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PBS Announces 'Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You' for Blu-ray[teaser]Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady's documentary will arrive on Blu-ray later this month.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, PBS is preparing 'Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You' for Blu-ray on October 25. With unprecedented access to Lear, his work and his massive personal archives, 'NORMAN LEAR: JUST ANOTHER VERSION OF YOU' combines stories from his turbulent childhood and early career with his groundbreaking TV success (All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Good Times, Maude) and social activism. The documentary also features colorful stories from Lear’s family, friends and collaborators, including John Amos, George Clooney, Alan Horn, Bill Moyers, Rob Reiner, Phil Rosenthal and Russell Simmons, as well as cinéma vérité moments with Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Jon Stewart, Amy Poehler and Lena Dunham. Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: What do a 92 year old Jew and the world of hip hop have in #Common?; Mary Hartman Breakdown; Mary Hartman Casting; Not Dead Yet; Bill Moyers on Norman Lear; and The Shrink and Syndication. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 25. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Oct 4, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Lewis R. Foster's 'Those Redheads From Seattle - 3D' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The 1953 adventure film has received a new restoration completed by the 3-D Film Archive, LLC. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Kino is working on 'Those Redheads From Seattle - 3D' for Blu-ray sometime in the next few months. This Technicolor Pine-Thomas production from 1953 features excellent stereoscopic photography by Oscar-winning cinematographer Lionel Lindon (Around the World in Eighty Days). Directed by Lewis R. Foster and featuring a stellar cast which includes Rhonda Fleming, Gene Barry and Agnes Moorehead, "the first 3-D musical" also contains five terrific tunes by popular recording artists Teresa Brewer, Guy Mitchell and the Bell Sisters. Historically significant as the first widescreen production from Paramount Studios, Redheads has not been seen in 1.66:1 for more than sixty years. Meticulously restored from 35mm elements by Greg Kintz and the 3-D Film Archive, "3-D's big musical gal-stacked frolic" will be an outstanding addition to your classic 3-D Blu-ray collection. You can find the latest specs for 'Those Redheads From Seattle - 3D' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING.Posted Tue Oct 4, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Chris Kasick's 'Uncle Nick' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The black comedy starring Brian Posehn, Paget Brewster, and Missi Pyle is planned for a Blu-ray release in November. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, MPI says 'Uncle Nick' will hit Blu-ray on November 1. Lewd, drunken Uncle Nick (Brian Posehn, Mr. Show, The Sarah Silverman Program) stumbles his way through his brother's cookie cutter-family's annual Christmas gathering in the hopes of scoring with a super-hot party guest. But the arrival of his equally crass sister coupled with Nick's liquor-fueled faux pas cause family secrets to bubble to the surface that might spell disaster for the whole clan before the night is over. Presented by Errol Morris, Uncle Nick is a raucously funny comedy of inappropriate behavior, uncomfortably interrupted trysts, and a monumental overserving of ten-cent beers. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Uncle Nick' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under November 1. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Oct 4, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Porky's II: The Next Day / Porky's Revenge' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The comedy double-feature will make its way to Blu-ray in December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Kino is preparing 'Porky's II: The Next Day / Porky's Revenge' for Blu-ray on December 13. 'Porky's II: The Next Day' - Proving they haven't matured a bit since the original Porky's, much of the original cast is back to take on right-wing bigots, religious fanatics and double-talking politicians. Count on more delicious revenge for the gym teacher everyone loves to hate, Ms. Balbricker, and outrageous antics that never enter the realm of good taste. 'Porky's Revenge' - As graduation nears for the class of 1955 at Angel Beach High, the gang once again faces off against their old enemy, Porky, who wants them to throw the school's championship basketball game because he's betting on the opposing team. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Porky's II: The Next Day / Porky's Revenge' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 13.Posted Tue Oct 4, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Steven Seagal Finds Himself at the 'End of a Gun' on Blu-ray[teaser]The action thriller arrives on Blu-ray in December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is working on 'End of a Gun' for Blu-ray on December 13. An ex-DEA agent's life takes an unexpected turn when he comes to the rescue of a seductive woman, and finds himself entangled in a bloody game of cat and mouse with a maniacal drug lord when he goes on the run with her…and $2 million worth of drug money. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'End of a Gun' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 13.Posted Mon Oct 3, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Knate Gwaltney's 'Cardboard Boxer' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The powerful drama starring Thomas Haden Church and Terrence Howard is planned for Blu-ray in November. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Well Go USA is preparing 'Cardboard Boxer' for Blu-ray on November 15. Willie is one of Los Angeles's many homeless people. One day, a group of rich teens come around offering to pay Willie and his contemporaries to fight each other. Caught up in this violent, underground sport, Willie has only the burnt diary of a little girl to keep him company and provide him with the willingness to push through life. The Blu-ray will feature a new high-definition transfer, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include The Real People in the Garden - Interviews with the people depicted in the book and movie; and the Original Theatrical trailer. You can find the latest specs for 'Cardboard Boxer' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under November 15. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Oct 3, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Hans Petter Moland's 'In Order of Disappearance' Headed for Blu-ray[teaser]The action-packed black comedy starring Stellan Skarsgård will target Blu-ray in December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Magnolia says 'In Order of Disappearance' will be available on Blu-ray on December 6. Introverted and hard-working snowplow driver Nils has just been named "Citizen of the Year," when he receives news that his son has died of a heroin overdose. Disbelieving the official report, Nils soon uncovers evidence of the young man's murder - a victim in a turf war between the local crime boss, known as "The Count", and his Serbian rivals. Armed with heavy machinery and a good dose of beginner's luck, Nils embarks upon a quest for revenge that soon escalates into a full-blown underworld gang war, with the body count spiraling ever higher and higher. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'In Order of Disappearance' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 6.Posted Mon Oct 3, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'I Drink Your Blood' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The 1970 cult horror film will terrorize Blu-ray in November. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Grindhouse Releasing is working on 'I Drink Your Blood' for Blu-ray on November 8. A band of satanist hippies roll into a town and begin terrorizing the local folk. They rape a local girl and her grandpa goes after them. He fails and is given LSD. This bothers his grandson and he gets back at the hippies by feeding them meat pies infected with blood from a rabid dog. They turn into crazed lunatics and begin killing and/or infecting everything in their path. The first film to be rated X for violence, I DRINK YOUR BLOOD was a huge-grossing hit at drive-ins and "grindhouse" theaters but was severely censored during its original release. "I DRINK YOUR BLOOD is one of the most infamous movies in the history of exploitation films," says Grindhouse Releasing co-founder Bob Murawski. "Rescuing this lost gem was one of our most important achievements. And being able to finally unite I DRINK YOUR BLOOD with its legendary co-feature I EAT YOUR SKIN, both fully remastered in stunning HD for the very first time, takes that accomplishment one step further. We've spent almost a decade working on this release, and I feel it's our finest yet. I'm also thrilled that so many theaters are playing I DRINK YOUR BLOOD. We've been trying to make this happen for years and have finally succeeded. Seeing this movie on the big screen with an audience is a mind-blowing experience. No self-respecting horror fan should miss this rare opportunity." Grindhouse Releasing's uncut, restored version of I DRINK YOUR BLOOD recently debuted in New York and Los Angeles and is now playing at theaters and drive-ins across the U.S. and Canada. The release will feature a spectacular new HD restoration of the original UNCENSORED DIRECTOR'S CUT and the first 3000 copies of the Blu-ray will include the I DRINK YOUR BLOOD HORROR HYPO - Inject your friends with rabies! Supplements will include: 4 controversial deleted scenes including the original blood-drenched ending deemed too disturbing for '70s audiences!; Provocative audio commentary by director David Durston and star Bhaskar; Newly recorded audio commentary by stars Jack Damon and Tyde Kierney; Revealing on-camera interviews with stars Lynn Lowry, Tyde Kierney and Jack Damon; New in-depth interview with director David Durston; The original theatrical trailer and radio spots; Extensive gallery of stills and poster art; Rare and shocking film of Bhaskar performing THE EVIL KING COBRA DANCE; TWO BONUS CO-FEATURES - I EAT YOUR SKIN (1964) - presented for the very first time in HD + exclusive interview with 2nd unit director William Grefe & BLUE SEXTET (1969) - David Durston's long-lost X-rated psychedelic shocker - presented for the very first time on home video!; Liner notes by David Szulkin (WES CRAVEN'S LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT: THE MAKING OF A CULT CLASSIC); a beautiful embossed slipcover; PLUS OTHER SURPRISES! You can find the latest specs for 'I Drink Your Blood' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under November 8. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Oct 3, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
High-Def Digest Essentials: September 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 visually stunning Disney adventure, a thrilling noir comedy, and a classic buddy flick. . 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, and August 2016. [teaser]For September, we're covering a boy and his giant best friend, a clash of superheroes, and a creepy horror sequel.[/teaser] If you only buy three titles that hit Blu-ray in September, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'The Iron Giant: Signature Edition' - All nine-year-old Hogarth Hughes really wants is a pet. But while a dog or even a squirrel would probably have been sufficient, he ends up with… a giant robot. An emotional, exciting, and effortlessly entertaining animated flick for all ages, 'The Iron Giant' tells a deceptively simple tale of friendship and free will, fueling its nuts and bolts with ample heart and soul. The central relationship between boy and gigantic metal robot sparks most of the film's central themes, tackling some decidedly weighty issues for a family film. Though ostensibly designed to be a weapon, the title character is really more of a gentle giant at heart, and through Hogarth's innocent guidance he learns that he has a choice between his programming and his own will -- a choice to be a hero or a villain. Under director Brad Bird's guidance, this leads to a rather powerful yet understated parable about the pitfalls of violence and aggression. These concepts are heightened to great effect by the film's Cold War era setting, playing up nuclear paranoia while complementing the movie's 50s sci-fi influences. Likewise, the animation has an appropriately retro feel, mixing hand-drawn visuals with computer generated flourishes all bursting with personality. Funny, heartfelt, and marked by a subtle edge, the film runs the full gamut of emotions, weaving a memorable fable about a robot with a soul. This Signature Edition Blu-ray finally gives the movie the HD treatment it deserves with a great technical presentation, plentiful supplements, and even a slightly longer runtime with two new scenes. And for big fans, there's even an Ultimate Collector's Edition with a bunch of fun extra goodies. I somehow missed this flick as a kid, but even as an adult watching it for the first time, the story manages to carry an effortless sense of wonder, charm, and heart. An animated treat for all ages, the film easily earns a giant spot on this month's list. Buy the Blu-ray Buy the Blu-ray 'Captain America: Civil War' - Heated arguments between good friends are rarely easy to resolve under any circumstances. But when those good friends happen to be a star-spangled super soldier and a walking armored arsenal… well, things can get messy. Very messy. A big-screen clash of comic book titans done right, 'Captain America: Civil War' is a Marvel fanboy dream come true, bringing classic splash page thrills to the big screen with explosive action, thoughtful themes, and the crowd-pleasing re-introduction of a certain famous webslinger. Sure, 'Civil War' is not without its faults. Steve Rogers often feels like a supporting player in his own flick, the central antagonist is forgettable, said villain's ultimate plan relies on some pretty big assumptions, and Marvel's tried-and-true formula really is starting to wear thin. But, despite any minor qualms, this just might be the studio's most fully realized effort yet, paying off on years of developing storylines and evolving relationships while shaking up the status quo nicely as Phase Three begins. Using thoughtful concepts tied to responsibility, accountability, political discord, and freedom as their thematic fuel, the directors reveal the potential consequences that arise when superheroes decide to use entire cities as their boxing rings. Of course, that doesn't mean that the Russo Brothers are forced to skimp out on the action here. Instead, we are treated to one of the most memorable and unabashedly fun comic book skirmishes to ever grace the silver screen, pitting hero against hero in an airport battle that is sure to bring a smile to every viewer's inner eight-year-old. Add in the best on-screen version of Spider-Man so far and a surprisingly fleshed out introduction to the instantly badass Black Panther, and you've got yourself one of the summer's most enjoyable efforts. While the audio track on this Blu-ray lacks some of the kick that viewers might be expecting, the video transfer and supplements are strong, helping it to swing into September's list. Buy the Blu-ray Buy the Blu-ray 3D 'The Conjuring 2' - With October lurking just around the corner, I'd be remiss if I didn't include a solid horror title here to help get viewers in the mood for Halloween. And few things are as classically spooky as good-old-fashioned demonic possession. Tackling another documented case of ghostly visitation, 'The Conjuring 2' serves as a worthy sequel to its creepy predecessor, offering another effective blend of family drama, supernatural scares, and 70s hairstyles. Once again following paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the flick leaves Rhode Island behind, traveling across the pond to London to investigate another family being tormented by a wayward ghost… but this time one with a British accent! What follows is a gradually escalating tale of moving furniture, floating children, creepy recordings, upside-down crosses, ominous visions, and appropriately loud music cues, offering a generous helping of effective scares -- including one spine-tingling moment that actually caused my date to scream louder than the characters on screen. And isn't that the real sign of a truly effective horror flick? Though not quite as fresh or cinematically potent as the original, this follow-up continues to develop the Warrens nicely, and the central villain, a nightmare-inducing demonic nun, features a palpably unsettling and horrifically memorable design. With 'The Conjuring 2,' director James Wan returns to deliver another gripping and frightening entry in the horror franchise he kicked off. The scares might be a little familiar, but this is thankfully more than just a simple retread of what's come before. And with a demo-worhty Dolby Atmos soundtrack that will have you and your friends up all night listening for ghosts in your ceiling, this disc is perfect for upcoming Halloween movie marathons. Buy the Blu-ray So, there you have it. While there were many titles worth picking up this September, 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 September's must own titles?Posted Fri Sep 30, 2016 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
'Star Trek: The Animated Series' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The 1973 animated series voiced by the majority of the original 'Star Trek' cast will be beaming to a standalone Blu-ray in November.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount is working on 'Star Trek: The Animated Series' for Blu-ray on September 27. Boldly continuing where Star Trek: The Original Series left off, these animated adventures chart the progress of Captain Kirk and his crew in a universe unconstrained by "real-life" cinematography! With all characters voiced by their original actors, join Kirk, Spock, Bones and the crew for 22 new adventures: to boldly go where no animation has gone before! The animated series was previously exclusive to the Star Trek: 50th Anniversary TV and Movie Collection. You can find the latest specs for 'Star Trek: The Animated Series' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 15.Posted Fri Sep 30, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by:
