Throw Down: DVD Vs. iTunes Extras

I am a nut for special features. I listen to every commentary track, watch every featurette, and chuckle at every gag reel. When I purchase a movie, the special features mean a lot to me. Up until recently, buying and downloading movies online meant no special features. When Apple introduced iTunes Extras, the scenery of the online marketplace changed. Now, buying online doesn’t leave movie nerds out in the cold.

So, I decided to buy the same movie on DVD and on iTunes. In this post I’ll compare the Director’s Cut of Terminator Salvation on DVD from Target for $22.99 and the Director’s Cut of Terminator Salvation from iTunes for $14.99.

DVD Breakdown

Features:

• Director’s Cut of Terminator Salvation
• Reforging the Future Featurette
• Four Behind the Scenes “Mini-Featurettes”
• Digital Copy of the Movie for Windows Media or iTunes
• Subtitles in English, French, and Spanish

Pros:

• Works with more players
• Includes some exclusive special features

Cons:

• Only available from Target
• Costs more
• Content broken up over two discs

iTunes Breakdown

Features

• Director’s Cut of Terminator Salvation
• Reforging the Future Featurette
• Moto-Terminator Featurette
• Episode One of Terminator Salvation: The Machinima Series
• Episode One of the Terminator Salvation Digital Comic

Pros:

• Available Instantly
• Costs Less
• Includes some exclusive special features

Cons:

• Only works with iTunes, AppleTVs, iPods, and iPhones

Summary

I would argue that, if you only plan on using Apple-branded devices to playback your content, iTunes is the way to go. However, the DVD offers playback on many more devices. Take a look at what pros and cons affect you the most, and make your own decision. I’m just glad we now have the choice.

Photo Credit: markhillary