Recent Bluray News

The latest news on all things 4k Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Gear.
Let's Whet Your Appetite/The Statham Sting - HDD's 4K UHD & Blu-ray Shopping Guide, Apr 22, 2024

 Title volume ticks up quite a bit this week. Call it a bit of an appetizer to the smorgasbord of titles next week. Statham returns as a 'beekeeper,' no doubt Stathaming as best as Statham knows how!

 Welcome to Volume 4 Episode 47 of our weekly release guide. A look at the highlights of what's coming to disc the week of April 21st - April 27th, as well as a look at announcements from last week.

4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases-

 Try not to buy something this week, just try!

 Import Monday has a couple of titles to choose from. First, StudioCanal's premium label, their "Vintage Classics" presentation of The Lavender Hill Mob. A comedy/crime classic starring Sir Alec Guinness. I might have just bought my first title of the week and we are not even on to Domestic titles yet.

 

 In my slightly annoyed leer, recent hit comedy/drama The Holdovers gets a 4K import. The leer is aimed at Universal Pictures, not Dazzler Media who brings it to us in 4K, while Uni does not. I totally get that not every film gets 4K, but this one should!

 

  And a hard rock music title, somehow now showing up as a January release, but probably an error on Amazon's part, Mötley Crüe: The End - Live in Los Angeles.

 And on to Domestic Tuesday titles we go as we look at two new release from Warner Bros!

 First up, a Jason Statham action/thriller (bet you thought I was going to say romcom right?) The Beekeeper. How are you holding up for the buy nothing challenge?

 

 Next, DC Animation's Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part 2.

 

 Starting off catalog releases, might as well stick with Warner Bros for their star-filled, award winning director release of The Departed. You can also opt for the SteelBook if you wish.

    

 

 Sony Pictures has the SteelBook of Steel Magnolias this week.

 

 Up next, a pair of Indicator Series Limited Editions with The Demoniacs and The Nude Vampire.

    

 

 A label we don't see every week, Blue Underground has Goodbye Uncle Tom, presented as a 4-Disc Limited Edition. Personally have never been steered wrong yet with the quality of any of their releases.

 

 Criterion has foreign film I Am Cuba this week.

 

 From team Kino, Andrei Tarkovsky's Nostalghia.

 

 And closing out the week for 4K, Shout Select release Rolling Thunder.

 

 How did you fare? I got 5 for sures and 3 maybes. Next week, Disc-ocalypse returns with way too many titles to summarize! (Although, a bunch of them are standard edition reissues, so there is hope yet of not quite destroying your account balance.)

 

Blu-ray releases-

 Blu-ray counterparts of the above 4K releases include a lot,  The Beekeeper and Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part Two from Warner Bros, The Demoniacs and The Nude Vampire under the Indicator Series, Goodbye Uncle Tom from Blue Underground, I Am Cuba from Criterion, and Nostalghia from Kino Lorber.

 The blu-ray category looks quite busy, even if we exclude the off-brand boutiques, there are still a lot to look at. (And maybe there are some lesser known boutique titles you want to look at.)

 New action/comedy Drive-Away Dolls comes to us via Universal.

 

 From Eureka Entertainment, Jet Li stars in Black Mask, available as a 2-disc limited edition. Wouldn't be a Eureka week if there were only one title. Also look for The Cat and the Canary, all the way back from 1927.

 

 MPI has a mediabook of Hansel and Gretel (1987) this week. If you opt for the standard release, there's that too.

 

 From Arrow Video, The Scarface Mob, a crime/drama based on a TV pilot of the hunt for ruthless gangster Al Capone.

 

 Friday via Amazon US, lots of Umbrella Entertainment and Via Vision (Australia) imports become available to the US market:

 

Notable announcements from last week:

 Criterion has announced their July 2024 disc slate. Look for Black God, White Devil blu-ray, Farewell My Concubine blu-ray and 4K, Le Samouraï in 4K, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid blu-ray and 4K, Perfect Days blu-ray and 4K, and Risky Business blu-ray and 4K.

4K Release Calendar

2K/BD Release Calendar

Which titles are you buying this week? Which ones are on your wishlist, be it to buy as an impulse buy or to wait for the right price?



Neon Conceives The U.S. Blu-ray Release of 'Immaculate' Starring Sydney Sweeney June 11 German 4K Mediabook July 18

Neon's latest horror effort Immaculate from director Michael Mohan will birth its first domestic Blu-ray release on June 11th. Those who have moved on to digital streaming collecting will be able to pick up the film today, April 16th. 
4K UHD collectors can look to import from Capelight in Germany. 

Between The First Omen and Immaculate - 2024 has been one hell of a devilishly delicious year for religiously-themed female body horror films. Given recent legal events of the past couple of years in the U.S., the timing of these films couldn't be more perfect - and they're both actually pretty damn good! Now if we can get Late Night with the Devil on disc soon, we can have a devilishly great triple feature for the collections. Taking a page from Italian Giallo and Nunsploitation classics, Immaculate enjoyed a successful theatrical run and is ready to take over your home video collection. Neon hasn't been bountiful about the disc details of A/V specs or bonus features, but we have a firm street date and it's up for pre-order right now! 

Immaculate - Blu-ray 

Now for all those asking, "Where's the 4K, where's the 4K?" - well, right now you're going to have to import that. Thanks to Germany's Capelight Pictures. A two-disc 4K UHD + Blu-ray Mediabook; this edition is set to offer Dolby Vision HDR (and HDR10), DTS-HD MA 5.1 in German and English language tracks. Capelight hasn't yet listed any bonus features yet either. For fans who don't want to wait for a 4K to maybe, hopefully, possibly get a 4K release here stateside, importing looks to be the best way to go. So far, no other foreign territories have offered up a 4K disc release, but that could change. We'll keep an eye out.

Immaculate - 4K UHD Mediabook (German Import)

Both of these releases are now up for pre-order. As soon as we get updated info for either of these releases or if another import release enters the market, we'll update listings ASAP - Happy collecting!

Happy IRS Day! - Spend Your Refund with HDD's 4K UHD & Blu-ray Shopping Guide, Apr 15, 2024

 Happy IRS day! Got a big refund coming? Dolby is tugging at your refund check. That is, Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision! And how bout that backlog of discs?

 We get another below average slow week this week, with another disc-ocalypse just around the corner. If every week were busy, burning the candle at both ends would not really be very sustainable, agreed?

 Welcome to Volume 4 Episode 46 of our weekly release guide. A look at the highlights of what's coming to disc the week of April 14th - April 20th, as well as a look at announcements from last week.

4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases-

 We actually do have a new release this week, that being Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: The Final Season, brought to us via Paramount. And since it's a final season, why not include The Complete Series while we are it it? Let us also offer up the obvious money grab, Jack Ryan Ultimate 5-Movie Collection. Maybe you held off buying this collection?

   

 

 From the Criterion Collection, Hungarian film Werckmeister Harmonies.

 

On the delayed list, The Faculty from Shout Factory to an undetermined date, and High Noon from Kino Lorber to May 7th. The latter still shows up on Amazon for a release this week, but official listings at Kino Lorber indicate otherwise.

 Word of caution -- Disc-ocalypse, part two is just 2 weeks away!

 

Blu-ray releases-

 Blu-ray counterparts of the above 4K releases includes Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: The Final Season (not available to order at press time-alternate WALMART LINK) and Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: The Complete Series from Paramount. Also available, Werckmeister Harmonies from Criterion.

 For the rest of this category, it is a bit slow. But as always, here are the highlights...

 Shout Factory has a new 'Select' release of 1997 drama Affliction.

 

 

 Universal has the latest comedy sequel, Half Baked: Totally High. Amazon has their stupid Allied Vaughn placeholder for the studio still, but it really is Universal.

 

 Also from Universal, the latest season in the series, The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die.

 From Sony Pictures, 1991 crime drama City of Hope. Under the Sony Pictures Classics label (NOT Allied Vaughn as Amazon shows), the Polish animated drama The Peasants.

 

 Just one release in the anime category this week, Rozen Maiden: The Complete Series.

 

 Star Trek: Lower Decks - Season Four comes to disc this week via Paramount.

 

 

Notable announcements from last week:

 In the 'You're Welcome' category, Francis Ford Coppola's One from the Heart: Reprise  will be coming to domestic 4K from LionsGate on May 7th. You're Welcome because I bought the import literally a month ago. Any other titles you would like me to import?

 Warner Bros. has announced that Dune: Part Two will be coming to blu-ray and 4K on May 14th. Specs would indicate it will *not* include the IMAX ratio.

 Sony Pictures Entertainment has announced that Madame Web will be released on April 30th to blu-ray and 4K format.

 In entertainment industry news, Universal All-Access Rewards will be completely closed on July 31st. Seldom did this program offer physical rewards, but I would use it to add digital copies to my locker of titles that often times got licensed out to boutique labels for disc production. Boutique labels almost never include digital copies, so that was a nice side gig.

4K Release Calendar

2K/BD Release Calendar

Which titles are you buying this week? Which ones are on your wishlist, be it to buy as an impulse buy or to wait for the right price?



Redeem Those Points! Universal All-Access Rewards Closing June 30th 2024

Have you been redeeming those digital copy slips that come with your discs? Universal Studios' popular rewards program Universal All-Access which lets you redeem points for swag, tickets, and digital copies will be closing on June 30th. Last day to redeem points will be July 31st, 2024 

For a number of film fans out there who have loved building a physical media collection, they've also been building their digital streaming collections redeeming the codes on those little slips of paper. Like fellow studios Disney and Sony, Universal Studios gave collectors a little extra incentive with their own branded rewards program - Universal All-Access. This service gave members the opportunity for a little extra juice from their media purchases by redeeming their accumulated points for fun swag items like posters and such, movie tickets, or redeem for more digital copies of favorite films. Every month a new batch of rewards would arrive giving you all the more reason to keep redeeming those codes. Well, that's all coming to a close within the next three months.

Per an email that was sent out to members this morning, Universal All-Access' last days are on the horizon. The final day to redeem codes for their point values will be June 30th. The last day to redeem those points will be July 31st. As a parting gesture to users, the final batch of new digital rewards will go live in June and they're saying it's supposed to be a much larger selection than normal. So if you've been hoarding those points (I regularly forget to redeem them for rewards and have over 21,000 points), you'll only have a couple of months to get all the goodies you can. 

Here's what was in the email:

"Dear Valued Members,

  • As we wind down the program, we encourage you to redeem your accumulated points by exploring the new rewards for March.

Please note the following important dates and information regarding the program’s closure:

  1. Last Day to Earn Points: The last day to earn points is June 30th, 2024. We encourage you to make any planned movie purchases by this date to maximize your Points earning potential.
  2. Last Day to Redeem Points: The last day to redeem points is July 31st, 2024. We encourage you to redeem any outstanding rewards points accumulated by this date. Any points not redeemed by this date will be forfeited.
  3. Redeeming Your Points: You can continue to redeem points for rewards until July 31st, 2024. In a special final gesture, we're excited to announce that the last batch of free movie rewards, available in early June, will be significantly larger than usual, providing an extensive selection for you to choose from. This is our way of saying thank you and ensuring you have ample opportunity to enjoy a wide array of movies, making the most of your accumulated points. Stay tuned for more details.
  4. Customer Support: Our customer service team is here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about this change. Whether you need help with redeeming your points or have questions about your account, we’re here to ensure a smooth transition.
  • We understand this may be disappointing news, and we want to extend our sincerest appreciation for your engagement with the Universal All-Access Rewards Program. Your passion for movies has made this program a wonderful journey, and we’re excited about what the future holds for our community.
  • Please expect further communications over the next few months regarding the closure to ensure you are fully informed. Should you have any questions or require assistance, please reach out to our Customer Support Team.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Best regards,
Universal All-Access Rewards Staff" 

That just about does it. While it sucks to see the program close - it's been a nice and easy way to grow my digital collection, I'm glad they're not simply turning the faucet off. You've got time to get those reward slip codes in and they're at least going to be adding more titles to the program for a couple more months so you can burn through those points. 

Picnic at the Empire State Building - HDD's 4K UHD & Blu-ray Shopping Guide, Apr 7, 2024

 Is not a lot of witticism to open with this week, it basically being an ordinary slow week. As far as physical media and entertainment, we keep chugging along.

 Welcome to Volume 4 Episode 45 of our weekly release guide. A look at the highlights of what's coming to disc the week of April 7th - April 13th, as well as a look at announcements from last week.

4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases-

 4K catalog week, part deux, or is it part tres. No matter, here's what to look for this week. Two weeks to the next wallet-buster.

 From Paramount Pictures, the SteelBook of King Kong (1976). Shout Factory very recently did a blu-ray release of this one. The lesson we learned from the Shout release was not to go in with high expectations as the source material has a few issues. Still, I expect this release to look the best of all the previous releases.

 

 From the Criterion Collection, Picnic at Hanging Rock. When I ordered the Second Sight UK fat-pack some time back, I did so knowing full well that Criterion would probably be doing a US release. But at the same time, Criterion does not offer it in a fancy edition or a swag filled fat-pack, so I am still happy with what I got.

 

 From Massacre Video and (maybe) this week, action/horror Postal.

 

 Closing out the category, an MPI Mediabook of Don Lee's The Roundup: No Way Out. For now, to get the original film with a Mediabook, it's blu-ray only.

 

Blu-ray releases-

 Blu-ray counterparts of the above 4K releases? This week look for The Roundup: No Way Out, in a standard edition blu-ray.

 The rest of the category has a little bit of wallet-recharge vibe to it. Here are a few things though that you may want to ponder.

 Two entries from Universal Pictures, Lisa Frankenstein: Collector's Edition and Night Swim: Collector's Edition. Are studios overusing the term Collector's Edition? If you are hollaring Where's the 4K? to truly make it a Collector's Edition, I won't disagree with you here. Not every movie gets such a physical release, but then some just seem inevitable. Whether a 4K double-dip is on our future, by Universal or Turbine, that is to be determined. [Edit: A UK 4K edition for Lisa Frankenstein is already available for preorder with a sttreet date in June, and it looks like Night Swim is coming in May, so, back to posing the original question to Universal/Blumhouse. Some people don't link importing though as there is a small chance of compatibility issues. Often times the enclose blu-ray on these UK releases are region locked.]

 

 Doom Patrol: The Complete Fourth and Final Season comes to us via Warner Bros. You can also get a Complete Series set if you waited for this point of the series.

 

 From the MVD Rewind Collection label, action flick Mean Guns: Collector's Edition.

 The only Anime Highlight this week is Peter Grill and the Philosopher's Time Super Extra (Season 2). I feel like we have been stuck at the previous season for awhile, so this is quite welcome.

 

 If you have been waiting for the non-Walmart Exclusive edition of Winnie the Pooh: Blood & Honey, it comes as a standard release this week. Can you believe there are already two sequels to this? One is already made, the other is in the works. The film was made on a low budget, and there are a couple of territories which it is available as a 4K disc, but those releases are probably not much of an upgrade.

 Worthy Mention: Fourteen years after Warner Bros releases it, Shout Factory brings us a new edition of Lost in Space: Collector's Edition.

 

Notable announcements from last week:

 Paramount has revealed the next Paramount Presents label title to be Chinatown, as a 4K release with a bonus blu-ray of Two Jakes. Expect to see this release June 18th.

 LionsGate will be releasing a blu-ray of Blumhouse's Imaginary on May 14th. Yup, I will say it again this time .... Blumhouse, what's with the lack of 4K releases of so much of your library? Time to catch up with 2024.

 Shout Factory's various labels have revealed releases for June. They are an interesting slate that include Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning, Matinee 4K, Robocop (2014) 4K, Robocop 2 4K,  The First Slam Dunk and Species II 4K. Yeah, my video wall is probably going to burst with that slate.

 

4K Release Calendar

2K/BD Release Calendar

Which titles are you buying this week? Which ones are on your wishlist, be it to buy as an impulse buy or to wait for the right price?



Ethan Coen's 'Drive-Away Dolls' Hits the Road to Blu-ray on April 23

Universal is preparing to release Ethan Coen's film Drive-Away Dolls on Blu-ray + DVD + Digital combo pack on April 23.

The road-trip comedy starring Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal, Colman Domingo, and Bill Camp will be streaming exclusively on Peacock April 12. Digital purchases and rentals will also be available on the same date.

Written by Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke, the story follows Jamie (Margaret Qualley), an uninhibited free spirit bemoaning yet another breakup with a girlfriend, and her demure friend Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan), who desperately needs to loosen up. In search of a fresh start, the two embark on an impromptu road trip to Tallahassee, but things quickly go awry when they cross paths with a group of inept criminals along the way.

Drive-Away Dolls - Blu-ray 

Drive-Away Dolls 

The Blu-ray + DVD + Digital combo pack includes a English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 soundtrack and the following supplements: 

 

  • THE DRIVE-AWAY GANG – Sit down with the cast and filmmakers of DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS as they discuss their roles, getting into character, and the exciting cameo appearances.
  • DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS: AN ETHAN AND TRICIA PROJECT – Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke discuss what inspired them to write this story, why they waited 20 years to bring it to life, and what it was like working together on a project from start to finish for the first time.
  • ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS

Pre-orders for Drive-Away Dolls are up and here is the full press release:


WATCH THE LATEST FILM FROM  ACCLAIMED DIRECTOR ETHAN COEN AND WRITER TRICIA COOKE

Drive-Away Dolls

AVAILABLE TO OWN ON DIGITAL & BLU-RAY™ 

EXCLUSIVE NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN BONUS CONTENT

AVAILABLE ONLY ON DIGITAL APRIL 12, 2024 

AND BLU-RAY™ APRIL 23, 2022

THE HILARIOUS ROAD-TRIP COMEDY CAPER ALSO STREAMS EXCLUSIVELY ON PEACOCK APRIL 12

Universal City, California, April 5, 2024 – Bring home Academy Award® winner Ethan Coen’s (The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, The Big Lebowski) solo directorial debut with DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS. The film will be making its streaming premiere exclusively on Peacock beginning April 12th. It will also be available to own with exclusive bonus features, including a sit down with the cast and filmmakers, on Digital April 12, 2024 and on Blu-rayTM April 23, 2024, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

 

This new road trip comedy caper film showcases an all-star cast including Primetime Emmy Award® nominee Margaret Qualley (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), Geraldine Viswanathan (Blockers), Beanie Feldstein (Booksmart, Lady Bird), Matt Damon (Oppenheimer, Ford v Ferrari), Primetime Emmy Award® nominee Pedro Pascal (“The Last of Us”),  Colman Domingo (Rustin, The Color Purple), and Primetime Emmy Award® nominee Bill Camp ( “The Queen’s Gambit,” “The Night Of”).

 

Written by Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke, the story follows Jamie (Margaret Qualley), an uninhibited free spirit bemoaning yet another breakup with a girlfriend, and her demure friend Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan), who desperately needs to loosen up. In search of a fresh start, the two embark on an impromptu road trip to Tallahassee, but things quickly go awry when they cross paths with a group of inept criminals along the way.

 

BONUS FEATURES on DIGITAL, BLU-RAYTM AND DVD: 

• THE DRIVE-AWAY GANG – Sit down with the cast and filmmakers of DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS as they discuss their roles, getting into character, and the exciting cameo appearances.

• DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS: AN ETHAN AND TRICIA PROJECT – Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke discuss what inspired them to write this story, why they waited 20 years to bring it to life, and what it was like working together on a project from start to finish for the first time.

• ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS

For more information on DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS please visit:

Press Advisory: https://www.uphe.com/press-release/drive-away-dolls-press-release

UPHE Website: https://www.uphe.com/movies/drive-away-dolls

Peacock: www.peacocktv.com/stream-movies/drive-away-dolls

Trailer: https://uni.pictures/DriveAwayDolls_HomeEntTrailer

Facebook: /Drive-Away Dolls |/UniversalPicturesAllAccess

X: @DriveAwayDolls | @UniAllAccess

Instagram: @DriveAwayDolls | @UniAllAccess

#DriveAwayDolls

 

FILMMAKERS:

Cast: Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Colman Domingo, Pedro Pascal, Bill Camp, and Matt Damon

Casting By: Ellen Chenoweth and Rachel Tenner

Music By: Carter Burwell

Costume Designer: Peggy Schnitzer

Edited By: Tricia Cooke

Production Designer: Yong Ok Lee

Director Of Photography: Ari Wegner, ACS, ASC

Produced By: Ethan Coen, Tricia Cooke, Robert Graf, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner

Written By: Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke

Directed By: Ethan Coen

 

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BLU-RAYTM:

Street Date: April 23, 2024

Selection Number: 191329255988

Layers: BD 50

Aspect Ratio: 16:9 1.85:1 Widescreen

Rating: R for crude sexual content, full nudity, language and some violent content

Subtitles: English SDH, French Canadian, and Latin American Spanish

Languages/Sound: English (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 for Feature, Dolby Digital 2.0 for Bonus Content), French Canadian (Dolby Digital Surround 5.1), and Latin American Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1)

Run Time: 01:23:37

 

TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD:

Street Date: April 23, 2024

Selection Number: 191329255766

Layers: DVD 9

Aspect Ratio: 16:9 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen

Rating: R for crude sexual content, full nudity, language and some violent content

Subtitles: English SDH, French Canadian, and Latin American Spanish

Languages/Sound: English (Dolby Digital 5.1 for Feature, Dolby Digital 2.0 for Bonus Content), French Canadian (Dolby Digital 5.1 for Feature), and Latin American Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1)

Run Time: 01:23:27

 

ABOUT UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT:

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (UPHE – www.uphe.com) is a unit of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG). UFEG produces, acquires, markets and distributes filmed entertainment worldwide in various media formats for theatrical, home entertainment, television and other distribution platforms, as well as consumer products, interactive gaming and live entertainment. The global division includes Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, Universal Brand Development, Fandango, DreamWorks Animation Film and Television.  UFEG is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience.  NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

 

ABOUT PEACOCK:

Peacock is NBCUniversal’s streaming service providing audiences a singular, unmatched content destination. As one of the most complete streaming products on the market, Peacock offers exclusive breakout original series; more than 8,000 hours of live sports and entertainment programming; hit movies right after theaters from Universal Pictures, Focus Features, DreamWorks Animation and Illumination; next-day access to all new shows from NBC and Bravo; fan-favorite library content; daily live news; as well as live channels from brands including Hallmark and WWE. Built on the foundation of NBCUniversal with a spirit that is all Peacock, the platform delivers for its audiences with innovative technology, creative partnerships, and entertainment that is truly entertaining.

 

'Imaginary' Makes Blu-ray Its New BFF on May 14

Lionsgate and Blumhouse are set to release Jeff Wadlow's horror film Imaginary on Blu-ray + DVD + Digital combo pack on May 14. Digital arrives a week earlier on May 7.

Imaginary features Blumhouse's next horror icon Chauncey the Bear and the Blu-ray will include several supplements and a Dolby Atmos soundtrack. 

When Jessica moves back into her childhood home with her family, her youngest stepdaughter, Alice, finds a stuffed bear named Chauncey. As Alice's behavior becomes more and more concerning, Jessica intervenes only to realize that Chauncey is much more than the stuffed toy bear she believed him to be.

Imaginary - Blu-ray

Imaginary 

The Blu-ray + DVD + Digital combo pack includes Dolby Atmos audio and the following supplements: 

  • Audio Commentary by Producer-Cowriter-Director Jeff Wadlow and Executive Producer-Actress DeWanda Wise
  • Meet Your New Imaginary Friends
    Meet the cast of Imaginary as they discuss the meaning behind their characters and the terrifying creatures of the Never Ever. They also discuss the universal childhood experience of imaginary friends and how that plays such a crucial part in how they worked through this film.
  • Frills and Thrills
    Costume designer Eulyn C. Hufkie uncovers the real-life inspirations behind her designs for the leading ladies of Imaginary. 
  • Crafting the Beasts of Imaginary
    Meet Mark Viniello, Claire Flewin, Richard Landon, and Tim Huizing, the Spectral Motion team and puppeteers behind Chauncey the Bear and Bear Beast. Prepare to be amazed as they guide you through a captivating showcase, unveiling their remarkable creations. Immerse yourself in the behind-the-scenes and feature footage that reveals the magic behind each practical effect and how they breathe life into the world of Imaginary.
  • Bringing Nightmares to Life
    Step into the realm of nightmares as you embark on the Never Ever created by production designer Meghan C. Rogers. We’re guided through the home’s terrifying rooms, each infused with an unsettling sense of dread. We unveil the builds, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that brings Jessica’s nightmares to life, from the writing on the walls to the haunting crawl space entrance into Never Ever. Here you’ll gain insight into the twisted world of Imaginary. 

Pre-orders for Imaginary are up and here is the full press release:


 

Imaginary Blu-ray

On Electronic Sell-Through May 7 and Blu-ray™, DVD, and Digital May 14 from Lionsgate® 

Hold Blumhouse’s newest nightmare in your own arms!

SANTA MONICA, CA (April 2, 2024) – Keep your new best friend forever when IMAGINARY arrives on Electronic Sell-Through May 7 and Blu-ray™ (+ DVD and Digital), and DVD from Lionsgate. IMAGINARY stars Chauncey the Bear, Blumhouse’s latest horror icon, now ready to play in your imagination at home! But remember, Chauncey is not imaginary, and not your friend. Alongside Chauncey are his human castmates DeWanda Wise (Jurassic World Dominion), Tom Payne (“The Walking Dead”), Taegen Burns (“The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers”), Pyper Braun (Desperation Road), Betty Buckley (Carrie), Matthew Sato (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”), and Veronica Falcón (“Ozark”).

When Jessica moves back into her childhood home with her family, her youngest stepdaughter, Alice, finds a stuffed bear named Chauncey. As Alice's behavior becomes more and more concerning, Jessica intervenes only to realize that Chauncey is much more than the stuffed toy bear she believed him to be.

 

Lionsgate and Blumhouse present, a Tower of Babble production. Written by Jeff Wadlow & Greg Erb & Jason Oremland. Directed by Jeff Wadlow.

 

On May 7, Imaginary will be available on Electronic Sell-Through for $14.99 and on May 14, Imaginary will also be available on Blu-ray™ (+ DVD and Digital) for $39.99 and on DVD for $29.96.

 

CAST:

• DeWanda Wise                Jurassic World Dominion, The Harder They Fall

• Tom Payne                      “Prodigal Son,” “The Walking Dead”

• Taegen Burns                  “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers,” “Blue Ridge”

• Pyper Braun                     Desperation Road, “Erin & Aaron”

• Betty Buckley                  Split, The Happening, Carrie

• Matthew Sato                  “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”

• And Veronica Falcón       “Ozark,” “Perry Mason,” The Forever Purge

 

SPECIAL FEATURES:

• Audio Commentary by Producer-Cowriter-Director Jeff Wadlow and Executive Producer-Actress DeWanda Wise

• Meet Your New Imaginary Friends

Meet the cast of Imaginary as they discuss the meaning behind their characters and the terrifying creatures of the Never Ever. They also discuss the universal childhood experience of imaginary friends and how that plays such a crucial part in how they worked through this film.

• Frills and Thrills

Costume designer Eulyn C. Hufkie uncovers the real-life inspirations behind her designs for the leading ladies of Imaginary. 

• Crafting the Beasts of Imaginary

Meet Mark Viniello, Claire Flewin, Richard Landon, and Tim Huizing, the Spectral Motion team and puppeteers behind Chauncey the Bear and Bear Beast. Prepare to be amazed as they guide you through a captivating showcase, unveiling their remarkable creations. Immerse yourself in the behind-the-scenes and feature footage that reveals the magic behind each practical effect and how they breathe life into the world of Imaginary.

• Bringing Nightmares to Life

Step into the realm of nightmares as you embark on the Never Ever created by production designer Meghan C. Rogers. We’re guided through the home’s terrifying rooms, each infused with an unsettling sense of dread. We unveil the builds, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that brings Jessica’s nightmares to life, from the writing on the walls to the haunting crawl space entrance into Never Ever. Here you’ll gain insight into the twisted world of Imaginary. 

 

 

Official Site: https://www.imaginary.movie/

Publicity Materials: https://www.lionsgatepublicity.com/theatrical/imaginary

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imaginaryfilm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImaginaryFilm/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ImaginaryFilm

Hashtag:#ImaginaryFilm

 

PROGRAM INFORMATION 

Year of Production: 2024

Title Copyright: Imaginary © 2024 Lions Gate Films Inc. and Blumhouse Productions, LLC. Artwork & Supplementary Materials ®, ™ & © 2024 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Type: New Release

Rating: PG-13 for some violent content, drug material and language

Genre: Horror, Mystery

Feature Run Time: 1hr 44min

Subtitles: English, English SDH, Spanish, French

Closed-Captioned: No

Blu-ray™ Format: 1080p High Definition 16x9 (2.39:1) Presentation 

DVD Format: 16x9 (2.39:1) Presentation 

Blu-ray Audio:  English Dolby Atmos, English Descriptive Audio, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Audio

DVD Audio:  English 5.1 Dolby Audio, English Descriptive Audio, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Audio

 

'The First Slam Dunk' Dribbles to Blu-ray on June 25

The critically-acclaimed animated sports thriller The First Slam Dunk is coming to Blu-ray on January 25 from GKIDS.

The animated feature film is based on the manga "Slam Dunk" by Takehiko Inoue and has broken box-office records in several countries and won the Japan Academy Film Prize for Best Animation in 2023.

Shohoku’s “speedster” and point guard, Ryota Miyagi, always plays with brains and lightning speed, running circles around his opponents while feigning composure. Born and raised in Okinawa, Ryota had a brother who was three years older. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, who was a famous local player from a young age, Ryota also became addicted to basketball.

In his second year of high school, Ryota plays with the Shohoku High School basketball team along with Sakuragi, Rukawa, Akagi, and Mitsui as they take the stage at the Inter-High School National Championship. And now, they are on the brink of challenging the reigning champions, Sannoh Kogyo High School. 

The First Slam Dunk - Blu-ray
The First Slam Dunk
 

The first print of the Blu-ray will include team stickers and the following supplements: 

  • Interview with the Director Takehiko Inoue
  • Behind the Starting Line-up: English dub featurette
  • Color commentary with the English dub team
  • Trailers & Teasers

Pre-order your copy of The First Slam Dunk now - Happy Collecting! 

HDD's 4K UHD & Blu-ray Shopping Guide, Mar 31, 2024 is Brought To You By...

 Just a little quote from Major League (and there were some good ones, but most of them were too long for a title):

    Harry Doyle: The post-game show is brought to you by...
    [searches through his papers]
    Harry Doyle: Christ, I can't find it. To hell with it.

 The right answer is of course Amazon, Walmart and readers like you for using our links to shop.

 With the week of Easter upon us, an average week of 4K disc releases this week, how well did you fare last week? I'd be lying if I said I bought nothing.

 Welcome to Volume 4 Episode 44 of our weekly release guide. A look at the highlights of what's coming to disc the week of March 31st - April 6th, as well as a look at announcements from last week.

4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases-

 Another week of catalog titles in the 4K category, which is A-OK as there are so many releases we would like to see!

 Coming off the wish list and moved to the now list, first from Paramount Pictures, sports comedy Major League. This one is also available as a SteelBook edition.

 

 And next, from Criterion collection, French drama La haine.

 

 Next, let's put a spotlight on Walmart for taking over the "Exclusive SteelBook Edition" releases after Best Buy chose to abandon physical media. This week all the exclusives are LionsGate releases. Debuting to 4K disc for the first time, action/adventure Cutthroat Island. Currently out of stock, just keep checking is the advice I would give you. Just this past week I ordered Silent Night 4K, it was out of stock since release date (January) but is now available again.

 

 Next are a few double (or triple or quadruple, or I lost count) dips, we see where John Rambo started and ended, referring to First Blood and Last Blood. These are the kind of releases that if you "maybe" want them, but then hold off and miss out, you might kick yourself. Sounds like a justifiable excuse, no?

 

 And if you know which movies I am referring to when I say retired and extremely dangerous, you win bragging rights this week! Formerly available as single releases, and an obsure 2-movie collection that went OOP, now you can get Red 1 & 2 as a Walmart Exclusive SteelBook. I call these sleeper titles, I had never heard of them, then sat down and watched the first and was pretty impressed, so I had to seek the sequel as well, then of course 4K.

 

 Next week, more of the same with regards to it being a catalog title week. Still ample opportunities to spend spend spend.

 

Blu-ray releases-

 There are no Blu-ray counterparts of the above 4K releases, hey, recharge that wallet from last week right?

 As far as blu-ray releases in general this week, there are a lot of "B" titles on the list. One person's junk is another person's treasure. Without judgment, here are the highlights.

 Anime highlight this week includes just Black Bullet - Complete Collection, which is a reissue with a different cover.

 

 Who wouldn't want a cheap-budget trash Easter horror during the week of Easter? Check out Easter Bloody Easter.

 

 MPI now has the rights to distribute Stigmata, and it is available as both a Mediabook and a standard edition.

 

 To the rescue comes the land from down under.  Imprint Films' and Imprint Asia's March batch of titles is available at Amazon USA this week, they include:

 

 

Notable announcements from last week:

 Warner Bros has announced an offical street date of May 14th for American Sniper to 4K disc. In their standard formula, the UK will be getting a more elaborate release with more special features and swag. Editor Matthew Hartman made a comparison of the UK getting a far superior release of this film to the UK getting an all out deluxe release of The Patriot (Mel Gibson). I would love to hear from Warner Bros why they think the US market doesn't want the nicer releases. I know they tried it in the past, but those releases had f'ugly covers and less desirable swag.

 Last week I mentioned that Se7en was likely going to be released in May. No sooner did the article publish and we found out the film is getting an IMAX revisit and a newer scan, so it has been pushed to probably Winter 2024.

 Arrow Video has announced their June 2024 titles. American Gigolo will be available on blu-ray, 4K and an Arrow Store Exclusive 4K. The latter offers a much better cover art, nothing else, but that's enough for me to order it. Mute Witness will also be getting a blu-ray and 4K release. Arrow UK will also be releasing Withnail and I and Madman to 4K. Madman was released by Vinegar Syndrome last year. For UK blu-ray, they will be releasing Nightsiren (Svetlonoc) as well.

4K Release Calendar

2K/BD Release Calendar

Which titles are you buying this week? Which ones are on your wishlist, be it to buy as an impulse buy or to wait for the right price?



The Game Of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection, Vol.1 Blu-ray Limited Edition Box Set Available for Pre-order!

If you like Bruce Lee and exploitation movies, you'll love the Blu-ray boxed set of "Bruceploitation" films being put out by Severin now available for pre-order only available on their website with limited quantities  so if you need this for your collection don't wait too long!

Also available is the 2023 documentary 'Enter the Clones of Bruce' that delves deep into the Bruceploitation genre.

The Game Of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection, Vol.1 (Limited Edition Website Exclusive)

The Game Of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection, Vol.1 (Limited Edition Website Exclusive) 

“Many films tried to capitalize on the popularity of Bruce Lee. Some amped up the craziness as far as it would go. Others played it straight, delivering seriously good films. At its best, Bruceploitation was some of the most uninhibited and exciting martial arts cinema of the age.”

 Den Of Geek

Hours after Bruce Lee’s death, Bruceploitation was born. And for the next 10 years, talented martial artists were enlisted to mimic iconic aspects of Lee’s life, style and mannerisms. Fueled by equal parts deception and demand, these films instead created one of the most wildly entertaining sub-genres in movie history. THE GAME OF CLONES: BRUCEPLOITATION COLLECTION, VOLUME 1 now presents 14 of the very best – and frequently very bizarre – films starring Bruce Li, Bruce Le, Dragon Lee, Bruce Liang and more, all restored for the first time ever from original film elements. 

Each of these 14 Bruceploitation classics – THE CLONES OF BRUCE LEE (1980), ENTER THREE DRAGONS (1978), ENTER THE GAME OF DEATH (1978), GOOD BYE, BRUCE LEE: HIS LAST GAME OF DEATH (1975), THE DRAGON LIVES AGAIN (1977), BRUCE AND THE IRON FINGER (1977), CHALLENGE OF THE TIGER (1980), CAMEROON CONNECTION (1984), SUPER DRAGON: THE BRUCE LEE STORY (1974), THE DRAGON LIVES (1976), THE DRAGON, THE HERO (1980), RAGE OF THE DRAGON (1980), THE BLACK DRAGON VS. THE YELLOW TIGER (1974), and the never-before available THE BIG BOSS PART II (1976) – also feature exclusive bonus programming that includes all-new interviews, audio commentaries and revealing featurettes, as well as a 100-page Bruceploitation book filled with essays, posters, rare photos and more.

THE GAME OF CLONES: BRUCEPLOITATION COLLECTION, VOLUME 1

Blu-ray: $199.95srp

Catalog #: SEV15660BR

Disc 1:

ENTER THE CLONES OF BRUCE (2023)

Special Features:

• Audio Commentary With Co-Executive Producer/Director David Gregory, Co-Producers Frank Djeng, Vivian Wong And Michael Worth And Director Of Photography Jim Kunz

• Working At Shaw Brothers – Outtakes With Godfrey Ho, David Chiang, Yasuaki Kurata, Lee Chiu, Lo Meng, Mars And Phillip Ko 

• Bruce Lee And I – Outtakes With Sammo Hung, Phillip Ko, Yasuaki Kurata, Mars, Angela Mao, Andre Morgan, Lee Tso Nam And More 

• The Lost World Of Kung Fu Film Negatives – Outtakes With Godfrey Ho, Joseph Lai, Angela Mao, Lee Tso Nam And Film Preservationists 

• Bruce's Hong Kong – Location Tour With Frank Djeng 

• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth 

• Trailers

Runtime: 94 mins
Audio: Stereo Audio / English Subtitles, Chinese Subtitles, French Subtitles
Region Free
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1

Disc 2:

THE CLONES OF BRUCE LEE (1980)

Special Features:

• Audio Commentary With Michael Worth And Frank Djeng, Co-Producers Of ENTER THE CLONES OF BRUCE; Bruce Lee Historian Brandon Bentley; Chris Poggiali, Co-Author Of These Fists Break Bricks; Matthew Whitaker, Co-Host Of The Clones Cast; Action Film Historian Mike Leader; Stunt Coordinator/Author John Kreng; And Rick Benn, Brother Of Actor Jon T. Benn

• The Big Boss Remembered – Interview With Actor Jon T. Benn 

• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth 

• Trailer

Runtime: 90 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1

ENTER THREE DRAGONS (1978)

Special Features:

• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth 

• Trailer

Runtime: 87 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Disc 3:

ENTER THE GAME OF DEATH (1978)

Special Features:

• Partial Audio Commentary With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth

• Scene Specific Commentary With Actor Chi Ling Chiu

• Kung Fu Movie Hustle – Interview With Chi Ling Chiu 

• Talking A Good Game – Roundtable Discussion With Martial Artists/Kung Fu Film Experts Tatevik Hunanyan, John Kreng, Ron Strong And Michael Worth 

• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Michael Worth 

• Trailer

Runtime: 90 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions/
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

GOODBYE, BRUCE LEE: HIS LAST GAME OF DEATH (1975)

Special Features:

• Audio Commentary With Frank Djeng, Co-Producer Of ENTER THE CLONES OF BRUCE, With Contributions From Chris Poggiali, Co-Author Of These Fists Break Bricks 

• The Last Kung Fu Picture Show – The Bay Area's Movie Theater Era 

• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth 

• Radio Spot

• Trailer

Runtime: 83 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Disc 4:

THE DRAGON LIVES AGAIN (1977)

Special Features:

• Audio Commentary With Michael Worth And Frank Djeng, Co-Producers Of ENTER THE CLONES OF BRUCE

• Deleted Scenes From French Version

• Audio Essay By Cult Cinema Critic Lovely Jon 

• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth 

• Trailer

Runtime: 91 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1

BRUCE AND THE IRON FINGER (1979)

Special Features:

• Audio Commentary With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth

• My First Bruceploitation – Roundtable Discussion With Martial Artists/Kung Fu Film Experts Tatevik Hunanyan, John Kreng, Ron Strong And Michael Worth 

• Deleted Scenes

• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Michael Worth 

• U.S. Trailer

• Hong Kong Trailer

Runtime: 89 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1

Disc 5:

CHALLENGE OF THE TIGER (1980)

Special Features:

• Audio Commentary With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth And Film Historian C. Courtney Joyner

• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Michael Worth 

• Trailer

Runtime: 89 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

CAMEROON CONNECTION (1984)

Special Features:

• Audio Commentary With Writer/Criterion Reflections Podcast Host David Blakeslee 

• Lights... Cameroon... Action! – The Life And Films Of Alphonse Beni 

• 2022 Q&A With Alphonse Beni At Cine Club N'Kah

• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth 

Runtime: 91 mins
Audio: French Mono / English Subtitles
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Disc 6:

SUPER DRAGON: THE BRUCE LEE STORY (1974)

Special Features:

• Partial Audio Commentary With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth

• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Michael Worth 

• TV Spot

• Trailer

Runtime: 93 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

THE DRAGON LIVES (1976)

Special Features:

• Audio Commentary With Actress Caryn White Stedman And Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth 

• Audio Interview With "He’s A Legend, He’s A Hero" Songwriter Anders Gustav Nelsson

• The Taiwan Connection – Interview With Caryn White Stedman 

• Bruce Biopics – Roundtable Discussion With Martial Artists/Kung Fu Film Experts Tatevik Hunanyan, John Kreng, Ron Strong And Michael Worth 

• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Michael Worth 

• TV Spots

Runtime: 87 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1

Disc 7:

THE DRAGON, THE HERO (1980)

Special Features:

• Audio Commentary With Director Godfrey Ho And Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth

• Godfrey, The Hero – Interview With Director Godfrey Ho 

• Deleted Scenes

• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Michael Worth 

• Trailer

Runtime: 87 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

RAGE OF THE DRAGON (1980)

Special Features:

• Audio Commentary With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth With Contributions From Chris Poggiali, Co-Author Of These Fists Break Bricks 

• Kung Fu Theaters – Roundtable Discussion With Martial Artists/Kung Fu Film Experts Tatevik Hunanyan, John Kreng, Ron Strong And Michael Worth 

• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Michael Worth 

• Trailer

Runtime: 90 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Disc 8 (Limited Edition Bonus Disc):

THE BIG BOSS PART II (1976)

Special Features:

• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth 

• Trailer

Runtime: 91 mins
Audio: Cantonese Mono / Burned-In English Subtitles, Burned-In Chinese Subtitles
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1

THE BLACK DRAGON VS. THE YELLOW TIGER (1974)

Special Features:

• Audio Commentary With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth With Contributions From Actor Clint Robinson

• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Michael Worth 

• Trailer

Runtime: 88 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions?
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1

Enter the Clones of Bruce
Enter the Clones of Bruce
 

In the “fascinating gem of a documentary” (Culture Mix) ENTER THE CLONES OF BRUCE, director David Gregory tracks down the surviving Bruces – along with martial arts legends, producers, directors, distributors, historians and more – to reveal the entire shocking and bittersweet saga behind a celluloid phenomenon that still refuses to die. Gregory – whose award-winning documentaries include LOST SOUL: THE DOOMED JOURNEY OF RICHARD STANLEY’S ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU and BLOOD & FLESH: THE REEL LIFE & GHASTLY DEATH OF AL ADAMSON – now examines this fascinating phenomenon via interviews with Bruce Li, Bruce Le, Bruce Liang and Dragon Lee; martial arts legends like Angela Mao, David Chiang, Phillip Ko and Sammo Hung; and the producers, directors, distributors and experts – along with copious clips from the films themselves – that for the first time reveal the history, controversy and legacy behind one of the most bizarre genres in movie history. The documentary will also be available on all leading digital outlets on April 30, and as a standalone Blu-ray on May 21.

Pre-orders for The Game Of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection & Enter the Clones of Bruce are up now and there are very limited quantities available!

Reviews

The latest news on all things 4K Ultra HD, blu-ray and Gear.