As this year's Oscars fade into memory, you can revisit some of the best bits from the telecast at the academy's official YouTube channel. Over there you will find the acceptance speeches for the top eight awards — picture, director, the four acting categories and both screenwriting races. And you can see host Hugh Jackman's standout opening number. Beyond that, there is a recap of the sci-tech winners by mistress of ceremonies Jessica Biel and a two-minute report on the nominees luncheon. But that is it. While the academy is understandably protective of its biggest asset — the Oscarcast — it is frustrating that more of the memorable moments from both this and previous years are not readily available.

Though the academy is stingy with sharing segments of the Oscarcast itself, it has become very generous at granting the public access to both backstage and the press room. Over at the official Oscar website, there are loads of fly-on-the-wall moments as dazed winners like Kate Winslet and Penelope Cruz come offstage holding their Oscars. And there are lengthy clips of the winners answering questions from the masses of media as well. All of this would make for great additions to a DVD release.

Back in 1992, the academy produced a VHS tape called "Oscar's Greatest Moments (1971-1991)" which showcased the highlights and low points of two decades of Academy Award ceremonies. Then Academy president — the Oscar-winning actor Karl Malden ("A Streetcar Named Desire") —  hosted the 110-minute special. Various segments reviewed the controversies — lead actor winners George C. Scott ("Patton") and Marlon Brando "The Godfather" just saying no; the comedy — Bette Midler resurrecting her career as she presented 1981's best song in her own inimitable way; the clothes — a parade of Cher's hits and misses; and, yes, the actual winning moments including Louise Fletcher's moving acceptance speech and Sally Field's declaration of dependence.

At the conclusion of this speed walk down memory lane, Malden promised that the academy would unlock the vault and bring out more of these treasures for our enjoyment. Seventeen years later we are still waiting. Compilations like this no doubt require complicated negotiations with Hollywood guilds and unions to get rights clearances. And facing that ordeal again is probably what's behind the lack of an update.

But if it could be done once, why not again? Since the academy included that saccharine 1977 scene of Debby Boone singing "You Light Up My Life" while a chorus of children sort of signed it on the first highlights reel, it owes us the pleasure of revisiting that terrific production number Baz Luhrmann just staged for Jackman, Beyonce, "High School Musical" sweethearts Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, and "Mamma Mia!" couple Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper.