They can make more money with two versions.

How? Do people really buy them both? I'd figure burning more on one disc would be cheaper than doubling the media, plus the printing two cases.

Or, just release the widescreen version, because people who want full screen versions of films shouldn't be allowed to own films! Or have children. Or vote.

Or is that just me? ;)

You can only fit so much data onto one DVD. Dual format DVDs are usually double-sided, and for whatever reason DVD manufacturers have been moving away from that. (Except in rare cases like the West Wing sets. The Farscape Starburst sets started out as double-sided but they're moving back to one-sided, I heard.)

I do remember back in the day a lot of DVDs were dual-format double-sided, but now separate editions seem to be the norm. Or just offering widescreen only.

Frankly, I'm a little saddened they're even offering a P&S Serenity. Because ITA with manzo. Except I'd change "full-frame" to "non-original aspect ratio". You just know somebody somewhere will get the brilliant idea one day of releasing a widescreen Casablanca or something (or they may have already tried, for all I know).

I think crazy people should be allowed to spend their money happily too, as long as it doesn't stop me getting my sane stuff.

The Farscape Starburst sets started out as double-sided but they're moving back to one-sided, I heard.

And I swear I heard there were enormous quality issues with those (as in they wouldn't play), which may be why they are going to one-sided.

I hadn't heard that the Starburst editions are going one-sided. Does this mean that they're going to be more expensive?

My BSG dvds should be here today -- my Serenity dvd was mailed at the same time but "tracking is not available" for it. This worries me.

my Serenity dvd was mailed at the same time but "tracking is not available" for it. This worries me.

That just means that the DVD is avoiding Alliance-controlled space on its way to you.

They can make more money with two versions.

Cynical, not?

I used to work for a company that released cheapie DVDs. There were separate fullscreen and widescreen versions of short movies (about 80-90 minutes or under) contained on a single side, or separate versions of some longer movies on each side of a double sided disc. When there was only one version it was usually fullscreen.

Single sided discs had such desirable "extras" as menus and chapters. Maybe even a trailer. Double-sided discs had room for more extras, but , did I mention, cheapie? And of course double-sided discs had no label art.

Publishing separate editions makes a great deal of sense: most buyers only want one, and printing/pressing is likely in-house (or under the same ownership and billed accordingly--what? you lost money on Serenity??? you wouldn't believe what those darn printers charged, and the pressing plant? don't ask me about pressing costs.). And two editions usually get more retail space than one.

Easter Egg instructions (found at lj):

On the main menu of the disc, while highlighting PLAY, press LEFT on your DVD remote. It will highlight an icon on the right side of the screen (yes, it'll be on the right) that looks like a trapezoid with a circle in it. Select it, and enjoy the Easter Egg.