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HDD Deal of the Week: 'Star Wars: The Complete Saga' Blu-ray $79.99 at Amazon[teaser]Save nearly fifty percent on both of George Lucas' 'Star Wars' trilogies on Blu-ray this week at Amazon.[/teaser] Amazon is selling 'Star Wars: The Complete Saga' for $79.99 (43% off the suggested retail price). Click here to take a high-definition trip to a galaxy far, far away! This offer is available from now through October 19. Order the Blu-rayPosted Sun Oct 12, 2014 at 08:25 AM PDT by: -
'Good People' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Academy Award nominee Henrik Ruben Genz's crime-thriller is planned for Blu-ray at the end of the month. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Millennium Media is set to release 'Good People' on Blu-ray on October 28. A young American couple (James Franco and Kate Hudson) falls into severe debt while renovating a home in London. When they discover that the tenant in the apartment below them was murdered and left $400,000 cash stashed in the ceiling, the couple thinks all of their problems are solved…but that's when very bad things start happening to good people. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Good People' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 28. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Oct 10, 2014 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Bob Gale Talks Spielberg and '1941' on Blu-ray"Do you want to interview Bob Gale?" That was the email sitting in my inbox. The 'Steven Spielberg Director's Collection' is out on Blu-ray this Tuesday, October 14, and Bob Gale is doing press for '1941' because it not only includes all of the Bonus Material from the previous LaserDisc and DVD, but also, for the first time, the ability to watch both the 1979 Theatrical Cut and the Extended Edition. Did I want to interview Bob Gale? Oh, I'm sorry, you mean the co-creator of the 'Back to the Future' series, writer of 'Used Cars', and the co-writer of '1941'. Do I have time in my schedule to talk to him about what it's like to collaborate with cinematic heroes John Milius, Robert Zemeckis, and Steven Spielberg??? [...dramatic pause...] Oh HELL yes I have time! But alas, dear reader, the Universal PR Gods graced us with an all-too-short eight minutes. Still... [teaser]We were able to cover the new Blu-ray, working in Hollywood in the mid-'70s, what it was like to be down in Alabama while Spielberg was making 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind', and the woes of being an early adopter of home theatre gadgets. Yup, Bob Gale's one of us.[/teaser] Here's the full transcript. HDD: Before we get into the interview, I just wanted to thank you for 'Back to the Future'. Life changing movie-- Bob Gale: I never get tired of hearing that [laughs]. So thank-you-thank-you-thank-you. Now onto the task at hand, '1941', have you seen this new Blu-ray? Yes I have. It's glorious. Are you, by any chance, a home theatre enthusiast? Yeah, I got an Epson projector, a flat screen. I've had projection TVs ever since Sony made one you could afford to buy. I got a decent sound system and I love to crank it up. Even the home theatre setup discs and all that stuff. I want it to look and sound great at home. Cool. Most of the time I interview folks, they tell me "oh, I've still got a CRT or something", but I guessed you might be into [home cinema]. I bought the first stand-alone BETAMAX in 1976, which cured me of being an early adopter when I had to throw out all my Beta tapes. There's a lot of HD-DVD fans who feel the same as you. Yeah, I waited until that format war settled down before I bought a machine. Back to 1941. I'm most interested in the development process. I watched the Blu-ray's 'Making Of 1941', which was on the previous DVD. At the time, you and Robert Zemeckis were out with a spec called 'Tank'. John Milius loved your writing and you all decided to collaborate because you have an idea about the LA Air Raid and he was researching General Stillwell. What was the early part of the development process like, and what were you comedy influences? Bob [Zemeckis] and my comedy influences are pretty vast. It goes from Frank Capra to the Three Stooges to Looney Tunes to Buster Keaton and everything in between. And let's not forget Billy Wilder. There's a black comedy aspect of it we can credit to the Billy Wilder influence. Those sessions that we spent with John were just great. He had a condominium out near Zuma Beach because John's a surfer. So we go out there late at night. Bob and I didn't surf, but John had been out there surfing and he'd say [in a full on John Milius impression], "you know guys, come over tonight and we'll brainstorm about '1941'." Actually, it wasn't called '1941' then; it was called 'The Night The Japs Attacked'. We'd hang out with John until midnight, two o'clock in the morning, spitballing ideas. It was a fun time. Did you see the documentary, 'Milius'? Oh, no, I haven't seen that yet. Put it on your Netflix queue. I think you can stream it on Netflix. It's really a great look, and gives you a great sense of what the industry was like back in the mid-70s. It's a good documentary. Very cool, I'll definitely do that. Okay, so after that early process, you had a little bit of a setback with MGM passing on the project. When was it in that process that you sent the script over to Steven Spielberg? What happened was we'd go shooting trap and skeet with John out in Newhall once a week. And Steven would come sometimes too because Steven and John were good friends. John was telling Steven, "these two crazy guys from USC wrote this insane script." So John starts telling Steven about it and Steven says, "I gotta read this script, John, gimme a copy of the script." So John gave Steven the script and Steven just loved it. He loved the insanity of it all. The exuberant craziness of doing a riot and a bar fight on Hollywood Boulevard, a tank on the [Santa Monica] pier, and all that stuff. And at that time, Steven was one of the few guys in Hollywood that could put those types of things on screen. So Steven said, "I gotta make 'Close Encounters' at Columbia, but let's see if we can set this up. Universal wants my next picture too." Steven wisely made it a co-production between the two studios and we flew down to Mobile, Alabama, while he was shooting 'Close Encounters' down there, to start working on the rewrites. Interestingly enough, you're talking about comedy influences, Steven had a -- this is before there was home video -- 16mm print of 'Dr. Strangelove'. He rented a house where he was living and editing 'Close Encounters' and two or three nights a week he'd run 'Dr. Strangelove' just to look at a close-to-perfect movie which would remind us all why we were in the movie business. So the black humor of 'Dr. Strangelove' also may have been an influence in '1941'. Right. Actually, I wanted to ask about your rewriting period down there to get a sense of how the script changed when [Spielberg] came aboard. In the 'Making of 1941', Spielberg was talking about how, if Zemeckis had been at a place in his career where he could have directed the movie, it probably would have been a little darker, more of a black comedy satire versus the screwball-- Just in terms of the approach it would have been darker. The best example I can give you in terms of that is how Steven had Ned Beatty play the part of Ward Douglas, the home owner. Bob and I saw the guy more as a lunatic instead of a nebbish. In our version of the character he would have been more proactive about signing up to get the gun and its placement in his yard. Just really tortured he was too old to actually get into the war, but wanted to do his part. If he got a chance to sink a sub, he was gonna do it. Steven played it where the character's a little more reluctant to get involved. He feels it's his patriotic duty. There's a great scene in the restored version where Ward offers his daughter some fatherly advice on what she's supposed to do in the USO. That counts as an example of out twisted black humor. Yeah, I re-watched the Blu-ray yesterday [thanks, Universal!], that joke had me rolling. I've been reading a few books set in this era, and [Ward's advice] was pretty unexpected. My last question [damn your eight minute time limit, Universal!], Theatrical Cut verses Extended Cut, not necessarily about content, but what was it like seeing the movie come back to something closer resembling your original intent? It's great. I'm so excited that Universal decided to spend the extra bucks and meld the additional footage back into the movie in such a great way. It's almost seamless, really. You're a high-def guy, I'll bet you didn't even notice some of the places where it switched over. I'm delighted audiences are going to get a chance to get a better idea of what the movie intended to be and now really is. I think the movie, over the years, has gained in stature. It was kinda trashed when it came out, but it was never a disaster like people think it was. Steven had hit one home run with 'Jaws' and another with 'Close Encounters' and '1941' really was a single, but it was far from being a strike out or ground out or fly out. Thank you so much for talking to us. And I'm sure people will be super excited to see the movie in HD for the first time. Yeah, I was blown away by how great it looked and I hope everybody else is too. Cool, thank you so much for your time, sir. You're welcome, thank you for talking to me. Cheers. And thanks again to Universal Home Entertainment for arranging the interview. '1941' debuts on Blu-ray next Tuesday (October 14) as part of the 'Steven Spielberg Director's Collection' along with three other first-time HD titles -- 'Duel', 'Sugarland Express', and 'Always'.Posted Fri Oct 10, 2014 at 08:05 AM PDT by: -
'Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The horror sequel starring Tony Todd will haunt Blu-ray early next year. Pre-orders are now available at Amazon. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Scream Factory will be releasing 'Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh' on Blu-ray on January 6. The Candyman (Todd) arrives in New Orleans and sets his sights on a young woman whose family was ruined by the immortal killer years before. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.97. You can find the latest specs for 'Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 6. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Oct 10, 2014 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Picture of Dorian Gray' Heads to Blu-ray[teaser]The 1945 Oscar and Golden Globe-winning classic will be getting the high-definition treatment later this year. Pre-order your copy here.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Archive is working on 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' for Blu-ray sometime later this year. Perfection on the outside. Murderous corruption within. Years change. Handsome Dorian Gray does not. He remains youthful-looking. But a portrait of him tells another story. It changes with the years, revealing the horrific effects of Gray's life of debauchery and evil. From Oscar Wilde's novel and filmed in a rapturous, deep-focus style that earned a Best Cinematography Academy Award, this chilling tale remains unchanging in its power and entertain. Hurd Hatfield plays the rakish title character in this morality tale, also featuring George Sanders as a Wilde-like dandy who leads Gray to perdition. Best Supporting Actress Oscar nominee Angela Lansbury as a music-hall thrush victimized by Gray, plus Donna Reed and Peter Lawford. Every picture tells a story. But none tells as haunting a tale of terror as The Picture of Dorian Gray. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $21.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Oct 10, 2014 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Expendables 3' Storms Blu-ray[teaser]The third adventure in the action-packed franchise will parachute onto Blu-ray this November. You can pre-order it now. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate will be releasing 'The Expendables 3' on Blu-ray on November 25. Barney (Sylvester Stallone), Christmas (Jason Statham) and the rest of the team comes face-to-face with Conrad Stonebanks (Mel Gibson), who years ago co-founded The Expendables with Barney. Stonebanks subsequently became a ruthless arms trader and someone who Barney was forced to kill... or so he thought. Stonebanks, who eluded death once before, now is making it his mission to end The Expendables -- but Barney has other plans. Barney decides that he has to fight old blood with new blood, and brings in a new era of Expendables team members, recruiting individuals who are younger, faster and more tech-savvy. The latest mission becomes a clash of classic old-school style versus high-tech expertise in the Expendables' most personal battle yet. The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack will include both the theatrical and unrated cuts of the film with 1080p video, a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, and supplements include: The Expendables 3 Documentary, "New Blood: Stacked and Jacked" Featurette, "The Total Action Package" Featurette, "Christmas Runs the Gauntlet" Extended Scene, and a Gag Reel. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Expendables 3' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under November 25. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Oct 9, 2014 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Sin City: A Dame to Kill For' Blu-ray Detailed for November Release![teaser]The long-awaited sequel to Frank Miller's 'Sin City' has been detailed. Pre-order the Blu-ray (3D included) here.[/teaser] As previously reported, Starz/Anchor Bay is already prepping 'Sin City: A Dame to Kill For' for Blu-ray sometime later this year, and now the date has been set for November 18. In Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, scandal, murder, betrayal and mystery surround the lives of those swept up in a crime-filled underworld. Co-directors Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller reunite to bring Miller's visually stunning "Sin City" graphic novels back to the screen in the follow-up to the groundbreaking film, FRANK MILLER'S SIN CITY (2005). Weaving together two of Miller's classic stories with new tales, the town's most hard boiled citizens cross paths with some of its more reviled inhabitants. The Blu-ray combo pack (which includes 3D) will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and fans will be rewarded with eye-popping special features that include never-before-seen Robert Rodriguez-approved exclusives such as if'The Movie In High-Speed Green Screen—All Green Screen Version', 'Makeup Effects Of Sin City With Greg Nicotero', 'Stunts Of Sin City With Jeff Dashnaw', and 'Character Profiles'." Suggested list price for the Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Sin City: A Dame to Kill For' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 18. Order the 3D ComboPosted Thu Oct 9, 2014 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Pete Kelly's Blues' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Jack Webb's 1955 classic is headed for Blu-ray later this year. Pre-order your copy here.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Archive is preparing 'Pete Kelly's Blues' for Blu-ray sometime in 2014. Jack Webb stars as a Kansas City jazz cornetist, and when he takes on a vicious ganglord (Edmond O'Brien), the only thing faster than his famed deadpan delivery is the rapid-fire action. And the only thing more dynamic than film's Dixieland - and blues-infused musical sore is its stellar cast. Janet Leigh is a gin-swilling heiress who moves in on Kelly's heart. Lee Marvin and Martin Milner as Pete's hot-headed sidemen keep the tempo torrid. Andy Devine goes dramatic as an ice-cold cop. Ella Fitzgerald brings her inimitable jazz alchemy to "Hard Hearted Hannah" and "Pete Kelly's Blues". And Peggy Lee proves as masterful acting the blues as singing them, earning a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of a boozy songbird. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include: Original Theatrical Trailer (COLOR/CinemaScope) & Alternate Theatrical Trailer/ (B&W/CinemaScope); Vintage 1955 Warner Bros. Short "GADGETS GALORE"; and Vintage 1955 Warner Bros. Cartoon "THE HOLE IDEA". Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $21.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Pete Kelly's Blues' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Oct 9, 2014 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'If I Stay' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]R.J. Cutler's fateful drama is headed for Blu-ray in November. You can pre-order it here. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox will be releasing 'If I Stay' on Blu-ray on November 18. Mia Hall (Chloë Grace Moretz) thought the hardest decision she would ever face would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at Juilliard or follow a different path to be with the love of her life, Adam (Jamie Blackley). But what should have been a carefree family drive changes everything in an instant, and now her own life hangs in the balance. Caught between life and death for one revealing day, Mia has only one decision left, which will not only decide her future but her ultimate fate. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $35.99. You can find the latest specs for 'If I Stay' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under November 18. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Oct 8, 2014 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Kite' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]A young woman will embark on a quest for revenge in this action flick heading to Blu-ray in December. You can pre-order the movie here. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay is preparing 'Kite' for Blu-ray on December 2. Order the Blu-ray Never Underestimate a Girl with Nothing to Lose. Based on the groundbreaking, cult classic anime, 'Kite' tells the story of Sawa (India Eisley, 'The Secret Life of the American Teenager,' 'Underworld: Awakening'), a young woman living in a corrupt society where crime and gangs terrorize the streets. When Sawa’s mother and policeman father are found victims of a grisly double homicide, she begins a ruthless pursuit for the man who murdered them. With the help of her father’s ex-partner, Karl Aker (Samuel L. Jackson, 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier,' 'The Avengers,' 'Django Unchained'), and a mysterious friend from her past (Callan McAuliffe, 'The Great Gatsby,' 'I Am Number Four'), she becomes a merciless assassin, blasting her way through the dark world of human trafficking only to uncover a devastating truth. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include The Making of Kite: A Behind the Scenes Featurette. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray/DVD/UltraViolet combo pack is $30.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Kite' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 2.Posted Wed Oct 8, 2014 at 10:00 AM PDT by:
