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'Mad Men: The Final Season, Part 2' Hits Blu-ray on October 13th[teaser]The final season of the acclaimed AMC drama is now available for pre-order. [/teaser] As previously reported, Lionsgate is preparing 'Mad Men: The Final Season, Part 2' for Blu-ray on October 13. In addition, the studio is also releasing 'Mad Men: The Complete Series' on that same day. 'Mad Men: The Final Season, Part 2' - The Final Season: Part 2 is the end for television's most celebrated show; four-time Primetime Emmy winner for Outstanding Drama Series and winner of three consecutive Golden Globes. Set in the captivating world of 1960s New York, Mad Men continues to follow iconic ad man Don Draper (Golden Globe winner Jon Hamm), his colleagues and his family. The Blu-ray/Digital HD combo pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Audio commentaries with cast and crew on all episodes; "Laurel Canyon" featurette; "Unmarried Professional Women" featurette; "Generation Boom" featurette; "Earth Day" featurette; and Interactive Advertising Timeline. Suggested list price for the 2-Disc Blu-ray is $39.97. Order the Blu-ray 'Mad Men: The Complete Series' - MAD MEN: The Complete Collection is a must-own for MAD MEN fans! Offered as a limited-edition gift set, it features the complete seven seasons and all special features ever released plus four hours of brand-new bonus material (including a look at the casting and design of the show), a one-on-one sit-down with Matthew Weiner and two hand-made silver-rimmed lowball tumblers and four cork coasters. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Bonus material from all seven seasons; "The Fellas at Sterling Cooper" cast wrap Interviews; "Matthew Weiner: One on One" featurette; "Casting MAD MEN" featurette; "Design of a Decade" featurette; Main Cast Wrap Interviews; MAD MEN Advertising Archives (interactive feature); MAD MEN Historical Timeline; and Audio commentaries with cast and crew on all episodes, including previously unreleased commentaries for Season 6. Suggested list price for the 23-Disc Blu-ray set is $209.97. Order the Blu-ray You can find the latest specs for 'Mad Men: The Final Season, Part 2' and 'Mad Men: The Complete Series' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under October 13.Posted Sun Aug 2, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: July 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 groundbreaking TV series, a fantastical animated adventure, and an action-packed spy 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, and June 2015. [teaser]For July, we're covering a psychological sci-fi drama, a supernatural mockumentary, and a terrifying horror flick. [/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 July, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'Ex Machina' - Empathy. It is perhaps an essential component of any social lifeform; the emotional capacity to look beyond our own mere selves in order to feel for others, to relate to their pain and sadness and even their desires. In Alex Garland's 'Ex Machina,' this fundamental ability proves to be a tool both powerful in its selectivity and devastating in its tragic deficiency. A mind-bending science fiction chamber piece that probes deep into psychological and philosophical ambiguity, the film presents a shifting cinematic experiment where the true test subject is always in doubt.At the center of the story rests three characters: two men made of flesh and one "woman" forged of circuitry. Their interactions between each other, the manner in which they perceive each other, project upon each other, and manipulate each other will ultimately seal their fates. The ostensible goal? To determine whether this girl made of metal, Ava, is actually alive. At least, that's what we are initially led to believe. But the plot's true intentions are far more complex, weaving a story that asks thought provoking questions about sentience, intelligence, gender roles, exploitation, freedom, and the will to survive. Through Ava's journey we bear witness to a striking view of humanity, simultaneously blurring and illuminating the line between man and machine, and protagonist and antagonist. With themes and implications that are open to numerous potentially contradictory interpretations, the film's simple yet striking conclusion is pure science fiction brilliance.A modern day spin on the classic 'Frankenstein' narrative, 'Ex Machina' becomes much more than just another tale about artificial intelligence. Fueled by a daring, multi-faceted script, sleek, contemplative visuals, and nuanced performances, the film is heady sci-fi at its best, examining the complex nature of empathy, both in action and in its absence -- from human and android alike. With a great video transfer, worthwhile supplements, and the very first DTS:X immersive audio mix on Blu-ray, this is the definition of a must own disc. And that's a conclusion that needs no further experimentation. Buy the Blu-ray 'What We Do in the Shadows' - Have you ever wondered what vampires do during their downtime? You know, in between all their gruesome feedings and nightly prowls for unsuspecting virgins? Well, it turns out that these fearsome creatures of the night actually spend most of their evenings… washing dishes. Brilliantly juxtaposing the supernatural against the hilariously mundane, 'What We Do in the Shadows' peels back the dusty curtain on undead living. Marked by a clever sense of humor and a pitch-perfect mockumentary style, the film manages to milk (or is it suck?) potent laughs out of a potentially over-used topic. Just when I thought I was completely sick of vampire flicks, these Kiwi filmmakers prove that there's still a little blood left in the genre. And it tastes really good.Using a faux-documentary structure complete with voice overs and talking head interviews, the movie chronicles the episodic everyday misadventures of a group of New Zealand vampires trying to get by in the modern world. Hitting just the right comedic tone, the jokes balance the macabre (these guys do still eat people, after all) with the silly (they also like to stitch scarfs). And despite their sometimes gruesome actions, the central trio remains downright lovable. To this end, the cast, which includes 'Flight of The Conchords' star Jermaine Clement, is absolutely hilarious, and each performer crafts a wonderfully unique take on classic vampire archetypes. Spoofing horror tropes and reality TV clichés, the runtime offers a consistently funny examination of undead culture and docudrama conceits, including a look at the familiar/master relationship, the hardships of a newly transformed vampire, and various obligatory personal confessions, emotional reunions, and petty rivalries. And thankfully, the script also features an overarching plot that helps to keep the individual bits tied together with some solid character developments.Genuinely inspired, 'What We Do in the Shadows' somehow combines the worn-out mockumentary format with the worn-out vampire genre to create an absolutely hilarious and endearing horror comedy. Packed with fun supplements and a great technical presentation, this Blu-ray from Paramount is easily one of this month's top releases. Thanks to some sharp jokes, great performances, and surprisingly convincing effects work, the film feels fresh -- even if the flick's centuries-old protagonists are starting to rot a little. Buy the Blu-ray 'It Follows' - For supernatural horror to really work, there usually has to be some level of relatability. Something for the audience to connect to that parallels an aspect of our everyday world and its troubles. Some perversion of a genuine fear or anxiety, twisted into something much more powerful and disturbing. Using ambiguous metaphor as its jumping off point, 'It Follows' taps deep into the human psyche, preying upon common teenage worries, primal desires, and fading innocence by distorting the consequences of a single sexual encounter into the beginnings of unending terror. Impeccably shot and expertly paced, this is a genre work of uncommon cinematic craft, using style and subtext to enhance its dread -- a dread that continues to lurk and wander and linger…Serving as a carefully honed in throwback to 70s and 80s horror thrillers, director David Robert Mitchell creates a delicately retro aesthetic that harkens back to the works of pioneering genre masters like John Carpenter. Everything, from the use of long wide shots and voyeuristic zooms, to the eerie synth heavy music score works together to create a slowly escalating sense of terror that lulls viewers into periodic moments of false calm. By letting the camera roll and the lens use the full extent of the frame, the director is able to constantly keep the audience on their toes, as the film's central villain could literally appear at any moment and from any corner or layer of the screen -- slowly but surely coming closer and closer and closer. Purely on a visceral level, this constant wandering threat becomes undeniably spooky, taking on the guise of unsettling strangers or twisted versions of the characters' loved ones. Though a slowly walking antagonist might sound like a pretty easily escapable danger, the filmmakers manage to use this element to their advantage, elaborating on the paranoia that comes from such a constant threat while revealing how easy it is to actually be trapped without an exit. And the initial cause and potential solution for the curse engenders some rather fascinating questions and metaphors about sex, innocence, responsibility, guilt, shame, and love. Thankfully, the director wisely offers no concrete answers, leaving the movie's deep allegory open to many meanings. Likewise, even beyond its more complicated subtext, the flick works wonderfully as a straightforward exercise in suspense, filled with characters that we actually grow to care about. Haunting, sensitive, and artistically measured in its form, 'It Follows' puts most recent superficial horror efforts to shame. Though a bit light on supplements, this is an excellent Blu-ray release, making it an essential disc for any fan of cinematic thrills. Buy the Blu-ray So, there you have it. While there were many titles worth picking up this July, 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 July's must own titles?Posted Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
The Graboids Are Back in 'Tremors 5: Bloodlines' on Blu-ray this October[teaser]The fifth chapter in the giant burrowing worm franchise will tunnel to Blu-ray in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal will be releasing 'Tremors 5: Bloodlines' on Blu-ray on October 6. The stakes are raised for survivalist Burt Gummer (Michael Gross) in his most dangerous monster hunt yet. When Gummer's hired to capture a deadly Assblaster terrorizing South Africa, he and his new sidekick, Travis Welker (Jamie Kennedy), find themselves in a battle to the death against the fiercely aggressive Assblasters and Graboids. Discovering that the monsters have evolved into even more lethal creatures, their mission takes on a whole new level of unseen terror -- far more than they bargained for. The Blu-ray combo pack will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Deleted And Extended Scenes, Outtakes, and Tremors 5: Behind The Bloodlines featurette. You can find the latest specs for 'Tremors 5: Bloodlines' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 6. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Andrew Bujalski's 'Results' Getting Ready to Spot Blu-ray[teaser]The fun and intimate fable that's grounded in real life is headed for Blu-ray in September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Magnolia is preparing 'Results' for Blu-ray on September 22. Recently divorced, newly rich, and utterly miserable, Danny (Kevin Corrigan) would seem to be the perfect test subject for a definitive look at the relationship between money and happiness. Danny’s well-funded ennui is interrupted by a momentous trip to the local gym, where he meets self-styled guru/owner Trevor (Guy Pearce) and irresistibly acerbic trainer Kat (Cobie Smulders). Soon, their three lives are inextricably knotted, both professionally and personally. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Results' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 22.Posted Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Self/less' Blu-ray Up for Pre-Order![teaser]The sci-fi flick starring Ryan Reynolds & Ben Kingsley is now available for pre-order. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 'Self/less' is coming to Blu-ray later this year. An extremely wealthy man, dying from cancer, undergoes a radical medical procedure that transfers his consciousness into the body of a healthy young man. But all is not as it seems when he starts to uncover the mystery of the body's origin and the organization that will kill to protect its cause. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Natalie Martinez, and Matthew Goode. Directed by Tarsem Singh. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD combo pack is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Self/less' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Jonas Kaufmann' Opera Concert Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The opera star will hit the stage on Blu-ray in August. Pre-orders are now live. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Decca is preparing 'Jonas Kaufmann' for Blu-ray on August 28. Jonas Kaufmann is one of the undoubted opera superstars of today, and his electric stage presence is perfectly captured in these DVD/Blu-ray sets. Kaufmann is renowned for his versatility, and this varied selection of four Opera productions showcases his vocal flexibility in style, genres and languages. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the 4-Disc Blu-ray is $69.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Jonas Kaufmann' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 28. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Starz Series 'Outlander: Season 1 - Volume 2' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]The sci-fi romance show will return to Blu-ray in September, and you can pre-order the series here. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony is preparing 'Outlander: Season 1 - Volume 2' for Blu-ray on September 29. A separate 'Collector's Edition' will also be released on that same day. As 'Outlander' continues, Claire and Jamie’s relationship is tested by ruthless Redcoats, volatile clan politics, and a brutal witch trial, which force Jamie and Claire to escape to a new home. Just when their life as a married couple begins to take shape, Jamie is once again drawn into Captain Randall’s darkness. Ultimately, Claire discovers there is a fate worse than death as she struggles to save Jamie’s heart, as well as his soul. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Weaving Authentic: Making the Fabrics of Outlander; Gag Reel; Outlander Podcasts; The Reckoning Extended Episode with Introduction by Ronald D. Moore; Diana Gabaldon Tours Outlander; Outlander Cast & Crew Table Read; A Triangle in Time; and Deleted Scenes with Introduction by Ronald D. Moore. In addition, the Collector's Edition will include special packaging, 3D artwork, and a 32-page book. Suggested list price for the 2-Disc Blu-ray is $45.99. Suggested list price for the Collector's Edition is $55.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Outlander: Season 1 - Volume 2' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 29. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Jul 30, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Call Girl of Cthulhu' Blu-ray Dated for September[teaser]The comedy horror flick is now up for pre-order. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Camp Motion Pictures is preparing 'Call Girl of Cthulhu' for Blu-ray on September 15. When a virginal artist falls in love with a call girl, she turns out to be the chosen bride of the alien god Cthulhu. To save her, he must stop an ancient cult from summoning their god and destroying mankind. Starring David Phillip Carollo, Melissa O'Brien, and Nicolette le Faye. Directed by Chris LaMartina. Specs and supplements have not been announced yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Call Girl of Cthulhu' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 15. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Jul 30, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Hayden Christensen & Adrien Brody Try to Pull Off an 'American Heist' on Blu-ray[teaser] Sarik Andreasyan's crime thriller will be available on Blu-ray in September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate will be releasing 'American Heist' on Blu-ray on September 8. James (Christensen) owes his life to his older brother Frankie (Brody) after taking the rap for a crime they committed together. Now, Frankie is released and back on the streets with no money and no place to go. He turns to his underworld connections and convinces James to join him in hopes that one last job will be the solution to change both their lives. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include "Creating a Complex Caper: Pulling off American Heist" featurette. You can find the latest specs for 'American Heist' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under September 8. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Jul 30, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Kevin Connor's 'The People That Time Forgot' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The 1977 classic adventure is planned for Blu-ray later this year. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Scorpion Releasing is preparing 'The People That Time Forgot' for Blu-ray in November. This "surefire box-office attraction" (L.A. Free Press) delivers a daring, diabolical, dinosaur-laden fantasy adventure that's packed with "hair-raising beasties and erupting fire" (Daily Variety) every second. When an expedition in search of a lost colleague traces his last steps in the frozen Arctic, the team discovers a hidden tropical oasis in the middle of the ice! As things quickly thaw out, clothes come off and long forgotten cavemen - and dinosaurs - come a-hunting for fresh meat. Soon, prehistoric hysteria sets in and it's every man - and scantily clad woman - for himself. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'The People That Time Forgot' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING.Posted Thu Jul 30, 2015 at 06:00 AM PDT by:
