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'The Josephine Baker Story' & 'The Tuskegee Airmen' Blu-rays Dated[teaser] A pair of historical films are bound for Blu-ray in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, HBO is preparing to release 'The Josephine Baker Story' on Blu-ray on January 17. Josephine Baker was born poor, but achieved fame and fortune through her sizzlingly exotic and erotic performances. Starting life on the American Vaudeville circuit, success took Josephine to Paris where her semi-nude dancing causes an international sensation. Josephine's life becomes a roller coaster ride of love and rejection from both her lovers and her country. Robert Markowitz' 'The Tuskegee Airmen,' which stars Laurence Fishburne, Allen Payne, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Courtney B. Vance, and Andre Braugher will hit stores on the same date. It is 1943 and the Germans are winning the Second World War as the U.S. suffers huge losses on the ground and in the air. Four newly recruited pilots are united by a desire to serve their country, at a time when African-American flyers are not welcomed in the Air Force. Now, through the brutal demands of their training, to the perils of flying over nations at war, the men they call "The Tuskegee Airmen" must undertake the riskiest mission of their lives - to prove to America that courage knows no color. Specs and supplements have not been set yet, but suggested list price for each Blu-ray is set at only $14.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Josephine Baker Story' & 'The Tuskegee Airmen' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under January 17.Posted Thu Oct 20, 2011 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Underworld: The Essential Collection' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]All three vampire vs. werewolves films and some new anime shorts are coming to Blu-ray in December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony is working on 'Underworld: The Essential Collection' starring the sexy Kate Beckinsale for Blu-ray on December 20. The box set includes: 'Underworld,' 'Underworld: Evolution,' and 'Underworld: Rise of the Lycans,' plus a bonus disc of anime 'Underworld' shorts. Suggested list price for the 4-disc Blu-ray set is still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Underworld: The Essential Collection' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 20.Posted Thu Oct 20, 2011 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
10 Great Flicks For Cool Autumn Nightsby Aaron Peck Fall has most definitely arrived. The moment I walk out my door and can see my breath in the icy morning air, that signals the start of autumn. Well, that and the ungodly amount of heavily edited classic horror movies that pop up on basic cable every weekend. Fall is the time that I retreat indoors and catch up on a lot of movie watching, because if you're anywhere in the northern part of the United States you know that going outside means only one of two things: raking leaves or scraping that damned morning frost off your car's windshield while the nubs of your fingers freeze off. The warmth of my artificially heated living room becomes a sanctuary, my HDTV the altar, and popcorn my manna from heaven. Over dramatic? What can I say, I like movies! [teaser]It's time to dig into the ole movie collection and pull out the flicks that give me that autumn feeling without forcing me to actually brave the weather. Here are ten of my favorites.[/teaser] '28 Days Later' October means horror movies. You can always take in 'The Walking Dead' or any other zombie incarnation for that matter to fulfill the undead quotient for the month. Some people like to draw out month-long horror-a-thons replaying all their favorite horror flicks, and that's fine too. For my money though, I like '28 Days Later.' Somewhere around the time of its release zombies became as mainstream as vampires. We were suddenly inundated with hordes of zombie movies and television shows. Zombies were cool! '28 Days Later' reinvented the genre though. People had been infected with rage, which made them more ravenous that your average slow-moving brain-eating zombies. These suckers were fast, agile, and posed a greater threat than lumbering groups of brain-dead citizens shuffling around in their bathrobes and slippers looking for their next human meal. 'Another Year' This pleasant little drama directed by Mike Leigh was actually one Blu-ray release that I picked for my favorite releases of 2011 (so far). It covers a whole year, but its laid back family-oriented story has a decidedly lazy fall feel to it. Anyone who hasn't seen this really is missing out. It's a touching tale about friendship, love, and family. Lesley Manville gives one of the best performances of the year as a drunk, lonely middle-aged woman trying her best to reclaim whatever glory she once had. 'Hoosiers' The NBA lockout has me depressed beyond imagination. I'm a super fan. Come fall, basketball is the only sport I consume. NBA TV blazes on my screen non-stop as I try and watch any pre-season game I can catch. Yeah, I'm that big of a basketball fan. I watch the preseason. Sadly, the lockout has canceled the preseason, leaving me twiddling my thumbs until the greedy owners can settle a deal with the equally greedy players. Thank goodness we have a movie like 'Hoosiers' for me to get my basketball fix. I may just have this movie on an endless repeat until basketball starts again. 'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown' Another Halloween-themed movie, but this time it's a must-see staple viewing. Much like 'A Christmas Story' whenever December rolls around, 'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown' is simply one of those movies you have to watch when Halloween approaches. I'll admit that it hasn't aged particularly well, and kids nowadays who are so accustomed to the seizure-inducing 'Yu-Gi-Oh' might find it as boring as homework on the weekends, but there's just something charming about it. Screw those attention deficit riddled kids, this one is for a more nostalgic crowd anyway. A time to reflect and look back on our lives and realize that at least we were all a little better off than poor old Charlie Brown. Have some low self-esteem? Simply revisit any 'Charlie Brown' movie and you'll be feeling much better about yourself in no time. That kid had it rough. Who throws rocks into a kid's Halloween bag, no matter how bald he is? Those are some messed up people in that town. 'Planes, Trains, and Automobiles' John Hughes, Steve Martin, and John Candy. Need I say more? It's fun to revisit this comedy every year around this time, remembering how much we miss Mr. Candy. So often I forget about this movie for most of the year, only to rediscover how much it makes me laugh whenever I decide to rewatch it. It's a perfect complement to a cozy night in. 'Please Give' This dramedy focuses on a small family and their neighbors as they try to navigate the sometimes tricky world of getting to know each other. It's fun, light, full of hope and even a scene where they go and see the leaves changing colors in upstate New York. Really, what else could you want from an Autumn movie? 'Remember the Titans' Football is fall. Fall is football. That's just how America rolls. 'Remember the Titans' provides a clichéd, but enjoyable sports movie that has all the tropes of American sports movies, but still manages to be entertaining. I hate to admit it, but 'Remember the Titans' always causes me to choke up just a little. I know its manipulative, but sometimes I just can't help myself. "Left side!" "Strong side!" sniff, sniff. 'The Secret of NIMH' I know that I included 'NIMH' on my most disappointing Blu-rays list that we published here a while back. Even though I was less than impressed with MGM's treatment of this Don Bluth classic that won't stop me from pulling it out at the tail end of every year to revisit Mrs. Brisby's dealings with the rats. Set right around fall time, 'NIMH' is a great animated feature that always entertains. It's much more brazen and adult that today's sanitized animated fare and will remind you just how deeply resonant this Bluth film remains. 'When Harry Met Sally' Perhaps the quintessential fall comedy. Harry Burns meets Sally Albright, and we watch as they try to pilot their love lives with a backdrop of some great fall-themed scenes. Orange and brown leaves serve as a background as Harry and Sally wonder if they can be friends without sex mucking up the whole friendship thing. Dramedies seem like the perfect movies to cuddle up with during cold Autumn days, and 'When Harry Met Sally' is one of the best. 'The X-Files' I really wish that we could get a Blu-ray release of 'The X-Files' seasons, but it doesn't seem like it's going to be coming around anytime soon. Still, my season DVD sets offer me quite a bit of comfort in October. There's nothing better than locking yourself in your house and doing an 'X-Files' marathon around Halloween time trying to pinpoint the episode where the show really started going downhill. I kind of think that it's the episode where Krycek put nano-machines into Skinner's body and then let him know that he could kill him with the push of a button. But who cares? I love the show and it adds a nice, creepy vibe to my fall viewing. Do you have any movie traditions come Autumn time? What films do you break out and revisit year after year. Be sure to click on the link below and share your favorites in the forums.Posted Wed Oct 19, 2011 at 02:10 PM PDT by: -
'Colombiana' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser] The explosive thriller starring Zoe Saldana will get its revenge on Blu-ray this winter. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony is readying Olivier Megaton's 'Colombiana' for Blu-ray on December 20. Cataleya is a young woman who has grown up to be an assassin after witnessing the murder of her parents as a child. Turning herself into a professional killer and working for her uncle, she remains focused on her ultimate goal: to hunt down and get revenge on the mobster responsible for her parents’ deaths. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and an assortment of featurettes including: Colombiana: The Making Of, Cataleya's Journey, Assassins, Training A Killer, and Take The Ride. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Colombiana' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 20.Posted Wed Oct 19, 2011 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Dish and Blockbuster Take a Marketing Tip from Timeshares[teaser]Listen to the pitch, get free movies and games. [/teaser] If you've been to any hot vacation destination, you've probably been approached to attend a timeshare meeting. They're slick deals if you don't mind blowing a little time and you have the force of will to resist a hard sell. In exchange for that time you'll get things ranging from show tickets to gift cards. Blockbuster and Dish are rolling out a similar promotion. If you go into a Blockbuster store and listen to a Dish Network pitch then you'll get a free game or movie rental on the spot and a free subscription to Blockbuster by Mail for 30 days. "You set up an appointment with one of our representatives and they give you the whole run down," explains one Blockbuster employee, stating that they will then "give you all the information and they can sign you up for a free membership." This isn't running in all Blockbuster locations, but if you want a free rental and you don't mind sitting through a sales pitch to get it, this might not be a bad setup. Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Wed Oct 19, 2011 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
It's 'The Moment of Truth' For Blu-ray[teaser]The acclaimed 1964 bullfighting film will hit Blu-ray in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Criterion is readying 'The Moment of Truth' for Blu-ray on January 24. 'The Moment of Truth,' from director Francesco Rosi is a visceral plunge into the life of a famous torero—played by real-life bullfighting legend Miguel Mateo, known as Miguelin. The Blu-ray will feature a new high-definition digital restoration with uncompressed monaural soundtrack and supplements include an interview with director Francesco Rosi from 2004 and a booklet featuring an essay by critic Peter Matthews. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for 'The Moment of Truth' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 24.Posted Wed Oct 19, 2011 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Belle de Jour' Dated and Detailed For Blu-ray[teaser]The French 1967 classic directed by Luis Buñuel will seduce Blu-ray lovers in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Criterion is prepping 'Belle de Jour' for a Blu-ray release on January 17. The porcelain perfection of Catherine Deneuve hides a cracked interior in the actress’s most iconic role: Séverine, a chilly Paris housewife by night, a bordello prostitute by day. The Blu-ray will feature a new high-definition digital restoration with uncompressed monaural soundtrack and supplements will include: Audio commentary featuring Michael Wood, author of the BFI Film Classics book Belle de jour; New video piece featuring writer and sexual-politics activist Susie Bright and film scholar Linda Williams; New interview with screenwriter Jean-Claude Carrière; Excerpt from the French television program Cinéma, featuring interviews with Carrière and actress Catherine Deneuve; Original and American release trailers; and a booklet featuring an essay by critic Melissa Anderson and a 1970s interview with director Luis Buñuel. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Belle de Jour' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 17.Posted Wed Oct 19, 2011 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Usher: OMG Tour - Live from London' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The charismatic singer and dancer comes to Blu-ray in November. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Eagle Rock Entertainment is prepping 'Usher: OMG Tour - Live from London' for a high-definition release on November 1. The release highlights the tour promoting the R&B artist's seventh album Raymond V. Raymond with a concert filmed in high-definition at London's O2 Arena. Tracklisting: 1) Monstar 2) She Don't Know 3) Yeah 4) U Remind Me 5) U Don't Have To Call 6) You Make Me Wanna 7) Mars vs. Venus 8) Nice & Slow 9) Love In This Club 10) Lil Freak 11) Hot Tottie 12) There Goes My Baby 13) Burn 14) Bad Girl 15) Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home) 16) Caught Up 17) DJ Got Us Falling Love 18) More 19) OMG There's no word on tech specs yet, but supplements include On The Shoulder Of Giants and New Look featurettes.. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Usher: OMG Tour - Live from London' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 1.Posted Wed Oct 19, 2011 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The blockbuster sci-fi prequel comes to Blu-ray in December! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox will be bringing 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' to Blu-ray on December 13. From the Oscar-winning® visual effects team that brought to life the worlds of 'Avatar' and 'Lord of the Rings' comes revolutionary new ground - a CGI ape that delivers a dramatic performance of unprecedented emotion and intelligence, and epic battles on which rest the upended destinies of man and primate. James Franco ('127 Hours') stars as Will Rodman, a neuroscientist living in San Francisco trying to develop a cure for Alzheimer’s disease by testing on chimpanzees, giving them a human level of intelligence. After a test subject’s baby, Caesar, is orphaned, Will decides to raise him at home on his own with his Alzheimer-stricken father (John Lithgow; “Dexter”). What begins simply as a continuation of his experiment quickly turns into a problem for Will, as Caesar is taken away from him and forced to live in a primate facility. As Caesar’s intelligence continues to grow, he begins to stake his claim as the leader of his new primate counterparts, which will ultimately lead to the 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes.' Directed by Rupert Wyatt ('The Escapist'), this special effects blockbuster features fantastic supporting performances from Freida Pinto ('Slumdog Millionaire'), Brian Cox ('Red'), Tom Felton ('Harry Potter' films) and Andy Serkis ('The Lord of the Rings' Trilogy) in a ground-breaking performance. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Pre-vis for The Future; Capturing Caesar – Script to Screen; Studying the Genius of Andy Serkis; Multi-Angle: Rocket Cookie Scene; A New Generation of Apes; Breaking Motion Capture Boundaries; Breaking New Sound Barriers: The Music and Sound Design of Rise of the Planet of the Apes; Ape Facts (Chimpanzee, Gorilla, and Orangutan); Audio Commentary by Director Rupert Wyatt; Audio Commentary by Writers Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver; Character Concept Art Gallery; Deleted Scenes; Three Theatrical Trailers; and a Digital Copy. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray set is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 13.Posted Tue Oct 18, 2011 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
'Good Morning Vietnam' and 'Dead Poets Society' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]A double dose of Robin Williams' favorites are planned for Blu-ray in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Disney/Buena Vista is working on 'Good Morning Vietnam' for a Blu-ray release on January 17. Enjoy the unsurpassed digital sound quality of Blu-ray High Definition as Army deejay Adrian Cronauer (Williams) spins a red-hot soundtrack of ‘60s hits. His sidesplitting comedy and rapid fire wit make him a hero to the troops, but quickly get him in hot water with his by-the-book superiors. Featuring a behind-the-scenes look at Williams’ hilarious radio monologues, Good Morning, Vietnam remains the quintessential Robin Williams comedy. The Blu-ray will feature will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: How The Movie Came To Be; Actor Improv; Music Of The Movie; Origin Of The Good Morning; Vietnam Sign-On; Shooting In Thailand & Overview Of The Film A Year Later; Raw Monologues; and Original Theatrical and Teaser Trailers. Disney will also bring 'Dead Poets Society' to the high-definition format on the same date. Academy Award winner Robin Williams (Best Supporting Actor, Good Will Hunting, 1997) delivers one of his most memorable performances in Dead Poets Society – digitally restored and presented for the first time ever in breathtaking Blu-rayTM High Definition. For generations, Welton Academy students have been groomed to live lives of conformity and tradition – until new professor John Keating inspires them to think for themselves, live life to the fullest and “Carpe Diem.” This unconventional approach awakens the spirits of the students, but draws the wrath of a disapproving faculty when an unexpected tragedy strikes the school. With unforgettable characters and beautiful cinematography, Dead Poets Society will captivate and inspire you time and time again. The Blu-ray will feature will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Dead Poets: A Look Back featuring interview footage with Director Peter Weir, Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard and many others; Raw Takes; Master of Sound: Alan Splet - interviews with David Lynch And Peter Weir; Cinematography Master Class – an intensive and inspirational lighting workshop with Cinematographer John Seale; Audio Commentary with Director Peter Weir, Cinematographer John Seale and Writer Tom Schulman; and Theatrical Trailer. Suggested list price for each Blu-ray is $20.00. You can find the latest specs for 'Good Morning Vietnam' and 'Dead Poets Society' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under January 17.Posted Tue Oct 18, 2011 at 12:00 PM PDT by:
