-
Bonus View Digest - March 15, 2013[teaser]We're at the halfway point in March and the weather is starting to clear up. The sun is out. Leaves are threatening to bloom any day now. We won't discourage you from going outside and enjoying. Though, when you come back we'll be right here, waiting to give you great HD content on The Bonus View.[/teaser] Contest Time We're going crazy with Blu-ray contests this month. Today is the last day to enter to win a free copy of 'Hitchcock' on Blu-ray. While you're entering be sure to check out the results from our contest for a free copy of the remastered 'Terminator' Blu-ray. Monster Madness The end is nigh! Only one monster will emerge victorious from this bloodbath of a tournament. Only four monsters remain. Who will be crowned the victor? Visit our Monster Madness posts from this past week to catch up. Predator vs. Killer Rabbit – Godzilla vs. Cthulhu Balrog vs. Cthulhu – Predator vs. Samael Blu-ray News March has been a busy month in terms of big time Blu-ray releases. This week wasn't any different. We had huge day-and-date releases like 'Life of Pi,' 'Rise of the Guardians,' and 'Hitchcock.' We also had some pretty big catalog titles hit the format like 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit,' and 'The Blob' just to name a couple. Check out Blu-ray Highlights for a full list. Also, if you're big into collector's packaging then you'll definitely want to see the wide variety of Steelbook cases available for 'The Hobbit.' Theatrical News Not too many movies opening up this week because 'The Great and Powerful Oz' is still steam-rolling the competition. Although, if you're wondering how 'The Incredible Burt Wonderstone' is, read Luke's review of it. Home Theater News Are pixels as we know them going to be dead in the near future? Check out what Brian Hoss has to say on the subject in his new article, "The Death of Pixels?" Special Features This week's Mid-Week Poll was about The Muppets, specifically Kermit's song about rainbows. It isn't our normal type of poll, but it was fun. Take a moment and see what you think. In the Weekend Roundtable last week we discussed movies and filmmakers that have exploited our sacred childhoods. Have some venting to do? Let us know in the comments. That's it for this week at The Bonus View. As always, dear reader, have a safe weekend full of good movies and high resolution.Posted Fri Mar 15, 2013 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
Weekend Roundtable: Who Should Direct the Next James Bond Movie?After the blazing success of 'Skyfall', Sam Mendes has turned down the offer to direct the next James Bond movie. In this week's Roundtable, we suggest some potentially suitable candidates who might fill his shoes for the next entry in the franchise. Join us in the blog today to offer your suggestions.Posted Fri Mar 15, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Viva Zapata!' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The 60th anniversary edition of the Marlon Brando drama is planned for Blu-ray in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox will release 'Viva Zapata!' on Blu-ray on May 7. The life and times of the legendary Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata are brought to the screen in Darryl F. Zanuck's powerful production of John Steinbeck's screenplay. Marlon Brando, fresh from his success in 'A Streetcar Named Desire,' gives a stunning portrayal of the outlaw turned revolutionary leader. The film also boasts Anthony Quinn's 1952 Best Supporting Actor Oscar-Winning performance as Zapata's brother. 'Viva Zapata!' is one of the classic political movies and another fine example of Brando's genius as a film actor. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, DTS-HD Master Audio Mono soundtracks, and supplements still have yet to be revealed. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Viva Zapata!' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 7.Posted Fri Mar 15, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Details' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The dark comedy written and directed by Jacob Aaron Estes ('Mean Creek') will arrive on Blu-ray in April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay is preparing 'The Details' for Blu-ray on April 30. After 10 years of marriage, Jeff and Nealy Lang (Tobey Maguire and Elizabeth Banks) have an idyllic suburban home and a relationship on the skids. But, when a family of hungry raccoons ransacks their perfectly manicured backyard, Jeff becomes obsessed with eradicating the pests by any means necessary. Soon, the relentless rodents lead way to a battle of wits with a very meddlesome neighbor (Laura Linney), and before he knows it, Jeff finds himself buried in an absurd mess of infidelity, extortion, organ donation and other assorted mayhem. Also starring Ray Liotta, Dennis Haysbert and Kerry Washington. Gary Goldstein of The Los Angeles Times called the film “An offbeat, original, pitch dark comedy for adults.” Wrote film critic, Lisa Schwarzbaum, in her review for Entertainment Weekly called the film, “A provocatively acrid adult comedy of lies, deceits, and a touch of murder.” The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include an alternate opening and an alternate ending. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Details' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 30.Posted Fri Mar 15, 2013 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'History of the Eagles' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Diehard Eagles fans will have something on Blu-ray to rejoice about in April. [/teaser] Capitol Records has acquired the exclusive DVD/Blu-ray rights to 'History of the Eagles', the iconic band's acclaimed documentary, which is set for release on Tuesday, April 30. This exceptional three-disc set includes 'History of the Eagles' Part One and 'History of the Eagles' Part Two, as well as Eagles Live At The Capital Centre - March 1977, featuring never-before-released performances from the Eagles' two-night stand at Washington, D.C.'s Capital Center during the legendary Hotel California tour. 'History of the Eagles' will be released in both DVD and Blu-ray three-disc configurations - all with 5.1 Surround Sound and Stereo audio - beautifully packaged in a six-panel digipak with accompanying photographic booklet. A Super Deluxe Box Set will be released as a limited edition, complete with three Blu-ray discs; a 40-page casebound book featuring still photos from the films; 10 archival-quality photographs of the band from throughout its storied history; and a specially created lithograph of the band's desert-bleached skull icon. All elements in this limited edition deluxe set will be packaged in a specially designed foil-stamped and embossed box, with a Native American blanket-inspired liner, beautifully wrapped in a leather tie, and fastened with a bone button. All three versions of 'History of the Eagles' will be available for preorder beginning March 12 through Amazon.com and the Eagles website (https://eaglesband.com). Seeking to provide an unprecedented and intimate look into the history of the band and the legacy of its music, the Eagles partnered with Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney (Taxi to the Dark Side, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room) to produce the film. Directed by Alison Ellwood (Magic Trip: Ken Kesey's Search for a Kool Place), 'History of the Eagles' is a meticulous creation featuring rare archival material, concert footage, and never-before-seen home movies that explore the evolution and enduring popularity of one of the world's biggest-selling and culturally significant American bands. 'History of the Eagles' made its television broadcast debut on Showtime last month, earning the network its highest ratings for a music documentary in eight years. Part One premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January to great acclaim. 'History of the Eagles' Part One dedicates two hours to the chronicling of the band's creation and rise to fame in the 1970's through its breakup in 1980. More than 25 new and exclusive interviews were conducted with all current band members -- Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit - as well as former members Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner and Don Felder. Also featured are new and exclusive interviews with Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, Kenny Rogers, Irving Azoff and many other seminal artists and band contemporaries who have been closely involved with the Eagles' history. While personal stories from band members, managers, and music industry luminaries frame the narrative, it's the unexpected moments-recording sessions, backstage interactions, and even a whimsical sequence from the Desperado cover shoot-that convey the extraordinary bond linking the artists, their music, and the times (an era when country-tinged rock and finely-honed harmonies spoke to a nation still reeling from unrest). Additionally, the documentary features previously unreleased home movies and archival footage. Personal photos, video and memorabilia amassed by the Eagles over the course of their career will also be seen for the very first time. 'History of the Eagles' Part Two reveals the personal and professional struggles members faced while the band was apart, and chronicles the group's dramatic reunion in 1994, as well as its resurgence in recording and performing throughout the next two decades. Among the band's many achievements since reforming are its triumphant Hell Freezes Over tour, the 2007 release of Long Road Out of Eden (which sold more than 5.5 million copies worldwide and earned two GRAMMY® Awards), and its ongoing ascendance as an international supergroup. Eagles Live at the Capital Centre - March 1977 features previously unreleased concert performances of "Hotel California," "New Kid In Town," "Take It To The Limit," "One Of These Nights," "Lyin' Eyes," "Rocky Mountain Way," "Best Of My Love" and "Take It Easy," all captured during the band's two-night stand in Washington, D.C. during its historic Hotel California world tour. Directed by Alison Ellwood and produced by Alex Gibney, 'History of the Eagles' was created with a select crew of filmmakers including: Blair Foster, Executive Producer; Alison Ellwood and Ben Sozanski, Editors; Karim Karmi, Co-Producer; and Erin Edeiken, Line Producer. The Eagles have sold more than 120 million albums worldwide, earned five No. 1 U.S. singles and six GRAMMY® Awards. Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 is the best-selling album of all time, exceeding sales of 29 million units. The band's Hotel California and Eagles Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 have sold more than 16 million and 11 million albums, respectively. The Eagles were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. For more information, visit the band's website at https://eaglesband.com. Suggested list price for the standard Blu-ray is $39.99 and the Super Deluxe set is $299.99. You can find the latest specs for 'History of the Eagles linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 30.Posted Fri Mar 15, 2013 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Stoker' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The latest film from visionary Korean director Park Chan-wook ('Oldboy') is planned for Blu-ray in June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox will be releasing 'Stoker' on Blu-ray on June 18. After India's (Mia Wasikowska) father dies in an auto accident, her Uncle Charlie (Matthew Goode), who she never knew existed, comes to live with her and her emotionally unstable mother (Nicole Kidman). Soon after his arrival, she comes to suspect this mysterious, charming man has ulterior motives, but instead of feeling outrage or horror, this friendless girl becomes increasingly infatuated with him. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Stoker' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 18.Posted Thu Mar 14, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Space Settlers' V1.5 Takes Online Sci-Fi Players into a Brand-New Adventure[teaser]A major update to the free online Sci-Fi RTS game has been released that includes a brand-new game mode, PVE maps, cooperative challenge, more advanced accessories, and more! [/teaser] Digiarty today announces that the upgraded version of Space Settlers is available on app store in all its glory. Designed specifically for the prestigious real-time strategy game for iPhone iPad iPod, Space Settlers breaks new ground in the RTS genre that give the free online game endless replay value, featuring thoroughly fresh game mode, superb PVE maps for effortless combat, better player interaction, dazzling advanced accessories, etc. Upon its first release at the end of 2012, Space Settlers immediately makes it the rare breed of games that draw in numerous iOS users with fine-tuned, well-balanced gameplay, gorgeous graphics as well as dead-easy interface. Aiming to achieve an even more phenomenal success, Digiarty adds new fantastic elements to this online multiplayer iPhone game, to enable gamers to intrepidly throw down the gauntlet in a renovated game mode for amazing weapons and chariots, initiate battles conveniently with PVE maps, join fully collaborative campaign, and many more. All these new ornaments offer a fully integrated RTS gaming experience that responds directly to players’ spirit of adventure and cooperation: What’s new in Space Settlers Version 1.5? 1. Newly added PVE maps help gamers get more resources after a successful battle; 2. Increased building and tech levels bring out better RTS game effect; 3. Brand-new game mode "Land of Challenge" keeps throwing ceaseless challenge and variety to players with excellent chariot accessories and weapons of high levels; 4. Adjusted new types of tanks, weapons and resources that can be won by PVE players; 5. Added various advanced accessories in Store; 6. New team-up function helps players better interact with others for a cooperative fight; 7. Added valid date in Email and will auto delete the stored Emails 10 days after the sending day; 8. Optimized some functions according to players’ advices; 9. Fixed some bugs. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad; Optimized for iPhone 5. To upgrade to the new version of this free online Sci-Fi game, please visit iTunes store at: https://itunes.apple.com/app/space-settlers/id586157383.Posted Thu Mar 14, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Lore' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Cate Shortland's acclaimed war drama will make its Blu-ray debut in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Music Box Films will be bringing 'Lore' to Blu-ray on May 28. Left to fend for themselves after their SS officer father and mother, staunch Nazi believers, are interred by the victorious Allies at the end of World War II, five German children undertake a harrowing journey that exposes them to the reality and consequences of their parents' actions. Led by the eldest sibling, 14-year old Lore (striking newcomer Saskia Rosendahl), they set out on a journey across a devastated country to reach their grandmother in the north. After meeting the charismatic Thomas, a mysterious young refugee, Lore soon finds her world shattered by feelings of both hatred and desire as she must learn to trust the one person she has always been taught to hate in order to survive. Lush cinematography and an evocative, haunting mood infuse this unconventional take on the Holocaust legacy with unforgettable impact. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Lore' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 28.Posted Thu Mar 14, 2013 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Philadelphia Experiment' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Paul Ziller's 2012 remake of the 1984 cult classic will decloak on Blu-ray in June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay will be releasing 'The Philadelphia Experiment' on Blu-ray on June 11. This reimagining of the time travel cult classic originally aired on the Syfy channel and stars Nicholas Lea (“Kyle XY”), Michael Paré (of the original 1984 film), Ryan Robbins (“Falling Skies”), Emilie Ullerup (“Sanctuary”), Gina Holden ('SAW 3D') and Malcolm McDowell ('A Clockwork Orange,' 'Silent Night'). Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Philadelphia Experiment' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under June 11.Posted Thu Mar 14, 2013 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Broken City' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The gripping crime thriller starring Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe, and Catherine Zeta-Jones is in the works for Blu-ray this April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox says'Broken City' will hit Blu-ray on April 30. Seven years after being forced to resign as a New York police officer, private detective Billy Taggart (Wahlberg) takes on his toughest case yet: following the wife (Zeta-Jones) of the city’s hard-nosed mayor (Crowe), who’s convinced she’s cheating on him. But by the time the mayor reveals his true intentions, Billy is already in too deep. Now, with his freedom -- and quite possibly his life -- on the line, Billy will risk it all in a desperate bid to expose the truth, and seek redemption in a city where second chances don't come cheap. The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Alternate Ending; Five Deleted / Extended Scenes; Putting It All Together Documentary – A Behind-the-Scenes look including Cast Profiles, Anatomy of a Thriller, a “Black List” script and more; and Theatrical Trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Broken City' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 30.Posted Wed Mar 13, 2013 at 04:15 PM PDT by: