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Just a short update today... Allliance: Right at the last minute, Alliance has announced that the From Dusk Til Dawn and Chasing Amy discs have been indefinately postponed until Buena Vista sees fit to let them be relased. Check out today's editorial for my unpleasant comments on this... Criterion: Just a brief note street date changes arrived from Criterion, and that the Rushmore SE has been pushed back to early 2000 now. Also, many have asked about The Rock SE. That, too, will not arrive until 2000...sure is taking quite a while, eh? However, I'm sure it will be worth the wait! Artisan: Though it seems like only yesterday that we had the time of our lives, it has been over 10 years since Patrick Swayze uttered those immortal words "nobody puts Baby in a corner!." Ah, the memories of Dirty Dancing can never fully be purged from one's mind, can they? Now, Artisan is releasing a special edition of the film on DVD, complete with a making-of featurette, music videos of Hungry Eyes, She's Like The Wind and (I've Had) The Time Of My Life (woo-hoo, yeah baby!) as well as the complete Dirty Dancing Live in Concert. A pretty good set, though the transfer is the same as the previous release, as is the soundtrack. Retail is $29.95. September 29: Status report changes; Guns of Navarone and November HBO titles (A quick note that I promised yesterday to post some info on Universal December titles, but the dates are still iffy, as are the features, so I will hold off for a bit...) Status Report: Some rather extensive changes are coming to the Status Report here, as well as the database. I have listened to feedback and suggestions from readers, and have thought long and hard on how to cope with the ever-increasing demands of keeping track of titles and all the DVD-supporting companies out there. Since the Status Report is getting so big, I will be adding these titles into the existing database as "in production" or "no known status" entries, or something similar. Also, all glitches will soon be accessible via the database, i.e., when a list of titles comes up, you can click on the glitch link to call up any know problems. (Eventually, I may have links to the review database as well, so you can search for titles, know glitches and read reviews all from the same interface). With this new setup, you can search by studio, etc., to see things in production or just see the status of titles that have no known production information. However, and this is just my opinion, but I think with so many titles being released, all the studios on board and even holdouts like Steven Spielberg supporting the format more strongly, there is simply going to be less and less "big titles" to track over the next months and years. Also, I want to avoid "so and so told me so" stuff, and do more in-depth looks at titles. Thus, I've decided to become more selective with the status report, and begin researching carefully-selected titles that will result in longer stand-alone updates. My first choice, which I have been looking into recently, is Warner's Superman, due to the massive interest in this title. (See the end of this post for more on this). So, today's enter into the report of Steven Soderberg's King of the Hill will be the last entry into the "old" Status Report. Over the next two weeks, I will simply be folding gin the existing report info in to the database and adding search parameters to find it. Then, I will pick some titles, like Superman, in which to do longer stories that track the history of the title,. Expect future full status reports on Legend, Blade Runner, The Sound Of Music and other titles with longer histories, at the rate of (hopefully) one or two a month. Back to Superman, ironically enough, just yesterday I received cool news form the fine folks over at the Superman Cinema page. Richard Donner's representatives have indicated a Superman DVD is in the works. This site (which is very cool) have put up a DVD status page worth checking out. I will have a few things to add in my update next week, so stay tuned, of course! Columbia : As the holidays approach (hey, there are only 88 shopping days until Christmas, better hurry up!), a few tidbits about next year's releases are already starting to crop up. From Columbia, look for a very nice special edition of The Guns Of Navrone. In addition to the usual new anamorphic transfer, look for some extra content courtesy of Sharpline Arts, including a commentary with director J. Lee Thompson as well as a new documentary featuring interviews with Gregory Peck, Anthony Quinn and other members of the cast & crew. Look for an early 2000 arrival date. HBO : Has added some new November titles, all priced at $24.95. First on 11/2 comes the 80's comedy favorite Meatballs, which doesn't contain any extras that were hoped for listed, but it does have a new anamorphic transfer. On 11/16 comes the Dolph Lundgren classic Bridge Of Dragons, and the theatrical cut of Cinema Paradiso (the longer version was unavailable for licensing by HBO). On 11/23 comes a special edition of Last Of The Dogmen, featuring a director's commentary; storyboard to scene clips, a still gallery of costumes, and something called the "director's audio cut" (not sure what that means!) Lastly, on 11/30 is something called Black Cat Run. All of the above are full frame, except Cinema Paradiso, Dogmen and Meatballs, which feature anamorphic transfers. September 28: More Warner and New Line in November Warner: Some early trade info has come my way on their November catalog slate, in addition to the already announced Wild Wild West, Iron Giant and Deep Blue Sea. Again there is a nice diverse slate of titles to choose from. First up on 11/9 comes the John Sayles fave Lone Star and the early Anthony Minghella drama Mr. Wonderful, as well as the 1954 version of A Star Is Born, which also features the Hollywood premiere network telecast and highlights, three alternate versions of "The Man That Got Away" (with original music), and a deleted sequence of "When My Sugar Walks Down The Street." Then, on 11/30, look for one of the recent MGM acquisitions, Anchors Away. The disc features the original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, as well as excerpts from the MGM documentary, and trailers. Then comes one of my personal favorite sleepers, Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise and the classic The Big Sleep (in it's original 1.33:1 ratio), which features both versions as well as a documentary "The Big Sleep Comparisons." Then comes 1994's Black Beauty, the thriller Pacific Heights, the Meryl Streep drama A Cry In The Dark, and a surprise title (to me) Led Zepplin's The Song Remains The Same. Another surprise is Francis Ford Coppola's The Outsiders, at long last on DVD. All of the above feature anamorphic transfers if they were originally widescreen, Dolby 2.0 surround mixes as well as trailers. All are $19.95 except A Star is Born, which is $24.95 and features a 5.1 mix, too. Also due 12/7 is the first six National Geographic discs (which are only distributed by Warner, though). Each features about an hour or so of footage, featurettes, a map feature, a photo gallery and interactive trivia games and timeline. Retail for each is $24.95, and the first four volumes are 30 Years Of National Geographic Specials, Secrets of The Titanic, Battle For Midway, Photographers, Tigers Of The Snow and Battling Everest. New Line: Is also unleashing more November catalog titles (note that the Poison Ivy trilogy has been pushed back to 11/2). Due 11/16 is Dangerous Ground, Feeling Minnesota, The Thin Line Between Love & Hate and Trial & Error. All feature new anamorphic transfers and 5.1 mixes, as well as trailers, bios and production notes. The Thin Line Between Love & Hate also features a commentary by producer George Jackson. All are $24.95. Typo: Yesterday, I incorrectly listed Buffalo 66 as being the first dual DTS & Dolby Digital on the same disc release, coming in December from Universal. In actuality, the indie flick in question is The Red Violin (Buffalo 66 is also coming, but does not have dual soundtracks). The rest of the info remains unchanged, sorry for the error! September 27: New stuff from Universal, Warner and Warner Music Sorry, a little behind with the database due to my weekend trip. Some interesting new stuff came in, so look for it all to be up to speed this week! Warner: Has a new December release and some street date changes today. First comes the no-bones-about-it Jaws update Deep Blue Sea on the way on 12/7. First is an audio commentary by director Renny Harlin and actor Samuel L. Jackson, who really seems to dig doing commentaries on DVDs. There are also some deleted scenes (also with commentary), and two documentaries, "When Sharks Attack!" and "The Sharks Of The Deep Blue Sea." But, lest you think that is all, there is a still gallery, production notes, cast bios and trailers, as well as, oh yes, a 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer and 5.1 mix. Retail is a nice $24.95. Also, most of the October Warner titles have been pushed to 10/26, and Shawshank Redemption has been postponed again, with no set date as of now. Bummer, but let's have faith it will arrive in 1999! Universal: In intriguing news, look for the first DTS & Dolby Digital soundtracks on the same disc to arrive soon. Most interestingly, the title chosen by Universal for this pioneering release was the indie flick The Red Violin. The title arrives 12/14, and has no special features beyond the usual production notes, bios and trailer. Is this a sign of things to come? Stay tuned... Also, look for some cool features on that Conan The Barbarian Collector's Edition coming from Universal in 2000. In addition to a new anamorphic transfer and 5.1 mix, look for an isolated score by Basil Poledouris, and an all-new making of documentary. Looks to be pretty cool! Warner Music: In addition to the upcoming, still untitled Metallica "lets go to the symphony" DVD, look for two more video compilations from the band on 10/26, for Cliff 'Em All and A Year In the Life Of Metallica. Both re $24.95, and the latter features both parts 1 and 2. Also in November from Warner Music, look for a Will Smith Video Compilation... September 23: Nightmare and Saving Private Ryan updates New Line : Just a brief update here on the The Nightmare On Elm Street Collection. There has been confusion on my part on the differences between the first Nightmare disc in the set and the stand-alone release available separately. I have both, and though the stand-alone disc is RSDL and contains both the widescreen and full frame versions, the disc in the box set is a single-layer disc and widescreen only. Both contain the exact same features and menus. I never even thought to check the disc in the set, having already reviewed the stand-alone release. However, I went back just to make sure the quality is consistent on the box set disc of the first film single it is not RSDL, and they seem to be comparable. It is a bit odd to me, though, that they would take the time to reauthor a single-layer version of the first film for inclusion in the set, instead of just replicating more of the RSDL version. In any case, I've updated the database and my review... DreamWorks: Just a note on what is up with the limited edition status of the Saving Private Ryan DVD coming 11/2. Word from DreamWorks PR is that the disc will indeed be available for a limited time only. Like Disney animated films and other big titles (such as Gone With The Wind and the Bond discs), Saving Private Ryan will be held off the market for a extended period of time and then re-released (no known date yet). This is becoming more ad more common with films deemed worthy of such treatment, though to be honest, with probably over a million SPR discs shipped this Christmas, I don't think we'll have a hard time finding them... September 22: New stuff from Artisan, Trimark, Columbia and Warner Music Artisan: On 11/23 comes three discs, all in their original full frame aspect ratios and English mono soundtracks. First a double feature of Body & Soul and Champion, then the TV drama Hiroshima, and lastly is the 1976 Faye Dunaway starrer Voyage Of The Damned. All the discs are $24.95 each. Columbia: Oops, here is another Columbia December title I forgot to add yesterday. Look for the Frank Capra classic It Happened One Night on 12/28. It features the original full frame aspect ratio and English mono mix. There is also a commentary by Frank Capra, Jr., which should be very interesting to hear. Retail is $24.95. Trimark: Look for The Best Of SNL: 25 Years Of Laughs from Trimark on 11/30/99. As Trimark has licensed many NBC titles, this may be a sign of more SNL collections to come. Retail is $24.95. Warner Music: A couple of late additions here. Arriving 10/12 is a couple of Eric Clapton concert discs, including The Best Of Eric Clapton: 1981-1999 and Eric Clapton & Friends. Both are full frame and $24.95 each. Next, in cool news (well, to me, anyway), Metallica's new concert disc with the San Francisco Symphony will be released on DVD as well as VHS. The CD debuts 11/16, but set date for the video versions yet. Also no details if it will be as extensive as their previous Cunning Stunts 2-disc set (which featured multi-angles and the like), but in any event, hearing Metallica with a orchestra will definitely be interesting. Watch for full details from Elektra soon. September 21: Status Report returns; new Disney, DreamWorks and HBO info Status Report: Now, now, dry your eyes. I know the lack of Status Report updates here for the past few weeks has been emotionally draining, but I knew you could all pull through the drought if you just surrendered to the power of positive thinking. Anywho, it has returned, though to be honest, I'm still trying to figure out the best way to continuing doing it, as it fills up a lot of space and is increasingly hard to read through, so perhaps it would be better in a database? Hmmm, must ponder this further... Anyway, today's update is just a brief one on that dang Indiana Jones Trilogy. After the Star Wars debacle with Lucasfilm a while back (please don't ask me to refresh your memory), I took great pains to try and get something substantial regarding the Indy Trilogy. I did beg, plead and fax a lot to get some sort of word on anything on this. The results were rather interesting. I think you'll find the Status Report entry amusing... Buena Vista: Brings the family fun of Inspector Gadget to DVD on 12/7. Look for a typical Buena Vista movie-only special, with a non-anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer, 5.1 mix and trailer. Retail is $29.95 (what, you mean it isn't $39.95!?) DreamWorks: Has unveiled the full details for The Haunting Signature Series disc due 11/23, and it looks to be another great disc. It includes audio commentary by director Jan De Bont and production designer Eugenio Zanetti and deleted scenes, as well as cast & crew bios, production notes and the trailer. Of course, it also has a anamorphic widescreen transfer and 5.1 mix. Retail will be $34.95. Also due that day is The Love Letter, while though not a Signature Series disc, will feature deleted scenes and bios, production notes and the trailer. Retail is $24.95. HBO: If anything is more terrifying than Jan DeBont remaking The Haunting, it must be Cher Live In Concert. HBO will be releasing their recent live special to DVD on 11/27, in its original full frame aspect ratio and with a 2.0 surround mix. Price is $24.95. September 20: Columbia's December slate; brief street date and feature update Columbia: Has revealed details for many of their upcoming December titles. A pretty wide variety here, I guess... Due 12/7 is the Placido Domingo film version of Bizet's Carmen. It features an anamorphic widescreen transfer, 2.0 stereo mix and the trailer. Retail is $27.95. After being delayed awhile, Easy Rider seems to finally be arriving on this date as well. It features a long-in-the-making new anamorphic transfer, as well as new 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack. There is also a new documentary ""Easy Rider: Shaking the Cage," as well as an audio commentary with Dennis Hopper. Retail is $24.95. Finally on 12/7 comes the interesting-sounding import School Of Flesh (hey, how come my mom didn't send me there?), which has a 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer only, the original French track and subtitles. Coming the next week on 12/14 is the rather overlooked comedy Dick, which I saw at a preview and actually enjoyed. I think perhaps the name was just not the best one to attract audiences ("Hey, honey, let's go see Dick tonight!"). Anyway, the disc features both anamorphic and full frame transfers and 5.1-only English mix. There are some good features, too, including commentary by director Andrew Fleming, a deleted scene, blooper reel, two music videos and, nice to see, an isolated music soundtrack. Retail is a nice $24.95. Also on 12/14 is the classic Jack Nicholson drama The Last Detail. Features include new anamorphic and full frame transfers, a mono mix and trailer. Retail is $24.95. On 12/21 comes a variety of films I have honestly never heard of for the most part. First up is Year Of The Gun and Made Men which feature widescreen transfers and a 5.1 mix. No extras on these. Next comes the Rita Hayworth classic The Loves Of Carmen, which features the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio and mono mix, as well as a still gallery with photos and vintage advertising materials, and a featurette on Rita Hayworth. Finally on this date is the very cool indie flick Run Lola Run, which features audio commentary by director, writer and producer Tom Tykwer and actress Franka Potente, and Potente's music video "Believe." There is the original German 5.1 track and English 5.1 dub. Lastly on 12/28 comes the ridiculous Universal Soldier: The Return. This is a pretty feature-laden disc, with "A Universal Soldier's Workout" and "Looking Back, Moving Forward" featurettes with stars Michael Jai-White and Jean Claude Van Damme, as well as a third making-of feature. There is also anamorphic and full frame transfers. Retail is $24.95. Updates: Just a quick note that Cookie's Fortune and The Last Days have both been delayed by USA. However, it has NOT been canceled, and a new date (most likely in November) should be announced soon. Also, though it not labeled anywhere on the box or on the disc(!), The Corrupter disc from New Line has an isolated score including commentary from composer Carter Burwell. Way to go, New Line, for failing to promote your best features! Woo-hoo! And, lastly, some interesting news from Pioneer. Seems the Indy Jones laserdiscs have been delayed indefinitely. THis is confirmed all around. Double ahem. Look for a bit more on Indy Jones, including some interesting news about the soundtracks coming in the return of the Status Report tomorrow. September 17: Indie stuff; Disney & Mickey - a love story Indie Wrap-up: Another week, another roundup. And, just like a Slinky, they're fun for a girl or a boy! From AD Vision on 10/26 comes Sakura Wars, an anime favorite presented full frame and in 2.0, with retail going for $29.95. On 10/12 from Amazing Fantasy comes two quickies, Blood Dolls and Creeps. Then, on 10/19 comes my pick for title of the week, Freeway 2: Confessions Of A Trickbaby. At first, I thought this was the Britney Spears story, but I don't think it is, alas. Also on that day, look for the long-awaited arrival of the horror "classics" Puppetmaster and Subspecies. All are full frame and $24.95. On 10/12 from WinStar (formerly Fox Lorber), look for The Emperor's Shadown, presented full frame. MSRP is $29.95. Coming from PPI is Denise Austin: Tone & Tighten. Sounds kinky. All this can be yours on 10/12 for only $24.95. Also due then is Memories Of JFK Jr.: America's Son. This just sounds icky. But I think you may be able to get a discount on both of them on the Home Shopping Network... Streeting 9/21, on the music front from Platinum comes Cubamania! in 5.0 Surround, and featuring live performances from leading Cuban musicians. Also due is Platinum Country Music Collection, Volume 1. This one is in 5.1, and both are a cheap $17.95. Also rockin' is Pioneer. On 11/16 look for Herbie Mann: Jasil Brass, as well as The Ladies Of Rock: The Best Of MusikLaden Volume 2. Both are $24.95 and in 2.0 surround. Then on 11/23 comes the animated El-Hazard: The Alternative World - The Ruler of the Universe and lain: Reset. Both are $29.95. From Program Power comes a special edition fo the horrorific-sounding Slaughterhouse. Yikes! This $29.95 disc includes tons of extras, including audio commentary by writer/director Rick Roessler, producer Jerry Encoe and designer Mike Scaglione, "The Making of 'Slaughterhouse'" featurette (I don't know why, that really makes me laugh), 2 deleted scenes: and tons of other stuff like still galleries, more features, trailers, TV spots and too much to list. Looks like a nice package for Slaughterhouse fans, if there are any of you out there... Finally, due 10/29 from Central Park Media is the foreign anime vampire flick Darkside Blues. Retail is $29.95 and there are no special features of note. Disney: Finally, our pals at Buena Vista add their final animated title for Christmas, Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas on 12/7. At $39.95, I'd rather have a piece of coal in my stocking, but that is just me... September 16: New Paramount, Fox and MGM November titles With all the excitement this week and my finishing u the THX story, I might be a bit late with these! Fox: Seems to be getting a bit of that Shaving Ryan's Privates fever, er, I mean The Thin Red Line. They are releasing no less than 4 wartime films to DVD in early November. On 11/2 comes the John Wayne classic The Longest Day, the epic Patton, Tora! Tora! Tora! and the aforementioned The Thin Red Line. All are $29.95 except Line, which is overpriced at $34.95, especially since it is long past the VHS release. Note that all the discs have no supplements besides the trailers, even Patton, which had lots of extras on the laserdisc. Very disappointing... Lastly, on 12/7, look for the Michael Crichton thriller Rising Sun, which is a bare bones movie-only edition. Also due that day is another Fox overpriced day & date with VHS release, for the box office hit Entrapment. No features aside from the trailer and a non-anamorphic 2.35:1 transfer. Bah, humbug. Paramount: Adds a number of 11/23 titles, including some pretty good stuff. First is the fabulous South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, along with Beavis & Butthead Do America, U2: Rattle & Hum (first time in widescreen on video), The Two Jakes and Volumes 5 & 6 of Star Trek The Original Series (featuring the episodes "What Are Little Girls Made Of?," "Dagger Of The Mind," "Miri" and "Conscience Of The King"). All are widescreen, anamorphic and $29.95 except the Star Trek episodes, which are full frame and $19.95. MGM: Look for a day & date with VHS release of Franco Zeffirelli's Tea With Mussolini, starring someone named Cher. The disc features an anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer, as well as a full-frame version. Extras include the trailer and a 8-page booklet. Retail is $24.95, and street 11/16. September 15: More DreamWorks November fun; Wild Wild West marches in; new BMG music titles & SPR and Pink Floyd pricing update DreamWorks: With all the hoopla amid the Saving Private Ryan news, let us not forget a couple of other DreamWorks titles both of which will be streeting 11/23. Look for the Kate Capshaw-produced The Love Letter, as well as the CGI-fest The Haunting (though it may be scary in ways not intended). Look for the typical DreamWorks high-quality treatment, and some value-added features on The Haunting, too. Stay tuned. Everyone certainly seems happy with the Saving Private Ryan details, and I think the official pricing info that just came my way will also please people. Unlike their past releases, DreamWorks' is using an MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) on this release, as opposed to the standard set MSRP. The MAP will be $24.95, which means that retailers cannot advertise a lower price, but actually sell it for whatever they wish. Though technically there is no set price, an MAP of $24.95 usually means non-discount retailers price it at around $29.95 to $34.95. Of course, they could charge whatever they want for it. I've seen retailers way-overprice, but that just means we don't buy it! With an MAP of $25, I'd expect to see online retailers going lower. So, a nice price point I think! Also, the DTS will be the same as prior DreamWorks titles, though I don't know if it will have a MAP or a strict MSRP of $34.95. Still, very comparative. Overall, I'm glad DreamWorks is not jacking up the price on such a major title, like some other studio we know... (ahem) Warner: Has a couple of very nice special editions coming our way in November. Both are full of features and priced well at $24.95. First is the Will Smith summer CGI-fest Wild Wild West on 11/30. The disc includes an anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer and English 5.1 mix. There is also the HBO First Look documentary "It's A Whole New West," audio commentary with director Barry Sonnenfeld, and the "loveless Lair" feature, which guides users through a variety of different behind-the-scenes galleries, including "Good Guys Gadgets," "Wardrobe Of the West," "Loveless Ladies" and "Evil Devices." There is also a photo gallery and theatrical trailer (which should be on the disc proper), and music videos for Will Smith's Wild Wild West and a Julio Iglesias track. Of course, there are also DVD-ROM features, too, including Artemus Gordon's "Mind Projection Theater" - a virtual tour of behind-the-scenes clips, an interactive game, two essays on the film, a theatrical trailer sampler, and links to future online chats and events with the filmmakers and stars. Another really nice package from Warner. Then comes the unjustly-overlooked The Iron Giant on 11/23, which features both an anamorphic and Full Frame presentation, a 5.1 Dolby Digital mix, as well as "The Making of the Iron Giant" full-length documentary, a "Cha Hua Hua" music video, as well as cast & crew bios, production notes and trailers. There will also be some DVD-ROM "webcasts" accessible via the disc coming in the future, as well as more web links to the Iron Giant site. (Also, don't forget to visit The Big Picture, which has a very nice report from the recent Iron Giant event held by Warner this past Monday. Check 'it out!) Both look very nice, and add to the growing roster of Christmas titles. It is all shaping up to be a nice holiday season for DVD. BMG: With DVD taking off, it is nice to see more and more music video support for the format. BMG has announced a solid roster of 17 music video titles for the Christmas season. Some, like Alabama's Greatest Hits, Sarah McLachlan's Mirrorball, Puccini's Turnadot In Beijing China and N Sync's N The Mix (oy vey) have already been announced. However, look for further titles like two Windham Hill titles, Solace and Winter Solstice On Ice, the Motley Crue: 1983-99 Video Collection (11/23), Time Out With Britney Spears (11/23) and Lynryd Skynrd: Lyve From Steel Town (9/28) all later this year. Further artists with titles on the way include Anthrax, Blondie, face To Face, Meat Loaf, Styx, Stone Country and Turncoat. I hope to have a complete list with dates very soon. So far, the vast majority of the titles list for $24.95 and will include a variety of special features including artist interviews, mini-documentaries and web links. Watch for more on these soon. Pricing Update: Columbia Music has set the rather-odd new price of $31.95 for the upcoming Pink Floyd The Wall disc. Guess they wanna squeeze a couple of extra bucks off of this one. Also, I put the box art up for this in the database, too... September 14: SPR goes to battle in the database; Paramount adds Chinatown; Universal November titles; brief updates; Van Halen arrives in November Well, the big news I guess is the Saving Private Ryan DVD. See the editorial for the details, and I put them in the database as well. Also, the box art is on its way to me, so I'll put that up when it arrives (however, it is pretty much the same as the VHS, so no big surprises there). However, there is plenty more... Paramount: Adds yet another November title, for the classic Chinatown. The disc arrives 11/23 and retails for $29.95. It features a 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer, 5.1 soundtrack, and all-new interviews with Roman Polanski, Robert Towne and Robert Evans. You can see the full press release here. Universal: Has unleashed all their November titles. Note I will have an update on the once-again-delayed Back to The Future disc very soon. In the meantime... On 11/2 comes two prior announced titles, a double feature of Going My Way and Holiday Inn, as well as The Wolfman. The full features for the later are an audio commentary by film historian Tom Weaver, the original documentary "Monster by Moonlight: The Immortal Saga of the Wolf Man" by filmmaker David J. Skal (hosted and narrated by director John Landis), and a photo gallery. It is presented in the original 1.33:1 aspect ratio and 2.0 mono soundtrack. Retail is $29.95 for both. Lastly on this day is The Al Pacino Collection, containing Sea Of Love, Carlito's Way, Scent Of A Woman and Scarface. Retail is $98.95, and the contents are the same discs as released individually. On 11/9 comes a day & date Notting Hill, featuring an anamorphic 2.35:1 transfer, English 5.1 mix, and audio commentaries by director Roger Michell, producer Duncan Kenworthy and writer Richard Curtis, "Hugh Grant's Movie Tips" - a tongue-in-cheek segment about how to make a film the fashionable way (does Divine Brown make an appearance?), "The Notting Hill Travel Book" - a scenic visit to the actual London neighborhood, deleted scenes, music highlights from the soundtrack, and the usual bios, production notes and trailer. Retail is $29.95. There doesn't seem to be any P&S version announced... Also on 11/9 comes the Lion's Gate release Friends & Lovers. Never heard of this one, but it was released theatrically for about 5 minutes this year. It contains an open matte transfer, with the usual bios, production notes and trailer. Retail is $24.95. On 11/23 comes a wide variety of titles. First are a couple of older Polygram reissues, including The Best Bits of Mr. Bean. It is its original full frame and $29.95 (all the skits on the disc are in the database). Also on that date is a title that I believe should be banned forever from this world, Michael Flatley's Lord Of The Dance. I think this man must be stopped, and if ever there was a more obvious sign of the apocalypse, I can't think of one. Updates: From Columbia, got a late fax that both The Dark Crystal and The City Of Lost Children have been pushed back to October 5. Price and features remain the same. Also, if you read the editorial, you already know that Artisan's Stargate SE is not 16x9. Ugh! Read it though, for a more thorough explanation of why... Warner Music: Fans of Van Halen can finally get the DVD they want from Warner Music on November 2. The band's Greatest Hits Volume One arrives with all the clips on the VHS version, as well as an "additional surprise." You can find these brief details on the Van Halen web site. (Thanks to Joel L. for the news) September 11: Bug's Life SE details Disney: This is probably all over the place already, but Buena Vista sent out more details on the A Bug's Life SE. I have to admit, I'm impressed with the features and anamorphic enhancement. Price is still high at $49.95 for some, but at least there are features here to back it up. Street is 11/23. Disc One: The Movie
Disc Two: Supplemental Material
Columbia: Despite going back and rechecking the press release, which states 16x9 enhancement, the new Monty Python and The Holy Grail DVD is NOT 16x9 after all. To be honest, this is displeasing. This is now the 5th Columbia disc in just a few short months to have inaccurate information on the press release (which you all base your preorder information on) or faulyt work done in the authoring and mastering phases (bad aspect ratios,etc.). Just wanted to let you know, and I'm going to post on this whole issue next week. Though I am a big fan of Columbia, I have to admit my faith has been shaken lately... September 10: USA price reductions; Indie fun USA Price Reductions: Yesterday, I mentioned some USA Home Video price reductions. You may recall that USA used to be Polygram, and these are the same discs as before, with new packaging (keepcases, i believe) and the lower price tag. The titels that have been reduced to $19.95 are Barney's Great Adventure, Bean The Movie, The Borrowers, The Matchmaker, The Portrait of A Lady and When We Were Kings. Nice to see! Cult Corner: Ahh, I really like Fridays. A lot of the weird, wonderful and foreign. So, let's get to it! First, the great folks at Anchor Bay have announced they ahve licensed the 80's punk cult classic Repo Man for DVD, due sometime next year. Cool. Also, their confirmed October titles are: Army of Darkness, The Guardian, The Ipcress File, Melvin and Howard, They Shoot Horses Don't They?, Watcher in the Woods and Brenda Starr all on 10/12. Then on 10/19 comes Fitzcarraldo, Lost Continent, Plague of the Zombies, Rasputin - The Mad Monk, Reptile and Two Lane Blacktop. Next, for AD Vision comes an assortment of stuff. Look for letterboxed verions of Legend Of Crystania: The Motion Picture, Slayers: The Motion Picture and the terrifying-sounding Sonic The Hedgehog: The Movie. Yikes! Each is $29.95 and due 10/12. From Pioneer on 11/23 comes what I guess is a a reissue (?) of A Chinese Ghost Story, two new Pokemon adventures, Pikachu Party and The Great Race, and Tenchi in Tokyo - A New Career. Each are $29.95, and A Chinese Ghost Story is widescreen. Those dark and sinister types over at MPI unleash two "real death" spectacles on us, Strange And Gruesome and a special edition (!) of Faces of Death. The alter features anotehr hour-long "Fact Or Fiction?" documentary. Retail is $24.95 for both, and street is 9/28. From DVD International on 9/28 comes a double feature of Titanic: Disaster In The Atlantic and The Titanic Chronicles, whcih also includes an alternate audio track with 45 minutes of survivor testimonials. Price is $19.95. Rhino adds a number of titles in October, including the, uh, classics like a double feature of Beach Girls and The Pom Pom Girls, Brain Twisters, a pair of 3-D greats (complete with two pairs of glasses) Comin' At Ya! and The Bubble, the horror favorite Don't Answer The Phone!, My Mom's A Werewolf (featuring the A-list cast of Susan Blakely, Ruth Buzzi, John Saxon and Marilyn McCoo!), Prime Evil, Scorpion and finally The Van. Quite an assortment! On 10/12 from Central Park Media comes 4:3 letterboxed editions of Boxer's Adventure, Crack Shadow Boxer, King Boxer and Moonlight Sword And Jade Lion. Sounds interesting, and price is $19.95. Then, from WinStar (formerly Fox Lorber) on 10/26 comes Cadillac Ranch, Digging To China, Eden, Fist of the North Star, Midaq Alley, Todd Hayne's controversial Poison, the interestingly titled The Pompatus of Love, the gay-rights documentary Stonewall and finally Ulysses. All are $29.95. Lastly, note that all the 9/7 Goodtimes titles, including The Funhouse, Busin' Loose, Nighthawks, etc., have been postponed to 10/19. Also, Fox's Strange Days has been pushed to 9/28. September 9: Artisan boxed fun; more Columbia fall madness; brief Bond link update Artisan Sets: Well, some good news, bad news and perhaps even badder news. On the plus side, there are some good titles coming from Artisan. In bad news to me, so far these only seem available in package deals, and not separately. Though I love box sets as much as the next guy, I really believe extensive exclusives hurts the market and consumers. As for the badder news, I'll save that for the end... First up on 11/2 is a Christmas Classics 3-pack of holiday shorts, Jingle Bells, We Wish You A Merry Christmas and O'Christmas Tree. This is a good set, with a very reasonable retail price of $19.95. All are presented in their original 1.33:1 aspect ratio and mono sound. Next, you may remember that Cujo disc I mentioned. Well, right now, it is only listed as part of a Stephen King 3-pack, along with The Langoliers and Thinner. Note that so far, Thinner is the only one available separately. Retail is $44.95. Then, on 11/23 comes a double feature of Father Goose and That Touch Of Mink. Both are again in their original full frame aspect ratios and mono sound. Retail is $24.95. Also on that day is a John Wayne 3-Pack of In Old California, Fighting Kentuckian and Dark Command. Retail for this is $44.95. Finally, on the same day and at the same price is an intriguing 3-Pack of Matewan, Traveller and Breaking The Waves. Again, none of these are available separately as of yet... Well, and now for the badder news. I'm not sure what the real deal is yet, but apparently the highly-anticipated Stargate SE may not be 16x9 enhanced. Last I talked to Artisan at VSDA, it was supposed to be. However, the press materials don't list it as such. However, press releases don't always specify it. I certainly fired off an email about it and hope to hear something. Personally, after the long wait, I think it will be a big mistake if it is not 16x9, but then what did you expect me to say? More Columbia: Here's a few more fall Columbia titles I think I missed. I must say, there is so much, it is really hard to keep up! But, it is an embarrassment of riches, so I'm not complaining. Due 10/26 is the Kate Winslet drama Hideous Kinky (and I thought it was better than the title suggests). It features just a widescreen 16x9 transfer and 2.0 Surround mix. No further extras, not even a trailer. On the same day comes the Franco Zefferelli version of Shakespeare's The Taming Of The Shrew. It features a 16x9 and P&S version, and mono soundtrack, and a host of subtitle and language options. Retail for both is $27.95. Then, on 11/9, The Way We Were special edition finally arrives. It features an all-new hour long documentary featuring Sydney Pollack and Barbara Streisand, amongst others, as well as a Pollack commentary track. It will also see a new 16x9 transfer. Which is cool, as the previous versions I've seen are pretty, well, crappy! Retail is $24.95. Bond, Home Alone & Apocalypse Now: Well, three brief things. The original sales info I got, and that has been circulated to retail and other sites already, for the Apocalypse Now 11/9 disc listed "Excerpts from original theatrical brochure; scenes from the destruction of the Kurtz compound." I then described this in my initial post as a featurette and booklet. However, I did receive follow-up press info from Paramount that there is no featurette nor booklet. So, I don't know if it was just my phrasing or what that accounts for the discrepancies, but at this point, I'm just going to wait for the press sheets, which unfortunately still have not arrived. I'm assuming there will be at least something on the disc beyond the movie, but I just really don't know at this point. Next, saner heads finally prevailed at Fox, and the list prices for the three Home Alone films have been reduced to $29.95 each. Also, the entire trilogy box is now $79.95. Next, just a quick link for you to the James Bond site, and the info about the upcoming DVD release schedule. Something to look forward to, to be sure! September 8: More fall stuff from Columbia; James Bond will return... Columbia: Has another slew of great stuff coming this holiday season, including some discs with great features and the usual terrific Columbia transfers. So without further ado... On 11/2 comes the Sinatra classic Pal Joey, featuring 16x9 and full frame versions, a 2.0 mono soundtrack, vintage art gallery, cast bios and theatrical trailer. Price is $27.95. Also due that day is the Adam Sandler smash Big Daddy, featuring 16x9 and P&S versions, the HBO First Look making-of featurette and music videos by Garbage and Sheryl Crow. More features may be announced later. Retail is $24.95 Next up on 11/9 are four new titles. First is a special edition of Against All Odds, with commentary by the director Taylor Hackford, Star Jeff Bridges and Screenwriter Douglas day Stewart; two music videos including that one by Phil Collins (the title escapes me!) and seven deleted scenes also with commentary. The transfer is 16x9 only, along with a English 2.0 surround track. Next up is the Christopher Lambert actioner Resurrection, featuring a widescreen transfer, English 5.1 track and commentary by director Russell Mulcahy. Then comes Black & White, featuring commentary by director Yuri Zeltser and presented in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio only. Lastly comes the foreign art house hit Ma Vie En Rose, featuring a 16x9 widescreen version only and no major extras. Price for all of the above is $27.95, except Against All Odds, which is $24.95. Due 11/30 is The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, featuring a "Ray Harryhausen Chronicles" documentary and three featurettes: "This Is Dynamation," "A Look Behind The Voyage" and "Jason And The Argonauts," as well as a photo gallery of the advertising art. The film will be presented in a widescreen 16x9 transfer with a English 2.0 track. Also on this day is the Dennis Rodman flick Simon Sez, which thankfully I've never heard of. It features a 2.35:1 transfer and making-of featurette. Can't wait. Lastly, thanks to reader Ed J. who sent me the corrected catalog numbers of the Silverado discs. I checked this out tonight myself, and the original (improperly-matted) disc was catalogue number 03670, while the corrected disc is catalogue number 04281. These discs should be available on the shelf, so if your retailer is still feigning ignorance, demand your corrected copy! MGM: Speaking of helpful readers, Tim H. sent me a copy of an updated on the James Bond site, which lists the DVD release order for the remaining Bond films over the next year. However, checking out the MGM site, I can't seem to find the link to provide here. Perhaps you James Bond fans already know the location? Anyway, the second wave of Bond tittles in May 2000 are Dr. No, Moonraker, The Man With The Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, while wave 3 in fall 2000 will contain From Russia With Love, You Only Live Twice, Diamonds Are Forever, Octopussy, A View To A Kill, The Living Daylights. Note that The World Is Not Enough, Never Say Never Again and Casino Royale are not yet listed, though I was told by MGM that they would be a part of the collections. So though a year is a long time to wait of them all, I definitely think they'll be worth the wait! September 7: New stuff from New Line; Buena Vista; and Universal New Line: Shagadelic, baby, the Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me details have finally been released, and once again it looks to be a great New Line disc. The 11/16 release features a 16x9 transfer, 5.1 English Dolby Digital soundtrack, and a host of features. First up is an audio commentary track with Mike Myers, a special Comedy Central Spy-O-Graphy of "The Dr. Evil Story," which is a clever spoof of A&E's "Biography" series (this I gotta see), as well as an additional making-of featurette. But, that is certainly not all. There is also about twenty minutes of deleted scenes and music videos from Madonna, Lenny Kravitz and Mel B. On the DVD-ROM side, you can customize your browser with Austin Powers and Dr. Evil, as well as play the "Austin Powers Operation" trivia game. There is also the complete script with jump to scene option, web links and more. Retail is $24.95...a great deal to be sure. Buena Vista: have set their November schedule, and to be honest I haven't heard of most of these movies! Aside from the previous announcements A Bug's Life and Everest Collector's Editions, on 11/9 watch for Breakup, The Castle, The Crossing Guard, the Eddie Murphy remake of The Distinguished Gentleman, Heaven, Exotica and I'll Be Home For Christmas. All the typical widescreen, movie-only Buena Vista releases for $29.95. Also, finally, the full details for the A Bug's Life SE have arrived as well. The disc is set for 11/22 for $49.95. However, it is a two-disc set, and is (in my opinion) the first Buena Vista disc that has impressed me in terms of features and being 16x9 enhanced. I have to admit, this is a very nice package. I hope this is a sign of things to come. Wow, did I just say something nice about a Disney title!? (By the way, the box art was released for most of these titles, so look for them in the database tomorrow.) The first disc contains both the 2.35:1 16x9 transfer plus the 4:3 full frame recomposed edition on a dual-layer disc. Also on this disc is the same short on the movie-only edition, Geri's Game, plus a commentary with Director John Lasseter and producers Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkirch). Interestingly, the 2.35:1 version has the 5.1 and 2.0 surround tracks, while the 4:3 version has the 5.1 soundtrack plus a separate effects-only track. The second disc contains even more supplements: "Fleabie," an early short, original concept art and treatments, Storyboard-to-film comparison and storyboard pitch, some story reels, additional "Bug Cam" footage and bug research character designs, yet more including location footage, and finally various concept art and color work. Universal: Has announced some of their early November titles. First is a double feature of the classics Going My Way and Holiday Inn, on a single disc and priced nice at $29.95. Both are presented in their original 1.33:1 aspect ratios and Mono soundtracks. Then, look for the next in Universal's Classic Monster series, The Wolfman. Also presented in the original B&W 1.33:1 ratio with mono soundtrack, the disc also features a commentary, documentary, production notes and trailer. Retail is also $29.95. September 3 : Music fun; Indie update; corrections Music Fun: I guess it was music day or something, because four new music announcements arrived. First, the Depeche Mode The Singles 86-98 disc finally, really, arrives 10/5, with a price drop from $29.95 to $24.95. The long-awaited (well, by some of you) Madonna 92-99 Video Compilation hits stores 10/12, though for me it is a disappointment, as a lot of her better videos (in my opinion) have been dropped from the DVD and VHS releases. What's thje point of doing a chronilogical compilation if you don't include all the videos? Doh! Then, we have a pretty hi-tech DVD release for Sarah McLachlan's Mirrorball, featuring 9 songs not on the CD and even multiple angles on some tracks. Retail is $29.95. Lastly, Image has announced they have secured the rights to Peter Frampton's Live In Detroit for DVD this fall. This is disc is especially cool, because I believe it just may be the first concert shot for DVD that will be 16x9 enhanced, as well as featuring botht eh DTS aNd Dolby Digital soundtracks. Nice to see some high profile DVD music titles, and further use of multiple angles and 16x9. I hope this becomes more and more common indeed. Indie Update: Friday is here, and so are some cool independent stuff. As usual, a wide assortment and eclectic mix of titles to come. First, from Pioneer look for the Trek-ish comedy Free Enterprise, featuring William Shatner as himself, from Pioneer on 11/2. The disc is loaded with extras, including director and writer commentary, 15 minutes of deleted scenes, a behind the scenes blooper reel and featurette, storyboards, music video and more. The disc is in widescreen with a 2.0 soundtrack. Price is $29.95. Image Entertainment has a raft of new title announcements, including a lot of cool stuff. Included in their November slate is a dual-aspect ratio version of Bat Whispers, R and Unrated discs of the infamous "porn epic" Caligula, Dame Edna's Neighbourhood Watch, a special edition of Godmoney, a series of Golden Age Of Rock N' Roll discs and all-in-one box set, a horror cuplet Killer Tongue and Lips Of Blood, the actioner Operation Delta Force 3, the 1998 version of A Streetcar Named Desire, Tokyo Decadence and Tragedy Of Richard II. THere are many more, and I put them all in teh database. You can also check out the Image Entertainment site as well for the full info. The Roan Group on 10/14 adds John Wayne's Angel & The Badman and the classic The Hitch-Hiker, then on 10/28 a couple of Boris Karloff double feature of Ape and British Intelligence and Gorilla and Nabonga. On 9/28 rom Manga Entertainment comes two volumes of Macross Plus, the acclaimed Japanese anime series. Each volume features two 45-minute remastered episodes, as well as a musical photo gallery, trailers and more Manga previews. Each disc is $29.95. Lastly, those fearless DVD makers over at Trimark have set Just A Little Harmless Sex (hey, this is the 90's, since when is sex harmless?) for 10/12, and Twice Upon A Yesterday for 10/26 release. Also, Trimark will be reducing the price of over two dozen of their catalog titels from $24.95 to either $14.95 or $19.95 by the holidays. Nice to see! Corrections: First, I received updated info from Paramount on the Apocalypse Now disc. Despite early buzz and some retail information listing the disc has having making-of footage and a booklet, the disc will only contain the film and new transfer and sound mix. Price is $29.95. Kinda a bummer. Next, yesterday, I posted on Renegade Movies' The Cotton Club DVD. Despite the ad materials making it sure look like it is the movie ("newly remastered transfer!," etc.), the disc is actually ONLY the making-of materials! Though I guess die-hard fans of the film would find it interesting, um, where's the movie itself? One of those great mysteries of DVD... Finally, many have asked about The Blair Witch Project DVD and if it there will be another, bigger special edition. I had a nice chat with Artisan, and the 10/22 release (moved up a few days to tie in with a day & date with VHS release on a Friday, which is highly unusual in the home video industry) is the only one coming. I heard as have others talk of a really big disc with 4 hours or so of additional footage, but Artisan was adamant there is no additional presentations of the film on DVD planned. As for the future, who knows, but for now, the 10/22 version is the only thing coming. Quick Release Tidbit: The Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me reelase date for VHS and DVD has finallly been relesaed (to the trades only) for 11/16. expect the press release in the next week or so, and the extras on teh DVD are expected to be pretty amazing. Stay tuned... Coming Next Week: More Universal and Buena Vista November titles... September 2 : Artisan scares up some fun; Fox redoes Young Frankenstein; Renegade does The Cotton Club; Sony Music's October and November titles Artisan: Scares up a few horror favorites in time for the holidays. Arriving 10/26 is the Stephen King chiller Cujo, featuring a new remaster and trailer. On 11/23 comes Candyman 3, with widescreen and P&S on the same disc. And, finally on 11/3 comes the scariest of them all, The Sarah Plain & Tall Trilogy, including "Sarah, Plain & Tall," "Skylark" and "Winter's End." It also features an interview with star Glenn Close. Retail is $24.95 for the first two, and $34.95 for the third. Fox: Our friends at Fox are going to be reissuing a "25th and A Half" (!) anniversary edition of Young Frankenstein on 10/5, with new packaging and a higher price ($34.95), even though there are no additional features from the previous DVD edition! This is timed to coincide with the VHS re-release which features about 20 minutes of outttakes and behind-the-scenes footage culled from the DVD release. Go figure. Renegade: Renegade Movies has announced their first foray into DVD, with the a documentary disc on the big-budget Francis Ford Coppola flop (though I really liked it) The Cotton Club. On the disc is "Apocalypse Always" Tales From The Cotton Club." Also included is another documentary "Lorenzo Doumani's The Cotton Club: What Might Have Been," a tell-all by the producer. There is also more deleted musical footage, as well as music videos for If You Believe and One Last Time. Price is $29.95, and street date 11/2. Sony Music: A nice update came from Sony today on their upcoming fall schedule. Some confirmed street dates in there, as well as some new titles, too. Due 9/21 is MTV's Celebrity Death Match, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Little Witch and John Denver The Wildlife Concert. Then, on 10/12 comes the long-delayed Alice in Chains Unplugged, which should be cool. Then on 10/19 comes rush of titles, including Sesame Street's 123 Count with Me and Do the Alphabet, as well sa a quartet of Karajan Legacy discs, New Year's Concert 1988, Beethoven Violin Concerto - Mutter, Beethoven Symphony 2&3 and Beethoven Symphony 4&5. Also on that date is Placido Domingo's Christmastime in Vienna, and yes, for sure, Pink Floyd The Wall. Lastly, on 10/26 are some newbies Black Sabbath: The Last Supper, Donna Summer's VH1 Special, MTV's The Real World: Hawaii, and finally Ricky Martin: The Video Compilation. All are $24.95 except Pink Floyd The Wall, which is $29.95. Should be a good start for fall from Sony. Also, Stevie Ray Vaughn's Live From The El Mocambo has been announced, though no set date just yet... September 1 : Paramount's November selection; Buena Vista's Instinct Paramount: Has finally issued their November release details. In addition to the the post Monday on Star Trek IV, also due 11/9 is the really enjoyable documentary Trekkies, in its original full frame aspect ratio with a 2.0 Surround track. Next is the late Chris Farley comedy Tommy Boy, as well as the Bill Murray holiday "classic" Scrooged. Both feature 16x9 transfers and trailers. Lastly, Apocalypse Now arrives with a new 16x9 transfer from a hi-def master and a 5.1 soundtrack. There are no extra features. Price for all of the above is $29.95. Buena Vista: Our pals at Buena Vista have added a day & date with VHS release of the Anthony Hopkins and Cuba Gooding Jr. "thriller" Instinct for a 11/16 release. Look for the usual movie-only edition with a trailer and widescreen, non-anamorphic transfer. Retail is $29.95. Also, maybe Buena Vista are also finally getting the special edition thing under control, as Life Is Beautiful has been finally confirmed as a special edition (well, at least for now, eh eh) for a 11/9 release, along with the first IMAX special edition I know of, for Everest. Both will be $39.95. Expect the full features for these and A Bug's Life SE to be released soon. |
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