I found this in a review:
“Extras: The filmmakers openly discuss the project’s pre-production struggles, including Weitz’s temporary departure as director. But the featurettes aren’t touching protests by evangelical groups, or a box-office showing that casts serious doubt on sequels.”

April 14, 2008 12:55 am | link

I’m looking forward to Weitz’s commentary on the film. I’m curious as to what he has to say about the cut footage and the re-arranging of the ending, plus Ian McKellan’s replacing Nonso Anozie. I’m sure he can discuss them without being critical of the studio, even if he is.

April 14, 2008 3:16 am | link

I remember him saying that he already recorded the track before the movie came out, and it’s entirely possible that the dvd material was entirely produced last year. I wouldn’t hold my breath for news or reflection from this particular release.

April 14, 2008 4:54 am | link

Yeah, I want to hear Weitz’s opinions, and I hope he was allowed (and wanted) to be as frank as possible. The commentary and interviews must be very interesting.

And what would make me really happy is a sign of a director’s cut soon. Weitz, save your movie.

April 14, 2008 12:58 pm | link

What happened to the extended edition???

Those covers on those say new line platinum seies ir something not extended edition?????

April 14, 2008 5:50 pm | link

well, guess this is proof that this isn’t it.

April 14, 2008 7:43 pm | link

we’ve seen these covers for awhile. This doesn’t prove anything.

April 14, 2008 11:06 pm | link

No, but the web site does. It would be saying Extended by now if that were the case.

April 15, 2008 3:09 am | link

Not necessarily. Sometimes, companies will try to milk the theatrical release as much as possible before announcing the extended edition.

April 15, 2008 4:12 am | link

I’m not saying it won’t happen, just that the one coming out this month isn’t it.

April 15, 2008 5:43 am | link

In my highest hopes, after the dvd release they may confirm The Subtle Knife, begin the production by the end of the year, and release the extended cut at this time, as a teaser to the second film.

Because it’s obvious that the director’s cut would be way better than the original version, and could recover the disappointed audience and grasp more fans for the next movies.
At least it seems to be the intelligent thing to do, IF they want to invest in a franchise. If they don’t… well, life goes on.

Anyway, an extended cut is their chance to fix the movie where it went wrong, and raise the trilogy with sucess.
I refuse to believe they would waste it; and waste so many beautiful (and expensive) sequences, especially the ending.
So, Subtle Knife or extended Compass, one MUST come. Or even better, both :]

April 15, 2008 7:00 am | link

Hear, hear, Grissha

April 15, 2008 12:35 pm | link

What a waste of money…

Besides ppl who aren’t fans WONT go to buy the extended edition if they didn’t like the first… and it will be much more expensive (eg Lord of the rings)

April 15, 2008 7:13 pm | link

In regards to the commentary, I’m sure it was recorded last year, but it will have to coincide with the theatrical cut and not his original one. Therefore, since McKellen replaced Nonso rather late in the game and the ending was cut late too, I’m sure he will have waited until they cut the ending and such before recording it. It will have to reference those changes.

April 19, 2008 3:48 am | link