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High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: April 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 affection, 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 blockbuster sequel, a disturbingly hilarious true story satire, and a twisting con-artist caper. If you haven't already, 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, and March 2014. [teaser]This month, we're covering two film noir masterpieces and a heart-wrenching true story drama. [/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 April, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'Touch of Evil: Limited Edition' - Just one touch. That's all it takes. A single sliver of corruption. A tiny morsel of sin. A fleeting brush with evil can unravel any good man, distorting misguided intentions into violent horrors. A true classic of the film noir genre, Orson Welles' 'Touch of Evil' chronicles an escalating chain reaction of deceit and murder –- and it all starts out with bang. After one of cinema's most famous and impressive extended shots, Welle's punctuates his smooth camera movements with a literal explosion, disrupting the unbroken sequence through an expected but still startling jolt. From then on, the movie's twisting plot of moral decay and growing corruption hits the ground running and never stops. As night becomes day, we follow three intersecting plotlines which gradually unravel the film's central mysteries, shifting from character to character as the cruel shadow of evil infects their lives. But just who is the real source of this darkness and can they be stopped in time? Charlton Heston offers an appropriately dignified and righteous turn as the noble Mike Vargas, becoming the narrative's stalwart moral compass and beacon of light. The legendary performer imbues the part with steadfast determination, likeable compassion, and boiling rage, stopping at nothing to solve the case and punish the truly guilty. In contrast, Welles' Hank Quinlan is a man of much more ambiguous moral fortitude, and the director manages to be just as impressive in front of the camera as he does from behind. A bloated, sweaty drunk with a limp and scruffy stubble, Quinlan is an imposing, intimidating mess of a man, resulting in one of Welles most iconic and nuanced roles. Visually, the director becomes just as nuanced in his cinematic style as he does in his acting, creating a palpably noir aesthetic. Low angle, Dutch angle, and wide angle shots create a skewed perspective that accentuates specific characters, while long, extended takes and deep focus create layers of activity in single shots, maintaining tension and drawing connections. Light and shadow also play an invaluable role in the movie's stark black and white cinematography, and one scene illuminated by a slowly flashing and fading light is especially powerful, briefly turning the mystery thriller into a veritable horror film. And then there's the pith-perfect climax which features an exceptional use of editing to keep the audience on their toes. With three versions of the film, great video and audio, and a healthy assortment of supplements, this Limited Edition Blu-ray release is a classic film fan's dream come true. Much more than just that movie where Charlton Heston plays a Mexican, 'Touch of Evil' is a true masterpiece, and rightly earns the top spot on this month's essential picks. 'Double Indemnity: 70th Anniversary Limited Edition' - 'Some Like it Hot,' 'The Apartment,' and 'Sunset Boulevard.' Most directors would be lucky to have just one movie in their filmography that comes close to equaling any of those treasures. But not Billy Wilder. No, for him, hits like that are just par for the course. One of Hollywood's greatest filmmakers, Wilder's repertoire is absolutely bursting with cinematic gems, and in many ways it all started with 'Double Indemnity.' Though not his first feature, the prototypical film noir is his first genuine masterpiece, helping to kick-start an entire genre of moviemaking. Marked by all the essential hallmarks that would go on to define American crime thrillers of the 40s and 50s, the film is practically a checklist for film noir style. There's a flashback structure narrated by a downtrodden voice over, a cynical protagonist, a dangerous femme fatale, hardboiled dialogue, shadowy cinematography, insurance fraud, moral ambiguity, jaded themes, twisting fatalism, and plenty of cigarettes. The characters' conversations sizzle with quick wit and elaborate metaphors, and Wilder's images create a mysterious mood cast in the perpetual shadow of cascading venetian blinds. The narrative itself is also a masterwork, weaving a scheming plot full of deception, guilt, and betrayal. As Walter and Phyllis' seemingly full-proof plan is devised and carried out without a hitch, we simply sit patiently on pins and needles, continually waiting for the other shoe to finally drop -– and when it does, thanks to that pesky "little man," Wilder makes us squirm in our seats as it all comes crashing down. From the moment we first meet Walter, only his back to the camera, a mere faceless husk in a sulking coat, we already know that he is doomed. The chain of events that will eventually lead to his demise are simply prologue, creating an instant sense of inevitable defeat, and Wilder reveals each coffin nailing development with expert craft and artistry. Much like 'Touch of Evil,' this 70th Anniversary Blu-ray release from Universal features an impeccable technical presentation and great special features, completing April's one-two punch of must own film noir releases. 'Philomena' - A heart-wrenching true story about family, sin, and forgiveness, beyond its emotionally stirring drama, Stephen Frears' Academy Award nominated 'Philomena' is, of all things... a buddy film. A buddy film starring Dame Judi Dench and Steve Coogan. And somehow, that incredibly unlikely pair manages to have rather amazing chemistry. Weird, right? A thematically deep tearjerker marked by just the right amount of light humor and bittersweet sentimentality, the film is elegantly composed, wonderfully acted, and effortlessly engaging, following one woman's quest to right a horrible wrong. Depressed, callous, rude, and irritable, Coogan's Matin serves as a perfect foil to Dench's sweet-natured Philomena, and both actors play off each other brilliantly. In their journey to find Philomena's long lost son, the pair form a surprising bond, and through the woman's polite determination and Martin's necessary pushiness they find the answers that they seek –- even if they are far more devastating than either could have anticipated. A frustrating depiction of injustice, the movie boils to a quietly rousing climax, subverting expectations by avoiding a true explosion of much earned retribution in favor of something far more difficult and provocative... forgiveness. Despite the terrible misdeed inflicted upon her, Dench's character is somehow able to let all the hate go, finding sympathy for her antagonists. An inspiring examination of misplaced punishment, lingering grief, and cathartic absolution, the movie hits all the right emotional beats. Sure, some of the drama can be a tad overwrought and manipulative, but Dench's performance is so natural and sincere that the narrative eventually earns every turn of its heart-tugging finale. Not just a sentimental "human interest story," 'Philomena' is a handsomely crafted drama with a strong emotional center and a sweet undercurrent of amusing humor. Fueled by great performances from Judi Dench and Steve Coogan, and a thoughtful script, the movie tackles a harrowing true story tale about lost family, grave wrongdoing, and undeserved guilt. Though not exactly packed with supplements or filled with home theater demo worthy setpieces (though any scene with Dame Judi is automatically demo worthy as far as I'm concerned), this is still one of the month's strongest releases, earning the final spot on April's list. So, there you have it. While there are many titles worth picking up this April, 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 April's must own titles?Posted Wed Apr 30, 2014 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Way of the Wicked' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]Demonic forces... and Christian Slater will terrorize Blu-ray in May. You can pre-order the disc here. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Image Entertainment is preparing 'Way of the Wicked' for Blu-ray on May 20. After a series of inexplicable murders sweeps a small, isolated community, Father Henry (Christian Slater) goes to a local police detective (Vinnie Jones) with a theory on why the murders are occurring. The two learn that a troubled teen with a dark past has recently moved to town and has set his sights on the cop’s beautiful, young daughter. Father Henry, who turns out to have secrets of his own, finds himself pitted against a demonic force more diabolically evil and twisted than any of them could have imagined. Supplements have not been detailed yet, but the Blu-ray will feature 1080p video and a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.97. You can find the latest specs for 'Way of the Wicked' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 20.Posted Wed Apr 30, 2014 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Protector 2' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]Tony Jaa returns in this action sequel fighting its way toward Blu-ray in July. Pre-orders are now live. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Magnolia is preparing 'The Protector 2' for Blu-ray on July 29. In the sequel to 'The Protector,' Tony Jaa is the hard-hitting Kham. Kham is the last in a long line of guards who once watched over the King of Thailand’s war elephants. Traditionally, only the perfect elephants could successfully help defend the throne, after his harrowing quest to retrieve the elephants, Kham returns to his village to live in peace. But for someone as good in martial arts as him, peace is but a wishful thought. In the sequel to Tom Yum Goong, Tony Jaa is the hard-hitting Kham. Kham is the last in long line of guards who once watched over the King of Thailand’s war elephants. Traditionally, only the perfect elephants could successfully help defend the throne, after his harrowing quest to retrieve the elephants, Kham returns to his village to live in peace. But for someone as good in martial arts as him, peace is but a wishful thought. Read more at https://nerdreactor.com/2014/02/26/the-protector-2-trailer-is-out-in-the-us/#82oGPRW053LzIu5z.99In the sequel to Tom Yum Goong, Tony Jaa is the hard-hitting Kham. Kham is the last in long line of guards who once watched over the King of Thailand’s war elephants. Traditionally, only the perfect elephants could successfully help defend the throne, after his harrowing quest to retrieve the elephants, Kham returns to his village to live in peace. But for someone as good in martial arts as him, peace is but a wishful thought.Read more at https://nerdreactor.com/2014/02/26/the-protector-2-trailer-is-out-in-the-us/#82oGPRW053LzIu5z.99 In the sequel to Tom Yum Goong, Tony Jaa is the hard-hitting Kham. Kham is the last in long line of guards who once watched over the King of Thailand’s war elephants. Traditionally, only the perfect elephants could successfully help defend the throne, after his harrowing quest to retrieve the elephants, Kham returns to his village to live in peace. But for someone as good in martial arts as him, peace is but a wishful thought.Read more at https://nerdreactor.com/2014/02/26/the-protector-2-trailer-is-out-in-the-us/#82oGPRW053LzIu5z.99 In the sequel to Tom Yum Goong, Tony Jaa is the hard-hitting Kham. Kham is the last in long line of guards who once watched over the King of Thailand’s war elephants. Traditionally, only the perfect elephants could successfully help defend the throne, after his harrowing quest to retrieve the elephants, Kham returns to his village to live in peace. But for someone as good in martial arts as him, peace is but a wishful thought.Read more at https://nerdreactor.com/2014/02/26/the-protector-2-trailer-is-out-in-the-us/#82oGPRW053LzIu5z.99 Specs and supplements have not been announced yet, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Protector 2' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 29.Posted Wed Apr 30, 2014 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'House of Cards: The Complete Second Season' Blu-ray Up for Pre-Order![teaser]The second season of the Netflix original series is bound for Blu-ray in June, and pre-orders are now live. [/teaser] As previously reported, Sony has slated 'House of Cards: The Complete Second Season' for Blu-ray on June 17. The Underwoods (Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright) continue their ruthless rise to power. New alliances form while old loyalties succumb to deception and betrayal. Francis and Claire must battle threats past and present to avoid losing everything. The 4-Disc Blu-ray set will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Two Houses: Exploring differences between the original show & the history of how this project came together; Table Read: A behind-the-scenes look at table reads cut together with the actual scenes from the show; Direct Address: Exploring the way Francis Underwood speaks directly to viewers in both the original BBC series and Willimon's new adaptation; Politics for Politics Sake: Politics is only the back drop in this show, but the themes are universal. This featurette explores what the show is all about; relationships and power, not just politics; and Line of Succession: A look at the creative process that goes into making an episode. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $65.99. You can find the latest specs for 'House of Cards: The Complete Second Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under June 17.Posted Tue Apr 29, 2014 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Endeavour: Series 2' Set for Blu-ray[teaser]The second season of the mystery series will be back on the case on Blu-ray in July. You can pre-order the show here. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, PBS is preparing 'Endeavour: Series 2' for Blu-ray on July 8. Shaun Evans ('The Take,' 'The Last Weekend, Silk'), who won over critics and viewers alike with his portrayal of young Inspector Morse in the 2012's 'Endeavour,' returns with four riveting new mysteries written by Inspector Lewis creator and Inspector Morse writer Russell Lewis. In "Girl," "Fugue," "Rocket," and "Home," the cerebral and solitary Detective Constable Morse conducts his dogged, incorruptible pursuit of justice from the shadows of Oxford and the fringes of the police force. Roger Allum costars as Detective Inspector Fred Thursday, and Abigail Thaw, daughter of Inspector Morse star John Thaw, makes special guest appearances as Dorothea Frazil. Supplements have not been detailed yet, but the Blu-ray will feature 1080p video and a DTS-HD MA 2.0 soundtrack. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $44.99.You can find the latest specs for 'Endeavour: Series 2' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 8.Posted Tue Apr 29, 2014 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Ravenous' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]Robert Carlyle and Guy Pearce star in the horror/thriller heading to Blu-ray in June. You can pre-order the film here. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Scream Factory is preparing 'Ravenous' for Blu-ray on June 3. The Sierra Nevada mountains, 1847. A bedraggled stranger (Robert Carlyle) stumbles into Fort Spencer, claiming to be Colquoun, a settler who has been trapped in a mountain cave by a snowstorm. He reports that his fellow cave-dwellers have been reduced to cannibalism and that he was lucky to escape with his life. Captain John Boyd (Guy Pearce) and his army colleagues accompany Colquoun back to the cave, only to uncover a far more grisly version of events. With a score by Michael Nyman and Blur's Damon Albarn. Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: New interview with Actor Jeffrey Jones; Commentary With Director Antonia Bird And Composer Damon Albarn; Commentary With Screenwriter Ted Griffin And Jeffrey Jones; Commentary With Actor Robert Carlyle; Deleted Scenes With Commentary By Antonia Bird; Theatrical Trailer & TV Spot; and Two Still Galleries – Costume Design And Production Design. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.97.You can find the latest specs for 'Ravenous' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 3.Posted Tue Apr 29, 2014 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
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'The Grand Budapest Hotel' Blu-ray Announced[teaser] Wes Anderson's latest film will be checking into Blu-ray this June, and you can pre-order it now! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox is preparing 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' for Blu-ray on June 17. 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune -- all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent. Specs have not been revealed yet, but supplements will include: Bill Murray Tours The Town; Making of Featurette; Vignettes; ...and More. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray/UltraViolet combo pack is $39.99.You can find the latest specs for 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 17.Posted Tue Apr 29, 2014 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Twilight Time Reveals Summer Titles[teaser]The company has announced its latest collection of limited edition Blu-rays, including Woody Allen's 'Radio Days' and George Cukor's 'Born Yesterday.' [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Twilight Time is preparing nine titles for Blu-ray throughout July and August. The full lineup includes: July 8 'Born Yesterday (1950)' - A million dollar Tycoon hires a tutor to teach his lover proper etiquette. 'Brannigan' - Jim Brannigan is sent to London to bring back an American mobster who is being held for extradition but when he arrives he has been kidnapped which was set up by his lawyer. Brannigan in his American Irish way brings American law to the people of Scotland Yard in order to recapture this mobster with both a price tag on his head and a stuffy old London cop to contend with. 'Radio Days' - A nostalgic look at radio's golden age focusing on one ordinary family and the various performers in the medium. 'Save Your Legs!' - Edward 'Teddy' Brown lives for his suburban cricket club and his two best friends, Rick and Stavros. But when he realizes that his beloved team mates are moving on and growing up, he's forced to take matters into his own hands and remind them of just how good cricket can be. 'Violent Saturday' - Three men case a small town very carefully, with plans to rob the bank on the upcoming Saturday, which turns violent and deadly. August 12 'Riff Raff / Raining Stones' - 'Riff Raff' tells the story of Stevie, a construction worker, and his girlfriend, an unemployed pop singer, revealing the living conditions of the British poor class. 'Raining Stones' tells the story of a man devoted to his family and his religion. Proud, though poor, Bob wants his little girl to have a beautiful (and costly) brand-new dress for her First Communion. His stubbornness and determination get him into trouble as he turns to more and more questionable measures, in his desperation to raise the needed money. This tragic flaw leads him to risk all that he loves and values, his beloved family, indeed even his immortal soul and salvation, in blind pursuit of that goal. 'The Buddy Holly Story' - The story of the life and career of the early rock and roll singer, from his meteoric rise to stardom, to his marriage and untimely death. 'The Secret Of Santa Vittoria' - During WWII in Italy, a wine producing village hides a million bottles from the Germans 'Follow That Dream'- When the Kwimper family car runs out of gas on a new Florida highway and an officous state supervisor tries to run them off, Pop Kwimper digs in his heels and decides to do a little homesteading. He and his son Toby and their "adopted" children - Holly, Ariadne and the twins - start their own little community along a strip of the roadside. Specs, supplements, and suggested list prices have not been detailed yet, but like all Twilight Time releases, these discs will be limited to 3,000 units. You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under July 8 and August 12.Posted Tue Apr 29, 2014 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Memphis Belle' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The WWII drama will soar on Blu-ray in May. You can pre-order the disc now. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Bros. is preparing 'Memphis Belle' for Blu-ray on May 6. 'Memphis Belle' re-creates the actual events of the team of men who flew dangerous missions over Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II. They flew one of America's giant B-17 flying fortresses known as Memphis Belle. Featuring a brilliant cast, 'Memphis Belle' stars Matthew Modine, Eric Stoltz, Tate Donovan, D.B. Sweeney, David Strathairn, Billy Zane, Sean Astin, Harry Connick, Jr. and John Lithgow. Directed by Michael Caton-Jones. Specs and supplements have not been revealed yet, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.98.You can find the latest specs for 'Memphis Belle' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 6.Posted Mon Apr 28, 2014 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Journey to the West' Blu-ray Supplements Detailed[teaser]The Chinese adventure film directed by Stephen Chow is trekking toward Blu-ray in May, and you can pre-order the disc now. [/teaser] As previously reported, Magnolia is preparing 'Journey to the West' for Blu-ray on May 27. This is a world plagued by demons, who cause its human inhabitants unspeakable suffering. Young demon hunter Xuan Zang, fearlessly guided by his belief in "giving himself for the greater cause," risks his all and conquers a water demon, a pig demon and the demon of all demons, Sun Wukong. He embraces them as his disciples, and melts them with love. Meanwhile, Xuan Zang discovers the true meaning of Greater Love himself. In order to atone for their own sins and save the common people, the four of them embark on a journey to the West that's full of challenges… Specs have not been announced yet, but supplements will include: Stunts & Special Effects; Cast & Characters; Director Stephen Chow; The Laughs; Production Design; Choreography; and Theatrical Trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98 You can find the latest specs for 'Journey to the West' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 27.Posted Mon Apr 28, 2014 at 10:00 AM PDT by:
