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Kevin Smith's Thriller 'Tusk' Will Club Blu-ray in December[teaser]The star-studded cast includes Justin Long, Michael Parks, Haley Joel Osment, and Johnny Depp. Pre-order here. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is working on 'Tusk' for Blu-ray on December 30. 'Tusk' follows Wallace (Long), a journalist on a mission. He finds the story of a lifetime in Mr. Howe (Michael Parks), a worldwide adventurer with amazing tales and a curious penchant for walruses. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include a director's commentary, original podcast, deleted scenes, featurettes, and more. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Tusk' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 30.Posted Mon Nov 3, 2014 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
RaroVideo Prepping Antonio Pietrangeli's 'Adua e le compagne' ('Adua and Her Friends') for Blu-ray[teaser]The 1960 film starring Simone Signoret, Marcello Mastroianni, Emmanuelle Riva, Sandra Milo, and Gina Rovere arrives on Blu-ray in January. Pre-order it here. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, RaroVideo says 'Adua e le compagne' will arrive on Blu-ray on January 20. Based on the classic TV series of the same name, the film stars Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum as a couple of underachieving cops who go undercover at a high school in order to expose a drug ring. Specs haven't been revealed yet, but supplements include: Introduction by Italian film historian Maurizio Poro; Episode fromt eh film, AMORI DI MEZZO SECOLO, entitled "Girandola 1910"; Director Biography and Filmography; Photo Gallery; and a fully illustrated booklet including critical analysis of the film. The suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Adua e le compagne' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 20. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Nov 3, 2014 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Terry Gilliam's Latest Sci-Fi Fantasy 'The Zero Theorem' is Bound for Blu-ray this January[teaser]The film starring two-time Academy Award-winner Christoph Waltz is now up for Blu-ray pre-orders. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Well Go USA is preparing to bring 'The Zero Theorem' to Blu-ray on January 20. An eccentric and reclusive computer genius plagued with existential angst works on a mysterious project aimed at discovering the purpose of existence - or the lack thereof -once and for all. However, it is only once he experiences the power of love and desire that he is able to understand his very reason for being. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include Behind The Scenes, Visual Effects, and a trailer. You can find the latest specs for 'The Zero Theorem' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 20. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Oct 31, 2014 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
The James Brown Biopic 'Get On Up' from Acclaimed Director Tate Taylor ('The Help') Will Give Blu-ray Soul in 2015[teaser]The film stars Chadwick Boseman, Viola Davis, and Octavia Spencer, and will hit stores in January. Pre-order here. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal says 'Get On Up' will arrive on Blu-ray on January 6. Based on the incredible life story of the Godfather of Soul, Get On Up gives a fearless look inside the music, moves, and moods of James Brown (Boseman), taking audiences on the journey from his impoverished childhood to his evolution into one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include Behind The Scenes, Visual Effects, and a trailer. You can find the latest specs for 'Get On Up' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 6. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Oct 31, 2014 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Lionsgate to Release Paleontology Documentary 'Dinosaur 13' on Blu-ray this January[teaser]Pre-orders for the Blu-ray are available here. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate will be releasing 'Dinosaur 13' on Blu-ray on January 6. When renowned paleontologist Peter Larson and his team from the Black Hills Institute made the world's greatest dinosaur discovery in 1990, they knew it was the find of a lifetime: the largest, most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex ever found. But during a 10-year battle with the U.S. government, powerful museums, Native American tribes and competing paleontologists, they found themselves not only fighting to keep their dinosaur, but fighting for their freedom as well. Specs haven't been revealed yet, but supplements include: Deleted scenes, "The Continuing Story of SUE", "Fossil Whales of Peru", "Complete Auction of SUE", and "How to Build a Dinosaur". The suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Dinosaur 13' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 6. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Oct 31, 2014 at 08:00 AM PDT by:
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'Genesis: Sum of the Parts' Documentary from Eagle Rock Entertainment Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The film spotlighting the band's music career arrives on Blu-ray in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Eagle Rock Entertainment will be releasing 'Genesis: Sum of the Parts' on Blu-ray on January 13. Featuring contributions from key members past and present Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford and Anthony Phillips, as well as a wealth of archive performance footage of the band’s biggest tracks and fan favorites, this first official study of the band’s history commences with their formation at Charterhouse in 1967 and reunites the band for the first time in many years. Produced by Eagle Rock Film Productions and directed by John Edginton, the film recounts an extraordinary musical story, exploring the band’s song writing as well as emotional highs and lows, alongside previously unseen archive material and rare performance footage from across their entire career. Sum of the Parts explores the dynamic between the band members that have enabled them to survive numerous line-up changes alongside solo careers outside of the band. The remarkable story encompasses their visionary influence as the leading lights of progressive rock with landmark albums such as Foxtrot, Selling England By The Pound and The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway; the huge crossover success of the Eighties and Nineties which saw them hit the upper reaches of the singles charts with era-defining hits such as “Turn It On Again,” “Invisible Touch,” “No Son of Mine,” and “I Can’t Dance”; and through to their 2007 Turn It On Again comeback tour which included a show in front of 500,000 people at Rome’s Circo Massimo. Sum of the Parts contains the BBC’s Together and Apart documentary, which aired on October 4. It adds more than 30 minutes of previously unseen footage, and represents the perfect DVD and Blu-ray companion to the 3CD anthology R-Kive which was released by Warner Music Group / Rhino on September 30. “We’re the only band, I think, that have managed the solo thing and the band thing for quite a few years side-by-side, and made it a plus rather than a problem,” says Mike Rutherford. Peter Gabriel concurs: “I think when we got it right we had something that none of us could do on our own. And there were different musical histories merging together in a powerful way.” Tony Smith, Genesis Manager: “It’s fascinating to see the breadth, diversity and worldwide success of the songs and compositions that have come from this one group of people, in this truly unique film”. In terms of what they’ve done together, and what they’ve done apart, there’s never been a band like Genesis. It’s a captivating story, told here from the beginning for the first time. You can find the latest specs for 'Genesis: Sum of the Parts' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 13.Posted Fri Oct 31, 2014 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: October 2014Every 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 star-spangled superhero, a paranormal comedy classic, and a 350 foot monster. 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, and September 2014. [teaser]This month, we're covering a group of uncanny mutants, a clever sci-fi action flick, and an Italian cinema masterpiece. [/teaser] Please be aware, that if you haven't already seen them, there are some MAJOR SPOILERS for the discs listed. If you can only buy three titles that hit Blu-ray in October, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' - With the release of the first 'X-Men' film back in 2000, director Bryan Singer helped usher in the golden age of high-quality comic book flicks that we continue to enjoy today, mixing blockbuster thrills with smart casting and a mature tone. With the release of 'X2: X-Men United,' Singer expanded upon everything he did right before, evolving the characters and story to new heights. And then with the release of 'X-Men: The Last Stand,' director Brett Ratner stepped in and proceeded to screw it all up. Badly. Very badly -- paving the way for the even more mediocre 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine.' In fact, many fans hated both films so much, that they wished each movie could somehow simply be erased from existence. But in order to do that, one would need to travel through time… and that's where 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' comes in. Marking the much welcomed return of Bryan Singer, the film attempts to "put right what once went wrong," blending past, present, and future into an epic superhero tale that fully sets the franchise back on track.Since Marvel's mutants first hit theaters, fans have been waiting patiently to see the superheroes' infamous giant robot enemies, the Sentinels, on the big screen (and no, that quick Danger Room scene in X3 does not count). Well, after fourteen years, that wait is finally over, and the results don't disappoint. Hell, with both retro and future Sentinels, we actually get two for the price of one -- and that's not the only buy one get one free discount in effect here. Fully utilizing the time travel plot to his advantage, Singer is able to blend the original cast and new 'First Class' cast into one kick ass story. And while there is sadly little direct interaction between both time periods, we do at least get one fantastic scene that pits McAvoy's Xavier face to face with his older self, allowing Stewart to pass the torch on to his younger incarnation. By sending Wolverine back in time, the filmmakers are able to create a thrilling comic book adventure while simultaneously cleaning up past scripting and continuity mistakes in one fell swoop -- effectively erasing all the missteps made in 'X-Men: The Last Stand' and 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' (I just wish they could also erase the pain I endured watching them). Though an extended cut is likely on the way next year, this theatrical edit is an undeniably impressive release, offering a demo worthy technical presentation and a very solid collection of supplements. In fact, the only downside here, is that watching the movie again just makes the wait for 2016's 'Apocalypse' that much harder. Now, if only I had Kitty Pryde to send my consciousness into the future... Buy the Blu-ray 'Edge of Tomorrow' - As good, obedient movie-watchers, we're practically trained to assume that our silver screen heroes will survive almost anything. Especially when they're played by Tom Cruise. I mean, a movie's protagonist can't just die in the first act, can he? Well, in 'Edge of Tomorrow,' it turns out that he can. And not just once. He can die over and over and over again. Serving as a kind of action-packed, alien invasion take on Harold Ramis' 'Groundhog Day,' the film uses a familiar but extremely clever conceit to defy usual narrative expectations, creating a story where the main character's repeated demise is not only anticipated, but downright necessary.Little more than a smarmy coward, Major William Cage starts out as a far cry from the usual brave heroes Tom Cruise is known for (though that smarmy part is pretty par for the course). But as the man is forced to repeatedly die and relive the same day, he gradually develops into a genuine badass hero. Through videogame respawning logic, he is able to adapt to his mistakes, using each death as a learning experience, carefully planning a course of action that could finally lead to victory over his alien enemies. And even though we already know and accept that Cage will inevitably die several times along the way, the filmmakers are still able to create palpable tension, continually taking the soldier closer and closer to success only to have him suddenly killed by a new obstacle, forcing him to start all over again with another strategy. Likewise, the repeated deaths also lead to a surprising amount of laughs, turning the man into a live action version of Kenny from 'South Park.' Joining Cruise, is the wonderful Emily Blunt, who turns in a great performance as the tough-as-nails Rita. And on top of the great cast, we also get some really creepy alien bad guys that feature a refreshingly original visual design. Coupled with the awesome exoskeleton suits our protagonists wear, these creatures lead to a bunch of pulse-pounding action scenes.Blending visceral war movie carnage with sci-fi imagery and a clever narrative structure, 'Edge of Tomorrow' manages to become one of the genre's most effective and entertaining efforts in a long time. Sure, the ending doesn't make a whole lot of sense based on the rules that are explained on screen, but thankfully the iffy conclusion doesn't ruin the smart scripting that comes before. This disc from Warner Bros. is top-notch across the board, and while the movie had a somewhat underwhelming box office run, it's now destined to find a much deserved larger audience on Blu-ray. After all, who can resist the chance to see Tom Cruise kick ass and repeatedly get slaughtered by aliens... over and over again? It's a perfect flick for both "Maverick" fans and detractors, making it a clear must own! Buy the Blu-ray 'La dolce vita' - What makes life truly sweet? Material success, money, carnal pleasure, and fame can surely bring a superficial level of contentment, but is this form of joy ever really long lasting? Or does it merely serve to mask a far greater void of emptiness lurking just beneath the surface? An emptiness hidden by flashing bulbs, glitzy parties, disposable friends, meaningless flirtations, and rowdy excess. With its episodic excursion into hollow decadence, Federico Fellini's 1960 masterpiece, 'La dolce vita,' reveals the illusory allure of celebrity, exposing the all too fine line between sweet and bitter. A defining masterpiece of Italian filmmaking and one of my personal favorite movies, this disc easily deserves a spot on every classic film fan's shelf.Through the chaotic misadventures of Marcello (Marcello Mastroianni), a celebrity gossip journalist, Fellini takes audiences head first into a world full of paparazzi cameras and frivolous desires. Mastroianni proves to be flawless in the role, mixing natural charm with a certain brooding melancholy. You see, unlike many of his peers, Marcello retains some level of self-awareness, and still has dreams of becoming a real writer of substance. This fading ambition leads to a certain disenchanted sadness in the character, making his womanizing and poor decisions painful to witness. And as the movie moves from day to night and back again, the director effortlessly blends comedy and drama, along with sumptuous images -- including the famous Trevi Fountain sequence that sees Marcello dally with a beautiful starlet, both knee deep in water. But as entertaining and powerful as the entire runtime is, it's the movie's ending that really cements its place among cinema's greatest achievements.In its final moments, 'La dolce vita' comes about as close to perfection as any film I've ever watched. There, in its last scene, Fellini seamlessly distills everything he is trying to say, capturing the dwindling struggle between Marcello's opposing desires through a beautifully poetic and deceptively simple series of images. Sitting on a beach after a rowdy party, the disillusioned man looks across a small gap in the sand filled with water. On the other side of this tiny precipice he spots a young woman that he met earlier in the film. She's a waitress filled with innocence, hope, and passion -- filled with everything Marcello has lost. She calls out to him, but the sound of the crashing waves drowns her voice. She calls out to him, be he cannot hear her. All he needs to do is make the small effort necessary to cross the distance between them, but in reality, she might as well be miles away. They are in different worlds, and with a matter-of-fact shrug and a half-hearted smile, Marcello fully bids adieu to what he could have been. He simply gives up and turns his back to her. He turns his back and joins the crowd of party goers, becoming just another empty face in a sea of empty souls, vacantly content to gorge on excess, gossip, sex, and fame… forever doomed to live "the sweet life." Buy the Blu-ray So, there you have it. While there are many titles worth picking up this October, 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 October's must own titles?Posted Thu Oct 30, 2014 at 10:10 AM PDT by: -
Paul Schrader's 1980 Crime Thriller 'American Gigolo' Gets Blu-ray Release Date and TV Series Adaptation[teaser]The film starring Richard Gere, Lauren Hutton, and Hector Elizondo will hit Blu-ray shelves in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers will be bringing 'American Gigolo' to Blu-ray on February 24. Armani-clad male escort Julian Kaye (Richard Gere) leads a comfortable life offering his services to the rich women of Los Angeles. Well-paid for his efforts, he buys the best clothes, eats in the finest restaurants and spends his days hob-nobbing with the cream of society. But when one of his clients is murdered and the police place him as suspect number one, Julian suddenly finds himself rejected by all of his rich friends. Even worse, he discovers that he cannot offer his alibi because it revolves around a woman who refuses to come forward. No other details have been revealed at this time, except that Paramount is adapting the film into a TV series that will be executive produced by Richard Gere, Lauren Hutton, and Jerry Bruckheimer. You can find the latest specs for 'American Gigolo' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 24.Posted Thu Oct 30, 2014 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Bernardo Bertolucci's 'The Conformist' ('Il Conformista') Recently Restored by Cineteca di Bologna and Heading to Blu-ray[teaser]The Blu-ray of the acclaimed 1970 film is planned for a November release. You can pre-order here. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, RaroVideo will be releasing 'The Conformist' on Blu-ray on November 25. Since its release in 1970, The Conformist has been hailed as an internationally important film and a triumph of film style. It was the breakthrough film for Bernardo Bertolucci, launching his decades-long career as one of the leading filmmakers in world cinema. Bertolucci's screenplay (adapted from the Alberto Moravia novel) was nominated for an Academy Award, and the film also helped to launch the career of renowned cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, who would go on to collaborate with Bertolucci on such classics as Last Tango in Paris, 1900, and The Last Emperor, as well Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now and Warren Beatty's Reds. The sumptuous art direction by Ferdinando Scarfiotti (Death in Venice, American Gigolo) creates a vivid depiction of the Italian Fascist period filled with Art Deco design and architecture. The film's atmosphere is further complemented by the beautiful score by acclaimed composer Georges Delerue (Hiroshima Mon Amour, Day for Night). The story follows a secret police agent, Marcelo Clerici (Jean-Louis Trintignant) who is dispatched to assassinate his old professor, Quadri (Enzo Tarascio). Clerici uses his honeymoon with his new wife Giulia (Stefania Sandrelli) as the perfect cover under which to carry out his assignment. While on his mission, however, he becomes obsessed with the professor's wife Anna (Dominique Sanda), and slowly he begins to question everything he thought he believed about fascism. The Conformist continues to be an influence to filmmakers the world over, and Raro Video's Blu-ray release will give new audiences a chance to discover this classic film for the first time, in a dazzling new restoration that does justice to Bertolucci's distinctive and incomparable visual style. It will also be a welcome addition to the home video collections of long-time fans of the film, who can now watch it in this new HD restoration that looks better than ever before, along with a wealth of supplemental materials that provide new insight and information into this influential masterpiece. The Blu-ray will feature a new HD transfer from the original 35mm negative with PCM Stereo audio and supplements include: In the Shade of the Conformist (57 mins, 5 sec.); Original 1970 US Theatrical Trailer; 2014 US Theatrical Re-release Trailer; and Fully illustrated booklet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.95. You can find the latest specs for 'The Conformist' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under November 25. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Oct 30, 2014 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Traffickers' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The Korean crime drama is heading to Blu-ray in December, and pre-orders are now live. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Well Go USA is preparing 'Traffickers' for Blu-ray on December 23. After his best friend dies in an unexpected accident, black market dealer Young-gyu decides to wash his hands and start a new life with Yu-ri. But his dream is not ready to come true when he learns that Yu-ri needs money for her dad's surgery. To help her out, Young-gyu decides to do one last job. This time he has to deliver human organs to China. A target is fixed and all the members gathered on the ship. However, things go wrong when Young-gyu finds Yu-ri on the same ship. Supplements have not been detailed yet, but the Blu-ray will feature 1080p video and a Korean DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Traffickers' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 23. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Oct 30, 2014 at 06:00 AM PDT by:
