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High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: May 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 spooky horror flick, a classic comedy, and a truly peculiar mystery. 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, and April 2015. [teaser]For May, we're covering a biopic about a gangster, a biopic about a civil rights leader, and a biopic about an American soldier. [/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 May, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'Goodfellas: 25th Anniversary Edition' - It's always disappointing when truly must own flicks get subpar Blu-ray releases. Like any self-respecting film fan and home theater enthusiast, this kind of dilemma usually causes me great inner turmoil. On the one hand, I can't help but want to buy the release just to own the damn movie, but on the other hand, I also don't want to support studios when they pump out mediocre discs -- and then there's always the chance that a superior double dip will eventually be released. This is the kind of tricky predicament I've been in for several years when it comes to Martin Scorsese's gangster masterpiece, 'Goodfellas.' After resisting low prices, useless repackages, and even a few cool multi-film sets, my long wait has at last proved fruitful. For its 25th Anniversary, Warner Bros. has finally released the film with the high quality HD treatment it deserves, allowing me to buy the disc without any pesky quandaries. Through the story of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), Scorsese reveals the highs and lows of gangster life, using satire, action, drama, and striking violence to create one of the most entertaining and cinematically potent crime stories ever made. Endlessly quotable (and profane) lines, iconic sequences, and impressive camera work abound, using Hill's voice-over narration to carry us through his rise up the ranks and eventual paranoid decline, turning a bunch of murderous crooks into a surprisingly charismatic group of protagonists. Indeed, Scorsese manages to emphasize the allure of the mafia life without ever losing sight of just how horrible these people really are, mixing in dark humor to create a unique blend of tones that is surprisingly funny. But not funny like a clown, of course! Just funny, you know? Thanks to Warner Brothers, 'Goodfellas' is finally available in the must own Blu-ray release that it should have been from the start. With this 25th Anniversary edition, I no longer have to keep an empty space on my shelf in hopeful anticipation for a better option. No longer content to just be a "schnook" or an "average nobody" on the Blu-ray market, the re-mastered video and lossless audio turn this disc into the bona fide wise guy it deserves to be. So go ahead and whack your old copy and pull the trigger on this double dip! Buy the Blu-ray 'Selma' - When we are pushed, our first inclination is always to push back. It's a natural impulse, after all. One tied directly to our own primal survival instinct -- but that doesn't mean that it's the only option. And that doesn't mean that it's the right option. It takes far more strength to resist the urge to violence than it does to throw a punch. And aggression will simply beget more aggression unless someone finally decides to stop the cycle. To unclench their fist in order to find another path. In 1965, that path happened to lead toward Montgomery, Alabama, and the journey its followers took helped to change the very soul of our nation. In 'Selma,' director Ava DuVernay places her audience on a march toward justice -- a march led by a man armed only with his voice and his conscience.When it comes to real life historical figures, few men are as universally revered as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (David Oyelowo). While this deep admiration could potentially lead to an unrealistically idolized portrayal onscreen, Duvernay and Oyelowo manage to keep their protagonist mostly grounded -- instilling complex humanity into the character. Through intimate moments with his family and inner circle of supporters, we see the man during times of heavy doubt, frustration, and exhaustion, revealing instances when the seemingly steadfast leader is forced to question his decisions. Likewise, we also get to bear witness to fleeting moments of levity and even hints of much deeper flaws. Throughout it all, Oyelowo brings a commanding yet irrevocably warm presence to the role, mixing endless compassion with unrelenting determination. Watching Dr. King's strategy play out as the runtime goes on proves to be very engaging, and the director constructs several devastating sequences that reveal the horrors of hatred, slowly building our own natural bloodlust for revenge. And yet… this is not a tale of physical retribution. Instead, it is a story about non-violent protest -- a weapon of an entirely different kind. It is only natural to retaliate when we are attacked, but sometimes one can fight back without ever lifting a hand -- as long as the right man is leading the way. Gripping and inspiring, 'Selma' honors its central figure without ever losing sight of the humanity that fueled both his greatest strengths and flaws. With the movie's intentional style intact, this Blu-ray release from Paramount offers a strong technical presentation and several worthwhile supplements. Brimming with passion from all sides of the camera, the movie remains one of 2014's most powerful films, celebrating the lasting change of one man's dream while reminding us just how far we still have left to march. Buy the Blu-ray 'American Sniper' - Unlike the previous film on this list, Clint Eastwood's stirring 'American Sniper' takes a decidedly different approach when it comes to the concept of violence -- exposing its necessity in the face of war. But far more than just a guns blazing depiction of combat, the director carefully examines the lofty cost that comes from enduring the horrors of bloodshed, creating a harrowing and insightful character study. Based on the experiences of Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper), the film steps behind the cross-hairs of one of our country's most deadly snipers, revealing the inner struggles and steadfast sense of duty that fueled his life. In many ways, the movie can be seen as a companion piece of sorts to Kathryn Bigelow's 2009 Best Picture Winner, 'The Hurt Locker.' To this point, both films depict soldiers seemingly addicted to the experience of war, but for two very different reasons. In 'The Hurt Locker,' the protagonist appears to develop a dependence on the inherent danger and adrenaline rush of combat. But in 'American Sniper,' Kyle becomes addicted to the battlefield mostly due to a growing sense of responsibility to his fellow soldiers. His inability to readjust to civilian life is not only powered by the trauma of his experiences, but also by a nagging sense of guilt that he is no longer out there defending his unit and his country. He possesses a skill behind a gun that few can match, and if he's not utilizing his abilities, he feels like he's betraying his brothers. At home in the normalcy of family life he now feels out of place and inadequate, but behind his scope he has a clear sense of purpose and the ability to achieve his objective. Cooper realizes this intensifying dichotomy with nuance and sensitivity, creating a heroic but damaged character while turning in the best performance of his career. Though the actor has done some very strong work in recent years, this is the first time that it truly feels as if he disappears into a role, completely transforming his mannerisms and physical appearance. Behind the camera, Clint Eastwood also does a commendable job of balancing intense action with more delicate emotional beats, resulting in a harrowing and compelling experience on and off the battlefield.Suspenseful and psychologically deep, 'American Sniper' becomes a slightly atypical anti-war film, presenting a protagonist who embraces his position in the combat zone while still wearing the heavy internal scars of his experiences. Impeccably crafted and marked by a powerful performance from its lead actor, the movie serves as a tribute to its real life inspiration -- and despite any potential controversies related to the accuracy of that depiction, judged on its own merits, this remains an absorbing and thoughtful piece of cinema. Factor in a 5-star video presentation and a 5-star Dolby Atmos soundtrack, and this disc easily earns the final spot on May's essential list. Buy the Blu-ray So, there you have it. While there were many titles worth picking up this May, 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 May's must own titles?Posted Mon Jun 1, 2015 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
John Grissmer's 'Blood Rage' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The 1987 horror flick has been restored for Blu-ray this August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Arrow Video will be releasing 'Blood Rage' on Blu-ray on August 25. What do you get if you combine Thanksgiving, American TV star Louise Lasser (Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman), killer 80s synths and some of the most gruesome special effects in all of slasher history courtesy of Ed (Terminator 2) French. Why, it's Blood Rage of course! Todd and Terry seem like sweet kids - that is, until one of them takes an axe to face of a fellow patron at the local drive-in. Todd is blamed for the bloody crime and institutionalised, whilst twin brother Terry goes free. Ten years later and, as the family gathers around the table for a Thanksgiving meal, the news comes in that Todd has escaped - and he's heading their way. But has the killer twin in fact been in their midst all along? One thing's for sure, there WILL be blood... Filmed in 1983 at the tail-end of the slasher golden era but not released until 1987, Blood Rage (also re-cut and released to theatres as Nightmare at Shadow Woods) has been lovingly restored from the original vault materials for its first ever appearance on Blu-ray and DVD. Happy Thankskilling! The Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack will feature a brand new 2K restoration from original vault materials of three versions of the film: Blood Rage, the original "hard" version, completely uncut and uncensored in a Blu-ray/DVD world premiere; the R-rated Nightmare at Shadow Woods 1987 re-cut, and a third "composite" cut combining all the footage from both Blood Rage and Nightmare at Shadow Woods; Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing; Brand new extensive making-of documentary featuring interviews with various cast and crew; Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly-commissioned artwork from Marc Schoenbach; Fully-illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film; PLUS MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED! Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Blood Rage' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under August 25. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Jun 1, 2015 at 08:30 AM PDT by: -
The Retro Horror Throwback 'Lost After Dark' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The exciting directing debut of writer/director Ian Kessner that takes audiences back to the slasher decade will take a stab at Blu-ray in September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay has revealed 'Lost After Dark' will be available on Blu-ray on September 1. Spring Ball, 1984. Adrienne (Kendra Timmins, Midnight Sun, "Wingin' It"), a straight-A student, joins her quarterback crush Sean (Justin Kelly, Maps To The Stars, Big Muddy) and some friends in sneaking out of their high school dance for some unsupervised mayhem. The teens' party plans hit a snag when they run out of gas on a deserted road. They head out on foot and discover a rundown farmhouse where they hope to find help. Instead they find themselves at the mercy of Junior Joad (Mark Wiebe, Sweet Karma), a cannibal killer from an urban legend. After the brutal murder of one of their friends, the group's quest for help becomes one of survival. Will anyone survive the night? Produced by Goldrush Entertainment’s Eric Gozlan and co-written by Bo Ransdell, Lost After Dark features Robert Patrick (Terminator 2, From Dusk ‘Til Dawn), Eve Harlow ("The 100"), Stephan James (Selma), Jesse Camacho (Kick-Ass 2), Elise Gatien (Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Dog Days), Alexander Calvert (Lost Boys: The Tribe), Lanie McAuley (Scarecrow), and David Lipper (Black Widower), as well as fun cameos from Sarah Fisher ("Degrassi: The Next Generation") and Rick Rosenthal (Director of Halloween II & Halloween: Resurrection). The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements (if any) have yet to be revealed. You can find the latest specs for 'Lost After Dark' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under September 1.Posted Mon Jun 1, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Deal of the Week: 'Rambo: Collector's Set' is $23.99 at Amazon[teaser]Amazon has slashed the price of all four Sylvester Stallone franchise films on Blu-ray to nearly fifty percent off this week. [/teaser] Amazon is currently offering 'Rambo: Collector's Set' for $23.99 (47% off suggested list price). For over 25 years, Sylvester Stallone's "mythic commando" Rambo (VARIETY) has thrilled audiences worldwide. From "ragged and flashy" FIRST BLOOD (THE NEW YORK TIMES) to the "shockingly entertaining" RAMBO (SEATTLE TIMES), the series chronicles a reluctant killing machine as he wages war against corrupt global forces – all while facing a battle within his own soul. RAMBO: COMPLETE COLLECTION has everything the ultimate Rambo fan needs, including all 4 films together for the first time! Click here to order your copy and this offer is available from now through June 6. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Jun 1, 2015 at 07:14 AM PDT by: -
'The Oblong Box' Featuring Vincent Price and Christopher Lee Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Gordon Hessler's 1969 film has been slated for Blu-ray sometime in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Kino will be releasing 'The Oblong Box' on Blu-ray later this year. Sir Edward Markham is the victim of a voodoo curse which has caused his face to become horribly disfigured. He is kept captive in the attic of his house by his brother Julian (Vincent Price). Sir Edward escapes, moves in with an unscrupulous doctor who hires grave robbers to steal bodies for his research, wears a red hood over his face, and kills a good number of townspeople before the surprise ending... No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'The Oblong Box' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under PENDING.Posted Mon Jun 1, 2015 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Ex Machina' Will Feature First DTS:X Blu-ray Soundtrack[teaser]The sci-fi film will be the first Blu-ray to feature a DTS:X soundtrack. [/teaser] As previously reported, Lionsgate will be releasing 'Ex Machina' on Blu-ray on July 14. The disc will be the first Blu-ray to include a DTS:X immersive audio soundtrack. DTS:X is an object-based surround sound format that is poised to compete with Dolby Atmos. For more information, check out our DTS:X Home Theater Guide. Caleb, a gifted programmer at the world's largest Internet company, wins a competition to visit the private mountain retreat of Nathan, the reclusive CEO of the company. Caleb later learns he will have to participate in a strange experiment involving interaction with the world's first genuine artificial intelligence, housed in the body of a beautiful robot girl. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS:X soundtrack, and supplements will include: Through the Looking Glass: Creating Ex Machina 5-Part Featurette; SXSW Q&A with Cast and Crew; and Eight Behind-the-Scenes Vignettes. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray/Digital HD combo pack is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Ex Machina' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under July 14. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri May 29, 2015 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
'House of Cards: The Complete Third Season' Starring Kevin Spacey Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The third season of the acclaimed Netflix original series is planned for Blu-ray in July. Pre-order your copy here. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony says 'House of Cards: The Complete Third Season' is expected to arrive on Blu-ray on July 7. In Season 3 of HOUSE OF CARDS, President Underwood fights to secure his legacy and Claire wants more than being the first lady. The biggest threat they face is contending with each other. This original thriller series stars Kevin Spacey as ruthless, cunning Francis Underwood, who will stop at nothing to conquer the halls of power in Washington D.C. His secret weapon: his gorgeous, ambitious, and equally conniving wife Claire (Robin Wright). Specs haven't been revealed yet, but supplements include two Featurettes: Backstage Politics and A Death in New Mexico (Blu-ray exclusive). The suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $65.99. You can find the latest specs for 'House of Cards: The Complete Third Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 7.Posted Fri May 29, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Michael Avon Oeming and Brian Michael Bendis' 'Powers: The Complete First Season' Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]The first season of the PlayStation Network original series will make its Blu-ray debut in July. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony is set to release 'Powers: The Complete First Season' on Blu-ray on July 14. Based on the 2004 comic book series of the same name from artist Michael Avon Oeming and writer Brian Michael Bendis, Powers asks, what if the world was full of superheroes who aren't actually heroic at all? What if all their "powers" were just one more excuse for mischief, mayhem, murder, and endorsement deals? Enter the men and women of the Powers Division, the brave people in charge of protecting humans like us and keeping the peace over commercialized, god-like men and women who glide through the sky imposing their power over the mortals who both worship and fear them. The series follows LAPD "Powers Division" detectives Christian Walker (Sharlto Copley) and Deena Pilgrim (Susan Heyward) as they investigate homicide cases involving people with superhuman abilities. Walker, once operating as a power until he lost his abilities to the super villain Wolfe (Eddie Izzard), now operates with just a gun and a badge to take down the formidable foes plaguing Los Angeles. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $45.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Powers: The Complete First Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under July 14. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri May 29, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Michael Paxton's 'Ayn Rand: A Sense of Life' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The acclaimed documentary is planned for Blu-ray in July. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Strand Releasing has revealed 'Ayn Rand: A Sense of Life' will arrive on Blu-ray on July 28. 'Ayn Rand: A Sense of Life' is the first authorized film about the life and work of the controversial Russian-born author of such renowned novels as THE FOUNTAINHEAD and ATLAS SHRUGGED. Written, produced and directed by Michael Paxton, AYN RAND: A SENSE OF LIFE is a flux of events, ideas, emotions and accomplishments -- all combining to create an Oscar nominated portrait of one woman's genius and point of view. Narrated by Emmy Award-winning actress, Sharon Gless, the documentary offers millions of fans the opportunity to relive the drama of Ayn Rand's life and fiction: from her early childhood and escape from Soviet Russia to her struggle and triumph as an American writer whose book sales have exceeded 500,000 annually after eight decades in print. Drawing from personal papers and public archives across two continents, the film combines fact, dramatizations and an intimate weave of interviews with Leonard Peikoff (Ayn Rand's intellectual heir), television journalist Mike Wallace and others, as well as rare photos, film footage and an original film-noir scene from her 1934 play, IDEAL. The material captures Rand's life-long themes of reason, rational selfishness and political freedom. AYN RAND: A SENSE OF LIFE, sweeping from pre-revolutionary Russia to contemporary America, tells the story of a "ferocious angel," a woman, and thinker who continues to incite the curiosity and passion of millions. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 2.0 soundtrack, and supplements include: Photo Gallery of some never-before-seen photos: Ayn Rand & Frank O'Connor; IDEAL: Stills from the filmed version of Ayn Rand's play and Kay Gonda's "movie roles"; TO LORNE DIETERLING: deleted dance sequence from the film; Bonus Footage of outtakes from the film: IDEAL: The complete filmed version of scenes from Ayn Rand's play; Additional interviews with friends of Ayn Rand; and an episode of FILMMAKERS: An interview with Director Michael Paxton on the making of AYN RAND: A SENSE OF LIFE; Cast & Crew Bios; Website information & Reading list; and Strand Trailers. You can find the latest specs for 'Ayn Rand: A Sense of Life' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under July 28. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri May 29, 2015 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Robert Kenner's 'Merchants of Doubt' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The satirical documentary will hit stores in July. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony will be releasing 'Merchants of Doubt' on Blu-ray on July 7. Inspired by Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conways acclaimed book, MERCHANTS OF DOUBT takes audiences on a comedic yet illuminating ride into the heart of conjuring American spin. Filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the curtain on a secretive group of highly charismatic, silver tongued pundits-for-hire who present themselves in the media as scientific authorities yet contrarily are aiming to spread maximum confusion about well-studied public threats ranging from toxic chemicals to pharmaceuticals to climate change. Specs have yet to be revealed, but the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack will include Deleted Scenes, Audio Commentary with Director Robert Kenner, and TIFF Q&A with Robert Kenner. You can find the latest specs for 'Merchants of Doubt' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under July 7. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu May 28, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by:
