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Polygram: Will be bowing their first (and probably last) day & date with VHS title on 6/29 with The Hi-Lo Country. Retail is $29.95, and it will contain the typical widescreen/P&S versions and basic features. Sterling: Will debut Supreme Sanction day & date on 7/6, along with the next installment in their "Millennium Series," A Murder Of Crows. Expect the usual plethora of goodies on this one, and full details will be out soon. Avalanche: Welcome a new DVD supporter to the format, Avalanche. They will debut their first day & date title, Captured (unfortunately, I've never heard of it). Not sure the features just yet, or what other titles Avalanche has planned, but stay tuned. Return To Paradise: I received an email from reader Tracey B. concerning the new DVD release of Return To Paradise. Apparently, the ending in the theatrical version (which can be seen in the trailer) involves a scene where Anne Heche tearfully visits Vince Vaughn in prison. However, on the DVD, it seems she is quite a bit happier, and thus the question is has the ending been changed/edited. I saw the film in the theater, and remember the Anne Heche crying scene mentioned. However, I have not seen the DVD, so I don't know if they are truly different. Unfortunately, Polygram did not return calls for this update. Perhaps some of you readers can shed some light on this for us. Basketball Diaries: Well, I usually don't post on non-Region 1 titles, but the folks over at DVD Brazil sent this along. There is a just-released Region 0 (all region) disc for the suddenly-hot-and-controversial The Basketball Diaries. As you may have heard, the film may be pulled and eventually censored due to a scene that some feel may have influenced the "trenchcoat mafia" duo responsible for the Littleton massacre. This Region 0 release is the full theatrical version, but also includes some extras like interviews with the cast and crew and other goodies. And don't worry, it is not a bootleg...just a real Region 0 disc (many US Polygram discs like The Graduate and Barb Wire are actually Region 0). If you are interested, check out DVD World in Brazil to purchase the disc April 29 : A Buena Vista July bonanza; Adam Sandler box set, Sony Music; Thin Red Line and The Hidden Buena Vista: Well, if it doesn't rain, it pours. Man, I'm gone for a day, and look what shows up on the fax...a ton of Buena Vista July titles. You may remember Buena Vista indicated a couple months back that they would be increasing their DVD output, and Miramax announced their "classic series" line of DVDs. But, I didn't know they would be doing THIS many! Very impressive: On 7/13 comes Little Voice, Dangerous Minds, Spy Hard, Little Buddha and Restoration. On 7/20, Down On The Delta, Mr. Holland's Opus, The Associate and Cool Runnings. Then, on 7/27 comes Wings Of The Dove, Smoke Signals, The Pallbearer, I Love Trouble, Romy And MichelleŽs High School Reunion and WhatŽs Love Got To Do With It. I don't know, this seems like an awful lot...along with the already announced day & date A Civil Action and She's All That, this comes to 17 titles in July. Quite a tall order, and it may be tough for BV to get all these out, but my hat is off to 'em for even attempting this! (By the way, Buena Vista is also making good on their promise late last year to start including more supplements. Though they won't rival other studios' stuff, many of these titles will include featurettes and behind-the-scenes bits. Hey, it's a start.) Oh, lastly, I keep hearing differing things on Rushmore and The Mighty...I originally got 6/29 dates, but they have yet to be confirmed. Hopefully, I will get something official eventually... Universal: Will be launching an Adam Sandler box set containing Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison and Bulletproof on 6/1. However, note that this is simply a repacking of the original discs in a three-pack box, and there will be no new features on the discs. This is pretty common in the industry, especially for tie-ins, in this case with the new Adam Sandler summer flick Oh Daddy. I hope to get the list price for the set by tomorrow. Sony Music: Adds the first volume of VH-1's "Pop Up Video" (what will they think up next?) on 6/29. Also, look for Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson's VH-1 Storytellers and The Offspring's Live in Vegas sometime later this summer. Thankfully, at least for those of use with sensitive eardrums, Celine Dion's Live In Memphis and Ricky Martin's La Vida Loca DVD single have been indefinitely postponed. New Line: Look for a very nice disc of the recent dark, dark "comedy" Hurlyburly on 6/22. Though it won't be a full-fledged Platinum Series title, it will have a nice 16x9 transfer, 2 commentaries (including one with Sean Penn) and the usual trailers and production notes. Retail is $24.95. Fox: Well, sometimes you have to go in a circle to come back to the same place (a profound statement, I know). The other day, I stated that the previous 6/29 date for The Thin Red Line was actually now 6/8. However, it was my mistake...6/8 is just the dealer preorder date. The street date remains 6/29. Sorry for the error. Status Report: Due to my mini-vacation this week, there is no Status Report update. However, I did get this email from New Line, and have added it to the Status Report update for The Hidden: "This is a title we will most likely release but it is not currently scheduled." Short but sweet, and what this translates into is "don't bet on it for 1999." Guess we can hope for 2000... April 27 : Warner adds more music videos, Jerry Springer is Too Hot For DVD, and Bjork goes DVD single Warner Reprise: Nice to see more music video coming our way. Look for more of the biggest hits from the Warner Reprise catalog coming to DVD this summer. On June 8, expect Madonna's The Immaculate Contraception (er, I mean Collection), Prince's The Hits, and Van Halen's Right Here Right Now Live. Also, look for a trio of Frank Sinatra titles. All are $24.95. (Also, the Depeche Mode The Videos 86-98 compilation was pushed back from March to June 8th as well.) Though I'm excited Warner is doing more music video titles lately, I must confess that so far they are usually are just regurgitated 2.0 stereo releases. Unlike Sony, they don't bother to remix for 5.1, and so far, the Reprise output has been a bit spotty. But I guess us beggers can't be choosers, but I would hope to see more interactive and extensive music titles from Warner in the future (at least on the order of the terrific 5.1 mixes on the Fleetwood Mac and John Fogerty discs.) Lastly, if you want more info on the Warner June releases, check out the full press release via Infoseek. Bjork: In perhaps a portent of things to come, our favorite Icelandic chanteuse Bjork is releasing a DVD Single for All Is Full Of Love June 8. The disc will feature a couple of mixes and the Chris Cunningham directed video. No retail price is yet set. In the meantime, you can visit Bjork's web site, WebSense (great title!) for more info. Jerry Springer: Alright, you know you wanted it (don't lie), and now it is here. Courtesy of "home video powerhouse" Real Entertainment (hey, that is what the press release said), Jerry Springer's Too Hot For TV! has come to DVD, and what's more it is a "greatest hits" version (I weep for America). It is called Too Hot For TV! 2000 - Welcome to the Hellennium, and is a two-hour slugfest of Mr. Springer's best episodes. It retails for a mere $19.95, and will arrive July 20. Hold onto yourselves, don't pass out from excitement, it is really coming. (Personally, though, I can't wait for the complete Judge Judy collection, can you?) Buena Vista: Just a quick note that I threw up a box cover pic for Enemy Of The State into the database, for those interested... April 26 : Paramount and Fox get solid on 16x9; Indie title roundup, starring Elite, VCI, MTI, Eaton and Pioneer Paramount & Fox: A few weeks back you may remember that Fox and Paramount indicated that they had begun to listen a bit more to consumer feedback, and would be supporting 16x9 enhancement on a more consistent basis on their future releases. Happy, they seem to be coming through. The full Paramount June disc features have been released, and every single title is 16x9 enhanced. Also, hot on the heels of Fox' first 16x9 set, the Alien Legacy box, Fox has made good on their comments a couple of months back that all subsequent releases will be 16x9. Fox marketing issued more summer title details late last week, and thankfully The Thin Red Line, The Full Monty, There's Something About Mary and Wing Commander will all be 16x9. So, today, I am a happy and satisfied man. Indie Fun: Sometimes, you gotta take a break from studio fare and try something different (though sometimes you may regret it). There are a couple of good horror titles coming (if that is your cup of tea) from Elite and VCI. Watch for Psychic Killer on 6/22, and a personal guilty pleasure, Don't Look In The Basement from VCI on 7/13. And okay, I know I'm not supposed to use Laserviews (oops, I mean Image Entertainment) for titles, but to be honest, some of this stuff I don't get press releases for, so here goes: From MTI and Eaton, watch for a variety of titles (mostly on 5/4) that quite frankly I've never heard of, including Smalltime, Heist, Mars, A Gun A Car And A Blonde, Rebel Run and Subterfuge. But there are some interesting "names" in the casts lists of these, including Andrew McCarthy (guess he was looking for a new gig after Weekend At Bernies III fell through), John Ritter, Jeff Fahey, Rae Dawn Chong, Kay Lenz and Billy Bob Thorton(!). As these all have recent production dates, one can only guess at the quality... Finally, from Tai Seng on 6/29, look for a special edition of The Untold Story, and from Pioneer on 7/13, For Hire, starring Rob Lowe. Eck! April 23 : Ghostbusters screen shots, Lolita 1998; X-Files retains its commentary; details on Storm Of The Century; Life Is Beautiful, Rushmore and a delayed Clerks; Jawbreaker; and Madonna Ghostbusters: The nice folks over at Columbia sent over a couple of cool screen shots of the upcoming Ghostbusters DVD. Below are shots of the "Video Commentary" (Mystery Science Theater, eat your heart out), and a pic of the menu screen, which is computer animated. Can you spot the StayPuf Marshmallow Man lurking in there?
Trimark: Has some good stuff coming our way this year. They will be releasing the much maligned (unfairly, in my opinion) Adrian Lyne remake of Lolita. Look for a solid presentation, and maybe some good extras as well. Also, the Storm Of The Century commentary will feature Stephen King for a good section of the program (and I hear it is a great track), as well as alternating to commentary by director Craig Baxley. Should be a great disc for horror and King fans. Fox: Just a quick note that some of those listings at a couple of retail sites that the commentary track for the X-Files discs has been dropped or shortened are not accurate. The disc will be out May 4, and will feature the full Chris Carter and Rob Bowman commentary. Columbia: Just a few details on Jawbreaker, via the new press release. In addition to the typical 16x9 and P&S transfers, look for a commentary from director Darren Stein as well as cast and crew biographies and the trailer. The disc arrives 6/22 and will be priced right with an MAP of $19.95. Buena Vista: Well, first, I must apologize. Purely due to my disorganization, I posted yesterday that Rushmore SE was being planned as a Miramax/Dimension Collector's Series disc. This was just my mistake. However, a Rushmore disc will show up from BV, just as a normal movie-only title (for now?). Sorry for the error. Also, the official date for the Life Is Beautiful DVD is July 13, day & date with the VHS. No word on features, though I suspect it will just be the film, but we'll have to wait and see. Lastly, I received a notice from Buena Vista PR that the Clerks DVD has been bumped from 6/29, with no new date at this time. I will have more on the whole Miramax/Dimension Collector's Series story, with some comments from Buena Vista themselves about it on Monday. Madonna: Well, that brings us to Madonna. Perhaps you've heard of her? I received a nice email from her official site and fan club, ICON. You Madonna fans will probably remember some posts here on a new video clip compilation coming. According to ICON, it is now most likely due this fall, and there may be a new Madonna greatest hits compilation released at the same time, and is tentatively known right now as "the Immaculate Collection 2." I'm sure we'll hear more on this in the coming months. In the meantime, look for a new single from Loudess mother on the Austin Powers 2 soundtrack in May. April 22 : Paramount's June and July plans and HBO aspect ratio policies Paramount: DVD.com has the full Paramount June and July titles up now, and I was able to finagle a copy of the retailer preorder sheets myself, and this stuff is a go. As expected, King Kong, Varsity Blues and some Star Trek episodes are due in June and July, along with more Mel Gibson stuff including a day & date Payback. (By the way, DVD.com is great because they can get all the sales sheets from the studios, which are release in advance of press materials. If you don't read them, you may want to, they have great scoops!) Some may remember my post that I had heard corroborating word on Braveheart after The Digital Bits' update that it was coming. I believe it will come, probably in August, though I will stress that this info comes from the production side, which I took in good faith from them, and not Paramount themselves, who say they "have no information on Braveheart at this time." The full Paramount titles are all in widescreen and $29.95. Varsity Blues, Witness, School Ties and Gallipoli will hit DVD June 29, and Payback, Congo, King Kong and Heaven Can Wait will arrive July 27. Two discs of Star Trek (the original series) episodes will also debut on the 27th. Features will be forthcoming soon for the June titles, and a few weeks later on the July slate. HBO: Just a note that I did hear back from HBO on the tendency on their part lately to put full frame or Pan & Scan only versions on their DVDs. I was told that The Hitcher and Sweet Dreams will be widescreen, while fare such as Serial Mom will be full frame only. The general word from HBO indicates they are generally going the Warner budget line route, in the sense that if the film was "soft matted" for the theater (i.e., the video transfer does not crop the sides of the image, just shows more onthe top and bottom), they go with that, while with 2.35:1 titles like The Hitcher, they go widescreen. I don't know, I have mixed feelings about this approach, but then as a widescreen fan I'm biased... April 21 : Warner's The King & I and more budget gunk, Stop Making Sense bows on DVD, a few finalized Columbia street dates, Men In Black and The Age Of Innocence, a brief note on Kubrick artwork, and a new Status Report Warner: Will bow their animated The King & I on July 6. I'm embarrassed to admit I didn't even know this came out in the theaters already. Am I right to assume it wasn't a big hit? Anyway, it will have some extras a la Quest For Camelot, though details will not be released for a while. Okay, now for the crap news on Warner titles all coming 6/22. Thankfully, Warner is saving Murder In The First from a cruel fate, and it will be a $19.95 title. However, they continue to put more energy (in my opinion) in pushing their budget line then doing the quality stuff they should and in the process, to me, show little or no respect for their films nor seem to understand their catalog's value. Look for blah versions of Billy Jack, Cannonball Run II, Just Cause, The Power of One, The Witches and the overlooked comedy Sour Grapes. (Thanks to DVD.com for the list.) You know, some don't mind the Warner budget titles, but personally, there are some classics that I just feel deserve better...Billy Jack, Fearless, Doc Hollywood, Stroker Ace (okay, maybe not Stroker Ace). Gee, why don't they just make The Shining or Full Metal Jacket budget titles? (The covers sure look like it.) Where is all the good stuff? Warner has such a great catalog...hello? Also, check out The Digital Bits for a good Bill Hunt rant on the "value" budget line (go, Bill!). Kubrick Art: Well, I'm not saying this to diss anybody, but yesterday I posted a link to some Kubrick artwork, and looking at it again after a few readers pointed it out, the Lolita cover is actually the artwork from the 1998 remake. Since Warner doesn't own the rights to that, it seems unlikely they would/could use this artwork. Personally, I hope that this Kubrick art wasn't the final version because I think it is uninspired, looks like a budget line and is, well, just plain ol' butt ugly. Warner tells me to wait for the press release for all the goodies, so I'm not going to comment anymore on stories until the info is released, which should be by the end of the month. Buena Vista: Will bow the recent box office hit She's All That July 13. It will be a typical movie-only Buena Vista title and priced at $29.95. Talking Heads: The legendary "new wave" band will re-release their groundbreaking concert film Stop Making Sense theatrically, after which will come a home video release. The DVD will come via Palm Pictures, probably sometime this fall. Stay tuned for details, and check out the Reuters piece here. Columbia: Just a few confirmed street dates for you. Look for Dancing At Lufthansa on 6/15, So I Married Richard Sharp on 6/1, and a film I continue to admire even in the face of universal repugnance, Jawbreaker (6/22). Also, I did find out that the acclaimed Scorcese film The Age Of Innocence is in production on DVD. Columbia is hoping to do some extras for it if possible, so it "should" make it out this year. And last but not least, longtime DVD fans probably remember that a Men In Black disc was actually pressed and ready to go for a fall 1997 release, but was pulled when that Spielberg guy got all down on DVD. So, frustratingly for many, Men In Black discs were pressed and just sat, and sat, and sat (and got fat?). However, perhaps there is really a silver lining inside every dark cloud (or however that saying goes). Because, cheer up buckaroos, the new Men In Black disc coming (yes, I'm not kidding nor pulling your leg) will be a repressed disc with more features. Yes, a special edition. This disc WILL be out in 1999. I've heard various dates like late summer/early fall, but to be honest everything lately is "Fall 1999!." But, really, I'm not messin' with your head, there will be a Men In Black SE. (Pinch yourselves.) Status Report: Kinda a short one this week (expect the Hitchcock update next time). Just some tidbits on an Evil Dead 2 SE, Klute, Toy Story, Larry Sanders Show and Blood Simple. Look for more next week.
April 20 : Universal and DreamWorks DTS titles and In Dreams, Ferris Bueller gets his DVD, Kubrick Thoughts and Criterion does Sturges DTS: Though DreamWorks is officially doing DTS (which isn't that much of a surprise, given Spielberg's DTS ties), there are no set dates yet. However, the general calendar (via DTS) for the summer is Mercury Rising and Patch Adams from Universal in July, and DreamWorks' The Peacemaker, Mouse Hunt, Small Soldiers in August, followed up by ANTZ, Paulie an Amistad in September. Though there is a slim possibility DreamWorks could put out all six at once, this seems unlikely. Also, like Universal, expect a $34.95 price tag and no or very, very limited features due to the extra space needed for the DTS soundtrack. All will be RSDL. DreamWorks also indicated to me that while most titles will probably be released in DTS, it won't necessarily be across the board for all titles. Lastly, look for In Dreams on June 1st. It will be a general movie-only titles, with production notes, trailer, etc., and retail for $29.95. Paramount: That's funny, I don't remember Ferris being absent nine times... Anyway, fans of playing hooky will be glad to learn that our pay Ferris Bueller will be making his way to DVD this year. It may tie in to the video release of the home video release of the upcoming Matthew Broderick film Election, but in any event, it has been relayed to me that we will definitely have our Day Off this year on DVD. No word yet on features, but it looks to be a standard Paramount disc at this point. Criterion: Look for a DVD for one of the (many) Preston Sturges classics The Lady Eve. No exact date or features yet, but of course it will be in its original aspect ratio. Stay tuned... Warner: Yesterday, I whined about the DVD Review story on the upcoming Stanley Kubrick DVDs (and check out the box art they put up as well, which looks kinda cheesy if you ask me..you can do better than that, Warner!). Well, I would like to say that I'm not advocating for any of his 1.66:1 titles to be rematted to 1.77:1 or 1.85:1. But, I do think, especially with high-def, that making HD masters with "windowboxed" 1.66:1 transfers would be the best approach. I thought it worked well on New Line's Crash and Damage...but that is just my opinion. However, I should state that Warner will not tell me anything, making me wait for the press release which is due soon (waugh!). So, although I'm sure DVD Review is correct, I will not make any more comments on these discs until the confirmed word comes down to me. By the way, I did get a confirm that the 2001 disc will be the same transfer as the MGM disc...just repackaged. Look for the full-scale 2001 re-release/remaster in...2001. You didn't think Warner would let such an obvious opportunity pass them by, did you? April 19 : DreamWorks does DTS, Titanic...yawn?, Columbia extras, a hint of Warner June titles, and Ghostbusters cover art DreamWorks: After many months of speculation, and surprise that it didn't happen sooner, look for DreamWorks to begin releasing most if not all of their DVD titles in DTS. No word yet on the full features of these discs, but due to the storage requirements of DTS soundtracks, generally expect less extras than the Dolby Digital counterparts. I will have a full list and dates of the upcoming DreamWorks titles tomorrow (not too many surprises...Peacemaker, Mouse Hunt, Amistad and more). Paramount: You know, the recent Titanic announcement has been really, really interesting. If this announcement had come last fall, it would have caused major excitement. It is funny how now, it has generated just about nothing on the excite-o-meter. To be honest, the general consensus seems to be that Paramount missed their big window of opportunity. I think most of us will still buy it (if it is good), but it really seems to have lost momentum. So, I thought I'd share a couple of things about this disc. First, there will be NO "extended cut" of Titanic anytime soon. Mr. Cameron has stated in interviews that although extra footage does exist, he wants to take a break from the film (I don't blame him), but would probably do some kind of special edition in a few years. As for the DVD, I know it has been said it may not be 16x9, but I can only go with what I know, and I have not heard that. In fact, I've heard the opposite. An HD transfer exists (and has shown on HD HBO already, I believe), and I've heard nothing to indicate it would not be 16x9. Of course, I could be wrong. The official statement I got from Paramount Friday was that it is all just conjecture, because as of now, the party line is that "we intend to release Titanic in a worldwide simultaneous release in September." Notice the word "intend," which is not necessarily "we will," though I'd be extremely surprised if they didn't. Again, officially, there are not set features, exact date or price for the disc yet. I was told to expect the official details around the time of the VSDA (Video Software Dealers Association convention) in early July. In the meantime, you can use that new Paramount Hotline number to voice your opinion about Titanic. I applaud Paramount for setting this hotline up, which is a cool thing, so read about in today's editorial. Columbia: Just a couple of notes on some cool extras for two upcoming Columbia titles. First, and though it unfortunately is only doing so-so at the box office, look for some deleted material on the late summer Go disc. I really dug this film, and I also hear Columbia will try to get a Doug Lymon director commentary track on their as well. Also, attention camp fans. The Blue Lagoon will get some goodies, including an audio commentary with Director Randal Kleiser. There is a lot of cool material floating around, including screen tests and production footage and things like that. This disc won't be making any June release most likely, but I hope Columbia can get as much of this stuff on the disc as possible. I've never seen the film, but it looks like fun. Warner: Just a quickie that Warner will be announcing their June titles this week most likely. I don't know 'em all, but look for Jack Frost as a $19.95 disc, and the long-awaited by many release of the very funny Albert Brooks comedy Defending Your Life. Again, look for full details probably this week on the full Warner June slate, as well as that long-awaited Kubrick announcement. And check out DVD Review, who have some great info on those upcoming Kubrick titles. I was told to "wait" for the press release, and all I can say is, and great scoop by DVD Review, but if they are right, then The Shining is not widescreen! Noooo! April 17 : X Files notes, Trimark adds a couple of new ones, and indie street date and features update Fix It: Just a note that in moving the database to the new server today, the records from yesterday got lost. So, I have just added the real, full Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II specs up, and will be repairing the HBO, Roan Group and a couple of minor mix-ups this weekend. Thankfully, it was just a minor loss (and I will be making backups often in the future). Fox: I've seen a couple of entries at some retailers that the new X Files disc will now only feature a 30-minute audio commentary from Creator Chris Carter. Now, the disc will have a 30-minute documentary, so I don't know if this is just a mix-up. I will email Fox PR, so hopefully it is just an error. Maybe some other sites know something about this? Also, the disc does have new box cover art, which I have put in the database courtesy of Fox. (Note that although I know many of you would like box art to be put in here, the problem is that archiving in on these pages would result in really heavy load times, so I'm leaving all pics in the database.) Trimark: Look for a couple of new discs from those Trimark troublemakers. They will be bowing Treehouse Lounge on in June, and I received a nice preview copy of a Christopher Walken flick The Eternal. Though it had all the features listed, there is no street date! I'm sure it is due in June most likely. Also, look for a Stephen King commentary on Storm Of The Century, however, it will not be full-length, but about 2 1/2 hours worth. Also look for a commentary on The 60's miniseries. Indies: Just a few street date changes and features added, courtesy of the fine folks at Laserviews (which is still the best spot for changes, as 90% of distributors do not send out new PR sheets with updates). Also look for some updated features for Criterion titles Nights Of Cabria, Red Shoes and Henry V. April 16 : The Thin Red Line, new HBO stuff and Battlestar thoughts Fox: Well, after many different dates here and there, The Thin Red Line finally has a confirmed date of June 8. The press release will be out very soon, and as I've heard differing word on 16x9, I will hold off for the official paper. However, it will for sure be RSDL and not have any special features of note. HBO: Check out DVD.com, who have a really good scoop on HBO's plan for the rest of the year. (As DVD.com is very reliable, I've added these titles, including Meatballs, Three Amigos, Volunteers and more, to the database.) There is a very good mix of titles in their, which is nice to see. However, HBO as of late has decided to go with P&S or Full Frame only, which (depending on your view) is bad, but won't be changing for their upcoming titles. I have called the normally responsive HBO about this new P&S only policy, and have not gotten a response for over a week, and I guess now I know why (personal opinion, but if you are going to put out P&S, then stand by your product if challenged). I will try to get the best contact info possible, so if you would like to voice your displeasure about it, you can. (Also, check out a very good interview with Artisan head Jeff Fink over at DVD.com as well. Good reading!) Battlestar: I got a a couple of emails from readers commenting on my last Battlestar Galactica post, and my saying it was "sweet" that it would be 1.85:1 and the theatrical version. Well, shows you how much I know about the show. I remember it as a kid (loved those Cylons), but haven't seen it since. Anyway, the theatrical version of the Universal DVD will actually be 20 minutes shorter than the original two-part pilot, and since it was shot 1.37:1 and matted for theatrical exhibition, some have said it may not be so sweet after all to have it 1.85:1. However, reaction was unanimously positive over the inclusion of the 1.1 soundtrack, which is sort of the DVD equivalent of "Sensurround." IN any event, at least we are getting the show on DVD, which almost didn't happen. Image originally was originally going to license it, but vetoed the source elements. It will be interesting to see how good of a job Universal does with the DVD. April 14 : New Release roundup starring Ghostbusters, Universal, MGM, Roan Group, Image, Pioneer, Program Power, Delta and DVD international Universal: Whoa, the mind reels. I swear, I just can't keep track of this stuff anymore! But, I will try. Universal is mixing it up a bit with some new pricing levels for their DVDs, playing with multiple aspect ratios on the same disc, and are getting away from the strict movie-only vs. SE thing they had going. Okay, first things first. October Sky, Virus and Gods & Monsters will all be $29.95 discs with extras, but according to the Universal site and information released thus far, are not labeled as Collector's Editions. However, Mallrats will be a CE, and is priced at the usual $34.95. Additionally, Babe Pig In the City is also $29.98, but doesn't really have any extras besides P&S and Widescreen on an RSDL disc (October Sky will also have both aspect ratios). Bride Of Chucky just came out recently, and it has lots of extras, but was only $24.95/ Xanadu will not be a CE or a pseudo-CE, even though deleted scenes and some other extras were examined for the DVD but not used. And, to top it off, some extras were pulled from the last Fall's BASEketball DVD because of space considerations, even though they could have gone to a RSDL disc and charged $26.95 or this new $29.98 price. So, what does it all mean? Well, to get two things out of the way, Lion's Gate is in charge of the disc content, and uses Universal here in the U.S., and Columbia in Canada. So, there are extras on both DVDs (they will be the same). I also did received some emailed comments from October Sky director Joe Johnston that a SE was in the works, "after the movie-only." It talked of deleted scenes and screen tests, but only the commentary is listed as being on the new $29.95 disc, along with Widescreen and P&S (does this mean there will be yet another $34.95 SE?) To make matters even more confusing, the Universal web site still lists all of the above, except for Mallrats, as normal editions. However, this new pricing setup is real. Personally, I don't have a problem with Universal not being so strict in delineating movie-only and SE editions. This mixes it up, and allows titles to get supplements even if they aren't full SE titles. That is good, I think. However, one wonders how the prices will be established...what constitutes a $24.95, $29.95 or $34.95 DVD? I'm not being cynical, just that it is a valid question I think. Well, I have received no comment yet on what this all means from Universal. I will try to find out more. Oh, one more thing (stop me before I explode), they are cutting back on the number of titles they put out a month, at least for the time being. Also, they have NOT stopped doing DTS...there will be more announced soon. Lastly, I am going to post on the lack of Closed Captioning and Subtitles on DTS DVDs next week. Columbia: Well, since we are having server problems, here is the features for the new Ghostbusters DVD. For the full press release, click here:
MGM: A quick bit that those MGM Kubrick titles (Paths Of Glory, Killer's Kiss and The Killer) are all due June 29. No features as of yet... Universal: Just a quick note that, in good news, the upcoming Battlestar Galactica disc will actually be 1.85:1, not 1.37:1! Pretty sweet! (Note that this is the theatrical version that paid in some territories, whereas in the U.S. it was broadcast as a two-night pilot.) Also, it will be presented in 1.1 Dolby Digital, i.e., the home version of Sensurround. Way to go, Universal... Criterion: The details on the upcoming Black Orpheus and Brazil discs are now up. The Brazil one look pretty spectacular...so start saving those pennies (it ain't a cheap one, but it definitely delivers the goods!). DVD International: Sets Merry War for a 5/19/99 release... Pioneer: Launches some goodies, including Frances, Plenty, Tender Mercies and Fortress for 6/22/99 Program Power: Love that name...are they related to the Mighty Morphin kids? Anyway, look for a some interesting stuff from them, including Plan 9 From Outer Space (yea, baby!) and some documentaries, Godzilla & The Movies, Hollywood Musicals of the 50's, and Best Of Hollywood. Delta: Some outfit called Delta Entertainment sets Chaplin's The Kid (plus 3 shorts for The Rink, The Emmigrant and A Dog's Life) for 4/6, along with Angel & The Badman/John Wayne On Film. Also, look for The Beatles: Celebration on 4/27. Roan Group: Finally, the long-awaited debut of the Roan Group on DVD. The have a extensive slate, so I'd suggest using the extended search options to your right to find all their upcoming titles...too many to list here! Image: Ugh...another huge Image announcement! Again, use the studio search to the right for the full list...it is a long one! More On Gods & Monsters: Give a look over at the very good site DVD Future for some more on Lion's Gate and the upcoming Gods & Monsters DVD, via author Ken Pierce. A very good story...check it out! April 13 : Gods & Monsters DVD ideas wanted, Status Report update, Army Of Darkness, Braveheart and Forrest Gump update Lion's Gate: I received a very nice email from an associate to the creative team working on the upcoming Gods & Monsters SE disc. They are interested to find out what consumers like yourselves would like to see on the Gods & Monsters DVD in terms of features. Feel free to send your ideas directly to DVDken@home.com. It would be good to keep your comments at a manageable and considerate level. I'd also like to thank Ken P. for the gracious invitation to solicit consumer feedback, and it is indeed very impressive to see such commitment and passion for the project. It is a great film, and it will make a great DVD. Importantly, note that this disc is the Canadian version, due to the fact that Lion's Gate actually handles their own titles in Canadian (distributed by Columbia up there), while we United States people get the Universal version. I don't know at this point if Universal would be doing a U.S. special edition as well. Status Report: This week's Status Report edition is now up, with the usual bag of news and updates. I was excited to put up some Legend news, but our friend Bill Hunt already beat me to it. Ah, well, in the web world, you snooze you lose. Anyway, Bill had been looking into this DVD for a while, and I did hear some corroborating news to his great post, so that is now in the Status Report, and good news for us all. Also, look for some stuff on Jim Henson titles (Labyrinth, Dark Crystal, Muppets stuff), plus Willow, Grease, It's My Party, Monty Python & The Holy Grail, V and V: The Final Battle, Friday The 13th, and To Live And Die In LA. Anchor Bay: Just a few more details on that Army Of Darkness SE coming soon. It will contain the Director's Cut (which I assume includes the alternate ending), as well as Sam Raimi commentary and the usual assortment of stuff (trailers, etc.). No set date yet... Paramount: Just a note that I've put a couple of titles into the Disc Database from the Status Report, Braveheart and Forrest Gump. As I'm sure you know, The Digital Bits reported that Braveheart was rumored to be in the works for the summer. I've heard good indication that this is true, and is planned to be out around late summer. So, I'm putting it into the Disc Database on good faith. Also, look for Forrest Gump this year as well, though later on near Christmas. It won't be the director's cut or a special edition, but it will be nice to have this on DVD anyway. April 12 - Universal plots a few more Special Editions, Paramount divulges June slate, and Warner Dials M For Murder Universal: I received some interesting information about another Universal Special Edition in the planning stages, October Sky. Since they have listed the film already coming as a movie-only DVD, yet while planning a more extensive DVD, I think we should coin a new phrase to describe when we are expected to shell out for a movie-only title, while a Special Edition is being planned. Unfortunately, all I could come up with was a "Uni-Reversal." Okay, well, it probably doesn't make much sense, but perhaps one of you can come up with a really good one. Anyway, I received a roundabout word from Director Joe Johnston himself that he has already recorded a commentary track for the SE, there will be some deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes footage. Let's hope Universal announces the SE soon, unlike the unfortunate situation of Mercury Rising, where the SE was released to many surprises months after the movie-only version. Also, Universal has an EDtv special edition already in the works, which include more "Ed" footage from the film, a commentary track and more behind-the-scenes goodies. Look for it around late summer. Also coming is an Out Of Africa SE, which is in the production stages as well. Hopefully it will dock by Christmas 1999. Stay tuned. Paramount: Have finally issued their June slate. To come on June 22 are Barbarella, Nick Of Time, The Parallax View and a day & date A Simple Plan (great flick!). Then, on June 29, look for another day & date release for Varsity Blues. This comes from the press materials, so I believe this is it for June. In great news, all are 16x9, though none have any major extras beside trailers. Warner: just a brief update that Warner will be releasing a DVD of the original Hitchcock classic Dial M For Murder. Alas, I don't think it will be in 3-D (wouldn't that be cool?), and there is no set date, but expect it in a few months. Also, I had no idea this film was planning currently in theatrical release...I live in LA and haven't seen it advertised at all. Bummer. April 10 - VCI scares up some new cult faves VCI: Look for more solid cult titles over the next few months from VCI, which is always nice to see. Some may remember that VCI and The Roan Group announced a joint venture called Magic Lantern, which just put out Dark Star amongst other titles. Though that company is still going, these new titles are through VCI only, and include Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things and The Devil's Rain on 5/25, as well as Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, Chariots Of The Gods, the early Stan Winston scare-fest Gargoyles, and The Southerner. Use the "Most Recently Added" button on the top right for the full list. More Stuff: Definitely check out The Digital Bits, who have some good rumors up on upcoming Paramount titles, including, gasp, could it be, Friday The 13th parts 1 & 2? Whoa! Now I'm erect with excitement (and really, I'm not kidding!) Problems: I've gotten a couple of emails recently that some people had trouble with the "ALL" studio search. Well, I did mess up the code, but have fixed it and it should work now. Also, a couple of people can't seem to access titles with the title search. I'm not sure why, as long as you don't hit enter instead of the Start Search buttons, it seems to work for everyone. By the way, to get to box art, after you call up a list of titles, you have to click on the individual title links that appear to get to the full record. Sorry for any problems anyone is having, but it should work... April 9 - Ghostbusters DVD to rock your world, full info on Patch Adams and a couple of box art pics Columbia: Well, I made a mistake yesterday, and hinted at the coolness of the upcoming Ghostbusters DVD. I received many emails, and I will not throw out such flippant comments in the future, because I do realize they are probably just more frustrating than anything else. Anyway, man, oh man, do I want to blab! But, I promised, and in respect for all the hard work going into the disc, I will keep my word, because they want the announcement to be big and special. The press release will be issued next week on the disc, and, if there is a press release, you know it is indeed unique (as Columbia hardly ever issues press releases). I can say it will be Columbia's biggest disc yet, and readers of this page, based on some of my past comments on Columbia's plans, can guess on some of it. Even better, it will also have things that have never been done before on a DVD, so it will be ultra-cool. So, the press release will be out next week, and remember, patience is a virtue (though whomever made up that saying should be shot). Tidbits: Just a couple of things...I put the complete specs up for the Patch Adams SE, and thanks to Jon over at Digital Bayou, box cover pics for Star Trek Insurrection and Silverado. April 8 - Titanic docks, Universal is "multi"-talented, Caddyshack SE will arrive on DVD, new Criterion goodies, more on Black Hole recall and a note on box art Titanic: Well, the big boat finally arrives...Fox and Paramount finally announced today what has been speculated for a while...Titanic will dock in September as a movie-only DVD. No word on if it will be a DVD-18, the price, etc. I'm sure a press release will be forthcoming. In the meantime, check the Yahoo! update on it. Universal: Is going multi with their new Patch Adams DVD, hot on the heels of their multi-aspect ratio release of Babe Pig In The City. I've talked about this a bit in today's editorial. Anyway, because of the length of Patch Adams the extra materials on the collector's edition, there will be separate P&S movie-only releases and widescreen collector's edition. Though I explain my feelings in the editorial, it really doesn't bother me much. Hey, you only have so much space, and I'm all for consumer choice. Also, just a note, but I must have been smoking crack at the time, but for some reason I put in two entries for Psycho 1998 in the database, one for April(?). This was just my mistake, it is not due until May. Sorry for that. Warner: I received a very nice email from Warner yesterday, with the good news that they will be releasing the Caddyshack SE on DVD, and it will have a nice new audio commentary track in addition to the already good features on the VHS. However, no set date yet, nor any info on the Road Warrior SE. I'm not sure exactly who is on this commentary track, but I do know it will include Harold Ramis (who is also on the Ghostbusters commentary with Reitman and the other 'busters). (Thanks to DZ for his help on this.) Criterion: Has a couple of goodies lined up, including the classic Nights Of Cabiria on 6/29, and Black Orpheus, a film which I've heard a great deal about but haven't seen (tsk tsk on my part). Don't have a date for the second one yet, and I can't access Criterion's new web site for some reason (keeps stalling), so I don't have the full details on these (assuming they are on the web site). Anchor Bay: Issued a statement on the Black Hole recall...check it out at The Digital Bits. (By the way, Bill, don't take off again...I need my daily Bits heroin fix, okay?) And hats off to Anchor Bay for reacting so quickly and efficiently, and April 19 is an amazingly fast turnaround. Kudos. Note On Box Art: I have received some email about announcing box art instead of just putting it into the database without announcing it. Though I have started putting it up, there is so much of it (I just got a scanner) that it would take far to long to write all the titles down in a list here. Also, I have hired some help to enter in old released titles and all their info, and so I have to put box art in for that as well. But, just today, I did put real box art for the ALIEN Legacy titles (ALIENS looks especially cool), and there are some new art additions as well for stuff...off the top of my head, the Psycho 1998 SE and some Buena Vista May titles, I think. April 7 - Status Report, a Universal summer, Anchor Bay adds more Disney stuff and a brief note on Kevin Smith flicks Status Report: Ah, another week, another Status Report. After much deliberation and reader feedback, it seems the majority of you would like the Disc Database to be all titles out, announced or confirmed as being in production, leaving the Status Report as more a "what's up with title so and so." So, this sounds like a good plan,and check out the Status Report for new updates and all, as there is now a complete list in it for the latest updates. It will continue to be updated once a week. Universal: Just a little heads up on some Universal summer fun. Look for Affliction (7/13), Virus (7/22) Reach The Rock (7/22) and October Sky (7/22) all day & date. These will also be general movie-only versions. Also, Mallrats finally has a real date, as confirmed by Universal today (it will be on their website shortly), which is July 13. Also on that day, look for Always, The Trigger Effect and Xanadu. Alas, Xanadu will NOT be an SE, just a normal movie-only edition. Damn, I was all set to have a roller skating party... Anchor Bay: That nutty Anchor Bay clan just keeps pulling those Disney titles out. Look for more funky nuggets like Island At The Top Of The World, a director's cut of the "classic" musical The Happiest Millionaire, The North Avenue Irregulars, The Littlest Horse Thieves and Return To Oz. Also on the docket from AB is That Girl episodes (!) and I've been told (by Anchor Bay, not Universal, which is important) that they will indeed get to do a licensed SE of Army Of Darkness. Smokin'! Kevin Smith O'Rama: Well, the Kevin Smith DVD conga line continues. I did have up a June date for Clerks...however, word direct from Buena Vista PR is that it is probably July. Maybe it will make 6/29, but I'm going with the PR note that it will probably be July. I also received a couple of nice reader emails, and a note from View Askew, Kevin Smith's site:
So, looks like they just keep adding on more to it. Well, good to see it will be jam-packed. Guess it was better to have to wait for quality. Also, as stated in the above Universal post, Mallrats does have a real date finally, July 13. Finally, I've put up some news n the Chasing Amy DVD in today's Status Report (see above as well). April 6 - Various title updates, Sony summer fun, and Ten Commandments problems Release notes: Since I'm currently unsure about how to differentiate things in the Status Report from titles added to the database here but postponed or with no date, I thought I'd take a moment to bring you up-to-date on some titles oft-asked about. Let's start with Buena Vista. Clerks is coming...some retailers have reported that it is in their computers for 5/25, but that is not happening. It may show up in July or August, along with Halloween H20. There is no finalized word, or if they have decided on a date, they aren't telling me. Also, there may be a Rushmore SE, so it may not be out day & date 6/29. I received a list of the day & date Buena Vista June titles, with a note that "most" would also debut on DVD. These titles are Rushmore, The Mighty, The Patriot and Little Voice. We'll see. Also, tomorrow I will have more on some Criterion licenses of Buena Vista titles, so stay tuned. Over at Universal, neither Mallrats, Xanadu, Fast Times At Ridgemont High nor Back To The Future special editions have been canceled. Mallrats is done as far as I know, why it hasn't been slotted for release is anyone's guess. Xanadu also should be out this summer. Fast Times and Back To The Future are having production problems. I hear that scheduling all the cast and crew interviews for the Fast Times documentary is a nightmare, though the new 16x9 transfer is done (I believe the VHS may have already streeted). The Back To The Future story is quite interesting. I didn't know this, but Eric Stoltz was actually cast as Marty McFly, and some scenes were filmed with him. However, it didn't work out, and he was recast by Michael J. Fox of course. However the Back To The Future DVD SE was to incorporate some of this footage, and apparently Mr. Stoltz is none-too-pleased about it, as I imagine it is a sore spot for him. So, I don't know if this footage will ever show up on the DVD, but in any event, I've been told most likely the disc won't debut 'til fall. Lastly, Universal will be announcing all of their June DVDs this week, but won't tell me what they are. Aren't they mean people? Okay, now to Warner. Gremlins has been taken off moratorium, so you should be able to order it now. (See the Spielberg piece today for more, as well as some other Warner Spielberg title info.). As stated yesterday, the Road Warrior and Caddyshack SEs have no DVD date. Go figure. Also, Babylon 5 as already reported over at The Big Picture, was finally confirmed by Warner folks as being definite. Let's end with brief bits on Columbia, Paramount and Fox. I have a cool detail on the new Ghostbusters DVD coming...looks pretty swell (but I have to make you wait, sorry). It will be their biggest disc yet. At Fox, The Thin Red Line seems to keep moving...I was told 6/29, Digital Bits has 6/22, and DVD.com has 6/6! Well, at least we all know it will be in June. Expect a press release shortly. There's Something About Mary is another big one...I was told back in March when the VHS debuted taht the DVD would not be out until the VHS went to sell-through cheap pricing. It is summer, and some have said it will be 8/10, but according to Fox, they are not dead set on the date yet, but I'm sure 8/10 is likely. But, it will be out, and with extras (as will The Full Monty DVD). Lastly, that Paramount Apocalypse Now 20th Anniversary edition is completely confirmed to be coming, and will have input from Francis Ford Coppola. It will be 16x9, and is expected to debut around October. Okay, to end, I'm asking for your advice...how should I set up the Status Report? I was figuring on putting titles that are in production or announced in the database, and keeping titles that are only planned or MIA in the Status Report. In other words, the Database is for stuff that is definitely coming or already out, while the Status Report would be for stuff rumored, or whatever. Does this sound like a good plan? Sony: Has a few more street date changes, with Harry Connick, Celine Dion and that Kathy Smith Kickboxing video being moved to June. Also, the George Michael DVD is postponed with no new date. Also, Sony has a few more good titles in the planning stages, including stuff from The Offspring, Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson, Charlotte Church as well as the John Denver Wildlife concert and a sequel to the Best of the 54th Street Sessions. And claymation fans will also be excited to note that those Celebrity Deathmatch episodes should find their way to DVD sometime this year.. Alas, Sony still hasn't gotten over their Celine Dion fixation, and are planning yet another DVD of her "singing" for later in the year. Thank god she is retiring soon... Paramount: I've received a few emails that some owners of the new Ten Commandments DVD are experience problems playing the second disc. This seems to affect owners of the Pioneer DLV-700 players. Subsequently, I received this work around of the problem. Unfortunately, I don't know who the original author is, so I can't credit them with it: "If you have the 10 Commandments and can't get Disc 2 to play, do the following: After placing disc in the player hit enter on the remote. Wait for the menu screen and then press the menu button on the remote and the movie plays. You can also go to the setup screen and choose the proper soundtrack and then go back to the menu screen and press the MENU button. Just don't hit the enter button when the menu screen is on or it will lock up." Note that it is not uncommon for discs to have problems with specific players, especially older ones. There is no planned recall for The Ten Commandments at this time. April 5 - Black Hole Recalled, Cheap Trick goes DVD and "Friends" goes Region 2 Black Hole Recalled: Well, it is official. Anchor Bay has recalled The Black Hole DVD due to a mastering problem with the soundtrack (the right channel is MIA). Right now, I've been told consumers should return their discs to point of purchase, and the retailer should either refund the money, or they can reorder a new copy when it is remastered. However, I know some of the more mainstream retailers are not all that up on things, but most laserdisc/DVD specialty shops and the online retailers should be hip to this already. Cheap Trick Goes DVD: 70's supergroup (hey, who didn't own Live At Budokan?) just announced a big live CD set called Music For Hangovers. Of interest to us is that DVD plans will be announced shortly. Though some may say "who cares," what is interesting about this is that Cheap Trick is putting this out themselves without a big label behind it. It is a positive step to see DVD being attractive to musicians, so I think this is very cool. Check out the press release for more on Music For Hangovers. Region 2 Gets Some "Friends": Warner put out official info that some Friends episodes would be coming to DVD in Region 2. Some may remember a post I put up about Warner doing more TV stuff here in Region 1 for fall. So, it would seem likely that some of these Friends discs may show up soon here in Region 1 as well (Warner won't tell me the exact TV stuff coming, though Babylon 5 is of course one of them). |
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