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Universal Announces 'Coraline' for Blu-ray

Thu May 14, 2009 at 03:20 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, 3-D, Exclusive HD Content, BD-Live, Universal (all tags)

Universal has announced it is bringing 'Coraline' to Blu-ray in late-July as a two-disc special edition with 2-D and 3-D versions.

The sleeper animated fantasy, which grossed over $60 million during its domestic theatrical run, will arrive on Blu-ray July 21 (day-and-date with the standard DVD).

Both 2-D and 3-D versions will be presented on a BD-50 dual-layer disc via seamless branching, with 1080p video (1.85:1) and English DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio 5.1 Surround.

Extras include audio commentary with director Henry Selick and composer Bruno Coulais, three featurettes ("Making of Coraline," "Voicing the Characters," "Creepy Coraline") and deleted scenes.

Exclusive to the Blu-ray (on the 2-D version only) are two U-Control picture-in-picture tracks, and "Tours and Voice Sessions" featurette, as well as My Scenes Sharing and "The World According to Henry" BD-Live functions.

A second standard DVD disc will include a Digital Copy of the film compatible with PCs and iTunes (expires July 31, 2010).

Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $39.99.

You'll find the latest specs for 'Coraline' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 21.

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Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Coraline (Blu-ray)

'300: The Complete Experience' Set for July Blu-ray Double Dip

Wed May 13, 2009 at 09:00 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Exclusive HD Content, BD-Live Titles, Disc Re-Issues, Warner (all tags)

Two years after its high-def debut, Warner is double-dipping the monster hit '300' with the July release of 'The Complete Experience.'

Though long-rumored for a Blu-ray release, Warner Home Video has today finally confirmed a July 21 street date for '300: The Complete Experience,' which will arrive on high-def as a DigiBook special edition, timed to coincide with the video release of director Zack Snyder's just-announced 'Watchmen: Director's Cut.'

Expanding upon the extras found on the previous, single-disc Blu-ray version of '300,' the three-disc 'Complete Experience' will include over two hours of new making-of footage. Dubbed "The Complete 300: A Comprehensive Immersion,' the Blu-ray will feature three picture-in-picture tracks that offer three unique perspectives while you watch the film:

• Creating a Legend - Frank Miller and Zack Snyder interpret a classic tale
• Bringing the Legend to Life - Building a world from a comic
• The History Behind the Myth - The real story of the hot gates

Also new to the 'Complete Experience' Blu-ray are BD-Live connectivity, which will include MyCommunity Screening and My WB Commentary functions, and a media center with additional downloadable content.

Bonus features carried over from previous video releases of '300' include a blue screen-only picture-in-picture track, audio commentary by Snyder, writer Kurt Johnstad and director of photography Larry Fong, multiple featurettes ("The 300- Fact or Fiction?", "Who Were The Spartans - The Warriors of 300," "Preparing for Battle - The Original Test Footage," "Frank Miller Tapes," "Making of 300"), the "Making 300 in Images" still gallery, web-i-sodes, and deleted scenes.

Tech specs will see the main feature presented on a BD-50 dual-layer disc with 1080p/VC-1 video (2.39:1) and English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround audio.

A third standard DVD disc will contain a Digital Copy of the film, compatible with PCs and iTunes.

Finally, the set comes housed in Warner's DigiBook packaging, which includes a 50-page full-color collectible booklet with additional liner notes and rare photos.

We have yet to receive a confirmed suggested retail price for the Blu-ray, but we'll keep you posted.

You'll find the latest specs for '300: The Complete Experience' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 21.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
300: The Complete Experience (Blu-ray)
300 (Blu-ray)
Watchmen: Director's Cut (Blu-ray)

Warner Announces 'Watchmen' Blu-ray

Tue May 12, 2009 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Comic Book Movies, BD-Live Titles, Exclusive HD Content, Warner (all tags)

The 'Watchmen' are coming: Warner Home Video has set a late-July Blu-ray date for a never-before-seen extended cut of the comic book hit.

Despite a domestic gross of over $100 million, 'Watchmen' was considered somewhat of a disappointment, as it failed to hit the stratospheric heights of other comic book blockbusters like 'Iron Man' and 'The Dark Knight.'

Hoping to give the film another push on video, Warner will release 'Watchmen: Director's Cut' on Blu-ray July 21 (day-and-date with the standard DVD) with 25 minutes of never-before-seen footage.

Tech specs will present the feature film on a BD-50 dual-layer disc with 1080p/VC-1 video (2.39:1) and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround audio.

Exclusive to the Blu-ray is a "Maximum Movie Mode" picture-in-picture hosted by director Zack Snyder, a pair of featurettes ("Real Super Heroes, Real Vigilantes," "Mechanics: Technologies of a Fantastic World") and BD-Live connectivity.

Shared with the standard DVD are "Watchmen: Focus Points," the "Phenomenon: The Comic that Changed Comics" featurette, and a music video ("Desolation Row" by My Chemical Romance).

Included on a second standard DVD disc is a Digital Copy of the film (theatrical version only), compatible with PCs and iTunes.

Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $35.98.

You'll find the latest specs for 'Watchmen: Director's Cut' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 21.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Watchmen: Director's Cut (Blu-ray)
The Dark Knight (Blu-ray)
Iron Man (2008) (Blu-ray)

Sony Drops 'Dr. Strangelove' Blu-ray Specs, Box Art

Wed May 06, 2009 at 03:30 PM ET
Tags: Exclusive HD Content, BD-Live Titles, Sony (all tags)

Sony has released final specs and box art for the oft-delayed 'Dr. Strangelove,' which will drop this June as a feature-laden "book" special edition with exclusive content.

As previously reported, the on-again/off-again high-def release of the Stanley Kubrick masterpiece is now confirmed to arrive on June 16th, timed to coincide with a new standard DVD re-issue.

Tech specs will see remastered 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video and first-ever Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround track.

Bonus features will include the documentary "No Fighting in the War Room or: Dr. Strangelove and the Nuclear Threat," additional featurettes "Best Sellers: Peter Sellers Remembered," "The Art of Stanley Kubrick: From Short Films to Strangelove," "Inside the Making of Dr. Strangelove"), vintage interviews and a still gallery.

Exclusive to the Blu-ray will be a "Cold Facts' picture-and-graphics track. And like all Sony titles, the set comes with BD-Live connectivity, though at press time no exclusive content has been announced.

Finally, Sony has given us a sneak peek at the final Blu-ray box art for 'Dr. Strangelove,' which appears to echo Warner's "DigiBook" packaging:


Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $28.95.

You'll find the latest specs for 'Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 30.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Dr. Strangelove' Re-Announced for Blu-ray (Jan 27, 2009)

'Friday the 13th' Remake Hacks Blu-ray with 'Killer Cut,' Exclusives

Mon Apr 20, 2009 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Exclusive HD Content, Warner, New Line (all tags)

Jason is slashing his way back to Blu-ray with Warner Home Video announcing an extended cut of the horror remake 'Friday the 13th' due this June.

The latest '80s slasher classic to receive the remake treatment, the retooled 'Friday the 13th' scared up a record-setting $40 million in its opening weekend.

The Michael Bay-produced update will make its way to Blu-ray on June 16, day-and-date with the standard DVD.

Featuring a new "Killer Cut" of the film with footage not seen in theaters plus the R-rated theatrical cut (accessible via seamless branching), tech specs will see a BD-50 dual-layer disc with 1080p video and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround audio.

Extras include the "Explore the Rebirth of Jason Voorhees" featurette and additional "slashed" scenes.

Exclusive to the Bu-ray is the "Terror Trivia" factoid track, the "Hacking Back/Slashing Forward" and "The 7 Best Kills" featurettes, and BD-Live connectivity.

Also included on a second disc is a Digital Copy of both the extended and rated versions of the film, compatible with PCs and iTunes.

Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $35.98.

You'll find the latest specs for 'Friday the 13th (2009)' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 16.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Friday the 13th (2009) (Blu-ray)

'Glory' Blu-ray Gets Specs, Exclusives

Wed Apr 15, 2009 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: Exclusive HD Content, BD-Live Titles, Sony (all tags)

Sony Pictures has confirmed final specs for the long-delayed Blu-ray release of 'Glory,' which will arrive this June with extensive bonus features and exclusives.

As previously reported, Sony finally re-announced the Oscar-winning drama for a June 2 Blu-ray debut, after a delay of over a year.

Just-announced tech specs include a BD-50 dual-layer presentation with 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video (1.85:1) and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround tracks in English, French, and Portuguese.

Supplements carried over from the previous special edition DVD release include audio commentary with director Edward Zwick, three featurettes ("The Voices of Glory," "The True Story Continues," "The Making of Glory") and deleted scenes.

Exclusive to the Blu-ray is the "Virtual Civil War Battlefield" interactive map and BD-Live connectivity.

Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $28.95.

You'll find final specs for 'Glory' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 2.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Glory (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Sony Re-Sets 'Glory' Blu-ray for June (Mar 27, 2009)

'Paul Blart' Blu-ray to Get BD-Live Exclusive, Digital Copy

Wed Apr 01, 2009 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: Exclusive HD Content, BD-Live Titles, Sony (all tags)

Sony Pictures has outlined final specs for 'Paul Blart: Mall Cop,' which will hit Blu-ray this May with hours of bonus & exclusive content and Digital Copy.

As previously reported, Sony had set a May 19 Blu-ray date for the unexpected box office smash, but remained silent on specs and extras.

Final confirmed details will see a BD-50 dual-layer presentation with 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video and English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround track.

Among the extensive supplements is audio commentary with star Kevin James and producer Todd Garner, a nine-part making-of featurette, deleted scenes and a "Fun on Set" outtake reel.

The Blu-ray will also come BD-Live-enabled, and include an exclusive "CineChat" feature allowing you to send on-screen messages to friends on the internet while you watch the movie together.

Lastly, a second bonus DVD will be included with a Digital Copy of the film, compatible with PCs, PSP, and iTunes.

Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $39.95.

You'll find the latest specs for 'Paul Blart: Mall Cop' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 19.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Paul Blart: Mall Cop (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Paul Blart' Coming to Blu-ray (Mar 17, 2009)

Sony Sets May Blu-ray Date for Third 'Underworld'

Mon Mar 16, 2009 at 01:00 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, BD-Live Titles, Exclusive HD Content, Sony (all tags)

Sony Pictures has announced the latest installment in the 'Underworld' saga for Blu-ray, setting a mid-May date for 'Rise of the Lycans.'

The third (and rumored last) installment in the hit monster franchise, 'Underworld: Rise of the Lycans' will hit Blu-ray May 12, day-and-date with the standard DVD.

The title will follow the Blu-ray releases of the previous films in the trilogy, including 'Underworld' and 'Underworld: Evolution.'

Tech specs will see a BD-50 dual-layer presentation with 1080p./AVC MPEG-4 video (2.39:1) and English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround audio.

Extras include audio commentary with the filmmakers, a trio of featurettes ("Underworld: Rise of the Lycans - From Script to Screen," "The Origin of the Feud," "Re-Creating the Dark Ages - The Look of Underworld: Rise of the Lycans") and the music video "Deathclub" By William Control

Exclusive to the Blu-ray is a "Behind the Castle Walls" picture-in-picture track and "Lycanthropes ARound the World" interactive map (both Bonus View) and a BD-Live "Cinechat" allowing you to connect with other users on the web while you watch the movie live.

Finally, the set will come with a DVD featuring a Digital Copy (standard-def only) compatible with PCs, PSP and iTunes.

Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $38.95.

You'll find the latest specs for 'Underworld: Rise of the Lycans' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 12.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (Blu-ray)
Underworld (Blu-ray)
Underworld: Evolution (Blu-ray)

Lionsgates Unveils Box Art, Specs for 'T2: Skynet Edition'

Thu Feb 26, 2009 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: Exclusive HD Content, BD-Live Titles, Lionsgate (all tags)

Final specs and box art are in for the 'Skynet Edition' of 'T2,' which Lionsgate will bring to Blu-ray this May with hours of exclusive content.

As previously reported, Lionsgate announced the latest Blu-ray version of the James Cameron classic on May 19, dubbed the 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day - Skynet Edition' (it follows a relatively bare-bones edition released in 2006).

The studio has now unleashed final specs, which will see "multiple THX-certified high-def versions of the film" on a single BD-50 dual-layer disc, presented in 1080p video (2.35:1) and remastered English DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio 6.1 Surround. (At press time, we are still awaiting confirmation of which versions of the film will be included.)

Extras ported over from previous DVD editions of 'T2' include a pair of audio commentaries, the first with over 26 cast & crew members, the second with Cameron and screenwriter William Wisher.

New to the Blu-ray version is a picture-in-picture track with behind-the-scenes video, text commentaries and multimedia galleries; a storyboard-and-script mode (allowing you to view storyboards and read the script while watching the film), and interactive quizzes and games. The disc will also come D-Box-enhanced and BD-Live-enabled, with additional downloadable content promised, including more games and other features (TBA).

Finally, Lionsgate has issued the final box art for 'Terminator 2: Skynet Edition':


Lionsgate will also bundle the 'Terminator 2: Skynet Edition' in the 'Limited Edition Terminator 2 Complete Collector's Set,' a six-disc set which also throws in the previous 'Ultimate Edition' and 'Extreme Edition' DVD two-disc versions, plus a sixth disc with a Digital Copy of the film. Street date is also May 19.

As previously announced, suggested retail price for the 'Terminator 2: Skynet Edition' Blu-ray has been set at $29.99, with the 'Limited Edition Terminator 2 Complete Collector's Set' going for $174.99.

You'll find the latest specs for both versions of 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 19.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day - Skynet Edition (Blu-ray)
Terminator 2: Complete Collector's Set (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Lionsgate to Launch 'Skynet Edition' of T2' this May (Feb 23, 2009)

Sony Unveils 'Da Vinci Code' Blu-ray Specs, Exclusives

Wed Feb 25, 2009 at 03:30 PM ET
Tags: Exclusive HD Content, Sony (all tags)

Sony Pictures has revealed final specs for 'The Da Vinci Code,' which comes to Blu-ray this April as a two-disc set with exclusive content.

As previously reported, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment finally confirmed a April 28 Blu-ray debut for the blockbuster adaptation of Dan Brown's runaway best-seller (timed to coincide with the upcoming big-screen release of its sequel, 'Angels & Demons').

Full specs are now in, with the film being presented in its extended cut form across a BD-50 dual-layer disc with 1080/AVC MPEG-4 video and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround audio.

Throwing in an extra disc just for supplements, bonus features include a select scenes audio commentary with director Ron Howard, plus over a dozen making-of featurettes ("A Discussion With Dan Brown," "A Portrait of Langdon," "Who is Sophie Neveu?," "Unusual Suspects," "Magical Places," "Close-up on Mona Lisa," "The Filmmakers' Journey," "The Codes of The Da Vinci Code," "The Music of The Da Vinci Code," "Book to Screen," "The Da Vinci Props," "The Da Vinci Sets," "Re-creating Works of Art," "The Visual Effects World of The Da Vinci Code," "Scoring The Da Vinci Code," "La Partie Francaise Du Da Vinci Code").

Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is the "Unlocking the Code" interactive picture-in-picture track. Like all Sony titles, 'The Da Vinci Code' comes BD-Live-enabled, though at press time there is no exclusive content announced.

Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $38.95.

You'll find the latest specs for 'The Da Vinci Code' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 28.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
The Da Vinci Code: Extended Cut (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Sony to Release 'Da Vinci Code' This April (Feb 03, 2009)


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