16 Years into the DVD age, we’re used to the extras we find along with movies and TV programs on home video. Every disc’s menu has something a bit more than just the show, if nothing more than previews for something else we might like. But the best DVD’s have not just loads of extras, but “easter eggs” as well, those hidden little treasures only found with either a lot of time on your hands or a whole lot of help. (BTW, here’s a great list)
For many years production companies have pushed this idea outward with extras on websites for TV shows and movies (here’s a good site for movie websites and reviews). Lately, viral marketing has pushed it even further with forwarded emails linking to sites of amazing detail and so realistic you’re not quite sure if it is real or if it’s fictional. For example, if you’ve seen Iron Man 2, then you know much of the movie takes place at the “Stark Expo”. Did you know the Stark Expo has its own website?
J.J. Abrams is known for his fun extras with his movies and TV shows. He even goes a step further. Last year a bunch of actors dressed like the Observers from his show Fringe (one of the best shows on TV — you gotta watch it!) visited major cities around the country… just observing.
Well, now he’s gone even further. Last week’s episode, “The Firefly” guest-starred Christopher Lloyd as an elderly keyboardist of one of Walter’s favorite 60’s bands, the fictional Violet Sedan Chair. Well, later in the week, a couple happened to find a Violet Sedan Chair LP at a vintage record store (Read about it here at Wired). Talk about extras!
So what are some of your favorite extras?
EDC
Edward D. Casey 