The future of director commentaries is grim. Without physical DVD releases to bulk up with extras, digital downloads arrive bare boned. The new-fangled iTunes Extras could pave the way for a new era, or independently produced accompaniments could emerge – who wouldn”t pay $1.99 for a podcast commentary, new or old? – but for now, rambling explanations from our favorite filmmakers is a dying art.
While David Fincher remains a pillar of DVD commentaries (the “Gone Girl” Blu-ray will include one), rabid behind-the-scenes junkies look for alternatives. Enter: The New York Times, who lures big names to its “Anatomy of a Scene” series. Produced by Mekado Murphy, the videos offer a much-needed dose of insight into films that will likely end up commentary-less in their home video existence. This season, the Times spoke to Christopher Nolan for “Interstellar,” Alejandro Iñárritu for “Birdman,” Paul Thomas Anderson for “Inherent Vice,” and Dan Gilroy for “Nightcrawler,” among others.
Check out the “Anatomy of a Scene” grab bag below.