special feature overload

Recently I acquired two of my favourite films on DVD. Garden State starring and directed by zach braff(scrubs fame) and the life aquatic with steve ziwzuo(sp)... if you havent seen these films check them out, great post modern mudanity, if thats even a word.

But one thing I loved and loathed at the same time was the special features. The making of, the trailers, commentary etc. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed these aspects i can easily see how these repakaged forms of the big screen version work in a reproductive cycle of commercialisation. In garden state for example they have an advertisment for the soundtrack telling you how great it is and that you should go out and buy it. No actual full songs from the album, just an ad. I felt like i was cracking deeper into the film and tried to acquire a greater knowledge of the film but little things like this show me we are duped into expecting interactivity but really all we are getting is a product surrounded by small re-marketing. Now I dont mind buying a film and it being seen as a brand/distinct product, but i dont feel the need to go out and buy the cd or a t shirt if I have already forked out 20 odd bucks for the DVD. Therefore I dont believe value is being added by having excessive amounts of special features. Gimme a behind the scenes and a commentary and Im content. Dont push it!!!