NETFLIX SUBSCRIBERS ASK, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE EXTRAS?

Many Netflix subscribers are up in arms over the growing tendency by DVD and Blu-ray distributors to delete bonus features (“extras”) from discs supplied to video rental companies. According to Home Media magazine, Universal now includes this message on the rental discs in place of the extras link: “This disc is intended for rental purposes and only includes the feature film. Own it on Blu-ray or DVD to view these bonus features and complete your movie watching experience.” Home Media quoted a post by one Netflix subscriber on the website HackingNetflix.com accusing the studios of trying to “punish the rental customer base.” The writer added, “This is a key customer base they should be cultivating and not pissing off.” The trade publication quoted 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment sales exec Don Jeffries as responding that the separation was intended to afford rental customers the “theatrical experience” while purchasers receive a “premium product” to “enhance ownership.” Meanwhile, theaters are getting their own version of DVD extras with the release of Disney’s Tron Legacy on Dec 17. Those sporting IMAX screens — some 234 nationally and 30 internationally — will be offering 43 minutes of footage especially shot for the giant screen.