What the hell? Do these studios think we’re made of money? Dec. 2nd is shaping up to be a huge day for Blu-Ray releases. We have The Dark Knight, Prince Caspian, X-Files and now this, one of the all time great Sci-Fi flicks The Day The Earth Stood Still. Just in time to remind us how the upcoming Christmas Keanu remake will inevitably fail by comparison. Whooaaa…. The new Blu-ray version looks like an nice package. It’ll contain, as the press release says, “two amazing new Blu-ray games,” (can you smell the suckage?)  Gort Command!,” an arcade-style shooting gallery game and “Interactive Theremin: Create Your Own Score,” where viewers can re-score the film’s opening sequence.  Both the BD and DVD versions of THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL Special Edition feature all-new and exclusive bonus materials including legendary composer and Academy Award®-winner*** Bernard Herrmann’s isolated score; film and sci-fi featurettes – including a “Making Of The Day The Earth Stood Still” and “Decoding Klaatu Barada Nikto: Science Fiction As A Metaphor” – an audio presentation of the original short story; commentaries from Robert Wise and other film and music historians; and more.  I will say, DVD games suck, but the Create Your Own Score thing, intrigues me. The Blu-ray and DVD versions will also include:

•    New:  Exclusive First Look At The New Movie The Day The Earth Stood Still Starring
Keanu Reeves And Jennifer Connelly
•    New & Exclusive To BD:  Interactive Theremin:  Create Your Own Score
•    New & Exclusive To BD:  Gort Command!:  Interactive Game
•    Commentary by Robert Wise and Nicholas Meyer
•    New:  Commentary by Film & Music Historians John Morgan, Steven Smith, William Stromberg and Nick                         Redman
•    New:  Isolated Score Track
•    New:  The Mysterious, Melodious Theremin
•    New: The Day The Earth Stood Still Main Title Live Performance By Peter Pringle
•    New:  The Making of The Day the Earth Stood Still
•    New:  Decoding “Klaatu Barada Nikto”: Science Fiction as Metaphor Featurette
•    New:  A Brief History of Flying Saucers Featurette
•    New: The Astounding Harry Bates Featurette
•    New: Edmund North: The Man Who Made the Earth Stand Still Featurette
•    New To Disc:  Race To Oblivion:  A Documentary Short Written And Produced By Edmund North
•    New To Disc: Farewell To The Master:  A Reading By Jamieson K. Price Of The Original
Harry Bates Short Story; Audio Only
•    New:  Interactive Pressbook
•    Fox Movietonews from 1951
•    Original Theatrical Trailer & Teaser Trailer
•    Advertising Gallery
•    Behind-The Scenes Gallery
•    Portrait Gallery
•    Production Gallery
•    Spaceship Construction Blueprints
•    Shooting Script

I’m not a fan of triple dips, but MGM and Fox Home Video have done an amazing job on the newly released James Bond Blu-ray set. I was generally skeptical about this dip because I already own three different versions of all the Bond films. But these Blu-ray versions are the definitive set. The picture transfer/upgrade is beautiful. I put on Dr. No and it was an eye-opening experience. The colors were deep, reach and sharp. There is so much more depth now it’s hard to believe this film is over 30 years old. It looks like it was shot on HD last week. The blacks are black which make the colors pop on my Vizio HDTV set. The hours and hours of extra features (in Standard Def) are the same ones from the Ultimate Collection from a few years ago with some neat little Blu-ray additions like a 42 Minute HD Feature called Inside Dr. No and a 18 minute feature on Terrance Young, the director of Dr. No.

The one area where they dropped the ball is on the Menu navigation system. It reminds me of the early days of DVD where the one thing you could always count on was Fox Home Video totally screwing up the menu. This is one of the ugliest and most unfriendly systems I’ve seen in awhile. It took me a few minutes to figure out how to play the movie and access the special features.  The Pop Up/Menu button doesn’t work once you select a feature. If you select a feature to watch, while viewing the film, it kicks you out and doesn’t return to the point you left off.  Each film are on a 50 GB Dual Layer disk, is in Widescreen 1.66:1 (No letter boxing!) and Lossless Audio. The movie sounds amazing on my Sony Crossbar.  I sampled a few of the other titles in this collection and it’s safe to say all six of these releases and must own.  The Six disk set includes Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Thunderball, For Your Eyes Only, Die Another Day and Live and Let Die. I’m not going to bother reviewing the movies or giving you the TPS, come on it’s Bond! You’ve all see these a million times. My only, minor complaint with this set, beyond the menu system is the lack of Profile 1.1 or BD-Live support. Yeah BD-Live sucks, but I would still like to see them implemented as standard features in all Blu-ray releases.  After watching a slew of lackluster Blu-ray releases (I’m looking at you Iron-Man!) this release restores my faith.

Movie Grade (All 6 Films, except Thunderball) - A

Features - A

Picture - A

Audio - A

Final Overall - A

EM Review by
Michelle Alexandria
Originally Posted 10.21.08

The Incredible Hulk is out on DVD and Blu-ray this week in a super dooper 3 disk special edition and it includes digital copy. I actually kind of liked this version. I thought it was a solid, no brainer, popcorn flick with a horrible last act. I’m actually going to be speaking with the SFX honcho from this sometime in the next few days. Here are a couple of clips from the extras.

Making of the Opening Chase Scene.

Becoming the Abomination

I’m such a freaking sucker for Bond that I’ve purchased almost all of MGM’s triple dip set of Bond films - I have three versions of all 21 movies. There was the regular non-restored collection, then the ultimate restored collection, then the super dooper ooper special edition collection and like a moron get suckered in, I refuse to buy into the hype on this new Blu-ray set, but this one looks so tasty…. But no, I’m going to turn away this time.  But wait, for a change MGM is going to send me a set for review, so I don’t have to shell out my own dollars. But still…. This set is packed to the gills with features - all of the ones from the S.D.O.S.E. set from two years ago and some Blu-ray exclusives.  The initial set includes Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Thunderball, Live and Let Die, For Your Eyes Only and Die Another Day. Not bad at all (except the unwatchable Thunderball).  I wish MGM would release these things in chronological order though. I understand their need to do a sampling of all the Bonds - but where’s poor Timothy Dalton? As an added bonus you get a free ticket to the new Bond flick. This set hits the street next week for $89.98. Which isn’t bad, that’s less than $20 a flick and considering the individual retail price is $35 dollars, it’s obvious you get the set.  But really, what Bond fan doesn’t already own one of the previous sets? You can read the full press release after the break.

BLU-RAY WAS MADE FOR BOND.

MGM AND FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT SIX BOND FILMS ON BLU-RAY DISC OCTOBER 21

Includes the Fully Restored Original Bond Film DR. NO and FIVE More
Action-Packed, Must-Own 007 Titles Available For The First Time Ever in High Definition

Includes QUANTUM OF SOLACE Movie Ticket*

LOS ANGELES, CA

– The world’s most well known secret agent is even hotter in high definition when six, must-have, electrifying James Bond films debut on Blu-ray Disc from MGM and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Recently restored and re-mastered for the highest quality picture and sound quality via the state-of-the-art Lowry process digital frame-by-frame restoration and featuring special features galore, Bond is primed for Blu-ray Disc with a selection of 007 adventures spanning the storied career of cinema’s most recognizable spy.  Bond titles arriving on Blu-ray Disc, timed to the highly anticipated worldwide theatrical premiere of the 22nd James Bond mission QUANTUM OF SOLACE this November include
DR. NO, DIE ANOTHER DAY, LIVE AND LET DIE, FOR YOUR EYES ONLY, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE and THUNDERBALL.
One of the world’s most successful film franchise, Bond… James Bond has generated more than four billion in global box office gross and boasts an astounding 98% global consumer awareness. CASINO ROYALE, the most recent James Bond film starring Daniel Craig, debuted on BD March 2007, and continues to rank as one of the best selling Blu-ray Disc releases to-date.

Each James Bond Blu-ray Disc will be available for the suggested retail price of $34.98 U.S. / $46.98 TBD Canada and will be packaged with a movie ticket for the all-new Bond adventure QUANTUM OF SOLACE.  Additionally the films will be available in two 3-pack Blu-ray Disc collections with two movie tickets - VOLUME ONE: DIE ANOTHER DAY, LIVE AND LET DIE and DR. NO; VOLUME TWO: FOR YOUR EYES ONLY, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE and THUNDERBALL – and will be available for a suggested retail price of $89.98 U.S. / $119.98 Canada.  Prebook is September 24.
Disc Specific Special Features:

Dr. No
M   “The Complete Special Features Library: Mission Dossier” - Audio Commentary Featuring Director Terence Young and Members of the Cast and Crew
M   “Top Level Access 007”: License to Restore – Featurette Detailing the Bond Ultimate Edition Film Restoration Process
M  “Declassified: MI6 Vault” - The Guns of James Bond
M  Premiere Bond
M  SEARCH CONTENT EXPANDED “007 Mission Control” Interactive Guide Into the World of Dr. No – REFINISHED IN HD Exotic Locations Featurette
M  “Mission Dossier”
o      REFINISHED IN HD Inside Dr. No
o      REFINISHED IN HD Terence Young: Bond Vivant
o      Dr. No 1963 Featurette
M  “Ministry of Propaganda” - Original Trailers, TV Spots, Photo Gallery and Radio Communications

Die Another Day
M   “The Complete Special Features Library: Mission Dossier” - Audio Commentary Featuring Director Lee Tamahori and Producer Michael G. Wilson
M  Audio Commentary Featuring Pierce Brosnan and Rosamund Pike
M   “Declassified: MI6 Vault”
o      From Script to Screen
o      Shaken and Stirred on Ice
o      Just Another Day
o      The British Touch: Bond Arrives in London
o      On Location With Peter Lamont
M  SEARCH CONTENT EXPANDED “007 Mission Control” Interactive Guide Into the World of Die Another Day – REFINISHED IN HD Exotic Locations Featurette
M  MI6 DataStream
M   “Ministry of Propaganda” Photo gallery
Disc Specific Special Features (cont’d):

Live and Let Die
M  Audio Commentary Featuring Sir Roger Moore
M  “The Complete Special Features Library: Mission Dossier” - Audio Commentary Featuring Guy Hamilton
M  Audio Commentary Featuring Tom Mankiewicz
M  “Declassified: MI6 Vault”
o      Bond 1973: The Lost Documentary
o      Roger Moore as James Bond, Circa 1964
o      Live and Let Die Conceptual Art
M  SEARCH CONTENT EXPANDED “007 Mission Control” Interactive Guide Into the World of Live and Let Die – REFINISHED IN HD Exotic Locations Featurette
M  “Mission Dossier”
o      REFINISHED IN HD Inside Live and Let Die
o      On Set With Roger Moore
M  “Ministry of Propaganda” - Original Trailers, TV Spots, Photo Gallery and Radio Communications

For Your Eyes Only
M  Audio Commentary Featuring Sir Roger Moore
M  “The Complete Special Features Library: Mission Dossier” - Audio Commentary Featuring John Glen and Actors
M  Audio Commentary Featuring Michael G Wilson and Crew
M   “Declassified: MI6 Vault”
o      Deleted Scenes and Expanded Angles
o      Bond in Greece, Bond in Cortina
o      Neptune’s Journey
M  SEARCH CONTENT EXPANDED “007 Mission Control” Interactive Guide Into the World of For Your Eyes Only – REFINISHED IN HD Exotic Locations Featurette
M  “Mission Dossier”
o      REFINISHED IN HD Inside For Your Eyes Only
o      Animated Storyboard Sequences
M  Sheena Easton’s “For Your Eyes Only” Music Video
M  “Ministry of Propaganda” - Original Trailers, TV Spots, Photo Gallery and Radio Communications

From Russia With Love
M   “The Complete Special Features Library: Mission Dossier” - Audio Commentary Featuring Director Terence Young and Members of the Cast and Crew
M   “Declassified: MI6 Vault”
o      Ian Fleming: The CBC Interview
o      Ian Fleming and Raymond Chandler
o      Ian Fleming on Desert Island Discs
o      Animated Storyboard Sequence
M  SEARCH CONTENT EXPANDED “007 Mission Control” Interactive Guide Into the World of From Russia With Love – REFINISHED IN HD Exotic Locations Featurette
M  “Mission Dossier”
o      REFINISHED IN HD Inside From Russia With Love
o      REFINISHED IN HD Harry Saltzman: Showman
M  “Ministry of Propaganda” - Original Trailers, TV Spots, Photo Gallery and Radio Communications
Disc Specific Special Features (cont’d):

Thunderball
M   “The Complete Special Features Library: Mission Dossier” - Audio Commentary Featuring Terence Young and Others
M  Audio Commentary Featuring Peter Hunt, John Hopkins and Others
M  “Declassified: MI6 Vault”
o      The Incredible World of James Bond - Original 1965 NBC Television Special
o      A Child’s Guide to Blowing Up a Motor Car - 1965 Ford Promotional Film On Location With Ken Adam
o      Bill Suitor: The Rocket Man Movies
o      Thunderball Boat Show Reel
o      Selling Bonds - Original 1965 Television Advertisements
M  SEARCH CONTENT EXPANDED “007 Mission Control” Interactive Guide Into the World of Thunderball – REFINISHED IN HD Exotic Locations Featurette
M  “Mission Dossier”
M  REFINISHED IN HD The Making of Thunderball
M  REFINISHED IN HD The Thunderball Phenomenon
M  REFINISHED IN HD The Secret History of Thunderball
M  “Ministry of Propaganda” - Original Trailers, TV Spots, Photo Gallery and Radio Communications

The legendary Ray Harryhausen is finally getting his due this week when Sony releases the Ray Harryhausen collection on Blu-ray. This collection includes the Sci-Fi classics - "It Came From Beneath the Sea," "Earth vs. The Flying Saucers," "20 Million Miles to Earth: 50th Anniversary Edition," and "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad".  This should give any self respecting some good geek gasms and it’s all in beautifully restored HD.  Each disk is chock full of features and includes audio commentaries from Ray himself.  Check out the full press release, features and some clippage after the break. 

THE RAY HARRYHAUSEN BLU-RAY™ GIFT SET, containing the classic titles "It Came From Beneath the Sea," "Earth vs. The Flying Saucers," "20 Million Miles to Earth: 50th Anniversary Edition," and "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad" arrives in color as a Blu-ray™ High-Def four-pack October 7th!
Watch clips from THE RAY HARRYHAUSEN BLU-RAY™ GIFT SET:

Ray Harryhausen Blu-Ray Gift Set Trailer
http://www.sonypictures.com/sphe/ray_harryhausen/ray_harryhausen_dvdtrailer_high.wmv
http://www.sonypictures.com/sphe/ray_harryhausen/ray_harryhausen_dvdtrailer.mov

SYNOPSES:

SYNOPSIS FOR 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH: 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION:

Upon its return from a mission to Venus, an American spaceship crash lands in the sea near Sicily. The rescue party discovers that the astronauts have brought back a curious gelatinous mass that soon hatches and evolves into a strange bi-ped creature which rapidly increases in size.  While being subjected to laboratory experimentation, the creature, now 20 feet tall, escapes its confines, goes on a destructive rampage through Rome, battles a zoo elephant and swims in the Tiber.  It eventually takes refuge in the Colosseum, where the film’s pyrotechnic finale occurs during a climactic showdown with the military.

Film Clip - 20 Million Miles to Earth: The Creature Hatches

http://www.sonypictures.com/sphe/ray_harryhausen/hatches_high.wmv
http://www.sonypictures.com/sphe/ray_harryhausen/hatches.mov

SPECIAL FEATURES FOR 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH: 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION:

Audio Commentary by Ray Harryhausen, visual effects artists Dennis Muren and Phil Tippett, and producer Arnold Kunert

Featurettes:
- Remembering 20 Million Miles to Earth
- The Colorization Process
- Tim Burton Sits Down with Ray Harryhausen
- Original Ad Artwork: A video montage and discussion of the original marketing and advertising campaigns by Arnold Kunert
- Interview with Joan Taylor
- David Schecter on Film Music’s Unsung Hero

Video Photo Galleries

Sneak Peek of Digital Comic Book 20 Million Miles More

SYNOPSIS FOR IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA:
A giant stop-motion-animated octopus attacks San Francisco. A pair of scientists and a nuclear sub captain try to stop the monster before it tears down the Golden Gate Bridge.

Special Features - Remembering It Came From Beneath The Sea: Like A Documentary

http://www.sonypictures.com/sphe/ray_harryhausen/docu_high.wmv
http://www.sonypictures.com/sphe/ray_harryhausen/docu.mov

SPECIAL FEATURES FOR IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA:
Audio Commentary by Ray Harryhausen, visual effects artists Randall William Cook and John Bruno, and producer Arnold Kunert

Featurettes:
- Remembering It Came From Beneath The Sea
- Tim Burton Sits Down with Ray Harryhausen
- David Schecter on Film Music’s Unsung Hero
- A Present-Day Look at Stop-Motion

Sneak Peek of Digital Comic Book It Came from Beneath the Sea…Again!
Video Photo Galleries
Original Ad Artwork: A video montage and discussion of the original marketing and advertising campaigns by Arnold Kunert

SYNOPSIS FOR EARTH VERSUS THE FLYING SAUCERS:
Dr. Russell Marvin heads up Operation Skyhook, which is tasked with sending rockets into the upper atmosphere to probe for future space flights. Unfortunately, all the rockets are somehow disappearing. While investigating this strange occurrence, Russell and his new wife Carol are abducted in a flying saucer. The aliens claim to be from a distant solar system and demand to meet with certain people in order to negotiate. But it was a trick; the aliens only wanted to kill them. The invasion has begun and if Russell and Carol can’t find a way to get past their defenses and stop these creatures, it may be the end of the human race.

Special Features - Earth Vs. The Flying Saucers Ray Harryhausen Artwork: Flying Saucers
http://www.sonypictures.com/sphe/ray_harryhausen/flyingsaucer_high.wmv
http://www.sonypictures.com/sphe/ray_harryhausen/flyingsaucer.mov

SPECIAL FEATURES FOR EARTH VERSUS THE FLYING SAUCERS:
Audio Commentary by Ray Harryhausen, visual effects artists Jeffrey Okun and Ken Ralston and producer Arnold Kunert

Featurettes:
- Remembering Earth vs. The Flying Saucers
- A Present-Day Look at Stop-Motion
- Tim Burton Sits Down with Ray Harryhausen
- Interview with Joan Taylor
- David Schecter on Film Music’s Unsung Hero
- Featurette: The Hollywood Blacklist and Bernard Gordon
Still and Production Art Gallery
Digital Sneak Peek at Flying Saucers vs. the Earth Comic Book
Video Photo Galleries
Original Ad Artwork: A video montage and discussion of the original marketing and advertising campaigns by Arnold Kunert
SYNOPSIS FOR THE 7TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD: 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION
This colorful adventure is the screen version of one of the classic tales from “1001 Arabian Nights.” It tells the story of Sinbad (Kerwin Mathews) and Princess Parisa (Kathryn Grant).  When they unexpectedly stop on the island of Colossa on their way to Baghdad, they find themselves battling all types of dangers, such as evil magicians, a man-eating Cyclops, a fire-breathing dragon, and a sword-wielding skeleton.

Remembering 7th Voyage - Finally Got The Film Made

http://www.sonypictures.com/sphe/sinbad/film_high.wmv
http://www.sonypictures.com/sphe/sinbad/film.mov

Advertising Song

http://www.sonypictures.com/sphe/sinbad/song_high.wmv
http://www.sonypictures.com/sphe/sinbad/song.mov

THE 7TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD: 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION - SPECIAL FEATURES
Audio Commentary with Ray Harryhausen, visual effects experts Phil Tippett and Randall William Cook, author Steven Smith and producer Arnold Kunert

Featurettes:
- Remembering The 7th Voyage of Sinbad
- The Harryhausen Legacy
- The Music of Bernard Herrmann
- A Look Behind the Voyage (includes interview footage)
- This is Dynamation (Special Effects)
- Ray Harryhausen Interview by Director John Landis

Music Video: Sinbad May Have Been Bad, But He’s Been Good To Me
Photo Gallery
RATING: All Titles are NOT RATED

Buy THE RAY HARRYHAUSEN BLU-RAY™ GIFT SET:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001D7T69K/?tag=sonypicturese-20

Visit the MySpace.com SONY HOUSE OF HORROR for this and other great Halloween releases:
www.myspace.com/horrordvd

Visit SonyPictures.com for other upcoming releases:
http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo

One of the greatest films of all time, The Godfather is getting the full restoration treatment and will be available on Blu-ray and DVD, September 23rd.  Check out these two new video clip after the break. 

Presented by David Fincher and Spike Jonze, and from acclaimed Director Tarsem comes THE FALL, starring Golden Globe® nominee Lee Pace.  On Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD September 9th! Filmed over a period of 4 years in 18 different countries, Tarsem’s The Fall is an unforgettable movie experience. In 1920s Los Angeles, Alexandria (Catinca Untaru), a 5-year-old girl hospitalized from a fall, strikes up an unlikely friendship with Roy (Lee Pace, TV’s “Pushing Daisies”), a Hollywood stuntman shattered by a near-fatal movie set accident and his lover’s betrayal.

To pass the time, he tells Alexandria the epic story of Governor Odious and the 5 remarkable heroes determined to defeat him – a dazzling world of magic and myth. Only when the line between reality and fantasy begins to dissolve does Alexandria realize how much is truly at stake. Presented by David Fincher (FIGHT CLUB) and Spike Jonze (ADAPTATION), THE FALL is an awe-inspiring, cinematic tour de force. Check out the clippage.

“Magnificent” - Roger Ebert
"A Must-See" - David Poland, MOVIE CITY NEWS
Watch trailer and clips from THE FALL:

The Fall Trailer
http://news.sonypictures.com/sb40/B2BC/dN782168_144527.htm
http://news.sonypictures.com/sb40/B2BC/dN782168_144528.htm
Film Clip - Elephants
http://news.sonypictures.com/sb40/B2BC/dN782168_144529.htm
http://news.sonypictures.com/sb40/B2BC/dN782168_144530.htm
Film Clip - Throwing Oranges
http://news.sonypictures.com/sb40/B2BC/dN782168_144531.htm
http://news.sonypictures.com/sb40/B2BC/dN782168_144532.htm
Film Clip - The First
http://news.sonypictures.com/sb40/B2BC/dN782168_144533.htm
http://news.sonypictures.com/sb40/B2BC/dN782168_144534.htm
Film Clip - Wedding Crashers
http://news.sonypictures.com/sb40/B2BC/dN782168_144535.htm
http://news.sonypictures.com/sb40/B2BC/dN782168_144536.htm
SYNOPSIS:
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Commentaries with filmmakers and cast
BLU-RAY™ EXCLUSIVE:
Enhanced Photo Gallery
RATING: R for Some Violent Images
CAST:
Lee Pace
Justine Waddell
Cantinca Untaru
SCREENPLAY BY:
Dan Gilroy
Nico Soultanakis
Tarsem
PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY:
Tarsem
Buy THE FALL on DVD:
http://news.sonypictures.com/sb40/B2BC/dN782168_144537.htm
Buy THE FALL on Blu-ray™ High-Def:
http://news.sonypictures.com/sb40/B2BC/dN782168_144538.htm
Visit the THE FALL official website for more information:
http://news.sonypictures.com/sb40/B2BC/dN782168_144540.htm
Visit SonyPictures.com for other upcoming releases:
http://news.sonypictures.com/sb40/B2BC/dN782168_144539.htm

I love Joss Whedon and I loved the Serenity movie. But for some reason, I could never get into the Firefly TV Series. The pilot episode puts me to sleep every time I’ve tried to watch it. Maybe if I watch it Hi-Def, that’ll make the difference. Fox Home Video is bringing the complete series to Blu-ray this fall. Set 500 years into the future, in the wake of a universal civil war, “Firefly” centers on the crew of Serenity, a small transport spaceship that does not have a planet to call home.  Captain Malcom “Mal” Reynolds, a defeated soldier who opposed the unification of the planets by the totalitarian governed Alliance, will undertake any job – legal or not – to stay afloat and keep his crew fed. 

Blu-ray Content:

The “Firefly” – The Complete Series Blu-ray Disc is authored in BD-J on three dual-layer 50GB discs presented in widescreen format (1.78:1 aspect ratio) with English 5.1 DTS HD Master Lossless Audio, Spanish and French Dolby Surround and German 5.1 DTS, plus English, Spanish and Dutch subtitles.  Individual disc content as follows:

DISC 1:

² Serenity (Part 1 & 2)

² Commentary by executive producer Joss Whedon and actor Nathan Fillion

² The Train Job

² Commentary by executive producers Joss Whedon and Tim Minear

² Bushwacked

² Shindig

² Commentary by writer Jane Espenson, actress Morena Baccarin and costume designer Shawna Trpcic

² Special Features:

² Here’s How It Was: The Making of “Firefly” featurette

DISC 2:

² Safe

² Our Mrs. Reynolds

² BD Exclusive - Commentary by executive producer Joss Whedon and actors Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk and Ron Glass

² Jaynestown

² Out of Gas

² Commentary by executive producer Tim Minear and director David Solomon

² Ariel

² Special Features:

² BD Exclusive – “Firefly” Reunion: Lunch with Joss, Nathan, Alan and Ron featurette (HD)

DISC 3:

² War Stories

² Commentary by actors Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk

² Trash

² The Message

² Commentary by actor Alan Tudyk and actress Jewel Staite

² Heart of Gold

² Objects in Space

² Commentary by executive producer Joss Whedon

² Special Features:

² Serenity: The 10^th Character

² Joss Sings the “Firefly” Theme featurette

² Joss Tours the Set featurette

² Deleted Scenes

² Gag Reel

² Alan Tudyk’s Audition

All three Austin Powers films are coming to Blu-ray in a beautiful looking collector’s edition package.  Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery Name: Austin Danger Powers. Sex: Yes, please! Combine the swinging ’60s, spy movies, talented Mike Myers in dual roles and one hilariously well- placed champagne bottle and you get Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. Say “Yeah, baby!” for laughs as Flower Power-era superspy Austin (Myers) is thawed from a 30-year cryogenic freeze to stop the world-dominating scheme of bald baddie Dr. Evil (also Myers). Elizabeth Hurley, shagadelic style and Austin’s randy attempts to find ’60s-style free love in a very different, uptight time add to the groovy fun of this mad, mod, Myers world.  

• Behind the Story o Commentary with star/writer Mike Myers and director Jay Roach • Additional Footage Five deleted scenes and two alternate endings o Original ending #1 o Original ending #2 o The Henchman’s Wife o The Bachelor Party o We’re Called Flight Attendants o Cheeses of the World Series o Fendi Briefcase • Music o “Music to Shag To” - Animated sequence with a retro 60s background that has spliced together stills of Austin Powers and Vanessa “dancing” to a piece of the musical score • Trailers o Theatrical trailer

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me He’s back – back in the 1960s. Secret agent Austin Powers (Mike Myers) hops in a top-secret time machine and zips 30 years back to 1969 to confront Dr. Evil (Myers) and his latest, vilest scheme. Evil is eviler – he has a diminutive clone Mini-Me (Verne J. Troyer) and massive Fat Bastard (Myers) as a henchmen. Austin, who “put the grrr in swinger, baby,” is swingier…if he and fab spy chick Felicity Shagwell (Heather Graham) can recover the mojo Evil stole from Austin.

• Behind the Story o Commentary with star/writer Mike Myers, director Jay Roach and co-writer Michael McCullers o Comedy Central’s “The Dr. Evil Story” - Faux biography-like documentary detailing the history of Dr. Evil o Behind the Scenes of Austin Powers The Spy Who Shagged Me - Featurette detailing various aspects of the film’s characters, costumes and plot • Additional Footage Deleted Scenes o Secrets o Trading Compliment o Extra Foam o Nanook o Who Wants to Eat Him o Be Strong o Mini-Me and Number 2 o How do you do? o A Chair Problem o Ambush o A Table Problem o Drink? o Number 2 and Fat Bastard o Being Cautious o Mini-Me Bites o Odor Problem o You Are So Beautiful o Sexy Detector o Arbitrary Orders o 2 Plus 2 o Montage • Music o Music Videos • Madonna - “Beautiful Stranger” • Lenny Kravitz - “American Woman” • Melanie B (aka Scary Spice) - “Word Up” • Dr. Evil and Mini-Me - “Just the Two of Us” • Trailers o Teaser A o Teaser B o Theatrical trailer

Austin Powers in Goldmember The mission for Austin (Mike Myers): Shake booty into the glittery roller-disco days of 1975 and rescue his suave spy dad (Michael Caine) from the scheme of – Shh! – Dr. Evil (Myers). The minions: freaky-flakey Goldmember, Fat Bastard (both played by Myers) and Mini Me (Verne Troyer). The minx: Austin’s sassy ex-squeeze Foxxy Cleopatra (Beyoncé Knowles). The result: a three-for-all of grooviness that whisks from the 2000s to the 1970s and back to the 2000s – the screamingly funny third Austin Powers!

• Behind the Story o Commentary with star/writer Mike Myers and director Jay Roach o Fact Track - Subtitle track with trivia and fun facts o MI-6: International Men of Mystery - Featurette on the real British MI-6 o English, English – Origins of the “English English” slang used between Austin Powers and his dad o Disco Fever – Featurette on revisiting 70s culture and music in Goldmember o Fashion vs. Fiction – Featurette on creating elaborate retro costumes in Goldmember o Jay Roach & Mike Myers: Creative Convergence - Process of Mike Myers immersing himself in multiple film characters o Confluence of Characters - Behind the scenes with the actors and their interpretations of their respective character.

I never understood the vitriolic hatred fanboys had for the Daredevil movie and the irrational loathing of Ben "Mumbles" Affleck. Yes, they took a lot of liberties with the material. Colin Farrell and Jennifer Gardner were terrible. But then I never liked Colin or Jennifer. But I thought the film maintained the basic tone of the books, Ben was almost perfect casting for DD, he fit the part and the story was a good one. Again, except for the whole blind man fighting a female Ninja in broad daylight in a Playground, no less.  The funny thing about the Disc cover is they are hyping Iron Man director Jon Favreau.  This release is feature packed, but I’m really starting to get annoyed that these companies are still ignoring the Picture in Picture spec and the BD Live stuff. It’s one of the reasons I liked the HD-DVD format that was a uniformity of features. And a release like this should have some cool BD-Live and PnP. Check out the full press release below.

The battle of Good vs. Evil rages on as the relentless avenger of injustice, Daredevil, prowls the rooftops and alleyways of New York City and onto Blu-ray Disc for the first time September 30 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.  Superhero fans and action-adventure enthusiasts can experience this audacious comic book hero like never before in vivid high-definition.  Adapted from the pages of the classic Marvel Comics, Ben Affleck (Good Will Hunting, Armageddon) stars as the masked vigilante, Daredevil; patrolling the rough streets of New York City to combat the injustice that he cannot tackle in the courtroom.  Along with best friend Foggy Nelson (John Favreau, Iron Man, The Break-Up) and love interest, Elektra (Jennifer Garner, Juno, Elektra), Daredevil must combat vile villain, Kingpin (Michael Clarke Duncan, Sin City, Planet of the Apes) and ruthless assassin, Bullseye (Colin Farrell, Alexander, Phone Booth). 

The DAREDEVIL DIRECTOR’S CUT Blu-Ray Disc transforms the theatrical experience, including an extra 30 minutes of footage, director commentaries, theatrical trailers, a making-of, music videos, still galleries and much more.  The DAREDEVIL DIRECTOR’S CUT Blu-ray Disc will be available for the suggested retail price of $39.98 U.S. / $49.98 Canada.  Prebook is September 3, 2008.  

DVD Special Features:

The Daredevil Director’s Cut Blu-Ray Disc is presented in widescreen with English 5.1 DTS Master Audio, English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Surround and includes English, French and Spanish subtitles.  Bonus features include:

· Commentaries by Mark Steve Johnson and Gary Foster

· Commentaries by Mark Steve Johnson and Avi Arad

· Text Commentary

· Beyond Hell’s Kitchen: Making Daredevil

· Daredevil/Kingpin 6 Takes

· Elektra/Bullseye 16 Takes

· Theatrical Farm Trailers

· Daredevil Theatrical Teasers and Trailers

· 28 Days Later Theatrical Trailer

· League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Theatrical Trailer

· Fuel: “Won’t Back Down” Music Video

· The Calling: “For You” Music Video

· Evanescence: “Bring Me To Life” Music Video

· Music Promotion Spot

· Still Gallery

· Storyboards

· Costumes

· Set Design

· Production Stills

· Props

· The Comic Book

· Men Without Fear: Creating Daredevil

· Shadow World Tour

· Modeling Sheets

Synopsis

For Daredevil, justice is blind, and for the guilty, there’s hell to pay! Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner ignite dangerous sparks and nonstop thrills in this “dazzling action-adventure” (The Film Journal) about the newest breed of superhero. By day, blind attorney Matt Murdock (Affleck) toils for justice in Hell’s Kitchen. By night, he’s Daredevil, The Man Without Fear - a powerful, masked vigilante stalking the dark streets with an uncanny “radar sense” that allows him to “see” with superhuman capabilities. But when the love of his life, fiery Elektra Natchios (Garner), is targeted by New York City’s ruthless Kingpin of crime (Michael Clarke Duncan) and his deadly assassin Bullseye (Colin Farrell), Daredevil may be about to meet his match.

Two cool horror films and one of Sheldon’s favorite movies (1408) is coming to Blu-Ray, September 16th. Here’s the official press release.

THE MIST: Reuniting the king of horror with Academy Award®-nominated screenwriter and director Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile), THE MIST is a "scary as hell" (Maxim) film adaptation of Stephen King’s tale of terror from The Weinstein Company and Genius Products.  The fully loaded two-disc set will contain the theatrical version of the film, a black and white version and a slew of bonus materials including commentary by Writer/Director Frank Darabont, deleted scenes with optional commentary, A Conversation With Stephen King And Frank Darabont, the making of THE MIST, A Look At the Creature FX, The Horror Of It All: The Visual FX Of The Mist, Drew Struzan: An Appreciation Of An Artist, webisodes, introduction to the black and white version and a trailer gallery.  The discs are presented in English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD and English 5.1 Dolby Digital with English CC and Spanish subtitles.

1408: Garnering $72 million at the box-office, John Cusack (Identity, Runaway Jury) and Samuel L. Jackson (Snakes on a Plane, Star Wars films) star in the paranormal thriller 1408 from Dimension Films and Genius Products.  Special features include commentary by Director Mikael Hafstrom and Writers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, two alternate endings, deleted scenes with optional commentary, The Secrets of 1408 and webisodes with John Cusack on 1408 and inside room 1408, in addition to the theatrical trailer. The disc is presented in English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD and English 5.1 Dolby Digital with English CC and Spanish subtitles.

Goddamn, dirty Apes. They blew it up!!!! Aargh!! I’m a little annoyed at the moment. A few days ago, I ordered the Planet of the Apes DVD Collection on Amazon because they had it (all the movies) at an unbelievable price of $24.  Today, I get an email from Fox saying that Apes are coming to Blu in November. And this set looks pretty awesome. The question is, do I keep my new Apes standard def and wait, or send it back.

Humans are even uglier in High-Def when Planet Of The Apes: 40 Year Evolution Blu-ray Collection takes over the Earth November 4^th in North America and throughout the Fall Internationally from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.  This spectacular set includes all five hair - raising Planet Of The Apes films on Blu-ray for the first time, including Beneath The Planet Of The Apes, Escape From The Planet Of The Apes, Conquest Of The Planet Of The Apes, Battle For The Planet Of The Apes, and the 1968 original Planet Of The Apes, which stunned audiences with its now-iconic conclusion and shockingly dystopian view of humanity’s fate.  From an age of film when science fiction served as allegory in addition to providing thrilling spectacle and edge-of-your-seat adventure, the Planet Of The Apes franchise set the gold standard for Sci-Fi films.  Now the films that changed the face of science fiction forever will be available in the ultimate home viewing format.  This year’s Comic Con International 2008 provided fans a first look at some of the exciting extras to be featured on the Blu-ray discs.

Planet Of The Apes: 40 Year Evolution Blu-ray Collection is packed with exclusive new High-Def content. As a special treat for Apes fans, the collection includes an unrated version of Conquest of the Planet of the Apes. Previously unreleased in the United States, this version includes eight minutes of unrated footage. Other new special content includes an “Evolution of the Apes” documentary chronicling the evolution of the Apes universe from novel to the big screen, an “Impact of the Apes” featurette exploring the cultural impact of the franchise and a never-before-seen public service announcement from ANSA about the seminal flight of the “Project Liberty” crew. Each Planet Of The Apes sequel included in the beautifully packaged collection will contain brand new High-Def making-of featurettes and will be available for the suggested retail price of $159.98 U.S.

In addition, the previously released Limited Edition Planet Of The Apes Ultimate Collection will be available in the uniquely packaged ape head just in time for the holidays at a more attractive price.

Synopses:

The compelling and classic 1968 Planet Of The Apes stars Oscar-winner® Charlton Heston (Ben-Hur, 1960) as an astronaut who crash lands on a planet ruled by apes who use a primitive race of humans for experimentation and sport. Beneath The Planet Of The Apes tells the story of a daring rescue mission that leads to a subterranean city where mutant humans worship a weapon capable of destroying the entire planet. In Escape From The Planet Of The Apes, two futuristic simians who have traveled to present-day Earth enjoy celebrity status—until a government plot forces them to run for their lives! In Conquest Of The Planet Of The Apes, apes have been domesticated and trained as pets and personal servants—until their continual mistreatment leads to a spectacular revolt. In the final Apes chapter, Battle For The Planet Of The Apes, an idyllic society of man and ape is threatened by both a militant gorilla and a tribe of still-intelligent mutant humans.

Planet Of The Apes: 40 Year Evolution Blu-ray Collection Blu-ray Disc Special Features:

Each Planet Of The Apes Blu-ray Disc will be authored in Java on a double-layer disc presented in widescreen (2.35:1 aspect ratio) with newly mastered English 5.1 DTS Master Audio, English, Spanish and French Mono and includes English and Spanish subtitles.  All new special features will be presented in High-Def. Bonus features include:

ƒ   NEW Science of the Apes BONUSVIEW - Scientists, anthropologists and sociologists discuss the facts and fiction of the first film

ƒ   NEW “Beyond the Forbidden Zone” Adventure Game

ƒ   NEW “A Public Service Announcement From ANSA” in HD – A mission report from the agency regarding their brave astronauts

ƒ NEW “Evolution of the Apes”- HD featurette tracing the apes story from the original novel to the screen

ƒ NEW “Impact of the Apes” - HD featurette on how to market a worldwide pop culture phenomenon. The story behind the marketing and merchandising of one of the first ever film franchises and the series’ lasting influence on pop culture through the years

ƒ   NEW HD Making-of Featurette for Each Sequel:

ƒ Beneath the Planet of the Apes – “From Alpha to Omega: Building a Sequel”

ƒ Escape from the Planet of the Apes – “ The Secret Behind Escape”

ƒ Conquest of the Planet of the Apes – “ Riots and Revolutions: Confronting the Times”

ƒ Battle for the Planet of the Apes – “ End of an Epic: The Final Battle”

ƒ NEW Each Apes sequel will have an isolated score track in 5.1 DTS Master Audio

ƒ   Commentary by Composer Jerry Goldsmith

ƒ   Commentary by Actors Roddy McDowall, Natalie Trundy, Kim Hunter and Makeup Artist John   Chambers

ƒ   Text Commentary by Eric Greene and Author of “Planet of the Apes as American Myth”

ƒ   Behind the Planet of the Apes Documentary – Includes all new interactivity and timeline

ƒ   Behind the Planet of the Apes Promo (1988)

ƒ Planet of the Apes Makeup Test with Edward G. Robinson (1966)

ƒ   Roddy McDowall On-set Footage

ƒ Planet of the Apes Dailies and Outtakes (No Audio)

ƒ Planet of the Apes NATO Presentation (1967)

ƒ Planet of the Apes Vintage Featurette (1968)

ƒ   A Look Behind the Planet of the Apes (1972)

ƒ   Don Taylor Directs Escape from the Planet of the Apes

ƒ   J. Lee Thompson Directs Conquest of the Planet of the Apes

ƒ   Original Theatrical Trailers

ƒ   Original Sketches by Costume Designer Morton Haack

ƒ   Photo Gallery

ƒ   Planet of the Apes Timeline

ƒ   Interactive Pressbooks

ƒ   Vintage Apes Newspaper Galleries

ƒ   Advertising and Lobby Card Galleries

ƒ   Behind-the-Scenes Galleries

Back and to the left. Back and to the left. Back….and to the left. Remember when Kevin Costner was awesome? When he was doing one amazing movie after another?  JKF is one of my favorite movies and damn WB for the double and triple dipping of this set. I already own the other two DVD releases, that I paid for out of my own pocket. But this fall, ever the opportunist, WHV is coming out with JFK: The Ultimate Collection on Blu-ray and DVD. Of course I want the Blu-ray version of the movie. Every time I watch this movie, it gives me nightmares. This set looks like it’s going to be sweet. Check out the official press release after the break.

Burbank, Calif.- July 21, 2008 – The controversial highly-charged story surrounding John F. Kennedy’s assassination is revisited with the November 11 release of Oliver Stone’s JFK as a Three-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition from Warner Home Video. The UCE will feature The Kennedys: America’s Emerald Kings, an extraordinary new documentary from filmmaker Robert Kline based on Thomas Maier’s acclaimed book about five generations of the renowned political family. Unique to the documentary is political and private footage of the Kennedys not widely available to the general public. The Kennedys: America’s Emerald Kings documentary will be premiered on November 10^th at Boston College and also screened on November 12^th at Fordham University/Lincoln Center. Both universities have the largest Irish studies programs in the country.

The JFK Three-Disc UCE includes the Two-Disc Special Edition Director’s Cut with 17 additional minutes not seen in theaters and the documentary Beyond JFK: A Question of Conspiracy. It also contains memorabilia from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Kennedy Foundation, including reproductions of Kennedy family and presidential photos, letters written by or to John F. Kennedy from J. Edgar Hoover, Lyndon. B. Johnson and more. The UCE also will include a Kennedy campaign button from the National Archives and Records Administration. Of particular distinction is the inclusion of John F. Kennedy’s historic inaugural address and a handwritten letter to his father, Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr.

In addition, the set features a collectible booklet containing production photos and photo cards showcasing the actors in character with a mini bio of their character. Additionally, the film will be making its Blu-ray™ Hi-Def debut as the JFK Blu-ray™ Hi-Def, featuring premium hardcover book packaging with press material and photographs from the film.

Oliver Stone’s powerful film about the mystery surrounding the Kennedy assassination is one of the most provocative movies of our time. Aside from its box-office success and critical acclaim, it was nominated for eight Academy Awards^® (including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actor), winning two (Best Cinematography and Film Editing). The film also won a Best Director (Motion Picture) Golden Globe® for Stone. Finally, JFK played a major role in the national debate leading to passage of the 1992 Assassination Materials Disclosure Act.

Stone directed from a screenplay that he wrote with Zachary Sklar. The all-star cast includes Kevin Costner, Tommy Lee Jones, Kevin Bacon, Gary Oldman, Jack Lemmon, Laurie Metcalf, Sissy Spacek, Joe Pesci, John Candy, Walter Matthau, Sally Kirkland, Donald Sutherland and Edward Asner.

About the Kennedy documentary, Jeff Baker, WHV’s Executive VP and General Manager, Theatrical Catalog, noted, “This November, as the nation reflects and remembers the 45^th anniversary of JFK’s assassination, Warner Home Video is proud to release this landmark film which embodies the most complete work on the Kennedys and their unique place in American history and culture. The archival letters contained in the UCE (never before distributed to the public) make this package totally unique and collectible.”

“For more than 50 years, it is obvious to me that the Kennedys were and remain the most prominent family in American political and cultural life. This film only reconfirms that perception,” remarked Robert Kline, the Kennedy documentary filmmaker.

The JFK Ultimate Collector’s Edition will sell for $39.98 SRP; the JFK Blu-ray™ Hi-Def for $34.99 SRP and The Kennedys: America’s Emerald Kings, available separately, for $19.97 SRP. Order due date for all is October 7.

Blu-ray™ Hi-Def Enhanced Content (in standard definition)

• Behind the Story

• Commentary by Director Oliver Stone
• Beyond JFK: The Question of Conspiracy
• Multimedia Essays
  • Assassination Update – The New Documents
  • Meet Mr. X: The Personality and Thoughts of Fletcher Prouty
• Deleted/extended scenes with commentary by director Oliver Stone (production audio only)
  • Jack Ruby Injected with Cancer
  • Jim Garrison and Dean Andrews – Extended
  • Jim Garrison and Liz Garrison at Home
  • Jim Garrison and Colorado Businessman
  • Beverly Oliver Interview – Extended
  • Jean Hill Interview – Extended
  • Jim Garrison in the Book Depository
  • Antoine’s Restaurant – Oswald Information – Extended
  • Clay Shaw Trial 1 – Oswald Information – Extended
  • Clay Shaw Trial 2 – Oswald Information – Extended
  • Fantasy Sequence – Oswald from the Grave
  • Alternate Ending
• Theatrical trailer

About The Documentary

The Kennedys: America’s Emerald Kings is an American saga about the Irish Catholic experience. It encompasses five generations of the Kennedys’ and Fitzgeralds’ lives — starting from 1848 in Wexford, Ireland and ending in 21st-century America. The film was adapted from Thomas Maier’s highly acclaimed book The Kennedys: America’s Emerald Kings[1] from Basic Books, re-released in July 2008. The documentary provides a look at both the family’s tragedies of poverty and political oppression and their successes and the triumphs of the White House years. It embodies the most complete work on this Irish American family and their unique place in American history and culture.

JFK ULTIMATE COLLECTOR’S EDITION

DVD Catalog #: 1000040110

$39.98 SRP

JFK BLU-RAY™ HI-DEF

DVD Catalog #: 1000036001

$34.99 SRP

Feature Run Time: 155 minutes — Rated: R

16×9 Letter Box

THE KENNEDYS: AMERICA’S EMERALD KINGS

Catalog #: 1000036003

$19.97 SRP

Run Time: 128 minutes

Also available

JFK: Special Edition Director’s Cut

DVD Catalog #: 1000041643

$26.99 SRP

Oh for HD-DVD… We hardly knew ya.  The Ultimate Matrix Collection was one of the signature collections on HD-DVD. Now that collection comes to the Blu-ray machine at a retail price of $130 clammies.  The definitive ten-disc DVD set, The Ultimate Matrix Collection features all three films in the trilogy together for the first time ever with a newly remastered picture and sound for The Matrix. Also included is the companion piece The Matrix Revisited and the best-selling The Animatrix, plus five entirely new DVDs packed solid with brand-new supplemental materials that encompass every aspect of the Matrix universe, including two new audio commentaries on each film, Enter the Matrix video game footage, 106 deep-delving featurettes/ documentaries and much more!
Director:  Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski, Actors:  Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving

I think the James Bond series has to be one of the worst when it comes to triple dipping. But I’ll give them a break this time, because who doesn’t want to see Bond go Blu?  Six classic James Bond films are heading to Blu-ray this fall. According to the press release. It’s weird getting this Press Release today, I’m fairly sure I got it a few months ago. So maybe MGM double dipped the press release as well.  This initial set is a strong collection - DR. NO, DIE ANOTHER DAY, LIVE AND LET DIE, FOR YOUR EYES ONLY, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE and THUNDERBALL. The DVD also includes a ticket to QUANTUM OF SOLACE (man do I hate that title).The only weak link is the un-watchable Thunderball. If you really want this set, I would recommend waiting, I would bet the house on several more package variations.  You gotta give it to MGM, triple, quadruple, dip or not, it looks like they are handling these releases with care.   At $35 a pop for something I already own 3 different copies of (that I bought with my own money)  these better be darn good.  Check out the full Press Release after the break.

The world’s most well known secret agent is even hotter in high definition when six, must-have, electrifying James Bond films debut on Blu-ray Disc from MGM and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Recently restored and re-mastered for the highest quality picture and sound quality via the state-of-the-art Lowry process digital frame-by-frame restoration and featuring special features galore, Bond is primed for Blu-ray Disc with a selection of 007 adventures spanning the storied career of cinema’s most recognizable spy. Bond titles arriving on Blu-ray Disc, timed to the highly anticipated worldwide theatrical premiere of the 22nd James Bond mission QUANTUM OF SOLACE this November include DR. NO, DIE ANOTHER DAY, LIVE AND LET DIE, FOR YOUR EYES ONLY, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE and THUNDERBALL.

One of the world’s most successful film franchise, Bond… James Bond has generated more than four billion in global box office gross and boasts an astounding 98% global consumer awareness. CASINO ROYALE, the most recent James Bond film starring Daniel Craig, debuted on BD March 2007, and continues to rank as one of the best selling Blu-ray Disc releases to-date.

Each James Bond Blu-ray Disc will be available for the suggested retail price of $34.98 U.S. / $46.98 TBD Canada and will be packaged with a movie ticket for the all-new Bond adventure QUANTUM OF SOLACE. Additionally the films will be available in two 3-pack Blu-ray Disc collections with two movie tickets - VOLUME ONE: DIE ANOTHER DAY, LIVE AND LET DIE and DR. NO; VOLUME TWO: FOR YOUR EYES ONLY, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE and THUNDERBALL – and will be available for a suggested retail price of $89.98 U.S. / $119.98 Canada. Prebook is September 24.

Disc Specific Special Features:

Dr. No

M “The Complete Special Features Library: Mission Dossier” - Audio Commentary Featuring Director Terence Young and Members of the Cast and Crew

M “Top Level Access 007: License to Restore” – Featurette Detailing the Bond Ultimate Edition Film Restoration Process

M “Declassified: M16 Vault” - The Guns of James Bond

M Premiere Bond

M “007 Mission Control” Interactive Guide Into the World of Dr. No

M Inside Dr. No

M Terence Young: Bond Vivant

M Dr. No 1963 Featurette

M “Ministry of Propaganda” - Original Trailers, TV Spots, Photo Gallery and Radio Communications

Die Another Day

M “The Complete Special Features Library: Mission Dossier” - Audio Commentary Featuring Director Lee Tamahori and Producer Michael G. Wilson

M Audio Commentary Featuring Pierce Brosnan and Rosamund Pike

M “Declassified: M16 Vault” - From Script to Screen

M Shaken and Stirred on Ice

M Just Another Day

M The British Touch: Bond Arrives in London

M On Location With Peter Lamont

M “007 Mission Control” Interactive Guide Into the World of Die Another Day

M MI6 DataStream

M Additional DVD-ROM Features Available!

M Madonna’s “Die Another Day” Music Video

M “Ministry of Propaganda” Photo gallery

Live and Let Die

M Audio Commentary Featuring Sir Roger Moore

M “The Complete Special Features Library: Mission Dossier” - Audio Commentary Featuring Guy Hamilton

M Audio Commentary Featuring Tom Mankiewicz

M “Declassified: M16 Vault” - Bond 1973: The Lost Documentary

M Roger Moore as James Bond, Circa 1964

M Live and Let Die Conceptual Art

M “007 Mission Control” Interactive Guide Into the World of Live and Let Die

M Inside Live and Let Die

M On Set With Roger Moore

M “Ministry of Propaganda” - Original Trailers, TV Spots, Photo Gallery and Radio Communications

For Your Eyes Only

M Audio Commentary Featuring Sir Roger Moore

M “The Complete Special Features Library: Mission Dossier” - Audio Commentary Featuring John Glen and Actors

M Audio Commentary Featuring Michael G Wilson and Crew

M “Declassified: M16 Vault” Deleted Scenes and Expanded Angles

M Bond in Greece, Bond in Cortina

M Neptune’s Journey

M “007 Mission Control” Interactive Guide Into the World of For Your Eyes Only

M Inside For Your Eyes Only

M Animated Storyboard Sequences

M Sheena Easton’s “For Your Eyes Only” Music Video

M “Ministry of Propaganda” - Original Trailers, TV Spots, Photo Gallery and Radio Communications

From Russia With Love

M “The Complete Special Features Library: Mission Dossier” - Audio Commentary Featuring Director Terence Young and Members of the Cast and Crew

M “Declassified: M16 Vault” Ian Fleming: The CBC Interview

M Ian Fleming and Raymond Chandler

M Ian Fleming on Desert Island Discs

M Animated Storyboard Sequence

M “007 Mission Control” Interactive Guide Into the World of From Russia With Love

M Inside From Russia With Love

M Harry Saltzman: Showman

M “Ministry of Propaganda” - Original Trailers, TV Spots, Photo Gallery and Radio Communications

Thunderball

M “The Complete Special Features Library: Mission Dossier” - Audio Commentary Featuring Terence Young and Others

M Audio Commentary Featuring Peter Hunt, John Hopkins and Others

M “Declassified: M16 Vault” The Incredible World of James Bond - Original 1965 NBC Television Special

M A Child’s Guide to Blowing Up a Motor Car - 1965 Ford Promotional Film On Location With Ken Adam

M Bill Suitor: The Rocket Man Movies

M Thunderball Boat Show Reel

M Selling Bonds - Original 1965 Television Advertisements

M “007 Mission Control” Interactive Guide Into the World of Thunderball

M The Making of Thunderball

M The Thunderball Phenomenon

M The Secret History of Thunderball

M “Ministry of Propaganda” - Original Trailers, TV Spots, Photo Gallery and Radio Communications

If your Blu and don’t know where to go to. Put it on the Ritz. The classic Gene Wilder comedy Frankenstein comes to Blu-ray October 7, 2008.  I love this movie and the folks at MGM are giving this Blu-ray release the care it deserves. Check out all the great features on this disc.  And the press release after the break. 

Prepare to scream with laughter as YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN dances, spooks and “rolls in ze hay” on its way to Blu-ray Disc October 7^th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment (TCFHE). One of the greatest comic filmmakers of all time, Academy AwardÒ winner* Mel Brooks conceived this 1974 hilarious spoof on Mary Shelley’s classic horror novel, Frankenstein, and captured viewers with his cheeky attitude on the “Old Hollywood” horror genre.   Voted #13 on the American Film Institute’s list of America’s 100 Funniest Movies, the monstrously funny fan-favorite that will be celebrating it’s 35^th Anniversary next year features an all-star cast of comedy icons including Gene Wilder (Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory), Terri Garr (Tootsie), Marty Feldman (Silent Movie), Academy AwardÒ winner** Cloris Leachman (History of the World: Part I), Madeline Kahn (Clue) and Peter Boyle (“Everybody Loves Raymond”). 

Loaded with hours of brand new BD-exclusive bonus materials all presented in HD format, the YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN Blu-ray Disc features picture-in-picture BonusView mode with all-new on-camera interviews with Brooks, Garr, Leachman and others, two new behind-the-scenes featurettes, over 25 minutes of never-before-seen deleted/extended scenes, on-screen trivia track, “The Brain Game” set-top game, interactive “Blucher Button” feature and an isolated score track.  The YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN Blu-ray Disc will be available for the suggested retail price of $39.98 U.S. / $49.98 Canada.

*    1968: Best Writing, Story and Screenplay (The Producers)

**  1971: Best Motion Picture Actor in a Supporting Role (Last Picture Show)

Synopsis:

Mel Brooks’ crazy tribute to Mary Shelley’s classic novel pokes hilarious fun at just about every Frankenstein movie ever made.  Summoned by a will to his late grandfather’s castle in Transylvania, young Dr. Frankenstein (Wilder) soon discovers the scientist’s step-by-step manual explaining how to bring a corpse to life.  Assisted by the hunchback Igor (Feldman) and the curvaceous Inga (Garr), he creates a monster (Boyle) who only wants to be loved.

Blu-ray Disc Specs:

The YOUNG FRANKENSTEN BD release will be authored in BD-J on a dual-layer 50GB disc presented in widescreen format (1.85:1 aspect ratio) with English 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio plus English, Spanish and French Mono and includes English, French, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin and Korean subtitles.  Bonus features include:

·        BD Exclusive – Inside The Lab: Secret Formulas in the Making Of Young Frankenstein BonusView – picture-in-picture mode featuring all-new on-camera interviews with Mel Brooks, Teri Garr, Cloris Leachman and others

·        BD Exclusive – It’s Alive! Creating A Monster Classic featurette

·        BD Exclusive – Transylvanian Lullaby: The Music of John Morris featurette

·        BD Exclusive – The Franken-Track: A Monstrous Conglomeration of Trivia

·        BD Exclusive – 17 Deleted/Extended Scenes in HD

·        BD Exclusive – “The Brain Game” set-top game

·        BD Exclusive – “Blucher Button” interactive feature

·        BD Exclusive – Isolated Score Track

·         Commentary by Director Mel Brooks*

·         Making FrankenSense of Young Frankenstein featurette*

·         Outtakes/Bloopers*

·         Deleted Scenes*

·         Interviews with Marty Feldman, Gene Wilder & Cloris Leachman*

·         Still Galleries – 19 individual production photograph galleries*

·         Theatrical trailers*

·         TV spots*

One of my favorite movies of the year, the much and unfairly maligned Speed Racer is coming to Blu-ray September 19. Start your engines and fasten your seatbelts for the high-octane adventure Speed Racer, combining heartfelt family humor and groundbreaking visual effects. Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) is a natural behind the wheel of his thunderous Mach 5. With support from Pops and Mom Racer (John Goodman and Susan Sarandon), girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci), younger brother Spritle (Paulie Litt) and the mysterious Racer X (Matthew Fox), Speed takes on fierce competitors to save his family’s business and protect the sport he loves. When Speed steps onto the track, it’s not just a race. It’s an adrenaline-fueled, high-speed charge to the finish. Go, Speed Racer, go!!  The press release doesn’t tell you anything about special features but the MSRP will be about $29. I was one of the few critics who loved this movie. The reason it failed was a horrible marketing campaign and hope audiences discover it on the Blu machine.

One of my favorite Johnny Depp movies, the little seen Blow is coming to Blu-ray. There’s no money in a “real job.” So George Jung deals pot. Lots of it. The blue-collar kid dubbed Boston George spirals up from there, into the riches and excesses of the huge cocaine cartels. And crashes hard. Johnny Depp portrays George, the ambitious outlaw who, perhaps more than any American, transformed powder cocaine from relative obscurity in the U.S. into a 1970s/80s feeding frenzy. Penelope Cruz costars in this riveting, fact-inspired tale of glitz and glamour, fast times and hard time, betrayal and Blow. Director: Ted Demme Actors: Penelope Cruz, Ray Liotta, Bobcat Goldthwait, Cliff Curtis, Emma Roberts, Ethan Suplee, Franka Potente, James King, Jennifer Gimenez, Jesse James, Johnny Depp, Jordi Molla, Lola Glaudini, Max Perlich, Miguel Sandoval, Monet Mazur, Noah Emmerich, Paul Reubens, Rachel Griffiths, Kevin Gage

Everything is suspect, everyone is for sale and nothing is what it seems. Word on the street is on September 23, Warner Home Video will revisit 1950s Hollywood with the digitally remastered film noir L.A. Confidential, as a Two-Disc Special Edition (Standard Definition) DVD and single disc Blu-ray™ Hi-Def. The Standard Definition will be available for $20.97 SRP and Blu-ray™ Hi-Def for $28.99 SRP. Order due date is August 19, 2008.

Directed by Curtis Hanson and based on James Ellroy’s “L.A. Quartet” series of novels, L.A. Confidential was nominated for seven Academy Awards,^® including Best Picture and Best Director, winning two (Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress for Kim Basinger). The evocative and sordid tale of Hollywood in days gone by boasts an all-star cast which, in addition to Basinger (Batman, I Dreamed of Africa), includes Russell Crowe (Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind), Kevin Spacey (American Beauty, The Usual Suspects), Academy Award nominee Danny Devito, Guy Pearce and James Cromwell. The plot, involving three cops, a call girl, a mysterious millionaire and a tabloid journalist, is rife with mystery, ambition, romance and humor. Chicago Sun-Times’ Roger Ebert called the film “seductive and beautiful, cynical and twisted — one of the best films of the year.”

Special Features

Disc 1

• Commentary by Andrew Sarris
• Music Only Track
• Trailers and TV Spots

• Showest
• Nite Owl Action
• Hollywood
• Theatrical Trailer
• Soundtrack Promo

Disc 2

• Whatever You Desire: Making L.A. Confidential
• Sunlight and Shadow: The Visual Style of L.A. Confidential
• A True Ensemble: The Cast of L.A. Confidential
• L.A. Confidential: From Book to Screen
• Off the Record
• Photo Pitch
• The L.A. of L.A. Confidential Hollywood Center Motel

• Formosa Café
• Sid Hudgen’s Office
• Victory Motel
• Bidwell’s Office
• Nick’s Liquor
• Lynn Bracken’s House
• Frolic’s Room
• Pierce Patchett’s House
• Movie Premiere Pot Bust
• Mrs. Leffert’s House
• Nite Owl Café
• Navarette’s Hole-up
• Fitch House
• City Hall

• L.A. Confidential [2000 TV Pilot]

I apologize for being a little lax on updating this weekly column, but I’ve been busy putting the final touches on the upcoming EM Book. But wow, what a way to come back. The folks at Fox Home Vide are bringing a slew of their Horror classics to Blu-ray (or as they call it Boo-ray, cute) September 9th. It seems weird that they don’t release these titles on, oh, I don’t know…Halloween?  They are bringing out the complete Omen Collection - which includes the bad 2006 remake with the goofy (not scary) looking kid (Damn you Fox! I just bought that collection off of Amazon last week) and the Russian Horror series Night Watch and Day Watch. I don’t know if I would classify those two as horror, even though it is about things that go bump in the night.  We may try and convince Fox to let us do a giveaway. These are some great titles. Check out the full press release after the break, jump, whatever…. 

WE DARE YOU TO WATCH!

SPINE-TINGLING HI-DEF SCARES ARRIVE ON
BLU-RAY DISC JUST IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN

THE OMEN (1976), THE OMEN COLLECTION,
NIGHT WATCH and DAY WATCH

Frightful Favorites From Fox Home Entertainment

Unearthed On “Boo-Ray” September 9th

**Highlighted By All-New BD Exclusive Content On The Omen

Including New On-Camera Interview With Director Richard Donner**

LOS ANGELES, CA – You’ll see and get goosebumps as Fox Home Entertainment dares you to watch several horror classics as you’ve never seen them before with four new Blu-ray Disc (BD) releases debuting on September 9th. 

Prepare to scream as the dark terror of Damien is unleashed in high-definition with the Collector’s Edition BD release of the infamous horror film THE OMEN (1976) starring Gregory Peck and Lee Remick, highlighted with never-before-seen content including an all-new interview with director Richard Donner and special isolated score track featuring the haunting Academy Award®-winning music.  Also available on BD will be the pulse-pounding THE OMEN COLLECTION four-disc set featuring all three of the original chilling films (The Omen, Damien: Omen II and Omen III: Final Conflict), as well as the terrifying 2006 blockbuster remake of The Omen that spooked audiences and critics alike. 

The high-def terror continues on Blu-ray with the release of the visually stunning Russian horror/fantasy epics NIGHT WATCH and DAY WATCH from acclaimed director Timur Bekmambetov (“Wanted”) about the ultimate apocalyptic battle between the forces of Light and Darkness unlike any the world has ever known!

THE OMEN (1976) BD will be authored in AVC (MPEG 4) compression on a dual layer 50GB disc; presented in widescreen (2.35:1 aspect ratio) with English 5.1 DTS HD Lossless Audio plus English, Spanish, Korean, Mandarin & Cantonese subtitles.  Bonus features content includes:

· BD Exclusive – Richard Donner on The Omen interview featurette

· BD Exclusive – The Omen Revelations BonusView with Trivia Track

· BD Exclusive – Commentary by film historians Lem Dobbs, Nick Redman and Jeff Bond

· BD Exclusive – Isolated score track (Dolby Surround 5.1 audio)

· Introduction by director Richard Donner

· Commentary by director Richard Donner and editor Stuart Baird

· Commentary by director Richard Donner and screenwriter Brian Helgeland

· “Dog Attack” Deleted Scene with optional commentary by director Richard Donner and screenwriter Brian Helgeland

· 666: The Omen Revealed featurette

· The Omen Legacy featurette

· Curse or Coincidence? featurette

· An Appreciation: Wes Craven On The Omen featurette

· Jerry Goldsmith on The Omen Score featurette

· Screenwriters Notebook featurette

· Theatrical trailer

· Still gallery

THE OMEN COLLECTION four-disc BD set includes The Omen (1976), Damien: Omen II and Omen III: Final Conflict authored in BD-J with AVC (MPEG 4) compression on dual-layer 50GB discs presented in widescreen (2.35:1 aspect ratio) with English 5.1 DTS HD Lossless Audio plus English, Spanish, Korean, Mandarin & Cantonese subtitles; The Omen (2006) is authored in MPEG2 compression on a single-layer 25GB disc presented in widescreen (1.85:1 aspect ratio) with English 5.1 DTS HD Lossless Audio and Spanish/French 5.1 Dolby Surround with English/Spanish subtitles only.  Individual disc content as follows:

The Omen (1976)

o Special features content listed above

Damien: Omen II

o Commentary by producer Harvey Bernhard

o Theatrical trailer

Omen III: The Final Conflict

o Commentary by director Graham Baker

o Theatrical trailer

The Omen (2006)

o BD Exclusive – The Devil’s Footnotes Trivia Track

o Commentary with director John Moore, producer Glen Williamson and editor Dan Zimmerman

o Revelations 666 featurette

o Abbey Road Sessions featurette

o Extended scenes

NIGHT WATCH BD will be authored in HDMV with MPEG 4 compression on a dual-layer 50GB disc; presented in widescreen (1.85:1 aspect ratio) with Russian/English 5.1 Dolby TruHD amd English/French 5.1 Dolby Surround plus English, Spanish, Korean, Mandarin & Cantonese subtitles.  Bonus features include:

Commentary with director Timur Bekmambetov

Subtitled commentary by novelist Sergei Lukyanenko (English, French & Spanish subtitles)

Making of Night Watch featurette

Characters, Story and Subtitles featurette

Night Watch Trilogy featurette

Seven deleted scenes with commentary by director Timur Bekmambetov

Extended ending - “The Roof”

Comic book still gallery

Poster still gallery

Theatrical trailer

D-Box capabilities

DAY WATCH BD will be authored in HDMV with MPEG 4 compression on dual-layer 50GB disc; presented in widescreen (2.35:1 aspect ratio) with English 5.1 DTS HD Lossless Audio, Russian 5.1 Dolby TruHD and French/Spanish 5.1 Dolby Surround plus English, Spanish, Korean, Mandarin & Cantonese subtitles.  Bonus features include:

Commentary with director Timur Bekmambetov

The Making of Day Watch featurette

Russian TV Spots

Theatrical trailers

D-Box capabilities

A recognized global industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC (TCFHE) is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming on DVD, Blu-ray Disc (BD) and Digital Copy as well as acquisitions and original productions.  The company also releases all products around the globe for MGM Home Entertainment.  Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets — from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce - throughout the world.  Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company.

Get it while it’s hot, the brand new PlayStation Store is upon us, thanks to today’s Firmware 2.30 update. I just downloaded it and kicked the tires a bit. It’s a million times better than the old store. It’s cleaner, slicker and better organized than before. I actually discovered stuff on the store, that I never noticed before because I would go to the old store, gripe about how ugly and non-user friendly it was and not spend anymore time than I had to on it. The new store is colorful, but it feels slower, it took a good minute for the images to show up. And I have a Fios connection so it should definitely be faster. I liked all the new stuff that I discovered in my short perusal. I found the Classics store, and the downloadable games section. In the old environment I just went straight for the demos and that’s it. While the store is definitely improving, it still has an amazing lack of content. There are only about 20 or 30 demos available - compare that to XBox Live’s 300+. A couple of game trailers, access to a limited number of classic titles. It’s embarrassing that after being on the market for over a year they still don’t have much content in their store. Game downloads are painfully slow, it’s taking me literally 5 hours to download one game demo that is less than 800 MB. They still don’t have downloadable entertainment content. Hey Sony, you own a Record Label, Movie and TV Studio. Wake up! Hello? Is anyone listening? The facelift is a great start, now put something there that will make us want to check out the store.