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'Partisan' Starring Vincent Cassel Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The Austrailian thriller is heading to Blu-ray in December.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Well Go USA is preparing 'Partisan' for Blu-ray on December 8. On the edge of a crumbling city, 11-year-old Alexander (Jeremy Chabriel) lives in a sequestered commune, alongside other children, their mothers, and charismatic leader, Gregori (Vincent Cassel). Gregori teaches the children how to raise livestock, grow vegetables, work as a community - and how to kill. As Alexander nears his first job as an assassin, he begins to question the ways of the commune, particularly Gregori’s quiet but overpowering influence. Threatened by Alexander’s increasing unwillingness to fall in line, Gregori’s behavior turns erratic and adversarial toward the child he once considered a son. With the two set dangerously at odds and the commune’s way of life disintegrating, the residents fear a violent resolution is at hand in this Sundance award-winning thriller. Specs, supplements, and a suggested list price have not been announced yet. You can find the latest specs for 'Partisan' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 8.Posted Thu Oct 1, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Nazareth: No Means of Escape' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]The concert/documentary flick is now available for pre-order.[/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Eagle Rock is preparing 'Nazareth: No Means of Escape' for Blu-ray on October 16. 'No Means Of Escape' combines a live set by Nazareth, filmed before a select audience at London's famous Metropolis Studios, with a documentary 'Made In Scotland', which tells the full story of Nazareth's remarkable career from their formation in 1968, to their breakthrough in the 1970s and right through to their ongoing career in the present day. The concert features hit tracks and album favorites from across the years while the documentary contains classic footage and new interviews with past and present members of the band including now retired lead singer Dan McCafferty. Track Listing 1) Silver Dollar Forger 2) Sleeptalker3) Rock 'n' Roll Telephone 4) Razamanaz5) May The Sun Shine 6) See You See Me 7) Turn On Your Receiver 8) Bad Bad Boy 9) One Set Of Bones 10) This Flight Tonight 11) Hair Of The Dog 12) Love Hurts 13) Expect No Mercy Specs have not been announced yet, but supplements will include: Acoustic session track "This Flight Tonight" and Additional interviews with Dan McCafferty and Pete Agnew. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Nazareth: No Means of Escape' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 16. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Oct 1, 2015 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: September 2015Every 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 pulse-pounding medical drama, an eye-opening documentary, and a blood-curdling horror series. 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, and August 2015. [teaser]For September, we're covering a post-apocalyptic thrill ride, a speedy action flick, and an endearing fairy tale. [/teaser] Please be aware, that if you haven't already seen them, there are some SPOILERS for the discs listed. If you can only buy three titles that hit Blu-ray in September, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'Mad Max: Fury Road - 3D' - "Show, don't tell" -- it's one of the most common adages frequently hammered into aspiring writers of all disciplines, but more so than other medium for narrative, it's a concept that only film can truly realize. And yet, many movies often forget this seemingly simple notion, reverting to an over-reliance on dialogue, narration, and exposition to weave their stories. 'Mad Max: Fury Road' is not one of those movies. Using pure cinema as its fuel, the film becomes an audacious exercise in visual storytelling that eschews typical narrative conventions in favor of a uniquely visceral form of filmmaking… and lots and lots of explosions. One long chase scene. That's how many viewers have described the movie's blissful insanity. And really, at its core, that's a pretty damn accurate description. From the minute the runtime starts, we hit the ground running and never really stop. But there is much more to this action-packed approach than just mere adrenaline. Rather than empty stylistic bravado, this feature-length pursuit organically and economically weaves in a genuinely engaging story, primarily using its visuals to develop plot, emotion, and characters with very minimal dialogue. Despite the script's complex post-apocalyptic setting, Miller is able to convey all of the strange intricacies of his world almost purely through images and interactions without ever taking his foot off the gas pedal. Instead of a title card or lengthy conversations explaining the backstory and politics of Immortan Joe's citadel, we are able to gather all we need to know by watching the man and his people in action, conveying the eccentricity, madness, motivations, and unique details of this hyper-saturated wasteland and its inhabitants without ever actually explaining any of it in words. Likewise, the deceptively simple narrative is also home to some rather powerful themes related to freedom, control, identity, and survival. And wait, did I mention the explosions?! Featuring some of the best vehicular set pieces to ever grace the silver screen, the movie is simply a feast for the senses, and the heavy use of practical effects brings real weight to all of the mayhem. Through George Miller's visceral approach to storytelling, 'Mad Max: Fury Road' proves that when properly motivated, visual action and spectacle can become substance. Yes, this film may in fact be just one long chase scene, but through that chase the director shows us a world brimming with excitement and depth. Marked by a fantastic 3D presentation and a demo-worthy Dolby Atmos soundtrack, this Blu-ray release is an absolute must own for any film fan, home theater enthusiast, War Boy, or lowly blood bag. Buy the Blu-ray 'Furious 7' - If a series wants to survive for seven-plus movies, some form of reinvention is not only inevitable but downright necessary. Such is the case with the 'Fast and the Furious' franchise. After abandoning its humble street racing roots long ago, the high-octane film series has gradually become a genre explosion of big-screen action, crime caper thrills, and spy-flick fun. And with its latest installment, the cast and crew offer one of the most exciting (and fast and furious) entries yet. Likewise, it also happens to be one of the most satisfying and emotional as well, channeling off-screen tragedy into a genuinely heartfelt tribute that somehow balances tear-jerking sentiment with skydiving cars. Filled with fast vehicles, big guns, sexy women, sexy men, exotic locals, and plenty of physics-defying stunts, the movie has everything the franchise has become famous for… and it's all dialed up to eleven. Sure, the plot is a bit over-bloated and messy, and the runtime is often rather ridiculous and cheesy, but even at its most ludicrous (or should I say "Ludacris"), the flick is always entertaining and well executed, finding just the right tone to make it all work. Likewise, the returning cast members all continue to share amusing chemistry, and newcomers Nathalie Emmanuel, Kurt Russell, and Jason Statham all fit in nicely. That later addition proves to be especially inspiring, and seeing Statham take on fellow bald, big-screen tough-guys like Vin Diesel and The Rock is kind of badass. Not content to just ramp up the action, the film's emotional component is also amplified with several nostalgic callbacks, archive footage from previous entries, and a heartfelt conclusion that respectfully honors the series' late star Paul Walker. Family has always been a big theme in these movies, and now with over a decade of history in front of and behind the camera, the filmmakers are really able to evoke this long lasting bond like never before. With big stunts and big emotion behind the wheel, 'Furious 7' is a blockbuster action flick with an unashamedly sentimental heart. Coupled with a great technical presentation and solid supplements, this disc easily earns a spot as one of September's essential releases -- especially if you are a fan of big, bald action stars. Buy the Blu-ray 'Cinderella (2015)' - How many times can the same story be told and retold before it loses all its luster? Well, if that story happens to be an enduring fairy tale like 'Cinderella,' then the answer might be infinitely... especially if Disney happens to be involved. With their latest take on the treasured classic, the studio once again brings the iconic glass slippers to the silver screen, but this time they've taken a live action approach. Beautifully shot and elegantly directed, this new version remains remarkably faithful to the original animated movie -- maintaining the magic and wonder we've all come to expect. Skillfully channeling his penchant for Shakespearian drama into the whimsical world of fairy tales, director Kenneth Branagh brings a sensitive and graceful touch to the proceedings, filling the screen with gorgeous imagery and stirring emotion. And though the plot stays very close to the narrative beats we are all familiar with, the filmmakers update and enhance the story in several subtle yet important ways. The opening scenes introduce us to Ella as a child during happier times, allowing viewers to meet her parents as they help to instill the values and fortitude that will become paramount to her developing arc. Likewise, though still appropriately sinister, the Wicked Stepmother is given just enough depth to keep her from becoming a one-dimensional villain, letting a few key lines and pangs of emotions reveal her flawed motivations. And while the film never abandons the old-fashioned romance of the original, the Prince and Cinderella are placed on much more equal footing here. To this end, the story delicately expands its scope beyond the decidedly outdated trope of a girl dreaming about a man sweeping her off her feet, into a more empowering tale about courage and kindness. Subtly breathing three dimensions into its classic storybook characters while still keeping the original fairy tale's endearing simplicity intact, this new version of 'Cinderella' is a lovely family film. With a strong cast, enchanting visuals, and hopeful themes, the movie proves that some stories truly are timeless. Thankfully, the Blu-ray itself features a stellar technical presentation and a wonderful 'Frozen' short film, ensuring that each and every aspect of this release is simply magical. 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 Wed Sep 30, 2015 at 12:10 PM PDT by: -
Arnold Schwarzenegger Terminates 2D and 3D Blu-ray this November in 'Terminator: Genisys'[teaser]You can pre-order the disc now. [/teaser] As previously reported, Paramount is preparing 'Terminator: Genisys' for Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D, and now the date has been set for a November 10. “Arnold is back and better than ever” (Shawn Edwards, WDAP-TV, FOX) in the movie hailed as “the best Terminator since T2: Judgment Day” (Mark Hughes, Forbes). In the war of man against machine, Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney, The Divergent Series) is sent back to 1984 by resistance leader John Connor (Jason Clarke, Everest) to protect his young mother, Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke, “Game of Thrones”). However, this time unexpected events have altered the past and threaten the future for all mankind. Now Reese must join forces with Sarah and her “Guardian” (Arnold Schwarzenegger) to save the world and stop the next evolution of Terminators. Each release will feature 1080p video, Dolby Atmos audio, and nearly an hour of bonus content, featuring behind-the-scenes interviews with the cast and filmmakers, including the director of the first two films, James Cameron. Plus, take an in-depth look at the stunning visual effects and jaw-dropping action sequences, the recreation of iconic scenes from the original film, and more. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD combo pack is $39.99. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD combo pack is $52.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Terminator: Genisys' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 10. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray 3DPosted Wed Sep 30, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'The Beatles: 1' Will Bring the Fab Four's Greatest Hits to Blu-ray![teaser]The legendary band's number one singles will hit Blu-ray in November. You can pre-order the disc here. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Capitol is preparing 'The Beatles: 1' for Blu-ray on November 6. In addition to the single disc Blu-ray edition, a separate Blu-ray/CD combo pack and a special Deluxe Edition will also be released that same day. The Beatles: 1 - Featuring 27 of the band’s most significant singles, all of which reached #1 in the US or UK charts, this brand new Blu-ray edition features all 27 promo videos, all of which have been beautifully restored up to 4K resolution by a team of film and video technicians and restoration artists who have undertaken painstaking frame-by-frame cleaning, colour-grading, digital enhancement and new edits that took months of dedicated, ‘round-the-clock work to accomplish. Videos include: Love Me Do, I Want To Hold Your Hand, Can’t Buy Me Love, I Feel Fine, Ticket To Ride, Yesterday, Day Tripper, We Can Work It Out, Paperback Writer, Penny Lane, All You Need Is Love, Hey Jude, Something, Come Together, and more! The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, stereo and 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS HD Surround tracks, and supplements will include: Exclusive audio commentary and filmed introductions by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr respectively. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.98. Order the Blu-ray The Beatles: 1 (Blu-ray/CD) - Featuring 27 of the band’s most significant singles, all of which reached #1 in the US or UK charts, this brand new CD/Blu-ray edition features all 27 tracks on CD and all 27 promo videos on Blu-ray. Songs / videos include: Love Me Do, I Want To Hold Your Hand, Can’t Buy Me Love, I Feel Fine, Ticket To Ride, Yesterday, Day Tripper, We Can Work It Out, Paperback Writer, Penny Lane, All You Need Is Love, Hey Jude, Something, Come Together, and more! The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, stereo and 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS HD Surround tracks, and supplements will include: Exclusive audio commentary and filmed introductions by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr respectively. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray/CD combo pack is $36.98. Order the Blu-ray The Beatles: 1 - Deluxe Edition - Featuring 27 of the band’s most significant singles, all of which reached #1 in the US or UK charts, this brand new 2Blu-ray/CD set represents the ultimate collectors edition of The Beatles "1", featuring all 27 tracks on CD, all 27 promo videos on Blu-ray Disc 1, and an additional 23 videos on Blu-ray Disc 2, including alternate versions, as well as rarely seen and newly restored films and videos. CD/Blu-ray1 songs and videos include: Love Me Do, I Want To Hold Your Hand, Can’t Buy Me Love, I Feel Fine, Ticket To Ride, Yesterday, Day Tripper, We Can Work It Out, Paperback Writer, Penny Lane, All You Need Is Love, Hey Jude, Something, Come Together, and more!Blu-ray videos include: Twist & Shout, Please Please Me, Rain, Strawberry Fields Forever, A Day In The Life, Hey Bulldog, and Free As A Bird. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, stereo and 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS HD Surround tracks, and supplements will include: a 124-page illustrated hardcover book; Exclusive audio commentary and filmed introductions by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr respectively. Suggested list price for the 2-Disc Blu-ray/CD combo pack is $59.98. Order the Blu-ray You can find the latest specs for 'The Beatles: 1' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 6.Posted Wed Sep 30, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Vacation' Starring Ed Helms & Christina Applegate Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]Prepare for another trip to Wally World on Blu-ray in November. You can pre-order the disc here. [/teaser]As previously reported, Warner Bros. is preparing 'Vacation (2015)' for Blu-ray, and the release date is now set for November 3. The next generation of Griswolds is at is again – and on the road for another ill-fated adventure. Following in his father's footsteps and hoping for some much-needed family bonding, a grown-up Rusty Griswold (Ed Helms) surprises his wife, Debbie (Christina Applegate), and their two sons with a cross-country trip back to America's "favorite family fun park," Walley World. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Return to Walley World; The Griswold Odyssey; Gag Reel; Deleted Scenes; and Georgia. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray/DVD/Digitla HD combo pack is $44.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Vacation (2015)' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 3. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Sep 30, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Sion Sono's 'Tokyo Tribe' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The Japanese crime musical is planned for Blu-ray in December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Millennium Media will be releasing 'Tokyo Tribe' on Blu-ray on December 1. In a futuristic, alternate-world Tokyo, the city is made up of ghetto slums and nightclub playgrounds where gangs of wayward youth rule the streets. The city is carved up into 'hoods, and the crossing of territorial lines quickly leads to riots and rumbles. On the turf ruled by the savage yakuza Big Buppa, the simmering tension is about to boil over into all-out war. Who will emerge victorious? Territory, friendship, pride, love... Everything is put on the line in a desperate struggle for supremacy! Based on a popular Manga series (Tokyo Tribe 2 by Santa Inoue) and told almost entirely in rap verse (by some of Japan's top rappers), Tokyo Tribe has to be seen to be believed. The aggressive assault of the beats and rhymes wreaks havoc as a massive ensemble cast shocks, excites, and incites an unparalleled sonic war! Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $20.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Tokyo Tribe' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 1. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Sep 30, 2015 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Prepare to Enter 'Jurassic World' this October![teaser]In case you missed it, one of the highest-grossing films of all time is heading to Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D next month! [/teaser] As previously reported, Universal will be releasing 'Jurassic World' on Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D on October 20. 22 years after the events of Jurassic Park, an even bigger and enormously popular attraction has risen on Isla Nubar: Jurassic World. To keep attendance high, the park operators introduce a new, genetically modified hybrid creature called Indominus Rex. Bigger, stronger and far more intelligent than any dinosaur that ever walked the earth; the secretive new breed also proves more dangerous than anyone ever anticipated. When the massive creature escapes, chaos erupts across the island. Now it's up to Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) to save the park's tourists from an all-out prehistoric assault. Shattering box office records globally, Jurassic World crushed the opening-weekend box-office, scoring the highest domestic, international and worldwide openings of all time. The film has taken in more than $1.6 billion globally to become the third-highest grossing film in history. More than two decades since Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park was released, fans of the original films and new moviegoers alike can witness the story come full circle as the park that was only a promise comes to life. Each combo pack will feature 1080p video, lossless 7.1 audio, and supplements include: WELCOME TO JURASSIC WORLD: An in-depth take on the creation, look and feel of Jurassic World. Director Colin Trevorrow and Steven Spielberg discuss how the idea of the film came together and how the casting was decided with actors' commentary on their roles and filming locations; JURASSIC WORLD: ALL-ACCESS PASS: Chris Pratt and Director Colin Trevorrow discuss key moments in the film, supported by behind-the-scenes footage and VFX breakdowns; INNOVATION CENTER TOUR WITH CHRIS PRATT: Chris Pratt gives a tour of the Innovation Center, a museum/exhibit, built just for the movie; JURASSIC'S CLOSEST SHAVES: Clips from all films in the franchise showing "near death" or extremely scary encounters with dinosaurs; DINOSAURS ROAM ONCE AGAIN: Behind the scenes look at the making of Jurassic World's visual effects, how the dinosaurs came to life, and actors filmed scenes; CHRIS & COLIN TAKE ON THE WORLD: Chris Pratt and Colin Trevorrow (Director) interview each other and discuss Jurassic World as well as the other Jurassic Park movies; and DELETED SCENES. You can find the latest specs for 'Jurassic World' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 20. Order the 2D Blu-ray Order the 3D Blu-rayPosted Tue Sep 29, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Roger Waters: The Wall' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The ultimate concert experience comes to Blu-ray in December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal will be releasing 'Roger WateRoger Waters: The WallRoger Waters: The Wallrs: The Wall' on Blu-ray on December 1. Roger Waters, co-founder and principal songwriter of Pink Floyd, fuses the epic and the personal in Roger Waters The Wall, a concert film that goes well beyond the stage. Based on the groundbreaking concept album, Roger Waters The Wall could be called a concept film: it's a state-of-the-art show that dazzles the senses, combined with an intensely personal road trip that deals with the loss Roger has felt throughout his life due to war. On stage and now on film, Waters has channelled his convictions into his art and his music. With Roger Waters The Wall, Waters – together with his fellow musicians and his creative collaborators – brings audiences an exultant ride of a rock and roll concert, and delivers an unforgettable, deeply emotional experience. The film is also coming to select theaters worldwide September 29 and more info is available at https://www.rogerwatersthewall.com. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $22.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Roger Waters: The Wall' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 1. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Sep 29, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'What Have You Done to Solange?' Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]The Italian thriller is now available for pre-order. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Arrow Video is preparing 'What Have You Done to Solange?' for Blu-ray on December 15. From director Massimo Dallamano, cinematographer on both A Fistful of Dollars and For a Few Dollars More, comes giallo classic What Have You Done to Solange?, the debut feature of actress Camille Keaton (I Spit on Your Grave). A sexually sadistic killer is preying on the girls of St. Mary's school. Student Elizabeth witnessed one of the murders, but her hazy recollections of a knife-wielding figure in black do nothing to further the police's investigations. Why is the killer choosing these young women? And what does it have to do with a girl named Solange? Also starring Cristina Galbo (Living Dead at the Manchester Morgue) and Fabio Testi (I Spit On Your Grave), What Have You Done with Solange? features all the hallmarks of classic gialli the amateur detective, the black-gloved killer as well as a lush score from Ennio Morricone. The Blu-ray/DVD combo pack will feature 1080p video, an LPCM mono soundtrack, and supplements will include: Brand new audio commentary with critics Alan Jones and Kim Newman; Newly filmed cast interviews; Original Theatrical Trailer; Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by MALLEUS wwwDOTmalleusdelicDOTcom (to be revealed); Booklet featuring brand new writing on the film, illustrated with original stills; and More to be announced! Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for 'What Have You Done to Solange?' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 15. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Sep 29, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by:
