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July 31 : Pink Floyd The Wall details Sony: Just a little heads up on that cool Pink Floyd The Wall disc coming from Sony this fall. In addition to a brand-new 16x9 transfer and Dolby Digital 5.1 mix (which I'm told look and sound great), supplements include career timelines of the group with portions written by band, a long-sought deleted scene for the song "Hey You," audio commentary by Roger Waters and extensive animated menus. Though some wondered about a DTS soundtrack, the disc will be Dolby Digital only. I have no news about any subsequent DTS release, but anything is possible, especially if the disc sells well. And there may be some additional goodies, so look for more detailed info next week. July 30: Indie wrapup with a cavalcade of stars (er, B-movie actors)Criterion: After having to use the Criterion web site for a long time now to get their latest title announcements, I am happy to report I was greenlighted to receive their upcoming title info via fax instead, which is a great help. Also, Criterion, like Anchor Bay, Columbia and others, are really helpful with in production titles, and sent along a list of dates for all their titles through December. Of course, uh, to be diplomatic, Criterion dates have been known to change on occasion... Due 10/19 is Passion Of Joan Of Arc, Monty Python's Life Of Brian, the Bergman gem Autumn Sonata and the original Lord Of The Flies. Then, on 11/23 comes Grand Illusion, the creepy Carnival Of Souls, the Buena Vista licensee Rushmore, and the long-awaited The Third Man (psst, don't tell the Fourth Man or he'll be mad). Lastly, on 12/14, comes Orpheus and Testament Of Orpheus. Note that Kubrick's Spartacus has no known release date now, but it is still in production. All these titles re $39.95 except Autumn Sonata and Carnival Of Souls. Artisan : Has just announced a special box set of their popular Hallmark television films. Included are Joan Of Arc, Cleopatra, Merlin and Noah's Ark, as well as a special additional disc for Gulliver's Travels, which is not available separately as of now. Due 9/28 for $79.95, this is not a bad deal for five discs. However, big fans of these probably already have some of these, so I don't know how many box sets they will sell. Hopefully they will offer Gulliver's Travels separately soon. Pioneer: Has another varied selection of material on the way. Due 10/12 is The Judy Garland Show Collection, a $119.95 set with 14 episodes on 4 discs. There is also a new 5.1 remaster, photo gallery, booklet and DVD-ROM features. In their best of Musikladen series comes entries for Yes and Al Stewart. Also coming is Willie Nelson Greatest Hits Live, Blue Angels: Backstage Pass, and two Artisan licensees, Hole In the Sky and Picture Windows. All are due 10/12 and retail for $24.95 Finally. on 9/28 comes Battle Athletes Victory: Willpower, Monkey Magic: The Quest Begins and Tenchi In Tokyo: A New Challenge. More Indie Magic: From Eaton on 8/3 comes Tiger Claws 2 (ouch!) and The Girl Next Door for $24.95 each. From Madacy on 9/14 comes Great Events Of Our Century volumes 1-5 for $49.95 or $9.95 a piece. From The Roan Group comes The Dick Tracy Collection, The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery, special editions of the, uh, classics Mommy and Mommy 2: Mommy's Day, Rage At Dawn, Rain and Vengeance Valley. From the new venture Focus Film comes Challenge Of Flight volumes one and two, both for $19.95. Next, from MTI comes the Sean "What the hell happened to my career?" Young thriller Motel Blue, due 9/28 for $24.95. Lastly, from newcomer York Entertainment, look for American Affair and James Dean: Live Fast, Die Young. Both arrived last week, I just forgot to add 'em. Oops! July 29: Fox and Paramount clean-up; more cool Columbia September titles The cleanup of the database and Status Report continues, and some retractions are in order this time. To be blunt, I've seen menu screens, heard about production of titles, been told reports of test discs, etc., for countless titles, and in the past six or seven months, about 85% of them haven't come to pass (I stopped printing these things about three months ago, and am glad I did). If I actually see something real, with my own two eyes, fine, I will report on it. If I visit with a studio or attend an industry event and talk to representatives, I will relay that. And of course if I get some actual hard copy from the studios marketing or PR departments, I will report on that as well. But "so and so saw this" or "so and so heard that," well, that goes into the "make a mental note for future reference" department, and I won't be reporting that as fact or "official" or anything anymore. Period. So, here goes...putting on my flameproof suit... Cleanup: Going through the entries, the following Paramount titles are deleted from the database and put into the Status Report: The Untouchables, Forrest Gump, Braveheart, Sabrina (1995), The Firm and Wayne's World 1 & 2. Reasons? Quite simply, I heard about these from production sources, and in the intervening months, I have decided that such info is just too tenuous and not indicative enough of an actual release to make it worthwhile. (Aside from Wayne's World, but see the Status Report on that one). As far as new Paramount stuff, I posted all I know during the VSDA report which is now in the database, aside from the really enjoyable documentary Trekkies which is also coming this fall, as well as Star Trek IV. I did talk with paramount about all the Star Trek stuff, and obviously they are big into Trek and (it is their main franchise), and it is all coming. However, there is no street dates yet, they just haven't been finalized, so there is no use in me giving a temp date, because it will probably just change anyway! Lastly, some have emailed about Tucker: A Man And His Dream. I haven't heard anything about that one...maybe in 2000? On the Fox front, Independence Day and Planet Of The Apes have been moved into the Status Report, due to the already-mentioned reasons. Also, I deleted The Simpsons from the database, just because it was a typing mistake (it has always been in the Status Report). I also added an entry for Buffy The Vampire Slayer. In good news, maybe the changes behind the scenes at Fox are doing some good? An amended press release was issued for the previously bare-bones Ravenous DVD, which now includes three commentaries and a behind the scenes featurette. Retail remains a high $34.95. In the future (see today's editorial for more on this) I will be even more strident about what goes into the database. Again, to qualify for Confirmed or In Production status, it has to meet the three criteria: official studio press release, studio marketing/sales info, or real studio rep comment or interview. Columbia: Has issued the press release for the first of their September titles, all due 9/7, with a good mix of long-sought titles. The Buddy Holly Story will feature an audio commentary with Star Gary Busey and Director Steve Rash, while the 40th Anniversary Edition of the William Castle gem The Tingler features a featurette and "William Castle's Drive In Scream Sequence." Not sure what that is, but it sounds scary! Speaking of scary, also due is (at long last!) Fright Night, featuring a cleaned-up transfer, and last but not least, Monty Python And The holy Grail. The last two have no special features aside from trailers. All four are $24.95, feature 16x9 transfers (even The Tingler), and a variety of sound formats and subtitles (see the database for those). Good stuff! July 28: Warner and Columbia updates; New Line adds catalog titles; lots of music fun to come In day two of my Status Report/Database cleanup, we take a look at Columbia and Warner. Kinda a long one today... Columbia: Going over the database and such, there is not much new to add or change here. Columbia is one of the nicest studios to work with, in all honesty. As you've all undoubtedly noticed, there are always lots of upcoming Columbia titles listed on the web sites and retail sites. It is nice to see, in my opinion, a studio "get it" in regards to title info. I think that letting the enthusiasts know about stuff coming only generates excitement, and Columbia's more open attitude is refreshing. Anyway, there was a whole slew of stuff listed in my VSDA report, at The Digital Bits and DVD.COM. However, aside from some of those additions to the database, I have nothing much to add because there aren't really any new features or street dates announced yet. In the new releases column, look for the box office disappointment The Thirteenth Floor on 9/21, complete with commentary and other cool features, as well as This Is My Father, featuring a father and son commentary with Paul and Aidan Quinn. Then on 9/28 comes the Jean Claude Van Damme actioner Desert Heat. Also new are a couple of updates to the Status Report on the Luc Besson titles Leon and The Fifth Element, based on questions I asked at VSDA. Nothing major really, just that Mr. Besson is working on the Joan Of Arc film, and maybe we'll see SEs sometime in 2000. I also deleted the Mask Of Zorro SE entry, as that disc is finally due in November. There are also two more new Columbia entries for Lawrence Of Arabia and Bridge On the River Kwai, again with VSDA news stuff. Lastly, alas, there is a problem with the just-released The General DVD. Like Silverado (the reissue of which Columbia told me yesterday should now be arriving in stores), there is a mixup with the aspect ratio, or so it seems. The colorized side is 2.35:1, while the B&W version is only 1.85:1! I have contacted Columbia, needless to say, so lets hope a response comes soon. Warner: The DVD pioneers have some cool stuff coming this September, like Rebel Without A Cause, Deliverance, A Christmas Story, Excalibur, etc., as already announced last week (and nice to see lots of solid new 16x9 transfers and extra features in there). Though the August titles were announced a while back, The American President is also coming 8/31 and priced at $19.95. Note that the original press release listed it at $24.95, so make sure if you buy it the retailer does not overcharge you! Also, there was no 16x9 info for the title, and I hope to hear back soon on the full story. I will of course post it as soon as I get any info. And, though a 9/1 date has appeared on some retail sites for The Shawshank Redemption, it isn't happening...the September titles are all announced. Let's hope by Christmas! In the Status Report for Warner, there are some changes and additions. First, two new entries for all that I know on Creepshow and Dead Calm. Also, I haven't heard a peep about Papillon or special edition discs for VHS-only SE titles like Caddyshack, Outlaw Josey Wales or The Searchers. (I'm gritting my teeth now.) Also, you may remember the Warner live chat back in early '99 where some mentions were made in regards to Babylon 5 and some more classic Warner musicals. There is no furtherword still for Babylon 5 that I have heard. As for the musicals, again no comment is available, but I am leaving titles such as Mame and Gypsy in the database, based on the live chat comments. Lastly, we have what I'm sure will be a mega-hit, The Matrix. There has been a lot of activity on the web and here on this one, and of course you are all probably wondering what the real deal is. Well, I did a little digging yesterday. I found a Variety article from about a month ago (it is only available for subscribers, or I'd link to it) regarding the possibility that Warner would release The Matrix on VHS at a rental price level only (due to possible concerns about post-Columbine fears). A Warner exec was quoted in the piece, and that is where the 10/5 date was first indicated. Also, there was a good Entertainment Weekly article before that, where the Wachowski Brothers talked about the special effects and stuff shot and planned (most likely) for the DVD. Since all of that, I have seen retail sites up with the 10/5 date and features, and even went into Musicland the other night and looked up at the upcoming releases chart, lo and behold there is The Matrix for 10/5. The clerk even asked "you wanna preorder that?." But, there is no official press release yet from Warner PR, though I did receive some marketing info via fax (though maybe the matrix itself is just messing with me?). Maybe the 10/5 date was preliminary in the first place, who knows. But, at this point, I'll just wait for the press release, as it will arrive very soon I'm told. I'm excited to see all that will be on the disc, and I did read an interview with Jonathan Gaines (you hardcore fans may know that name) who is a top DVD producer and is working on the release. So it should be pretty cool. In any event, I suppose it is foregone conclusion that this disc will be huge. New Line: Another one of my favorite studios has just revealed a whole bunch of upcoming catalog titles coming to DVD. You may remember their intention to start adding about 3 library titles a month along with their excellent day and date and Platinum Series titles. One of the exciting things is that based on past New Line titles, they usually do 16x9 transfers, which so great to see. I really get excited when I see "lesser" films get the care and attention many other studios don't seem to think is warranted. Anyway, the upcoming catalog titles include Corrina Corrina, Dangerous Ground, Eight Seconds, Embrace of the Vampire, Feeling Minnesota, House Party, National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon, Now and Then, the Poison Ivy films, the oft-requested Pump Up the Volume, The Rapture, Surviving the Game, Thin Line Between Love and Hate, Total Eclipse, and Trial and Error. A nice selection! No street dates yet, but stay tuned... Music Fun: A couple of cool new music video titles on the way. First, in a recent issue of Pro Sound (I think that is what it is called) had a story on Tom Petty, and the recent recording of his concert at The Fillmore in both 2.0 and 5.1 for an eventual DVD release. A call to Warner Music confirmed this took place, but there is no street date or even a title for the DVD yet. But it is on the way. Also, Image announced a new DVD for Sheryl Crow: The Globe Sessions Tour. The cool thing on this disc is that aside from the fact that it will be a longer version that will be shown on TV, the disc was mixed by Ms. Crow herself, and will be presented in 2.0, Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1. No set date or price set for this, but it will arrive after the concert first airs in September on VH-1. Lastly, more details have arrived for the way-cool Talking Heads Stop Making Sense disc from Ryko. Aside from a new transfer and 5.1 remix, look for the bonus tracks Big Business, I Zimbra & Cities, and audio commentary from Jonathan Demme and the band, a montage from the film, David Byrne's interview of himself (a rare piece long sought-after by fans of the band), the trailer and in what is probably a first for a music title. storyboards. Street date is 10/28 and list is $29.95. For more info, visit TalkingHeads.net. July 27: A look at Universal, MGM, more Bond and the Status Report; Anchor Bay Watcher In The Woods details In my week-long housecleaning of the Status Report and database, we turn to MGM and Universal today. Thankfully, only good news and no retractions (hey, I gotta butter you up for the bad stuff later in the week). Look for Columbia and Warner tomorrow, followed by Fox and Paramount on Thursday. MGM : Well, some good news all around. First, let's turn to those cool James Bond special editions coming this October. You astute readers probably noticed that MGM stated there would be box sets with 7 discs each. Of course, even including the upcoming The World Is Not Enough, there are only 19 Bond flicks, so it would seem that any third box set would only contain 5 discs, right? Actually, in what is sure to please 007 fans, MGM has acquired the rights to both Casino Royale and Never Say Never Again, and both will get the full-on special edition treatment. So, voila!, 3 sets of seven discs each for a total of 21 bond flicks. Expect another round of Bonds next spring, and the final installment most likely next fall (hey, it takes a while to get all the cool supplementary stuff together!) On the Status Report end, I have been doing some work and uncovered a little bit of info on some cool MGM titles. Probably the most asked about titles, Rocky III and Rocky V, have NOT become Warner titles as some may have thought after the dissolution of the Warner/MGM deal. Both titles ARE coming in 2000, so rest easy Mr. T fans. Also on the horizon is a couple of John Carpenter gems, The Fog and Escape From New York. There will also be more westerns coming, but since I have to admit I know not much about that genre, I don't remember any of the titles (doh!). However, take a look at the Western Legends collection from MGM on VHS, and that should give a clue. Also, there will be a Princess Bride disc, and MGM is very aware of the high fan interest, so I'm hoping they do a great job with it. But, I have no details. Expect more Polygram reissues, including The Graduate, Usual Suspects, etc. Also, MGM now owns Orion titles like RoboCop and Silence Of The Lambs, so once the Criterion license to those titles expire, it is not known if MGM will release them or sign a new deal with Criterion. We'll have to wait and see, I guess. And, in what is easily the best news for DVD ever, Showgirls is on its way next year as well. Screw Citizen Kane and Gone With The Wind, this should have been at the top of the AFI 100 list, if you ask me. Lastly, time for some feature changes. The first press release for the September MGM horror titles listed aspect ratios which a subsequent full-color MGM brochure seemed to contradict. A followup inquiry confirmed the following: Phantasm will be 1.85:1 but not 16x9, Childs Play and The Dark Half will be 4:3 open matte only, while Monkey Shines will sport a new 16x9 transfer. Unfortunately, MGM does not yet support across-the-board new 16x9 remasters of older material. Personally, I hope this changes, because I think that MGM would sell a lot more copies of, say, Childs Play if it was presented for the first time in widescreen and 16x9 as well as full frame. Learning what I have about costs and such, I think it will be harder and harder for studios to not offer mutliple aspect ratios and 16x9 when possible. I hope MGM joins the ranks of Columbia and New Line, amongst others, in the future. Universal: Luckily, there isn't really much I had to remove from the Universal database and/or Status Report. However, a new addition in the database comes from the just-announced Sea Of Love special edition. Though there is no press release, it was mentioned on the Mallrats DVD after being rumored for a while, and Universal PR did confirm that it is in production. No word on exact features, but it will be widescreen this time and feature the input of the talent and director Harold Becker. Stay tuned. Also, look for a special edition of Notting Hill with deleted scenes and commentary, as well as more feature-laden discs for Life and American Pie. Lastly, Legend is still in production, and due to all the various versions, soundtracks, etc., it will take a LONG time! Don't expect it until 2000 for sure. Lastly, I received some word that there was work done on a Casper special edition. However, I am trying to dig up details, and will report on anything I find! Anchor Bay: Have announced the full details of the Watcher In The Woods DVD, and it looks like another winner. Special features include dual presentations of the Theatrical and Original Screening Versions, audio commentary by Director John Hough, written interviews with cast and crew, a still gallery with Photographs, FX Stills, Promo materials, etc., the infamous "spaceship sequence," Three different endings to the film (containing the ones from the above versions of the film), 24 Page Booklet and two Theatrical Trailers. Also, the theatrical version will be in Dolby 5.1, screening version will be in Dolby 2.0. Man, I have to say, pretty impressive! About the only "bad" thing is the lack of 16x9, which of course is Buena Vista's fault, as Anchor Bay would like to do it if they'd let 'em. But, it still is a great disc. Retail is $29.95. Monster Bash: I forgot to indicate this on the main page yesterday, so am reposting it now. Contributor Jamie Summers sent a little overview of the recent Monster Bash celebrating horror in cinema, and has amended his George A. Romero Status Report spotlight. It seems like a fun time, so check out Jamie's report up now, with some info on the Columbia Night of the Living 1990 DVD, as well as the 30th Anniversary disc of the original. New Line: DVD.COM is reporting that the Nightmare On Elm Street box set is being delayed from 9/7 to 9/21. Well, kinda figures, it is pretty feature packed! But, hey, at least it is only two weeks... July 26: Back To The Future arrives; Planet Of The Apes box set?; The Matrix and DM MIA?; a Romero Spotlight update Retooling: In an effort to be even more thorough and reliable, I've decided to do a bit of old laundry with the release news and database, and clear out a lot of "stale" entries. Longtime readers have watched (what I hope) is positive progress over the last year to be more and more accurate. I'm sure I'm not 100%, but that still of course remains the ultimate goal. Anyway, about two months ago I decided to not use production information and rumors nearly as much (and again this is not a dis to other sites at all), instead relying only on press releases and solicitation reports for confirmed titles and dates. Only you out there can tell me if I have succeeded, though thankfully the feedback has been generally positive. However, certain titles I've printed still haunt me (please don't mention the word "Braveheart"), so I have started to go through the entire database and clear out stuff and verify long-standing "in production" entries. All this week, I will be going through it studio by studio. To be honest, some stuff I now think I never should have printed, but will take responsibility and explain the deletions (live and learn, I guess). It won't be a massive thing, but there will be some bigger titles deleted and many entries will go back to the status report. So, today is the first of that. I really hope this column will thus become even more trustworthy for all of you. Marketing Vs. PR: I've touched on this before, but there is a division in the way release news gets issued to the trades (Video Store, Video Business, etc.), the mainstream press and the public by the studios. Since I am a big reader (okay, obsessive), and guess am fairly well "connected," I do receive a lot of marketing and "only for the trades" info which usually comes before the press release is issued. And lest you think some of this is just trade rumor, I've seen, for example, full page studio ads with box art and the like for titles before the press release! Late last week I received details on two hotly-anticipated releases this fall, and I do know this stuff will be in the upcoming trades this week as well. The question thus is why then is there such reticent towards releasing news to the public? Again, as in my article on the subject, I don't fully understand it. Personally, I feel that if the news is good enough for retail and the industry, it should be good enough for all of you. Since marketing and retailer info is sent out in effect to sell you products, I still believe you have a right to know this stuff at the same time, especially when special editions are planned though a movie-only version comes out first (aka Buena Vista and Criterion stuff). Also, all you have to do is go to a retailer and ask to preorder a title on their lists, or you can just go to a larger newsstand and read the news from the trades yourself anyway. I believe a partial role of mine here is to put it all in one place so you don't have to run around hunting (though I certainly make a concentrated effort to quote sources). So make of this info what you will... Universal : Coming about a year after the original press release, it seems the Back To The Future trilogy is finally arriving, with some real details from Universal and Amblin finally emerging. I received a fax on it, and again this will be showing up in the trades and on retailers lists. Expect a press release following sometime in the next month or so. There will be a big "The Future Is Back!" VHS and DVD promotion this Christmas. The DVD of Part 1 streets 11/23 (not 11/16 as I originally posted...don't shoot me!). It features a new 16x9 transfer and 5.1 remaster, a backwards-running wristwatch in a limited number of discs, and the usual bevy of Universal Collector's Edition features. There will be a documentary, deleted scenes, production notes, cast bios and trailers. No commentary info was mentioned, but you never know (it is not uncommon for early sales info to be incomplete.) Also, looks like we won't have to wait until 2000 for the other 2, as Back To The Future Part 2 and Part 3 will both debut on 12/14. Though not containing the same extensive features as the first, they both have new 16x9 transfers and 5.1 mixes, and deleted scenes as well. Each disc is available separately, and no word on any sort of special 3-pack (though perhaps that wristwatch thing would come in a possible 3-pack?). By the way, on a side note, the recent October Sky disc has some faulty packaging. A commentary is listed, though it is not on the disc. I was told by Universal PR it could not be completed in time, though unfortunately the packaging was not changed. However, all future issues of the disc will have correct labeling, though the commentary will not be recorded in the future nor will there be a reissue. Bummer. Fox: In another of those releases that just goes back and forth, I received an email with a story that is going up in Video Business this week confirming a Planet Of The Apes box set, due 12/14. It will apparently contain all 5 of the apes films (no 16x9, same stuff as the Laserdisc set). However, an inquiry late last week to Fox was greeted with the reply that there is no Planet Of the Apes set coming at all this year. So, which is it? I'm remaining dubious on this one, and for the time being, I will just leave it as a Status Report item (to be updated tomorrow) until something can be confirmed with Fox (I have received no marketing info on this one.). Also, hard as it is to believe, but Fox has indeed starting shipping the ALIEN Legacy 5th discs to consumers. I'm supposed to receive mine soon, and i've already started to see reviews and confirmations up that others have gotten theirs already. Nice to see Fox actually is getting them out. But, I have no idea how many they plan to ship, so better get your coupon in if you haven't already, so you don't miss out. Warner : The street date and first details have finally arrived for the sure-to-be-huge DVD of The Matrix. As expected, it will be a Premiere Collection title, retailing for $24.95 and is due 10/5. It will sport a 2.35:1 16x9 enhanced transfer, a 5.1 soundtrack, and the usual cast bios, production notes, trailers, etc. It will also feature a director's commentary, extensive behind-the-scenes footage including stuff shot during the making of the film, a computer effects "how they did it," and some DVD-ROM features yet to be disclosed, though I'm told it will rival the You've Got Mail DVD in that department. The menus are also going to be really cutting edge. Expect the press release in August. Warner Music : Just a quick note on whatever happened to that Depeche Mode The Singles 86-98 DVD. Warner Reprise says it is indefinitely postponed but still "in production." I did email the webmaster of the official DM web site, and they were working on making it special (i.e., probably throwing an extra video on it or something), but that as of now, it is still being worked on. Alas, now that it has been nearly a year since its original release on VHS and Laser, I hope the momentum hasn't been lost and it gets canceled. That would suck. Monster Bash: Speaking of special reports, contributor Jamie Summers sent a little overview of the recent Monster Bash celebrating horror in cinema, and has amended his George A. Romero Status Report spotlight.. It seems like a fun time, so check out Jamie's report up now, with some info on the Columbia Night of the Living 1990 DVD, as well as the 30th Anniversary disc of the original. July 23: Muppets at Warp speed; Indie wrap-up; more Warner September titles; Forces of Nature features added MGM: Has finally unveiled the press release of the first six new James Bond special editions, and I think they look pretty sweet. All have 16x9 transfers in their original aspect ratios (no P&S versions are included), and should boast cool new packaging. All discs contain trailers, TV spots and music videos (except Goldfinger, Live And Let Die and Thunderball). There is also detailed booklets included for each. Retail is $34.95, street 10/19. The full details are:
Also, there will be a $199 box set with all seven of these titles. Though I guess there isn't really a "theme" to these seven Bond films, you will still save a nice bit of money, so cool! Columbia: Alirght, now, I'm beginning to wonder why they even bother with theatrical release anymore. Columbia has already sent out a date for Muppets In Space, due 10/28, to retailers. (The disc will feature the usual 16x9 and P&S version, etc.) Ummm, has it been released in the theaters yet? I didn't think so. Seriously, I think it may only be a matter of time before we see the first simultaneous theatrical/home video release! Indie: Time to take a look at some upcoming releases from the non-studio side of things. Another eclectic slate on the way: First, a note on those BBC titles announced at the VSDA for VHS. Aside from the already announced Wallace & Grommit set, there are no set dates yet for follow-up discs. However, talking with BBC yesterday (who are distributed by Fox in the U.S.), there are more in the pipeline. Certainly I will let you know when they are announced, so stay tuned. HBO has given a 9/7 date to the Jerry Seinfeld Live disc, as well as the Robert Zemeckis-directed premiere Tales From The Crypt trilogy. Both are nice-priced at $19.95. Trimark has set a date of 10/5 for the remake of Lolita, with a commentary by Adrian Lyne and a nice 16x9 transfer. Should be a good disc. From Warner Special Projects (i.e., Warner Reprise), comes the next installment in Circuit Journal, 1:3. These journals are a good mix of experimental and music-based programming from the folks behind Short Cinema Journal. Priced at $19.95 and due 9/28, these are worth checking out. From the cheesy star bio department, due 8/24 from Music Video Distributing comes the confidentials Backstreet Boys: Backstreet Stories, N'Sync: Unauthorized Biography, Britney Spears: Kiddie Porn Scrapbook (oops, I mean Star Baby Scrapbook), Goth Box (with tracks by Switchblade Symphony, Christian Death, Alien Sex Fiend, Lords of the New Church, The Chameleons U.K., etc.) and my vote for title of the week, Gwar: Phallus In Wonderland. All are $24.95. Also, from MVP Entertainment comes Free Tibet, a look at the Tibetan Freedom Concert, and Garth Brooks: His Life...From Tulsa To The Top. Both are $19.95 and due 8/3. From Shanachie on 8/17 comes two Nature specials, Cats and Man's Best Friend (don't buy these together...they may fight). Each are $24.95. Lastly, from Sterling comes the minor cult film Southie, and a special edition of Urban Menace, complete with audio commentary, music video, press kit, screenplay and more. Both are due 9/7. Warner: Has added a few more titles to their 9/21 batch. Look for some Christmas favorites, including a new 16x9 transfer for A Christmas Story (which is great to see), a double feature of How The Grinch Stole Christmas and Horton Hears A Who (which includes some pencil tests), and Thumbelina. Nice to see solid support for family and holiday titles. All are $19.95. (Thanks to Laserviews for the news) DreamWorks: Just a note that a few more details for the upcoming 9/14 Forces Of Nature disc have surfaced. Look for deleted scenes and an alternate ending, in addition to the usual trailer, production notes, etc. List price is $29.95. July 22: Yet more Anchor Bay; Pioneer readies Akira; corrections and updates on some titles Anchor Bay: The nice folks over at Anchor Bay sent along a list of their release schedule for the next year, and there are even more goodies on it than have already been announced. I'm impressed that, to me, they seem to understand the value of promoting their titles by genre and category. For example, some titles coming in their Legendary Horror line this August/September include Alice Sweet Alice, Fade To Black, Hell Night, Nightmares, Trilogy Of Terror and Tenderness Of The Wolves. Also due is the Hitchcock Collection, including the director's classics Rebecca, The Paradine Case, Spellbound and Notorious, all due on 9/7 and $24.95. The Hammer Collection is due 10/19, and includes Rasputin - The Mad Monk, The Reptile, The Lost Continent and Plague Of The Zombies. Also interesting-sounding is The Rock N' Roll Collection, with FM, Where The Buffalo Roam, Smashing Time, Trainride To Hollywood and Zachariah. (Note all this stuff is available individually, not as big box sets.) More interesting titles include a Bruce Campbell film Running Time (11/23), two new George Romero acquirees Knightriders and Martin, Classic Comedies like The Flamingo Kid, National Lampoon's Class Reunion and Withnail & I. There is are Bridget Bardot and Paul Verhoeven collections coming in 2000, as well as more Disney licensees like the original Freaky Friday (cool!). You'll also see more horror like Sleepaway Camp, Whatever Happened To Aunt Alice?, and of course a restored Evil Dead 2 special edition and a Evil Dead Box next summer. Anyway, there is just too much, so check out the Anchor Bay search in the database to your right to see all the Confirmed and In Production titles on the way. Pioneer: Well, after lots of pieces of information on the long-awaited Akira DVD and confusion over who has the rights to the title (my own included), Pioneer has finally confirmed that they do have the rights, and are working on a new transfer. Street date, price and features are to be announced, but it is the real deal direct from Pioneer. Stay tuned. (Thanks to Chris Beveridge for the update.) Columbia: A quick note of interest on the upcoming Sleepless In Seattle SE DVD. I received an email that on another episode of Loveline (guess I'm not alone in my guilty pleasure), Adam Corolla and Dr. Drew apparently said they were approached about doing a commentary for this disc! If this happens, I think it is hysterical. And it would definitely be one of the more creative uses of audio commentaries on DVD yet, don't you think? New Horizons: Has announced some more details on that cool Pirahna DVD-only 20th Anniversary Edition. It will retail for $29.95, and includes a special 90-minute commentary by Dante and Davison, never-before-seen bloopers from the film, and home movies taken during the filming of "Piranha." Reprints of the original eight-page theatrical marketing brochure, along with a specially prepared booklet titled, "A History of Roger Corman and New Horizons," will be included with each disc, and available only through DVD purchase. No street date yet, and alas it will not be widescreen (boo!). You can see the full press release via Infoseek. Corrections: A few updates and corrections on recent titles. First, I mistakenly said yesterday that there were four WWF DVDs coming. Because I obviously don't know much about wrestling, Wrestlemania XV is actually a part of the "Ragin' Climax" disc, while Hell Yeah is a part of the Stone Cold collection. So, there is only two discs coming right now from WWF. Sorry for the mistake. Second, a note that despite the pre-release info and such, the new Polygram/USA disc for Hilary & Jackie is NOT 16x9 enhanced. In the bad packaging department, the new Universal Dolby Digital disc for Virus has some cool special features, including a commentary, deleted scenes and featurette, but none of the features are listed on the packaging! But, they indeed ARE on the disc. Go figure. Lastly, an update on just what is up with She's All That DVD and the missing 5.1 soundtrack. Word is that the disc will be repressed, and consumers will be able to exchange the current 2.0 only disc for the reissue. No word on will the new version will arrive. Stay tuned. July 21: DreamWorks adds Forces Of Nature; Universal adds more classic monsters and American Pie; WWF goes DVD; Pioneer adds two horror cult faves; and York adds two new titles DreamWorks: Has announced a day & date with VHS release of the hit romance Forces Of Nature on 9/14. Included will be a nice 16x9 anamorphic transfer, production notes, cast bios, etc. List is $29.95. If any new features should be announced, I'll certainly post it. Universal: Just a brief update on that Hitchcock Collection 3-pack. Strangely (to me), the new Alfred Hitchcock Presents disc with the four episodes will not be available separately, so you have to buy the whole thing to get it. I relayed to Universal my thoughts that most Hitchcock fans already have Vertigo and Psycho, and I don't think anyone who does would buy them again just to have the third disc. Maybe someday in the future we'll see it available separately. Also, many have emailed about a special edition of Rear Window, and indications elsewhere of a DVD this fall. Well, as far as I've always known, the film will be getting a theatrical release first a la Vertigo, so my guess would be to see the DVD next year. Universal basically said the same thing at the VSDA, so as far as I know, no such SE will be appearing this year. Lastly, look for three more classic monster discs, including Bride Of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man and The Invisible Man, all due 10/26. All three will be in their original 1.33:1 aspect ratios, and contain new commentaries and documentaries. Really cool stuff, so way to go Universal! Lastly, I was watching that MTV show Loveline (please don't tell anyone) and they had a couple of the actors from the sleeper hit American Pie on. They were already talking about the DVD, which will include commentary and the like. There is no street date, but I'm sure we can all guess that it is probably going to be around six months from now. Stay tuned. WWF: I finally received some real details on the first WWF wresting DVDs, and they really look pretty good. The first two titles will be WrestleMania: The Ragin' Climax, and the Stone Cold Collection. Both feature "match commentary from your favorite stars," as well as behind the scenes backstage footage and exclusive interviews. Price is $24.95, After that, look for two more WWF DVDs, for Hell Yeah and Wrestlemania XV. No features set for those two yet. Pioneer: Has announced the full details for two new horror cult favorites due on 10/5, just in time for Halloween. (As a horror fan, I can say this October will be great for DVD!) First is the Bride of Re-Animator special edition, with audio commentaries with Brian Yuzna, Jeffrey Combs and Bruce Abbott (I believe there will be two separate commentaries), deleted scenes, never-before-seen behind the scenes footage, detailed coverage of the make-up effects and a photo gallery. Perhaps the only disappointing thing about the disc for me is that it is full-frame only. Bummer. Next up is another full-frame only disc of an Artisan licensee, the Clive Barker adaptation of Rawhead Rex. Okay, I'll admit it, this is a guilty pleasure of mine. Retail is $24.95. Elite: By the way, I did receive an email from Elite about the seemingly out-of-print special edition of Re-Animator. You may have noticed some copies hit the shelves of DVD Express (and then quickly disappeared). Never fear, Elite says more copies should be shipping, so hopefully you starved Herbert West fans can snag a disc for yourselves. York: Speaking of horror films, a newcomer to DVD, York Entertainment, launches Kolobos and Diamondbacks on DVD on 9/28. List is $24.95, and the films are presented open matte with no extras of note. More Cool Stuff: Check out The Digital Bits rumor mill (like I need to tell you to) for some more cool scoops on upcoming fall stuff. More good Columbia and Fox stuff on the way! July 20: Warner unveils September slate; Xena in 2000? Warner: I have to admit, and this isn't a criticism of Warner or anybody else, but I did find it odd that I'm now getting release info for new fall titles just days after the VSDA. Kinda weird...I guess I thought the show would just be like a slew of fall announcements. Huh. But, no matter, I have received the Warner marketing September info, and there are (finally!) some great long-awaited titles coming. On 9/21 comes a special edition of Rebel Without A Cause, complete with two documentaries, additional interviews, a 16x9 enhanced 2.35:1 transfer, productions notes and a trailer. Soundtracks include a 5.1 English remix, and the original mono track. Price is $24.95 Also nice to see is a full slate of $19.95 titles...no budget stuff in here! However, Warner indicated at the VSDA (to me at least) that they are still committed to the budget line. Anyway, look for Deliverance, Excalibur, The Pajama Game, the Richard Gere/Jodie Foster coming-out drama (oops, I mean romance) Sommersby, and a personal favorite, Local Hero. All feature widescreen and P&S versions, production notes and trailers. Excalibur has a 5.1 track, while the rest have either 2.0 Surround or Stereo. Status Report: Just a quick one this time, for Xena: Warrior Princess. If you read my VSDA report, you will have read this already (just forgot to add it in my Status Report cleanup last week). Basically USA is working on the rights issues (though it runs on USA Television, apparently it isn't so simple to release on home video for USA), but they are aware of the interest. Maybe 2000, they say... July 19: James Bond will return; Warner adds Excalibur and more South Park; Ryko premieres Stop Making Sense, Buena Vista and Roger Rabbit, Fox does Wallace & Gromit, and Columbia adds Lost Horizon Note: Finally, the database is fully updated with all street date changes, new titles, etc. However, in the coming weeks, the databases will be completely redesigned (by a real database programmer, not me), so look for better functionality and interfaces. In the meantime, the usual format should work well enough until the spiffy new databases are unveiled. MGM: Looks like MGM isn't kidding with their new $34.95 special edition policy. Updated information on those 10/19 James Bond discs have come from MGM, and fans will love it! Look for full-fledged special editions of Thunderball, Goldfinger, the long-awaited GoldenEye, Live And Let Die, License To Kill and For You Eyes Only. The preliminary info so far is to expect the extras from the laserdisc MGM sets on the DVDs for GoldenEye, Thunderball, and Goldfinger. No details yet on what is to be included on the others, though the information is expected to be released in the next couple of weeks. All will be the real deal, though, and the previous Tomorrow Never Dies SE will be re-released with the same features but new cover art. Expect the entire Bond series to be released as special editions over the next year or so. Way to go MGM, and stay tuned! (And check out Reuters for the full press release on this.) Lastly, on October 5th, look for the last in the Clint Eastwood western trilogy, A Fistful Of Dollars. Expect a three-pack (no new features) of The Good, The Bad & The Ugly, For A Few Dollars More along with Fistful Of Dollars on the same date. No price yet on the 3-pack. Warner: Has finally released the details for the long-awaited Excalibur disc. It is due 9/21, and features a new 2.35:! anamorphic transfer, English 5.1 Dolby Digital, English and French Subtitles and trailers. Strangely, no commentary track is listed on the preliminary info, though Warner did confirm in the past there will be a commentary, so stay tuned. Hot on the heels of the theatrical release of the South Park film, Warner has added three new South Park volumes of four episodes each. Due 10/12, each is $19.95, and features introductions between series creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker. The episodes are: Volume 4 - Cartman's Mom is a Dirty Slut, Cartman's Mom is Still a Dirty Slut, Chicken Lover, Ike's Wee-Wee; Volume 5 - Conjoined Fetus Lady, The Mexican Staring Frog of Southern Sri Lanka, Flashbacks, Summer Sucks; and Volume 6 - Chef's Salty Chocolate Balls, Chickenpox, Roger Ebert Should Lay Off the Fatty Foods, Clubhouses. Buena Vista: Well, I finally got the confirm for the Who Framed Roger Rabbit? disc, due 9/28 as expected. Alas, it will be movie only, and non-anamorphic to boot. Retail is $29.95. Ryko: That Stop Making Sense remastered DVD finally has a date, on 10/28. I saw the recent theatrical re-release premiere, and it looked and sounded great. The disc will feature a new transfer and 5.1 mix, and I know all you Talking Heads fans are already looking forward to it. Hopefully the full features will be available soon. Watch this space! Fox: In what may be overpriced for some of you (I haven't made up my mind yet), Fox has announced the three-episode (83 Minute) Wallace & Gromit collection for $34.95, due 9/7. Hey, at least they are coming! In addition to the wonderful shorts, look for behind-the-scenes footage and photo and storyboard gallery. Columbia: The other day, I posted new Columbia titles due 8/31, and forgot one important title. Look for the classic Lost Horizon on that date as well, and it includes Audio commentary on the film's restoration by Charles Champlin & Robert Gitt, alternate ending with narration, and restoration featurette with 3 deleted scenes. Retails is $27.95. July 16: Some new indies from Trimark, Anchor Bay and more; Buena Vista finally adds H20 Indies: A few cool indie announcements for you. Expect more next week as I play catch up after the big server switch... First, Trimark adds the TV thriller Atomic Train and a special edition (with commentary and other extras) of the cult hit Lulu On The Bridge, both due 9/28. Next up is the Dean Koontz thriller Mr. Murder on 8/24. Also on that date, Anchor Bay adds the 80's comedy The Allnighter, complete with "The Haircut," a short starring John Cassavetes, written & directed by Tamar Simon Hoffs, "No TV, No Phone" music video by Price-Sulton, a commentary track by Director Tamar Simon Hoffs and daughter/star Susanna Hoffs, and the theatrical trailer. From A-Pix comes Six Ways To Sunday which also is their first 16x9 title. It retails for $24.95 and due 8/24. On the musical front, look for Merle Haggard In Concert from Brentwood, due 7/13. For a 150 minute concert, it is priced well at $19.95. From Fox Lorber comes an interesting slate. Coming 9/28 is Antonia's Line, Boiling Point, Habit, the cult hit Hugo Pool, the acclaimed (and controversial) documentary Kurt & Courtney, the always cool Leonard Cohen: Ladies And Gentlemen, McCourt Of New York, Mrs. Dalloway, Tie Died, and Violent Cop. Also due are the animated features Envelope Please, Cartoon Fairy Tails, Cartoon Gulliver Travel and Dashiell Hammett Detective. On 8/24 comes Paul Robeson: Here I Stand, Stolen Kisses and Desolation Angels. Buena Vista: Could it be? Is it possible? Why yes, Buena Vista finally confirmed a 9/28 date for the Halloween H20 special edition. Price is $39.95, and it includes the 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio, interviews with Jamie Lee Curtis and Steve Miner, outttakes/deleted scenes, and the trailer. Kinda a slim set, if you ask me, but there may be more features that just haven't been announced yet. Stay tuned... Also, I misprinted the audio for The Rocketeer disc last week...Disney indicates it will be 5.0, not 4.0, but many of you tell me it was 5.1 in the theater. Very confusing, but Buena Vista says 5.0 is the way it will be on the DVD. July 15: Columbia adds more August titles, new cool Criterion stuff Columbia: One of my favorite DVD supporters just keeps 'em coming, with four new titles due 8/31. First up is an extensive DVD for Idle Hands, complete with commentary with the director and cast members Seth Green and Elden Henson, a making of featurette, a deleted scene also with commentary, and split screen comparisons between the film and animated storyboards. Both P&S and 16x9 widescreen are included, as is a 5.1 and 2.0 surround mix. Retail is $24.95. Also on the same date is The Adventures Of Milo & Otis, with a making-of featurette, A Soldier's Story with commentary by director Norman Jewison and the "Love In The Movies" featurette, and last (but not least) the classic Only Angels Have Wings, with some "vintage advertising" included (though it is not specified if this is a still gallery or some other feature) and the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. All the other titles contain both 16x9 widescreen and P&S. Retail for all is $24.95 except "Angels" which is $27.95 MSRP. Criterion: Has announced some new street dates and features for some of their upcoming DVDs. Due on November 23 is a special edition of Stanley Kubrick's Spartacus, which includes some great features: Commentary by Kirk Douglas, Howard Fast, Peter Ustinov, producer Edward Lewis, production designer Saul Bass, and film restorer Bob Harris, Interviews with Peter Ustinov and Jean Simmons, Bass' original storyboards and titles, Screenwriter Dalton Trumbo's scene-by-scene analysis, Deleted scene analysis, Additional musical compositions by Alex North, Newsreel footage of the film's premiere, The original theatrical trailer, feature "Breaking the Hollywood Blacklist" and English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired (great to see!). Looks like a real top-quality special edition, though no word on 16x9 enhancement yet. Also, a couple of street dates for some recent Criterion announcements. 8/24 will see Hitchcock's 39 Steps and the classic Charade. Next up is Criterion's 9/28 slate, including the NASA saga For All Mankind, the original Lord of the Flies, the Powell classic Peeping Tom and finally The Night Porter. No features yet for these, but I'm sure they will be great discs. July 14: Anchor Bay plans even more stuff! Anchor Bay : Thought I wasn't expecting to go back to the VSDA again on Saturday, I did have a late meeting, and just happened to stop by the Anchor Bay meeting room to see if I could catch a bit more of that cool Halloween disc. I sat down and had a nice chat with Anchor Bay's Jay Douglas, who is a big dude there with DVD. I was really encouraged by Jay's boundless enthusiasm for DVD, and he seemed even more excited than I did about the upcoming Halloween DVD (don't let him show you a demo of it, or he'll never let you leave!). Anyway, we talked about Anchor Bay's philosophy towards DVD, and they are really gung-ho about the format. Whenever possible (read: everything but Buena Vista titles) they will try to fit P&S and Widescreen versions on the disc, and do 16x9 enhanced transfers. Aside from the already announced Anchor Bay titles in the VSDA report, we talked about a few other titles. First up is a nice special edition of Hell Night, which for many is a much better than average early 80's slasher flick. If you would have told me I'd see a 16x9 enhanced DVD with a Tom DiSimone and Linda Blair commentary, I just wouldn't have believed it. But it is really being developed. Also, Anchor Bay is doing a special edition of the cult rock classic FM with extras, a special edition of They Shoot Horses Don't They? (which will have some special features, though how many from the special edition laserdisc I do not know), as well as a hoped-for DVD of the Charles Martin Smith directed Trick Or Treat (as Anchor Bay is doing the great and overlooked Disney film Never Cry Wolf). Also of interest is hours of new behind-the-scenes stuff recently found on The Evil Dead films. So, after Army of Darkness (which WILL be 16x9 enhanced for both the theatrical and "director's cut" versions), a box set of all three films is in the works for next year, with extra features for Evil Dead 2 and new stuff that hasn't been seen before. It should definitely be a great set! July 13: Buena Vista does it again; complete database and Status Report housecleaning Buena Vista : Well, I finally heard back from Buena Vista on the whole Flirting With Disaster edited credit sequence thing, and apparently what happened was "there was a miscommunication between the technical and programming side" at Miramax and Buena Vista, and thus "the wrong transfer was used" for the DVD. Alas, no recalled will be issued, so you may want to just hold onto the VHS or Laserdisc copies if you really want those two credit scenes trimmed on the DVD. As for The Rocketeer, I'm told it will appear in its original sound format, approximately 5.0. I am not familiar with this film nor the previous video editions, so I don't know if it was ever presented in 5.1 on video. Oh, and just to piss you off, recent Region 2 releases of Dick Tracy and Armageddon, amongst others, are 16x9 enhanced. Chortle. However, one film that does have a 5.1 soundtrack conspicuously missing from the DVD is the just-released She's All That. Though labeled 5.1 on the box, there is only a 2.0 Stereo mix (!) present on the DVD! Needless to say, I have inquired about this to Buena Vista. Let's see what the response is this time. Lastly, look for the just-announced 10 Things I Hate About Buena Vista, er, You, due 10/18. Let's hope it has a 5.1 soundtrack this time. Housecleaning: Well, it isn't really spring anymore, but I have gone through the Status Report and cleaned up entries and deleted old ones. I will continue to update this, but was waiting for the VSDA to end to then go forward and looking into other titles still MIA. I'm digging into frequent requests like Willow and Rocky III and IV, amongst others. Hopefully I will get some findings soon. However, I did put up some VSDA findings on Lawrence of Arabia and Bridge On The River Kwai, as well as some brief updates to titles like Short Cuts, Fisher King, and Airplane. Also, I put all the VSDA titles into the database, with as many features as are available. Coming Tomorrow: Some more Anchor Bay stuff from Saturday at VSDA, including special editions of Hell Night, FM, They Shoot Horses Don't They?, and a box set of the Evil Dead films with even more extra footage (try hours!). Day Off : After all the activity at last week's National Video Week in Los Angeles, I will be updating the database and Status Report in full today. Expect a cleaned-up and updated database tomorrow. Sorry for the lack of news today. Expect everything back to normal tomorrow. July 8: BBC Preview; details on MGM Yellow Submarine disc; more Night Of The Living Dead 30th Anniversary details BBC: I received a really nice email from a UK reader and friend Lee over at DVD Debate, a great UK Region 2 site. Lee passed along a nice scoop about some more announcements from the BBC on DVD,, in addition to the already announced Monty Python episodes. Note these are due for an official U.S. announcement this week, with more details will available at the VSDA. But, I thought I'd give you a little scoop early. Some titles coming 10/9 include Blackadder Volume 1, Dr Who: The Five Doctors, Monty Python: The Best Of Series Volume 1, Noddy In Toyland, Jane Austen's Persuasion and The Planets (an acclaimed BBC Documentary on the planets in the solar system). These are all pretty cool titles, and it is definitely great to see more and more interesting and non-blockbuster titles coming (not that those are bad). Thanks again to DVD Debate for the update. MGM: Since MGM is not exhibiting at this year's VSDA, there probably won't be much from them in the way of release news. However, more details have surfaced on the cool The Beatles Yellow Submarine disc. The confirmed features are:
In all, it certainly looks to be a great disc. Kudos to MGM, Apple Records and the Beatles involved for really going all out and utilizing that which makes DVD great. Anchor Bay: I think this may have already been printed, but there has been some confusion on the Anchor Bay 30th Anniversary release of Night Of The Living Dead. There will actually be two separate releases, but both look really good, maybe even improving on the already terrific Elite disc that came out a while back. Not only does the 30th Anniversary film contain new footage (almost 20 minutes worth), but also an all original, modern classical score, which I hear is quite good. The DVD (only $24.95!) contains not one but two versions of the film. One is the original film remastered with the new score but no cuts or additional footage. The second version is the 30th Anniversary Edition and contains the new music and new scenes. Also included are a huge, animated photo gallery with music featuring behind the scenes and film stills, a music video for a bonus track from the score album (DANCE OF THE DEAD, a techno/industrial dance cut filled with samples from the film), a commentary track from original cast & crew members John Russo, Bill (Cemetery Zombie) Hinzman and Russ (Johnny) Streiner, a behind the scenes featurette, trailers, cool interactive menus and a special booklet with interviews and pictures. There is also a limited (15,000 units) edition of the DVD ($34.95) which contains a special soundtrack CD. This CD features a bonus track not available on the regular score release, and is printed in full color from the original promotional poster artwork. Each version of the film will also be available separately on VHS, but without all of the goodies. (Thanks to SVL for the update.) Updates: There has been some confusion about the upcoming release of the 1999 version of The Mummy. Some retailers are listing it as having both the P&S and Widescreen versions on the same disc, along with all the supplements. This would require a DVD-18 if it were true. However, the problem I think is that the press release was pretty vague in its wording. However, a email confirm came from Universal that these are separate releases only. Both are $29.95 and feature all the same extras. Can't wait to see how the sales figures stack up when it arrives on 9/28! Also, some have mentioned that in my post about the Twilight Zone 40th Anniversary set, I stated that the Rod Serling documentary wasn't available elsewhere. That was my mistake, it actually is available for sale on DVD separately as well as in the set. Oops. July 7 : Rushmore SE, Sony adds Christmas classic; welcome four new indie distributors VSDA: With the VSDA looming, expect lackluster announcements until my updates starting late Thursday after the first day of the show. I'm not sure if the show will be a bust or a boon, but I think it will probably fall somewhere in the middle in regards to new titles. Stay tuned (but, then, I don't really need to say that, do I?) Buena Vista & Criterion: Word has come from Criterion that the Rushmore Special Edition has been confirmed for release, No set street date or features, but this is good news. Too bad the announcement couldn't have come before the movie-only disc streeted, though. (Look for more info on this disc in the latest issue of Video Store Magazine.) Also, many have wondered about the Who Framed Roger Rabbit? DVD being announced. However, I have yet to receive any official word, and the September titles on the Buena Vista press site do not include the title. So, I will just wait and see for now... Sony : He knows when you've been good, and he knows when you've been bad. That's right, Santa Clause is comin' to DVD. Some may remember that Sony Wonder licensed some Golden Books titles for DVD, or supposedly did. These include those great Christmas specials we know and love, like Rudoph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and others. Now, Sony has confirmed that Rudolph will hit DVD in time for Christmas. No set date, and no word on the other specials. Let's hope they all make their way to DVD as well. Welcome: Four new DVD specialty suppliers have announced their first titles, and it is an eclectic mix to say the least. Fantoma has a pretty cool first disc, for the long-lost director's cut of the visionary first film from Alejandro Jodorowsky, Fando & Lis. The film features a widescreen Transfer (1.66:1) from the original 35mm negative, audio commentary by director Alejandro Jodorowsky, feature length documentary Constellation Jodorowsky on the life and art of the director (featuring interviews with Peter Gabriel, Marcel Marceau, artist Jean "Moebius" Giraud and playwright Fernando Arrabal) and full-color Reproduction of the original 8-page handbill given out at the film's premiere. In all, an impressive first effort! List price is $39.95 and street date is 9/7. Also new is E-Real Biz (interesting name), who are introducing their first two titles, America's Funniest Home Videos - Uncensored (please, no more Bob Saget) and Jerry Springer: Too Hot For TV 2000 (not to be confused with Jerry Springer's Welcome To the Hellenium). From WGBH Boston Video comes their first DVD titles, two NOVA specials, The Miracle of Life and Everest: The Death Zone. Lastly, form Living Ats comes their first-ever releases, AM/PM Yoga Foer Beginner's and Total Body Yoga Workout. July 6 : Tidbits on Re-Animator and A Nightmare On Elm Street; Columbia update; Image unloads a ton o' stuff; more indie titles Tidbits: Just a few interesting things of note. First, I contacted Elite about the disappearing Re-Animator disc which seems to have been out of print for a while. DVD Express has it back in stock, and there are more now available. So, get 'em while you can. Second, I did get a confirm that the transfers for A Nightmare On Elm Street box set are 16x9 enhanced, though they were not indicated either way on the press release. Columbia : A few Columbia things. First, news comes from the Tom Savini web site to expect a DVD of his remake of Night Of The Living Dead, which many have been asking for. The disc should include the MPAA cut footage, outtakes, behind-the-scenes footage and anew 16x9 transfers. Sweet! (Thanks to Caleb for the link.) I did receive direct word from Columbia that they are switching to using an MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) instead of the previous MAP (Minimum Advertised Price). The difference is that the former generally is the set top list price, and then retailers can mark it down as they see fit. With the second, the distributor offers no set price; rather, the MAP is the minimum price a retailer can advertise a disc for, though they can sell it for whatever they want. Unfortunately, since Columbia is switching, I have seen many retailers charging higher prices for recent Columbia discs because it seems they are mistaking the new MSRP for the old Columbia MAP. So, shop carefully. In the database, I have made designations for MAP and MSRP. Hope that helps. Also, just a few words on the Columbia Dark Crystal and Labyrinth DVDs (see yesterday's post). Word has come to me that the two included 60-minute documentaries are both the previously available on video. Also, there has been some comment on the state of the deleted scenes, which includes a Skekis funeral scene (I'm sure I spelled that wrong). One of the outtakes on the he laserdisc used an old PAL master, and not in the best of condition. IN any event, it is nice the disc has extras at all, in this age of Buena Vista and Fox movie-only laserdisc rehashes without the supplements. Oh, by the way, Star Trek fans, look for a pre-Trek Gates McFadden in the Labyrinth documentary...she was a choreographer back then. : ) Speaking of Columbia, all the deleted scenes on the Ghostbusters disc don't actually include the previous Criterion laserdisc ones. It turns out there is still one missing on the DVD, involving a bit with Venkman & Co. having their names scrapped off the University office wall after being fired. Kinda a bummer they are not all on there, but just letting you Ghostbusters archivists know. Image: Another big batch of Image stuff in the database. Highlights include a new 40th Anniversary box set of The Twilight Zone, complete with a new 90 minute documentary on Rod Serling, previously unavailable. Also up is the AFI 100 Top Movies Of All Time special, and some more early Chaplin short collections. Use the Studio search to your right for a list of all the upcoming Image titles. Sony: From our friends at Sony on 9/7 comes the long awaited (okay, by a few of you) first volume of Celebrity Deathmatch. This two-episode special (45 minutes) features bouts between Spike Lee/Quentin Tarantino, Cindy Crawford/Janeane Garafalo, Steve Austin/Vince McMahon, Celine Dion/Keith Flint and Adam Sandler/Chris Rock. Cool. Trimark: Adds yet another in the seemingly endless sequels, Sometimes They Come Back...For More. It is due on 8/27, retails fro $24.95 and features the usual trailer, subtitles and a widescreen transfer. Wonder if Stephen King will be watching this one during his hospital stay... MTI: Has an interesting slate due 8/24, including the Fangoria film Lady In The Lake, as well as Alien Files, Golf Punks, Nautilus, and the Michael Jordan TV movie An American Hero. All retail for $24.95. July 5 : Columbia announces Henson special editions Columbia: Well, I guess Columbia and Jim Henson know how to keep a good secret! Though the Henson web site put up a message on The Dark Crystal coming to DVD, indicating no special features, it turns out not only is Columbia releasing the film to DVD on 9/21, along with it comes Labyrinth, and both look to be great special editions! Hey, I'm not complaining! As indicated on the press release, both feature new 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen versions from hi-def masters and Dolby 2.0 surround mixes (Dark Crystal also has a new 5.1 mix as well). Even cooler, each dual-layer disc has a 60-minute documentary on the making of the film ("The World of The Dark Crystal" and "Inside The Labyrinth"), and the usual theatrical trailers, cast & crew bios, production notes and English and Spanish subtitles. In addition, Dark Crystal features 2 deleted scenes, character concept drawings and profiles, original character language work print scenes (cool!), and even an isolated music score by Trevor Jones. Once again, I'm duly impressed with Columbia's work, as well as the efforts of the Jim Henson Company. I think fans of these films won't be disappointed. Bravo to all involved! Oh, in a side note, though, I have been confused by Columbia pricing. Though their press releases are clear, I've noticed many retailers who still seem to list Columbia titles at $29.95 list, though some titles, like Ghostbusters, were $24.95 on the press release. However, this may be do to the fact that Columbia seems to be alternating at times between a Minimum Advertised Price designation (which indicates the lowest a retailer is suggested to sell a title for) and Suggested List Price (which means the retailer should discount as they see fit from this base price). Though Columbia usually uses an MAP, the Henson announcement uses an MSRP of $24.95. So, it will be interesting to see what retailers actually sell these discs for. Definitely shop around to get the best price! July 3 : Kubrick Recall disappears Warner: Well, in spite of the news on the web and printed here, Warner confirmed there is no Kubrick recall. I'm not sure why the information was relayed to me in the first place by Warner, but I guess the ghost of Kubrick works in mysterious ways. In any case, there is absolutely not going to be a recall of a specific disc or the set. Look for the final Editorial on the whole Kubrick subject on Tuesday. Ahhhh, time for another look at the weird and wonderful coming from the indie side of things... Let's start first with some musical selections. From Universal/MCA Music on 7/20 comes the already mentioned Jimi Hendrix Live At Woodstock, and Jimi Hendrix Live At The Fillmore East, which includes an additional 54 minutes of never-before-released concert footage and rare photos. Both are $24.95. Coming on 7/20 from Shanachie are two music titles, Jazz Scene USA:Cannonball Adderley & Teddy Edwards and Phil Coulter:A Touch Of Tranquility. MSRP is $24.95. Not to be outdone, Rykodisc has an extensive disc for Baaba Maal: Live At The Royal Festival Hall this is really cool, because it was shot on multiple digital cameras, and contains both a 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS soundtrack. Ryko also did the Deja VROOM DVD, which was quite pioneering, so it is nice to see them continuing to put such effort into their music titles. Veering into TV land, from HBO, look for an interesting selection of titles, including The Best Of Chris Rock, an hour-long showcase of the very funny (and loud) comics stand up. It is due 8/3 and retails for $19.95. Also from HBO on 10/5 comes Mohammed Ali: The Greatest Collection. The two disc set features three of Ali's biggest fights, an hour-long featurette and a DVD-ROM disc of more interactive stuff. Also, look for a fourth disc on that Spawn Ultimate Collection on 10/5 as well. The set will retailer for $69.95, not a bad deal at all. Welcome Key East Entertainment, a newcomer to DVD. Their first release is Golfballs, which I assume is a how-to on golf, or maybe not...look for it 6/29 (oops, I'm a little late on this one...) Onto the film front, Artisan adds the largely unseen Army Of One, as well as a double bill of Wishmaster and Wishmaster 2. Note that this double feature will replace the previous Wishmaster disc, and retails for $34.95. The former is $24.95. Both are set for 8/13. Warner and 2014 set the next Short Cinema Journal 1:5, on 8/17 and Circuit Music Journal 1:2 on 7/13.. No word yet on the features or shorts included. From New Horizons comes Dragon Pack on 7/20, a triple feature of Forced To Fight: Bloodfist 3, Die Trying: Bloodfist 4, and Black Belt. What, no Bloodfist 1 & 2!? Also catch Capitol Conspiracy due 8/17. From Xenon on 7/27 comes 36 Deadly Styles, Enter The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin, Human Tornado, Iron Monkey and my two votes for title of the week (I just can't decide), Black Spring Break: The Movie and Disco Grandfather. All are $19.95, and of sparkling high quality, I'm sure. From Sterling, on 8/3 comes I'm Losing You and Prisoner Of Love, and a special edition of Confession, a film I confess I've never heard of...but it looks like some good features are on here, including two audio commentary tracks with director David Hugh Jones and the cast, behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, photo gallery, and the complete screenplay accessible via DVD-ROM. Sling Shot adds Sports Legends: The Joe Lewis Story/The Jackie Robinson Story and Hot Body: Summer Wet T-Shirt Finals (?) on 8/24. Calm down, boys. Well, I think that is it for the indies this week...until next week, see ya at the movies! July 1 : A Paramount fall sneak peek; Pioneer stuff; Fox ALIEN coupon number New Line: The full details came in today for what is shaping up to be a really, really cool set, for the A Nightmare On Elm Street Collection. Due 9/7 for $129.95, the set celebrates the 15th anniversary of the original, and contains all seven Nightmare films, as well as an 8th disc, the Nightmare Encyclopedia. Also in a first, this is the first DVD in 3D, or more appropriately, "3D Freddyvision." Two pairs of 3D glasses are included for the final segments of Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare, which are presented in 3D. There are some way-cool features, so get ready Krueger fans:
Note that the first Nightmare film is also available separately, and includes the commentary, DVD-ROm features including the script, trivia game and web links, and the trialers and production notes. Retail for the single disc is $24.95. Paramount: A reader alerted me to a piece in Variety about two classic Paramount films being restored for eventual release on DVD and VHS (alas this is not available online). The two films in question are the gems A Place In The Sun and Shane. Talking with Paramount, they would not confirm any DVD release, but said films are indeed being restored. I wouldn't expect these titles in any case before 2000. But, the news is encouraging. Also, I was able to gleam a little sneak peek at some Paramount fall titles. Look for Chinatown and The Two Jakes, as well as U2 Rattle & Hum. Alas, the U2 disc won't be any sort of special edition with rumored extra songs. Look for more info on all of these and more around VSDA time, as Paramount will be exhibiting there and I hope to hear more details about their full 1999 schedule. Pioneer: Have some more good late summer/early fall stuff coming. First up is a series of Pokemon videos ("Oh, no, it's Pokemon!"). On 9/21, look for Primeape Problems, Fashion Victims and Fighting Tournament. All are $24.95 and their original full frame and surround stereo. Also up on the same date is Michael Kamen: Concerto, a Patrouille Suisse disc, Altius: On Extreme Sports #3 and Battle Athletes Victory: No Looking Back. Next up on 9/14 is Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show - Best Of Musikladen, and then some DragonBall Z episodes. First is Namek (Episodes 29 through 31). Then is Rebirth (Episodes 32 through 34). All three are $24.95. Last on the same date is El Hazard: The Alternative World The Spring of Life. On 9/28 comes two Ken Russell cult classics, Lair Of The White Worm and Salome's Last Dance. Both feature trailers and new commentaries by Ken Russell, and the former also has some cool behind the scenes footage and blue screen/sfx dailies, as well as production photos. Both retail for $29.95. Finally, on 8/17, look for Tenchi In Toyko, for $29.95, and on 8/31 look for the recent TV miniseries Titanic (featuring Peter Gallagher, Tim Curry and Marilu Henner), a licensed title from Artisan. Price is $24.95 for the RSDL disc. Fox: Well, it took awhile, but here is the right number for that Fox Coupon help line. If you did not get a coupon for the 5th disc in your box set, or the collector's cards, just give 'em a call at 888.223.2369 and they will send one out to you! (Thanks to Christian for the help!) |
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