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'Weeds: Season 3' Lights Up on Blu-ray this June[teaser]Lionsgate has announced an early June arrival for the third season of the Emmy-winning Showtime series, 'Weeds.'[/teaser] Following on the heels of last year's next-gen releases of 'Weeds: Season One' and 'Weeds: Season Two,' Lionsgate will bring 'Weeds: Season Three' to Blu-ray on June 3, day-and-date with the standard DVD. (The Mary-Louise Parker "pot" comedy is currently the only TV series to enjoy all of its seasons available on high-def.) Tech specs for 'Season Three' include 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video and uncompressed PCM 7.1 Surround audio. Among the bonus features are audio commentaries with cast and crew on eight episodes, pop-up trivia tracks on seven episodes, three making-of featurettes ("Good Morning, Agnostic!", "Uncle AWOL," "Little Boxes"), a gag reel, musical montage, a 'Weeds' soundtrack sampler, and biography for guest star Mary-Kate Olsen. Exclusive to the Blu-ray is the BD-Java interactive game, "Kush Kush and Away." Lionsgate has set a suggested retail price of $39.99 for the Blu-ray. You'll find specs for 'Weeds: Season Three' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 3. We've also set up a dedicated thread for Lionsgate's latest TV release in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Weeds: Season Three' Blu-ray release.Posted Fri Mar 14, 2008 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Fox Fires Up 'Alien vs. Predator' Blu-ray Double-Header[teaser]In a studio first, Fox says it will bundle the hits 'Alien vs. Predator' and 'Alien vs. Predator: Requiem' as a Blu-ray two-pack this April. [/teaser] As we've previously reported, 'Alien vs. Predator: Requiem' is set to make its next-gen debut on April 15 (day-and-date with the standard DVD). It follows the original 'Alien vs. Predator,' which Fox released on Blu-ray in early 2006. In a bonus for fans who may have missed 'AvP' on Blu-ray the first time around, Fox has now confirmed that it will also offer a discounted Blu-ray two-pack featuring both AvP titles on April 15. Carrying a suggested list price of $69.98, the AvP bundle will offer a savings of at least $10 compared to buying each title separately. (Amazon is already taking pre-orders for the bundle at $48.95.) Note that although Fox recently revealed plans to release an upgraded version of 'Alien vs. Predator' (with all-new bonus features) on Blu-ray sometime in the second half of 2008, the studio has confirmed that the two-pack edition of 'AvP' will be identical to the current stand-alone release (as will be 'Requiem'). Box art for each individual title also remains the same. As always, you'll find complete specs for the 'Alien vs. Predator/Alien vs. Predator: Requiem' two-pack in our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 15.Posted Fri Mar 14, 2008 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Warner Unwraps 'Dirty Harry' Blu-ray Specs, Art[teaser]Warner has detailed the contents of its 'Dirty Harry' stand-alone and box set Blu-ray releases due this June, which are sure to make a fan's day with a bevy of bonus features and deluxe packaging. [/teaser] As previously reported, Warner is bringing all five films in the classic Clint Eastwood vigilante saga -- 'Dirty Harry,' 'Magnum Force,' 'The Enforcer,' 'Sudden Impact,' and 'The Dead Pool' -- to Blu-ray on June 3. Dubbed the 'Dirty Harry: Ultimate Collection,' the six-disc set will arrive concurrently with a stand-alone version of the original 'Dirty Harry' (both Blu-ray titles will debut day-and-date with new standard DVD re-issues). Though initial specs were sparse, Warner has now revealed the full contents of both the box set and the stand-alone 'Dirty Harry' Blu-ray, with the studio pulling out all the stops for what will be its biggest next-gen box set yet. The following is a list of the complete supplemental features for all five of the Dirty Harry films in the 'Ultimate Collection,' as well as a bonus disc and additional collectible content exclusive to the box set release. (Note that the stand-alone Blu-ray edition of the original 'Dirty Harry' will contain the same extras as its box set counterpart, only sans the bonus disc and collectibles): Dirty Harry • Audio commentary by Richard Schickel • Featurettes: "The Long Shadow of Dirty Harry," "Dirty Harry: The Original," "Dirty Harry's Way" • Interview Gallery (includes interviews with Patricia Clarkson, Joel Cox, Clint Eastwood, Hal Holbrook, Evan Kim, John Milius, Ted Post, Andy Robinson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Robert Urich) • 1993 TV Special: "Clint Eastwood: The Man from Malpaso" • Trailer gallery • Collectible "Book" packaging with full-color booklet (stand-alone version only) Magnum Force • Audio commentary by writer John Milius • Featurette: "A Moral Right: The Politics of Dirty Harry" • "The Hero Cop: Yesterday and Today" • Trailer gallery The Enforcer • Audio commentary by director James Fargo • Featurettes: "The Business End: Violence in Cinema," "Harry Callahan/Clint Eastwood: Something Special in Films" • Trailer gallery Sudden Impact • Audio commentary by renowned film critic Richard Schickel • Featurette: "The Evolution of Clint Eastwood" • Trailer gallery The Dead Pool • Audio commentary by producer David Valdes and Cinematographer Jack N. Green • Featurette: "The Craft of Dirty Harry" • Trailer gallery Box Set Exclusives (Bonus Disc) • Bonus documentary: "Clint Eastwood: Out of the Shadows" • 40-page hardcover book • Wallet with metal badge and removable laminated I.D. card • Five 5”x 7” Reproduction Lobby Poster Cards plus an exclusive UCE card • Scorpio Portrait of a Killer Poster-Sized (19” x 27”) map of San Francisco detailing Harry's hunt for the killer • Never-Before-Seen Production Correspondence Finally, Warner has revealed the following peek at the 'Dirty Harry' and 'Dirty Harry: Ultimate Collection' packaging: Warner has still not confirmed tech specs or the suggested list price for either 'Dirty Harry' or the 'Dirty Harry: Ultimate Collection,' but we'll keep you posted. You'll find the latest specs for both 'Dirty Harry' and 'Dirty Harry: Ultimate Collection' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under June 3. We've also set up a dedicated thread for Harry's high-def debut in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Dirty Harry/Dirty Harry: Ultimate Collection' Blu-ray releases.Posted Thu Mar 13, 2008 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Fox Slashes Prices on Blu-ray Catalog[teaser] In an extensive next-gen price cut, Fox has announced it is discounting nearly two dozen of its top Blu-ray catalog releases. [/teaser] Effective immediately, the studio will reduce the list price of 22 Blu-ray titles by $10, from $39.98 to $29.98. (All discs are currently available for order at Amazon.com for between $14.49 and $19.95 each -- see the links at the bottom of the page.) The complete list of newly-reduced Fox titles include: '28 Days Later,' 'Behind Enemy Lines,' 'Broken Arrow,' 'Cast Away,' 'Chain Reaction,' 'The Devil Wears Prada,' 'Edward Scissorhands,' 'Flight of the Phoenix (2004),' 'The Fly (1986),' 'From Hell,' 'Entrapment,' 'Fantastic Four,' 'Kiss of the Dragon,' 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen,' 'Men of Honor,' 'The Omen (2006),' 'Planet of the Apes (2001),' 'Rising Sun,' 'The Sentinel (2006),' 'Speed,' 'The Transporter' and 'Transporter 2.' Although Fox's has issued no official comment on its pricing policies, a studio rep confirmed to us that the price reduction applies to these select titles only, and does not represent an across-the-board change in the studio's standard Blu-ray MSRP of $39.98. As always, we'll keep you posted of all Fox pricing changes as they are officially announced.Posted Thu Mar 13, 2008 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Lionsgate Unveils Specs, Adds Digital Copy to 'Rambo' Blu-ray[teaser]Lionsgate has released final specs for the May Blu-ray arrival of 'Rambo,' promising a fully stocked supplements package and a studio-first "digital copy" of the film.[/teaser] As we first reported last week, the studio will bring the final chapter in the Sylvester Stallone carnage-fest to Blu-ray on May 27, day-and-date with the DVD. Extensive bonus features shared across all versions of 'Rambo' include audio commentary with Stallone, a suite of six featurettes, deleted scenes, and a trailer gallery of past Rambo films. Exclusive to the Blu-ray will be a Bonus View (Profile 1.1) picture-in-picture video commentary with Stallone, who will guide viewers on a behind-the-scenes tour of duty making 'Rambo.' In a studio first, the 'Rambo' Blu-ray will also come with a bonus second DVD disc, which contains a standard-definition iTunes Digital Copy of the movie, enabling viewers to watch it on portable devices, such as a PC, iPod, or iPhone. (Lionsgate now follows Fox as the second major studio to team with Apple for Digital Copy.) Previously announced tech specs for 'Rambo' boast 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video, and audio options in English PCM 7.1 Surround and Dolby Digital Surround EX 5.1. Finally, Lionsgate has issued the final box art for 'Rambo,' which highlights Stallone's still-bulging physique: Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $39.98. You'll find final specs for 'Rambo' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 27. There it joins stand-alone editions of 'Rambo: First Blood Part II' and 'Rambo III,' as well as the 'Rambo Trilogy (Box Set),' all of which Lionsgate recently announced for release on the same date. We've also set up a dedicated thread for Lionsgate's Digital Copy debut in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Rambo' Blu-ray release.Posted Thu Mar 13, 2008 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Blue Man Group to Make Blu-ray Debut with 'Megastar'[teaser]There's no release date yet, but Rhino has announced plans to bring the Blue Man Group's concert film 'How to Be a Megastar Live!' to Blu-ray disc.[/teaser] In a just-issued press release touting the upcoming DVD/CD release of 'Megastar,' Rhino says the 22-track live extravaganza will also be hitting Blu-ray sometime soon, though they stopped short of providing an actual street date. There were no tech specs or supplement details available for the Blu-ray at press time. However, as the DVD/CD release contains several bonus features, our hopes remain high for the high-def version. We'll keep you posted as soon as more information comes to us from Rhino. In the meantime, you'll find a preliminary listing for 'Blue Man Group: How to Be a Megastar Live!' in the "Release Dates Pending" section of our Blu-ray Release Schedule. We've also set up a dedicated thread for the performance troupe's high-def debut in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Blue Man Group: How to Be a Megastar Live' Blu-ray release.Posted Thu Mar 13, 2008 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Sony Unleashes 'Anger Management' on Blu-ray this May[teaser]Sony Pictures has announced plans to bring the Adam Sandler-Jack Nicholson comedy 'Anger Management' to Blu-ray this May as a full-featured special edition.[/teaser] Proving an unstoppable pair at the box office, Sandler and Nicholson pulled in a $135 million domestic gross with the Peter Segal-directed comedy back in 2003. Sony has set a May 20 street date for the film's Blu-ray debut. Extras will mirror the previous 2003 DVD release, and feature audio commentary (with Sandler and Segal), the featurettes "Skull Session" and "My Buddy, Jack," a collection of deleted scenes, and a gag reel. Tech specs include 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video, and audio in English and French Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround. Sony has set a suggested retail price of $28.98 for the Blu-ray. You'll find specs for 'Anger Management' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 20. We've also set up a dedicated thread for Sony's latest in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Anger Management' Blu-ray release.Posted Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Disney Unveils Full Specs, Box Art for 'Narnia' Blu-ray[teaser]Disney has revealed new details for the highly-anticipated Blu-ray release of 'Chronicles of Narnia,' which will hit high-def this May as a two-disc set with hours of bonus features and exclusive content.[/teaser] As we first reported last month, 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' will make its long-awaited Blu-ray debut on May 13 as one of the most eagerly-awaited next-gen releases of the year. Full specs are now in, with Disney porting over all of the bonus features found on the previous two-disc DVD special edition of the film. Among the numerous extras are two audio commentaries (the first with the filmmakers, the second a cast track with the film's young stars), a seven-part "Creating Narnia" documentary ("Chronicles Of A Director," "The Children's Magical Journey," "Evolution Of An Epic," "From One Man's Mind," "Cinematic Storytellers," "Creating Creatures", "Anatomy of a Scene: The Melting River"), an additional three-part "Creatures, Lands & Legends" feature ("Legends In Time,""Creatures Of The World," the "Explore Narnia" Interactive 3-D Map), and a "Bloopers Of Narnia" gag reel. Although the studio indicated in early press materials that 'Narnia' would include picture-in-picture content, no such feature has yet been announced for the Blu-ray. However, exclusive to the release will be the new "Battle For Narnia" interactive game, which will make full use of the format's BD-Java capabilities. Disney has also confirmed that the Blu-ray will feature the 135-minute theatrical version of the film (not the 147-minute extended version made available as a separate DVD release), which will be presented on a BD-50 dual-layer disc in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video and uncompressed PCM 5.1 Surround (48kHz/24-bit). Finally, Disney has issued box art for 'Narnia': As previously announced, the studio has set a suggested retail price of $34.98 for the Blu-ray. You'll find updated specs for 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 13. We've also set up a dedicated thread for Disney's latest in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss 'The Chronicles of Narnia' Blu-ray release.Posted Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Daft Punk Readies 'Electroma' Blu-ray for July[teaser]Techno-pioneers Daft Punk have announced their first-ever high-def release 'Electroma,' which will hit Blu-ray this summer.[/teaser] Described in press materials as the "odyssey of two robots (played by Peter Hurteau and Michael Reich) who journey across a mythic American landscape of haunting, surreal beauty on a quest to become human," Vice Records will release the full-length feature film on Blu-ray July 22, day-and-date with the standard DVD version. Supplements and tech specs for the release have yet to be revealed, but Vice Records says that 'Electroma' has been "specifically mastered for optimal visual and audio fidelity on Blu-ray." Plans are also underway to package 'Electroma' in a collectible metal case with a 40-page booklet. We'll keep you posted as more details (including the suggested retail price) are announced. In the meantime, you'll find preliminary specs for 'Daft Punk: Electroma' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 22. We've also set up a dedicated thread for Daft Punk's high-def debut in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Electroma' Blu-ray release.Posted Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Phoenix Goes Blu, Announces First Title 'Naked Beneath the Water'[teaser]Phoenix Entertainment has announced that it is switching allegiance to Blu-ray with this month's release of 'Naked Beneath the Water,' and canceling its entire line-up of previously-scheduled HD DVD titles.[/teaser] The indie distributor first announced HD DVD support late last year, scheduling an early 2008 release for its first two titles ('The Lawless' and 'Naked Beneath the Water'). The pair never arrived in stores, however, and when asked for comment, a company rep has confirmed to us that Phoenix has ceased support for the format and has canceled all of its previously-planned releases. Phoenix has not exited the next-gen business, however, and has chosen the horror-thriller 'Naked Beneath the Water' as its first Blu-ray offering. Due for release on March 25, 'Naked' will be followed by two additional (but still unnamed) Blu-ray releases this Spring. Specs for 'Naked Beneath the Water' will mirror the now-canceled HD DVD version, with 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround audio. Extras include audio commentary with writer-director-star Sean Cain, the "Big Explosion" documentary, a blooper reel and an "alternate ending" easter egg. Exclusive to the Blu-ray will be a collection of additional deleted & extended scenes. Phoenix has set a suggested retail price of $19.99 for the Blu-ray. You'll find specs for 'Naked Beneath the Water' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 25. We've also removed all of Phoenix's now-canceled HD DVD titles from our HD DVD Release Schedule. We've also set up a dedicated thread for Phoenix's latest in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Naked Beneath the Water' Blu-ray release.Posted Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 06:00 AM PDT by:
