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Steve James' Roger Ebert Documentary 'Life Itself' Gives Blu-ray a Thumbs-Up[teaser]The film will be available on Blu-ray in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Magnolia is preparing to bring 'Life Itself' to Blu-ray on February 17. 'Life Itself,' the first ever feature-length documentary on the life of Roger Ebert, covers the prolific critic's life journey from his days at the University of Illinois, to his move to Chicago where he became the first film critic ever to win the Pulitzer Prize, then to television where he and Gene Siskel became iconic stars, and finally to what Roger referred to as "his third act"; how he overcame disabilities wrought by cancer to became a major voice on the internet and through social media. Director Steve James ('Hoop Dreams') has conducted interviews with over two dozen people, including lifelong friends, professional colleagues, the first ever interview with Gene Siskel's wife, and filmmakers Errol Morris, Werner Herzog, Ramin Bahrani, Gregory Nava, Ava DuVernay, and Martin Scorsese, who is one of the executive producers along with Steven Zaillian. "This movie is a love story really –– Roger's love for movies, for Chaz, and even in his own way, his love for Gene. Ultimately, though, it's a film about Roger's love for life itself." (Steve James). Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Interview with Director Steve James, AXS TV: A look at Life Itself, and Deleted Scenes. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Life Itself' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 17. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Dec 12, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Seven Catalog Warner Titles Bound for Blu-ray in April[teaser]The releases include films from Adam Rifkin, Brett Ratner, Burt Reynolds, and Cameron Crowe. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers will be releasing 'After the Sunset', 'The Corruptor', 'Detroit Rock City', 'Empire Records', 'Hooper', 'Sharky's Machine', and 'Singles' on Blu-ray on April 7. 'After the Sunset' - Having already stolen two from the set of three priceless Napoleon Diamonds, expert jewel thief Max Burdett (Pierce Brosnan) decides to retire on a tropical island with his girlfriend and partner-in-crime, Lola (Salma Hayek). Fate intervenes, however, when Max discovers the third and final diamond is sitting on a docked cruise ship on his very island. It should be a simple job, but FBI agent Stan Lloyd (Woody Harrelson) shows up to make sure Max doesn't get any ideas. 'The Corruptor' - Martial arts expert Detective Nick Chen (Chow Yun-Fat) teams up with his colleague Danny Wallace (Mark Wahlberg) to keep several gangs in New York City's Chinatown from annihilating each other. They must contend not only with the increasingly power-hungry gangsters, but also with the temptation of bribery and corruption as the bad guys divide and conquer the police forces. In what's beginning to seem like a losing battle, Chen and Wallace struggle to establish law and prevent more bloodshed. 'Detroit Rock City' - Rock-loving teens and aspiring musicians Hawk (Edward Furlong), Lex (Giuseppe Andrews), Trip (James DeBello) and Jam (Sam Huntington) can't wait to see their favorite band, KISS, perform at an upcoming concert. However, when Jam's pious mother (Lin Shaye) finds the tickets to the event, she incinerates them, leaving the boys desperate for a way to see the show. In their attempts to see KISS, the lads endure misunderstandings, humiliation and violence, all just to see their beloved idols. 'Empire Records' - Joe (Anthony LaPaglia) runs Empire Records, an independent Delaware store that employs a tight-knit group of music-savvy youths. Hearing that the shop may be sold to a big chain, slacker employee Lucas (Rory Cochrane) bets a chunk of the store's money, hoping to get a big return. When this plan fails, Empire Records falls into serious trouble, and the various other clerks, including lovely Corey (Liv Tyler) and gloomy Deb (Robin Tunney), must deal with the problem, among many other issues. 'Hooper' - Sonny Hooper (Burt Reynolds) is getting too banged up to remain Hollywood's top stuntman, but he signs up as the stunt coordinator for a big-budget action movie with a pushy director (Robert Klein) and a clueless star (Adam West). Ready to retire from the physical abuse, Hooper is gearing up to make the film's climactic stunt his biggest ever, but cocky young stuntman Ski Chinski (Jan-Michael Vincent) aims to steal the glory with his more scientific, technology-oriented stunt methods. 'Sharky's Machine' - In this noirish nailbiter, Sharky (Burt Reynolds) is an undercover cop who is kicked downstairs to the vice squad. The disgraced cop holds gang leader Victor Scorelli (Vittorio Gassman) responsible for his demotion. While consigned to Vice, Sharky organizes a highly trained group of men willing to take on cases that others avoid. 'Singles' - In Seattle during the era of grunge music, the lives and relationships of a group of young people, all living in the same apartment building, go through a period of flux. Among them are waitress and aspiring architect Janet (Bridget Fonda), who finds herself obsessed with bad boy musician Cliff (Matt Dillon) ; Linda (Kyra Sedgwick), an emotionally fragile environmentalist on the look-out for love; and Steve (Campbell Scott), a quintessential nice guy who studies traffic patterns. No other details on these Blu-rays have been revealed. You can find the latest specs for all of these titles linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under April 7.Posted Fri Dec 12, 2014 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
'Mobsters', 'Curious George' & 'Jesus Christ Superstar' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]All three catalog Blu-ray titles will arrive in stores in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal Studios will be releasing 'Mobsters' on Blu-ray on March 3. The history of the most formidable foursome in American gangster history: Lucky Luciano, Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky and Frank Costello. `Mobsters' traces their lives and work, from their formation of a New York street gang through bootlegging and finally to a more modern, corporate-style organised crime. Christian Slater, Patrick Dempsey and Richard Grieco star. Specs haven't been revealed yet, but supplements will include the original theatrical trailers. 'Curious George' will also be available on the same date. "Buckle up for this amusing, exciting and hilarious adventure" (Janet Stokes, Film Advisory Board, Inc.) with everyone's favorite inquisitive little monkey! When The Man In The Yellow Hat befriends Curious George in the jungle, they set off on a non-stop, fun-filled adventure through the wonders of the big city toward the warmth of true friendship. Featuring the voice talents of Will Ferrell, Drew Barrymore and an all-star cast, Curious George is "a family classic" (Dean Richards, WGN-TV) that will have the kid inside everyone giggling with delight again and again! Specs have yet to be finalized, but bonus features will include: Jack Johnson "Upside Down" Music Video with Sing-Along; Deleted Scenes; "Drawn" to George; Monkey Around with Words; A Very Curious Car; and Monkey in Motion. Finally, Universal is prepping 'Jesus Christ Superstar' for a March release. When it exploded on the scene in 1970, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Jesus Christ Superstar changed the way the world watched musicals. This phenomenal interpretation and bold production of Christ's last days on Earth has now become one of the world's best-loved soundtracks. Powerful performances from a stellar cast makes this filmed stage show of Jesus Christ Superstar an unforgettable extravaganza you can't afford to miss. Specs have yet to be detailed, but supplements include The Making of Jesus Christ Superstar. Suggested list price for each Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Mobsters', 'Curious George', and 'Jesus Christ Superstar' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under March 3. Order Mobsters Order Curious George Order Jesus Christ SuperstarPosted Fri Dec 12, 2014 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Chad Stahelski's 'John Wick' Starring Keanu Reeves Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The action-thriller will gun down Blu-ray in February. You can order it now! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate will be releasing 'John Wick' on Blu-ray on February 3. An ex-hitman comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that took everything from him. With New York City as his bullet-riddled playground, "John Wick" (Reeves) is a fresh and stylized take on the "assassin genre." The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, and supplements include: An Audio Commentary and six featurettes - Don't F^#% with John Wick, Calling In The Calvalry, Destiny Of A Collective, Assassin's Code, Red Circle, and NYC Noir. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'John Wick' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 3. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Dec 11, 2014 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
The Animated Adventure 'The Book of Life' Bound for Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D[teaser]The colorful magical journey will embark on Blu-ray this January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox will be bringing 'The Book of Life' to Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D on January 27. 'The Book of Life' is a breathtaking animated comedy with a dazzling visual style unlike anything you've seen before. Torn between the expectations of his family and the desires of his heart, a young man named Manolo sets off on an epic quest that spans three spectacular worlds in order to reunite with his one true love and defend his village. Not your ordinary fairy tale, 'The Book of Life' is a wondrous fantasy-adventure filled with magic, music, and fun! Each combo pack will be loaded with supplements including The Adventures of Chuy, Music Machine, “No Matter Where You Are” Music Video by Us The Duo, Audio Commentary by Jorge R. Gutierrez, Galleries, as well as three Blu-ray exclusives - Closer Look At The Book of Life, The Music of Life, Digital Carpenters: The Art Direction of The Book of Life. You can find the latest specs for 'The Book of Life' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 27. Order the 2D Blu-ray Order the 3D Blu-rayPosted Thu Dec 11, 2014 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Stiles White's Horror/Thriller 'Ouija' Contacts Blu-ray From Beyond the Grave[teaser]The PG-13 supernatural thriller is set to hit Blu-ray in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal Studios is preparing to bring 'Ouija' to Blu-ray on February 3. In Ouija, a group of friends must confront their most terrifying fears when they awaken the dark powers of an ancient spirit board. The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements will include The Spirit Board: An Evolution, Adapting the Fear, Icon of the Unknown. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Ouija' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 3. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Dec 11, 2014 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Michael Hoffman's Romance 'The Best of Me' Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]The drama based on a story by Nicholas Sparks will be available on Blu-ray in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox will be releasing 'The Best of Me' on Blu-ray on February 3. Based on the bestselling novel by acclaimed author Nicholas Sparks, 'The Best of Me' tells the story of Dawson and Amanda, two former high school sweethearts who find themselves reunited after 20 years apart, when they return to their small town for the funeral of a beloved friend. Their bittersweet reunion reignites the love they've never forgotten, but soon they discover the forces that drove them apart twenty years ago live on, posing even more serious threats today. Spanning decades, this epic love story captures the enduring power of our first true love, and the wrenching choices we face when confronted with elusive second chances. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Audio Commentary by Michael Hoffman, "Tears of Joy" Alternate Cut/Ending, "Along for the Ride", Music Video: "I Did" by Lady Antebellum, as well as three Blu-ray exclusives - Nicholas Sparks Interviews: Michelle (Monaghan) and James (Marsden), Nicholas Sparks Interviews: Liana (Liberato) and Luke (Bracey), and Deleted Scenes. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Best of Me' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 3. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Dec 11, 2014 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Steve Wolsh's Horror Flick Drags Blu-ray Through the 'Muck'[teaser]The bloody love letter filled with just the sort of jolts horror fans have been waiting to hear and see heads to Blu-ray in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay is working on 'Muck' for Blu-ray on March 17. After narrowly escaping an ancient burial ground, long forgotten and buried underneath the marshes of Cape Cod, a group of friends emerge from the thick, marshy darkness, tattered and bloody, lucky to be alive. They have already lost two of their friends in the marsh, presumably dead. They stumble upon an empty Cape Cod vacation house alongside the foggy marsh and break in to take shelter. Whatever was in the marsh is still after them and soon after one of them goes for help, the rest of the group learns that the evil in the marsh is not the only thing that wants them dead. Something worse, something more savage, was lying in wait just outside the marsh, in the house. What happens next is unspeakable horror that cannot be unseen. These unlucky travelers spend their St. Patrick's Day trapped between two evils forcing them to fight, die, or go back the way they came. Shot in state-of-the-art 4K Ultra HD resolution, Muck is packed with old-school effects, shocks – and yes, breasts – that stick with you, creating terror without the use of CGI. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $26.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Muck' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 17.Posted Thu Dec 11, 2014 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
David Fincher's Latest Film 'Gone Girl' starring Ben Affleck Blu-ray Dated & Detailed[teaser]The thriller co-stars Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, and Tyler Perry and will be available in January. You can pre-order it now.[/teaser] As previously reported, 20th Century Fox will be releasing 'Gone Girl' on Blu-ray in the near future, and now the date has been set for January 27. Based upon the global bestseller by Gillian Flynn, Gone Girl unearths the secrets at the heart of a modern marriage. On the occasion of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) reports that his beautiful wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), has gone missing. Under pressure from the police and a growing media frenzy, Nick's portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble. Soon his lies, deceits and strange behavior have everyone asking the same dark question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife? The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 7.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Audio commentary with Director David Fincher and 'Amazing Amy Tattle Tale' Book. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Gone Girl' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 27. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Dec 10, 2014 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
Disney's 'Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day' Blu-ray Supplements Detailed[teaser]The family comedy is now available for pre-order at Amazon. [/teaser] As previously reported, Disney/Buena Vista says 'Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day' will be available on Blu-ray on February 10. 'Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day' follows the exploits of 11-year-old Alexander (Ed Oxenbould) as he experiences the most terrible and horrible day of his young life — a day that begins with gum stuck in his hair, followed by one calamity after another. But when Alexander tells his upbeat family about the misadventures of his disastrous day, he finds little sympathy and begins to wonder if bad things only happen to him. He soon learns that he's not alone when his mom (Jennifer Garner), dad (Steve Carell), brother (Dylan Minnette) and sister (Kerris Dorsey) all find themselves living through their own terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Anyone who says there is no such thing as a bad day just hasn't had one. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Alexander…In Real Life; Snappy Crocs & Punch Roos: The Australian Outback Party; Walkabout: A Video Diary; And The Delightful, Magnificent, Very Good Bloopers; and Music Video: "Hurricane" by the Vamps. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $36.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 10. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Dec 10, 2014 at 12:00 PM PST by: