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'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D Pre-Orders Live![teaser]Peter Jackson's epic return to Middle-Earth coming to Blu-ray in March is now available for pre-order! [/teaser] As previously reported, Warner Brothers is preparing to release 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' on Blu-ray on March 19. The Blu-ray 3D will also be available on the same date. 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' is the first chapter in Peter Jackson's new epic trilogy set in Middle-Earth 60 years before J.R.R. Toklien's "The Lord of the Rings" saga. Follow Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) as he's swept into a quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached by the wizard Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen), Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage). Their journey will take them through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs, giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. They must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature Gollum (Andy Serkis), who will change his life forever. Alone with Gollum on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers guile and courage that surprise him, he also gains possession of Gollum's "precious" ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities, tied to the fate of all Middle-Earth. Several key talent members from 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy reprise their roles, along with exciting new cast members. Each Blu-ray/DVD/Ultraviolet Digital Copy combo pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: New Zealand: Home of Middle Earth, 10 Video Blogs, 5 Theatrical Trailers, and 3 Game Trailers. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray combo pack is $35.99 and the Blu-ray 3D combo is $44.95. You can find the latest specs for 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 19.Posted Wed Feb 27, 2013 at 07:45 AM PST by: -
Poll: How Was Seth MacFarlane as Oscar Host?Since the ceremony aired on Sunday night, 'Family Guy' creator Seth MacFarlane has received very mixed notices for his job as Oscar host. Some viewers called him the best host in years, while others decried the whole event as a fiasco. What did you think? Would you like to see MacFarlane come back to host again, or would you rather see the Academy burn his likeness in effigy? Vote in our blog poll today.Posted Wed Feb 27, 2013 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
'The Central Park Five' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]The latest documentary from acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns comes to Blu-ray in April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, PBS has just revealed 'The Central Park Five' will arrive on Blu-ray on April 23. On April 20, 1989, the body of a woman barely clinging to life was discovered in Central Park. Within days, Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana and Korey Wise confessed to her rape and beating after many hours of aggressive interrogation at the hands of seasoned homicide detectives. The police announced to a press hungry for sensational crime stories that the young men had been part of a gang of teenagers who were out “wilding,” assaulting joggers and bicyclists in Central Park that evening. The ensuing media frenzy was met with a public outcry for justice. The young men were tried as adults and convicted of rape, despite inconsistent and inaccurate confessions, DNA evidence that excluded them, and no eyewitness accounts that connected any of them to the victim. The five served their complete sentences, between 6 and 13 years, before another man, serial rapist Matias Reyes, admitted to the crime, and DNA testing supported his confession. Set against the backdrop of a city beset by violence and facing deepening rifts between races and classes, “THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE” intertwines the stories of these five young men, the victim, police officers and prosecutors, and Matias Reyes, unraveling the forces behind the wrongful convictions. The film illuminates how law enforcement, social institutions and media undermined the very rights of the individuals they were designed to safeguard and protect. “This is a radical departure for me as a filmmaker,” said Ken Burns. “Eschewing narration, bringing in many new stylistic elements – I think the intensity of the circumstances, and the political and tragic implications absolutely demanded that we implement an intensified discussion. What I think adds to our story is the humanity of the five young men who are at its center, especially because no one was willing to do that during the original media coverage and trial.” “This case is a lens through which we can understand the ongoing fault-line of race in America,” said Sarah Burns, who also wrote The Central Park Five: A Chronicle of a City Wilding, (Knopf, 2011). “These young men were convicted long before the trial, by a city blinded by fear and, equally, freighted by race. They were convicted because it was all too easy for people to see them as violent criminals simply because of the color of their skin.” “Ultimately THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE is about human dignity,” said David McMahon. “It is about five young men who lose their youth but maintain their dignity in the face of an horrific and unimaginable situation.” In 2002, based upon Matias Reyes’s confession, a judge vacated the original convictions of the Central Park Five. A year later, the men filed civil lawsuits against the City of New York, and the police officers and prosecutors who had worked toward their conviction. That lawsuit remains unresolved. Among those interviewed in the film are: The Central Park Five and members of their families; New York City Mayors Ed Koch and David Dinkins; journalists Jim Dwyer, Natalie Byfield and LynNell Hancock; the Reverend Calvin Butts; and historian Craig Steven Wilder. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Central Park Five' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 23.Posted Wed Feb 27, 2013 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
'Not Fade Away' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]David Chase's rock and roll drama will take the stage on Blu-ray this April. [/teaser] In an announcement to retailers, Paramount says 'Not Fade Away' will have a Blu-ray release on April 30. It’s 1964, the Rolling Stones appear on television and three best friends from the suburbs of New Jersey decide to form a rock band. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include The Basement Tapes, Building the Band, and Deleted Scenes. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Not Fade Away' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 30.Posted Tue Feb 26, 2013 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
'The Bible: The Epic Miniseries' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed[teaser]The groundbreaking 10-part miniseries from Executive Producers Mark Burnett ('The Voice,' 'Survivor') and Roma Downey ('Touched by an Angel') arrives on Blu-ray in April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox is working on 'The Bible: The Epic Miniseries' for Blu-ray on April 2. Breathtaking in scope and scale, 'The Bible' features powerful performances, exotic locales and dazzling visual effects that breathe spectacular life into the dramatic tales of faith and courage from Genesis through Revelation. This historic television event is sure to entertain and inspire millions across the globe. Narrated by Emmy® winning actor Keith David, 'The Bible' features a stunning international cast including Portuguese actor, Diogo Morgado as Jesus Christ and beloved actress, Roma Downey as Mother Mary. And for the first time since their award winning collaboration on Gladiator, Oscar® and Grammy® winning composer Hans Zimmer reunites with acclaimed vocalist Lisa Gerrard to create the majestic musical backdrop for this epic production. The 4-disc set will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include a behind-the-scenes look at how the groundbreaking docudrama came together. Interviews with producers, directors, and cast illustrate creative collaboration on-set and off and show how the remarkable Moroccan scenery was transformed into the world of the Bible. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $69.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Bible: The Epic Miniseries' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 2.Posted Tue Feb 26, 2013 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
'Babe: Pig in the City,' 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' & 'In the Name of the Father' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Three favorites from Universal's catalog will be getting the Blu-ray treatment in May. [/teaser] In an announcement to retailers, Universal says 'Babe: Pig in the City' will have a Blu-ray release on May 7. Babe (voiced by E.G. Daily), fresh from his victory in the sheepherding contest, returns to Farmer Hoggett's farm. But when Farmer Hoggett (James Cromwell) is injured and unable to work, Babe has to go to the big city to save his home. Accompanied by Ferdy (Danny Mann) and Mrs. Hoggett (Magda Szubanski), Babe sets out into a large city and, despite incredible obstacles, turns enemies into friends, raises enough money to save the farm and combines two worlds into one. Babe's kind and steady heart once again achieves miracles in this fun-filled sequel to the original 'Babe.' The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and no supplements besides My Scenes. The acclaimed 1973 musical 'Jesus Christ Superstar' will also be available on the same date. The bold interpretation of the hit rock opera and Broadway smash from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber tells the story of Christ's (Ted Neeley) final weeks in a series of dazzling songs, images and music. Nominated for the Best Music Adaptation Academy Award, producer-director Norman Jewison ('Fiddler on the Roof') offers a groundbreaking vision and unforgettable songs shot entirely on location in Israel. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 soundtrack, and supplements include: Feature Commentary with director Norman Jewison and actor Ted Neeley and an exclusive interview with lyricist Tim Rice. Finally, 'In the Name of the Father' will also make its way to Blu-ray. Nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, In the Name of the Father tells the riveting true story of one man's 15-year struggle and ultimate triumph over a terrible injustice. Academy Award winner Daniel Day-Lewis gives an impassioned performance as Gerry Conlon, a petty thief in 1970s London who is forced to confess to a savage terrorist bombing that he did not commit. When he and his father (Pete Postlethwaite) are both sentenced to life imprisonment as one of the "Guildford Four," he finds a fiercely dedicated lawyer (Emma Thompson) to help prove his innocence, clear his father's name and expose the truth behind one of the most shameful legal events in recent history. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and no supplements besides My Scenes. Suggested list price for each Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Babe: Pig in the City,' 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' and 'In the Name of the Father' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under May 7.Posted Tue Feb 26, 2013 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Blu-ray Highlights for February 26th, 2013Perhaps due to a desire not to draw attention away from the Oscars, or perhaps simply due to a shortage of worthwhile product to release, the Hollywood studios have chosen to go light on notable Blu-ray releases this week. However, at least a couple of acclaimed films and one cult comedy managed to slip through. Read about this week's new Blu-rays in the blog today.Posted Tue Feb 26, 2013 at 06:30 AM PST by: -
'The Taint' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Don't drink the water in the town of Blu-ray next month. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Troma will be bringing 'The Taint' to Blu-ray on March 12. The water is tainted. The Taint poisons the minds of men. It turns them into raging misogynists: monsters who want nothing more than to crush women's heads with rocks (or other objects). When society is transformed into a land of sadistic violence and horrible brutality, it is up to Phil O'Ginny and his hot friend, Misandra, to combat the horrible evil that is The Taint. Can they survive in a world brimming with castration and endless head crusing?! Specs haven't been revealed yet, but supplements include: Director's and Cast Commentaries, Behind The Scenes Slideshow, Deleted Scenes, Introduction By Lloyd Kaufman, and Tromatic Extras. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack is $24.95. You can find the latest specs for 'The Taint' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 12.Posted Tue Feb 26, 2013 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
'Dexter: The Complete Seventh Season' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]The seventh season of the hit Showtime series will stuff Blu-ray into a body bag this May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount will be bringing 'Dexter: The Complete Seventh Season' to Blu-ray on May 14. 'Dexter' returns to Blu-ray in explosive fashion with Season 7, as Dexter is finally forced to confront his greatest fear, as Debra witnesses his insatiable, ritualistic slaying of a killer. Now Deb knows the secret of his Dark Passenger, his undeniable thirst for blood, and the Code that their father Harry instilled in him as a young boy. But as Deb tries to reconcile the unfathomable idea that her beloved, mild-mannered brother is Miami's most notorious serial killer, Dexter is still pulled by his natural impulses to seek out the guilty and exact his brand of vigilante justice. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $65.99 and a seasons 1-7 set will also be available with a suggested price of $365. You can find the latest specs for 'Dexter: The Complete Seventh Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 14.Posted Mon Feb 25, 2013 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
'The Mad Max Trilogy' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Mad Mel returns to Blu-ray in style this summer! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers will be releasing 'The Mad Max Trilogy' on Blu-ray on June 4. The three films – 'Mad Max' (1979), 'Mad Max Road Warrior' (1982) and 'Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome' (1985) – are all set in the near-future in Australia. From the very first film, Oscar® winner George Miller ('Happy Feet,' 2006) proved a master at creating the gritty, bleak dystopian world and staging the incredible car stunts and crashes in the era when stuntmen, not computers, achieved the effects. All three movies starred Mel Gibson, virtually unknown until after the second film, as Max Rockatansky, a highway cop traveling through the Outback in a society descending into chaos. The films started Gibson on his road to international superstardom, led to his signature 'Lethal Weapon' series, and later two Academy Awards® for his roles as producer and director of 'Braveheart' (1995). Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray set is $49.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Mad Max Trilogy' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 4.Posted Mon Feb 25, 2013 at 10:00 AM PST by:
