Transgression – identification – interaction: Blu-ray bonus features and Supernatural’s cult status

Being ‘cultish’ is not a feature which is inherent in a given media text. Rather, this quality is attributed to the text in question over time, usually due to the development of a passionate fan community around it. Nevertheless, media producers are well aware of means which help increase – or in some cases even produce – the cult status of their products. This article dissects the role the bonus features included in Supernatural’s Blu-ray releases play in the cultification of the series. As this article demonstrates these special features primarily function as a means of tightening the bond between the fan community and the show’s creative team.