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'American: The Bill Hicks Story' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The acclaimed 2009 animated documentary is bound for Blu-ray in June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, BBC says they are working on 'American: The Bill Hicks Story' for a Blu-ray release on June 7. The film spotlighting comic Bill Hicks was featured at the 2010 SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas and will have a limited theatrical run in April. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'American: The Bill Hicks Story' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 7.Posted Fri Mar 25, 2011 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'Sheryl Crow: Miles from Memphis' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]A concert from the musician's 2010 tour will rock Blu-ray in June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Eagle Rock Entertainment is prepping 'Sheryl Crow: Miles from Memphis' for a high-definition release on June 7. This stunning 18-song two-hour+ concert was captured last year at the spectacular art-deco Pantages Theater in Hollywood, California. Sheryl Crow, touring in support of her 100 Miles From Memphis album, performs a set filled with all her hits, deep catalog cuts and current songs, an 18-year trip. There's no word on tech specs yet, but supplements include a “Behind-The-Scenes” segment wherein she preps for the show, introduces the band and soundchecks two more tracks—“Eye To Eye” and “Stop.” Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Sheryl Crow: Miles from Memphis' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 7.Posted Fri Mar 25, 2011 at 07:30 AM PDT by: -
'The End of Poverty?' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The acclaimed documentary narrated by Martin Sheen is planned for Blu-ray in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Cinema Libre will be bringing 'The End of Poverty?' to high-definition on May 24. Filmed in the slums of Africa to the barrios of Latin America, 'The End of Poverty?' explores how the true causes of poverty stem from actions taken during (and since) colonial times to perpetuate exploitation: first by forcing people from their land and their access to natural resources, then through unfair trade, debt repayment and unjust taxes on labor and consumption. This system was carefully built and then maintained with neo-colonial policies such as free market economics, resource monopolies and structural adjustment programs by the international financial institutions. The film has been embraced by activists and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide for its ‘direct talk’ about the role of debt, free trade, and neo-liberal policies and poverty. Groups including: Action Aid, Amnesty UK, ATTAC, CADTM, Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP), InterAction, Jubilee Debt Campaign, Make Poverty History, Share the World’s Resources (STWR), Tax Justice Network, Transnational Institute, and the UN Millennium Campaign have screened the films as part of their anti-poverty campaigns in the past year. A 398-page companion book, 'Why Global Poverty?' published by The Robert Schalkenbach Foundation with Cinema Libre Studio, provides extended, translated transcripts from over 75 experts and people living in poverty who are featured in the film as well as a substantive introduction to the film by the director, Philippe Diaz. Specs have yet to be detailed, but supplements will include: SPEAKING FREELY, Volume 1 with JOHN PERKINS on Globalization; Extended interview with Director Philippe Diaz; ‘10 Steps to End Poverty Petition’; ‘Changes in Venezuela’ (a look at Hugo Chávez’s reforms and the impact on the country’s poor); Extended Interviews w/ Experts; and Stawi Youth & Adult Centre (Kenya) Profile. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.95. You can find the latest specs for 'The End of Poverty?' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 24.Posted Fri Mar 25, 2011 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Have you checked out the High-Def Digest Facebook page?[teaser]Have you visited the High-Def Digest Facebook page lately? If not, why not swing by and let your friends know that you like us? In return, we'll make sure you never miss a Blu-ray bargain or a great review.[/teaser] Please check out the High-Def Digest Page on Facebook, click "like," and spread the word, so you and your friends can always find the best Blu-ray and High-Def news and reviews online. Our Facebook page is still going strong, and we'd love you to join in the fun. In addition to our reviews, highlights from The Bonus View, and priceless witticisms, we use the page as one more way of spreading the word about the best high-def releases on the market. If you haven't joined the fun yet, you can check it out here. Hope to see you there soon!Posted Thu Mar 24, 2011 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Scarface' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed![teaser]Brian De Palma's landmark 1983 crime drama is getting the royal Blu-ray treatment this September! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal Studios is preparing 'Scarface' for a Blu-ray release on September 6. Considered one of the most influential gangster films ever made, 'Scarface’s' gritty depiction of Tony Montana’s lethal ambition has made it a cultural touchstone that spans generations. Now, fans can experience the film’s raw power in the newly restored, high-resolution, high-definition picture and explosive 7.1 audio for the first time ever. Exclusive new bonus content created especially for this release reveals the film’s iconic legacy as one of the greatest crime sagas of all time. For a limited time only, 'Scarface Special Limited Edition' Blu-rayTM comes with collectible SteelBookTM packaging, ten exclusive art cards, a digital copy of the film and a DVD of the original 1932 'Scarface,' making it a must-own addition to every film fan’s library. And, for the ultimate collector and cigar enthusiast, an elegantly hand-crafted Scarface-themed humidor will be made available in an exclusive, never-before-available, limited edition. Created by the renowned Daniel Marshall, the humidor’s exterior is hand painted and polished with the Marshall’s trademark “1000 coat brilliant finish.” The interior – made with untreated Spanish cedar – will properly condition and age approximately 100 cigars at optimal humidity levels. Limited to 1,000 worldwide, each individually numbered humidor comes embellished with custom medallions inspired by the iconic film and includes a certificate of authenticity. “Nearly 30 years after it first exploded onto the screen, Scarface stands as a cultural icon with a passionate and growing fan base that continues to exert an enduring influence on not just moviemakers but artists across the entire pop-culture landscape,” said Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. “Now, for the first time ever, fans of this jewel in the Universal crown can enjoy Scarface with the spectacular picture and sound quality that only Blu-rayTM provides.” A masterful collaboration between acclaimed director Brian de Palma ('The Untouchables,' 'Carlito’s Way') and Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Oliver Stone ('Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps,' 'Platoon'), 'Scarface' features extraordinary performances from a powerhouse cast that includes Academy Award® winner Al Pacino ('The Godfather'), Academy Award® nominee Michelle Pfeiffer ('The Fabulous Baker Boys,' 'Hairspray'), Academy Award® nominee Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio ('The Color of Money,' 'The Perfect Storm'), Academy Award® nominee Robert Loggia ('Jagged Edge') and Steven Bauer ('Traffic'). The film was nominated for three Golden Globe® Awards (including Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Original Score), and was named one of the Top 10 Gangster Films of All Time by the American Film Institute. To celebrate the film’s Blu-rayTM debut, fans will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to design Scarface-inspired artwork using classic Tony Montana images from the film. Universal will select the Top 25 submissions based on creativity, originality, quality of composition/design and utilization of the 'Scarface' theme. Fans will vote on their favorite 10 submissions which will then be featured as exclusive art cards in the 'Scarface Limited Edition' Blu-rayTM. The designer who garners the highest number of fan votes will become the Grand Prize winner, and will have their art featured on both the art card and on a high-profile billboard in a major US city to promote the release. Bonus features will include: ~Deleted Scenes ~The World of Tony Montana — Experience the world of the ultimate gangster and hear from experts on the real world violence, fear and paranoia that surrounds a drug lord. ~The Rebirth — Director Brian De Palma, producer Martin Bregman, actor Al Pacino, and screenwriter Oliver Stone revisit the history of Scarface, from the inspiration of the original Howard Hawks classic to the evolution of the script. ~The Acting — Join the filmmakers, Al Pacino and Steven Bauer to discover how each of the roles was cast and how Brian De Palma worked with his actors to get unforgettable performances. ~The Creating — A fascinating, controversial and definitive journey through the making of the film, which began with the production being forced to leave its initial location in Florida. Discover how the chainsaw scene was filmed, learn about the production design, the photography, and the struggle to get the film an "R" rating. ~Scarface: The TV Version — A revealing and hilarious montage of film clips comparing the theatrical version to the network television version of Scarface. ~The Making of Scarface: The Video Game: Immerse yourself in the world of Scarface in this behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the video game. ~U-Control: Scarface Scoreboard — Watch Scarface like never before. Keep track of the number of times the "F" word is used and monitor the bullets fired! (Blu-ray exclusive) ~U-Control: Picture in Picture — Access interview footage of Brian De Palma, Al Pacino, Screenwriter Oliver Stone, and others without interruption to the movie experience. Also featured is a scene comparison between the 1983 version of Scarface and Howard Hawks' original film.(Blu-ray exclusive) ~The Scarface Phenomenon — This all-new documentary presents Scarface as a unique phenomenon in cinema history. It explores how a film plagued by controversy leading up to its release has become a Hollywood classic, influencing a whole new generation of filmmakers and leaving a lasting imprint on popular culture.(Blu-ray exclusive) ~BD-Live (Blu-ray exclusive) ~Pocket Blu (Blu-ray exclusive) Suggested list price for the Blu-ray has yet to be revealed, but the Humidor Gift Set is $999.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Scarface' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under September 6.Posted Thu Mar 24, 2011 at 11:10 AM PDT by: -
'NHL Stanley Cup Champions 2011' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The 2011 NHL Stanley Cup champions highlight release will be available on Blu-ray this summer. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers will release 'NHL Stanley Cup Champions 2011' on Blu-ray on July 19. Own the most watched NHL event of the year. Complete with highlights from the regular season, playoffs, and the final series. Watch as your team fights for, and eventually hoists the Cup! The 2011 release will contain full coverage of the winning season, including exclusive interviews, key insights and behind the scenes action. After a regular season filled with injuries, fatigue, and playoff positioning and a post-season chock-full of drama, there can only be one team left standing! You can see the heroism on full display during the NHL playoffs and celebrate the champion's season. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price will be $34.99. You can find the latest specs for 'NHL Stanley Cup Champions 2011' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 19.Posted Thu Mar 24, 2011 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Daydream Nation' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The provocative yet humorous romance is planned for Blu-ray this May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay is preparing 'Daydream Nation' for Blu-ray on May 17. Variety described this independent movie as "'Juno' re-imagined by David Lynch, or a funnier 'Donnie Darko.'" Specs have yet to be revealed, and the only supplement appears to be a behind the scenes featurette. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Daydream Nation' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 17.Posted Thu Mar 24, 2011 at 08:30 AM PDT by: -
'Platoon' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]This is almost as good as a mercury surfboard! Full details are in for Oliver Stone's 1986 war epic coming to Blu-ray this spring! [/teaser] As previously reported, MGM/UA will be bringing 'Platoon,' featuring a young Charlie Sheen in his breakout performance, to Blu-ray on May 17. The remastered, first-ever Blu-ray edition brings the sounds and images of Oliver Stone’s critically acclaimed Vietnam War drama to life in an entirely new way. 'Platoon' received eight Academy Award® nominations, winning four: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Sound and Best Film Editing. The all-star cast includes Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, John C. McGinley, Forest Whitaker, Kevin Dillon, Keith David and Johnny Depp. The release will be a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack with 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Audio Commentary with Director Oliver Stone; Audio Commentary with Military Advisor Dale Dye; Deleted & Extended Scenes; Flashback to Platoon (Snapshot in Time: 1967-1968, Creating the ‘Nam com and Raw Wounds: The Legacy of Platoon); One War, Many Stories; Preparing for ‘Nam; Vignettes (Caputo & The 7th Fleet, Dye Training Method, and Gordon Gekko); TV spots and theatrical trailer. You can find the latest specs for 'Platoon' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 17.Posted Thu Mar 24, 2011 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Sharpe's Classic Collection' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]A mega Blu-ray boxed set featuring the series based on Bernard Cornwell's bestselling novels is planned for April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, BFS Entertainment has listed 'Sharpe's Classic Collection' for Blu-ray on April 12. Acclaimed actor Sean Bean ('North Country,' 'Flightplan,' 'The Lord of the Rings') stars in this action-packed series set in the midst of the desperate missions and battles of the Napoleonic Wars. Adapted from Bernard Cornwell's bestselling novels, Bean portrays maverick British officer Richard Sharpe who rises through the ranks of Wellington's army by his own daring deeds and ambition. Fast-moving, hard-hitting adventure, Sharpe brings to the screen all the danger, romance and sheer spectacle of one of the bloodiest periods in English warfare. The release will be 8-Disc Set (7 Blu-rays 'The Complete Sharpe's 1993-1998 Series,' 1 DVD 'Sharpe the Legend') and will include a Sharpe's Collector's Edition Map of Europe during the Napoleonic Wars; Map Certificate of Authenticity; and a Sharpe's Eagle Collector's Edition Letter Opener -- all conveniently stored in a custom-made, wooden box emblazoned with the Sharpe s logo. Here's a closer look at this pretty cool product: Specs and supplements still haven't been revealed yet, but suggested list price is $349.00. You can find the latest specs for 'Sharpe's Classic Collection' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 12.Posted Thu Mar 24, 2011 at 06:30 AM PDT by: -
HDD Spotlight Bargain: 'The Wedding Singer' Blu-ray is $6.99 at Amazon[teaser]The Totally Awesome Edition of the Adam Sandler/Drew Barrymore romantic comedy is now less than $7 at Amazon! [/teaser] The online retailer has reduced the price of 'The Wedding Singer' to only $6.99 (53% off suggested list price). Click here to take a hilarious trip back to the eighties!Posted Wed Mar 23, 2011 at 04:15 PM PDT by:
