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Robin Wright Prepares for a Digital Future in 'The Congress'[teaser]Ari Folman's acclaimed fantasy is planned for a Blu-ray release this holiday season. You can pre-order it here. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Drafthouse Films will be releasing 'The Congress' on Blu-ray on December 2. More than two decades after catapulting to stardom with The Princess Bride, an aging actress (Robin Wright, playing a version of herself) decides to take her final job: preserving her digital likeness for a future Hollywood. Through a deal brokered by her loyal, longtime agent (Harvey Keitel) and the head of Miramount Studios (Danny Huston), her alias will be controlled by the studio, and will star in any film they want with no restrictions. In return, she receives healthy compensation so she can care for her ailing son and her digitized character will stay forever young. Twenty years later, under the creative vision of the studio's head animator (Jon Hamm), Wright's digital double rises to immortal stardom. With her contract expiring, she is invited to take part in "The Congress" convention as she makes her comeback straight into the world of future fantasy cinema. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.97. You can find the latest specs for 'The Congress' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 2. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Oct 1, 2014 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'At the Earth's Core' Drilling Its Way to Blu-ray in January[teaser]Kevin Connor's 1976 adventure flick arrives on Blu-ray early next year. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Kino/Scorpion Releasing is preparing 'At the Earth's Core' for Blu-ray on January 13. Murderous monsters, scantily clad prehistoric playmates and telepathic pterodactyls inhabit the center of our world in this "colorful fantasy-adventure" (Leonard Maltin) about a manned "drill-craft" boring its way to the center of the Earth! Starring sci-fi superstars Doug McClure, Peter Cushing and Caroline Munro, this subterranean chiller is the most "endearingly whimsical" (Los Angeles Times) entertainment on - or under - the planet's surface! There's more than lava at the Earth's core. There's also Pellucidar: an underground empire where gargantuan pterodactyls torture and enslave all humanoids - including the lovely Dia (Munro). But all that could change when a surface-dwelling scientist (Cushing) and an American businessman (McClure) drive their powerful "Iron Mole" straight into Pellucidar...stirring up a great deal more than dirt, rocks and lava! Specs haven't been revealed yet, but supplements include: Reversible cover, Brand New on camera interview with star Caroline Munro, Brand New on camera with Director Kevin Connor, Audio commentary with Kevin Connor, and Original Trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'At the Earth's Core' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 13.Posted Wed Oct 1, 2014 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Peaky Blinders: The Complete First Season' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]The British gangster drama is heading to Blu-ray this week! You can order the show here. [/teaser]In an announcement to retailers, Warner Bros. is preparing 'Peaky Blinders: The Complete First Season' for Blu-ray on September 30. Named after their practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps, the notorious 'Peaky Blinders' gang is one of the city's most feared, with interests in illegal betting, protection and the black market. Former war hero and brains behind the operation Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy), however, is eager to safeguard his family's success by making the business legitimate. But when he's offered a consignment of stolen arms, Tommy's desire to increase the family's influence in the city brings him into direct conflict with Chief Inspector Campbell (Sam Neill), a brutally tough Belfast policeman who's been charged with recovering the guns at any cost. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Peaky Blinders: The Complete First Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 30.Posted Wed Oct 1, 2014 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D[teaser]The action-packed sci-fi sequel is up for pre-orders at Amazon. [/teaser] As previously reported, 20th Century Fox is preparing 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' Blu-ray/Digital Copy combo pack and 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - 3D' Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray combo pack for a release later this year, and now the date has been set for November 11. A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth¹s dominant species. The Blu-rays will feature 1080p video, lossless 7.1 soundtracks, and supplements include: 4 Galleries and Andy Serkis: Rediscovering Caesar. Blu-ray exclusives include: Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Matt Reeves; Journey to Dawn; Humans and Apes: The Cast of Dawn; The World of Dawn; The Ape Community; Move Like an Ape: An Artist s Artist’s Medium; Weta and Dawn; The Fight for a New Dawn; and Audio Commentary by Matt Reeves Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is set at $39.99, the Blu-ray 3D is $49.99, and the 'Planet Of The Apes: Caesar's Warrior Collection' (which also includes 'Rise' and a limited edition Caesar bust from WETA) is $129.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' and 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - 3D' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are both indexed under November 11, while 'Planet Of The Apes: Caesar's Warrior Collection' is listed under December 2 Order the 2D Blu-ray Order the 3D Blu-ray Caesar's Warrior CollectionPosted Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
Woody Allen's 'Magic in the Moonlight' Will Cast a Spell on Blu-ray in December[teaser]Woody Allen's latest film is planned for Blu-ray in December. You can pre-order it here. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony will be releasing 'Magic in the Moonlight' on Blu-ray on December 16. 'Magic in the Moonlight' is a romantic comedy about an Englishman brought in to help unmask a possible swindle. Personal and professional complications ensue. The film is set in the south of France in the 1920s against a backdrop of wealthy mansions, the Côte d'Azur, jazz joints and fashionable spots for the wealthy of the Jazz Age. 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 'Magic in the Moonlight' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 16. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
'The Doors: Feast of Friends' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The rare concert documentary film will debut on Blu-ray in November. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Eagle Rock Entertainment is preparing 'The Doors: Feast of Friends' for Blu-ray on November 11. In April of 1968, filming began for what would become the first and only film produced about The Doors, by The Doors. Funded by the band and helmed by friend and fellow film graduate Paul Ferrara, the footage shot for this film would become the well from which the majority of future documentaries and music videos about the band would draw. This film became Feast of Friends, as Paul Ferrara thought it was a great lyric to use for the title. Other than a few appearances in film festivals the following year, an official release would never be seen. Until now. If not for a poor quality bootleg copy circulated among collectors and eventually via the Internet, the film's existence would have scarcely been known beyond the circle of diehard Doors fans. By many accounts, the original source of that bootleg is thought to have been Morrison's own copy, which he hand-carried when he moved to Paris in 1971 after recording what would be The Doors' final album. Concealed in a paper bag and forgotten at a friend's house, Morrison would never reclaim it, as he passed suddenly a few days later. 'Feast of Friends' offers a cinematic look at The Doors on the road during their summer '68 tour. Whilst never truly completed, as the production funding was abruptly cut due to the band's political problems stemming from Jim's arrest in Miami, the film provides a stylistic approach in true 60's cinéma vérité style. The film is comprised of concert performances which are intercut with fly-on-the-wall footage of the group in their natural habitat - playful, sensitive, chaotic and touching. Other than a few appearances in film festivals in 1968, this is the first official release. Completely restored from the original negative, as supervised by Jim Morrison, the film has been color-corrected and mastered in high definition with the soundtrack totally remixed and remastered by long-time Doors co-producer/engineer Bruce Botnick. Specs and a suggested list price have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: Feast of Friends: Encore; The Doors Are Open; and The End. You can find the latest specs for 'The Doors: Feast of Friends' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 11.Posted Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
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High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: September 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 dazling, self-reflexive musical, some undead zombies, and a couple of old school gangsters. 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, and August 2014. [teaser]This month, we're covering a star-spangled superhero, a paranormal comedy classic, and a 350 foot monster. [/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 September, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' - Consistency is a rare quality to find in a Hollywood studio. Especially one churning out big budget summer tent-poles left and right. But if there was one word to describe Marvel's recent track record, I think "consistent" might be the most appropriate. Not all of their releases have been complete homeruns, but since 'Iron Man' hit screens in 2008, the studio has consistently crafted entertaining and successful flicks -- becoming one of the most creatively dependable movie companies this side of Pixar. And with their latest Phase 2 sequel, 'Captain America: The Winter Solider,' Marvel continues this trend without skipping a beat. In fact, Steve Rogers' latest outing just might be one of their best -- resulting in an action-packed political thriller with a comic book twist.Fully integrating the legendary WWII hero into our current morally ambiguous world, the movie thrusts Rogers into a twisting plot full of dangers from within. Trusted allies become potential threats, and once steadfast motivations are drowned in murky waters, drawing solid parallels between our real world politics and the superhero-infused world of SHIELD. Throughout it all, directors Anthony Russo and Joe Russo keeps things lively, offering lots of cool action set pieces without losing sight of an engaging and surprisingly important story. One that will have very lasting effects on the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Chris Evans continues to do great work as the title hero, highlighting the character's old fashioned nobility and tragically misplaced circumstances. He's a relic from a simpler time being forced to play by new corrupt rules, but you can only push a good man down for so long before he… whacks you with a vibranium shield! Marvel franchise regulars Scarlett Johansen and Samuel L. Jackson also turn in fun performances, and newcomer Anthony Mackie effortlessly joins the pack. We even get a little extra dash of old school Hollywood class with Robert Redford, and the eponymous "Winter Soldier" proves to be a very effective and multi-layered antagonist, challenging our hero not only physically, but emotionally and psychologically as well. In many ways, 'The Winter Soldier' proudly tears down everything Marvel has been building up until this point, slyly offering a greater peek into the full extent of the producers' master plan. In an essentially unprecedented move, the studio continues to create an evolving multi-part universe of interconnecting stories full of escalating arcs. Like Michael Palmer describes in his full review, Marvel has created "the world's most expensive television series," and this episode is one of the show's best. Not just a cog in a greater machine, the movie also fully stands alone, giving audiences a satisfying and entertaining ride. With 5-star video and audio, this is not only one of the month's top demo discs, but one of its best overall flicks through and through. And if this summer's fantastic 'Guardians of the Galaxy' is any indication, then Marvel is nowhere near done. After all, 'The Age of Ultron' will soon be upon us, and I'll be waiting patiently with my bag of popcorn. Buy the Blu-ray 'Ghostbusters 1 & 2 (Digibook, Mastered in 4K)' - "If there's something strange in your neighborhood, who ya gonna call?" Well, if the 80s taught us anything (and I'm not so sure that they did), then the answer is, of course, the Ghostbusters! That is, unless it's an actual emergency. Then the police or fire department are probably a safer bet. But if you've got an unruly spirit that needs catching, then Peter, Ray, Egon, and Winston are your guys. And if you're looking for a funny, imaginative, and infinitely re-watchable movie, then 'Ghostbusters' is definitely the flick for you. And you know what? The sequel ain't half bad either. Yeah, I said it. I have a soft spot in my heart for Vigo and his throne of blood.Successfully mixing comedy, special effects, and supernatural thrills isn't exactly a simple proposition, but director Ivan Reitman and writers Dan Aykroyd & Harold Ramis make it look easy. The tone is pitch perfect, the dialogue is witty and memorable, and the characters are all great -- giving Bill Murray one of his most iconic roles. Each member of the team brings something different to the table and the actors' comedic sensibilities mesh wonderfully. There's Peter's dry sarcasm in the face of the supernatural, Ray's unbridled enthusiasm, Egon's hilariously dull demeanor and, uh... there's also Winston! And while most will concede that the movie's 1989 sequel is an inferior follow-up, I've always enjoyed the flick. Yeah, the Statue of Liberty scene is a bit much, but there's something about Peter MacNicol's ridiculous accent and all of Vigo's villainous grandstanding that always puts a smile on my face. Also, there's dancing toasters. Who doesn't love dancing toasters?In celebration of the first film's 30th Anniversary, this handsome digibook package includes both movies along with a solid array of supplements and great looking "Mastered in 4K" transfers. For the true diehard fans, there's also a 'Limited Edition Gift Set' that features a Slimer figurine. Though plans for a proposed third movie seemingly remain in development hell (where they belong along with Gozer and Vigo), the original film still stands tall as a true genre-bending comedy classic full of quotable lines and even a few important life lessons. You see, I was wrong. The 80s did teach us something very, very important. Don't cross the streams. Ever. That is, except when there's a giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man terrorizing the city. Buy the Blu-ray 'Godzilla (2014)' - As an unashamed geek, there are very few big-screen sci-fi franchises that I'm not already familiar with. For instance, when the latest Marvel, DC, 'Star Trek,' or 'Star Wars' movies comes out, I go into the films with a built-in emotional investment and a certain level of expectation. You see, I know exactly what I want and expect from a Hollywood version of those characters. I grew up with them, and have some strong opinions about how they should be portrayed. This can lead to some admittedly nitpicky criticisms that get hung up on certain nerdy details -- like why the hell Khan has an English accent, or who the hell thought it was a good idea to sew Deadpool's mouth shut -- but with 'Godzilla,' I have no such pre-conceived notions. No childhood memories. No fervent fanaticism. In fact, I've never actually seen any of the original Toho films. With that in mind, I have very little opinion of what a 'Godzilla' film should be, freeing me up to embrace whatever interpretation the filmmakers have in store here. So, going into Gareth Edward's recent take on the giant monster, I really had only one established criteria: please be better than that stupid 1998 movie. And on that front, the director has easily succeeded… and then some.While I always admire when writers decide to buck convention and stray from usual genre formulas, certain tropes can be very effective if employed correctly. To this point, 'Godzilla' hits all the right giant monster/disaster movie beats without devolving into a clichéd messed. First up, we get a mysterious scientific discovery that has various experts starring with jaws wide open, spouting out lines like, "But that's impossible!" Next, we get a tragic accident that turns one man into a seemingly crazy voice of reason that no one will listen to. And just when it seems like the guys in power might smarten up and take heed to his warnings… whoops! It's too late and the shit hits the fan, leading to many shots of desperate bystanders fleeing in horror from impending doom. It's not exactly the most original setup, but it works pretty well and the filmmakers do a solid job of establishing worthwhile characters and relatively involving human drama -- which then goes on to keep things emotionally grounded once the giant monsters finally show up. And when the CGI spectacle does kick into full gear, Edwards displays an impressive level of style and visual cohesion, keeping things exciting and interesting without overwhelming the audience with constant cuts, superficial angles, and nearly indecipherable action (cough, Michael Bay, cough). Instead, we get a visceral and atmospheric showdown between colossal prehistoric beasts, shrouded in moody lighting and smoke while still offering a clear view of the chaos. Yes, the movie isn't perfect. Despite being the title character, Godzilla gets a surprisingly scant (but still very potent) amount of screen time, the first half is on the slow side, and the thematic material dealing with man's hubris against nature doesn't hit as hard as it should -- but for a summer monster spectacle, the flick ends up being entertaining and very well crafted (the HALO skydiving scene is a real highlight). Unlike more devoted 'Godzilla' fans, I have no real frame of reference here, but if this is what we can expect from Gareth Edward's take on the franchise, then I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment. While this disc might not be the "King of the Blu-rays," with a great technical presentation and solid extras, this Blu-ray easily smashes its way into the last spot on September's list. Buy the Blu-ray So, there you have it. While there are many titles worth picking up this September, 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 September's must own titles?Posted Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 10:01 AM PDT by: -
'Extant: Season 1' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The first season of the sci-fi drama starring Halle Berry is rocketing toward Blu-ray in December. You can pre-order the show here. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount is preparing 'Extant: Season 1' for Blu-ray on December 9. Academy Award-winning producer Steven Spielberg launches a sci-fi thriller that explores the realms of family, evolution and, ultimately, the survival of the human race. Academy Award winner Halle Berry plays Molly Woods, an astronaut trying to readjust to life on earth after a 13-month space mission. But slipping back into her role as wife and mother gets complicated when her doctor (Golden Globe winner Camryn Manheim) discovers that after a year-long solo mission, Molly is inexplicably pregnant. Adding to her stress, Molly struggles to reconnect with her "son," a humanoid robot created by her engineer husband (Goran Visnijic), both as a response to their infertility and as a scientific pet project. From the creation of life to the mysteries of space to the future of humanity, the world will never be the same. And neither will Molly Woods. Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: Extant: Filming Season One; The Story of Extant; Extant: The Pilot Episode - The Premiere; Extant: The Cast; 7 CBS Launch Promos; Interview: Games of Words with Mickey Fisher; The Offspring; The Future World of Extant; and The VFX of Extant. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $69.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Extant: Season 1' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 9. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Inspector Lewis: Series 7' Investigating Blu-ray in October[teaser]The next three installments in the PBS series will arrive on Blu-ray this November. You can pre-order the set now. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, PBS is preparing 'Inspector Lewis: Series 7' for Blu-ray on November 25. Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox return for a seventh season of the beloved “Inspector Lewis” series. Hathaway has been promoted to Inspector after an extended break from the force, and Lewis is adjusting to retired life until he’s asked to team up with his old colleague. With their partnership renewed under altered circumstances, the duo continues to solve crimes in the seemingly perfect academic haven of Oxford, England. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Inspector Lewis: Series 7' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under November 25. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Tesis' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Alejandro Amenábar's acclaimed 1996 thriller is planned for Blu-ray in December. You can order it here. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Tanelorn Films will be releasing 'Tesis' on Blu-ray on December 9. The winner of 6 Goya Awards - including Best Picture - Tesis is an American-style thriller from Spain's director sensation Alejandro Amenabar (The Others, Open Your Eyes). Angela (Ana Torrent: Spirit of the Beehive, Cria), is a university student writing her thesis about violence in the media. During her research, she comes across a shocking ''snuff'' film (a film where a murder is actually committed for the camera) that has apparently been shot on the campus. Investigating further, she uncovers clues that the university's administrators may be involved in an unexplained series of student disappearances, leading her to the ultimate terrifying revelation: she might be the next victim. Tesis has been acclaimed by critics around the world as a superbly constructed thriller that generates considerable suspense and thrills from beginning to end. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Tesis' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 9. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 06:00 AM PDT by:
