Promising NIMH DVD news.

Just a few days ago, I sent in a question regarding a SON rerelease. This is my question and the response I got from their website.

Posted: 11/29/2006
From: J L
Subject: Proper NIMH DvD release.
Message: First off Id just like to say that I am a big fan of your films, and my favorite film of all time is The Secret of NIMH. It truly is a masterpeice. Seeing that NIMH is my favorite movie, I was very dissapointed with the poor quality of the DVD release by MGM. I was not alive when this film was released to theaters/video, but I have looked up much information about it. It really seems like NIMH was never really given a fair chance to prove itself. I was just wondering if you have contacted MGM regarding a proper/special edition release of this terrific film. It a shame that the movie can't currently be seen and heard the way it is ment to be. Thank you for your time as I know you are very busy. Good luck with your future projects.
Reply: J. We may have some good news in the near future. Once we know for sure, we will share what may happen with The Secret of NIMH for home entertainment. Regards.
Reply Posted: 11/30/2006

I know Im probably being too optimistic about it, but what do you guys make of it?

I think...I should keep my eyes and ears peeled. And pray a whole lot that they make a better version. The part of the current DVD that I hate is the fact that the chapter selection menu doesn't work. You can only access the first four chapters of the movie before skipping through them on the DVD player. :x
Perhaps they'll make an HD-DVD version complete with a good chapter selection menu and all the video extras we could want. And maybe a deleted scene or two. :D

Deleted scenes are highly unlikely in an animated feature because of the cost involved to draw, ink and color each cell.

But...maybe they could create and add some in with newer technology?

As long as its remastered, and not a pan-and-scan like the first DVD release, Ill be happy. But a few extras here and there wouldn't hurt :)

Screw deleted scenes, I'm looking more for commentary and 'Behind-the-Scenes' reels. It would be great to see an interview of Don, and maybe his crew if they're present, to see what they thought about making the movie, how they made it, and their struggle with budget to do so.

A featurett would be nice too.

I really hope they'd do an HD-DVD, but that would also maybe mean it would need a good restoration, if they just use whatever stock they have now I'm sure it's full of dirt and other problems, which would be pronounced on HD-DVD. But maybe a Dolby TrueHD audio track.

Deleted scenes are highly unlikely in an animated feature because of the cost involved to draw, ink and color each cell.

But...maybe they could create and add some in with newer technology?

I believe I read on Don's site that All Dogs go to Heaven had some deleted scenes that were complete, but were cut because they were too scary. He would have liked to of done a directors edition by now, unfortunately the only reel of film that had the complete version was stolen from storage, never to be seen again.

Oh don't be too sure. If there was a deleted scene in NIMH, like the library scene I'm sure Don would put it in the DVD orb in the movie like a director's cut..

That's what I meant. Not complete animation, but storyboards and voices like it would have been hade they included that scene.
Commentary is a must-have. Behind-the-scenes, wanted but not required. Chapter selection: make sure it works this time.
In short, come up with a special name for it (DX, special edition, etc.), and make it good.