Author Topic: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?  (Read 8760 times)

Offline Mikaela

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A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« on: February 11, 2008, 03:20:33 pm »
Not surprisingly, I have noticed that the serious and in-depth "in memoriam" articles and obituaries for Heath focus on his role as Ennis. Brokeback is mentioned over and again as the high point of his acting career, as indeed it should IMO. Ang Lee in his comment after Heath's passing among other things said Ennis was a "miracle".

In light of this, I was thinking that Focus Features/the copyright holders might possibly consider it a fitting tribute to finally see to it that a proper special edition Brokeback DVD with commentary tracks and deleted scenes and more in-depth documentarty type behind-the scenes coverage was made. That this might be done in order to pay tribute to Heath and to fully honour his "miracle of acting", Ennis del Mar. The film in itself deserves it, and so most certainly does Heath.

I'm certain Ang Lee, Jake and others would want to contribute to such an edition in Heath's honour.

What do you all think? Do you think this might be a possibility? Or would they be afraid of being accused of "cashing in" on a tragedy?

moremojo

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #1 on: February 11, 2008, 03:27:22 pm »
I get the strong sense that Ang doesn't want to follow the commentary-over-scenes route, nor the deleted-scenes one for any DVD version of this particular film. I don't know this, it's just a sense that I have. I think he wants each viewer to come to their own interpretation of the film and its story, without undue influence by any element that exists outside what the film itself presents...much as Annie has stated that each reader must finish the original story in her or his own life.

So I don't think it's likely we'll see such a release, at least as long as Ang tries to maintain creative control over the film's extended life through the DVD medium. This is not to say that I wouldn't be curious to see deleted scenes, or learn more detail behind the film's conception and production.

Offline Verona

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #2 on: February 11, 2008, 04:07:16 pm »
The alternate shirt discovery scene in its entirety would be nice to have . Although I'd probably fall to pieces the first time and never watch it again.

Offline Berit

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #3 on: February 11, 2008, 05:15:22 pm »
I really don't think that there will be a BBM like you hope for Mikaela. I think Ang Lee and all of the others made BBM as they wanted it and thats that. And ,maybe it is for the best. It is a beautiful and preaches(SP?) story, not to be tampered with IMO.

I enjoyed - and still enjoy occasionally - A Knights Tale with Brian Helgeland and Paul Bettany talking.....But that is a whole other story  :)

Berit
Ennis.....always Ennis.....

Offline Mikaela

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #4 on: February 11, 2008, 05:44:24 pm »
Hmm.... I was trying to check  what others thought about the possibility, rather than trying to make a case for the DVD needing to be made. But seems I managed to make the case, despite myslef..  ;)


Berit, I'm not hoping for an "extended version" with deleted scenes re-inserted into the film. By no means, never, never. That would be tantamount to sacrilege IMO.  :o

But I would like to *see* the deleted scenes, - those late ones where J&E embrace, the whole hippie encounter, etc etc. - and I admit as much.

I also very much would like to hear Ang Lee, Jake and others reminiscing on the making on the film, their thoughts and memories of the process etc. I thought such a commentary might also be an opportunity for them to pay respectful and honest tribute to Heath - telling a bit more about how he/they worked to bring the characters to life, and so forth.

BTW, I also very much enjoy the "Knight's Tale" commentary - it's fun and enjoyable, but have you noticed how little the two of them (Helgeland and Bettany) say about Heath? I don't think there's anyone gets so little mention as Heath in that commentary. That's not the kind of Brokeback commentary I'd like, certainly...


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From Moremojo
So I don't think it's likely we'll see such a release, at least as long as Ang tries to maintain creative control over the film's extended life through the DVD medium.

A miracle has to be experienced, not explained and dissected? There is something to that, of course.

Neverhteless, Ang Lee has made commentary tracks to other films (Sense and Sensibility, for sure - possibly also Crouching Tiger?) so the very concept of doing so is not unthinkable for him.





Offline Berit

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #5 on: February 13, 2008, 04:19:42 pm »
Mikaela

I didn't really think that you wanted to include the deleted scenes in the movie either, just wanted to see them. I doubt we will se them though,I think they are destroyed - in some ways I wish so, don't want them to turn up on the Internet.... :o

In the extras on The Knigths Tale Paul Bettany talks about Heath, something meaning that he is a young man with a wise head.....I don't have the film at my home right now, my co-worker has it......I'm trying to educate her in who Heath was.... ;)

Berit
Ennis.....always Ennis.....

Offline Mikaela

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #6 on: February 14, 2008, 12:42:30 pm »
Re The Knight's Tale commentary: Yes, they do talk a little bit about Heath, they hardly could avoid that - but considering his is the lead role, he does get surprisingly few and far-between comments IMO. Paul Bettany's butt, and how fantastic the various sidekicks are, get much more time and focus from the commenting duo.

Of course, they're going for the comic approach to commenting, that may have been something to do with it. And I did listen to the commentary specifically and mainly to hear what they said about Heath, so it would have been never enough, never....  ::)


Oh my God, I hope those delted scenes haven't been destroyed - somehow I don't think they have. I'm still keeping my fingers firmly crossed I might get to see them some day, even if I apparently am the only one...  ???

Offline Ellemeno

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #7 on: February 14, 2008, 01:31:15 pm »
Oh my God, I hope those delted scenes haven't been destroyed - somehow I don't think they have. I'm still keeping my fingers firmly crossed I might get to see them some day, even if I apparently am the only one...  ???

No, Mika, of course you're not the only one.  I just keep letting you speak for me on this.  Don't worry - I'm nodding and hoping along with you.  :)  I'll throw in some more "Me too"s in the future.  :)

Offline belbbmfan

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #8 on: February 14, 2008, 01:56:17 pm »
I read in an interview that Heath said that he hoped the 'hippie' scene would never be shown, anywhere, he was embarrassed about it. And having read about it on findingbrokeback.com, I can understand why.

But a commentary by Ang Lee would be wonderful, it was great on Sense and Sensibility as well.
'We're supposed to guard the sheep, not eat 'em'

Offline Brown Eyes

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #9 on: February 14, 2008, 02:13:30 pm »
I would definitely like to see the deleted scenes (all those scenes hinted at in the trailer but not in the actual film, etc.).  I think they would be neat as a "bonus feature" as part of a DVD package... but they should certainly remain completely separated (and designated as separate) from the actual film.

The idea of a voice over commentary by Ang Lee would seem to have pros and cons.  It would be fascinating.  But, I would worry that that kind of thing could start to really influence and scew some viewers' interpretations. 

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Offline LauraGigs

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #10 on: February 14, 2008, 02:18:00 pm »
Everybody, there's an online petition requesting this.

http://www.petitiononline.com/je1963/petition.html

Offline souxi

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #11 on: February 14, 2008, 02:51:17 pm »

Offline Berit

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #12 on: February 14, 2008, 03:27:45 pm »
Mikaela
I didn't mean in the commentary's with Brian H and Paul B but in the special features (I think it's called that, I don't have the film at home so I can't check!) there is like a "chapter" about him.....the talk about how mature he is and so on....kinda nice.

I got the feeling that Brian H and Paul B were old friends, they sound like they know each other well.

One thing that would be good with having deleted scenes on a DVD is that you could see them and I could choose not to.....all would be happy - well, almost all anyway.......

To me BBM is like a precious piece of art or a jewel.....I don't want it ruined in any way :(

Berit
Ennis.....always Ennis.....

Offline Fran

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #13 on: February 14, 2008, 03:43:06 pm »
You know, the commentary wouldn't necessarily have to skew anyone's interpretation of the film.  Ang Lee and whoever could steer away from the big questions and just provide little details about the scenes -- problems with getting the sheep in the right places, uncooperative weather, little anecdotes about the actors, etc. -- all those precious little details that we would just eat up.

If Ang and whoever are ever going to do a commentary, I hope they don't wait too long.  The longer the delay, the more likely it is that those little details and anecdotes will be forgotten.

Offline Penthesilea

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #14 on: February 14, 2008, 04:27:53 pm »
You know, the commentary wouldn't necessarily have to skew anyone's interpretation of the film.  Ang Lee and whoever could steer away from the big questions and just provide little details about the scenes -- problems with getting the sheep in the right places, uncooperative weather, little anecdotes about the actors, etc. -- all those precious little details that we would just eat up.



Now this would be neat  :).

Tell you what: meanwhile I'm on the fence about the deleted scenes and a commentary. At first, I wanted to see them as badly as the next Brokie. And I was just as disappointed about the meager "special edition" DVD last year.
But the longer time got, the more fatalistic I got about it. Additionally, I thought about what Ang Lee said, that he had said everything he has to say in the movie itself. I think he's right with that.

Nobody would ask Annie Proulx to say whether Jack has been murdered, or what Ennis meant with "Jack, I swear...". And just as Annie left some (many) things open, so did Ang. The movie is a piece of art on its own, and I don't know whether seeing deleted scenes (albeit apart from the movie) would have an influence on how we see the movie.

I think I wouldn't want Ang to interpret anything about the characters/plot, not only about the "biggies". But some little trivia/background info about filming it sure would be nice.

Offline Mikaela

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #15 on: February 14, 2008, 05:59:30 pm »
One thing that would be good with having deleted scenes on a DVD is that you could see them and I could choose not to.....all would be happy - well, almost all anyway.......

To me BBM is like a precious piece of art or a jewel.....I don't want it ruined in any way :(

Berit

(((Berit)))

Oh no, by no means ruined - just another facet added to the jewel.  :) 

But of course, only for those who would be interested.

Am I correct in thinking you're Swedish? You have such a Scandinavian name.  :)


Quote
From Fran
You know, the commentary wouldn't necessarily have to skew anyone's interpretation of the film.  Ang Lee and whoever could steer away from the big questions and just provide little details about the scenes -- problems with getting the sheep in the right places, uncooperative weather, little anecdotes about the actors, etc. -- all those precious little details that we would just eat up.

This is the kind of commentary I am looking for. And hoping for.  :)

They made so much of the film plot and characters ambiguous, I would never think (or want) that they'd suddenly come out and say: OK, here's what this really means....

But there is so much else they could share with us.
I'd like to hear more from Jake on what he and Heath discussed before their scenes, how they prepared, what they focused on to nail their characters and their relationship. Anecdotes about what Heath would do.... like for instance, the images we've seen of him in reunion clothes get-up and sitting on the ground listening to his Ipod... all sorts of snippets like that. Anecdotes about things that happened during the shoot... memories of the filming, comments on why they choose to let certain things remain ambiguous and on film specific choices like angles, lighting.... And of course, a bit more what Ang Lee told them in advance of filming scenes, details they discussed, his comments on what he thinks specifically works and why....

OK, I'm rambling here but my point is there are heaps of things that could be included in a commentary that would add depth and background to the film and the filming while still fully leaving the interpretations to the viewers.

And if they chose to comment more than they otherwise would on heath, how he prepared, what they think about his scenes, etc - then that would be appropriate and could be a respectful tribute to him, if done right.



 :)


Offline Berit

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #16 on: February 15, 2008, 05:33:42 am »
Yes Mikaela, I'm from Piteå in the very north of Sweden. Am I right to think that you have something to do with the beatiful country of Norway? :) I saw some link you had from a Norwegian paper....Nice!!

Have a nice day!

Berit
Ennis.....always Ennis.....

Offline Mikaela

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #17 on: February 15, 2008, 06:45:39 am »
Hej!

Ja, jeg er norsk. Kul å kunne bruke sitt eget språk her en gang!

Ønsker deg også en fin dag og en riktig god helg.  :)


hilsen
Mika


Offline Ellemeno

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #18 on: February 15, 2008, 07:32:26 am »
I have heard at least a couple of commentaries that were made several years after the movie, and they actually can be cool in their perspective, because the commentators know what came since, in terms of subsequent films, the technology, how the film has been viewed, etc.


Offline MaineWriter

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #19 on: February 15, 2008, 07:40:38 am »
Hej!

Ja, jeg er norsk. Kul å kunne bruke sitt eget språk her en gang!

Ønsker deg også en fin dag og en riktig god helg.  :)


hilsen
Mika



I spent two weeks in Norway, looking at Norwegian newspapers, reading Norwegian signs...and....it's still Norwegian to me!

Tak!

L
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Offline Ellemeno

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #20 on: February 15, 2008, 07:44:59 am »
I spent two weeks in Norway, looking at Norwegian newspapers, reading Norwegian signs...and....it's still Norwegian to me!

Tak!

L


I think I figured out a few words:

Hej!

Howdy!

Ja, jeg er norsk. Kul å kunne bruke sitt eget språk her en gang!

Yes, I am Norwegian.  I'm guessing språk means speak.

Ønsker deg også en fin dag og en riktig god helg. 

I'm guessing that "riktig god" means really good.

And I know "Tak" means thank you!  :)

Offline MaineWriter

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Re: A proper Special Features Tribute DVD in memory of Heath?
« Reply #21 on: February 15, 2008, 09:10:34 am »

And I know "Tak" means thank you!  :)


Well, I sort of flubbed it because "thank you" in Norwegian is Takk, and in Swedish is Tack...

misspelled in two languages! LOL

L
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