Alternate Endings on DVDs: What's the Deal?

Movie lovers are everywhere and have been for years; since the days when people packed the local movie theater as their only way of seeing their favorite stars, technology and the fast pace of modern life has made watching movies at home on DVD extremely popular. Without a doubt, DVDs have added many great options for movie lovers to extend their viewing experience. However, I still need to share some thoughts with you that may be totally off the wall, but also may be right on the mark---you be the judge.

Anyway, I heard an advertisement today for a DVD that is coming out next week, and they bragged a great deal about the DVD having an "alternate ending" for the movie. Now, I know that this has existed for a long time, and people have enjoyed alternate endings on movies for a long time as well, but now it seems like the alternate ending thing is getting out of hand. There are several reasons why I feel this way.

First, those of us who can remember the world of movies before DVDs have great memories of our all-time favorite movies, and their endings. We laugh, cry, and get scared out of our wits by these endings, and share the experience with others who have seen the same movies. Now, if there are 3 endings, for example, and each person in a circle of friends watched a different ending, things can get a bit weird and confusing- that's not what watching movies is all about!

Next, what about the statement the film maker is trying to make; with alternate endings, they are basically saying, 'well, we weren't sure what to say with this film, so you decide (meaning the viewer). I don't know about you, but in my humble opinion, this sounds like too much work.

Lastly, there is something to be said about a movie ending as it ends, for better or for worse---one ending should be enough, and besides, without a definite ending, how in the world can the viewer feel a sense of completion when they watch the movies?

As I said when I started this column, I could be completely out of my mind, but I wanted to share my thoughts---at the very least, this is the ending of this column-no alternate ending!