Next week, fans and consumers will be able to own three Disney animated films on Blu-ray for the first time in stunning high definition: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan and Brother Bear. Of course, they are going to be released the same way The Fox and the Hound and Pocahontas were on Blu-ray. They're being packaged with their direct-to-video sequels and each release will be billed as a "2 Movie Collection".
Of course, you all know how I feel about this business model for the not-so-successful Disney animated films. People are split. Lots of fans are fine with this and will buy the sets no matter what. Other fans refuse to purchase the titles because they feel that including the direct-to-video sequel cheapens the importance of the original and is overall insulting. I won't go any further, because I've already ranted about this time and time again.
I don't speak for the majority of Disney fans. Again, they have their purchasing preferences, as I am no different. However, I think what should be done could work for both fans and those who want to own the direct-to-video sequels alongside the originals. I understand that parents buy these sets up for their kids, and having the sequel on there is convenient for them. However, many fans object to the idea of Disney putting it on the same set (and same disc) as the original. Right now, this way of releasing these films on Blu-ray has Disney fans divided. Rightfully so, if you ask me.
So here's my ultimate suggestion to Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment...
A) Release [insert film here] on its own. No sequel included. Instead, pack this release with all the bonus features you can afford or port from earlier editions. Give it a nice slipcover, include a DVD copy as always, and sell it for the usual price. Make it no different from your typical home media release of a Disney animated film.
B) Release a double pack of [insert film here] and its direct-to-video sequel. But this time, don't put many bonus features on it. Put very little on there. The set should also include the 2 DVDs for both the original and the sequel. Also, don't give it any snazzy packaging. No slipcover is necessary. Sell it like one of those budget Blu-ray releases; you know - the ones that have two or three movies on them and are called "Double Feature" or "Double Pack". They also usually have decent packaging, nothing crazy. That way, you can sell it for a very good price and satisfy consumers.
If Disney does that with every other non-Diamond Edition animated feature that happens to have a direct-to-video sequel, then it will be a win-win situation for everyone. Fans can own the original on its own complete with bonuses, while parents and consumers looking for a great value can buy the budget "double feature" release.
In all honesty, I believe this would be the best of both worlds for fans and those who are buying these films on Blu-ray.
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