DVD and Blu-ray News That Matters

Disney releasing 'Tron,' 'Tron: Legacy' on DVD, Blu-ray in April

2011-02-14T11:08:00.000-08:00

Walt Disney Studios will release TRON: Legacy April 5 on multiple home entertainment platforms, including Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Copy, Movie Download and On-Demand April 5. TRON: The Original Classic Special Edition also will be issued the same date on Blu-ray for the first time
TRON: Legacy includes in-depth bonus features on the making of the film (such as creating the futuristic vehicles and world of TRON, storyline mythologies, actors/characters and more) and the all-new Disney Second Screen interactive experience.
The original motion picture score for TRON: Legacy, released by Walt Disney Records on December 7, 2010, was composed and produced by the iconic and critically acclaimed Grammy Award–winning French duo Daft Punk. The album peaked at No. 4 on The Billboard 200 and was the highest charting score soundtrack in over a decade. Walt Disney Records will be releasing TRON: Legacy RECONFIGURED, an album featuring 14 remixes of the original motion picture score on April 5 as well.

Nathan Fillion Voicing Hal Jordan in Upcoming Green Lantern DC Animated Release

2011-02-08T17:05:00.000-08:00

Many lobbied for Nathan Fillion, currently the star of the ABC romantic comedy-drama cop show Castle, to star as Green Lantern, specifically Hal Jordan, on the big screen, but of course the role went to Ryan Reynolds. Well, now we have fine consolation prize.

Fillion will voice the role of Hal Jordan in the upcoming DC direct to video release Green Lantern: Emerald Knights, due June 7 a week before the release of the Green Lantern feature film in theaters June 17. The animated release will also feature Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men) as the voice of Arisia, a longtime fan favorite in the various Green Lantern comics for decade.

Green Lantern: Emerald Knights will be available Blu-Ray Combo Pack and 2-Disc Special Edition DVD, as well as single disc DVD from Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation. The movie will also be available On Demand and for Download.

In the animated film Arisia is a young recruit forced into her first mission on just her third day as a Green Lantern and is taken under the wing of Jordan, also not unlike the comics when she first appeared (Tales of the Green Lantern Corps #1, 1981).

The voice cast also features actor/spoken word artist and post-punk icon Henry Rollins as Kilowog, Jason Isaacs as Sinestro, legendary professional wrestler “Rowdy” Roddy Piper as Bolphunga, Arnold Vosloo (The Mummy) as Abin Sur, Kelly Hu (The Vampire Diaries) as Laira and Wade Williams (Prison Break) as Deegan. Radio Hall of Fame commentator/talk show host Michael Jackson voices the ever-wise Guardian, Ganthet.

Bruce Timm is executive producer of of the film and the directors are Lauren Montgomery, Jay Oliva and Christopher Berkeley.

'Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader' Coming On Blu-ray and DVD April 8

2011-02-01T14:26:00.000-08:00

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will release The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader on Blu-ray and DVD April 8.

The third film in the Narnia series finds siblings Lucy (Georgie Henley) and Edmund Pevensie (Skandar Heynes), along with their cousin Eustace (Will Poulter, Son of Rambow), swallowed into a painting and transported back to Narnia. They join King Caspian (Ben Barnes, Dorian Gray) and a noble mouse named Reepicheep in a quest to rescue noble lords who had been lost fighting evil on another island. Aboard the grand ship The Dawn Treader, the courageous voyagers travel to mysterious islands, confront mystical creatures, and reunite with the Great Lion Aslan on a mission that tests their characters to determine the fate of Narnia itself.
Academy Award-nominee Liam Neeson (Schindler’s List, Batman Begins, Phantom Menace) is featured as the voice of Aslan the Lion, Simon Pegg (Star Trek's new Scotty, Mission Impossible III) as the voice of Reepicheep the Mouse, and Academy Award-winner Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton) appears in a cameo as Jadis the White Witch.

Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader  (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy Features)

Disc 1 – Blu-ray

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of The Dawn Treader in High Definition
“The Untold Adventures of The Dawn Treader” Animated Short
King Caspian’s Guide to the Dawn Treader: Legends and Lore of the Great Ship
4 Deleted Scenes
5 Islands Explorations
Narnian Discoveries: Friends and Foes of Narnia (7 featurettes)
3 Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes including Battle on the Sea
Sword Game
4 Fox Movie Channel Presents Behind The Scenes Featurettes
Audio Commentary by Director Michael Apted and Producer Mark Johnson

Disc 2 - DVD

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of The Dawn Treader in Standard Definition
Deleted Scenes
Audio Commentary by Director Michael Apted and Producer Mark Johnson

Disc 3

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of The Dawn Treader Digital Copy

Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (DVD 2-pk)
Disc 1 - DVD

Film in Standard Definition
Deleted Scenes
Audio Commentary by Director Michael Apted and Producer Mark Johnson

Disc 2 – DVD

Film in High Definition
“The Untold Adventures of The Dawn Treader” Animated Short
King Caspian’s Guide to the Dawn Treader: Legends and Lore of the Great Ship
5 Islands Explorations
Narnian Discoveries: Friends and Foes of Narnia (7 featurettes)
4 Fox Movie Channel Presents Behind The Scenes Featurettes
Sword Game

Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (DVD)

Disc 1 - DVD

Film in Standard Definition
Deleted Scenes
Audio Commentary by Director Michael Apted and Producer Mark Johnson

Zorro Complete Series Collecting '90s TV Show Due January 25 from A&E

2011-01-11T14:33:00.000-08:00

A&E Home Entertainment will release Zorro: The Complete Series collecting the entire early '90s series on January 25.
The special set includes all 88 Episodes of the fan-favorite series – not seen since first airing on the Family Channel some 20 years ago. Extra include the Original, Swashbuckling Douglas Fairbanks Film, The Mark of Zorro, Chapter 1 of the 1939 Theatrical Serial, Zorro’s Fighting Legion, plus never before seen footage from the TV series. Never-Before-Seen Footage from the TV Series and Much, Much More!
Zorro began in 1919, with the publication of Johnston McCulley’s story, “The Curse of Capistrano”, followed a year later by Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford producing the first, silent The Mark of Zorro -- with Fairbanks as the title character -- as the inaugural film for United Artists. Since then, the swashbuckling hero has inspired more than 40 films and nearly a dozen TV series.

Filmed entirely in Madrid, Spain, Zorro aired on The Family Channel for four seasons, from 1990-1993, and, for the very first time, this A&E DVD MegaSet collects all 88 episodes from the classic ’90s series that brought Zorro to life for a whole new generation of fans. The legend of Zorro begins in the early 1800’s, when Los Angeles was a dusty pueblo, the farthest colonial outpost of the Spanish empire. This wild and untamed land was governed by the Alcalde, a corrupt mayor whose word was law and whose law was absolute. Young and dashing Don Diego de la Vega (Duncan Regehr, Monster Squad), pretending to care only for science and study, secretly creates a bold alter-ego: Zorro -- the Fox. And aided by his mute servant Felipe (not Bernardo as in the Guy Williams Disney series) inspired by the faith of the beautiful tavern-keeper Victoria, and carried into battle by the mighty steed Toronado, the masked crusader thwarts the Alcalde’s plots at every turn. With his trademark whip and sword, he is everywhere and nowhere, quick to defend the innocent and attack the guilty. And of course, he always leaves his trademark symbol 'Z,' -- the mark of Zorro.
The cast also include Emmy-winner Henry Darrow (The High Chapparal, Santa Barbara) as Zorro’s father, Don Alejandro de la Vega, as well as guest stars such as a young Daniel Craig (Quantum of Solace), Doug McClure (The Land That Time Forgot), Adam , Jesse Ventura and others.
A&E will also release the four seasons of Zorro individually. The Complete Seasons 1-3 are each comprised of 4 collector’s discs while Season Four includes 2 DVDs. Suggested retail price for the Complete Series? $99.95.

Star Wars Complete Saga Coming on Blu-Ray in September

2011-01-06T14:29:00.000-08:00

Likely the most anticipated Blu-ray release ever, the Complete Star Wars Saga will be released on Blu Ray from George Lucas and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment this September 2011. For the first time, all six of Lucas’ epic films - Episodes I-VI will be available in one single set as well as two trilogy Blu-ray collection.

Fans worldwide are able to pre-order now with online retailers:

Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray (9-disc Set includes all six films)
Star Wars: Prequel Blu-ray Trilogy (3-disc set includes Episodes I-III)
Star Wars: Original Blu-ray Trilogy (3-disc set includes Episodes IV-VI)

The Complete Saga Collection will also include 30 hours of extensive special features including never-before-seen deleted and alternate scenes, an exploration of the exclusive Star Wars archives, and much more. The set will be available for $139.99 and the Star Wars: Trilogy Sets for $69.99 each. Pricing for each set will vary by international territory.

'Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea' Season 4, Volume 2, Due Jan. 11

2011-01-06T10:05:00.000-08:00

The final DVD set of the classic 1960s TV Sci-Fi program Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Season 4, Volume 2 will be released January 11 by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Created by Irwin Allen, the series followed the oceans-spanning adventures of the nuclear submarine Seaview, conducting classified undersea marine research and defendding the planet from world and extraterrestrial threats. Richard Basehart starred as Admiral Nelson, David Hedison and Commander Crane.
Threats in this final volume include Blackbeard the pirate and a malevolent leprechaun to an abominable snowman and the unexpected reappearance of a mysterious time-traveler.
Exclusive DVD extras including original un-aired pilot, the show's original 1964 aired pilot with original broadcast commercials, and still gallery

Disney 3D Blu-rays for 2011 include 'Lion King,' 'Beauty and the Beat,' 'Tron: Legacy,' 'Tangled'

2011-01-03T12:27:00.000-08:00

The Walt Disney Studios announced Monday the release of 15 of its films - from classics to recent hits- slated for Blu- ray 3D in 2011.
The list includes 3D Blu-ray versions of The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast as well as the current high-tech hit in theaters Tron: Legacy and the animated twist on "Rapunzel," Tangled. The releases will also be packaged with the Blu-ray 2DTM version.
Other titles slated for release in 2011 in 3D are Bolt, Meet the Robinsons, Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, G-Force and Chicken Little.
www.disney.com.

'Bambi' Arrives As Disney Diamond Edition Blu-ray, March, 2011

2010-12-09T09:56:00.000-08:00

Walt Disney Studios will release a Diamond Edition Blu-ray of the beloved Bambi March 1, 2011.
Released in 1942 as Disney's fifth full-length animated classic, the love for Bambi now spans multiple generations from grandparents to children today as it tells the tale of the "Prince of the Forest" and his friends, such as Thumper the rabbit and Flower, the bashful skunk. This upcoming edition from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment includes a newly enhanced digital restoration, enhanced picture and sound, games, activities and more.
The new Bambi Diamond Edition will be available as a 2-Disc Disney Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD), a High Definition Movie Download and a Standard Definition Movie Download. A standard definition DVD version of Bambi will be issued April 19, 2011.

Disney’s new “Second Screen” technology, which is being introduced for the very first time on the Bambi Diamond Edition, allows viewers to engage with film content on multiple media platforms. By downloading the Second Screen App onto an internet-connected computer or iPad and synching it to the movie, consumers will be able to use the interactive elements like animated flipbooks, galleries, photos, trivia and more.
Walt Disney broke the longstanding animation tradition by casting child actors in the roles of Bambi’s young animals, including Bobby Stewart as Baby Bambi, Donnie Dunagan as Young Bambi, Hardie Albright as Adolescent Bambi and Peter Behn as Young Thumper. The cast also includes Sam Edwards as Adult Thumper, John Sutherland as Adult Bambi, Paula Winslowe as Bambi’s Mother and Sterling Holloway (the voice of Winnie the Pooh and The Jungle Book’s Kaa, the snake) as adult Flower.
Bambi was nominated for three Academy Awards for Best Song (“Love Is a Song,”), Best Sound Recording, and Best Music Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture. The picture is No. 3 on the list of American Film Institute’s Top 10 Animated Films of All Times. And in 2004, the movie was commemorated with a first-class U.S. postage stamp and in the 1990’s the film inspired astronomers to name a pair of asteroids after the Thumper (April 20, 1993) and Bambi (October 17, 1995).

Bonus Features:
Backstage Disney:

Inside Walt’s Story Meetings-Enhanced Edition
2 Never Before Seen Deleted Scenes
Deleted Song: “Twitterpated”
Blu-ray Galleries

Family Play: Games & Activities:
Disney’s Big Book of Knowledge: Bambi Edition— An interactive educational gaming experience that uses the film as a learning tool. Players can customize their own Big Book of Knowledge and learn all about forest creatures, seasons and more Each time a player completes a task, they are rewarded with new stickers to decorate their Big Book of Knowledge.
Digital Exclusive: The Golden Age

Classic DVD Bonus Features:

"The Making Of Bambi: A Prince is Born."
"Tricks of the Trade" (excerpt)—In an episode from the 1957 Disneyland TV show, Walt Disney narrates the story of the multiplane camera, an animation innovation crucial to the production of Bambi.
Inside the Disney Archives—Disney Supervising Animator Andreas Deja guides viewers through Disney’s Animation Research Library, where artwork from past Disney animated feature films is stored, including early story sketches of Bobo the rabbit,” (who became Thumper), glass paintings made for the multiplane camera and more.
The Old Mill—Winner of the 1937 Academy Award for Best Short Subject/Cartoon, "The Old Mill" was a testing ground for several techniques critical to Disney's artistic vision for Bambi, including the multiplane camera, animating realistic animals and experimenting with such natural occurrences such as wind, rain and lightning.
DisneyPedia: Bambi’s Forest Friends

'Space: 1999' Complete Season One Blu-Ray Coming December 14

2010-12-03T09:27:00.000-08:00

On December 14, A&E Home Entertainment will release Space:1999, the Complete Season One Blu-ray Edition.
Created by British TV producer Gerry Anderson, who gave us the "supermarionation" of Fireball XL5, Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet, this innovative 1970s science fiction program starred Oscar Winner Martin Landau and Emmy Award Winner Barbara Bain (from TV's Mission Impossible) Commander John Koening (Martin Landau) and Dr. Helena Russell, leading a team lost in space. When an explosion at a lunar nuclear waste dump sends the moon out of Earth’s orbit, Moonbase Alpha is sent into the unknown regions of deep space. The show was smart - brainy, in fact - yet also had plenty of action and adventure as well. Plus, the pre-Star Wars special effects from Oscar winner Brian Johnson (Alien, The Empire Strikes Back), were pretty dazzling in its day for TV.
The Blu-ray set features all 24 Season One episodes, newly recorded 5.1 Surround Sound mixes and numerous extras, including bonus material seeing U.S. release for the first time.

Special features include:

Original 'as broadcast' mono track
Music-only tracks on all episodes except ‘Breakaway’ and ‘Dragon’s Domain’
Anderson commentary on ‘Breakaway’ and ‘Dragon’s Domain’
Extensive HD image galleries of rare and previously unseen stills
HD image galleries of gum and cigarette cards
HD restored, textless titles
"These Episodes" featurettes
"Memories of Space” featurette
Sylvia Anderson interview
Series One textless generic titles
"Concept and Creation" featurette
Special effects and design featurette
Text episode commentaries on The Last Sunset and Space Brain’
"Clapperboard" two-part special on the work of Gerry Anderson from 1975
"Guardian of Piri Remembered"
Barry Gray's theme demo
Alternative opening and closing titles
Martin Landau and Barbara Bain US Premier intro and outro
SFX plates and deleted SFX scenes - with music track

A celebrated cult series, Space: 1999, also still available as complete series megaset from A&E, ran from 1975 to 1977.

'A-Team' On Blu-ray and DVD December 14

2010-10-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will release The A-Team on Blu-ray and DVD December 14. The 2-Disc Blu-ray pack will feature more than 90 minutes of bonus material as well as an "Extended Edition," which includes a never-before-seen version of the film with added footage not shown in theaters.
Based on the hit 1980’s TV series—the film star Liam Neeson (Taken), Bradley Cooper (The Hangover), Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (UFC Star), and Sharlto Copley (District 9). Just as it went on the TV series, convicted by a military court for a crime they didn’t commit, this former Special Forces quartet are the ones to call when the chips are down. And has leader John "Hannibal" Smith says, "I love it when a plan comes together."
The A-Team will be available on a 2-Disc Blu-ray and single-disc DVD.

2-Disc Blu-ray Special Features:
Disc One:
• Movie Theatrical Version
• Explosive Extended Cut
• The Devil is in the Details: Inside the Action with Joe Carnahan
• Never-before-seen Deleted Scenes
• Gag Reel
• A-Team Theme Mash-Up Montage
• Plan of Attack
• Character Chronicles
• Liam Neeson
• Bradley Cooper
• Rampage Jackson
• Sharlto Copley
• Jessica Biel
• Visual Effects Commentary with Visual Effects Supervisor James E. Price
• Digital Copy “How To”
• BD-Live Extras
• What’s New
• Live Lookup

Disc Two:
• Digital Copy of Theatrical Release

'Archer' Season One Coming on DVD December 28.

2010-10-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

The first season of the animated series spy spoof Archer arrives on DVD December 28 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment on December 28, 2010.
The FX original half-hour comedy cartoon premiered January 14 and has been criticially acclaimed for its wit and wry humor as it plays on spy themes from James Bond in the '60s to Alias in this decade.
The show takes place at the International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS), where agents messing with each other comes before taking on other spies and global turmoil, though they manage to do that, too. It's cheeky and filled with deadpan deliveries. DVD extras including un-aired Archer pilot, “Making Of” production shorts, and deleted scenes.
The series features the voices of H. Jon Benjamin (Family Guy) as debonair master spy “Sterling Archer,” whose code name is “Duchess”; Jessica Walter (Arrested Development) as his domineering mother and boss, “Malory Archer”; Aisha Tyler (24, Friends) as his ex-girlfriend, “Agent Lana Kane”; George Coe as his aging-but-loyal butler, “Woodhouse”; Chris Parnell (30 Rock, SNL) as ISIS comptroller and Lana’s new love interest, “Cyril Figgis”; Judy Greer (27 Dresses, Marmaduke) as Malory’s lovesick secretary, “Cheryl”; and Amber Nash as “Pam,” the director of human resources for ISIS. Archer was created by Adam Reed and Floyd County Productions; the executive producers are Reed and Matthew Thompson.

Twentieth Century Fox 75th Anniversary Set Out December 7

2010-10-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will release the Twentieth Century Fox 75th Anniversary Gift Set December 7. The massive three-volume DVD collection includes 75 classic films including Academy Award winners and box office smashes.
Each volume covers 25 years of the studio’s legacy and the set also comes with an exclusive hard cover companion book highlighting 75 years of stars, directors, stories, music and images that have gone down in film history.

The set ranges from South Pacific to Star Wars, Alien to Avatar and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes to The Devil Wears Prada. In this wealth of diversity, you'll find drama, thrillers, comedy, biographies, science fiction, fantasy and animation that include The Grapes of Wrath, Planet of the Apes, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Die Hard, Ice Age and X-Men. Among its 46 Academy Award-winning features, the collection are seven Best Picture winners including the DVD debut of Cavalcade as well as Oscar winners How Green Was My Valley, All About Eve, The Sound of Music, Patton, The French Connection, and Slumdog Millionaire.
Suggested retail price? Get ready - $499.98 U.S.

Twentieth Century Fox 75th Anniversary: Volume One (1935-1960)
Cavalcade
Steamboat Around the Bend
The Little Princess
The Grapes of Wrath
Blood and Sand
How Green Was My Valley
The Ox-Bow Incident
The Song of Bernadette
Laura
Gentlemen’s Agreement
Miracle on 34th Street
Twelve O’Clock High
All About Eve
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
The Robe
The Seven Year Itch
The King and I
Love Me Tender
An Affair to Remember
South Pacific
The Diary of Anne Frank

Volume Two (1961-1985)
The Hustler
The Longest Day
Cleopatra
Zorba the Greek
The Sound of Music
Fantastic Voyage
The Sand Pebbles
Planet of the Apes
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Hello, Dolly!
M*A*S*H
Patton
The French Connection
The Poseidon Adventure
Phantom of the Paradise
Young Frankenstein
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Omen
Star Wars
Alien
All That Jazz
Norma Rae
Cocoon

Volume Three (1986-2010)
Raising Arizona
Wall Street
Big
Die Hard
Working Girl
Home Alone
The Last of the Mohicans
Mrs. Doubtfire
Speed
Waiting to Exhale
The Crucible
Independence Day
The Full Monty
There’s Something About Mary
Boys Don’t Cry
Cast Away
X-Men
Moulin Rouge
Ice Age
Minority Report
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
Sideways
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Walk the Line
The Devil Wears Prada
Little Miss Sunshine
Night at the Museum
Juno
Slumdog Millionaire
Avatar

Disney's 'Sorcerer's Apprentice' on Blu-ray and DVD November 30

2010-10-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and Jerry Bruckheimer Films will release The Sorcerer’s Apprentice on DVD and Blu-ray November 30. The film will be available as a 3-Disc Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy),
2-Disc Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) and Single-Disc DVD.
In this tale of modern-day mages and mysterious magic , Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage) recruits an average college student to be his protégé (Jay Baruche). This leads to a crash course in conjuring as ready themselves for battle against dark forces in contemporary Manhattan.
The Blu-ray includes sfeatures such as “Magic in the City”, “The Science of Sorcery”, deleted scenes and more. Details below.

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Bonus Features:

Blu-Ray:

Magic In The City
The Science Of Sorcery
Making Magic Real
The Fashionable Drake Stone
The Grimhold: An Evil Work Of Art
The Encantus
Wolves & Puppies
The World’s Coolest Car
5 Deleted Scenes
Outtakes

DVD / iTunes:

The Making Of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (DVD only)
Deleted Scene: Balthazar Recruits Dave

Special 'Scott Pilgrim' Screening in Hollywood Nov. 1

2010-10-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

In celebration of the upcoming Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, out on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD November 9 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Los Angeles fans are invited to a special screening at Hollywood’s Egyptian theatre.
A Q&A hosted by Guillermo Del Toro with director Edgar Wright and Scott Pilgrim creator Bryan Lee O’Malley will follow immediately after the screening.
Tickets may be purchased here and click here for additional information. Tickets are likely to sell out fast, so jump on this if you're into Scott Pilgrim.

American Cinematheque
Egyptian Theatre
6712 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028

'Avatar' Extended Edition Cming on Blu-ray and DVD in November

2010-10-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

James Cameron's acclaimed (and box office mega-hit) Avatar will be released as an Extended Collector’s Edition on Blu-ray and DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment November 15 internationally, with the North American versions out a day later, November 16.
The various all-new extended cut of the film and hours of never-before seen material including over 45 minutes of deleted scenes.
"I told our team --- let's do the ultimate box set of Avatar, with everything in it the fans could possibly want, said Cameron. "There's an extended length cut that's sixteen minutes longer, plus documentaries, behind the scenes featurettes, artwork and over 45 minutes of deleted scenes. Everything worth putting into a special edition is in this set."
The three-disc Extended Collector’s Edition Blu-ray and Theatrical Special Edition Re-Release DVD will both feature the original theatrical release, a special edition re-release, a family audio track with all objectionable language removed and the new collector’s extended cut with sixteen more minutes including an exclusive alternate opening Earth scene.
Special features include “Capturing Avatar“ a feature length documentary tracing the 16 years it took to make the film and including new interviews with Cameron, Jon Landau and cast and crew.
The Blu-ray edition will include interactive features, such as a “master class” on the production of the film and three stages of production: Performance Capture, Template (1990’s video game version) and Final as well as a composite of all stages in “Pandora’s Box”.
Now some fans of film may utter "I have to buy it again for the bonus stuff and extra scenes?" while others will anticipate the collector's edition release.

Avatar Extended Collector's Edition Blu-ray:
Disc One

Original Theatrical Version
Special Edition Re-Release
Collector’s Extended Cut/16 more minutes and exclusive alternate opening

Family Audio Track (All Objectionable Language Removed)

Original Theatrical Release
Special Edition Re-release

Disc Two

“Capturing Avatar“ An in-depth feature length documentary with James Cameron, Jon Landau and cast and crew
Deleted Scenes – including over 45 minutes of new never-before-seen deleted scenes
Production Materials
Disc Three
“Pandora’s Box” and go deeper into the filmmaker process
Interactive Scene Deconstruction: Explore the various stages of production through 3 different viewing modes
·Production Shorts: 17 featurettes covering performance capture, scoring the film, 3D fusion camera, stunts and much more
·\Avatar Archives including original scriptment, 300 page screenplay and the extensive Pandorapedia
BD-live Portal with additional bonus materials

Collector’s Edition: 3-Disc Special Edition DVD:

Disc One
(same as Blu-ray)

Disc Two

Original Theatrical Version
Special Edition Re-release
Collector’s Extended Cut

Disc Three

“Capturing Avatar“ An in-depth feature length documentary with James Cameron, Jon Landau and cast and crew
Deleted Scenes – including over 45 minutes of new never-before-seen deleted scenes

'Despicable Me' on Blu-ray, DVD December 14

2010-09-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

This past summer's hit animated comedy Despicable Me with be released as Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack and DVD Double Pack and single disc December 14 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.For a limited time, several of the editions will include three new mini-movies starring the film's miniscule Minions. There will also be a special four-disc combo of Blu-ray and DVD.

While early trailers made the film just look like a sniping contest between two "bad guys," Despicable Me turned our to be a charmer and earned $250-million plus at the box office.

Produced by Chris Meledandri (executive producer of Ice Age and Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!) the film's voice cast includes Steve Carell (Date Night, Get Smart, Horton Hears a Who!, TV’s The Office), Jason Segel (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, I Love You, Man), Miranda Cosgrove (Nickelodeon’s smash hit iCarly), Julie Andrews (The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, The Princess Diaries series), Russell Brand (Get Him to the Greek, Forgetting Sarah Marshall), Kristen Wiig (Date Night, Saturday Night Live), Will Arnett (Monsters vs. Aliens, Horton Hears a Who!, Ratatouille), Danny McBride (Tropic Thunder, Pineapple Express), Jack McBrayer (30 Rock) and Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords, Dinner For Schmucks).

Coming just in time as a holiday gift, the releases will include a wealth of extras that include games, behind-the-scenes featurettes and filmmaker commentaries. as follows:

Bonus Features on Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD Double Pack:

Three all-new mini-movie starring The Minions - "Home Makeover", "Orientation Day" and "Banana."
The Voices of Despicable Me
Super Silly Fun Land - Join Agnes, Margo and Edith at the Super Silly Fun Land Theme Park and play Feed the Creatures and Freeze the Floating Minions to win prizes.

Bonus Features exclusively on Blu-ray combos:

Gru-Control - Through a picture-in-picture window, see the making of the film with behind-the-scenes footage and cast/filmmaker interviews
Miss Hattie's Top Secret Cookie Recipes - Margo is proud to present the recipes for the cookies the orphan girls sell.
BD-Live - More content when the played is connected to the Internet, include extra content and trailers.
My Scenes - Bookmark your favorite scenes from the movie.
pocket BLU app— Available on iPad, browse through a library of Blu-ra content and watch extras on-the-go. USHE’s pocket BLU app uses iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Blackberry, Nokia Smartphone, Android, PC and Macintosh to work with a network-connected Blu-ray player. Features include Minion Me, Minion Dominion App, Advanced Remote Control, Video Timeline. Mobile-To-Go and the keyboard option for networking with friends.

Bonus Features on DVD and all versions:

The World of Despicable Me
Despicable Beats—Director Chris Renaud talks music from producer Pharrell Williams.
Gru's Rocket Builder— An all-new game.
A Global Effort— How a director from France and anther from the USA with an American and English cast created the film.
Commentary with directors Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin, featuring the Minions

Visit www.despicableme.com for more info, content and updates.

Win a Copy of the 'Secret Agent AKA Danger Man' Complete Collection

2010-09-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

You could win a copy of the new DVD box set Secret Agent AKA Danger Man - The Complete Collection in a joint giveaway from That Writer Guy and Buzzine.com.
Details are right here at That Writer Guy.

UPDATE: Read the review here. then tweet/re-tweet to a change to win.

'Scott Pilgrim vs. the World' on Blu-ray, DVD Nov. 9

2010-09-20T21:33:00.000-07:00

Get ready, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World arrives on Blu-ray and DVD November 9 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

Written, directed and produced by Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) the film stars Michael Cera (Juno, Superbad) in a mighty faithful adaptation of the graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O'Malley. it's the story of an unemployed bass player who discovers that in order to date the girl of his dreams, he must first battle her seven super-powered, evil exes, with video-game like special effects and an alt-rock soundtrack with music by Beck, Broken Social Scene and others.
Both the Blu-ray and DVD include deleted scenes, bloopers and cast and production team commentaries. The 2-disc Blu-ray Combo Pack if filled with hours of bonus material that includes documentaries such as "Making of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" and "You Too Can Be Sex Bob-Omb"; alternate footage/edits; a look at pre-production; visual effects and sound work; music videos; various Blu-ray-only control and view options; Wright's production blog; and for a limited time, a digital copy download and also access to streaming the movies Tremors or Pitch Black via BD-Live, Smartphone or computer. There are numerous other features, bits and options as well.

The cast also includes Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Live Free or Die Hard), Kieran Culkin (Igby Goes Down), Chris Evans (Fantastic Four films' Human Torch and the upcoming Captain America: The First Avenger), Academy Award® nominee Anna Kendrick (Twilight series, Up in the Air), Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation”), Brandon Routh (Superman Returns, Chuck), Jason Schwartzman (Funny People) and other familiar faces from film and television.
The New York Times said, “You may want to see it again as soon as it’s over." Rolling Stone called it "a game changer." Decide for yourself when Scott Pilgrim vs. the World hits home video in November.

Warner Bros./DC Animation to Produce 'All-Star Superman'

2010-09-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

The comic book series and graphic novels All-Star Superman will be made as a DC Universe direct-to-video film.

The original tale, written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely, first appeared in comic book form, running from 2006-2008 and was also published as the graphic novels, All-Star Superman Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. In the tale (elseworlds, imaginary, whatever you wish to call it), Superman faces death following over-exposure to radiation that even his Kryptonian body under our yellow sun can't handle. It's a powerful work.

According to the Hollywood Reporter's "Heat Vision," Superman will be voiced by James Denton (Desperate Housewives), Christina Hendricks (Mad Men) is Lois Lane, Ed Asner (Mary Tyler Moore Show, Lou Grant) plays Daily Planet Editor (shades of Lou Grant!) Perry White and Anthony LaPaglia (Without A Trace) is Lex Luthor. The voice cast will also include Linda Cardellini (Scooby-Doo live action movies) and Arnold Vosloo (The Mummy).

The script adapting Morrison's story will come from veteran comics and animation writer Dwayne McDuffie (Justice League TV series, Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths).

As with all the DC Universe animated films in recent years, such as Batman: Under the Red Hood and Green Lantern: First Flight, All-Star Superman will be rated PG-13.

Clips From 'Back to the Future' Trilogy on Blu-ray

2010-09-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

Universal Home Entertainment has issued a couple of clips from the upcoming September 28th release of Back to the Future 25th Anniversary Trilogy on Blu-ray for the first time along with a new edition of the set on DVD.
The first clip is from the bonus feature "Tales of the Future" and finds Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale talking about the origins of the Back to the Future story. The second clip, from the first film in the trilogy is the classic cathartic scene of George McFly finally socking Biff the boorish bully.

'Six-Million Dollar Man' Complete Collection Coming Nov. 23 from Time-Life

2010-09-16T15:57:00.000-07:00

Time Life will release The Six Million Dollar Man: The Complete Collection November 23, which is sure to be on a bionic adventures fan's gift wish list.
Only available until now as an import with those pesky region code issues, the 40-DVD set features all 100 hour-long episodes from five seasons of the show, digitally restored from their original broadcast versions. One caveat for collectors in a note from the producers: Despite best efforts, Time Life was unable to locate the original master for “Welcome Home, Jaime – Part 1,” therefore, the syndicated version appears on these DVDs.

The set boasts more than 17 hours of bonus features, including all-new interviews with cast members Lee Majors (Col. Steve Austin) , Richard Anderson (Oscar Goldman)and Lindsay Wagner (Jamie Summers), who of course went on to star in her successful spin-off series the bionic woman.. There's also an interview with Executive Producer Harve Bennett who went on to helm several Star Trek films (such as Wrath of Khan), plus various featurettes, audio commentaries and other bonus material.
Also included will be the three pilot TV movies (“The Six Million Dollar Man”, “Wine, Women and War”, “Solid Gold Kidnapping”), those three reunion TV movies (“The Return of the Six Million Dollar Man and the Bionic Woman”, “Bionic Showdown” (featuring Sandra Bullock) and “Bionic Ever After?”) and the never-before-released cross-over episodes of The Bionic Woman. Additionally, the set also contains the alternative syndicated edits of the pilot and reunion TV movies.

Among the featurettes are "Real Bionics: How Science Fiction Is Becoming Science Fact," "The Bionic Sound Effects," “The Search for Bigfoot,” and “The Six Million Dollar Man's Best Villains, Best Fights." There also is the two-part featurette “TV Goes Bionic: The Untold Story of The Six Million Dollar Man/” and several featurettes celebrating the series V.I.P. guest stars such as Major's then-wife, Farrah Fawcett-Majors (who made four guest appearances), Andre the Giant, Kim Basinger, Sonny Bono, Lou Gossett, Erik Estrada, Stefanie Powers, John Saxon, Cathy Rigby, William Shatner, Suzanne Somers and many more. An interactive bonus, “Bionic Breakdown,” will allow fans the ability to click on Steve Austin’s eye, arm or legs to learn more about each one of his bionic enhancements, from night-vision to cauterizing veins to running speeds that exceed 65 miles per hour. We can rebuild him, better, stronger, faster. He's the Six-Million Dollar Man.
The complete series-and-more box set can now be pre-ordered at 6MDM.com. And the price? Because you know you wanna know: $239.95

Elia Kazan Film Collection Due Nov. 9, Fox Acquires Scorsese's 'Letter to Elia'

2010-09-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

The Elia Kazan Film Collection, featuring 15 of the director's classic films in a collectible DVD gift set will be released November 9 by Twentieth Century Fox Home. The set also will include Martin Scorsese’s new documentary A Letter to Elia, recently acquired by Fox and Thirteens' "American Masters" series.

Scorsese's film, which he co-directed with Kent Jones, made its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival and its North American premiere at the Telluride Film Festival. It is also an official selection of the New York Film Festival where it will screen alongside Kazan’s America, America September 27.
"It took many years. I asked my old friend and collaborator Kent Jones to work with me, and we spent quite a long time looking at the films, talking about them, looking at the life, the fame, the infamy, and finding the tone, the balance that felt right for this picture," Scorsese said in a statement. "I feel that the finished film speaks to the power of art, in this case the art of Elia Kazan.
"I’m very excited that Fox is making our film available as part of a box set of Kazan’s work," he added. "I’m especially pleased by the inclusion of five pictures that have never been released on DVD, Wild River and America, America in particular. Getting the movies seen – that’s what we’re all aiming for.”
The Elia Kazan Film Collection is an 18-disc DVD gift set including A Letter to Elia and 15 of Kazan’s most acclaimed and noteworthy films. In addition to the documentary, includes: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1945), Boomerang! (1947), Gentleman’s Agreement (1947), Pinky (1949), Panic in the Streets (1950), A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), Viva Zapata! (1952), Man on a Tightrope (1953), On the Waterfront (1954), East of Eden (1955), Baby Doll (1956), A Face in the Crowd (1957), Wild River (1960), Splendor in the Grass (1961), and America, America (1963). Films such as Gentleman's Agreement and Waterfront delivered powerful social messages that still impact us today. Five of the films have never before been released on DVD: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Viva Zapata!, Man on a Tightrope, and as Scorcese noted, Wild River, and America, America. The set will retail for just under $200.
The Scorsese documentary, along with several of Kazan’s films, will tour the country, playing at a variety of art house theaters, cinematheques and film societies, including The Guild Cinema in Albuquerque, NM; The Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA, hosted by Emory University; The Brattle Theater in Cambridge, MA; The Burton Theater in Detroit, MI; The Phoenix Art Museum in Phoenix, AZ; The Northwest Film Center in Portland, OR; and the AFI Silver Theatre and Conference Center in Silver Spring, MD.
For more information on the documentary, the complete list of screening engagements, and pre-order details for the collection, visit www.lettertoelia.com.

'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' on Blu-ray November 2

2010-09-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

MGM Home Entertainment will release that beloved classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on Blu-ray for the first time November 2 in a combo pack that will also include a DVD, plus new interactive games on the Blu-ray disc.
Starring the late Dick Van Dyke in one of his most charming roles (alongside Burt the chimney sweep in Mary Poppins), the film also stars Sally Ann Howes, Lionel Jeffries, Gert Frobe (The bond film Goldfinger) and Benny Hill (before his silly-bawdy TV show).
The 1968 movie is based on the children’s book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car by Ian Fleming - yes the creator of 007 - and the film tells the story of an eccentric inventor whose curious creations just can't support his family of two children and their grandfather. Then, he comes up with a quite amazing car that flies, and a small European nation tries to steal it and an adventure begins.
The film features songs by the wonderful Sherman Brothers, Richard and Robert, who gave us so many Disney classics. Among the numbers are the irresistible title track and "Truly Scrumptious" and "Toot Sweet"

As part of “the most fantasmagorical musical entertainment in the history of everything” the remastered version on Blu-ray will include special interactive features such “Toot Sweet Symphony” melody maker and “Chitty Chitty’s Bang Bang Driving Game!” Other special features include “Remembering Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” with Dick Van Dyke, song demos from the Sherman Brothers and a featurette, "A Fantasmagorical Motorcar."

DISC ONE (Blu-ray):

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang remastered feature film
All-new “Toot Sweet Symphony” melody maker – the Toot Sweet Toots Musical Maestro
ll-new “Chitty's Bang Bang Driving Game”
Remembering Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with Dick Van Dyke
“A Fantasmagorical Motorcar” featurette
Sherman Brothers' Rare Demos of the film’s most popular songs
Vintage Featurettes including, “The Ditchling Tinkerer,” “Dick Van Dyke Press Interview,” and “The Potts Children's Featurette”
Photo Gallery
Vintage Advertising Gallery including English and French versions of the theatrical trailer and several television spots
Sing-a-long version of the film
Music Machine

DISC TWO (DVD):
• Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
• Sing-a-long version of the film

'Superman/Batman: Apocalypse' Bi-Coastal Premieres at Paley Centers

2010-09-02T12:11:00.000-07:00

Warner Home Video, UGO.com, and The Paley Center for Media will present the bicoastal premieres of Superman/Batman: Apocalypse, Tuesday, September 21 at 7 pm, PT in Los Angeles and Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 pm in New York.
The film is the latest direct-to-video release in the ongoing series of DC Universe animated original PG-13 movies, produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Animation.
On hand for a panel discussion in L.A. will be Executive Producer Bruce Timm (Batman: Under the Red Hood, Green Lantern: First Flight), Director Lauren Montgomery, writer Tab Murphy and Casting/Dialogue Director Andrea Romano, with additional guests to be announced. Romano will also be in New York with Kevin Conroy, the longtime voice of Batman, going back to the animated series.
Superman/Batman: Apocalypse is adapted from Superman/Batman: Supergirl written by Jeph Loeb and illustrated by the late Michael Turner. The story introduces Superman's Kryptonian cousin Kara and features the Darkseid of Apokolips (the film title spelling was changed for those not familiar with the Jack Kirby-created "Fourth World").
The voice talent includes Tim Daily as Superman, Kevin Conroy as Batman, Summer Glau as Supergirl, Andre Braugher as Darkseid and Ed Asner as Granny Goodness (who's anything but good).

A limited amount of free tickets are available to Paley Center Members on a first-come, first-served basis. RSVPs are required. As of now, there are no public tickets for sale though giveaways are offered - again in a limited amount - by emailing SupermanBatmanLA@gmail.com and SupermanBatmanNY@gmail.com. Find out more at the Paley Center website.

'Sound of Music' Blu-ray, Plus Collector's Set, Coming Nov. 2 from Fox

2010-09-01T18:04:00.000-07:00

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment celebrates the 45th anniversary of The Sound of Music with it's Blu-ray debut November 2, including a Limited Edition Collector’s Set of “Favorite Things” as well as a 3-Disc Blu-ray and DVD combo pack.

The winner of five Academy Awards, this all-time family classic stars Julie Andrews in what's surely one of her most memorable roles (along with Mary Poppins, of course). The film is an adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical based on the lives of the Von Trapp family. Maria, an ever-chipper young woman, leaves a convent in Austria and becomes a governess to seven children of a widowed father. Through her charm and the songs she sings, she and the children come to love each other and then, her and the father (Christopher Plummer). But when Nazi Germany unites with Austria, Maria and her new family must escape the country.
Directed by Robert Wise (Star Trek, The Motion Picture) the movies' five Oscars included Best Picture and Best Director. And then there are those songs: “My Favorite Things,” “Sixteen Going On Seventeen,” “Edelweiss” and the title song. The film appears on six different Top 100 lists by the American Film Institute including Musicals, Songs and Movies.
Special features include "Your Favorite Things," an interactive celebration featuring a Sing-A-Long, behind-the-scenes images, trivia and a location quiz; A City of Song with a virtual map of filming locations and interactive tour of the movie’s locale of Salzburg, Austria; vintage programs including a send-up of The Sound of Music from Carol Burnett and Julie Andrews herself; an interview with the real Maria von Trapp on "The Julie Andrews Hour"; and, for the very first time in home entertainment format, a full-length documentary, "Rodgers & Hammerstein: The Sound of American Music," hosted by Mary Martin.

The Limited Collector’s Set comes packaged in a keepsake box and features a 100-page “My Favorite Things” scrapbook, a 45th Anniversary Soundtrack, a reproduction of the original 1965 souvenir program, an exclusive hand-painted “My Favorite Things” music box and more.
Also The Sound of Music will also be available for digital download across several EST platforms and on the iTunes Store as an iTunes Extras, which includes a sing-a-long version of the movie and more than 180 minutes of behind the scenes material.

Limited Edition Collector’s Set

2-Disc Blu-ray with all extras
Standard Definition DVD
45th Anniversary Soundtrack
100-Page “My Favorite Things” scrapbook
Snapshots from Salzburg
Reproduction of the original 1965 Souvenir program
Exclusive “My Favorite Things” Music Box with letter of authenticity

Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack:
Blu-ray Disc 1:

Feature Film Remastered in 1080p Hi-Def with 7.1 DTS-HD Sound
Your Favorite Things: An Interactive Celebration — All-New Immersive Viewing Experience with Behind-the-Scenes Images, On-Screen Lyrics, Trivia Track and Location Quiz
Music Machine Sing-Along
Audio Commentaries with Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer and Director Robert Wise
BD-LIVE: Live Lookup Powered by IMDb

Blu-ray Disc 2:

Musical Stages: Creating The Sound of Music — All-New Interactive “Backlot Tour” with In-Depth Featurettes on the Songs, the Stage Show & Movie, the Film and Sound Restoration and the Real-Life von Trapp Family
A City of Song — Virtual Map of Filming Locations in Salzburg, Austria
Vintage Rodgers & Hammerstein and The Sound of Music Programs
Screen Tests, Rare Treasures, Interviews, Photo Galleries & More!

DVD Disc:

Feature Film In Standard Definition
Newly Remastered Picture and Sound
Optional Sing-Along Track
Music Machine Sing-Along
The Sound of Music Tour – A Living Story