Believe it or not, I watch my DVDs for the movies - but I keep them for the bonus features. You know, the extras - those deleted scenes, interviews, “making of”, storyboards, and so on and so on. All the behind-the-scenes stuff that many discs come bundled with today. Those features are more than enough to get me spend my hard-earned cash on my favorite flicks.

It’s a shame that I don’t find too many Haitian DVDs with extras and they often fall into the “I’ve been meaning to get to that” category. However, there are few DVD extras out there that really are worth a look.

Here is part one of our list of the Top Haitian DVD Extras out there. We’ll be running them all year long, so be sure to keep checking back as we count down the list.

#2 | Natalie
Studio: JAM Productions
Feature: Director commentary, cast interviews, audition, trailers

What’s so special?: On the DVD, director and producer Samuel Vincent gives you a blow-by-blow description of how the film was made. awesome feature, awesome extras that bring you into the world of the film. They really added value entertainment. However, a scene selection menu and/or a “making of Natalie” feature would make such a great movie a perfect DVD.

#1 | Le Fils du Diable (The Devil’s Child)
Studio: JD Productions
Features: Making of, Behind the scenes, deleted scenes, photo gallery.

What’s so special?: Designed to be browsed through by chapter. Constructing the sets and props, shooting the production and creating the special effects. It’s a production for everyone, from curious viewers to true fanatics, and a testament to an astounding physical and creative accomplishment.

My favorite feature on this DVD is the construction of the sets. Joan Tutu Desmosthene, wearing his green Sweet Micky T-shirt, filmed everything from day 1 until completion. Outstanding 1-disc features. It’s a must see.

If you just bought a DVD player, these 2 DVDs deserve a place in your personal collection.  They are a sampling of the unique supplements, unexpected extras and creative uses of  the digital format. They offer the kinds of goodies that can make the supplements essential, exciting or simply enterprisingly entertaining elements of the digital experience.

I would like to see Haitian productions go extra mile With the bonus features on the DVDs. What I expect to see in the upcoming Haitian DVD extras: Bloopers, interviews, more interactivity,  director commentary, optional subtitles (ON and OFF), the making of, deleted scenes, music video, etc…

Were there any specific features that you think should have been included? What is your favorite DVD extra? Let us know by commenting below.

For DVD authoring/design ideas or services, contact Ken | ken@movielakay.com