Looks like the Weinstein Co. has devised a clever way to surmount a big problem with "I'm Not There." Supporting actress nominee Cate Blanchett doesn't appear until after an hour of a rather bizarre movie that impatient voters may pooh-pooh. How to get people to zero in just on her perf? Answer: Feature it as a stand-alone highlight reel.

That's what the studio's been doing over the last few days by sending out DVDs to industry folks (not specifically to Oscar voters — that wouldn't be "legal"). Also, just her performance is now featured at YouTube - CLICK HERE.

Up until the 1970s, Academy Award voters had to go out to the movies to see the nominated films. That changed when paycaster Z Channel began beaming Oscar contenders into homes in select areas of L.A. After its demise in the 1980s, voters could still stay home and pop in a video (or later DVD) screener and sit back on the couch. Now they can snuggle up with their laptops too!

(Weinstein Co.)