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'Werewolf: The Beast Among Us' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The all-new, action-packed thriller will stalk Blu-ray this October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal Studios says 'Werewolf: The Beast Among Us' will have a Blu-ray release on October 9. During his studies with the local doctor (Stephen Rea, 'Interview with the Vampire'), Daniel (Guy Wilson, 'Little Black Book') witnesses the horrific consequences of werewolf attacks. Watching as the beast's fearsome reputation draws bounty hunters, thrill seekers, and charlatans to the tiny town, Daniel dreams of destroying the ruthless predator. So when a mysterious stranger (Ed Quinn, 'Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation') and his team of skilled werewolf hunters (Stephen Bauer, 'Scarface,' Adam Croasdell, 'The Prince & Me 3: A Royal Honeymoon') arrive to pursue the monster, he offers to join them, despite his mother's (Nia Peeples, 'Blues Brothers 2000') protests. But it soon becomes clear that this creature is stronger, smarter, and more dangerous than anything they have faced before. As casualties mount and villagers see their neighbors transformed into ravening monsters, the townsfolk take up arms against each other to find the true identity of the werewolf. Amid the hysteria, Daniel begins to suspect he's closer to his target than he ever dreamed. The Blu-ray/DVD/UV combo pack includes the R-rated theatrical and the unrated director's cut with 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include Commentary with director Louis Morneau and producer Mike Elliott, Making the Monster, Transformation: Man To Beast, Monster Legacy, and deleted scenes. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Werewolf: The Beast Among Us' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 9.Posted Fri Jul 27, 2012 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Blu-ray Gets 'Chained'[teaser]Vincent D'Onofrio is a psychopathic killer in Jennifer Lynch's latest suspense-thriller hitting Blu-ray in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay will be releasing 'Chained' to high-definition on October 2. Perhaps the most terrifying human relationship is the one between a serial killer and his target. But what if it starts that way, and becomes something...more? From the visionary mind of director Jennifer Lynch ('Boxing Helena,' 'Surveillance,' 'Hisss') comes the dark fable 'Chained.' With a stellar cast including Vincent D’Onofrio ('Full Metal Jacket,' 'Men In Black,' “Law and Order: Criminal Intent”), Gina Phillips ('Jeepers Creepers,' “Ally McBeal”) Conor Leslie (“90210”), Evan Bird (“The Killing”), with Jake Weber ('Dawn of the Dead,' “Medium”) and Julia Ormand ('My Week With Marilyn,' “Mad Men,” 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'), 'Chained' is an unforgettable ride into the darkness that can reside in the human heart – no matter what your age. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Feature-length audio commentary by writer/director Jennifer Lynch and actor Vincent D’Onofrio; The alternated unrated version of “Mary’s Murder”; and the original theatrical trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Chained' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 2.Posted Fri Jul 27, 2012 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
High-Def Digest's Top 10 Impending Blu-ray Releases for the Rest of 2012by Aaron Peck [teaser]We've been covering some of the best Blu-ray releases this year in our "So Far…" series, but it's important to look ahead. The releases that await as the year continues are some of the biggest the format has ever seen. Yes, we got 'Star Wars' last year, but this year features some of cinema's greatest movies, the ones we simply had to pre-order the moment they were announced...[/teaser] The following releases are the movies we have to have, no questions asked. The rest of 2012 promises a wealth of highly sought after Blu-ray releases, and here are the top ten in my mind: 'The Raid: Redemption' (August 14th) I saw this movie at Sundance and was absolutely blown away by its non-stop face-crunching action. The action deserved to actually be called "action" since it wasn't pieced together by lightning-fast editing or clever camera tricks. No, these fights are brutal, real, and they look great on screen. I will say that the film is inherently gritty, so it's not going to have a pristinely clear picture when it comes out on Blu-ray. However, this will be a piece of your collection that you'll revisit again and again, showing it to as many of your friends as possible. 'The Raid' simply must be shared. 'Jaws' (August 14th) Okay, everybody take a deep breath and say it with me one more time, "Finally!" Universal sat on this one for quite a while, but the 100th Anniversary celebration is a good a time as any to release one of cinema's most beloved movies. I'm not as excited for the video, which I'm sure will be great (although it might shine a brighter light on the outdated shark effects), as I am for the audio. We're getting a remixed 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track with this. Hearing cinema's most recognizable theme music (dun, dun, duuun, duuun, duuuun, duuuuun) booming through all seven channels is going to be a treat. At least, this fan hopes so. 'The Royal Tenenbaums' (Criterion) (August 14th) I'm glad that Criterion will usher 'The Royal Tenenbaums' into the Blu-ray world. Based on past successes I think we can safely say that Wes Anderson's defining film is in good hands and will likely be a stellar high-def release if all goes well on the Criterion front. 'The Hunger Games' (August 18th) I really didn't think I'd like 'The Hunger Games' as much as I did. I haven't read the books, and I went in without any expectations. I came away from a movie I rather enjoyed, which was much darker (kids killing kids!) than I ever imagined it would be. It's true that the shaky-cam gets to be a bit too much at times, but I felt like I'd been sucked into the story. Like I'd been grabbed by its narrative and I wanted to know more about these characters. Plus, if we didn't get this movie my wife would kill me. 'The Rescuers/The Rescuers Down Under' (August 21st) I practically wore out the VHS tapes of both of these movies when I was young. They were, for a time, my favorite Disney animated movies. I do wish that they were both getting their own standalone releases, but the thought of having them both in high definition is enough for me to forgive Disney packaging them together. That said, I just really, really hope this isn't a shared disc release like 'The Fox and the Hound' was. 'The Avengers' (September 15th) Out of all the big-time superhero movies that were released this summer I'd have to say that 'The Avengers' was the one that gave me that giddy feeling that one should get when going to see a gigantic, bigger-than-life summer blockbuster. Much like the way I felt when I first saw 'Jurassic Park' on the big screen opening weekend. It has that "We're going to the movies!" vibe to it. Sure the aliens at the end are simply there to provide a faceless force which the Avengers can beat down, but the movie itself is pure fun. The way Joss Whedon was able to piece together every character and give them the amount of screen time they deserved was nicely done. I can't wait to hear what this baby is going to sound like in skull-crushing 7.1 audio. If this doesn't shake the pictures off my walls I'm going to be extremely upset. 'The Cabin in the Woods' (September 18th) Not all of the impending awesome releases this year are huge box sets of classic movies. Sometimes they're simply a fun standalone sleeper hit. 'Cabin' was one of the most enjoyable times I had at the movies this year. The best part is I don't have to use the caveat, "big dumb fun" either, because 'Cabin' is witty in its skewering of horror films. It goes all out and has a blast doing it. To top it all off this is a movie that has almost infinite rewatch value, at least for me. I can't wait to pair it up with 'Tucker & Dale vs. Evil' for a horror-comedy double feature night. 'Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures' (September 18th) Besides 'Star Wars' has there been a more sought after franchise to get the Blu-ray treatment? Haven't we all been waiting, rather patiently I might add, for the day when we could own all of the 'Indiana Jones' movies (and not just that ridiculous fourth one) on Blu-ray? The moment this was announced it moved to the top of my personal wishlist. We just got done talking about that special feeling you get when you go to the movies, but these movies are why you have that feeling in the first place. 'Indiana Jones' embodies the exciting, adventurous summer blockbuster. I can't wait to see what they look like in high-def. 'Alfred Hitchcock Masterpiece Collection' (September 25th) Don't act like you're not excited for this collection. Fifteen movies in all. Among those 15, 13 of them have never been released on Blu-ray: 'Saboteur,' 'Shadow of a Doubt,' 'Rope,' 'Rear Window,' 'The Trouble with Harry,' 'The Man Who Knew Too Much,' ' Vertigo,' 'The Birds,' 'Marnie,' 'Torn Curtain,' 'Topaz,' 'Frenzy,' and 'Family Plot.' Depending on your affections for the great director, there are anywhere between four to six (maybe more) genuine Hitchcock classics in there that haven't been treated with high definition. Of those classics, 'Vertigo' and 'Rear Window' are two of the greatest thrillers ever made. There really is no denying that this set holds some of the best films cinema has to offer from one of its most revered and prolific directors. Just the thought of having 'Vertigo' and 'Rear Window' in high definition, on the same day(!), is enough reason to pre-order this incredible set. 'James Bond 50' (September 25th) Rounding off the most expensive release week in recent memory (wallets are going to be sad on September 25th) is another hefty collection of movies, but movies that we've been waiting forever to get on Blu-ray. The 'Bond' film catalogue has gone through all sorts of standalone and grouped releases, but there were always a number of films left out. Finally, here's the 'Bond' set to end all 'Bond' sets. All 22 films have been included here. Every single one! It's pretty exciting to see this set finally get its due. I can just feel my bank account revolting against me in the coming months. September is going to be a tough one on all of us, but at least we're in for a slew of highly-anticipated movies hitting the format, just in time to get us through Fall and Winter. What about you? What are your top pre-orders for 2012? What releases are you really looking forward to so much so that you've logged onto Amazon and already placed your order? Let us know by following the forum link below.Posted Thu Jul 26, 2012 at 03:55 PM PDT by: -
'The Complete Indiana Jones Blu-ray Collection' Trailer Added[teaser]Check out the 'Indiana Jones' Blu-ray trailer for the much-anticipated boxed set coming in September! [/teaser] As previously reported, Paramount has slated 'The Complete Indiana Jones Blu-ray Collection' for Blu-ray in the fall, and the date is now confirmed for September 18. In June of 1981 director Steven Spielberg and executive producer George Lucas introduced the world to Indiana Jones when the unforgettable 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' debuted in theaters. Exploding to instant acclaim, the film has now been carefully restored, alongside remastered versions of the archaeologist’s other thrilling adventures—'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,' 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' and 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.' Prepare for excitement, adventure and snakes—why did it have to be snakes?—all with pristine picture and sound! Supervised by director Steven Spielberg and renowned sound designer Ben Burtt, Raiders of the Lost Ark has been meticulously restored with careful attention to preserving the original look, sound and feel of the iconic film. The original negative was first scanned at 4K and then examined frame-by-frame so that any damage could be repaired. The sound design was similarly preserved using Burtt’s original master mix, which had been archived and unused since 1981. New stereo surrounds were created using the original music tracks and original effects recorded in stereo but used previously only in mono. In addition, the sub bass was redone entirely up to modern specifications and care was taken to improve dialogue and correct small technical flaws to create the most complete and highest quality version of the sound possible while retaining the director’s vision. The result is an impeccable digital restoration that celebrates the film and its place in cinematic history. The Blu-ray set will feature all four films in 1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround, and supplements include a collection of documentaries, interviews, featurettes and new bonus features. Suggested list price for the set is $99.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Complete Indiana Jones Blu-ray Collection' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 18.Posted Thu Jul 26, 2012 at 12:45 PM PDT by: -
'The Muppet Christmas Carol: 20th Anniversary Edition' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The Muppets' version of the classic Charles Dickens tale is coming to Blu-ray in November. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Disney/Buena Vista will be releasing 'The Muppet Christmas Carol: 20th Anniversary Edition' on Blu-ray on November 6. In the film directed by Brian Henson, the miser Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine) is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. Specs haven't been revealed yet, but supplements will include: Audio Commentary from Brian Henson; Muppet Audio Commentary: All New Audio Commentary from your favorite Muppets – Kermit, Gonzo, Rizzo, and More; Disney Intermission: Press “Pause” and see what happens when the Muppets Show up at your door to sing your Christmas Carols – Muppet Style; Muppet Holiday Sing-Along; Blooper Reel; Frogs, Pigs, and Humbug: A Behind the Scenes Look; Christmas Around the World with Gonzo and Rizzo; and Pepe’s Profiles Presents: Gonzo, Portrait of the Artist as a Young Weirdo. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack is $26.50. You can find the latest specs for 'The Muppet Christmas Carol: 20th Anniversary Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 6.Posted Thu Jul 26, 2012 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'High Time' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]Blake Edwards' 1960 musical comedy starring Bing Crosby will have a limited Blu-ray run this August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Twilight Time will be bringing 'High Time' on Blu-ray on August 14. Widower and hamburger restaurateur Harvey Howard decides to go to college at 51 years of age. Resisting the easy path, he insists on not receiving preferential treatment, and lives in a dorm like the other students despite the disapproval of his grown son and daughter. As the years pass, and he gets involved in study sessions, fraternity initiations, and sporting events, he begins falling in love with Professor Gautier, the French teacher, but doesn't consider re-marrying appropriate. The Blu-ray will be limited to 3000 units and will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 4.0 soundtrack, and supplements include an isolated score track by Henry Mancini and the original theatrical trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.95 which can be pre ordered here. You can find the latest specs for 'High Time' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 14.Posted Thu Jul 26, 2012 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Where Do We Go Now?' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed[teaser]Nadine Labaki's acclaimed drama is bound for Blu-ray in September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony has slated 'Where Do We Go Now?' for Blu-ray on September 11. Set in a remote village where the church and the mosque stand side by side, 'Where Do We Go Now?' follows the antics of the town's women to keep their blowhard men from starting a religious war. Women heartsick over sons, husbands and fathers lost to previous flare-ups unite to distract their men with clever ruses, from faking a miracle to hiring a troop of Ukrainian strippers. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.0 soundtrack, and supplements include: Commentary with director Nadine Labaki and composer Khaled Mouzanar; and An Evening with Director Nadine Labaki, Composer Khaled Mouzanar, and Producer Anne-Dominique Toussaint. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $45.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Where Do We Go Now?' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 11.Posted Thu Jul 26, 2012 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Santa Clause' Blu-rays Detailed[teaser]Ho! Ho! Ho! The family holiday comedies available in stores individually or part of a new trilogy boxed set this October have been detailed. [/teaser] As previously reported, Disney/Buena Vista has scheduled 'The Santa Clause' and 'The Santa Clause 2' for Blu-ray on October 16. The Santa Clause 3-Film Collection gift set will also be available on the same date. Have three times the fun as you celebrate the season with the complete 'Santa Clause' trilogy – now available for the first time on Blu-ray in one spectacular box set! Superstar comedian Tim Allen delivers the perfect gift as he stars as the big man, himself, in three warm and wonderful movies about discovering the true magic of Christmas. See how it all began with Disney’s original classic, and hop on Santa’s sleigh for an exciting ride filled with belly laughs and family fun. Christmas gets a little nuttier when Scott Calvin unknowingly inherits the role of the legendary St. Nick. His ordinary life snowballs into a hysterical series of outrageous events as he fills out hisSanta suit, meets the future Mrs. Claus and faces his ultimate test against the mischievous Jack Frost. With a blizzard of bonus features and three magical movies, this three-disc box set is hours of holiday entertainment your whole family will enjoy again and again. The Blu-rays will feature 1080p video, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtracks, and 'The Santa Clause' will include: "So You Wanna Be An Elf?" featurette, Making Santa Snacks With Wolfgang, and "The Night Before Christmas" Short. 'The Santa Clause 2' will include: 7 Deleted Scenes, Gag Reel - Bloopers From The Cast, "True Confessions Of The Legendary Figures" - Interviews With Tooth Fairy, Mother Nature, Father Time And Easter Bunny, and an audio Commentary With Michael Lembeck. Suggested list price for each Blu-ray is $20.00 while the trilogy set is $49.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Santa Clause,' 'The Santa Clause 2,' & 'The Santa Clause 3-Film Collection' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under October 16.Posted Thu Jul 26, 2012 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Guys and Dolls' and 'Hans Christian Andersen' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Two classic 1950s musicals are getting the Blu-ray digibook treatment at the end of the year. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is prepping 'Guys and Dolls' for Blu-ray on November 6. The slickest big-time New York City gamblers, Sky Masterson (Marlon Brando, A Streetcar Named Desire) and Nathan Detroit (Frank Sinatra, The Manchurian Candidate), can't resist making or taking a bet on anything. So when a pretty missionary (Jean Simmons, Spartacus) sets up shop in the neighborhood, Nathan stakes a grand that Sky can't seduce her. But all bets are off when Sky falls madly in love in this romantic musical spectacular that sets the Big Apple afire with excitement. 'Hans Christian Andersen' will be available on December 18. The incredibly multi-talented Danny Kaye (White Christmas) stars as Hans Christian Andersen, a young cobbler with a special gift for storytelling. Nominated for six Academy Awards [including Best Original Song ("Thumbelina") - Frank Loesser; and Best Music Score - Walter Scharf], this wonderful musical will enchant both young and old. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but each release will be a digibook with a suggested list price of $34.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Guys and Dolls' and 'Hans Christian Andersen' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule.Posted Wed Jul 25, 2012 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Snow White and the Huntsman' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The classic fairy tale is retold in the action-fantasy epic debuting on Blu-ray this September! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal says 'Snow White and the Huntsman' is coming to Blu-ray on September 11. Packed with pulse-pounding battles, unmatched visual imagination and compelling characters, 'Snow White and the Huntsman' is a wholly original adventure story told on an epic scale. From the splendor of the wicked Queen’s enchanted palace to the menace of the Dark Forest, a breathtaking combination of harrowing beauty, epic battle scenes, visual wonder and jaw-dropping special effects make this film singularly suited for the incomparable high-definition picture and perfect hi-def 5.1 surround sound of Blu-ray™. The Blu-ray/DVD/Ultraviolet Digital Copy combo pack will include both the theatrical and extended cuts of the movie with 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Feature Commentary with director Rupert Sanders, visual effects supervisor Cedric Nicolas-Troyan and co-editor Neil Smith; A New Legend is Born; and the Blu-ray exclusives Reinventing the Fairy Tale; Citizens of the Kingdom; The Magic of Snow White and the Huntsman; Around the Kingdom: 360° Set Tour; and Universal's Second Screen. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Snow White and the Huntsman' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under September 11.Posted Wed Jul 25, 2012 at 10:00 AM PDT by:
