The Left Lane
DVD extras may go

This, even as DVD sales are at an all-time high, especially for extras-loaded special editions.

Until recently, Variety said, directors and actors have generally given their time gratis for DVD commentaries and new documentaries, either to help promote releases, or for nostalgic or personal interests.

But lately, producers and studios are grousing about an increase in demands for payment by stars for their extra participation, at times for as much as $10,000 a pop. Several studios are already requiring producers to limit documentaries to no more than a half-hour, and one executive said he believes that unless the extra embellishments are deemed crucial to the DVD, studios will ax them in favor of cheaper or easier-to-procure fare.

The result for DVD fans? Hope you can stay awake through 15 "Rush Hour 5" movie trailers.

An elegant gentleman

At a time when men are spiffing up a bit from the dress down, down, down days, GQ magazine suggests long-term classic items to mark an elegant gentleman. We question the necessity of the items, but hey, it's your checkbook. Here goes. The list includes:

• The double-breasted suit: It's back on runways, but for how long?
• The Patek Philippe watch: Fine, if you have an extra $10,000.
• The navy blazer: Update to a trim cut if you've had the same one since college.
• Crocodile moccasins: For the same money you can have a European fling.
• Cashmere bathrobe: Yeah. But did Cary Grant really have one?
  
  
  

Kidman on top

On the Web: www.eonline.com

Tom Cruise, Kidman's ex-husband, Julia Roberts, Will Smith, Jim Carrey and Kevin Costner are among those who have previously won the award.

Jennifer Lopez, 'N Sync, Roberts and James Gandolfini round out this year's top five, followed by Destiny's Child, Eddie Murphy, Britney Spears, Ray Romano, Kelly Ripa, Reese Witherspoon, Madonna, Renee Zellweger, Denzel Washington, Johnny Depp, Sarah Jessica Parker, Paul McCartney, Mel Brooks, The Rock and Jennifer Aniston.