on the rumor that it is actually the llama who shoots first on this new disk? The llama is a gentle creature, and would never do such a thing!

But seriously, I would buy this for the Tam Sessions alone. What a masterpiece of writing and acting.

I've flirted with the idea of writing a no-budget film myself, but all my ideas keep turning into rip-offs of the Sessions because they did that so well. :-)

[ edited by Telltale on 2007-03-02 02:00 ]

Niels(Telltale) | March 02, 00:55 CET

But seriously, I would buy this for the Tam Sessions alone. What a masterpiece of writing and acting.

Yeah, tho I burned an SVCD of them for myself anyway. And, you know, if Joss and Summer are ready to sit down with me for the official Tam Sessions "making of" interview to include on this DVD, just let me know. I'm available. ;)

theonetruebix | March 02, 01:04 CET

Oh, wow! What great news! I'll definitely add this to my collection when it comes out.

Now, what more could we want....hmm, well, for this special edition I'd love to see all 20 takes of the Simon / Kaylee kiss . . .

leiasky | March 02, 01:05 CET

Sign me up! I'll be buying many copies; of course that was never in doubt: Whedon's Bitch, after all. I'm sure they can get several of the BDHs to come in for commentary, look how many came to that Backup Bash thing!

embers | March 02, 01:08 CET

Man, talk about taking advantage of the loyal fans... first put out a stripped-down DVD with a llama on the cover, then release a special edition a year-and-a-half later (practically back-to-back!) for the double-dip.

How do you sleep at night, Joss, I ask you, how do you sleep?

Seriously, though, I think yelped so loud at this news I set off the car alarms in the parking lot.

You what would be cool? Seeing some of the footage Universal shot at the screenings.

Dizzy | March 02, 01:08 CET

Will the Special Edition include the Shiny Pressed Metal Box, too??

Look at all the Pretties!

*Happy Dance!* :o)

TDBrown | March 02, 01:09 CET

Now, what more could we want....

I dream of the advance screenings unfinished cut, if there's even a print of it left to transfer. Then again, I kind of like the idea that there were only three chances to see that cut and then it disappeared forever.

theonetruebix | March 02, 01:10 CET

How about Jayne gets drunk and decides everyone needs to see his man parts. I'd pay extra for that.

Sabri3l | March 02, 01:11 CET

Now, wait, if the DVD sold so well, does that mean Universal has come to their senses and is going to green light a sequel?

How about going back and adding commentaries for all the Firefly episodes that were missed the first time around too. . .

And please, for the love of God, if Nathan participates in the cast commentary, muzzle him every so often so we can hear others speak too . . . (I'm only half kidding . . .:)

Oh, and did I mention all 20 takes of the Simon / Kaylee kiss?

Hey! You asked what more we could want, I'm just making a list. . I can go back and do it alphabetically, or in order of preference, if you prefer . .

leiasky | March 02, 01:13 CET

Yay!!!

(What's "key art?")

Septimus | March 02, 01:13 CET

Yay! Now if it has the extended gag reel, I'll REALLY be happy...;)

Veloxi | March 02, 01:16 CET

I hope there is a nicely produced little booklet to accompany the dvds.

silvius | March 02, 01:16 CET

Wow.......wow..........wow............WOOOOOW

hitnrun017 | March 02, 01:21 CET

I have but three requests:

1) Get as much of the cast, as I'm sure you will, but absolutely get Nathan.
2) Hire 11th Hour to do the cover.
3) Include the entire cast readthrough that we get glimpses of in the Region 4 extras.

C. A. Bridges | March 02, 01:25 CET

(What's "key art?")

In theory, it means we won't get this as the DVD cover again. Then again, my current copy just uses this instead anyway, because I'M SO FREAKING MINIMALIST.

ETA:

3) Include the entire cast readthrough that we get glimpses of in the Region 4 extras.

Good heavens yes, I can't believe I forgot to mention t hat.

[ edited by theonetruebix on 2007-03-02 02:26 ]

theonetruebix | March 02, 01:25 CET

Yaaaaaaaaaaaay! Mice!

non sequitur | March 02, 01:28 CET

Oh, come on, you guys. Stop being such dreamers. We all know that Serenity is dead and over and nothing more will ever happen and it's finished and it's time we move on and --

'Cause the 1 disc 'Normal Edition' has sold so well -- so maybe a little self-back-patting is in order for you guys. Way to keep her in the air.

'S'wha who now? Purple font? PURPLE F'IN' FONT?!?

I do believe in fairies! I do! *claps very hard* Tink! You're Alive! *squees in a highly unsuitable fashion for a male* ;-D

billz | March 02, 01:33 CET

Happy happy joy joy
Happy happy joy joy
Happy happy joy joy
Happy happy joy joy joy!!!!

Ahem.

I guess this means no more llamas...

deepgirl187 | March 02, 01:41 CET

This may be the best news of the year so far. Or the month at least. I wonder if the cast commentaries will be one-per-cast member or one group session. As much as I'd enjoy them all together, 9 commentaries would be nine more different ways to watch Serenity. Oh god this must be a dream.

ChromeShark | March 02, 01:51 CET

Looks like I'm going to have to buy another DVD of this, then. Will definitely be worth it for cast commentary and the River Tam sessions (I've already got the R4 goodies).

Kiddo | March 02, 01:51 CET

Glad to hear sales of the single-disc edition were strong ... but, man, I hate DVD double dips. Like really, really, really hate them.

Of course, it's hard to bitch about a second edition of Serenity when Lucasfilm is on ... what? ... their 13th release of the original Star Wars trilogy?

Then there's the fact that I'd probably purchase five different editions of Serenity if that convinced somebody to bankroll a sequel.

rbt | March 02, 01:51 CET

Yay! River Tam Sessions, gag real, cast commentary and NEW COVER.

And of course the whole deleting any of the moral ambiguity and the alternate ending, although I've managed to get the latter before one time where there was a power outage.

WilliamTheB | March 02, 01:53 CET

Gotta have the material cut from the early screenings. Please, please. And the River Tam sessions are a must. Oh, I hope Universal is listening.

palehorse | March 02, 02:01 CET

Does this mean the mice are replacing the llama, or a Yub is replacing the llama? I will definitely buy this, because I am a big fan of both mice and Yubs (and I think there might be interesting new behind-the-scenes stuff on this "Serenity" thing, too). As ever, yay the Joss!

Shapenew

Shapenew | March 02, 02:02 CET

Woohoo!! I normally don't buy two versions of one DVD, but those new additions to the special edition are totally worth it.

If Universal had any sense for the new cover, they would hire 11th Hour to do the cover, based on the fact that she was responsible for the best fan-made cover. I doubt it will happen and just about anything is better than the current cover, but that would make the special edition that much more... special. :)

By the way, for those of you who don't know here's the list of Region 4 goodies:
- A Filmmakers Journey - Journey with Joss from Script to Screen
- Joss Whedon Q&A Session - Filmed at Fox Studios in Sydney
- Extended Scenes
- Take a Walk on Serenity - Cast and Crew take us on a special tour of the Serenity ship
- The Green Clan - Expose on Cinematographer Jack Green and his team

Matt_Fabb | March 02, 02:09 CET

Thanks for the update Joss! It's always so nice to see you post.

As long as everyone is thowing out ideas for content on the new release...how about "Lunch with Joss" where us normal folks can be flies on the wall, while Joss and several of his gang have lunch-- talking about the movie, the shows, etc. (The way I envision it, midway through the cheese course, Marti Noxon or Jane Espenson crashes the party and surprises everyone with yummy cannolis.)

alexreager | March 02, 02:09 CET

Oh this is good good news. The idea of the full cast read through is awesome and I hope it is available. I'd love to see that. I bought a region 3 DVD player so that I could buy and see the Australian DVD so I too hope that are many extra extras.
Thanks for confirming this for us, Jossir. You are kindness incarnate.

Lioness | March 02, 02:11 CET

I've heard the Easter Eggs on the Special Edition are all clues to finding gossi's pants, narrated by Morgan Freeman. It's like Where's Waldo, but with pants. It just seemed right. ;-)

billz | March 02, 02:16 CET

Joss was saying there would be mice in the new version, right? He wasn't just calling us mice, was he? 'Cause he can call us fungi, and he can call us fanlings, wot is cute, but consarnit, he bygoshgolly can't call us rodents 'cause them's fighting words. Word. Words.

Have long wanted to see the extra goodies hinted at herein, so huz and zah.

Oooh, and who doesn't like key art?

(I think that somehow my Joss-dream last night was prescient, though of what and how, and wotthehell, I'm sure I don't know...)

[ edited by QuoterGal on 2007-03-02 03:19 ]

QuoterGal | March 02, 02:18 CET

Joss' post reminds me of the Joy to the World (aka "Jeremiah was a bullfrog...") song... HEE!

I wonder if the new DVD will be out in time to get it autographed at San Diego Comic Con? :-D

OzLady | March 02, 02:27 CET

I have art on all my keys.

Er... I mean... YAY!

Craig Oxbrow | March 02, 02:29 CET

Oh, and given the whole earlier debacle over licensing and 11th Hour's artwork, I also add my vote to the slowly-growing chorus here suggesting Universal hire her to do the new cover (whether it's one of her existing fan covers or something entirely new). That would be sweet justice.

theonetruebix | March 02, 02:34 CET

Oh! Can I make a request!? Some of the videos which were viewable on the official Browncoat site, specifically the mini-docu filmed at the Starfury con! Because that featured me! MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Ahem. And the cast read-through sounds like it would be an awesome extra, too.

With all the yub-yubbing, I'd also like to see Wedge Antilles do the yub-yub dance at the end. Feel free to leave out the ewoks, though.

[ edited by Telltale on 2007-03-02 04:02 ]

Niels(Telltale) | March 02, 03:00 CET

It'd be even better if the Special Edition comes out on Blu-Ray (yeah, right, Universal!) or HD-DVD (much more of the pretty!)

And new key art? Shiny.

Sproing | March 02, 03:06 CET

Ahhhhhhhh. So very cool. I don't think my heart can take any more excitement.

Tonya J | March 02, 03:06 CET

This is probably the first time in my life that I feel happy about having to buy a movie again for more goodies.

Well, second. Star Wars was worth it.

Okay, Indiana Jones might have been worth it also.

3rd place is still very good.

TychoCelchuuu | March 02, 03:07 CET

Yay! But is it true that all the guns will now be flashlights, except for the Operative's electric torch? And Shepherd will be replaced by a CGI robot, the Bible Orator and Occasional Kneecap-shooter?

Ying | March 02, 03:36 CET

I'll take full length commentaries by Joss and the cast. Also the full score by David Newman.

And the extremely complete gag reel.

And Joss... No Jar Jar!!! Pleeeezee!!

Kevn | March 02, 03:47 CET

if this is Nathans april thing--does it really blow our mind

oh its super cool without a doubt==but weren't we expecting it

rivergirl | March 02, 04:01 CET

Isn't Nathan's April thing in England? Or are there two cool things coming?

Ying | March 02, 04:08 CET

NEW KEY ART.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who didn't know what that meant.

Now I know it's art featuring Dawn.
Or Dawn elaborately painted.
Or metal keys arranged in a collage.
Or a sculpture of Dawn and metal keys that are all painted and decoupaged and mosaiced and stuff.
Or art made by keys and/or Dawn.
Or maybe it's a performance piece where Dawn dances with a mime key.

I'm just doing this to avoid work I have to do.

[ edited by Nebula1400 on 2007-03-02 06:12 ]

Nebula1400 | March 02, 04:17 CET

I hope it's not decoupage, Nebula1400. Wasn't it Martha Stewart's intense knowledge of decoupage that "keyed" Anya into Martha being a demon?

Ying | March 02, 04:22 CET

Isn't Nathan's April thing in England?

Supposedly. England, never done before, blow your mind. One would have to work really hard to convince me it's this.

theonetruebix | March 02, 04:23 CET

Okay, I already have the regular dvd and the Hd-dvd - but how can I resist??!! I hope if it is to come out on Hd-dvd we get news of that before I buy it again in standard dvd. Just hope my husband doesn't get mad at me!!

Firefly Flanatic | March 02, 04:23 CET

Even though they were not in the film and incase you cannot find any regular cast members, can I suggest getting Mark Sheppard or Christina Hendricks to do the commentary. Mark Sheppard does the best commentary I ever heard (barring you Joss of course) and I think it would be a neat idea to have those 2 perhaps do a commentary or at least a feature yet... Like What Would Badger & Saffron do? I would also suggest David K can also do some killer commentary and he to would be a nice edition. Cause I think Mr. Universe is the desendant of Charlie Epps.

RavenU | March 02, 04:29 CET

That is going straight on my buy it the heck right now as soon as it's out list. That's so awesome I'm jumping up and down if I wasn't about to fall asleep!

thewatch | March 02, 04:34 CET

joss said:

Take my Yub,
Take Yub Yub,
Yub Yub tak the Yub from Meee...dichlorians....

Had I not already proposed to Joss (mistyped as it may have been), this would make me do it.

Also:

NEW ART YAY! Because yeah. I think my mom hasn't bought it for herself yet for that reason. (She bought it for me. I was kind of poor when it came out.)

Kiba | March 02, 04:48 CET

OF COURSE I'll buy it. I'm a sucker like that. For absolutely anything by Joss.

Do I trust "them" ('cause I really don't know who they are) to produce better artwork? Hmm. Honestly? I don't expect them to produce anything better than what I've seen from folks around here.

Congratulations, Purple Highness. Your work deserves special treatment. :)

April | March 02, 04:52 CET

gossi wrote March 02, 01:16 CET

Would this be what Nathan's April thing is?

In response theonetruebix wrote March 02, 01:18 CET

How would this qualify as something he's never done before, though? Although, for this fanbase, it might qualify as "blow your mind".

Never done a Director and muliple cast commentary. Director and Nathan. Another Actor and Nathan. You know the SLiTHER commentary was a phone-in commentary. Nathan was in Canada and James Gunn was in the USA. It was still great.

How about they film it live in front of a screen showing Serenity? You could see it both ways...seeing everyone watching the film or the film with just their voices.

Ying wrote March 02, 05:08 CET

Isn't Nathan's April thing in England? Or are there two cool things coming?

Yes, the secret thing he mentioned was going to be in London.

You don't even have to be one of his 16587 friends to read it,
http://www.myspace.com/nathanfillion public blogs Tuesday, December 12, 2006 entry near the bottom of entry.

Anonymous1 | March 02, 04:58 CET

I hope it's not decoupage, Nebula1400. Wasn't it Martha Stewart's intense knowledge of decoupage that "keyed" Anya into Martha being a demon?

Now you're seeing the connections, Ying! It's Buffy/Serenity crossover art.

Nebula1400 | March 02, 05:17 CET

And take that imdb.com Serenity trolls!

Anonymous1 | March 02, 05:24 CET

when does the betamax version come out?!?!

flamepulse | March 02, 05:29 CET

I don't mind an HD release, as long as I can play it on my non-HD DVD player. I bow to no Browncoat in my obsession but even I ain't paying a few grand to watch the movie again...

You don't suppose, if we all got up a collection, that we could get this version scored by Greg Edmonson? As long as we're fantasizing, that is...

C. A. Bridges | March 02, 05:31 CET

This is most excellent news. I just got my butt kicked on a A+ final and came home to see this. All I can say is Hallalujeh and pass the turnips.

Oh yeah and would this be a good time to hit up the SciFi channel for another showing of the BDS??

Obsidian Mon | March 02, 06:17 CET

Nebula1400 wrote:

Now you're seeing the connections, Ying! It's Buffy/Serenity crossover art.

Ah, I see. Who will it be?

- Anyankaylee, the sweetest vengeance demon ever?
- Ozoe, sexually and species-ally confused but quite terse about it?
- Jaynegel, sometimes soulless evil--and a vampire?

[ edited by Ying on 2007-03-02 07:41 ]

Ying | March 02, 06:40 CET

Ohhh yeah! I've been waiting for this... hoping for this. Ever since Aussie got those extra features and we didn't. And every time my feature wish list has been "GOOD cover art, cast commentary, R. Tam sessions, and all those goodies that region 4 got." Looks like I may just get my wish! (And perhaps more! That alternate ending where you turn it off early... you know, the one where Wash lands them and he doesn't die. And then you kinda assume for yourself that they all make it through. Definitely gonna be awesome.)

AnotherFireflyfan | March 02, 06:46 CET

I would love to have a Serenity soundtrack in 6.1 DTS stereo. Have you guys and gals heard LOTR in 6.1??? To say the least, it's awesome! Hello, Universal??

jperiodrperiod | March 02, 06:48 CET

Well, I'm off to starts researching who the God of DVD Extras is, so I might make the appropriate sacrifices in their honor to ensure we get that cast commentary track.

kishi | March 02, 06:49 CET

~dies of joy~

~resurrects self~

~dies of joy again~

I just want to know when we can pre-order this. I will now do the Dance of Squee.

sibhreach | March 02, 07:00 CET

This is insanely awesome! I cannot express near enough gratitude to Universal. I'll be there the day they go on sale. I'm most excited over the cast commentary, provided Nathan is involved. I'd also love to see more cut scenes, such as Mal and Inara talking outside the crashed Alliance research vessel. The extended gag reel would be a fabulous gift.

Ninja MALi | March 02, 07:47 CET

I'm just happy that the Tam Sessions are going to be availible on the full screen now! I have a good friend who - due to a degenerative eye condition - could not watch them on the computer. To be fair, he could certainly hear them, and hear a lot about them, but he did not experience the phenomenal physical acting that those contained - the changes in Summer's face over the course of those sessions...(goose bumps) I knew her time there was bad, but jeez...after seeing them, Simon suddenly became my hero.
Anyway, thanks Joss, for all the work that you're doing for this release. I'm waiting with baited breath for the release (although I have avoided getting more than one release of movies in the past - I'm still getting teased over having 6 different editions of The Mummy) and will run out and get it on the first day!

Charliegirl | March 02, 07:56 CET

YES YES YES!!!

sunshineguinn | March 02, 08:02 CET

But what would make this ten times better is if Universal started putting their movies out on Blu-ray... =(

What about 20th Century Fox putting Firefly out on Blu-ray?

Simon | March 02, 08:33 CET

Joss is God. The Serenity cast and crew are godlets. BUT ... I have all three versions of the DVD. I bought oodles of copies for friends and family. And now there's another slightly-different DVD coming out? I feel used and exploited.

Then again, tell me getting a sequel greenlit depends on sales of this and I'll be in the buying queue too. Universal really has die-hard fans like me by the short and curlies. :-(

kispexi2 | March 02, 09:25 CET

Well YAY for this of course and I shall run out and buy it at soon as it's released but shortly thereafter I shall cry as I can't see that there is any chance that they will include the extended gag reel. There's just too much swearing in it, and of course Wash's extra lines. Still, at least we'll get a cast commentary.

Also does anyone know if they'll be any new key art?

dev | March 02, 09:27 CET

Oh, more: I think that even with all the stuff on the R4 discs, even they didn't have some of the material on the Serenity electronic press kit DVD, and I'm pretty sure some of that involved some of the footage from the U.S. advance screenings. So that stuff should be on the wishlist, too.

theonetruebix | March 02, 09:31 CET

Okay, now I have to order myself a third copy of "Serenity", actually fourth, as I own a Serenity UMD.

I'm doing the Dance of Joy right now.

Numfar PTB | March 02, 10:00 CET

onetruebix, there was also some exclusive raw Serenity footage which came free with a UK DVD review magazine (the name of which escapes me - ask Gossi he'd remember).

Simon | March 02, 10:26 CET

Joss, you should know better by now. The words "cast commentary"? Instant salivation. Across the globe there are record numbers of computers and laptops that are being handed into computer repair stores. Economy spikes. Global chaos. *tsk* *tsk* *tsk*

White Knight | March 02, 10:26 CET

Great news, just in time for my birthday.

And we are still waiting here in the UK for news of Nathan's plans, daren't even speculate about what it may be, but I'm sure it will be mind blowing.

The Do That Girl | March 02, 10:33 CET

Simon, the magazine you're thinking of was DVD Monthly. I think it included the footage from the Serenity EPK VHS, but I'm not sure, I haven't watched either of them yet. I'm afraid my VCR will chew up the tape if I put it in.

TurnipyOdour | March 02, 11:01 CET

There's definitely some raw footage on the electronic press kit DVD, so it's potentially the same material.

ETA Serenity EPK DVD contents:

Trailer
A Look Inside
The Universe of Serenity
On the Set of Serenity
The Fans of Serenity
TV Clips (x10)
Interview Soundbites
B-Roll

[ edited by theonetruebix on 2007-03-02 12:10 ]

theonetruebix | March 02, 11:06 CET

Maybe this news will wake F*X up to the fact that Firefly's 5th Anniversary is coming up, and maybe They should be looking at a Special Edition as well...?

TDBrown | March 02, 11:18 CET

Yes the B-Roll. That was it. It was lovely. I hope that includes on the special edition.

Simon | March 02, 11:19 CET

I'd also echo the B-Roll stuff goin' in. 'cause it's hot lovin' fun.

gossi | March 02, 12:09 CET

Maybe this news will wake F*X up to the fact that Firefly's 5th Anniversary is coming up, and maybe They should be looking at a Special Edition as well...?

Absolutely. They should include the footage that was on the Firefly EPK DVD. Although having a permanent copy of one of their god awful adverts isn't something to celebrate about.
But the longer version of the set tour with Joss and the interviews do make up for it.

TurnipyOdour | March 02, 12:22 CET

This is great news and TPTB know that us browncoats can sure use some! Thanks for posting to tell us about it Joss.

You keep her working and we'll keep her flyin'!

Browncoat1 | March 02, 12:33 CET

This is great news and TPTB know that us browncoats can sure use some! Thanks for posting to tell us about it Joss.

You keep her working and we'll keep her flyin'!

Browncoat1 | March 02, 12:41 CET

Every time I go into HMV lately and see the dozens and dozens of Serenity DVDs marked down to $5.99 (Canadian), I almost wanna adopt them all and donate them to libraries and such. I'm glad to hear that original disc sold well enough to warrant a Special Edition. I'll definitely be buying it, despite one of my New Year's Resolutions being to not buy any more regular DVDs and only indulge in HD or Blu-Ray once that war gets sorted out.

Heck, I just gave most of my DVD movies (keeping almost all the TV-shows-on-DVD for now) to Blockbuster in preparation for converting to an all-HD library eventually (and also to get some credit to put toward more TV-on-DVD the next time I'm in need of some). So this Serenity purchase'll be kinda....ah whatever, I wanna support the franchise. Sequel! After all the movie trade-ins (they give you a minimum of $5 per DVD, and that's what most of them came in at), I wound up with $284 on a Blockbuster gift card. I really hope they don't go out of business any time soon, or I'll be screwed.

Heroes on HD-DVD...oh man. *drool* Saw the HD recording of it on a friend's HD-TV. It's a thing of beauty. I think I'm gonna have to break down and finally get an HD-TV and DVD player (but augh! Which format to go with ? Blu-Ray or HD-DVD ? Nooo, stupid stubborn Sony and company).

Kris | March 02, 13:17 CET

one of my New Year's Resolutions being to not buy any more regular DVDs and only indulge in HD or Blu-Ray once that war gets sorted out.

Hey, mine too Kris.

Then I got a HD-DVD player. Sucker me! Serenity in HD is a thing of beauty, though.

gossi | March 02, 13:26 CET

I already own the US Release, the Aussie Metal Case Release, and now I'm going to own this one too. I also have a UK poster and post-card set hanging on the wall. I also have the Chosen Buffy Boxed set sitting next to the TV. If I get much more Joss stuff in my apartment it's going to make dating non-geek friendly women difficult.

war_machine | March 02, 13:58 CET

Well. Woo and might I add a hearty hoo to this news!

And I'm looking forward to being able to wield the Force after this, what with the Meee...dichlorians.... being included also.

What? What??!

rockgoddes | March 02, 14:19 CET

I was going to wait for the HD-DVD/Blu Ray war to be sorted out. But I have an Xbox 360, the HD DVD add on was only $200, I'll end up with a Playstation 3 when a couple of games I actually want to play are released for it, and they drop the price. I figure a couple years down the line I'll just get a combo HD DVD/Blu Ray player when they get cheap.

[ edited by Odysseus on 2007-03-02 15:36 ]

Odysseus | March 02, 14:34 CET

Yes the B-Roll. That was it. It was lovely. I hope that includes on the special edition.

Ah, ta for bringing that up Simon et al. There's a whole thing involving broken DVD players, builders and a hurried tidy up but long story short, bought the magazine, boxed the DVD up by accident then forgot I had it.

New 'Serenity' content to watch this weekend, hurrah !

Saje | March 02, 14:35 CET

Here is my dream edition:

-all the extra features from the region 4 disc
-cast commentary
-extended gag reel is a must!
-a possible look back?
-the san diego con first look trailer,and all other trailers!
-the Tam sessions
-a nice booklet,or atleast a 2 page one
-insert anything else I cant think of
-a free ticket to Serenity 2:Who stole my tightpants?!? ;)

nakedandarticulate | March 02, 15:02 CET

OK, if Universal is edgy about using 11th Hour, please get Jason Palmer. Keep it in the family, people!

C. A. Bridges | March 02, 15:09 CET

Nooo, stupid stubborn Sony and company

Stubborn Sony?

"Of the 12 major and mini-major Hollywood studios (Fox, Disney, MGM, Sony, Lionsgate, Paramount, New Line, HBO, Warner Bros, Universal, DreamWorks and The Weinstein Company) 9 support Blu-ray, 5 of them exclusively. Only 6 support HD-DVD, just 2 of them exclusively (one studio, DreamWorks, remains uncommitted). Not counting computer hardware or budget brands, Blu-ray Disc has 9 major set-top hardware manufacturers behind it (Sony, Pioneer, Samsung, Philips, Panasonic, LG, Mitsubishi, Thomson, Sharp), while HD-DVD boasts just two (Toshiba and now LG). HD-DVD is an add-on to Microsoft's Xbox 360, while Blu-ray is built into EVERY Sony PlayStation 3. Nielsen VideoScan is reporting that in software sales, Blu-ray has virtually erased the sales lead enjoyed by HD-DVD since the formats were launched, and is now outselling HD-DVD by a 2 to 1 (and growing)margin.

I can understand that some people just love HD-DVD and have had great experiences with it. We have too. I understand that some people hate Sony for perceived corporate arrogance. I'm not a big fan of their tactics either, particularly how they went around the DVD Forum to develop their format. But let's face it - the biggest corporate cheerleader for HD-DVD seems to be Microsoft, which isn't exactly comforting either."

from: Digital Bits 1

This is what I get for owning the Region 1 (wrapped in 11th Hour art) and Region 4 discs already :) At least I got that snazzy metal box from my Aussie disc!

p.s. - Oppo Digital makes the best performing, best featured DVD players in the world and they don't cost a fortune. Can play any region as well. Plus, utperforming a $3500 player for under $200 is nothing to sneeze at!

zeitgeist | March 02, 15:27 CET

Yup. I've got an Oppo player and love it. Can set it to be region free. I've seen Serenity on HD and its fantastic. But, I was spoiled by watching it on a 72 inch plasma screen at work.

I really hope the release of Serenity in special edition format is a precurser to Universal green lighting a sequel . . .

leiasky | March 02, 16:23 CET

So the new cover's going to have keys on it?

Ooh, I'm most excitied by this! I must tell fellow Browncoats forthwith!

ArielWillow | March 02, 16:26 CET

YAY, and YAY YUB YUB YAY!

OK, just one question? What in the name of all of the hindu gods is a B-roll? And I really think 11th Hour should totatlly be hired to do artwork for this special edition, she is all kinds of talented! And it is great that a special edition is being released, and as Joss said, it means that sales was good(not great but good). Hopefully with the sales from this, dunno if it will be significant, but may convince them there is merit for a sequel?? I hope. I can never give up hope, and this news certainly helped me.

Ok my dream special edition would include:
1) The special features of R4(i never bought it)
2) Cast commentary,check
3) the extra scenes and footage from the early screenings. A lot of us couldn't go to those things and never got to see any of that footage(which was cut out from the main release)
4) New dvd art, check, but what is key art?
5) R Tam sessions, check
6) Extended gag reel(again, alot of us didnt get to see that, which was apparently shown at conventions)
7) The video recording of interview of fans which the studio did for those commcericals on tv, I heard they shot a lot of footage, I would like to see that.
8) That read through that people were speaking of here ...

And I am sure there is more shiny stuff I wanted, but I am not greedy :P

ETA: Also, I wouldnt mind seeing the 20 takes of simon and kaylee kissing as Leiasky suggested :P, I heard there was more footage of that scene in the advanced screenings...

[ edited by kurya on 2007-03-02 17:48 ]

kurya | March 02, 16:37 CET

This is awesome news for the fandom. Besides, the more money the movie makes, the more we are likely to get more right?

I of course will love whatever we get, but on a personal level since we realistically might not ever get another sequel I really want to see the extended Mal/Inara scene on Miranda and an extended Simon/Kaylee lust scene.

Yes, I am petty and a very dirty girl.

CinJudes | March 02, 17:48 CET

Kurya, MORE footage of that scene? Oh, my widdle heart just did a flip. Anyone who actually saw that able to comment? What more footage of that was originally seen?

I'd love to see more footage of the making of the film, with actors waiting around and talking in between shots. That kind of stuff.

Nathan pulling down the neck of Sean's shirt on the region 4 dvd and pointing out the 'hickey', and Jewel's comment about it being a 'spicky', were just hysterical. There's got to be more of that kind of thing floating around - I hope!

leiasky | March 02, 17:48 CET

It's 3 votes for the Oppo up-convert dvd player. The quality is great, the price is good ($150) & it's region free!

adapa | March 02, 18:21 CET

They should get in touch with whoever packed the SLiTHER DVD with extras. Director James Gunn tried to get the trailer added and was told the DVD was full.

Fill both DVDs with goodies!

Keep adding stuff until the DVDs are full!

Anonymous1 | March 02, 18:26 CET

Then add another DVD...

C. A. Bridges | March 02, 18:34 CET

Then add another DVD...

Truly. Maybe they can license the fan commentary tracks on the movie and put those there, too. ;)

I mean, as long as we're wishing unrealistically.

theonetruebix | March 02, 18:52 CET

Why not? Wishing unrealistically got us this far.

(Although the Greg Edmondson score is probably too far. Damn. Wonder what he'd charge to do one anyway?)

C. A. Bridges | March 02, 19:03 CET

I hate days that I am not online!
So I'll add my day late, but by no means dollar short, Hooray!!!!!
*spins in happy circles*

mifeng | March 02, 19:08 CET

I suppose I shouldn't say "wishing unrealistically" but instead use Joss' own words, once upon a time: Believing unreasonably.

theonetruebix | March 02, 19:16 CET

Please, please, PLEASE let it include the deleted Inara scenes.

Sarrava | March 02, 19:23 CET

I know that even the extra scenes on the R1 dvd didnt have all of the extra scenes, and that besides the missing Inara scenes, there was a torture scene with the operative and fanty and mingo.

In terms of realistically speaking, I wonder if this "special" edition will just be the R4 extras released for R1. Its the cynic in me...I can't help it...

ETA: leiasky I obviously did not see it personally, but from what one person on a forum somewhere outthere said the additional footage of the kaylee/simon scene included the lead up to the kiss ... and well lets say that you get a frontal view and not just the dorsal view. That is all I am sayin'.

[ edited by kurya on 2007-03-02 20:34 ]

kurya | March 02, 19:31 CET

You've given away the bit where The Operative now kills Mal, and the remainder of the movie is spent on the Reaver homeworld. They sing, they dance, Alyson Hannigan appears and sings a song or three.

gossi, you had me going there, up until the comment about Alyson singing. c'mon, we all know that ain't gonna happen!

stuart | March 02, 19:32 CET

Continuing the fantasy: A subtitle track which just chimes in now and again with random tidbits, factoids, and trivia. Like it would come up to say "Blue Sun" whenever there's a Blue Sun logo somewhere in the scene's background. Another might go "Summer's feet".

Well, ok, it could be more involved than that. But I like the clever subtitle tracks on the Buckaroo Banzai (bits of in-world trivia) and Waking Life (footnotes and references) DVDs.

theonetruebix | March 02, 19:37 CET

>ETA: leiasky I obviously did not see it personally, but from what one person on a forum somewhere outthere said the additional footage of the kaylee/simon scene included the lead up to the kiss ... and well lets say that you get a frontal view and not just the dorsal view. That is all I am sayin'.

Oh, oh, yes, that must definitely go back into the special edition. After all, it WAS originally in the first cut of the film. . .can we have it back? Please?

I've seen pics of Simon climbing down the ladder (in a UK magazine) but would love to see that scene in motion . . .

Please?

leiasky | March 02, 21:35 CET

Oh, oh, yes, that must definitely go back into the special edition. After all, it WAS originally in the first cut of the film. . .can we have it back? Please?

You might get it as an extra, but don't go expectings things to actually be cut back into the film itself. Joss has stated repeatedly that the film as released is the film.

theonetruebix | March 02, 22:52 CET

Oh, that's fine with me. I don't care if scenes are insterted back into the film or put on an entirely new disk, so long as we get to see them.

leiasky | March 02, 23:33 CET

Also... weren't there some features bundled with the Best Buy Battlestar DVD set way back when? Were those all on our DVD, or were there things we didn't get? If so, can we get those as well?

Any videos from the official website should, naturally, go on there.

Perhaps they could get some new interviews?

And I too want more behind-the-scenes footage, every second that is in the features we do have is wonderful, and you know they must have filmed a lot more. And the full gag reel, the one on there is brilliant. (speaking of which, can we also get a Firefly special edition and put the gag reel on that too? At least I got it on my computer. The abbreviated version is a pitiful replacement for the full thing.)

As for commentaries, my dream would be several commentaries with different pairings of cast members. (Like they did on the Firefly DVDs, except, obviously, they'd all be commentaries of the movie.) And one with Joss and Nathan, cause they were brilliant in the Serenity (pilot) commentary.

And now the unrealistic: if they could somehow get the rights to the MST3K version of Serenity and do a commentary track with that... or better yet, hire the former MST3K guys to do a commentary...

And then they could put Serenity 2 as another disc added on. ;-)

AnotherFireflyfan | March 03, 00:38 CET

Also... weren't there some features bundled with the Best Buy Battlestar DVD set way back when? Were those all on our DVD, or were there things we didn't get? If so, can we get those as well?

They were not on the DVD (not even the R4 version), but if I recall correctly, that material is stuff that also was on the previously-mentioned electronic press kit.

theonetruebix | March 03, 01:11 CET

The videos on the extra dvd that came with the BSG dvd set were incorporated into the video docs onthe Serenity R1 set. So we have that technically, at least from waht i can remember.

kurya | March 03, 03:56 CET

Bits were incorporated, but not all of it.

theonetruebix | March 03, 04:37 CET

I know it's highly doubtful that Joss will see this, but maybe someone close to him will, and will pass this along:

I have several friends who are either deaf or hearing impaired. They are Browncoats, and dearly love the Movie. Their one big complaint, though, about DVDs in general, is that there are No Subtitles or Close Captioning available in the Extras section. All the added documentaries, the gag reel, even the fruity Oaty Bar jingle.... they want to know what's being said.

I think it would be a ground breaking move for Joss to include either subtitles or program in Close Captioning for the Extra Features. It'll be yet another Browncoat First!

Thanks.

TDBrown | March 03, 17:18 CET

Hey if Joss would see it anywhere, it'd be here.

theonetruebix | March 03, 20:23 CET

I think that's a great idea TDBrown.

Is there anyway to contact Universal officially and suggest it ? Reckon it's the kind of suggestion that Joss would slap his forehead over in a "D'oh!" moment once it's brought to his attention and very likely fix if it was in his power to do so (normally I think he'd probably see it in a thread he's posted in but we're off the front page so maybe not).

Saje | March 03, 20:36 CET

Wow, TDBrown, and "D'oh" indeed.

This would be brilliant and lovely and much needed.

I hope there's a way of being sure that Joss, and/or others deeply involved in the decision-making on this DVD, get this suggestion, 'cause when I read this, I couldn't believe it hadn't occurred to me before. And I for sure don't have any pertinent contacts myself.

QuoterGal | March 03, 20:57 CET

I'll add one thing to the list: steelbook.
These things are so elegant (not the australian metal case, wonderful one, but not a steelbook).

Angel TheVampire | March 03, 21:09 CET

In case someone doesn't know what "steelbook" means, go here.

theonetruebix | March 03, 22:18 CET

Such is the interest in Joss' comments from other places, I've placed a link in the sidebar of the front page.

Simon | March 03, 23:43 CET

A cast commentary would be a dream come true! even if not everyone can make it, a commentary WITH JOSS AND ANY OF THE BDH'S would be amazing. i remember hoping that was the case when it was released last december, but Joss' commentary was still highly entertaining. but a cast one would put this fan over the moon! please do the cast commentary! but joss must be included! he is after all one of our big damn heroes!

serenityboy | March 05, 06:32 CET

Well, if its special enough that none of the BDH's die, then I might by it otherwise - not so much.

Pumps | March 05, 12:48 CET

Adding my squees of delight to the Yub Yub goodness!

Thanks for the side link, Simon, I would have missed this otherwise!

Zannadoo | March 05, 17:27 CET

Well, if its special enough that none of the BDH's die, then I might by it...

You must have missed this part: "An alternate ending, if you turn it off early."

theonetruebix | March 05, 22:06 CET

Now I can finally put something on my birthday wishlist. YES! *Dwight fist pump*

roniabirk | March 06, 01:13 CET

WTF???!!!
No wonder I couldn't get logged in that day!
Been too busy with the looking-for-another-job thing to check in more frequently.
Anyway...WTF?!?
Cast commentary??? Region 4 goodies??? The Tam Sessions? Available in July??? AND Greedo shoots first?
Oh, HELL yeah!! I mean---Oh, YUB yeah!!
[Cue the Happy Dance music]
By the way, do we get the Special Feature of Snoop Dogg's audition for The Operative?
Just wondering. ; )
Oh! And another thing: Squeeeeeeee!

But I will add this one last thing: Since Joss said that the version of Serenity that was released was the one HE wanted, I don't want to see those deleted scenes inserted into the movie.
If he took something out because he felt that it disrupted the pacing or the flow or we didn't really need it, then I trust his decision. As much as I love Inara, I don't want to see those cut scenes stuck in there just because we all love Inara and hated that her stuff got cut.
And I like the idea of turning off the movie early--like before Serenity lands after the Reaver/Alliance battle--for that Alternate Ending.

[ edited by AmazonGirl on 2007-03-08 18:39 ]

[ edited by AmazonGirl on 2007-03-08 18:45 ]

AmazonGirl | March 08, 18:37 CET

March 01 2007