Home » Entertainment » Movies

Best DVD Choices for Budding Filmmakers

Ranked #10,974 in Entertainment, #134,557 overall

Pay A Visit to Your Local Video Store For The Perfect Film Making Course

Watching movies with filmmaker commentary can be some of the cheapest and most informative film making courses that you're likely to run across while trying to learn how to direct a movie. Despite there being several ways to get your foot into the door of Hollywood, one surprising alternative to the attending the best film schools, relocating or working your way up has been made available to wannabe directors by the invention of the DVD.

Thanks to the ample storage size found on these discs, they not only give you the movie to watch, but a certain few give you excellent advice from directors, producers, actors, cinematographers, special effects people and more on what is actually involved when making a movie. So, before going out and spending a bunch of money to go to school, try watching a few of the DVDs below for some inspiration and knowledge. Whether you want to learn how to make a movie, how to produce a movie or any other part of the film making process, the choices below will give you a wealth of knowledge for a very low price.

Photo by Peace it Together / flickr.

Sin City

Directors: Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller and Quentin Tarantino

Robert Rodriguez is one of those directors that takes great thought about what kinds of extras he puts on DVDs of his films. Coming from a low budget filmmaking background himself, he realizes the importance of putting in content that can actually teach aspiring directors the craft. This one will be especially useful to those who wonder how to take an existing comic book and turn it into a film.
Sin City - Unrated (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Sin City - Unrated (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Amazon Price: $9.90 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

Several informative commentaries with all three directors.
Film school with Robert Rodriguez.
Casting the picture.
A copy of the Sin City graphic novel - The Hard Goodbye.
Convincing Frank Miller to make the film.

film-school-versus-dvd
Loading poll. Please Wait...

Gangs of the Dead

Director: Duane Stinnett

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this low budget horror film, but I was knocked on my butt at how much I learned by listening to the commentary. Someone wanting to learn more about the business should never overlook smaller films that may not be as good as what seasoned directors produce. A lot of times, young filmmakers will really spill their guts about what they learned during the making of it, which makes for a great learning experience. This is a great example of how you can learn a lot from well made horror movies , even though they may not be a huge hit in theaters.
Gangs of the Dead

Gangs of the Dead

Amazon Price: $1.89 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

First off, let me say that this is not a Romero film, so if that is what you're expecting, you will be disappointed. This is a decent low budget zombie film with very few extras on the DVD - a commentary track. But what a track!

Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography

Directors: Arnold Glassman, Todd McCarthy and Stuart Samuels

The Art of CinematographyCinematographers travel through history showing the viewers only the best examples of DP work from some of the most influential films that have ever been made. Some people may not really want to watch this one, but I assure you, you will find yourself liking it and coming away with a deeper appreciation for the craft you are trying to learn. There's nothing wrong with being a well-rounded filmmaker.

Any aspiring director will come away from this documentary with a better understanding of just how important the director of photography is in any film, and if you think they aren't that important - you're wrong. They are just as important to the overall look of the film as the director is.

Filmmaking Advice From Quentin Tarantino

The indie filmmaker doesn't offer advice often, but when he does, wannabe directors listen.
Quentin Tarantino Filmmaker Advice
by ComicCon | video info

2,135 ratings | 339,441 views
curated content from YouTube

Kill Bill Vol. 1
Kill Bill Vol. 1 Movie Poster - 40 x 15 in.
Buy for $19.99

El Mariachi

Director: Robert Rodriguez

This is the film that kick started the career of Robert Rodriguez. It would later be redone and updated (by Rodriguez) into the blockbuster hit "Desperado" starring Antonio Banderas. Producers drooled after seeing it, even though it was made for only $7,000. The director shares all of his secrets with those that are smart enough to listen.
El Mariachi (Special Edition)

El Mariachi (Special Edition)

Amazon Price: $5.40 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

Ten Minute Film School
Audio commentary by the director.
The short film - Bedhead.

Hearts of Darkness

Directors: Fax Bahr, George Hickenlooper and Eleanor Coppola

A rare behind-the-scenes documentary of the legendary film "Apocalypse Now" directed by Francis Ford Coppola. For those of you who don't know how close this film came to not being made, this DVD will be a real education on how perhaps the most important job of a director - to never give up.
Hearts of Darkness - A Filmmaker's Apocalypse

Hearts of Darkness - A Filmmaker's Apocalypse

Amazon Price: $12.22 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

The entire film is a freaking special feature!

Filmmaking Equipment Over On eBay

Loading

Project Greenlight

Creators: Ben Affleck and Matt Damon

This was a TV series that gave unknown filmmakers a chance to direct a real Hollywood film. Although the shows are edited, this series really shows you what you have to go through to get that first movie made - a real slap in the face to some.
Project Greenlight 2 (The Complete Second Series Plus Film The Battle of Shaker Heights)

Project Greenlight 2 (The Complete Second Series Plus Film The Battle of Shaker Heights)

Amazon Price: $11.33 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

There are three seasons to this television series. The 3rd season is my favorite featuring the making of the horror movie "Feast", but since it hasn't been put out on DVD yet, I went with my second favorite season - The Battle of Shaker Heights.

Fight Club

Director: David Fincher

David Fincher seems to be another one of those directors that takes what extras going on the DVD of his film very seriously. Fight Club is chock full of knowledge for any wannabe filmmaker who is willing to devote the time it will take to watch all of the extras.
Fight Club (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Fight Club (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Amazon Price: $14.94 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

Several commentaries covering almost every aspect of filmmaking.
Still galleries.
Multiple angle views of scenes.
Lots of behind the scenes clips.

10 Minute Film School - Robert Rodriguez

The Robert Rodriguez: 10 Minute Film School (The 1st & Original)
by marcelofilmmaker | video info

454 ratings | 47,716 views
curated content from YouTube

Grindhouse
Grindhouse Planet Terror Poster - 40 x 27 in.
Buy for $19.99

Star Wars Trilogy (with Bonus Disc)

Directors: George Lucas, Irvin Kershner and Richard Marquand

star-wars-behind-the-scenes-documentaryIf you want to learn how the Star Wars universe was made you need to ignore parts I-III and go back to the ones that Lucas really cared about - the first three made (IV-VI).

Even though Lucas was a part of all the commentaries, I found them to be quite informative and entertaining, but the real gem is in the bonus disc. The documentary is the must see for both fans and film students alike and really tells you what it takes to create a set of movies like this.

Making A Short Film

Making short films for sites like YouTube is a great way to improve your skills as a filmmaker and perhaps catch the eye of influential producers. Several directors have been found this way, so don't overlook the importance of it, just make sure to put your best stuff out there for all to see.

The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy

Director: Peter Jackson

There was a lot of Tolkien fans that were extremely worried when they heard that these films were being made by Hollywood. They were worried that they would ruin the book to movie experience like they have with so many others - the concern was unnecessary. We forget that for every fail in adaptations from novels there is usually a success. It becomes very apparent that Jackson took the franchise seriously and took the DVDs equally as serious. This collection has become a measuring stick for me by which I measure all other DVD releases.
The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Special Extended Edition)

The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Special Extended Edition)

Amazon Price: $54.99 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

12 DVDs
12 Commentaries
Hours upon hours of featurettes.
Extra footage.
Art and picture galleries.

Tell Some Friends

If you like what you've seen, why not spread the word. Every link and bookmark to this lens will help it stay in the public spotlight, thus making it easier to find. Any love at all is appreciated. Thanks.

Add this to your lens »

Bookmark and Share

Is There A Future Tarantino Over At Flickr?

Loading

Clerks X

Director: Kevin Smith

Clerks is one of those films that people either like or don't like. Even if you're one of those people that don't like the picture itself, you would be doing yourself a disservice if you don't at least look into how this film was made. This DVD shows you pretty much everything you need to know on how Kevin Smith got started in the moviemaking business and how this $27,000 piece of cinema helped him do that.
Clerks (Three-Disc 10th Anniversary Collector's Edition)

Clerks (Three-Disc 10th Anniversary Collector's Edition)

Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

Cast and crew commentaries.
Music video.
"Snowball Effect" Documentary
Trailers and TV spots.
Original audition tapes.
10th Anniversary Q&A

If You Like This Lens, Show It A Little Love

This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.

Add this to your lens »

I Need A Camera!

To make your own movie, a camera will be necessary.

Loading

10 Minute Film School - Planet Terror

Planet Terror 10 Minute Film School With Robert Rodriquerz
by sushanthreddy3862 | video info

4 ratings | 420 views
curated content from YouTube

Hellraiser

Director: Clive Barker

This film is a great example of how you can make a low budget film with a first time director if the director cares about the work. Of course, the movie is based upon Barker's novella "The Hellbound Heart," and he wanted to prove to the world that a solid horror movie could be made without spending a lot of money. In that goal, he succeeded without a doubt. This one may not be the first choice a lot of future directors would choose, but it really struck a chord with me once I started doing research on it.
Hellraiser

Hellraiser

Amazon Price: $9.97 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

This one may be a little short on extras, but it does have a commentary track featuring writer / directer Clive Barker and actress Ashley Laurence. The commentary is excellent, informative and entertaining.

The Best Film Schools Can Be Expensive

Why not learn film making from a dvd?

Feel free to add to this list or vote on your favorites.

1

Vote Up
Vote Down
The Art of Filmmaking

The Art of Filmmaking

FIRST RUN FEATURES presents Five Revealing Documentaries more...0 points

2

Vote Up
Vote Down
Suspiria (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Suspiria (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Bonus disc contains interviews with Co-Writer/Dire more...0 points

3

Vote Up
Vote Down
Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Two DVD Collector's Edition with a total of eight more...0 points

4

Vote Up
Vote Down
Halloween: 25 Years of Terror

Halloween: 25 Years of Terror

BRAND-NEW, COMPREHENSIVE 2- DISC HISTORY THAT CHRO more...0 points

5

Vote Up
Vote Down
More Brains! A Return To The Living Dead

More Brains! A Return To The Living Dead

Everything you ever wanted to know about Return of more...0 points

Do you think a DVD can take the place of a film making course?

Let everyone in on your opinion.

If you know of a great film that I've not thought of with loads of special features that can help us young filmmakers get better, then why not let everyone know what it is?

  • Steph Nov 5, 2011 @ 4:16 pm | delete
    I actually thought really hard about making a film on my own like Rodriguez did, but I believe going to a film school provides one thing that doing it on your own doesn't - contacts.
  • Timelapselove Oct 26, 2011 @ 10:47 pm | delete
    Hearts of Darkness is a great film. Cool lens!
  • wizardgold Apr 29, 2011 @ 6:03 pm | delete
    Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Without a doubt excellent educational.
  • YellowHammer May 1, 2011 @ 11:07 am | delete
    The TV show or the movie? Ha, ha, ha.
  • Amy Apr 23, 2011 @ 5:59 pm | delete
    I loved Project Greenlight. Kudos for including it. I wish Season 3 would come out on DVD.
  • Chris Apr 19, 2011 @ 8:26 am | delete
    I am an aspiring filmmaker myself and I totally agree that there is a lot of stuff you can learn about making movies from the right DVDs. If I had only one director to pattern myself after it would probably be Robert Rodriguez. He seems to really care about teaching newcomers the ins and outs of making a low budget film.
Show All

by

YellowHammer

For those aspiring film directors who have ignored all of those DVD extras on your favorite film because you had a bad experience, there is hope. All... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

A Few More Lenses Created By Me 

That you may enjoy.

Loading

Low Budget Filmmaking by Someone Who's Been There 

Rebel without a Crew: Or How a 23-Year-Old Filmmaker With $7,000 Became a Hollywood Player

Rebel without a Crew: Or How a 23-Year-Old Filmmaker With $7,000 Became a Hollywood Player

by: Robert Rodriguez

Amazon Price: $7.50 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

This book gives you every scrap of information on how Rodriguez created the film that jump-started his career - El Mariachi.

It All Begins With the Script 

The Complete Book of Scriptwriting

The Complete Book of Scriptwriting

by: J. Michael Straczynski

Amazon Price: $242.49 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

I bought this one because I was a fan of Babylon 5. I'm happy to say that it exceeded my expectations.

Related Tags