Let's face it: DVD is on the fast track to replacing VHS. More and more people are buying DVD players, and practically all-new movies are being released on both VHS and DVD. Every week more and more catalog titles are given the DVD treatment. Yet there are movies that aren't on DVD, and you know what? They're some of the biggest movies of all time.
Back to the Future This movie has such a following and deservedly so; it's a damn good movie. It's funny and well thought out. Yet for some reason Universal Studios is holding out on releasing it on DVD. Why? Who knows? One thing is for certain, the fans are up in arms about it.
E.T., The Extra-Terrestrial If you were a child of the 80s, then chances are you loved this movie. Out of all the movies on this list, you'll probably see this one before any of the others.but not until 2002 at the earliest. Spielberg plans on re-releasing E.T. next year with new footage, so its safe to say that a special edition DVD isn't too far behind. Why they didn't release it sooner is beyond me.
Forrest Gump One of Tom Hanks best performances, maybe his best ever. Can't you just imagine this movie loaded with special features? Audio commentary from Hanks and Zemeckis, deleted scenes, behind the scenes documentaries; I'm going nuts just thinking about it!
On a side note: I figure Paramount must be stingy when it comes to DVD. They're holding out on releasing Forrest Gump and the Godfather trilogy (see below), but it seems they like to go skimp on the extra features. Just take a look at any of the Star Trek movies currently out. You get theatrical trailers, and that's it. That might be fine on some movies, but c'mon, this is Star Trek. You could go nuts with the extra features on these!
The Godfather Trilogy Some consider the Godfather the greatest movie ever made, and it's sequel no less worthy. So why aren't these two movies, along with the third, out on DVD? Who knows? With certain movies, like the Star Wars trilogy, there seems to be a method to the madness. No such luck here. The rumor mill says these movies might be out on DVD later this year. Key emphasis on the word "might."
Home Alone Actually, you can buy Home Alone on DVD. The catch is, you've got to buy Home Alone 2 and Home Alone 3 to get it. However, you can buy 2 and 3 separate. What gives?
The Indiana Jones series Just like The Godfather movies, there's no reason not to issue these on DVD. Hey Paramount! Stop being so stingy with the fans!
The Lion King Chalk this one up to Disney's weird business practices. It goes like this: Disney will bring a movie out on video for a short time (remember how the commercials stress "for a limited time only?") and then take it out of print for seven years. It builds interest up, sure, but deprives children of good quality films. I can't remember when The Lion King was last in print, but I'm guessing it will be a few more years before you'll be seeing this one on the shelves.
Schindler's List One of the most powerful movies of our time, and Liam Neeson's best performance to date. This should be required viewing for every human being.
And last, but in no way the least:
TheStar Wars movies More than all other movies combined, these continually top fans DVD wish lists. And why not? They're great movies, and never lose the magic that they originally had. So why is Lucas holding out on them? Rumor has it that Lucas will issue all the Star Warsmovies on DVD after Episode III is released. That's not going to be until 2005. Let me repeat that again: 2005! Rumors are flying that The Phantom Menace might be released later this year, so we'll have to wait and see. Don't hold your breath though.
In reading through this list, there is one thing to keep in mind: eventually these movies will see the light of day on DVD. It's just a matter of time. Websites like Amazon.com maintain a running list of fans requests, and the studios do take notice.
Got any other movies you'd like to see on DVD? Let us know. Post in the feedback forum below.
Name: slacker dave Name: shaun
Name: Shaunathan
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Amazon.com reports that Forrest Gump will be available August 28th, and the Godfather will be out October 9th
Year: almost free
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Betamax will rise again!
Year: senior citizen
Major: english
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I forgot to do this in the article...but a big shout out to Brian Korte and Jack Vasvary who helped me in the writing of this article. Thanks guys!