DVD features beyond the movie are a must-have for collectors

Some people just have to have all the bells and whistles.

"I don't even buy DVDs anymore unless they have special features," said Kris Jones, a teaching assistant with Chattanooga State's professional film and television training program. "I think that a good special edition should do more than just promote itself -- it should serve as a window onto a world you have not yet fully explored."

From behind-the-scenes footage to deleted scenes, gag reels to commentaries, directors' cuts to interviews, at-home movie viewing can go far beyond the film itself.

"The director's and writer's commentary is a great way to see the nuts and bolts of filmmaking," said William Sutton, an Ooltewah-based independent animator.

Mr. Sutton said he watches commentary and behind-the-scenes footage as research to learn about how certain visual effects were created.

Indeed, Chattanooga is a growing film community, so an insider look is helpful for aspiring moviemakers.

"I'm a classic movie buff, so I love to hear about how the old great films like 'Casablanca' got made," said Jennifer Miller.

Check out the must-have special editions of some local cinephiles.

"Angel Heart"

"Watching the making-of vingnettes showed me that Rourke's performance still stands today. ...The vignettes sometimes help the viewer to better understand a film."

-- Mark Gill, Chattanooga

"Fight Club" (two-disc collector's edition)

"I'm a stickler for awesome cases. If an awesome movie gets a (bad) special edition case design, I won't buy it. 'Fight Club' is designed to look like it's wrapped in box paper & twine."

-- Benjamin Todd, Chattanooga

"Almost Famous" (bootleg edition), "Empire Records" (remix special fan edition), "Armageddon" (Criterion Collection)

"My top three. All of them include cut storylines, scenes or characters which make the movie feel more complete. They also have some great special features for a look behind-the-scenes. Most people don't bother looking for or seeing them, so it's kinda like a secret."

-- Seth Baxter, Chattanooga

"Hoosiers" (2-disc collector's edition)

"For starters, it's wrapped in basketball leather, which is totally awesome. But the real cool stuff are the special features. (There are) tons of extra footage and interviews."

-- Rob Alderman, Chattanooga

"To Have and To Have Not"

"One gets a great feel of the history between Bogie and Bacall in the special features, but we all know they were hot and heavy for each other. But, you also find out that William Faulkner, one of our very own amazing southern writers, penned one of the more steamy scenes in the picture. I've never been more interested in horse racing in my life."

-- Jennifer Miller, Chattanooga

"Lord of the Rings" (Motion Picture Trilogy Platinum Series Special Extended Edition)

"That set in particular is an exhaustive look at filmaking, in every aspect. There are featurettes on everything from sound design, music, costumes, miniatures, location scouting, story development, etc. You don't have to be a fan of the Tolkien story -- the behind-the-scenes featurettes in that set are educational for anyone interested in film.

-- William Sutton, Ooltewah

"The Right Stuff" (2-disc special edition)

"So many supplements, but the one that stands out: 'Realizing "The Right Stuff" -- T-20 Years and Counting' re-creates the making of the film, even bringing back The Band member Levon Helm to do the voiceover as the character of Ridley (slightly crustier) from the original film."

-- Kris Jones, Chattanooga