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'Treme: The Complete Second Season' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray

Fri Feb 03, 2012 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: HBO, Disc Announcements (all tags)

The second season of the HBO series is headed for Blu-ray in April.

In an early announcement to retailers, HBO is planning to bring 'Treme: The Complete Second Season' to Blu-ray on April 17.

From the creators of 'The Wire,' this series focuses on a recovering New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and stars John Goodman, Wendell Pierce, Steve Zahn, Melissa Leo, and David Morse.

The 4-disc box set will present all 11 episodes with 1080p video, an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: audio commentaries on selected episodes, scene-specific music commentaries on selected episodes, two picture-in-picture features: - The Music of Treme & Down in the Treme, two behind-the-scenes featurettes: - Invitation to Set & Walking with Wendell, and Treme Symposium.

Suggested list price for this set will be $79.98.

You can find the latest specs for 'Treme: The Complete Second Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 17.

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Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Treme: The Complete Second Season (Blu-ray)

'Cinema Verite' Blu-ray Announced

Mon Jan 16, 2012 at 09:00 AM ET
Tags: HBO, Disc Announcements (all tags)

The drama that earned Academy Award® nominee Diane Lane ('Unfaithful') an Emmy® nomination for her performance is coming to Blu-ray in April.

In an early announcement to retailers, HBO is preparing to release 'Cinema Verite' on Blu-ray on April 24.

When reality became entertainment, everything changed. "Packing an emotional punch that's as surprising as it is eloquent" (The Wall Street Journal), 'Cinema Verite' is the compelling behind-the-scenes story of the revolutionary 1973 PBS documentary series An American Family which catapulted an ordinary family to notoriety and captivated audiences with the launch of a new television genre - reality TV.

Fascinating and illuminating, 'Cinema Verite' stars an amazing ensemble cast. Along with Lane, the film features Academy Award® and Golden Globe® winner Tim Robbins ('Mystic River') and Golden Globe® and Emmy® winner James Gandolfini (HBO's "The Sopranos"). Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini directed a script written by David Seltzer.

Specs have not been set yet, but supplements include The Making of Cinema Verite and audio commentary from directors Shari Springer Berman & Robert Pulcini and star Diane Lane.

Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is set at $24.99.

You can find the latest specs for 'Cinema Verite' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 24.

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

The Best of HBO on Blu-ray

Tue Dec 06, 2011 at 04:20 PM ET
Tags: HBO, Aaron Peck, Fun Stuff (all tags)

Let's face it, there's a lot of good television nowadays, it's much too hard to keep track of it all. DVRs fill up quicker and quicker with so many must watch shows airing on a weekly basis, it's hard to keep up. Thank goodness for TV on Blu-ray.

HBO has long been amongst the leaders when it comes to original programming.

Ever since 'The Sopranos' HBO has paved a pathway for serialized dramas and created an arms race between cable channels to see who could lock down the best original programming.

Every time HBO loses a marquee show they always seem to pick up a new one.

With Christmas right around the corner we'd like to take a look at some of the best Blu-rays HBO has to offer, and maybe one or two shows we wish we could find on the format.

Get your shopping lists ready, because here we go.

'Boardwalk Empire'


The Blu-ray doesn't come out until January, but it's more than likely going to be a great release. 'Boardwalk Empire' filled the much needed mafia drama hole that was left when 'The Sopranos' went away. Now we hardly even notice that Tony and the gang are gone because we have Nucky. HBO almost always puts out demo material when it comes to its shows on Blu-ray, and if handled properly, the lush 20s visuals of 'Boardwalk' will no doubt look great in HD. It won't be around for Christmas, which is sad, but it's one that you can snag with all the inevitable gift cards you'll get.

'Deadwood'


All too often we come across studios that don't bother to go back and release earlier seasons of a show on Blu-ray. While that may be the case with 'The Sopranos' (please release the other seasons soon HBO) that isn't the case with 'Deadwood.' There are no individual releases of each season, however. The only way to own this great show is if you pony up the dough for the complete series set. Though fans of the show know that it's worth every penny.

'The Pacific' and 'Band of Brothers'

It's hard to separate these two, especially after HBO just released a limited edition collector's set with both of these releases packaged together. The Tom Hanks' produced productions are two of the best mini-series ever filmed. Even though you can package both these shows into one, they couldn't be more different. 'Band of Brothers' was more cinematic and romanticized, while 'The Pacific' seemed dead set on showing the gory realities of the war on the Pacific islands. You may enjoy one over the other, and that's fine, but they're both must-see mini-series. Did I mention they look and sound absolutely terrific in high definition? Well, they do.

'Rome'

Its bloated cost of production spelled the end of the show. It just wasn't feasible to keep shoveling out the lofty amounts of money they were spending to keep it going, but that doesn't mean it wasn't worth every penny. 'Rome' seems to be the most overlooked show from HBO. 'The Sopranos' was all the rage, and at the height of its popularity when 'Rome' came into being. Even though, 'Rome' was able to establish itself as a sensationalized historical drama where the money spent on production value was actually seen on screen in every scene. The complete series Blu-ray set of the show is the way to go, even though you can now get season one and two in individual releases. Yet another HBO staple that looks astounding in high-def.

'The Sopranos'

We've talked extensively about 'The Sopranos' already, so it's no surprise that they're included on this list. Although, this is the one show on this list that is missing a substantial number of its seasons. Will HBO double back and release season's two through five? Hopefully. As of now we can only buy season one and part one and part two of season six. Since they've released season one, it should be only a matter of time until we get the subsequent seasons right? Right?! Either way, the seasons that have been released feature killer audio and video and would complement anyone's collection nicely.

'Treme'

I think 'Treme' is my favorite HBO show ever. It's another series that doesn't seem to get as much hype as say 'Boardwalk Empire' or 'Game of Thrones,' but it is a masterfully put together show about the struggles of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Season one was, by far, some of the best television I've ever had the pleasure of watching. The way that David Simon orchestrated this whole show, its characters, and plotlines is simply stunning. To watch it all unfold is a real treat. Finally, the show's heavy influence of jazz and Cajun tones is demo material on Blu-ray.

'True Blood'

Vampires are all the craze right now, but the vampires on 'True Blood' are a little different from the ones on 'Twilight.' Well, okay, a lot different. 'True Blood' is a sexed-up tale of vampires and werewolves in the Deep South. It's been an HBO mainstay for a few years now and has consistently provided demo-worthy video with each Blu-ray release.

So whatever your taste in television, be it naked vampires or World War II biopics, the best of HBO on Blu-ray has you covered. Now if only we could get 'The Wire' and 'Flight of the Conchords' released on the format all would be right with the world.

What are your picks for the best HBO programming on Blu-ray?

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'Game of Thrones: The Complete First Season' Blu-ray Announced

Fri Dec 02, 2011 at 12:55 PM ET
Tags: HBO, Disc Announcements (all tags)

The first season of the acclaimed series based on George R.R. Martin's best-selling novels is coming to Blu-ray in March.

In an early announcement to retailers, HBO will release 'Game of Thrones: The Complete First Season' on Blu-ray on March 6.

One of the best reviewed shows of the year stars Sean Bean ('The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring') and Lena Headey ('Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles') and currently holds an impressive 9.5/10 rating on IMDb.com.

Specs have yet to be detailed, but supplements will include: Seven audio commentaries with cast and crew including David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, George R.R. Martin, Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harrington, and more; Character profiles of 15 major characters as described by the actors portraying them; and five behind-the-scenes featurettes.

Blu-ray-exclusives include: Complete Guide to Westeros compendium with twenty-four exclusive histories of the Seven Kingdoms; Anatomy of an Episode on "A Golden Crown"; In-Episode Guide that provides real-time background information on each episode; and Hidden Dragon Eggs with never-before-seen hidden content.

Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is set at $79.98.

You can find the latest specs for 'Game of Thrones: The Complete First Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 6.

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Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Game of Thrones: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray)

'The Josephine Baker Story' & 'The Tuskegee Airmen' Blu-rays Dated

Thu Oct 20, 2011 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: HBO, Disc Announcements (all tags)

A pair of historical films are bound for Blu-ray in January.

In an early announcement to retailers, HBO is preparing to release 'The Josephine Baker Story' on Blu-ray on January 17.

Josephine Baker was born poor, but achieved fame and fortune through her sizzlingly exotic and erotic performances. Starting life on the American Vaudeville circuit, success took Josephine to Paris where her semi-nude dancing causes an international sensation. Josephine's life becomes a roller coaster ride of love and rejection from both her lovers and her country.

Robert Markowitz' 'The Tuskegee Airmen,' which stars Laurence Fishburne, Allen Payne, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Courtney B. Vance, and Andre Braugher will hit stores on the same date.

It is 1943 and the Germans are winning the Second World War as the U.S. suffers huge losses on the ground and in the air. Four newly recruited pilots are united by a desire to serve their country, at a time when African-American flyers are not welcomed in the Air Force. Now, through the brutal demands of their training, to the perils of flying over nations at war, the men they call "The Tuskegee Airmen" must undertake the riskiest mission of their lives - to prove to America that courage knows no color.

Specs and supplements have not been set yet, but suggested list price for each Blu-ray is set at only $14.98.

You can find the latest specs for 'The Josephine Baker Story' & 'The Tuskegee Airmen' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under January 17.

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 Josephine Baker Story (Blu-ray)
The Tuskegee Airmen (Blu-ray)

'Mildred Pierce' Announced for Blu-ray

Mon Oct 10, 2011 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: HBO, Disc Announcements (all tags)

The acclaimed HBO miniseries starring Kate Winslet will be heading to Blu-ray in the new year.

In an early announcement to retailers, HBO is working on 'Mildred Pierce' for Blu-ray on January 3.

She gave her daughter everything, but everything was not enough. Mildred Pierce brings to life the memorable characters introduced in James M. Cain’s classic 1941 novel of pride and privilege in the middle class. Starring Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet, and co-written and directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Todd Haynes, this five-part drama is an intimate portrait of a uniquely independent woman who finds herself newly divorced during the Depression years, as she struggles to carve out a new life for herself and her family. The story explores Mildred’s unreasonable devotion to her insatiable daughter Veda (Evan Rachel Wood), as well as the complex relationship she shares with the indolent men in her life, including her polo-playing lover Monty Beragon (Guy Pearce) and ex-husband Bert Pierce (Brian F. O’Byrne).

The release will be a 4-disc set (3 Blu-rays, plus a DVD) with 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Two audio commentaries, The Making Of Mildred Pierce, Inside the Episodes, and seamless play functionality.

Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is set at $52.98.

You can find the latest specs for 'Mildred Pierce' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 3.

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)
Mildred Pierce (Blu-ray)

'Boardwalk Empire: The Complete First Season' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed

Mon Oct 10, 2011 at 01:00 PM ET
Tags: HBO, Disc Announcements (all tags)

The first season of the HBO crime drama series will have a January Blu-ray release.

In an early announcement to retailers, HBO is preparing to release 'Boardwalk Empire: The Complete First Season' on Blu-ray on January 10.

From Terence Winter (Emmy®-winning writer on HBO's The Sopranos) and Oscar®-winning director Martin Scorsese, Boardwalk Empire is set in Atlantic City in 1920 at the dawn of Prohibition. The series chronicles the life and times of Enoch Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi), the city treasurer whose double role as politician and bootlegger makes him the city's undisputed czar at a time when illegal alcohol has opened up highly lucrative opportunities for rumrunners and distributors. In a city defined by notorious backroom politics and vicious power struggles, Nucky must contend with ambitious underlings, relentless Feds, rival gangsters -- including Arnold Rothstein, Lucky Luciano and Al Capone -- and his own appetite for women, profits, and power.

The Blu-ray will be a five-disc set with 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Enhanced Viewing option on all episodes, six audio commentaries, Evolving Character Dossier, Making Boardwalk Empire, and Speakeasy Tour.

Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is set at $79.98.

You can find the latest specs for 'Boardwalk Empire: The Complete First Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 10.

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)
Boardwalk Empire: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray)

'Band of Brothers / The Pacific: Special Edition Gift Set' Announced for Blu-ray

Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 01:45 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, HBO (all tags)

Both acclaimed war miniseries are being bundled with an all-new documentary just in time for the holiday season.

In an early announcement to retailers, HBO has slated ' Band of Brothers / The Pacific: Special Edition Gift Set' for Blu-ray on November 8.

From executive producers Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, and Gary Goetzman, the two critically acclaimed 10-part HBO Miniseries 'Band of Brothers' and 'The Pacific' Blu-ray gift set with special documentary “Called to Service” featuring never-before-seen interviews from the Easy Company and 1st Marine Division veterans.

Take a peek at the packaging below:


Suggested list price for the 13-disc Blu-ray set is $199.99.

You can find the latest specs for 'Band of Brothers / The Pacific: Special Edition Gift Set' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's now indexed under November 8.

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)
Band of Brothers (Blu-ray)
The Pacific (Blu-ray)
Band of Brothers / The Pacific: Special Edition Gift Set (Blu-ray)

'The Cannonball Run' and 'Three Amigos!' Blu-rays Dated

Fri Aug 12, 2011 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: HBO, Disc Announcements (all tags)

The classic comedies are coming to Blu-ray in November!

As previously reported, HBO is preparing to release 'The Cannonball Run' on Blu-ray, and now the date appears to be November 8.

The film about an illegal cross-country car race features memorable performances by Burt Reynolds, Roger Moore, Farrah Fawcett, Dom DeLuise, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Adrienne Barbeau, Jackie Chan, Bert Convey, Terry Bradshaw, and Jamie Farr.

John Landis' 'Three Amigos!,' which stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Chevy Chase as unemployed actors who are mistaken for real gunslingers and are brought in to save a Mexican Village from the evil El Guapo, will hit stores November 22.

Specs and supplements have not been set yet, but suggested list price for each Blu-ray is set at only $14.98.

You can find the latest specs for 'The Cannonball Run' and 'Three Amigos!' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under November.

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 Cannonball Run (Blu-ray)
¡Three Amigos! (Blu-ray)

'The Cannonball Run' and 'Three Amigos!' Blu-rays Up for Pre-Order!

Thu Aug 04, 2011 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: HBO, Disc Announcements (all tags)

The classic comedies, the ones for those with more refined tastes, are coming to Blu-ray soon!

In an early announcement to retailers, HBO seems to be preparing to release 'The Cannonball Run' on Blu-ray in the near future.

The film about an illegal cross-country car race features memorable performances by Burt Reynolds, Roger Moore, Farrah Fawcett, Dom DeLuise, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Adrienne Barbeau, Jackie Chan, Bert Convey, Terry Bradshaw, and Jamie Farr.

John Landis' 'Three Amigos!' also looks to be in the works, which stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Chevy Chase as unemployed actors who are mistaken for real gunslingers and are brought in to save a Mexican Village from the evil El Guapo.

Specs, supplements, and a release date have not been set yet, but suggested list price for each Blu-ray is set at only $14.98.

You can find the latest specs for 'The Cannonball Run' and 'Three Amigos!' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under PENDING.

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 Cannonball Run (Blu-ray)
¡Three Amigos! (Blu-ray)


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