I totally agree with you Josh. In fact, we had another thread about this somewhere several months ago where we were ranting about this same subject. I'll see if I can dig it up and throw the link in here for some added reference. But yeah - these "standard" DVD releases, only to be followed later on by "deluxe/special edition" releases, bug the hell out of me. I only want to own the BEST, most "extra" (and deleted scene) packed DVD version of any movie. Unfortunately, like with some of our SW figure issues, we're offered an inferior product first, 'cause they know we'll buy it, only to turn around and buy it again when a better version comes out later on down the road.
Well, I'll still bite on the SW stuff due to my completist mentality, but with the DVDs I've got much better will power and can hold out for the deluxe version later on. I'm anxiously anticipating the extended version of TTT, but can easily hold out another 3 months to get it instead of impatiently scooping up this first version in the meantime.
I'd suggest if people want to get the deluxe version later on (which everyone will for the extra footage), but they still want to see it on DVD when it's released this week, to just go RENT IT at Blockbuster! That should give you your TTT fix for the time being. Granted I think there's a few extras on this initial TTT release that won't be on the Deluxe version later on, like was the case with FOTR. But I don't recall them being anything that I'd terribly miss...
This is also an issue now that they've got that suped up "SuperBit" collection. Lots of movies are being issued in the standard format, only to get the SuperBit treatment a year later (like The Patriot, Charlies Angels, Starship Troopers, etc.) Annoying... Anyone here into the SuperBit format? Do you think the added picture quality is worth it?
But as a whole, this DVD release pattern irritates me to no end. I've got a list of DVDs that I've bought that now have a better deluxe version on the market that I'd rather get. Problem is, I don't know what to do with my originals... You guys know of any boards or anything where people buy/trade used DVDs?