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'Masterpiece: Indian Summers' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The PBS series will be getting the Blu-ray treatment in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, PBS says 'Masterpiece: Indian Summers' will hit on Blu-ray on October 13. Julie Walters plays the glamorous doyenne of an English social club in the twilight era of British rule in India. Set in a subtropical paradise, Indian Summers explores the collision of the high-living English ruling class with the local people agitating for Indian independence. As the drama unfolds, the two sides alternately clash and merge in an intricate game of power, politics and passion. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $59.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Masterpiece: Indian Summers' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 13. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Aug 31, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: August 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 psychological sci-fi drama, a supernatural mockumentary, and a terrifying horror 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, and July 2015. [teaser]For August, we're covering a pulse-pounding medical drama, an eye-opening documentary, and a blood-curdling horror series. [/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 August, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'The Knick: The Complete First Season' - Like many film fans, I was quite disappointed when Steven Soderbergh first revealed that he was "retiring" from directing feature length movies. After all, the man's impressive filmography speaks for itself, with varied titles ranging from 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape' to 'Out of Sight' to 'Traffic' to 'Ocean's Eleven' and even 'Magic Mike,' representing the full extent of cinematic expression… and Channing Tatum's abs. But as upsetting as the director's retirement is, if 'The Knick is any indication, then his post-theatrical work will be every bit as riveting as his big-screen efforts. A dramatically gripping and stylistically absorbing medical drama, the series allows Soderbergh to experiment with long-form storytelling, offering a rather unique television experience marked by a singular artistic vision. While I've already covered most of what makes the show so impressive in my full review, there is perhaps no better example of the series' strengths, than its seventh episode. Titled, 'Get the Rope,' the installment serves as one of the season's high points, demonstrating every facet of the production firing on all cylinders. As a race riot breaks out in the city, the Knickerbocker hospital becomes under siege by an angry mob who refuses to let them treat African American patients. Though bigotry has been rampant all season, even from our protagonist Dr. Thackery (Clive Owen), in the midst of such crisis the writers reveal what these men and women are really made of, exposing the limits that they are willing to go to in order to treat the unjustly wounded. Racial tensions and interpersonal conflicts all come to a head against an increasingly dire backdrop, while otherwise disparate characters momentarily put their differences aside in the service of a greater good. From a stylistic standpoint, the filmmakers expertly ramp up the visual and narrative momentum, leading to a powerfully visceral experience that builds and builds. Likewise, the episode marks one of the only instances in which almost all of the show's principle cast members find themselves in the same room, and this heightened dynamic is milked for all it's worth without feeling forced or unearned. Not only one of the show's best episodes, 'Get the Rope' also ranks easily as one of last year's best hours of television... period -- perfectly demonstrating just how cinematically powerful 'The Knick' can be. While Soderbergh might be done with traditional feature length filmmaking, the director clearly hasn't lost any of his talent for visual storytelling and experimentation. And thankfully, the series hits Blu-ray with a great release, marked by a fantastic technical presentation and solid supplements. Though overlooked by most viewers, this series deserves to be seen by a larger audience and this set is the perfect way to catch up on the show before the second season premieres on Cinemax on October 16. Buy the Blu-ray 'Citizenfour' - Considering the complicated controversy and fevered debate surrounding the Edward Snowden NSA leaks, part of me was a little worried about Laura Poitras' 'Citizenfour.' Documentary films that cover such politically charged topics often have a tendency to veer too heavily toward manipulation, placing unbalanced emphasis on a specific agenda, and I was afraid that the filmmakers here might fall victim to this trend -- especially since the director is essentially part of the scandal itself. Thankfully, after a slightly rocky start, these qualms proved to be unfounded, and instead of the overbearing or slanted effort that I feared, the movie ends up being one of the most fascinating documentaries of the 21st century, revealing the realities behind the infamous leak as they unfolded beat by beat virtually unfiltered. With that said, the film's initial sequences leave a lot to be desired. In fact, I kind of hate these early scenes. Everything, from the overly dramatic email readings, to the ominous music chords that play under discussions of surveillance, reek of unnecessarily manipulative filmmaking, and even though I don't disagree with the bias on display, such tactics don't really lend themselves to thoughtful expression. Once Snowden finally show up, however, the movie becomes something truly special, eschewing these artificial stylistic techniques in favor of a startlingly transparent account of the events, ultimately allowing audiences to draw their own conclusions about the abuses of power uncovered, the people who uncovered them, and the abusers themselves. Through intimate fly-on-the-wall sessions with Snowden and snippets of media coverage, we bear witness to the thought process and actions behind the leak and its escalating effects, exposing each step in the chain as it unfolds over the course of a few days. And beyond the captivating political maneuverings and distressing insights into our country's surveillance policies, Poitras manages to paint a subtle yet intriguing portrait of Snowden himself, offering a few fleeting but potent glimpses into the enigmatic man's motivations, paranoia, and shifting emotional states as he prepares to alter his life in irrevocable ways. More than just a documentary about invasive surveillance and the need for government transparency, 'Citizenfour' actually ends up transcending politics to provide a rare and intimate examination of the whistle-blowing process itself, offering an intricate look at the cause and effects of the NSA leaks on the world, the media, the government, and the individuals who orchestrated them. A documentary in the truest sense of the word, the film acts as a literal document of this important historical event, ushering in a new high point of non-fiction real time moviemaking that belongs on every film fan's shelf. Buy the Blu-ray 'The Walking Dead: The Complete Fifth Season' - When it comes to storytelling, one can never understatement the importance of finishing strong. As long as you leave the audience with a thrilling and jaw-dropping conclusion, viewers can usually forgive some occasional hiccups along the way. Over the years, AMC's 'The Walking Dead' has made quite a habit of this phenomenon, and season five proves to be no different. Though this latest batch of episodes has some definite lulls, the writers manage to end the season with some of the show's strongest material yet, overcoming a few sporadic flaws with an enticing new arc that breathes some much-needed life into this undead drama. After the nail-biting season four cliffhanger, the show comes back in full force, leading to an action-packed, wholly satisfying conclusion to the Terminus arc. Sadly, once the series moves onto season five's first major new storyline… things get a little wobbly. Though there is some good material peppered throughout, the hospital arc ultimately proves to feel a bit forced and redundant. Likewise, a few wandering episodes that follow, take the characters' meandering a little too literally, making it feel like the show itself is a bit lost and listless. Now, I know these criticisms might make it seem like I'm not a fan of this season, but that's actually not the case. And the reason? Alexandria. Once this arc kicks in during the last six episodes, the show picks up considerably and starts to tackle entirely new territory. Getting to see our traumatized, battle-weary ensemble thrust into a seemingly safe, downright suburban environment is rather shocking, examining the tolls of their time out in the wild with the walkers in an entirely new light. While the constant threat of death is one thing, it turns out that complacency has its own dangers too. Juxtaposed against the "innocent" and oblivious citizens of Alexandria, we get to see just how much these characters have lost and just how much they have changed -- and not necessarily for the best. As the season comes to a close, the writers once again leave us with a tantalizing conclusion, resulting in a strong finish that helps to make up for some minor stumbles along the way. Now more popular than ever -- complete with a spin-off -- 'The Walking Dead' has become a genuine franchise. Though such popularity has led to degrading quality in some shows in the past, so far each new season has only continued to expand and develop these characters and their world in fascinating and, of course, absolutely terrifying new ways. Buy the Blu-ray So, there you have it. While there were many titles worth picking up this August, 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 August's must own titles?Posted Mon Aug 31, 2015 at 10:05 AM PDT by: -
Jean Becker's 'One Deadly Summer' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The 1983 modern French classic is heading to Blu-ray in November. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Tanelorn Films will be releasing 'One Deadly Summer' on Blu-ray on November 17. Isabelle Adjani (Queen Margot, Possession) stars in this Jean Becker (Children of the Marshland, Conversations with My Gardener) directed tale of misunderstanding, obsession, and madness. Elaine, a beautiful young women settles into a small town in the south of France with her introverted mother and physically handicapped father. Traumatized by her knowledge that her mother was raped by three Italian immigrants before she was born, Elaine thinks she's on a trail of vengeance when she's courted by a young garage mechanic (Alain Souchon), whose father, now dead, was an Italian immigrant who owned a mechanical piano, the only clue to the identity of her mother's aggressors. But as the story unfolds in Rashomon-like flashbacks and narrations, the tale becomes increasingly complex and leads inexorably to a stunning conclusion. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a French LPCM Mono soundtrack, and supplements include: 1983 Cannes Film Festival Interview with Isabelle Adjani; Vintage Interview with Director Jean Becker; 2007 Interview with Director Jean Becker; Original; Theatrical Trailer; and Stills. You can find the latest specs for 'One Deadly Summer' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 17.Posted Mon Aug 31, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Black Sails: Season Two' Planned for Blu-ray[teaser]The second season of the Emmy-winning series arrives on Blu-ray in November. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay says 'Black Sails: Season Two' will hit on Blu-ray on November 3. Black Sails: The Complete Second Season begins where we left off, as the Walrus crew is stranded with an army of Spanish soldiers standing between them and the precious Urca gold. And with their crimes against their brethren no longer a secret, Flint and Silver must join forces in a desperate bid for survival. Meanwhile, Eleanor Guthrie struggles to maintain her grip on Nassau, as a new breed of pirate arrives in the form of Ned Low, a man for whom violence isn't just a tool...it's a pasttime. As blood is spilled, and tensions mount, Charles Vane must decide which he values more; Eleanor's life, or the respect of his men. And unbeknownst to all of them, a prize of immeasurable value has already been smuggled onto the island...one whose discovery will alter the very landscape of their world, and force everyone in Nassau toward the ultimate judgment: are they men, or are they monsters? The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, lossless 7.1 audio, and supplements include: Inside The World of Black Sails; The Man O' War; Expanding Worlds; High Seas Action; and History's Influence. You can find the latest specs for 'Black Sails: Season Two' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under November 3. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Aug 31, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The 1993 animated adventure will make its Blu-ray debut in November.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal will be bringing 'We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story' to Blu-ray on November 17. A DINOSAUR ADVENTURE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! For every kid who ever wanted to meet a real dinosaur, Steven Spielberg presents We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story – the animated tale of four prehistoric pals in the most awesome adventure since the dawn of time! Join Rex, Woog, Elsa and Dweeb as they time-travel to New York City to meet their biggest fans – modern-day kids – and make all of their wildest dreams come true. Featuring the voices of John Goodman (The Flintstones), Jay Leno (The Tonight Show), Martin Short (A Simple Wish) and Rhea Perlman (Cheers), We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story is a magical film the whole family will enjoy. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $14.98. You can find the latest specs for 'We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under November 17. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Aug 31, 2015 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Ted Geoghegan's Chilling 'We Are Still Here' Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]The critically-acclaimed horror flick will haunt Blu-ray in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, MPI and Dark Sky Films will be releasing 'We Are Still Here' on Blu-ray on October 6. We Are Still Here is an atmospheric, classically constructed haunted house story, but with modern, heightened tension and action. After their teenage son Bobby is killed in a car crash, Paul and Anne Sacchetti move to an isolated 19th-century house in the New England countryside to try to start a new life. But soon the grieving couple begin to sense they are not alone in the old house. The Sacchettis' psychic friend May arrives to investigate Anne's hopeful feeling that Bobby's spirit is also there. Unknowingly, the Sacchettis become the prey of a family of vengeful spirits that reside in their new home, and before long they discover that the seemingly peaceful town is hiding a terrifyingly dark secret. Now they must find a way to overcome their sorrow and fight back against both the living and dead as the malicious ghosts threaten to pull their souls - and the soul of their lost son - into hell with them. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include: Commentary with Writer-Director Ted Geoghegan and Producer Travis Stevens; Behind the Scenes - Geoghegan and Stevens discuss the genesis of the project and the challenges and successes of bringing the script to life; Trailer and Teaser. You can find the latest specs for 'We Are Still Here' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 6. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Aug 28, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Chaplin's Essanay Comedies' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]15 Charlie Chaplin flicks are heading to Blu-ray in November, and you can pre-order the films here. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Flicker Alley is preparing 'Chaplin's Essanay Comedies' for Blu-ray on November 17. In late 1914, Charlie Chaplin was paid the then-unprecedented salary of $1,250 per week (with a bonus of $10,000) in exchange for signing a one-year contract with the Essanay Film Manufacturing Company. The resulting 14 films he created for Essanay find Chaplin further experimenting with new cinematic techniques, while continuing to add complexities and pathos into his celebrated Little Tramp character, soon to become immortalized as the face, hat, and mustache of modern screen comedy. Flicker Alley and The Blackhawk Films® Collection are proud to present Chaplin's Essanay Comedies, the third and final installment of the Chaplin Project (lead by Lobster Films and Cineteca di Bologna), a massive, twelve year endeavor to restore all of Chaplin's cinematic output from 1914-1917. This 5-disc box Blu-ray/DVD box set features 15 newly restored films His New Job, A Night Out, The Champion, In the Park, A Jitney Elopement, The Tramp, By the Sea, His Regeneration, Work, A Woman, The Bank, Shanghaied, A Night in the Show, Charlie Chaplin s Burlesque on Carmen, and Police. All were scanned under the aegis of Association Chaplin at a resolution of 2,000 lines from original 35mm prints gathered from archives all over the world, then digitally assembled and restored, a collaborative effort of Lobster Films and Cineteca di Bologna. These editions feature scores from some of the foremost composers and musicians of silent film accompaniment, including Timothy Brock, Robert Israel, and The Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra. Essanay and Mutual were Chaplin's laboratory and he later would borrow heavily from the films he created there to craft the masterworks The Kid (1921), The Gold Rush (1925), City Lights (1931) and Modern Times (1936) for which he is best known and for which he always will be remembered. Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: Triple Trouble (1918), an unofficial Chaplin film, edited together from outtakes and footage shot by the Essanay Film Manufacturing Company without Chaplin's approval; The Blu-ray/DVD premiere of the newly restored Charlie Butts In, a one-reel film widely distributed in the 1920s assembled from alternate takes of the standard, two-reel version of A Night Out; The two-reel edits of A Night Out and Charlie Chaplin's Burlesque on Carmen, restored and conforming as nearly as possible to the Chaplin's original intentions for release; A never-before-seen restoration of Police, including a newly improved final shot; and A booklet with rare, behind-the-scenes images, and an extensive essay by film historian and author Jeffrey Vance (Chaplin: Genius of the Cinema). Suggested list price for the 5-Disc Blu-ray/DVD set is $59.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Chaplin's Essanay Comedies' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 17. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Aug 28, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Nightingale' Starring David Oyelowo Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The HBO drama will arrive on Blu-ray in September, and you can pre-order the disc here. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, HBO is preparing 'Nightingale' for Blu-ray on September 15. Directed by Elliott Lester from a screenplay by Frederick Mensch, 'Nightingale' is a provocative drama that probes the darkest corners of a disturbed mind, as a war veteran begins to unravel thread by thread. This searing story of solitude and isolation offers a poignant look at how life has failed one man. Supplements have not been detailed yet, but the Blu-ray/Digital HD combo pack will feature 1080p video and a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Nightingale' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 15. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Aug 28, 2015 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
The Heartwarming Tale 'Paper Towns' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The film based on a story by John Green ('The Fault in Our Stars') is planned for Blu-ray in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox will be releasing 'Paper Towns: My PAPER Journey Edition' on Blu-ray on October 20. Adapted from the bestselling novel by John Green, PAPER TOWNS is a coming-of-age story centering on Quentin, a high school senior who has been in love with his enigmatic neighbor Margo since childhood. After taking him on an all-night adventure through their hometown, Margo suddenly disappears--leaving behind cryptic clues for Quentin to decipher. The search leads Quentin and his quick-witted friends on an exhilarating adventure that is equal parts hilarious and moving. Ultimately, to track down Margo, Q must find a deeper understanding of friendship--and true love. The PAPER TOWNS Blu-ray comes with nearly an hour of deleted scenes from Q and Margo’s journey, commentary from the director and Green, and exclusive behind-the-scenes featurettes. Watch a never-before-seen gag reel and learn more about the making of the film from the actors, filmmakers and Green in a three-part documentary. Take a road trip with the author and cast, watch the stars engage him in lightning round interviews and see how much fun they all have when the cameras aren’t rolling! The release also includes collectible packaging including shareable sticky notes of inspirational quotes from the film and a U.S. map. You can find the latest specs for 'Paper Towns: My PAPER Journey Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 20.Posted Thu Aug 27, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Warner Brothers Details 'Max' for Blu-ray[teaser]The family film is coming to Blu-ray in October, and you can pre-order the movie here. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Bros. is preparing 'Max' for Blu-ray on October 27. A precision-trained military dog, Max serves on the frontlines in Afghanistan alongside his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott. But when things go terribly wrong on maneuvers, Kyle is mortally wounded and Max, traumatized by the loss of his best friend, is unable to remain in service. Sent stateside, the only human he seems willing to connect with is Kyle's teenage brother, Justin, so Max is saved when he is adopted by Kyle's family. But Justin has issues of his own, including living up to his father's expectations, and he isn't interested in taking responsibility for his brother's troubled dog. However, Max may be Justin's only chance to discover what really happened to his brother that day on the front, and with the help of Carmen, a tough-talking young teen who has a way with dogs, Justin begins to appreciate his canine companion. Justin's growing trust in Max helps the four-legged veteran revert back to his heroic self, and as the pair race to unravel the mystery, they find more excitement—and danger—than they bargained for. But they each might also find an unlikely new best friend… in each other. The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD combo pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Working with Max and Hero Dogs: A Journey. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $44.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Max' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 27. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Aug 27, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by:
