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Michael Keith Ashley

1. When did you first get interested in DVD and why?

A difficult question, but I believe it occurred around the year 1999. I bought a DVD player practically on the spot. I have always been a film fanatic, but the quality of DVD just amazed me, like so many other people, and there was simply no doubt this was going to be huge, and I had to get on board as quick as I could. Getting a film in breathtaking quality in its original aspect ratio, complete with surround sound was remarkable.

2. Did you ever expect DVD to become as popular as it has now?

The film itself has and should always come first in my view, although it was never a surprise this format took off, but the size of its success is simply mind blowing. Stores like EzyDVD were a complete surprise, and had never crossed my mind. The speed at which the DVD format took off is awe inspiring, and has importantly expanded the knowledge and appreciation in regards to preserving a film as intended.

3. What are some of your favourite movies and some of your favourite DVDs?

Without question, the top five films would be Barry Lyndon (1975), Chinatown (1974), The Conversation (1974), The Exorcist (1973/2000) and The Thin Red Line (1998). Although there are numerous films which I most certainly admire, such as Apocalypse Now Redux (1979/2001), Dr. Strangelove (1963) and Underground (1995).

The top five DVDs are 2001: A Space Odyssey: Collector’s Box (1968), JFK: Directors Cut (1991), North By Northwest (1959), Spirited Away: Limited Edition (2001) and Twin Peaks - Season 1: Special Edition (1990). Worthy mentions include Apocalypse Now Redux (1979/2001), Gladiator: Collector’s Edition (2000) and Superman: Special Edition (1978).

4. Which ‘not so good’ DVDs would you never want ruining your collection?

There are films which one doesn’t like (Chicago), or DVDs which have not lived up to expectations (Last Exit To Brooklyn), so for this question I’m going to bend my response slightly and write down a list of DVDs which received more acclaim and attention than they deserved. The list below, are essentially DVDs which are over hyped blockbuster disasters, and films which never deserved their critical praise.

The ‘not so good’ top five DVDs are Brother (2000), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), Kagemusha - The Shadow Warrior (1980), Something’s Gotta Give (2003) and Titanic (1997). However, in terms of pure disc quality, the worst DVD I have ever seen would be The Story Of O (Histoire d’O) (1975).

Although in terms of high quality movies presented on horrible DVDs, it would be advisable to try and avoid The Deer Hunter (1978), Fearless (1993), Georgia (1995), Leaving Las Vegas (1995) and Lost Highway (1997). Hopefully these wonderful films will eventually be given the treatment they rightfully deserve otherwise like many others I will continue to import my DVDs.

5. Which DVD(s) not yet available are you looking forward to most being released?

This list is almost endless, and while at the moment there is an increase in titles being released, there are still numerous great films which are yet to make it into Region 4. The most enthusiastically awaited films are listed below, but in terms of television I would love to see the complete release of every episode for Kung Fu and Twin Peaks.

The top five films which I’m praying to have released on DVD in Region 4 are Terrence Malick’s Badlands (1973), David Cronenberg’s Naked Lunch (1991), Robert Altman’s Nashville (1975), Sidney Lumet’s Serpico (1973) and Andrei Tarkovsky’s Solyaris (1972). Furthermore, I’d like new editions of Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (1982) and Paul Verhoeven’s Total Recall (1990).

6. Have you ever gone to extraordinary lengths to satisfy your DVD addiction?

I have remained consistent with my addiction, never going to extreme lengths. Although I maintained watching around five films a week for numerous years to gather extensive film appreciation and knowledge, whilst reading as extensively as I could about every little aspect. Presently I’m saving every single dollar I can manage, to eventually upgrade the home theatre and watch films in an environment most people can only dream about.

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