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First Look: the Christopher Nolan Collection in 4KDecember 19th is going to be an exciting day for 4K enthusiasts who also happen to be Christopher Nolan fans. Not only will you be able to pick up Dunkirk and The Dark Knight Trilogy on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, but there'll be a Christopher Nolan Collection seven-film 4K box set option that also includes Interstellar, The Prestige, and Inception. (UPDATE: directly from Warners, please be aware the seven-movie Nolan Collection does NOT include Digital Copies, but the individual releases & Dark Knight Trilogy WILL all have Digital Copies.) Last Friday, HDD joined Warner Bros. Home Entertainment at the historic Chateau Marmont Hotel to celebrate Mr. Nolan's work. Sunset Boulevard sure has evolved since I moved to Los Angeles, but walking through the dimly lit Marmont is like stepping into a time machine that rockets you back across a century of Hollywood glamour and tragedy. Adding to the atmosphere, Christopher Nolan attended the event in person along with friends and colleagues and I couldn't help but geek out over seeing Kenneth Branagh, whose Henry V adaptation is one of the key reasons I adore both Shakespeare and cinema. Celebrities included, the best part of the evening was the twin 65" Sony OLED displays playing clips from Dunkirk and the rest of the 4K Collection. Unfortunately, we didn't get to take home any sample discs to do a more thorough analysis (nor did we get to compare the 4K transfers to the previous Blu-rays), but I wanted to share my first impressions because I'm very impressed. SONY A1E OLED Before we jump into the clips, let's talk about the new 65" Sony A1E OLED 4K TV, which you can buy HERE on Amazon for $3,500 and fuses an LG OLED panel with Sony processing and design. In short, this TV is a revelation. Wow! The display itself stands on flat surfaces like an easel, giving the whole thing a high-end gallery appearance. Yet, while perfect for a party where everyone's standing, this setup might make viewing angles odd for any sitting position that's lower than the TV's midpoint. Wall mounting (the rear half of the stand folds flat) is probably a better option. In terms of performance, the A1E impressed everyone. I can't comment on settings, mode, or calibration specifics, but I overheard Emma Thomas (Christopher Nolan's producing partner/wife) telling colleagues that "Chris made sure they were calibrated" and both displays met his high standards. I was most surprised by their overall brightness; in terms of specs, they max out around 700 nits, but these two 65" ($3500) panels literally lit up the room while producing stunning black levels with no sense of banding in the shadows, tons of specular highlight details, and very accurate colors. To be fair, Nolan's movies, and Dunkirk especially, are far less colorful than something like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, so I didn't get to see these Sony OLEDs push their full capabilities. Still, even in a room with a lot of ambient lighting, the results were striking, especially for IMAX footage. DUNKIRK Nolan's latest blockbuster was shot mostly on IMAX 15/70 film -- with the remaining, mostly-dialog scenes photographed in widescreen 70mm (65mm negative) -- and boy does this quality make difference. It was easily the best-looking demo of the evening. Sampling extended sequences from all three of the land, sea, and air timelines, I can confirm this 4K Blu-ray features alternating aspect ratios, with full frame IMAX 70/15 cutting to letterboxed 70mm footage. Simply put, the Dunkirk IMAX clips are magnificent. Demo material all day and night. As close to IMAX 15/70 or IMAX Laser as you can get in the home. Probably the sharpest, clearest 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray ever released (or very close to Planet Earth II, which has the added benefit of being far more colorful). Like I said above, everyone was impressed. You can smush your face right up to the screen and see the smallest details in the sky and waves and uniforms and metal vessels. I'm sorry if this sounds like hyperbole, but, honestly, it's shockingly clear. The widescreen 70mm footage is also quite clean and looks noticeably sharper than Nolan's 35mm productions (more on this in a minute), but lacks the finer details and overall screen brightness of the IMAX footage. It's not bad, by any means -- in fact, it gives me hope of how terrific Lawrence of Arabia or The Hateful Eight could look in 4K -- but this footage is just not as jaw-dropping when intercut with a higher resolution source material. The good news is that the difference is far less noticeable than IMAX v 35mm, and there are no signs of any weird digital enhancements or over-sharpening. In other words, if you have a 4K display, you have a new demo disc. If you haven't upgraded, here's a very fun reason to do so. NOLAN'S COLLECTION About twenty feet away from the Dunkirk OLED, a second Sony A1E played a revolving series of clips from Nolan's other Collection movies, though I missed seeing anything from The Prestige or The Dark Knight. (Please don't read anything into this; it was a very crowded room and I bumped into a few friends along the way, so there's no political or technical reason behind this.) However, I did see the Tumbler Chase from Batman Begins, as well as Bane and Selina Kyle's (individual) introductions from The Dark Knight Rises. The Tumbler Chase is drenched in deeper shadows than I recall seeing on both my Blu-ray and various theatrical formats circa 2005, but you can still see things like the metallic black paint and the church roof tiles as the Tumbler crunches across them. Bane's plane-heist is one of the most thrilling action sequences ever put to film and, much like Dunkirk, the full frame IMAX-filmed footage drips with detail and texture. It looks terrific. The Selena Kyle scene takes place in Bruce Wayne's shadowy mansion and was probably the least eye-popping footage of the evening. Skin tones and black levels are good, but there is a visible drop in sharpness compared to the IMAX footage (noticeably more so than Dunkirk's widescreen 70mm footage). This is understandable, expected even, and will likely be less visible to those who aren't an arm's length away from a screen. Still, the good news here is that there doesn't appear to be any over-sharpening; it's just hard to compete with IMAX 15/70. I also pixel-peeped the Matthew McConaughey vs Matt Damon ice planet fight sequence from Interstellar. Another IMAX-heavy scene, this one oozed detail, not only in terms of actor's faces and costume textures, but also in all the fine, specular highlight details. It's basically an all-white screen that (when watching on a Blu-ray) tends to bleed white on less capable displays, resulting in an image that's more light grey than pure white. Here, we see more lifelike white levels along with every icicle and glacial snowdrift. In terms of colors, these clips also include earth-set moments where the dying cornfields are a vivid, lifelike green. I can't wait to see more of this one. Lastly, we demoed Cobb/Ariadne's Paris training sequences from Inception -- the café slow-motion explosions, the mirror sequence, and folding Paris over itself -- which might be my personal favorite Nolan movie. Lacking IMAX footage, this one didn't have the look-at-me pop of Dunkirk, Interstellar, or The Dark Knight Rises, but overall it looks quite good. Without the Blu-ray handy, I don't know if I can fairly judge this one as a few of the effects elements lacked a bit of weight and the image wasn't always super-sharp. Much of this seems inherent to the source and, again, implies there's no unwanted digital sharpening. While I wasn't blown away, I'm looking forward to seeing more of this one in person and comparing it to the original Blu-ray. FINAL THOUGHTS While I used my best critical eye to drink in what was, presumably, a well-calibrated Sony OLED TV, these are just quick preview thoughts I hope will interest fans. I wasn't in a controlled environment. I didn't get to compare these transfers to the Blu-rays. And I didn't hear any audio (which, for anyone who hasn't been following, is going to remain 5.1 DTS-HD MA for all of Nolan's movies -- no Dolby Atmos or DTS:X). Important caveats aside, I'm very impressed and look forward to seeing the whole movies in 4K and/or reading what my team here at HDD has to say. I think Dunkirk is about to become a go-to demo disc while the other movies are going to look good to excellent depending on the original source materials. On a 65" or larger HDR10 capable display or projector, we're all in for a treat come December 19th. Pre-order listings for the Christopher Nolan Collection and The Prestige are not live yet, but we'll update this page when they are available. You can find the latest specs for all of the movies listed above linked from our 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under December 19. Stay tuned for more. Thanks for reading and have an awesome week! Order the 4K Blu-ray Order the 4K Blu-ray Order the 4K Blu-ray Order the 4K Blu-ray Order the 4K Blu-ray Order the 4K Blu-ray Order the 4K Blu-rayPosted Mon Nov 20, 2017 at 12:45 PM PST by: -
Coming Soon to Blu-ray: 'Battle of the Sexes,' 'Flatliners,' and More[teaser]Films starring Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Ellen Page, Jackie Chan, and more are all heading to Blu-ray.[/teaser] New info has been revealed for several upcoming Blu-ray releases from SGL Entertainment, Kino, Shout Factory, Image, Sony, Well Go USA, 20th Century Fox, Universal, Lionsgate, and Scorpion Releasing. Here's a full rundown of recently revealed details and title announcements: First up, SGL Entertainment is set to bring Jay Davis' The Misadventures of J Davis: The Hostile Takeover starring Jay Davis, Black Jack Johnson, and Giovanni Pauletti to Blu-ray on November 21. Supplements have not been announced. Order the Blu-ray Kino Lorber and Zeitgeist Films are prepping Hrund Gunnsteinsdottir's documentary InnSæi: The Power of Intuition for Blu-ray on November 21. Supplements will include: - Deleted Scenes - Previously Unseen Interviews - Alternative Edits In addition, Kino will release John Trengov's The Wound starring Nakhane Touré, Bongile Mantsai, and Niza Jay on December 12. Supplements will include: - Original Theatrical Trailer Likewise, the label is bringing The Pink Panther Cartoon Collection: Volume 1 to Blu-ray on January 30. The set will include: - 20 shorts in chronological order - All with original audio (no laugh tracks) and all received additional DRS and dirt removal- Audio commentaries for selected films, by author Mark Arnold, historian Jerry Beck, filmmaker Greg Ford, cartoon writer William Hohauser, music scholar Will Friedwald, and veteran DePatie-Freleng story-man Bob Kartz - Interspersed throughout find archival sound-bites from animation pioneer and DePatie-Freleng Enterprises co-founder, Friz Freleng himself.- Includes the 1964 THE PINK PHINK - Oscar Winner (Best Short Subject, Cartoons)- Reversible Blu-ray Art Meanwhile, Kino is preparing Nathan Juran's Jack the Giant Killer starring Kerwin Mathews, Judi Meredith, Torin Thatcher, Walter Burke, and Don Beddoe for Blu-ray in early 2018. Supplements and an exact release date have not been announced yet. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Image Entertainment is set to release Shane Abbess' The Osiris Child: Science Fiction Volume One starring Kellan Lutz, Daniel MacPherson, Isabel Lucas, Luke Ford, Rachel Griffiths, and Temuera Morrison on December 5. Supplements will include: - Deleted Scenes- Five Featurettes on the Making of The Osiris Child- Music Videos- Photo and Concept Art Galleries Order the Blu-ray As previously reported, Sony is prepping Niels Arden Oplev's Flatliners starring Ellen Page, Diego Luna, and Nina Dobrev for Blu-ray, and now the release date has been set for December 26. Newly announced supplements will include: - Deleted & Extended Scenes- Making the Rounds- Reviving a Cult Classic Order the Blu-ray 20th Century Fox is bringing Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris' Battle of the Sexes starring Emma Stone and Steve Carell to Blu-ray on January 2. Supplements will include: - Raw Footage: Billie Jean’s Grand Entrance- Reigniting the Rivalry- Billie Jean King: In Her Own Words- Galleries Order the Blu-ray Well Go USA has announced plans to release Stephen Fung's The Adventurers starring Jean Reno, Andy Lau, Shu Qi, Jingchu Zhang, and Tony Yo-ning Yang on January 2. Supplements will include: - 3-Part Making-of Featurette- Trailers Order the Blu-ray Shout Factory is preparing a Collector's Edition of Tom DeSimone's Hell Night starring Vincent Van Patten and Linda Blair for Blu-ray on January 2. The disc will feature a new 4K scan of the film taken from the best surviving archival print, and supplements will include: - NEW interviews with actors Linda Blair, Peter Barton, Vincent Van Patten, Suki Goodwin, Kevin Brophy and Jenny Neumann- Audio Commentary with Linda Blair, Tom DeSimone, Irwin Yablans and Bruce Cohn Curtis- Original Theatrical Trailer & TV spots- NEW interviews with Director Tom DeSimone, Producer Bruce Cohn Curtis, and Writer Randolph Feldman- NEW – Anatomy of the Death Scenes with Tom DeSimone, Randolph Feldman, Make-up artist Pam Peitzman, Art Director Steven G. Legler and Special Effects artist John Eggett- NEW - On Location at the Kimberly Crest House with Tom DeSimone- NEW – Gothic Design in Hell Night with Steven G. Legler- Original Radio spot- Photo Gallery featuring rare, never-before-seen stills In addition, the label will release Ian Kirby's Halo: The Fall of Reach starring Jen Taylor, Steve Downes, Michelle Lukes, and Travis Willingham on February 13. No other details have been announced at this time. Likewise, Halo Legends starring Emily Neves, David Wald, James Faulkner, Andy McAvin, Deke Anderson, and Shelley Calene-Black will also arrive on February 13. Supplements have not been revealed yet. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Lionsgate is bringing Simon Verhoeven's Friend Request starring Alycia Debnam-Carey, Brit Morgan, William Moseley, Connor Paolo, Sean Marquette, and Liesl Ahlers to Blu-ray on January 9. Supplements will include: - Friend Request: The Social Nightmare - Featurette In addition, the studio is releasing Jayson Thiessen's My Little Pony: The Movie starring Tara Strong, Emily Blunt, and Liev Schreiber on January 9 as well. Supplements will include: - Deleted scene - Music video - Three featurettes starring the Mane 6 - An exclusive Equestria Girls Short - A Hanazuki short. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray As previously reported, Universal is prepping Martin Campbell's The Foreigner starring Katie Leung, Jackie Chan, and Rufus Jones for Blu-ray, and now the release date has been announced as January 9. Newly revealed supplements will include: - Making-of- Interviews- Trailers Order the Blu-ray Scorpion Releasing has announced plans to bring Jeffrey Reiner's Trouble Bound starring Michael Madsen, Patricia Arquette, Billy Bob Thornton, Seymour Cassel, Sal Jenco, and Vincent Guastaferro to Blu-ray on January 16. The disc will feature a brand new 2016 REMASTER of the film, and supplements will include: - On-camera interview with writer Francis Delia- Original Trailer- Reversible Artwork Finally, the label is also prepping Alvin Rakoff's Death Ship for Blu-ray. An exact release date has not been revealed yet, but the limited edition disc will feature a new 2016 2K scan of the original camera negative which features the longer cut with the deleted scene included, and supplements will include: - Audio commentary with director Alvin Rakoff- Featurette including interviews with George Kennedy, Nick Mancuso, Jack Hill, Alvin Rakoff and more- The original script of Jack Hill- Watch the film in Nightmare Theater mode- Isolated music track- Learn what the ship says featurette- Still gallery- Theatrical trailer Order the Blu-ray You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule.Posted Sun Nov 19, 2017 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
'Fritz Lang: The Silent Films' Arriving on Blu-ray Next Week[teaser]The 12-Disc boxed set includes Metropolis, Die Nibelungen, and more. [/teaser] Kino is set to release 'Fritz Lang: The Silent Films' on Blu-ray on November 21. The Blu-ray set includes: Disc 1:THE SPIDERSStarring: Carl de Vogt, Ressel Orla, Paul Morgan, Lil Dagover, Georg John, Rudolf Lettinger Disc 2:HARAKIRIStarring: Lil Dagover, Niels Prien, Paul BiensfeldtTHE WANDERING SHADOWStarring Mia May, Hans Marr, Loni Nest, Rudolf Klein-Rogge Disc 3:FOUR AROUND THE WOMANStarring Carola Toelle, Hermann Böttcher, Rudolf Klein-Rogge, Harry Frank Disc 4:DESTINYStarring Bernhard Goetzke Lil Dagover, Walter Janssen, Hans Sternberg, Wilhelm Diegelmann, Rudolf Klein-RoggeSPECIAL FEATURES* Audio commentary by film historian Tim Lucas* Restoration demonstration footage* 2016 Re-release trailer Discs 5-6DR. MABUSE, THE GAMBLERStarring Rudolf Klein-Rogge, Aud Egede-Nissen, Gertrude Welcker, Alfred Abel, Bernhard Goetzke, Paul RichterSPECIAL FEATURES* "The Story Behind Dr. Mabuse," (52 Min.), a three-part documentary exploring the musical score by Aljoscha Zimmermann, the career of novelist Norbert Jacques, and an analysis of the film Discs 7-8:DIE NIBELUNGENStarring Paul Richter, Margarete Schön, Theodor Loos, Georg John, Hanna Ralph, Hans Adalbert Schlettow, Rudolf Klein-RoggeSPECIAL FEATURES* "The Legacy of the Nibelungen," a 68-minute documentary on the making and restoration of the film, by Guido Altendorf and Anke Wilkening* Newsreel footage taken on the set Disc 9:METROPOLISStarring Alfred Abel, Brigitte Helm, Gustav Fröhlich, Rudolf Klein-RoggeSPECIAL FEATURES* "Voyage to Metropolis," a 50-minute documentary on the making and restoration of the film* Interview with Paula Felix-Didier, curator of the Museo del Cine, Buenos Aires, where previously missing footage was discovered Disc 10:SPIESStarring Rudolf Klein-Rogge, Gerda Maurus, Willy Fritsch, Lupu Pick, Fritz RaspSPECIAL FEATURES* "Spies: A Small Film With Lots of Action" (2006, 72 Min.) a documentary by Guido Altendorf and Anke Wilkening* Original German theatrical trailer (5 min.) courtesy of the Austrian Film Museum, Vienna Disc 11:WOMAN IN THE MOONStarring Willy Fritsch, Gerda Maurus, Klaus Pohl, Fritz Rasp, Gustav von WangenheimSPECIAL FEATURES * "Woman in the Moon: The First Scientific Science Fiction Film," a documentary on the making of the film (14 Min.) 32 page booklet with essay by Tom Gunning Disc 12 (Bonus Disc):THE PLAGUE OF FLORENCEStarring Theodor Becker, Karl Bernhard, Julietta Brandt, Erner Huebsch, Otto Mannstaedt, Anders Wikman. You can find the latest specs for Fritz Lang: The Silent Films linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under November 21. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Nov 16, 2017 at 05:03 PM PST by: -
Criterion Details February 2018 Blu-ray Titles[teaser]The distributor has revealed its upcoming slate of February releases, including George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead and Jonathan Demme's The Silence of the Lambs.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Criterion is preparing Tom Jones, An Actor's Revenge, The Hero, The Silence of the Lambs, Night of the Living Dead, and Elevator to the Gallows for Blu-ray throughout the month of February. Elevator to the Gallows (February 6) - For his feature debut, twenty-four-year-old Louis Malle brought together a mesmerizing performance by Jeanne Moreau, evocative cinematography by Henri Decaë, and a now legendary jazz score by Miles Davis. Taking place over the course of one restless Paris night, Malle’s richly atmospheric crime thriller stars Moreau and Maurice Ronet as star-crossed lovers whose plan to murder her husband (his boss) goes awry, setting off a chain of events that seals their fate. A career touchstone for its director and female star, Elevator to the Gallows was an astonishing beginning to Malle’s eclectic body of work, and it established Moreau as one of the most captivating actors to ever grace the screen. - New 2K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray- Interview from 2005 with actor Jeanne Moreau- Archival interviews with Moreau, director Louis Malle, actor Maurice Ronet, and original soundtrack session pianist René Urtreger- Footage of Miles Davis and Malle from the soundtrack recording session- Program from 2005 about the score featuring jazz trumpeter Jon Faddis and critic Gary Giddins- Malle’s student film Crazeologie, featuring Charlie Parker’s song “Crazeology”- Trailers- PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by critic Terrence Rafferty, an interview with Malle, and a tribute by film producer Vincent Malle Order the Blu-ray Night of the Living Dead (February 13) - Shot outside Pittsburgh on a shoestring budget by a band of filmmakers determined to make their mark, Night of the Living Dead, directed by horror master George A. Romero, is one of the great stories of independent cinema: a midnight hit turned box-office smash that became one of the most influential films of all time. A deceptively simple tale of a group of strangers trapped in a farmhouse who find themselves fending off a horde of recently dead, flesh-eating ghouls, Romero’s claustrophobic vision of a late-1960s America literally tearing itself apart rewrote the rules of the horror genre, combined gruesome gore with acute social commentary, and quietly broke ground by casting a black actor (Duane Jones) in its lead role. Stark, haunting, and more relevant than ever, Night of the Living Dead is back, in a new 4K restoration. - New 4K digital restoration, supervised by director George A. Romero, coscreenwriter John A. Russo, sound engineer Gary R. Streiner, and producer Russell W. Streiner- New restoration of the monaural soundtrack, supervised by Romero and Gary R. Streiner, and presented uncompressed on the Blu-ray- Night of Anubis, a never-before-presented work-print edit of the film- New program featuring filmmakers Frank Darabont, Guillermo del Toro, and Robert Rodriguez- Never-before-seen 16 mm dailies reel- New piece featuring Russo about the commercial and industrial-film production company where key Night of the Living Dead filmmakers got their start-Two audio commentaries from 1994, featuring Romero, Russo, producer Karl Hardman, actor Judith O’Dea, and more- Archival interviews with Romero and actors Duane Jones and Judith Ridley- New programs about the editing, the score, and directing ghouls- New interviews with Gary R. Streiner and Russel W. Streiner- Trailer, radio spots, and TV spots- More! - PLUS: An essay by critic Stuart Klawans Order the Blu-ray The Silence of the Lambs (February 13) - In this chilling adaptation of the best-selling novel by Thomas Harris, the astonishingly versatile director Jonathan Demme crafted a taut psychological thriller about an American obsession: serial murder. As Clarice Starling, an FBItrainee who enlists the help of the infamous Hannibal “the Cannibal” Lecter to gain insight into the mind of another killer, Jodie Foster subverts classic gender dynamics and gives one of the most memorable performances of her career. As her foil, Anthony Hopkins is the archetypical antihero—cultured, quick-witted, and savagely murderous—delivering a harrowing portrait of humanity gone terribly wrong. A gripping police procedural and a disquieting immersion into a twisted psyche, The Silence of the Lambs swept the Academy Awards (best picture, best director, best screenplay, best actress, best actor) and remains a cultural touchstone. - New 4K digital restoration, approved by director of photography Tak Fujimoto, with 2.0 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack on the Blu-ray- Alternate 5.1 surround soundtrack, presented in DTS-HD Master Audio on the Blu-ray- Audio commentary from 1994 featuring director Jonathan Demme, actors Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, screenwriter Ted Tally, and former FBI agent John Douglas- New interview with critic Maitland McDonagh- Thirty-five minutes of deleted scenes- Interview from 2005 with Demme and Foster- Inside the Labyrinth, a 2001 documentary- Page to Screen, a 2002 program about the adaptation- Scoring “The Silence,” a 2004 interview program featuring composer Howard Shore- Understanding the Madness, a 2008 program featuring interviews with retired FBI special agents- Original behind-the-scenes featurette- Trailer- PLUS: An essay by critic Amy Taubin along with, in the Blu-ray edition, a new introduction by Foster; an account of the origins of the character Hannibal Lecter by author Thomas Harris; and a 1991 interview with Demme Order the Blu-ray The Hero (February 20) - In this psychologically rich character study, written and directed by Satyajit Ray, Bengali film star Uttam Kumar draws on his real-world celebrity to play Arindam Mukherjee, a matinee idol on the brink of his first flop. When Mukherjee boards an overnight train to Delhi to accept an award, a journalist (Sharmila Tagore) approaches him seeking an exclusive interview, which initiates a conversation that sends the actor reeling down a path of self-examination. Seamlessly integrating rueful flashbacks and surreal dream sequences with the quietly revelatory stories of the train’s other passengers, The Hero is a graceful meditation on art, fame, and regret from one of world cinema’s most keenly perceptive filmmakers. - New, restored 2K digital transfer, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray- Interview from 2008 with actor Sharmila Tagore- New program featuring film scholar Meheli Sen- New English subtitle translation- PLUS: An essay by author Pico Iyer and a 1980 tribute to Kumar by Ray Order the Blu-ray An Actor's Revenge (February 20) - A uniquely prolific and chameleonic figure of world cinema, Kon Ichikawa delivered a burst of stylistic bravado with this intricate tale of betrayal and retribution. Set in the cloistered world of nineteenth-century kabuki theater, the film charts a female impersonator’s attempts to avenge the deaths of his parents, who were driven to insanity and suicide by a trio of corrupt men. Ichikawa takes the conventions of melodrama and turns them on their head, bringing the hero’s fractured psyche to life in boldly experimental widescreen compositions infused with kaleidoscopic color, pop-art influences, and meticulous choreography. Anchored by a magnificently androgynous performance by Kazuo Hasegawa, reprising a role he had played on-screen three decades earlier, An Actor’s Revenge is an eye-popping examination of how the illusions of art intersect with life. - New 4K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray- Rare 1999 Directors Guild of Japan interview with director Kon Ichikawa, conducted by critic and filmmaker Yuki Mori- New interview with critic, filmmaker, and festival programmer Tony Rayns- New English subtitle translation- PLUS: An essay by critic Michael Sragow Order the Blu-ray Tom Jones (February 27) - In the early 1960s, at the height of the British New Wave, a movement whose gritty realism they had helped establish, director Tony Richardson and playwright John Osborne set out for more fanciful narrative territory. Tom Jonesbrings a theatrical flair to Henry Fielding’s canonical eighteenth-century novel, boisterously chronicling the misadventures of the foundling of the title (Albert Finney, in a career-defining turn), whose easy charm seems to lead him astray at every turn from his beloved, the wellborn Sophie Western (Susannah York). This spirited picaresque, evocatively shot in England’s rambling countryside and featuring an extraordinary ensemble cast, went on to become a worldwide sensation, winning the Oscar for best picture on the way to securing its status as a classic of irreverent wit and playful cinematic expression. - New 4K digital restorations of the original theatrical version of the film and the 1989 director’s cut, both supervised by director of photography Walter Lassally, with uncompressed monaural and stereo soundtracks on the Blu-ray- New program on the film’s cinematography featuring a conversation between Lassally and critic Peter Cowie- Excerpt from a 1982 episode of The Dick Cavett Show featuring actor Albert Finney- New interview with actor Vanessa Redgrave on director Tony Richardson, to whom she was married from 1962 to 1967- New interview with film scholar Duncan Petrie on the movie’s impact on British cinema- Illustrated archival audio interview with composer John Addison on his Oscar-winning score for the film- New interview with the director’s-cut editor, Robert Lambert- PLUS: An essay by scholar Neil Sinyard Order the Blu-ray You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed throughout February.Posted Thu Nov 16, 2017 at 07:50 AM PST by: -
Deadpool Shares His Passion for Painting in First 'Deadpool 2' Teaser[teaser]The "Merc with a Mouth" will return to theaters in June.[/teaser] 20th Century Fox has released the first teaser trailer for David Leitch's Deadpool 2. The movie is set to premiere on June 1, 2018. After surviving a near fatal bovine attack, a disfigured cafeteria chef (Wade Wilson) struggles to fulfill his dream of becoming Mayberry's hottest bartender while also learning to cope with his lost sense of taste. Searching to regain his spice for life, as well as a flux capacitor, Wade must battle ninjas, the yakuza, and a pack of sexually aggressive canines, as he journeys around the world to discover the importance of family, friendship, and flavor – finding a new taste for adventure and earning the coveted coffee mug title of World's Best Lover. The playful "Wet on Wet" teaser focuses on Deadpool as he channels the late, great Bob Ross to teach us how to paint some happy little trees. And in between all the brush strokes, we're also given our first look at actual footage from the film. Check out the teaser trailer below! Deadpool 2 stars Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson / Deadpool, Morena Baccarin as Vanessa, Josh Brolin as Nathan Summers / Cable, Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, T.J. Miller as Weasel, Zazie Beetz as Domino, and Stefan Kapicic as Colossus. The movie comes from director David Leitch with a script by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. Other upcoming movies in 20th Century Fox's X-Men franchise include Josh Boone's The New Mutants starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Maisie Williams, and Alice Braga which is set for an April 13, 2018 release; and Simon Kinberg's X-Men: Dark Phoenix starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Sophie Turner, and Jessica Chastain which is set for a November 2, 2018 release. Likewise, the studio's long in development Gambit film starring Channing Tatum recently signed on Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl) as its latest director following the previous departures of Rupert Wyatt and Doug Liman. The movie is now scheduled for a February 14, 2019 release. Source: 20th Century Fox (YouTube)Posted Wed Nov 15, 2017 at 06:50 AM PST by: -
Want to see The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly on 4K Blu-ray? Vote now!It seems we can't go more than a day or two without some tantalizing - and somewhat frustrating - news about a possible 4K UHD Blu-ray double dip on the horizon. The latest in this neverending saga of physical media has to do with Kino Lorber Studio Classics and their proposed plans about possibly, maybe, doing a 4K UHD Blu-ray release of The Good, the bad, and the Ugly. Yeah, this news drops just a month or two after their already impressive 50th Anniversary Blu-ray release. But here's the kicker, on the Studio Classics' Facebook page, they're giving us the fans the deciding vote! All you have to do is select Happy for "Yes" or Hate for "No." They're not letting folks add to the comments thread so don't try - just let your emotional symbol flag fly. Before you get too excited - or too angry - this 4K UHD release would only be available for the 179-minute extended cut from the MGM 4K master - not the recent cooler color grading that Kino did. Why this is, I have no idea. But thems the rules. If this is a sticking thorn for you, bare in mind, participation in this may dictate future releases in 4K. Kino is on deck to release A Fistful of Dollars and For a Few Dollars More on Blu-ray from fresh new 4K restorations. How cool would it be to get those on a good and proper 4K UHD Blu-ray? Kino Lorber Studio Classics is pumping out some top tier titles these days and I for one am favorable to this release - especially if it means there's a chance at future 4K UHD titles. We know studios aren't too keen on their back catalog titles these days so if Studio Classics can step in to fill the 4K UHD void on that front, I think they should get all the encouragement they can get. But that's just my piece of the pie. If you want your voice heard - head over to Kino Lorber Studio Classics Facebook page and leave your Like or Angry. We'll keep you posted as this develops.Posted Wed Nov 15, 2017 at 06:07 AM PST by: -
Stranger Things Season One 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Coming From Target!Holy upside down double dip, Stranger Things fans! Remember my review for that super cool VHS-shaped Blu-ray release of Stranger Things? Yeah, it wasn't that long ago. We even did an awesome unboxing video thinking that this release was going to be the final word on Netflix's ode to 80s science fiction/horror on physical media. Turns out that's not the case. As some lucky customers discovered at their local Target stores over the weekend, there is a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release on the way! Yup, you read that right. Now, this isn't available in stores yet - or at least it shouldn't be. Apparently, some stores got their stock early, didn't know what they had, and put it out on shelves where some eagle-eyed shoppers knew something was a bit off and snapped them up before they were put away. I gave a call to all of my local Chicago-area stores and none of them had it in stock, but they confirmed to me that it is real. If you're hunting and pecking around, here is the UPC number to ask for: 191764410522. The formal street date is also a bit of a mystery. One store told me their stock gets in on 11/27 and it's due out 11/28. Another store told me it doesn't street until 12/5. So this is yet another stealth Stranger Things release that is leaving a lot of important details hanging out around Barb in the upside down.If you're on the hunt at your local stores, the box art is slightly different with a new picture of Eleven front and center and instead of a uniform black color, there's white trim along the bottom with the box given the fake distressed look. On the back, the tech specs detail 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray - but no mention of HDR or Dolby Vision. UPDATE: Sources on other forums who purchased the set stated the tech specs match Netflix's streaming options for Season 1 -- 4K but NO HDR with a 5.1 Dolby Digital audio mix. However, since this will be a 4K release, Steve's hair will probably look better than ever! When confirmed artwork and tech specs are made available, we'll update our listings and crank out a review and probably another unboxing video while we're at it. Until then, we'll keep you posted as this craziness develops.Posted Mon Nov 13, 2017 at 02:21 PM PST by: -
Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Blu-rays & 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays of 2017Unlike in The Purge, the annual holiday season is one for celebration, joy, and excitement! Finding the perfect gift for the people on your list can be a bit tough, but we're here to make things run a bit more smoothly for you. 2017 saw a huge number of great releases on a variety of formats. From movies and television shows to special edition Blu-rays and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray debuts, there are some truly great titles out there worth adding to the collection of that special someone on your shopping list. [teaser]To help you sort through all the great titles, we're pleased to bring you High-Def Digest's Holiday Gift Guide 2017 Edition![/teaser] The Best Blu-rays of 2017 (So Far) Spider-Man Homecoming Spider-man made a grand return in this high flying web spinning tie-in to the official Marvel Cinematic Universe. Not only did it reinvigorate one of the screen's biggest and best superheroes, this movie also proved that old webhead has plenty of life left in it! Check it out on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, or 3D Blu-ray! The Big Sick Just when you think the romantic comedy is dead and buried, along comes a wonderful movie like The Big Sick. With a terrific cast and a smart script, this little gem is perfect for a great laugh with plenty of heart. We're sure someone on your list will want this one. Wonder Woman Superheroes are all the rage these days. Just when you thought the genre might be getting a little stale, Wonder Woman comes along and gives you something to cheer for. Not only is it one of the best superhero films of the year, it's one of the best superhero films ever made. Great for kids and adults of all ages who want to have a great time! Snap it up on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and 3D Blu-ray. Arrival One of the best films of 2016 makes for one of the best home video titles of 2017. The arrival is the perfect gift for the thoughtful science fiction fan on your list. If you've never seen it, maybe make room under the tree for a copy for yourself! Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. War for the Planet of the Apes Who would have thought that a rebooted Planet of the Apes film would turn into one of the best science fiction trilogies ever made? If your loved one enjoyed Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, this film is an essential part of the collection. Available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and 3D Blu-ray. La La Land Know someone who loves musicals? The holiday season is the best time to give them one of the most colorful movies of 2016 - it also sports some damn catchy tunes and raked in some serious Oscar gold. It's a great addition to any collection so you can't go wrong! Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Know any Harry Potter fans? Moving beyond the seminal J. K. Rowling books, this prequel film sets the stage for events that happen long before Harry was born - and it's a thrilling magical adventure. Good for kids of all ages and adults with active imaginations, this is an easy one to recommend! Available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and 3D Blu-ray. Alien Covenant Ridley Scott returns to the Alien franchise with his latest prequel film. Like Prometheus before it, this flick may have divided some fans, but it's a solid entry in the series and marks the return of our beloved chest-bursting two-mouthed Xenomorph! No Alien collection is complete without this one. Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. Beauty and the Beast Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme, this live-action update of the animated Disney classic is certainly one to add to the collection! As one of the biggest movies of the year, it's a beautiful disc and is the perfect gift for any Disney fan on your shopping list. Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2 Get caught up in the hijinks of the galaxy's worst group of heroes! The first film was an instant fan favorite and this sequel is one of Marvel Studios best. All of the adventure, excitement, and groovy tunes make for the perfect gift for just about anyone on our shopping list! Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. Baby Driver Talking about movies with great soundtracks, this action adventure comedy from Edgar Wright is something to keep on your radar. If you know someone who loves fast cars, great action sequences, and some of the best classic tunes ever recorded, this flick is a must get for that person on your list. Also available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. Dunkirk Anytime you get a Christopher Nolan film on disc, it's virtually guaranteed to make someone happy on your shopping list. This terrific film about one of the most important events of WWII will keep people pinned to their seats and left breathless. Arriving just in time for the holidays, this is absolutely one you should keep an eye out for. Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. Atomic Blonde Wonder Woman wasn't the only gal to kick some serious ass this year. Hot off her turn in Mad Max: Fury Road, Theron proves herself more than adept at carrying her own solo action franchise. Perfect for the action junkie on your list, we're hoping this one gets a follow-up flick - and fast! Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. Hidden Figures Another great flick from 2016 becomes a must own disc in 2017. If you love important historic events, have a love for space travel, this film more than delivers the goods. Filled with great performances, it's sure to delight just about everyone on your list. Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story The force is strong with the Star Wars franchise. Audiences ate up this anthology film that bridged the gap between Episode III and IV and showed fans a different side of events that happened a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. It's the perfect stocking-stuffer for the fan on your list. Get Out Horror had a bang-up year in 2017 with several new thrilling and chilling entries in the franchise. Get Out was a clever and shocking flick with twists at every turn. As a phenomenal success at the box office, this one is perfect for any horror fan on your list. Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. Doctor Strange With all of your favorite superheroes hitting the big screen these days, Marvel decided it was a good time to cast a little magic with this colorful and exciting adventure film. With a great cast, awesome action, and impressive visuals, there's nothing strange about picking this one up for someone on your list. Available on Blu-ray and 3D Blu-ray. Moonlight Winner of Best Picture at the 2017 Oscars, Moonlight is a powerful piece of filmmaking that deserves all of the accolades it achieved. With some great performances, terrific writing, and exceptional directing - someone on your list is sure to need this in their collection. Available on Blu-ray and coming soon to 4K UHD. Power Rangers Sure, some folks could call this a kid's movie, but if you were a kid in the 90s, you're the perfect audience for this big-budget update of the classic television show. It's bright, beautiful, and action packed with more than a few nods to the original show. Available in 4K UHD and Blu-ray. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets From the director of the sci-fi fan favorite The Fifth Element, this film may not have lit up the box office, but it's sure to brighten just about any home theater setup. It's colorful, loud, and loaded with action and adventure. Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. Kong: Skull Island Did you or someone on your shopping list love 2014's Godzilla? Well, get ready for Kong! This action adventure movie brought the big ape back to life with great action and spectacular visual effects. While fans wait for the new Godzilla flick to arrive, satiate their cravings for big monster action! Available in 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and 3D Blu-ray. Fate of the Furious 8 films strong and this franchise shows no signs of running out of gas anytime soon! No collection of Furious movies is complete without this off the wall flick. Where else are you going to see a bunch of cars on ice take on a submarine? The action junkie on your list will love you for this one. Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. John Wick Chapter 2 Keanu Reeves proves once again he's more than up to the challenge of delivering a solid action flick. The first film was a grand tale of cold-blooded revenge. This sequel quickly picks up soon after the events of the first film with guns blazing. It's a thrill a minute action fest and makes the perfect gift. Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. Logan It's hard to say goodbye to a favorite character - or at least a particular actor playing a particular character. As Hugh Jackman's final bow as everyone's favorite Canadian with rage issues, this is a violent, somber, and emotional rollercoaster ride of action. It's a hell of a film and will make a great addition to any collection. Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. The Most Bingeable TV Shows of 2017 Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life Ten years is a long time to go without our favorite fast-talking gals of Stars Hollow. A bittersweet reunion packed with laughs, drama, and all of the great colorful characters we know and love. If you have a Gilmore Girls fan in your home, this is the perfect gift to wrap up for them this holiday season. Game of Thrones: The Complete Seventh Season Well, winter is here. What better way to spend your cold days than watching the latest happenings from Westeros? No collection is complete without this season as the show stears itself towards the inevitable yet unfortunate conclusion. This is an easy one to wrap up for someone on your list. Planet Earth II If you've already seen the original Planet Earth, you can trust Planet Earth II to deliver all of the fascinating splendor of nature with some of the most striking images ever photographed. We're pretty sure there's someone on your list who would love to have this as part of their collection. Available in 4K UHD and Blu-ray. Ash vs Evil Dead The Complete Second Season Pick up your chainsaws and boomsticks, Ash's dealings with the deadites ain't over yet! Everyone's favorite cowardly hero smashes his way back onto the small screen in another terrifyingly hilarious season! If you've got an Evil Dead or Army of Darkness fan on your list, speak from the pages of the Necronomicon and make sure they get this in their collections! Star Trek: Enterprise The Complete Series With a new Star Trek show streaming, it's a good time to get caught up with past shows. While Enterprise may not have been the greatest piece of Star Trek to reach TV screens, it was a solid series and gave hours of great entertainment. This Complete Series set is the perfect gift to beam to the away team who can't make it home for the holidays. Twin Peaks: A Limited Event Series Ever wanted an answer to the wild and cryptic end to the original run of Twin Peaks? Well, get ready for some more questions with this Limited Event Series from David Lynch. It's 18 hours of great characters, mystery, and intrigue that only David Lynch could deliver. This is a must own for series fans. The Walking Dead: The Complete Seventh Season When there's no more room in movie theaters, the dead will walk TV screens. The walkers show no signs of slowing down as The Walking Dead keeps rolling along with Rick and the rest of the band of survivors coming up against their deadliest human foe yet. Any zombie fan on your list will happily unwrap this one! Westworld Season One: The Maze Never count out HBO when it comes to delivering impressive entertainment value. This brutal and visually stunning piece of science fiction storytelling has plenty of twists and turns to please Western and Sci-fi fans. It's also HBO's first release on 4K, so if you have someone on your list who loves the best picture and audio possible, this is one to add to their pile of gifts. Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. South Park Seasons! Who would have thought that fans would be getting the first 11 seasons of one of the funniest animated shows on Blu-ray? Fans have been waiting for ages for this news and these seasons are finally on their way - help them out by picking up a few! Even just one or two seasons should be enough to get them laughing for hours. Season 1, Season 2, Season 3, Season 4, Season 5, Season 6, Season 7, Season 8, Season 9, Season 10, and Season 11 will be available this holiday season. The Best Kids' Movies of 2017 Moana One of Disney's brightest and best gets one heck of a great Blu-ray release. Sure, this one is meant for the kids of the family, but there's plenty for adults to love as well. Disney pulled out the stops for this one making it an easy title to recommend you pick up for the youngster on your list. Available on Blu-ray and 3D Blu-ray. Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie Just when you thought you've seen every superhero get their big screen debut, along comes one of the best kids movies of the year. Again kids will love it, but there's plenty of stuff for adults to love. It's bright, colorful, and two tons of fun. Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. The LEGO Batman Movie Not only is this one a great LEGO movie, it's also one of the best Batman movies ever made. it's hilarious and action-packed. Kids and comic book fans alike will love having this one in their collection. Pick one up and brace yourself for a great time. Available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and 3D Blu-ray. Despicable Me 3 Just when you thought your kids couldn't get any more minions, here comes a couple more along with their old pal Gru! If your little ones loved the first movies, this one is guaranteed to delight. If you happen to like the yellow beeping buddies, you should have an equally good time watching this one too. Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. Cars 3 One of Pixar's speediest and most colorful flicks zooms out of the gate strong with this entertaining third entry. If your little ones loved the first two films, they're sure to be overjoyed with this latest race from Lightning McQueen and his trusty pal Mater. Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. The Best Criterion Collection Titles of 2017 Lone Wolf and Cub If there is someone on your list who loves samurai movies or was a big fan of Criterion's Zatoichi box set, keep Lone Wolf and Cub on your radar. Six films in all, this three-disc Blu-ray set is an essential piece to anyone's Criterion Collection. For fans of classic sword slinging Japanese action, look no further. Barry Lyndon One of Stanley Kubrick's greatest, most visually sumptuous films gets a truly terrific Criterion Collection release. With a new picture restoration, an audio track in keeping with Kubrick's intentions, and a host of new bonus features will sure to please any collector on your list. Tampopo This is one of the most exciting releases to come down the Criterion Collection pipeline! A "Ramen Western," this film blends traditional Japanese ramen soup and American westerns in this wildly exciting, fun, and entertaining yarn. We're sure someone on your list will love tearing off the wrapping paper for this delicious flick. Stalker Any day we can get another Andrei Tarkovsky film on Blu-ray is a good one. Stalker is yet another ambitious science fiction film from the visionary filmmaker. This film was years in the making and features some of the most breathtaking visuals ever captured. It's well worth the look if you've never seen it - or know the perfect person who would love to open it! Sid & Nancy Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll, nothing quite lives up to that phrase quite like the sordid story of the Sex Pistol's bassist and his girlfriend. While also serving as a biopic of the late rock legend, the film is a grand and dirty tour of the Punk Rock scene - and it's a magnificent addition to Criterion's lineup. It's a good one to keep in mind for fans on your shopping list. Othello (1952 & 1955) One of the most complex adaptations ever made is given the full Criterion Collection treatment it rightly deserves. Orson Welles struggled for years to complete this intricate and beautifully shot film. With stellar picture and audio as well as a bunch of great bonus features, this is an easy one to wrap up for the classic movie fan on your list. Blow-Up There's nothing quite like a great 70s era thriller and Blow-up is no slouch. From Michelangelo Antonioni, this thriller is a race against time that keeps the audience guessing - while also sitting on the edge of their seats. It's a great film with a solid Criterion Collection release and should be one to keep in mind for someone you're shopping for. Woman of the Year Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy were one of Hollywood's most famous couples on screen - as well as off. Making nine films together over a period of 25 years, Woman of the Year is where their whirlwind romance began. Not only is the behind the scenes drama interesting, it's also a wonderful romantic comedy and anyone who loves the classics will be glad to have this one wrapped up for them. The Lodger Alfred Hitchcock may have made only a few silent films, but one of his best was this 1927 classic retelling of the Jack the Ripper murders. It's moody, atmospheric, thrilling, and intensely entertaining. A worthy entry in the Criterion Collection and a great one to give to the Hitchcock fan on your shopping list. Multiple Maniacs Know any fans of sleazy cinema? The master, John Waters finally breaks into the Criterion Collection with one hell of a great release. Prepare to be shocked, grossed out, possibly offended, but guaranteed to be entertained. If you know someone who loves Waters' films, keep an eye out for this terrific disc. Essential 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Upgrades Blade Runner: The Final Cut One of the best science fiction films ever made gets the full 4K UHD treatment it has always deserved. With a new picture transfer and new Dolby Atmos audio mix, this is a must-have for any 4K UHD fan on your shopping list! The Dark Knight: Trilogy Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy is getting the full 4K upgrade fans need and deserve. We're extremely excited to get our hands on this release as it arrives just in time for the holidays making it the perfect gift for the Batman fan on your list. Also - keep an eye out for 4K UHD release of Interstellar arriving later this year! Harry Potter: 8 Film Collection You shouldn't need a sorting hat to figure out who to give this terrific set to. Just about everyone would love to get their hands on this set. One of the greatest series of films is making its debut on 4K UHD in a nice and tidy little package. Keep this one in mind for an especially good boy, girl, or worthy adult on your list. Unforgiven Not only is this film one of Clint Eastwood's best films, it's also one of the best westerns ever made. On top of this being a great film and a fan favorite, it's absolutely glorious in 4K with terrific picture and audio quality. Even no one on your list is ready for 4K, the included Blu-ray disc features an upgraded audio mix making it a terrific all-around package. Bram Stoker's Dracula One of the most visually stunning films of the 90s gets a beautiful picture and audio upgrade. Even if you thought the film looked great on Blu-ray, you haven't seen - or heard - anything yet! It's a must-have for fans and it's a great one to keep in mind for the horror buff on your list. Great Blu-rays Worth Shopping For Annabelle: Creation The Beguiled (2017) Rawhead Rex Cult of Chucky Superman: The Movie Extended Cut 2-Film Collection A Ghost Story Crime of Passion Rebecca (Criterion Collection) The Lion King: The Signature Collection Alien 6-Film Collection The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 50th Anniversary Edition The Boss Baby Batman: Mask of the Phantasm Slither: Collector's Edition Colossal Teen Wolf: Collector's Edition Joe Vs the Volcano The Pink Panther Film Collection The Apple Heat: Director's Definitive Edition Bambi: The Signature Collection Streets of Fire: Collector's Edition Serial Mom: Collector's Edition Split Lifeboat Lion A*P*E 3-D The Man Who Fell To Earth Hacksaw RidgePosted Fri Nov 10, 2017 at 11:41 AM PST by: -
Rian Johnson Set to Develop New 'Star Wars' Trilogy[teaser]The writer/director of The Last Jedi is returning to a galaxy far, far away.[/teaser] Disney and Lucasfilm have announced plans to create a new Star Wars trilogy with filmmaker Rian Johnson. Johnson previously directed The Last Jedi which is set to hit theaters on December 15. "We all loved working with Rian on The Last Jedi," said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. "He's a creative force, and watching him craft The Last Jedi from start to finish was one of the great joys of my career. Rian will do amazing things with the blank canvas of this new trilogy." Though full details on the new trilogy have not been announced yet, the films will tell a story separate from the episodic Skywalker saga, allowing Johnson to spotlight new characters and locations not yet seen in the Star Wars franchise. Johnson is currently set to write and direct the first installment, and Ram Bergman is attached to produce. Meanwhile, Johnson's upcoming Star Wars: The Last Jedi will pick up where Star Wars: The Force Awakens left off, following Rey (Daisy Ridley) as she continues her epic journey with Finn (John Boyega), Poe (Oscar Isaac) and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in the next chapter of the original saga. Check out the official trailer below! "We had the time of our lives collaborating with Lucasfilm and Disney on The Last Jedi," Johnson and Bergman said in a joint statement. "Star Wars is the greatest modern mythology and we feel very lucky to have contributed to it. We can't wait to continue with this new series of films." Release dates for the new films have not been revealed at this time. Source: StarWars.comPosted Thu Nov 9, 2017 at 03:15 PM PST by: -
Coming Soon to Blu-ray: 'Drag Me To Hell,' 'Cadillac Man,' 'S.W.A.T.,' and More[teaser]A new Collector's Edition of Sam Raimi's Drag Me To Hell is among the latest crop of upcoming Blu-ray discs.[/teaser] New info has been revealed for several upcoming Blu-ray releases from Kino, Mill Creek Entertainment, Shout Factory, and Vinegar Syndrome. Here's a full rundown of recently revealed details and title announcements: First up, Kino is set to bring Jean Delannoy's Maigret and the St. Fiacre Case starring Jean Gabin, Michel Auclair, Valentine Tessier, Jacques Morel, Michel Vitold, and Gabrielle Fontan to Blu-ray on December 5. Supplements have not been announced, but the film will feature a new digital restoration. Likewise, the label will also release Jean Delannoy's Maigret Sets a Trap starring Jean Gabin, Annie Girardot, Olivier Hussenot, Jeanne Boitel, Lucienne Bogaert, and Jean Debucourt on December 5 as well. Supplements have not been announced, but the film will feature a new digital restoration. Meanwhile, Roger Donaldson's Cadillac Man starring Robin Williams, Tim Robbins, Pamela Reed, Fran Drescher, and Zack Norman is set to hit Blu-ray on January 2. Supplements will include: - NEW Audio Commentary by director Roger Donaldson- Theatrical Trailer In addition, Kino is also prepping Dan Curtis' Trilogy of Terror starring Karen Black, Robert Burton, John Karlen, George Gaynes, and Jim Storm for Blu-ray. Supplements and an exact release date have not been announced yet. Finally, the label will bring Richard Wallace's The Young in Heart starring Janet Gaynor, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Paulette Goddard, Roland Young, and Billie Burke to Blu-ray in 2018. Supplements and an exact release date have not been announced yet. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Mill Creek Entertainment is prepping a 35th Anniversary Edition of Antonio Margheriti's Yor, The Hunter From The Future starring Reb Brown, Corinne Clery and Luciano Pigozzi for Blu-ray on January 16. Supplements will include: - EXCLUSIVE NEW audio commentary with star Reb Brown Likewise, the label will also release a Special Edition of Clark Johnson's S.W.A.T. starring Colin Farrell, Jeremy Renner, and Samuel L. Jackson on January 16 as well. Supplements will include: - Two audio commentary tracks with cast and crew not previously available on any Blu-ray release! Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray As previously reported, Shout Factory is preparing Greydon Clark's Dance Macabre starring Robert Englund and Michelle Zeitlin for Blu-ray on January 23, and pre-orders are now live. Supplements have not been detailed yet. In addition, the label is bringing James Glickenhaus' Shakedown starring Peter Weller, Sam Elliott, Richard Brooks, Jude Ciccolella, and Thomas G. Waites to Blu-ray on January 23 as well. No other details have been announced at this time. Meanwhile, the company's Scream Factory imprint is set to release Curtis Harrington's Games starring Simone Signoret, James Caan, Katharine Ross, Don Stroud, Kent Smith, and Estelle Winwood on Blu-ray on February 13. No other details have been announced. Scream Factory will also bring a new Collector's Edition of Sam Raimi's Drag Me To Hell starring Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, and Dileep Rao to Blu-ray on February 13. The disc will feature a brand new transfer and supplements will include: - BRAND NEW interviews with stars Alison Lohman and Lorna Raver- And more! In addition, William Castle's The Night Walker starring Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor will hit Blu-ray on February 20. No other details have been revealed at this time. Likewise, Tibor Takács' The Gate II: The Trespassers starring Louis Tripp, Simon Reynolds, James Villemaire, and Pamela Adlon will also arrive on Blu-ray on February 20. Supplements have not been detailed yet. Joseph Sargent's Colossus: The Forbin Project starring Eric Braeden, Susan Clark, Gordon Pinsent, and William Schallert will then follow on February 27. Supplements have not been revealed at this time. Meanwhile, Nico Mastorakis' Nightmare at Noon starring Wings Hauser, Bo Hopkins, and George Kennedy will arrive on March 20. No other details have been announced so far. Finally, Scream Factory has also announced plans to bring Scott Glosserman's Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon: Collector's Edition to Blu-ray. Supplements and an exact release date have not been revealed. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Vinegar Syndrome is prepping Slava Tsukerman's Liquid Sky starring Anne Carlisle for Blu-ray on November 24. The disc will feature a brand new 4K restoration of the film from the 35mm original negative, and supplements will include: - Brand new commentary track with: Slava Tsukerman (director)- Interviews- Director's Introduction- "Liquid Sky Revisited" (2017) – 50 minute making-of documentary- Q&A from a 2017 Alamo Dafthouse Yonkers screening with: Slava Tsukerman, Anne Carlisle and Clive Smith (music)- Isolated soundtrack- Never before seen outtakes- Alternate opening sequence- Behind the scenes rehearsal footage- And more! In addition, the label will bring a Double Feature set with Andy Milligan's Seeds and Vapors to Blu-ray on December 12. The films have been newly scanned and restored in 4K from a mixture of 35mm & 16mm vault elements, and supplements will include: - "VAPORS" – short film directed by Andy Milligan- "SEEDS OF SIN" – alternate feature length sexploitation version- Interviews- Q&A from the Quad Cinema NYC screening in 2017 with John Borske, Gerald Jacuzzo and Patricia Dillon (actress / SEEDS)- Original theatrical trailer- Still Gallery Likewise, Vinegar Syndrome will also release Bernard Hirschenson's Pick-Up on December 12 as well. The disc will feature a brand new 2K restoration of the film from the 35mm original camera negative, and supplements will include: - Audio Commentary track with: Bernard Hirschenson (director)- "Orgy at Lil's Place" (1963) – bonus feature film co-produced & photographed by Bernard Hirschenson- Interviews- Trailers- Alternate Crown International opening & ending credits- Promo gallery for ORGY AT LIL'S PLACE- Reversible cover with PAZUZU artwork You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule.Posted Tue Nov 7, 2017 at 06:00 AM PST by:
