| Special Features: |
- Booklet (six pages) contains an interview with actress Phoebe Cates.
- Commentary features director Ate de Jong.
- "Imaginary Friends" (27:22, HD) is an interview with co-writers Anthony Singleton and Carlos Davis, who chart the development of the "Drop Dead Fred" idea, which required research into the world of imaginary friends. John Cleese was originally approached for the eponymous role before Rik Mayall was found, and the interviewees share just how much influence the performer had on the screenplay, describing Mayall as "the engine that drove it all." Casting is celebrated, with Phoebe Cates adding her own ideas to the story, and director Ate de Jong is remembered as an odd choice for the material. Memories of the Minneapolis premiere are shared, and the men go into the troubled U.S. release of "Drop Dead Fred." Sequel plans are explored, along with the cult longevity of the movie. A tribute to Mayall closes out the interview, and an understanding of Cates's current life of retirement is included.
- "Drop Dead Look" (10:44, HD) is an interview with cinematographer Peter Deming, who joined the "Drop Dead Fred" shoot a week into filming, forced to catch up with the demands of the production. Deming was concerned about finding the rhythm of the picture, dealing with director Ate de Jong and the energy of star Rik Mayall, who was all over the frame. Lighting choices are analyzed and the unreality of the material is discussed. Deming is surprised about the cult appreciation for "Drop Dead Fred," recognizing a young generation of fans.
- "Mischief Makers" (26:10, HD) is a breakdown of the technical shots of "Drop Dead Fred," featuring interviews with VFX producers Peter Kuran and Kevin Kutchaver, stop-motion animator Doug Beswick, special photography effects artist Paul Gentry, and special makeup effects artist Christopher Johnson. The interviewees track the early years of their careers, including time on "Star Wars" and "Gumby," but the bulk of the talk concerns how certain shots were pulled off in "Drop Dead Fred," using a variety of traditional techniques and one digital cartoon moment, pulled off years before "The Mask" took all the credit for such visual mischief.
- "The Mega Beast Speaks Out" (11:11, HD) is an interview with actress Marsha Mason, who was drawn to "Drop Dead Fred" after learning she would be playing a mean character, making a change from recent roles. Mason discusses her relationships with director Ate de Jong and the screenwriters, and she goes into character choices. Mason also shares her thoughts on working with co-stars Rik Mayall and Phoebe Cates.
- "I'm Your Fella, Annabella" (9:37, HD) is an interview with actor Tim Matheson, who discusses his time with co-stars Rik Mayall and Phoebe Cates, exploring how ego sometimes disrupts the production process, excited to join a happy shoot. The tone of "Drop Dead Fred" is analyzed, and the passionate fanbase for the film is celebrated.
- "A Conversation with director Ate de Jong and producer Paul Webster" (32:57, HD) sits down with the interviewees, who explore project origins, casting victories, technical achievements, and the unsuccessful theatrical release of "Drop Dead Fred," which gained on a following on home video. The interviewees close with a Rik Mayall tribute, citing his special screen energy as a reason why a sequel was never made.
- "Memories of Snot Face" (8:13, HD) is a video conference interview with actress Ashley Peldon, who recalls her time on the "Drop Dead Fred" set as a little girl. The interviewee offers memories of co-stars, enjoying play time with Rik Mayall. Now an adult, Peldon has shown the feature to her own kids, interested in their response after pursuing a career in psychology.
- Deleted Scenes (26:48, SD) are sourced from a VHS workprint of "Drop Dead Fred," and provide a deeper understanding of the feature's original intent. There's extended time with Mickey (including an alternate meet cute), additional Fred antics, and a more complete version of the imagination world climax, providing a more understanding of Polly's emotional health.
- Theatrical Trailer (2:14, HD)
- Reversible Artwork
|
