The Movie Blog



Would You Download and Listen to In-Theater Director Commentary Tracks?

By: Sean OConnell on November 16, 2012 at 11:41AM Comments (2)
Audience members heading to the theater this weekend to see Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim’s controversial film The Comedy will be able to hear the filmmaker’s opinions and insights in real time. 
 
That’s because, as Variety notes, director Rick Alverson and Heidecker recorded a podcast that serves as a commentary track for the film. It’s available via iTunes, and it lworks like an audio track audiences normally only got on DVD releases.  
 
"It creates a unique viewing opportunity that isn't normally available in the first release window," said Neil Marks, Tribeca Films director of marketing.
 
It also encourages repeat viewings of an independent film that isn’t going to draw Twilight-level audiences, but certainly has built up a passionate fanbase for its opinionated view of our entitled society. 
 
"It's a simple thing to do," Heidecker said. "The technology exists now where it's so easy. It's a really fun enhancement to the experience. When the movie is really small and needs all the help it can get, this can be a natural fit." 
 
The Comedy isn’t the first film to try this. Kevin Smith once did it for his sequel, Clerks II, and Rian Johnson recently recorded a track for Looper fans to listen to in theaters. 
 
But is this something you’d like to see more filmmakers do? Are you interested in going back to the theater for a second time with a podcast queued up in your audio device?
 
And is there a movie in theaters right now that you really wish had a director’s commentary available? Because I think I’d like to hear Sam Mendes’ take on Skyfall or Robert Zemeckis’ take on Flight before they left theaters. 
 
Follow along on Twitter @Sean_OConnell and @Fandango. 

Comments (2)Leave a Comment

  • Nov 16th 2012 12:53PM

    stalag17  said...

    Here's the problem: Listening to director commentary makes sense for second/repeat viewings, not the first time around. Be in in a theater or at home, on DVD. Would I want to see THE DARK KNIGHT RISES a second time on the big screen while listening to Nolan? Yes. Would I have any interest in doing something similar the first time around with THE COMEDY? No.

    Reply

    Characters Remaining: 750
    • E-mail me when someone replies to my comment
  • Nov 16th 2012 1:01PM

    1538134103  said...

    I agree. I think they want you to go back a second time. It helps the film's box office, and it's a bonus for dedicated fans. A Nolan track for TDKR is a great example of one I'd easily do.

    Reply

    Characters Remaining: 750
    • E-mail me when someone replies to my comment

Fandango Bloggers

Need Help?