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'The Fluffy Movie: Extended Edition' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Gabriel Iglesias' 2014 comedy special will fluff up Blu-ray in October. Pre-order your copy here. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is working on 'The Fluffy Movie: Extended Edition' for Blu-ray on October 21. Gabriel Iglesias takes viewers on a joke-filled journey into his life in this nonstop laugh fest. The funnyman delves into subjects such as the joys of parenting a teen, the similarities between India and Mexico, and more hilarious observations, while also providing fans with special backstage access and exclusive never-before-seen footage from his sold-out Unity Through Laughter tour. See Fluffy himself unleashed, as he puts his animated storytelling, spot-on impressions and vivid sound effects on display before audiences around the world in this must-own comedy event. Specs have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray combo pack is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Fluffy Movie: Extended Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 21.Posted Thu Aug 21, 2014 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Vikings: The Complete Second Season' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The second season of the hit series will plunder Blu-ray this October. Pre-order here. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox and MGM are preparing 'Vikings: The Complete Second Season' for Blu-ray on October 7. “Vikings” centers on Ragnar (Travis Fimmel), a restless young warrior and family man who longs to find and conquer new lands across the sea and claim the spoils as his own. Now he is an Earl, allied with King Horrik (Donal Logue). With more power than ever before, his desire to sail west and explore new kingdoms remains unquenchable. Yet there’s a heavy price to pay for Ragnar’s ascent to greatness. Season two brings crises of faith, of power, of relationships. Brothers rise up against one another. Loyalties shift from friend to foe, and unlikely alliances are formed in the name of supremacy. Ragnar’s indiscretions threaten his marriage to Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), tearing him and his beloved son apart. Plots are hatched, scores are settled, blood is spilled…all under the watchful eyes of the gods. New to the cast of VIKINGS this season are Alexander Ludwig (The Hunger Games) as Bjorn, the intelligent and bold warrior son of Ragnar Lothbrok, and Linus Roache (Law & Order) as Ecbert, King of Wessex, a man of strength, knowledge and undisguised ambition. They join Travis Fimmel as Ragnar Lothbrok; Katheryn Winnick as Lagertha, a fierce shield maiden and Ragnar’s wife; Clive Standen as Rollo, Ragnar’s impulsive, wild, care-free brother; George Blagden as Athelstan, a young and not-so-innocent Monk; Jessalyn Gilsig as Siggy, beautiful wife of the late Earl Haraldson; Donal Logue as King Horrik, who desires to make the increasingly famous Earl Ragnar an ally and supporter; Gustaf Skarsgard, a ship builder who designs the new generation of Vikings ships; and Alyssa Sutherland as Princess Aslaug, Ragnar’s new love interest. In addition to all 10 fan-favorite episodes, the “Vikings” Season 2 Blu-ray and DVD include bonus features – such as “Imagining and Executing Climactic Battles,” a behind the scenes exploration into every aspect of planning and execution of the key battle sequences. The Blu-ray contains more than 16 hours of exclusive content, 10 unrated episodes with extended and alternate scenes and two episode audio commentaries, in which Michael Hirst and Gustaf Skarsgard dive deeper into the making of the sophomore season. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $49.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Vikings: The Complete Second Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 7.Posted Wed Aug 20, 2014 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Houdini' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The biopic of the legendary escape artist will unlock Blu-ray's chains in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate will be releasing 'Houdini' on Blu-ray on October 7. His ability to escape from handcuffs, strait-jackets and water tanks is legendary - breaking the shackles of his past proved more challenging. HISTORY's Houdini follows the world-renowned master of escape's transformation from immigrant into the world's first superstar. Driven, disciplined and actively chasing the American Dream, Houdini constantly pushed his physical limits to accomplish feats of strength that amazed audiences in an age of spectacle. And though they saw what he wanted them to see, his reality was more elusive than his escapes. Specs haven't been revealed yet, but supplements include four featurettes. The suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Houdini' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 7.Posted Wed Aug 20, 2014 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Mystery Road' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Ivan Sen's acclaimed Australian thriller heads to Blu-ray in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Well Go USA will be releasing 'Mystery Road' on Blu-ray on October 14. Indigenous cowboy detective Jay Swan returns to his outback hometown to solve the murder of a teenage girl, whose body is found under the highway trucking route out of town. Alienated from both the white-dominated police force and his own community, including his teenage daughter (now connected to the murdered girl), Jay stands alone in his determination to fight back - for his town, and his people. Specs haven't been revealed yet, but supplements include: The Making of Mystery Road; Interviews with the Cast; and Trailer. The suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Mystery Road' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 14.Posted Wed Aug 20, 2014 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Halloween: The Complete Collection' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]Two Blu-ray boxed sets will be available in stores just in time for trick or treating! You can pre-order them right now! [/teaser] As previously reported, Starz/Anchor Bay and Scream Factory have collaborated to release 'Halloween: The Complete Collection' on Blu-ray on September 23. Halloween night - Haddonfield, IL. A young boy butchers his older sister with a kitchen knife. 15 years later, he escapes from a mental institution only to return home and terrorize the town, including babysitter Laurie Strode. Now pursued by Dr. Loomis, the doctor who tried to treat him until he realized that "what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply... evil." His name is Michael Myers. And so began one of the most iconic horror franchises in history – what producers Moustapha Akkad and Debra Hill, writer/director John Carpenter and stars Jamie Lee Curtis & Donald Pleasence started has spawned 10 feature films and lasted over 35 years. Now, for the first time ever, experience the terror of every Halloween film available together in one set! This limited edition deluxe set includes 15 discs jammed with content 'Halloween' fans will love. Brand new, never before seen bonus features including new interviews with cast and crew, commentaries, behind the scenes documentaries, and so much more. Plus, the NEVER BEFORE RELEASED Producer's Cut of 'Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers!' The set also features both Blu-ray versions of 'Halloween' as well as the Network TV versions of 'Halloween' and 'Halloween 2.' Here it is, the one that started it all – 'Halloween: The Complete Collection.' The 15-disc collection includes: Disc 1 – John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978) Bonus Features: HD transfer supervised and approved by cinematographer Dean Cundey NEW Audio Commentary With Director Of Photography Dean Cundey, Editor Tommy Lee Wallace And The Shape, Nick Castle Audio Commentary with Co-Writer/Director John Carpenter and Actress Jamie Lee Curtis. “The Night She Came Home” Featurette “On Location: 25 Years Later” Featurette TV Version Footage Television Spots Theatrical Trailer TV and Radio Spots Tech Specs: 1080p Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1); Dolby TrueHD 7.1; Original 1978 Audio in Dolby TrueHD Mono Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish Disc 2 – 'John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978)' (Exclusive to Deluxe Edition) Bonus Features: Audio Commentary With Co-Writer/Director John Carpenter, Actress Jamie Lee Curtis and Co-Writer/Producer Debra Hill Featurette: Halloween: A Cut Above The Rest Theatrical Trailer TV and Radio Spots Tech Specs: 1080p Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1); Dolby Surround 5.1; PCM 5.1; Original 1978 Mono Audio Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish Disc 3 – Halloween II (1981) Theatrical Version Bonus Features: Audio commentary with director Rick Rosenthal and actor Leo Rossi (Theatrical version) Audio commentary with stunt co-ordinator/actor Dick Warlock (Theatrical version) “The Nightmare Isn’t Over: The Making Of Halloween II” Featuring Rick Rosenthal, Lance Guest, Dick Warlock, Alan Howarth, Dean Cundey, Leo Rossi and Moore... “Horror’s Hallowed Grounds: The Locations of Halloween II” - Host Sean Clark revisits the original shooting locations of the film Deleted Scenes with Optional Audio Commentary from director Rick Rosenthal Alternate Ending with Optional Audio Commentary from director Rick Rosenthal Theatrical Trailer TV and Radio Spots Still Gallery Tech Specs: 1080p Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1); DTS-HD MA 5.1 Disc 4 – Halloween II TV Cut (1981) DVD (Exclusive to Deluxe Edition) Television Cut With Added Footage Not Seen In The Theatrical Version Tech Specs: Standard Definition Full-frame 1.33:1; Dolby Digital Mono Disc 5 – Halloween III: Season of The Witch (1982) Bonus Features: Audio Commentary with director Tommy Lee Wallace “Stand Alone: The Making Of Halloween III: Season Of The Witch” featuring Tommy Lee Wallace, Tom Atkins, Stacey Nelkin, Dick Warlock, Dean Cundey and more “Horror’s Hallowed Grounds” - Revisiting the original shooting locations Still Gallery Theatrical Trailers TV Spots Tech Specs: 1080p Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1); DTS-HD MA 5.1; Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 Disc 6 – Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988) Bonus Features: Audio Commentary with Actors Ellie Cornell and Danielle Harris Audio Commentary with Director Dwight H. Little and Author Justin Beahm Theatrical Trailer Tech Specs: 1080p Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1); Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish Disc 7 -- Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989) Bonus Features: Audio Commentary with Actor Don Shanks and Jeffrey Landman Audio Commentary with Director Dominique Othenin-Girard and Actors Danielle Harris And Jeffrey Landman Halloween 5: On The Set Halloween 5: Original Promo Theatrical Trailer Tech Specs:1080p Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1); Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish Disc 8 -- Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995) Theatrical Cut Bonus Features: Theatrical Trailer TV Spots Still Gallery Tech Specs: 1080p Anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1); Dolby Digital 5.1 Subtitles: English Disc 9 – Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995) Producer’s Cut (Exclusive to Deluxe Edition) Bonus Features: NEW High Definition Master from the original inter-negative NEW Audio Commentary with Screenwriter Daniel Farrands and Composer Alan Howarth (Producer’s Cut) NEW “Jamie’s Story” – An Interview With The Original “Jamie” Actress Danielle Harris NEW “The Cursed ‘Curse’” – An Interview With Producers Malek Akkad And Paul Freeman NEW “Acting Scared “– A Look At The Film’s Cast With Actresses Mariah O’Brien And J.C. Brandy NEW “The Shape Of Things” – A Look At Michael Myers’ Murders And Mayhem With Special Make-Up Effects Artists John Carl Buechler And Brad Hardin And Actor George P. Wilbur (Michael Myers) NEW “Haddonfield’s Horrors” – The Sights of Halloween The Curse of Michael Myers With Director of Photography Billy Dickson And Production Designer Brad Ryman And Director of Photography (Additional Scenes) Thomas Callaway NEW “Full Circle” – An Interview With Composer Alan Howarth NEW Cast And Crew Tribute to Donald Pleasance Archival Interviews And Behind-The-Scenes Footage Behind-The-Scenes Footage (approx. 30 Minutes) Alternate And Deleted Scenes (Not Present In Either Cut Of The Film) Teaser Trailer: Halloween 666: The Origin Of Michael Myers Tech Specs: 1080p Anamorphic Widescreen (1:78:1); DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Subtitles: English Disc 10 -- Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) Bonus Features: Presented in the correct 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio NEW Commentary With Director Steve Miner And Jamie Lee Curtis, Moderated By Sean Clark NEW “The Making of Halloween H20” Featuring Jamie Lee Curtis, Josh Hartnett, Jodi Lyn O’Keefe, Nancy Stephens, Adam Hann-Byrd, Tom Kane, Editor Patrick Lussier, Producer Malek Akkad, Producer Paul Freeman, Composer John Ottman, Chris Durand (Michael Myers), Writer Robert Zappia, Stunt Co-Ordinator Donna Keegan, Make-Up Brad Hardin And Cinematographer Daryn Okada Vintage Interviews And Behind-The-Scenes Footage Theatrical Trailer Tech Specs: 1080p Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1); DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Disc 11 -- Halloween: Resurrection (2002) Bonus Features: Audio Commentary With Director Rick Rosenthal And Editor Robert A. Ferretti Alternate Endings Deleted Scenes Featurette: “Head Cam” Storyboard Analysis Set Tour With Production Designer Troy Hansen Set Interview With Jamie Lee Curtis Vintage Interviews And Behind-The-Scenes Footage Theatrical Trailer Home Video TV Spots Tech Specs: 1080p Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1); DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Subtitles: English Disc 12 – Rob Zombie’s Halloween (2007) Bonus Features: Unrated Director’s Cut With Audio Commentary By Writer/Director Rob Zombie Deleted Scenes With Optional Commentary Alternate Ending With Optional Commentary Bloopers Featurette: “The Many Faces Of Michael Myers” Re-Imagining Halloween Meet The Cast Casting Sessions Scout Taylor-Compton Screen Test Theatrical Trailer Tech Specs: 1080p Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1); DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1; Dolby Digital 5.1 Subtitles: English, Spanish Disc 13 – Rob Zombie’s Halloween (2007) Bonus Disc (Exclusive to Deluxe Edition) Bonus Features: Documentary: “Michael Lives: The Making of Halloween (4 ½ hours) Tech Specs: Dolby Stereo Subtitles: English Disc 14 – Rob Zombie’s Halloween 2 (2009) Bonus Features: Audio Commentary With Writer/Director Rob Zombie Deleted And Alternate Scenes Audition Footage Make-Up Test Footage Blooper Reel Captain Clegg And The Night Creatures Music Videos Uncle Seymour Coffins’ Stand-Up Routines Tech Specs: 1080p Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1); DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1; Subtitles: English Disc 15 – Bonus Features (Exclusive to Deluxe Edition) John Carpenter’s HALLOWEEN – The Extended Version (In HD - TV Inserts Are In Standard Definition) Interview with Moustapha Akkad about origin of HALLOWEEN Featurette: HALLOWEEN UNMASKED 2000 Featurette: The Making Of HALLOWEEN 4: FINAL CUT NEW The Making Of HALLOWEEN 4 Featuring Actors Danielle Harris, Ellie Cornell, Kathleen Kinmont, Beau Starr, Raymond O’Connor, Erik Preston and Sasha Jensen, Stuntmen Tom Morga (Michael Myers) And George P. Wilbur (Michael Myers), Composer Alan Howarth, Writer Alan B. McElroy, Producers Malek Akkad And Paul Freeman, Special Make-Up Effects Artists John Carl Buechler And Ken Horn Featurette: Inside HALLOWEEN 5 NEW The Making Of HALLOWEEN 5 Featuring Interviews With Actors Danielle Harris, Ellie Cornell, Wendy Kaplan, Jeffrey Landman, Jonathan Chapin, Frankie Como, Tamara Glynn, Matthew Walker, Don Shanks (Michael Myers), Producer Malek Akkad, Line Producer Rick Nathanson And Composer Alan Howarth NEW Interview With Make-Up Effects Artist Tom Burman On HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH Radio Spots TV Spots – HALLOWEEN 4, HALLOWEEN 5, HALLOWEEN (2007) and HALLOWEEN II (2009) Photo Galleries -- HALLOWEEN, HALLOWEEN 4 and HALLOWEEN 5 Tech Specs: 1080p, 520p Full Frame, Anamorphic Widescreen 1:85:1, 2.35:1; DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Stereo, Mono Suggested list price for the Blu-ray set is $169.99. A 10-Disc set containing only the theatrical films will also be available for $129.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Halloween: The Complete Collection' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under September 23.Posted Tue Aug 19, 2014 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'The Signal (2014)' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]The sci-fi thriller starring Brenton Thwaites and Laurence Fishburne is heading to Blu-ray in September. You can pre-order the movie here. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is preparing 'The Signal (2014)' for Blu-ray on September 23. Three college students on a road trip across the Southwest experience a detour: the tracking of a computer genius who has already hacked into MIT and exposed security faults. The trio find themselves drawn to an eerily isolated area. Suddenly everything goes dark. When one of the students, Nic (Brenton Thwaites of 'The Giver' and 'Maleficent'), regains consciousness, he is in a waking nightmare... The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Feature Commentary with Co-Writer/Director William Eubank and Co-Writers/Consulting Producers Carlyle Eubank and David Frigerio; Deleted/Extended/Alternate Scenes; Behind The Signal; and Brilliant! Suggested list price for the Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD combo pack is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Signal (2014)' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 23.Posted Tue Aug 19, 2014 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Eric Clapton: Plains, Trains and Eric' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]The legendary musician will hit the stage on Blu-ray in November, and pre-orders are now live. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Eagle Rock is preparing 'Eric Clapton: Plains, Trains and Eric' for Blu-ray on November 4. 'Planes, Trains and Eric' follows Eric Clapton and his band on the Far and Middle Eastern leg of his 2014 World Tour. The film features 13 full-length performances blended with interviews with Eric Clapton and the band members, rehearsal and soundcheck footage, travel by trains and planes, presentations and "fly on the wall" filming of all the many aspects of being on the road with Eric Clapton. TRACK LISTING: 1) Tell The Truth 2) Pretending 3) Crossroads 4) Driftin’ 5) I Shot The Sherriff 6) Little Queen Of Spades 7) Layla 8) Wonderful Tonight 9) Key To The Highway 10) Before You Accuse Me 11) Tears In Heaven 12) Cocaine 13) Hoochie Coochie Man 14) High Time (Credits – Audio Only) Specs and supplements have not been announced yet, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Eric Clapton: Plains, Trains and Eric' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 4.Posted Tue Aug 19, 2014 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Yes: Songs from Tsongas' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The celebrated English band will rock out on Blu-ray in September. You can pre-order the disc here. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Eagle Rock is preparing 'Yes: Songs from Tsongas' for Blu-ray on September 23. This Special Edition of 'Songs From Tsongas' contains two different concerts from Yes 35th Anniversary Tour in 2004, the last tour by the band to feature the classic line-up of Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Rick Wakeman and Alan White. Disc One contains the whole of the concert from the Tsongas Arena in Lowell, Massachusetts, previously spread across two discs. This epic show features a brand new stage set by legendary designer and Yes collaborator Roger Dean and the setlist features tracks from across the band's career including an extensive acoustic section (tracks 11, 18) and some tracks that have rarely been performed live. Disc Two contains 70 minutes of highlights from a very different concert on the same tour filmed at Estival in Lugano, Switzerland. This outdoor concert sees a stripped down stage and full on rock versions of the acoustic tracks from Tsongas whilst the crowd wield a multitude of umbrellas against the pouring rain, which is clearly not preventing them having a great time! Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Yes: Songs from Tsongas' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 23.Posted Tue Aug 19, 2014 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Haven: The Complete Fourth Season' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The fourth season of the supernatural mystery series is coming to Blu-ray in August. You can pre-order the show here. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Entertainment One is preparing 'Haven: The Complete Fourth Season' for Blu-ray on August 26. 'Haven' follows former FBI agent Audrey Parker (Emily Rose), who became a cop in the small town of Haven, Maine, and quickly found herself involved in the return of "the Troubles," a series of supernatural afflictions that have plagued the seaside village for generations. Partnered with local residents Nathan Wuornos (Lucas Bryant) and Duke Crocker (Eric Balfour), Audrey began to realize that Haven's fate was linked to her own, and only she can save the town and the people she loves from the weight of their curses. Season Four of 'Haven' opens six months after the gripping third season finale, when Duke, who had jumped into the imploding barn to save Audrey, suddenly appears out of thin air in Boston. Assisted by Jennifer Mason (Emma Lahana), a woman with her own mysterious connection to Haven, Duke finds that Nathan has fled the town, Audrey is still missing, and the Troubles are worse than ever. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Thirteen "Inside Haven" Featurettes; Panel Highlights from San Diego Comic-Con, Nerd HQ and New York Comic Con; Three Interviews with the Cast; Six Audio Commentaries with the Writers; "Darkside Seekers" Webisode Series; Pancakes: The Morning After; Deleted Scene; Behind-the-Scenes; Blooper Reel; and an Exclusive 16-page Comic Book. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $49.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Haven: The Complete Fourth Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 26.Posted Mon Aug 18, 2014 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Criterion Announces November Titles[teaser]The distributor has revealed its upcoming slate of November releases, including Frank Capra's 'It Happened One Night' and Michelangelo Antonioni's 'L'avventura.' [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Criterion is preparing 'The Shooting / Ride in the Whirlwind,' 'It Happened One Night,' 'L'avventura,' 'Les Blank: Always for Pleasure,' and 'Tootsie' for Blu-ray throughout the month of November. 'The Shooting / Ride in the Whirlwind' (November 11) - In the mid-sixties, the maverick American director Monte Hellman conceived of two westerns at the same time. Dreamlike and gritty by turns, the two films would prove their maker's adeptness at brilliantly deconstructing genre. As shot back-to-back for famed producer Roger Corman, they feature overlapping casts and crews, including Jack Nicholson in two of his meatiest early roles. The films—'The Shooting,' about a motley assortment of loners following a mysterious wanted man through a desolate frontier, and 'Ride in the Whirlwind,' about a group of cowhands pursued by vigilantes for crimes they did not commit—are rigorous, artful, and wholly unconventional journeys into the American West. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, an uncompressed mono soundtrack, and supplements will include: Audio commentaries on both films, featuring Hellman and film historians Bill Krohn and Blake Lucas; New interviews with actors John Hackett, B. J. Merholz, Millie Perkins, and Harry Dean Stanton, assistant director Gary Kurtz, and chief wrangler Calvin Johnson, all in conversation with Hellman; New conversation between actor Will Hutchins and film programmer Jake Perlin; New video essay on actor Warren Oates by critic Kim Morgan; PLUS: An essay by critic Michael Atkinson; and More! 'It Happened One Night' (November 18) - Opposites attract with magnetic force in this romantic road-trip delight from Frank Capra, about a spoiled runaway socialite (Claudette Colbert) and a roguish man-of-the-people reporter (Clark Gable) who is determined to get the scoop on her scandalous disappearance. The first film to accomplish the very rare feat of sweeping all five major Oscar categories (best picture, best actor, best actress, best director, and best screenplay), 'It Happened One Night' is among the most gracefully constructed and edited films of the early sound era, packed with clever situations and gags that have entered the Hollywood comedy pantheon. Featuring two actors at the top of their game, sparking with a chemistry that has never been bettered, this is the birth of the screwball comedy. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, an uncompressed mono soundtrack, and supplements will include: New conversation between critics Molly Haskell and Phillip Lopate; Frank Capra’s American Dream, a 1997 feature-length documentary; Director Frank Capra’s first film, the 1922 silent short The Ballad of Fisher’s Boarding House; American Film Institute tribute to Capra from 1982; Trailer; PLUS: An essay by critic Farran Smith Nehme; and More! 'L'avventura' (November 25) - Michelangelo Antonioni invented a new film grammar with this masterwork. An iconic piece of challenging 1960s cinema and a gripping narrative in its own right, 'L’avventura' concerns the enigmatic disappearance of a young woman during a yachting trip off the coast of Sicily, and the search taken up by her disaffected lover (Gabriele Ferzetti) and best friend (Monica Vitti, in her breakout role). Antonioni’s controversial international sensation is a gorgeously shot tale of modern ennui and spiritual isolation. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a uncompressed Italian mono soundtrack, and supplements will include: Audio commentary featuring film historian Gene Youngblood; Selected-scene commentary by filmmaker Olivier Assayas; Antonioni: Documents and Testimonials, a fifty-eight-minute 1966 documentary by Gianfranco Mingozzi; Writings by director Michelangelo Antonioni, read by actor Jack Nicholson, plus Nicholson’s personal recollections of the director; Trailer; PLUS: An essay by critic Geoffrey Nowell-Smith, along with the statement Antonioni made about the film and the letter that circulated in support of it after its 1960 Cannes premiere. 'Les Blank: Always for Pleasure' (November 25) - An uncompromisingly independent filmmaker, Les Blank made documentaries for nearly fifty years, elegantly disappearing with his camera into cultural spots rarely seen on-screen—mostly on the peripheries of the United States, but also occasionally abroad. Seemingly off-the-cuff yet poetically constructed, these films are humane, sometimes wry, always engaging tributes to musicians, food, and all sorts of regionally specific delights. This collector's set provides a diverse survey of Les Blank's vast output, including the warmly funny 'The Blues Accordin’ to Lightnin’ Hopkins,' about the legendary Texas musician; 'Always for Pleasure,' which captures the vivacious spirit of New Orleans; 'Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers,' a hilarious celebration of the pungent, flavorful "stinking rose" of the title; and eleven other unexpected features, plus eight of Blank's short films. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, uncompressed mono soundtracks, and supplements will include: Excerpt from Les Blank: A Quiet Revelation, an upcoming documentary by Gina Leibrecht; New interviews with director Les Blank’s sons, Harrod and Beau; Blank documentary subject Gerald Gaxiola (a.k.a. the Maestro); filmmakers Skip Gerson, Maureen Gosling, Taylor Hackford, Tom Luddy, and Chris Simon; and chef and author Alice Waters; Blank’s short films Lightnin’ Les (1968), Mr. Charlie, Your Rollin’ Mill Is Burnin’ Down (1968), The Sun’s Gonna Shine (1968), More Fess (1978), Julie: Old Time Tales of the Blue Ridge (1991), My Old Fiddle: A Visit with Tommy Jarrell in the Blue Ridge (1995), and The Maestro Rides Again (2005); PLUS: An essay by film scholar Andrew Horton. 'Tootsie' (November 25) - In 'Tootsie,' the character Michael Dorsey lands the role of a lifetime—as does the actor playing him, Dustin Hoffman. This multilayered comedy from director Sydney Pollack follows the increasingly elaborate deception of a down-on-his-luck New York actor who disguises himself as a woman to get a coveted soap opera gig; while his female persona skyrockets to fame, he finds himself learning to be a better man. Hoffman's ball-busting yet disarmingly sweet Dorothy Michaels is a sensational comic creation, given support by a stellar cast including Dabney Coleman, Charles Durning, Teri Garr, George Gaynes, Bill Murray, and, in her first Oscar-winning role, Jessica Lange. Imbued with poignant drama, Tootsie is a funny and cutting film from an American moment defined by shifting social and sexual identities. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, an uncompressed mono soundtrack, and supplements will include: Audio commentary featuring director Sydney Pollack, taken from Criterion’s 1991 laserdisc edition of the film; New interview with comedy writer Phil Rosenthal; Interview with Dorothy Michaels by film critic Gene Shalit, from the film’s production; Making of “Tootsie,” a 1982 documentary directed by Rocky Lang; A Better Man: The Making of “Tootsie,” a 2007 documentary directed by Charles Kiselyak and featuring interviews with Pollack; actors Dabney Coleman, Teri Garr, Hoffman, and Jessica Lange; and writers Larry Gelbart and Murray Schisgal; Screen and wardrobe test footage of Hoffman; Deleted scenes and trailers; PLUS: An essay by critic Michael Sragow. Suggested list price for each single-disc Blu-ray is $39.95. Suggested list price for the 'Les Blank: Always for Pleasure' 3-disc boxset is $124.95. You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed throughout the month of November.Posted Mon Aug 18, 2014 at 08:00 AM PDT by:
