Commentary tracks- love them or hate them?

[donutsweeper]

So in my goal to use my LJ for more than just ficcage postings here is a rambling thinky thought post on commentary tracks on movies and tv shows, due mostly to the fact the Merlin one (which I haven't listened to, but is flooding my tumblr) has just been released.

There's a number of things about the commentary that can really add to my enjoyment of the show/movie (of the 'oh wow, I never thought about it that way' manner), but I've also had times when it's made me question things and even outright hate people.  There's also the issue that once actors/directors/writers say that 'this scene is supposed to show X' it's hard to then later not see X when watching it.

I've listened to some GREAT commentary- Fight Club and Daredevil both come to mind movie-wise and for TV John Barrowman on Doctor Who's 'Empty Child' and Joe Flannigan on SGA's 'Rising' are both wonderful.  But then there's some that just come off as boring or as if you're missing a joke (like SGA's "38 Minutes") and then there's the OH NO WHY DID I WATCH THIS (seriously, never watch the commentary and BTS stuff for Highlander Raven, you will never see Elizabeth Gracen in the same light again).

Thoughts, anyone?

And, btw, a hearty welcome to anyone stopping by my journal for the first time, have a donut and enjoy your stay!

Comments

[donutsweeper.livejournal.com]

That's what bugs me. Death can be an important plot point and motivator, but too often is just.. there to play with out emotions. No thank you.

[unfeathered]

*nods* Yeah, I'm with you there.

Still a good film, though. Not as good as the series, imo, but it does kind of round some things up, and make sense of a few things.

[donutsweeper.livejournal.com]

Glad it's still a good movie. Maybe I'll watch it one of these day, I just doubt it'll be any time soon.

[aeron-lanart.livejournal.com]

Death can be an important plot point and motivator, but too often is just.. there to play with out emotions. No thank you.

That's Joss for you (and certain others who have tried to emulate him with less skill - yes RTD, I'm looking at you).

If you know what is going to happen, and to who, you can do the 'la la la I'm not listening/looking' bit at the relevant time and then you can immerse yourself in Denial.

It is a good film. Bearing in mind I'd not see any Firefly when Serenity first came out and the reason I picked up the dvd when I saw it cheap in ASDA in 2008 was because it had been recced by an author I liked (Mercedes Lackey). Then I decided after watching it that I really needed to see the series. I have since seen Serenity on a (biggish) screen 3 times, once travelling to London to do so - as part of the "Can't Stop the Serenity" movement that works with Equality Now - and adore Firefly.

There's a Firefly reunion convention in September this year with Kaylee and Simon as guests, I haven't got my ticket yet, but I will be there.

[donutsweeper.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I've come to expect it from Joss. Thus the reason the Avengers didn't surprise me. I think it's sort of lazy writing though, you don't need to kill people to get a reaction, not if you're doing it right.