"Santa" was kind enough to bring me a copy of the Simpsons Movie on DVD this Christmas. Besides watching it two or three times since December 25th, I've been thinking a lot about what makes this movie, and more importantly this franchise, so successful.
As far as the movie is concerned, it miraculously blends the most lovable parts of the series' essence with everything that you want to see from the Simspons on the big screen. Usually movies, going to the theatre that is, is a sort of individualized experience. It's not a rock show, it's not a panel discussion, it's a movie that you enjoy by yourself and just happen to be in a big room with a bunch of other people. (Note: Rocky Horror is obviously not included in this little theory) However, the Simpsons movie was such an experience, not just a movie. The ambiance of the theatre that I was in was as exhilarating as the film itself. Hear the 'ooh's and 'ahh's when certain characters popped up on screen or sharing an uproarious laugh with the most hardcore of fans made the experience that much more special and worth paying whatever ticket prices were to see it large and in person.
Now that the movie is out on DVD, obviously more people will be able to see it and it will bring back that wave of excitement that initially washed over all fans when it was released. But the real success of the movie on DVD hedges on one key point--The Simpsons really know how to make a DVD.
Ever since the first season appeared on shelves in stores, it has been apparent that the creators, producers, actors, and everyone behind the scenes cares about their fans and the value of their products. The price of a set of Simpsons DVDs is meagerly priced when compared to other series which can cost upwards of $50 sometimes.
When you get that season or compilation home, you tear it open (using your blowtorch and hedge clippers, but DVD/CD security issues will be griped about later), and you notice the detail and the effort that goes into every inch of the discs.
From the artwork on the discs themselves, to the inserts, to the box art, the Simpsons DVDs are some of the most stylish and good looking collections on the market. It's simple but very attractive. This isn't even to mention the work that goes into creating the amusing title menus, writing the inserts, producing the discs and recording commentaries or deleted scene introductions.
The bottom line is that everyone over at the Simpsons camp puts tons of thought, blood, sweat and tears into their products to make certain that the consumer (a loyal fan) will get every penny's worth out of their purchase. For this reason alone, the Simpsons has been able to cultivate a rabidly loyal fanbase that will both continue to grow and retain its membership for (hopefully) years to come.
It doesn't stop at DVDs either. This week (subject to change) the second series of Simpsons figures by McFarlane Toys (the best action figure maker in history, by the way) and the detail in the sculptures, painting and packaging is a reflection of the work ethic and devotion that is shared by the entire staff at FOX and on the show.
As far as the movie is concerned, it miraculously blends the most lovable parts of the series' essence with everything that you want to see from the Simspons on the big screen. Usually movies, going to the theatre that is, is a sort of individualized experience. It's not a rock show, it's not a panel discussion, it's a movie that you enjoy by yourself and just happen to be in a big room with a bunch of other people. (Note: Rocky Horror is obviously not included in this little theory) However, the Simpsons movie was such an experience, not just a movie. The ambiance of the theatre that I was in was as exhilarating as the film itself. Hear the 'ooh's and 'ahh's when certain characters popped up on screen or sharing an uproarious laugh with the most hardcore of fans made the experience that much more special and worth paying whatever ticket prices were to see it large and in person.
Now that the movie is out on DVD, obviously more people will be able to see it and it will bring back that wave of excitement that initially washed over all fans when it was released. But the real success of the movie on DVD hedges on one key point--The Simpsons really know how to make a DVD.
Ever since the first season appeared on shelves in stores, it has been apparent that the creators, producers, actors, and everyone behind the scenes cares about their fans and the value of their products. The price of a set of Simpsons DVDs is meagerly priced when compared to other series which can cost upwards of $50 sometimes.
When you get that season or compilation home, you tear it open (using your blowtorch and hedge clippers, but DVD/CD security issues will be griped about later), and you notice the detail and the effort that goes into every inch of the discs.
From the artwork on the discs themselves, to the inserts, to the box art, the Simpsons DVDs are some of the most stylish and good looking collections on the market. It's simple but very attractive. This isn't even to mention the work that goes into creating the amusing title menus, writing the inserts, producing the discs and recording commentaries or deleted scene introductions.
The bottom line is that everyone over at the Simpsons camp puts tons of thought, blood, sweat and tears into their products to make certain that the consumer (a loyal fan) will get every penny's worth out of their purchase. For this reason alone, the Simpsons has been able to cultivate a rabidly loyal fanbase that will both continue to grow and retain its membership for (hopefully) years to come.
It doesn't stop at DVDs either. This week (subject to change) the second series of Simpsons figures by McFarlane Toys (the best action figure maker in history, by the way) and the detail in the sculptures, painting and packaging is a reflection of the work ethic and devotion that is shared by the entire staff at FOX and on the show. Image taken from http://www.toxicshock.tv/ and http://www.toysick.com/ respectively
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