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Lionsgate Dates 'American Honey' Blu-ray for December[teaser]The drama starring Sasha Lane, Shia LaBeouf, and Riley Keough is coming to Blu-ray in December.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is preparing 'American Honey' for Blu-ray on December 27. An astonishing portrait of youth on the American fringe, American Honey is told through the eyes of a vivacious teenage rebel who joins a group of fellow misfits hustling and partying their way across the country. Bursting with electric, primal energy, American Honey is an immersive, exhilarating odyssey of heartbreaking beauty — a generation-defining film that celebrates the defiant resilience of youth in pursuit of the American Dream. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include "Sasha Lane and Riley Keough on American Honey" Interview. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'American Honey' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 27. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Nov 2, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Lars Kraume's 'The People vs. Fritz Bauer' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The critically-acclaimed drama is headed for a Blu-ray in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Cohen Media Group is working on 'The People vs. Fritz Bauer' for Blu-ray on January 10. Germany, 1957. Attorney General Fritz Bauer receives crucial evidence on the whereabouts of SS-Obersturmbannführer Adolf Eichmann. The lieutenant colonel, responsible for the mass deportation of the Jews, is allegedly hiding in Buenos Aires. Bauer, himself Jewish, has been trying to take crimes from the Third Reich to court ever since his return from Danish exile. However, with no success so far due to the fierce German determination to repress its sinister past. Because of his distrust in the German justice system, Fritz Bauer contacts the Israeli secret service Mossad, and, by doing so, commits treason. Bauer is not seeking revenge for the Holocaust -- he is concerned with the German future. You can find the latest specs for 'The People vs. Fritz Bauer' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 10.Posted Wed Nov 2, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Battleship' Headed for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]Peter Berg's action-packed alien invasion film inspired by the classic board game arrives on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal says 'Battleship' will be available on Blu-ray on January 17. Against all odds, a daring young naval officer and his heroic crew launch an all-out military showdown against a superior alien force in this enthralling, thrill-ride that will have viewers holding their breath through the final gripping face-off. Hasbro – makers of the Transformers and G.I. Joe franchises – joins with powerhouse filmmaker Peter Berg ('Hancock,' 'The Kingdom,' 'Friday Night Lights') to create this thrilling film inspired by Hasbro’s popular naval combat game, Battleship. The film stars Taylor Kitsch ('X-Men Origins: Wolverine,' 'John Carter'), Liam Neeson ('The Grey,' 'Taken'), Alexander Skarsgård (HBO’s “True Blood”), global music superstar Rihanna in her motion-picture debut, Brooklyn Decker ('Just Go With It'), and Tadanobu Asano ('Thor,' upcoming '47 Ronin'), with a supporting cast that includes Hamish Linklater ('Fantastic Four'), Jesse Plemons (NBC’s “Friday Night Lights”), and in his professional acting debut, U.S. Army Colonel Gregory D. Gadson, a battalion leader who lost both legs in Iraq in 2007. The release will feature a DTS:X soundtrack and supplements include: Alternate Ending Previsualization; All Access with Director Peter Berg; USS Missouri VIP Tour; Preparing for Battle; All Hands on Deck: The Cast; Engage in Battle; Commander Pete; and The Visual Effects of Battleship. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Battleship - Ultra HD Blu-ray' linked from our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 17. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Nov 1, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Terminal Island' and 'Group Marriage' Headed for Blu-ray[teaser]Both films should be available on the high-definition format in the new year. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Vinegar Syndrome is working on 'Terminal Island' and 'Group Marriage' for Blu-ray sometime next year. Terminal Island - It's every man and woman for himself on an island where convicted murderers are dumped, rather than kept in prison. Starring Tom Selleck, Don Marshall, Phyllis Davis, Ena Hartman, Marta Kristen, Barbara Leigh, and Roger E. Mosley. Group Marriage - Cult icon Claudia Jennings stars in this amusing insight into modern day living. A group of six people find out the joy and tribulations of not only sharing a house together, but also each others' partners! When Christ starts getting bored with her boyfriend, Sander, she starts looking for someone else. On the way home from work, she hitches a ride with Dennis. Christ invites Dennis back to dinner in Sander's house. The three of them get along quite well together and Dennis asks to spend the night. Chris realizes there is more to Dennis than what's between his ears, and later in the night goes to check him out! Sander discovers that his girlfriend has slept with Dennis and does not seem upset, especially when he meets Dennis' girlfriend, Jan. And so the group begins living together and find that sharing can be fun! You can find the latest specs for 'Terminal Island' and 'Group Marriage' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING.Posted Tue Nov 1, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Kicks' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed[teaser]The coming-of-age film is heading to Blu-ray in December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is preparing 'Kicks' for Blu-ray on December 6. 15-year-old Brandon longs for a pair of the freshest sneakers that money can buy to help him escape the reality of being poor and picked on by everyone. Working hard to get them, he soon finds that the titular shoes have instead made him a target after they are promptly snatched by a local hood. Brandon and his two best friends embark on a dangerous and exciting journey where nothing is as simple as it seems in this unique and memorable coming-of-age story. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: - One on One- Photo Gallery Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $26.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Kicks' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 6. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Nov 1, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Rob Zombie's '31' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The horror film is slated to be released on Blu-ray this December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate and Saban Films are working on '31' for Blu-ray on December 20. From the visionary mind of the man who brought us House of 1000 Corpses, The Devil's Rejects and Halloween comes the horrific story of five carnival workers who are kidnapped the night before Halloween and held hostage in a large compound. At the mercy of their captors, they are forced to play a twisted game or life or death called 31. For the next 12 hours they must fight for their lives against an endless parade of homicidal maniacs. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for '31' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 20. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Nov 1, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
High-Def Digest Essentials: October 2016Every month, dozens of Blu-rays hit shelves, littering stores with High-Def temptation. New releases, catalog titles, complete TV seasons, and elaborate box-sets all vie for attention, and with so many worthy releases targeting our wallets, choosing which discs to spend our hard earned cash on can be rather tricky. To make things a little easier, we here at High-Def Digest thought it might be helpful to bring you our top three must own recommendations for the month. From important classics to contemporary blockbusters, these are the discs that we consider to be the absolute cream of the crop. High quality releases with great video, audio, and supplements, these are the Blu-rays that are truly worth every penny. Last month we spotlighted a boy and his giant best friend, a clash of superheroes, and a creepy horror sequel. Be sure to check out the Essential Picks for November 2012, December 2012, January 2013,February 2013, March 2013, April 2013, May 2013, June 2013, July 2013, August 2013, September 2013, October 2013, November 2013, December 2013, January 2014, February 2014, March 2014, April 2014, May 2014, June 2014, July 2014, August 2014, September 2014, October 2014, November 2014,December 2014, January 2015, February 2015, March 2015, April 2015, May 2015, June 2015, July 2015, August 2015, September 2015, October 2015, November 2015, December 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, July 2016, August 2016, and September 2016. [teaser]For October, we're covering a chilling sci-fi/horror classic, a blood-soaked prom date, and a rivetting murder mystery.[/teaser] Please be aware, that if you haven't already seen them, there are some SPOILERS for the discs listed. If you only buy three titles that hit Blu-ray in October, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'The Thing: Collector's Edition' - Paranoia and suspicion are two perfect ingredients for suspense, but when you add in the threat of a shape-shifting alien creature, the effortless charisma of a bearded Kurt Russell, and the curmudgeonly charm of the great Wilfred Brimley, you get the ultimate recipe for a sci-fi/horror masterpiece. A rare genre flick that seems to only get better with age, John Carpenter's 'The Thing' offers a chilling descent into fear, distrust, and exploding gore. As we watch a group of researchers in Antarctica stumble upon an extraterrestrial creature capable of assimilating and transforming into other living beings, Carpenter creates a slowly escalating sense of paranoia, forcing his protagonists and audience to constantly question who they can trust. Using its cold and secluded setting to its advantage, the movie immediately establishes an isolated and claustrophobic atmosphere, heightening the runtime's sense of danger since there is clearly nowhere for our heroes to run or hide. This building distrust and seclusion is then punctuated by a series of intense and appropriately gory set pieces marked by incredible makeup and practical effects, highlighting the alien's grotesque shapeshifting ability -- violently distorting recognizable human and animal forms into disturbing, mutilated perversions of once familiar shapes. And throughout all the chaos, Carpenter carefully chooses which moments and interactions to show us and which to keep off screen, allowing the enemy's identity to remain hidden, planting constant doubt while simultaneously setting up one of the tensest blood tests I've ever seen. Though it was not a critical hit when first released in 1982, 'The Thing' has gradually gained acclaim over the years, rightfully earning the flick the Collector's Edition treatment it deserves. With that in mind, Shout! Factory has put together a fantastic 2-Disc set with a new video transfer, two audio mixes, and an extensive array of special features. Far from some inferior or nefarious imposter, this Blu-ray is now the definitive version of one of the sci-fi/horror genre's definitive films. Buy the Blu-ray 'Carrie: Collector's Edition' - With rampant teasing, bullying, nagging insecurities, and the general pains of puberty ever present, high school can be a traumatic experience. But in Brian De Palma and Stephen King's hands, it becomes a genuine horror story. A defining genre classic, 'Carrie' channels teen angst into palpable rage and terror, using potent explosions of cinematic style to throw film fans a prom they'll likely never forget. Through the tale of a shy and tormented girl with burgeoning telekinetic powers, the filmmakers are able to embellish relatable struggles of adolescence with mounting supernatural dread, layering the runtime with an unsettling sense of anticipation. An anticipation that culminates in one of the horror genre's most iconic and absolutely perfect climaxes. As a once idyllic prom night turns into a hellish bloodbath, De Palma brilliantly uses slow motion to accentuate every excruciating moment of the setup, forcing audiences to watch helpless as poor Carrie is cruelly doused in pig's blood -- and when the bucket drops, the director unleashes every ounce of mounting tension, evoking Carrie's unbridled rage through equally unrestrained style, filling the scene with a kaleidoscope of mocking laughter, vengeful split screen, uncomfortable close-ups, and red tinged mayhem. Disorienting, intricately constructed, and absolutely terrifying all at once, the sequence helps to cement the film as an enduring staple of silver screen terror and suspense. This 2-Disc 40th Anniversary Blu-ray release from Shout! Factory features a new and improved video transfer along with a 5.1 mix and the film's original mono track, offering a great technical presentation that highlights the movie's intense visuals and striking sound design. Likewise, the release includes a fantastic assortment of supplements, giving fans a great collection of new and vintage special features. As a must own horror disc through and through, there's thankfully absolutely nothing to laugh at here. Buy the Blu-ray 'The Night Of' - The events of most nights are fairly inconsequential. So inconsequential, in fact, that we'd be hard pressed to even remember them. But when a person happens to end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, every last detail about every minute could prove to be either damning or exonerating. As the full timeline of one evening comes more and more into focus, HBO's 'The Night Of' gradually weaves a gripping murder mystery -- slowly taking us beyond the fateful night in question and far into its continually reverberating consequences. Focused on a young man, Nasir (Riz Ahmed), who is arrested for a murder he seemingly did not commit, the miniseries follows the accused killer as he is thrust through the criminal justice system. Tackling each step with impressive nuance and detail, we watch as Nasir is interrogated, transferred to prison, and put on trial, exposing the human hardships and frustrating flaws that plague each step of the process. Likewise, the narrative also concentrates on the twisting mystery itself, opening up new potential suspects as Nasir's lawyers track down different leads in an attempt to find out what really happened that night. To this end, the show ends up blending different elements of procedural storytelling, shifting its runtime between prison, the courtroom, and detective work -- with each thread offering an equally compelling experience marked by a careful balance of stark realism, cinematic flourish, and affecting drama. Though some questions are left unanswered, the writers ultimately leave viewers with a general sense of what may have truly transpired on 'The Night Of,' offering just the right amount of ambiguity and satisfaction. Intricately nuanced, utterly absorbing, and marked by a complementary balance of realism and genre conventions, this is small screen storytelling at its best. While this release is disappointingly barebones, the technical presentation is top-notch and the series itself easily ranks high among the best TV shows of 2016 -- helping to acquit this title of any charges against it. Buy the Blu-ray So, there you have it. While there were many titles worth picking up this October, those are our top three must own recommendations. We'll be back next month with three more essential picks, but for now, what do you think of our selection? What are your choices for October's must own titles?Posted Mon Oct 31, 2016 at 09:40 AM PDT by: -
'Dracula vs. Frankenstein' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The 1971 horror film starring Lon Chaney Jr. and J. Carrol Naish is headed for Blu-ray in December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Shriek Show is working on 'Dracula vs. Frankenstein' for Blu-ray on December 13. With a sudden slash of an axe, a woman named Joan is decapitated on a desolate beach at midnight. In a hellish laboratory hidden below the boardwalk Freak Emporium, Dr. Durea (a.k.a. Dr. Frankenstein!) drains the blood of corpses to distill an all-powerful serum. Count Dracula craves the new serum and offers the doctor the hulking body of the original Frankenstein monster in exchange. With a blast of spine-tingling electricity they shock the monster to life and send him on a killing spree for fresh victims. Joan s sister sets out to find her missing sibling and becomes a hostage in Dr. Durea s torture chamber. In her efforts to escape, she falls into Dracula's clutches and witnesses the monster mash of the millennium as the Frankenstein monster and Count Dracula clash in a gut-wrenching, limb-ripping, gruesome brawl to the bloody end. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Audio commentary by writer/producer Sam Sherman; Documentary on Independent International Pictures; Rare alternate ending; Deleted scenes; Deleted scene with Famous Monsters editor Forrest J Ackerman and Dracula; Rare 8mm movie location footage; Original theatrical trailer; TV Spot; and Extensive photo gallery. You can find the latest specs for 'Dracula vs. Frankenstein' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 13. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Oct 31, 2016 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
'New Orleans Music in Exile' Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]Director Robert Mugge's music documentary is coming to Blu-ray in November. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Mug Shot Productions is preparing 'New Orleans Music in Exile' for Blu-ray on November 22. Directed by noted music documentarian Robert Mugge (Last of the Mississippi Jukes, Blues Divas), New Orleans Music In Exile is an intimate and eye-opening meditation on the resiliency of the artists and the magnitude of the loss. The film showcases musicians such as The Iguanas, Irma Thomas, Cyril Neville, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Stephen Assaf, ReBirth Brass Band and many more, and explores several well-known New Orleans music venues such as The Spotted Cat, Maple Leaf, Snug Harbor, and Palm Tavern. Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: - Public radio executive David Spizale's illustrated story of rescuing stranded residents from the New Orleans flood waters- Jon Cleary performing a personalized history of New Orleans piano styles- Six musical performances not included in the film- Seven extended versions of performances which were included - all of which were shot and mastered on HD video Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.95. You can find the latest specs for 'New Orleans Music in Exile' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 22. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Oct 31, 2016 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'Z.P.G.' Blu-ray Dated and Supplements Detailed[teaser]The 1972 science fiction thriller arrives on the high-definition format in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Kino is working on 'Z.P.G.' for Blu-ray on January 3. Z.P.G. (short for Zero Population Growth) is a 1972 Danish-American dystopian science fiction film starring Oliver Reed and Geraldine Chaplin and directed by Michael Campus. It is inspired by the non-fiction best-selling book The Population Bomb by Paul R. Ehrlich. The film concerns an overpopulated future Earth, whose world government executes those who violate a 30-year ban on having children. Filmed in Denmark, the film is almost entirely set-bound featuring art direction designed to reflect a bleak, oppressive future. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include a NEW audio commentary by film historian Steve Ryfle. You can find the latest specs for 'Z.P.G.' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 3.Posted Mon Oct 31, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by:
