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Universal Bundling 'Pitch Black,' 'Riddick' for Blu-ray[teaser]The trials of Riddick are coming to high-def, with Universal announcing a late-March release for the hits 'Pitch Black' and its sequel, 'The Chronicles of Riddick.'[/teaser] Both directed by David Twohy and starring Vin Diesel, 1999's sci-fi sleeper 'Pitch Black' and its less well-received sequel 'The Chronicles of Riddick' will hit Blu-ray concurrently, with Universal slotting a March 31 street date. Each will be available as a stand-alone release, as well as a two-pack bundle (there is no additional content or exclusives included in the two-pack). Tech specs for each title will see a BD-50 dual-layer disc with 1080p video and DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio 5.1 Surround tracks. Extras on 'Pitch Black' boast two audio commentaries, multiple making-of featurettes ("The Game Is On," "The Johns Chase Log," "The Making of Pitch Black," "Dark Fury: Advancing the Arc," "The Chronicles of Riddick Visual Encyclopedia," "A View into the Dark"), and U-Control exclusives including a picture-in-picture track and "Pitch Black Raw." The disc will also come BD-Live enabled, with a My Scenes Sharing function. Less robust than its predecessor, 'The Chronicles of Riddick' does not come with any exclusive content, but does include an audio commentary, six featurettes ( "Virtual Guide to The Chronicles of Riddick," "Toombs Chase Log," "Virtual Effects Revealed," "Creation on New Mecca," "Riddick Rises," "Keep What You Kill") and deleted scenes. Suggested retail price for each stand-alone Blu-ray has been set at $29.99, and $59.98 for the two-pack. You'll find the latest specs for 'Pitch Black' and 'The Chronicles of Riddick' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under March 31.Posted Fri Feb 6, 2009 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
'Donnie Darko' Sequel Headed Straight to Blu-ray[teaser]The mysteries of Donnie Darko are returning to Blu-ray, with Fox Home Entertainment announcing first details on an April high-def release for the video premiere sequel 'S. Darko.'[/teaser] Not much is known about the long-in-development sequel to the cult classic 'Donnie Darko,' other than its events take place seven years after those in the original film. The answers will be revealed on April 28, when Fox releases 'S.Darko: A Donnie Dark Tale' direct-to-video, day-and-date on Blu-ray and DVD. Text specs will see a BD-50 dual-layer presentation with 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video and DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio 5.1 Surround audio. We don't have confirmation on extras as of yet, but watch this space for further details in the days ahead. Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $34.99. You'll find the latest specs for 'S.Darko: A Donnie Darko Tale' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 28.Posted Fri Feb 6, 2009 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
'True Blood' to Take Bite Out of Blu-ray[teaser]The vampires of 'True Blood' are coming to high-def, with Warner announcing a May Blu-ray debut for the complete first season of the hit HBO series.[/teaser] A critical and ratings winner for the cable network, the Alan Ball-created vampire series will make its Blu-ray debut on May 19 (day-and-date with the standard DVD) via the Warner/HBO Home Video label. 'True Blood: The Complete First Season' will present all 12 first season episodes spread across five BD-50 dual-layer discs. Specs will see 1080p/VC-1 video and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround audio. We don't have confirmation on extras as of yet, but watch this space for further details in the days ahead. Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $79.98. You'll find the latest specs for 'True Blood: The Complete First Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 19th.Posted Thu Feb 5, 2009 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Anchor Bay to Configure 'Hellraiser' in Blu-ray 'Puzzle Box'[teaser]'Hellraiser' fans, Anchor Bay is planning to double your pain: the studio has announced not one but two Blu-ray configurations of the Clive Barker horror classic.[/teaser] As previously announced, Anchor Bay alerted retailers to an April 21 Blu-ray street date for the seminal cult hit, but kept any further details under wraps. Now further confirmed press details have been unleashed, with the company unveiling not one, but two Blu-ray versions of 'Hellraiser.' The first will be a stand-alone Blu-ray release, billed as a special edition and containing extras that are expected to match the previous "20th Anniversary Edition" Anchor Bay released on DVD. Also due for high-def on April 21 is the 'Hellraiser Puzzle Box,' a three-disc edition that includes the stand-alone Blu-ray (with identical specs), plus standard DVD versions of 'Hellraiser: 20th Anniversary Edition' and the 1987 sequel 'Hellbound: Hellraiser II.' Though no additional Blu-ray content or other exclusives are planned for the 'Puzzle Box,' and final tech and supplements have yet to be finalized. We'll keep you posted. Suggested list price for the stand-alone Blu-ray of 'Hellraiser' is $34.95, and $59.95 for the 'Hellraiser Puzzle Box.' You'll find the latest specs for both 'Hellraiser' and the 'Hellraiser Puzzle Box' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under April 21.Posted Thu Feb 5, 2009 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Rumor Mill: Paramount Readying 'Star Trek' Movies, Original Series for Blu-ray?[teaser]The overseas release of classic 'Star Trek' on Blu-ray this April has hopes high that the same titles may find their way to US store shelves by this Spring.[/teaser] Numerous internet reports have surfaced that Paramount has alerted several international distributors in both France and Germany that it is planning to release the first six 'Star Trek' theatrical feature films, including such favorites as 'The Wrath of Khan' and 'The Voyage Home,' on Blu-ray on April 10. The studio is also reportedly planning, in conjunction with CBS Home Video, to debut 'Star Trek - the Original Series, Season 1' in its entirety as a Blu-ray box set, also on April 10. The titles are thought to be timed to help prime the promotional pump for the upcoming theatrical debut of J.J. Abrams' highly-anticipated big-screen reboot, 'Star Trek.' Though the international release of these titles doesn't necessarily mean they'll also hit shelves stateside, generally Paramount's release of such tentpole titles in major worldwide markets happens concurrently with (or is preceded by) a US release, heightening expectations that a US announcement could be on its way. We should stress that with no official word from Paramount or CBS stateside, all discussion of a US release of the 'Trek' catalogue is purely speculative at this point. Needless to say, we'll keep you posted when and if any official information comes in. Stay tuned!Posted Thu Feb 5, 2009 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Blu-ray Details for 'The Spirit' Revealed[teaser]Final specs for 'The Spirit' have emerged, with Lionsgate adding DTS-MA 7.1 audio and exclusive content to the April Blu-ray release.[/teaser] As reported to the trades earlier this week, Lionsgate was planning to debut the Frank Miller graphic novel adaptation on Blu-ray April 14, day-and-date with the standard DVD. The official press details have now emerged, with Lionsgate presenting the effects-heavy film on a BD-50 dual-layer disc with 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video and DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio 7.1 Surround. Extras will include audio commentary by Miller and Deborah Del Prete, three featurettes ("Green World," "Miller on Miller," "History Repeats"), an alternate storyboard ending, and the theatrical trailer. Exclusive to the Blu-ray are BD-Live features (here dubbed "Lionsgate Live"), including a MoLog interactive movie watching function and additional content. Finally, included on a bonus disc is a Digital Copy of the film (in standard-def) 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 'The Spirit' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 14.Posted Thu Feb 5, 2009 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
'Princess Bride' to Get March Blu-ray Engagement[teaser]After numerous delays, 'The Princess Bride' is finally ready to make its Blu-ray debut, with MGM confirming a March release for the modern classic.[/teaser] Suffering numerous shuffled street dates and setbacks over the past couple of years, Rob Reiner's romantic fable has finally been given a greenlight for a March 17 Blu-ray release via Fox/MGM, coming as a fully-loaded special edition. Tech specs feature a BD-50 dual-layer presentation with 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video and a DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio 5.1 Surround track. Extras enjoy two audio commentaries (one with Reiner, the second with screenwriter William Goldman), four production featurettes ("As You Wish: The Story of The Princess Bride," "Miraculous Makeup," "The Dread Pirate Roberts: Greatest Pirate of the Seven Seas," "Love is Like a Storybook"), a Cary Elwes Video Diary, three additional featurettes ("The Princess Bride The Untold Tales," "The Art of Fencing," "Fairytales and Folklore"), the original theatrical trailer, and hidden easter eggs. Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $34.99 You'll find the latest specs for 'The Princess Bride' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 17.Posted Wed Feb 4, 2009 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Amazon to Release Exclusive Super Bowl Blu-ray in March[teaser]Super Bowl XLIII champions the Pittsburgh Steelers will shine again in high-def, with Amazon and Warner announcing an exclusive Blu-ray release of the team's victory in early-March.[/teaser] Dubbed 'NFL Super Bowl XLIII: Pittsburgh Steelers Champions,' Amazon has recently begun to take pre-orders for the compilation highlight disc, which will see a Blu-ray release on March 3 via Warner Home Video. There are no tech or supplement details as of yet for the release -- or even any details on the exact program content of the Blu-ray -- but we expect more data in the days ahead. Watch this space. Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $35.98. You'll find the preliminary specs for 'NFL Super Bowl XLIII: Pittsburgh Steelers Champions' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 3.Posted Wed Feb 4, 2009 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
More 'Watchmen' Coming to Blu-ray[teaser]Warner has more 'Watchmen' on the way for high-def fans, announcing the double-header 'Tales of the Black Freighter' and 'Under the Hood' for a Blu-ray release in late-March.[/teaser] Featuring the voices of Gerald Butler and other stars of the upcoming 'Watchmen' theatrical film, 'Watchmen: Tales of Black Freighter & Under the Hood' includes two full-length, direct-to-video animated premieres. Warner will debut the set on March 24, day-and-date with the standard DVD version. (The release will follow another 'Watchmen' animated Blu-ray release, 'Watchmen: The Complete Animated Comic,' which hits Blu-ray from Warner on March 3.) Tech specs include 1080p/VC-1 video and English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround audio. Extras feature the featurettes "Story Within A Story: The Books of Watchmen" and "First Look at Green Lantern." Also included on a second disc is a Digital Copy of the film (in standard-def) compatible with PCs, PSP and iTunes. Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $35.98. You'll find the latest specs for 'Watchmen: Tales of Black Freighter & Under the Hood' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 24.Posted Wed Feb 4, 2009 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
'Universal Soldier: The Return' Headed to Blu-ray this April[teaser]Jean-Claude Van Damme is headed back to high-def, with Sony Pictures announcing a mid-April Blu-ray bow for the sequel 'Universal Solider: The Return.'[/teaser] The box office disappointment will hit Blu-ray on April 14. (Lionsgate previously released the original 'Universal Soldier' on high-def last year.) Tech specs will see 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video (2.35:1) and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround audio. Extras include a trio of featurettes ("Making Of," "Michael Jai White: A Universal Solider Workout," "Jean-Claude Van Damme: Looking Back, Moving Forward"). Like all Sony titles, the disc will also come with BD-Live connectivity. Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $28.95. You'll find the latest specs for 'Universal Soldier: The Return' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 14.Posted Wed Feb 4, 2009 at 08:00 AM PST by:
