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AUGUST 17 - 19
Well, Trek fans, the announcement has finally come. Paramount has released the press release for Star Trek The Motion Picture - The Director's Edition, and as expected the two-disc set will touch down on 11/6 with a retail price of $29.95. Aside from the new edition of the film, running 136 minutes and supervised by director Robert Wise and featuring newly created special effects, the set includes a wealth of supplemental materials. The features is presented in 2.35;1 anamorphic widescreen and a newly remixed English 5.1 and 2.0 surround tracks, an audio commentary with Wise, special photographic effects director Douglas Trumbull, special photographic effects supervisor John Dykstra, composer Jerry Goldsmith and actor Stephen Collins, additional commentary with Michael Okuda (co-author of "The Star Trek Encyclopedia"), three new retrospective documentaries, five additional scenes from the original 1979 version, additional outtakes and "trims," 11 deleted scenes from the 1983 TV broadcast, an storyboard gallery, the original theatrical trailer and teaser, 8 TV spots, a new Director's Edition trailer and even a promo for the new Star Trek TV series "Enterprise." Cool!  Holy
Grail, Batman! (08.17.01 - 2:24pm)
Just announced from Columbia is the two-disc set of Monty Python And The Holy Grail. Replacing the previous. Largely disappointing release, this new two-discs special edition looks terrific. Featuring a new "21st Anniversary" cut of the film running an extra 24 seconds, the feature is presented in anamorphic widescreen, English 5.1 along with the original mono track, subtitles in English, French and Spanish and even a separate subtitle track "for people who don't like the film" (with text from Shakespeare's Henry IV!), an "onscreen screenplay" allowing you to read the screenplay while you watch, audio commentary with Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, John Cleese, Eric Idle and Michael Palin and "Follow the Killer Rabbit" (yes!). Disc two includes"Three Mindless Sing-Alongs" and "The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations" featurette, "How to Use Your Coconuts" educational film, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail in Japanese" (with English subtitles), the BBC Film Night special "On Location with the Pythons," an interactive cast directory, still galleries with Terry Gilliam's original sketches and behind-the-scenes photos, "A Load Of Rubbish" with mystery items, unused ideas and other material, and finally two trailers and weblinks. Retail is $29.95. Sweet! Also just announced by Columbia are a number of street dates for titles I've never heard of. Point Men and Diary Of A Sex Addict(!) arrive on 11/13, while Anzio and Arctic Blue hit a week later on 11/20. Stay tuned for specs... Artisan unveils upcoming DVD plans (08.17.01 - 12:11am) Artisan unveiled some of their upcoming DVD plans last week at their annual Las Vegas bash, as well as attempting to solidify their standing as one of the industry's leading suppliers of independent product. The big news for DVD fans, aside from the already-announced Basic Instinct and Total Recall special editions due this September, are three new upcoming releases. The first season of Twin Peaks should hit stores on 12/4 (see last week's post for all the info known so far), with plans for future seasons starting in 2002. (Due to rights issues, the series' much lauded pilot will not be included in the first season box set.) More excitement is to come in early 2002, when Artisan will release a revamped Rambo Trilogy box set, complete with new 20th Anniversary Edition of First Blood. And that long-planned Reservoir Dogs special edition, which will be a director's cut, has been bumped to July of 2002. Of course, all dates are tentative, and stay tuned for the full details when they are announced in the coming months... This one's for the children (08.17.01 - 12:11am) Perhaps proving that Buena Vista is really scraping the bottom of the barrel when it comes to their back catalog of horror titles, they have just announced a 10/9 release date for Children Of the Corn 3: Urban Harvest, Children Of The Corn 4: The Gathering and Children Of the Corn 5: Fields Of Terror. Each installment in this "acclaimed" horror series is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and English 2.0 surround, with the only supplements promo spots and trailers. Retail is a steep $32.95 a pop. You've been warned. Decidedly more friendly fare are the first four releases in Disney's new Disney Treasures series, Silly Symphonies, Davy Crockett, Disneyland USA and Mickey Mouse In Colors. The new collectible packaging can be seen below (click on each box for a blow up), street date is 12/4, and the full specs already announced are impressive. In my opinion, Disney is really delivering top quality product these days with their special editions, so collectors should have a very merry Christmas with this quartet!
Criterion does Hitchcock (08.17.01 - 12:11am) Hot on the heels of Universal's Hitchcock collections released earlier this year, Criterion is giving Hitch fans even more reason to celebrate with the DVD releases of three Hitchcock classics. Rebecca and Spellbound will be announced in eh coming days, but Criterion has set a 10/16 release date for Notorious, which will come as a fully the two-disc set. Sporting a newly remastered 1.33:1 transfer and the film's original mono soundtrack as well as an isolated music score, and more extras including two audio commentaries, one with historians Marian Keane and the second Rudy Behlmer, deleted scenes and alternate endings in script form, newsreel footage of Hitchcock and actor Ingrid Bergman, the complete 1948 Lux Radio Theater adaptation as originally broadcast, still galleries with production and publicity photos, promotional materials and production correspondence, liner notes by Hitchcock scholar William Rothman, and the film's original trailers and teasers. Retail is $49.95, and watch for further details on Rebecca and Spellbound soon... AUGUST 16 Jurassic roar (08.16.01 - 12:09am) Universal has just issued a brief (make that very brief) statement addressing the controversy surrounding the the DTS release of Jurassic Park. The statement is short and as follows:
So, what does this mean exactly? Hard to tell. The above statement from Universal is so brief it probably won't clear up the issue to anyone's satisfaction, will it? However, we want to make it clear that from the information we've received from both DTS and Universal and the copies of both versions we've obtained, neither pressing is defective. The use of different mixes and recording levels has generated debate that the earlier pressing is faulty. But we will be attempting to follow up on the issue with both Universal and DTS to find out as much as we can and hopefully provide a better explanation for those of you still considering exchanging their existing copy of Jurassic Park or confused on what to buy. Stay tuned... AUGUST 15
Uh-oh...not one but two versions of Pearl Harbor are attacking! Buena Vista has just announced a 12/5 bow for the wanna-be blockbuster in multiple configurations. This two-disc set will feature the PG-13 rated version, followed by an even more lavish 3-disc edition on 1/15, which will also include a new R-rated cut (with five minutes of additional footage) that director Michael Bay apparently prefers. The 12/4 version will be released in two separate editions: a $29.95 version with 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, an introduction by Michael Bay, a factual documentary on the bombing, the Faith Hill music video "There You'll Be" and trailers. A limited edition gift set for $49.95 includes an additional DVD with a National Geographic special. No separate pan & scan versions will be released. The three-disc set features the R-Rated cut (now with intermission!) and is also presented 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. Other extras include a longer introduction by Bay, the same extras as the two-disc set, plus multiple audio commentaries, including Bay and other cast and crew to be announced, a 30-minute multi-angle analysis of the film's major attack sequence set piece and a 30-minute historical timeline. Retail for this edition will be $39.95, and there will be no pan & scan version released. You can read the press release for the full specs, and check out a blowup of the packaging. 'Cats & Dogs' disaster (08.15.01 - 10:39am) Ugh, here we go again. A correction to yesterday's disc news on Cats & Dogs, due 10/16. The press release glossed over it, but Warner confirms that the upcoming Cats & Dogs SE will be pan & scan only. Yep, here we go again.) This Another Warner"Family entertainment" special edition in full frame. Check that one off the "To Buy" list...what is Warner thinking!? You can contact Warner Consumer Relations at 818-954-6000 to voice your displeasure. Street date alert and reprice (08.15.01 - 10:39am) Columbia has just announced a 10/23 street date for the highly anticipated Monty Python & The Holy Grail special edition. Already released once on DVD to largely unsatisfied customers, this reissue will feature a brand-new anamorphic widescreen transfer, and watch for full specs soon. Columbia has also announced a price drop to $14.95 on eight catalog titles: About Last Night, Guarding Tess, It Could Happen to You, Jakob The Liar, Maximum Risk, The Big Chill, The Messenger and Whatever It Takes. The drop goes into effect on 10/30 His love is real. But he is not. (08.15.01 - 12:14am) This year's equivalent to Forrest Gump's "Life is like a box of chocolates" (i.e., the catchphrase that was cute the first time around but now is just irritating), we've received quite a few emails from those waiting with bated breath for Spielberg's A.I. Artificial Intelligence to hit DVD. However, according to both DreamWorks and Warner spokespersons (and in one of those unique distribution arrangements I never quite fully understand) DreamWorks will be handling domestic home video distribution chores, not Warner who released the film theatrically. But don't expect a A.I. DVD anytime this year, according to DreamWorks. With Shrek being the studio's major fourth quarter release, and the film still an Oscar hopeful, who wants to put in a guesttimate that we'll see an A.I. DVD sometime in the first half of 2002? But that's just a guess... Two from criterion (08.15.01 - 12:14am) Just announced from Criterion are two classics both due 10/16. The Peter Medak classic The Ruling Class is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer and English mono, with an audio commentary with Peter O'Toole, Peter Medak and Writer Peter Barnes, "Peter Medak's Home Movies" exclusive footage from the set, and the original theatrical trailer.Haxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages is presented in 1.33:1 and mono with Swedish intertitles, an audio commentary with Danish Silent Film Scholar Casper Tybjerg, director Benjamin Christensen's introduction to the 1941 re-release, outtakes, a still gallery, and "Bibliotheque Diabolique" a photographic exploration of Christensen's historical sources. Retail is $39.95 each. Guffman fix (08.15.01 - 12:14am) Attention, Waiting For Guffman fans. We've been alerted by Warner that some early copies of Waiting For Guffman (due to be released on 8/21) went out with faulty commentary tracks. The film's soundtrack, heard in the background and during lulls in the commentary, were inadvertently lowered to the point of being inaudible. However, all copies hitting retail should not suffer from this defect, but should a consumer purchase a copy with the faulty commentary, return it to the point of purchase. So make sure you hold on to those receipts! 'A Better Place' offer (08.15.01 - 12:14am) If you've been waiting (and waiting) for that oft-postponed A Better Place special edition that is finally due out next week from Synapse, check out a special deal now being offered over at Jay & Silent Bob's Secret Stash. A special limited run of 1,000 copies of the DVD will be made available featuring numbered frame clippings and signed by director Vincent Pereira, Kevin Smith and actor Brian Lynch. And all copies ordered from the Stash will be signed by Pereira and Lynch. This deal was originally offered on DVD Express before they went belly up, but those orders have since been canceled. So visit the Secret Stash to order your copy before they're all gone! AUGUST 14 How much is that doggie in the window? (08.14.01 - 12:03am) What is it with theatrical-to-video windows these days? When I was a kid (you know, when you had to walk two miles uphill in the snow barefoot just to get to school) there was none of this three or four months nonsense. You see, back then you had to wait a year, sometimes more, for your favorite movie to come to home video. But not anymore! Warner has just announced a 10/23 DVD release - a mere three month theatrical to video window - for the July hit Cats & Dogs (which outgrossed even Spielberg's A.I.!) The DVD will include a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer (let's hope they don't pan & scan this one at the last minute), English and French 5.1 surround tracks, an audio commentary (will Mr. Tinkles be on there?), the HBO First Look "The Making Of Cats & Dogs" special, a still gallery with storyboard-to-screen comparisons, a trivia game, filmographies and trailers. Retail is $26.95. Warner will also release two new volumes of South Park on 11/6, but again messing with the timeline and presenting two "best of" compilations out of order from their original airdates. South Park: Timmy! includes four episodes ("Timmy 2000," "4th Grade," "Helen Keller, The Musical" and "The Tooth Fairy's Tats 2000") and South Park: Winter Wonderland includes three ("A Very Crappy Christmas," "Are You There God? It's Me Jesus" and "Something You Can Do With Your Finger"). All are presented in full frame and 2.0 surround sound, with intros for each episode. Retail is $19.95 a pop.
Warner has just announced a 11/20 release date for Volume 3 and Volume 4 of The Best Of Friends. Guess the first two volumes released last year must have sold well, because Warner is eschewing a season-by-season release pattern, instead opting for more of Rachel, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, Ross and Monica's greatest hits. Check out the press release for the full details, and each volume features five episodes, some extras and a retail price of $19.95. A two-disc gift set will also be available for $34.95. Street date alert (08.13.01 - 11:46am) Just announced from Columbia are two new November titles, the recent sorta-hit America's Sweethearts, which arrives on DVD on 11/13, and The Breed (not to be confused with the David Cronenberg film The Brood) a week later on 11/20. Watch for full specs to be announced soon... Final Fantasy: The Streisand Within (08.13.01 - 12:11am) Columbia has just announced a number of new titles, as well as the press release for Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. Debuting on 10/23, this two-disc set is very extensive: a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, English 5.1 and 2.0 Dolby surround tracks, audio commentary with co-director Moto Sakakibara, supervisors Takoo Noguchi and Hiroyuki Hayashida and lead artist Tatsuro Maruyama, and a second commentary with animation director Andy Jones, editor Chris S. Capp and staging director Tani Kunitake), an isolated score with commentary by composer Elliot Goldenthal, storyboard and "Playblasts" with optional commentary, a new interactive documentary, alternate opening sequence, a "mini-movie," seven deleted character workshops, in-depth looks at the animation process with vehicle scale comparisons, face wraps, character morphs and a matte art exploration, an editing workshop on the final scene, and DVD-ROM extras including more character materials, stills, the theatrical website and weblnks. Retail is $29.95, check out a menu shot here.
Also arriving on 10/23 is the Barbra Streisand classic Funny Girl. Presented in a new 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer and English 5.0 and 2.0 Dolby surround tracks, extras include the "Barbra In Movieland" and "This Is Streisand" featurettes, song highlights, production notes, filmographies and bonus trailers. Retail is $24.95. Arriving on 11/13 is Richard Donner's The Toy, starring Richard Pryor and Jackie Gleason. The release features 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and full screen transfers, English and Spanish 2.0 stereo tracks and trailers. Retail is $24.95. Finally, on 10/23 comes Cirque Du Soleil: Journey Of Man. Presented in full screen with English 5.1 and 2.0 surround tracks, extras include multi-angle performances and production notes. Oddly, according to the press release the VHS includes a making-of featurette which is not on the DVD. Retail is $24.95. Jurassic exchange? (08.13.01 - 12:11am) If you've been following this story at all, you may be aware that Universal recently repressed the DTS version of Jurassic Park, and began to reissue them to coincide with the theatrical release of Jurassic Park III. However, for some reason word has spread that the previous DTS releases were "defective," undoubtedly fueled by Universal's decision to allow consumers to exchange the old DTS versions for the new repressing. However, those of you rushing to exchange your copies may want to wait a bit...official word will be forthcoming this week from Universal why there is an a reissue and the differences between the two versions (neither version is "defective" at all, merely different mixes.) Stay tuned for more this week... 'Scream' again (08.13.01 - 12:11am) Just a quick note to finish off today's news. Though it slipped under our radar, Buena Vista will be issuing the Collector's Series edition of Scream 2 - previously only available as part of the Ultimate Scream Collection box set - individually this Tuesday. The previous movie-only version has been discontinued, and the Collector's Series edition retails for $24.95. |
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To
boldly go... (08.17.01 - 2:24pm) 
They'll
always be there for you (08.13.01 - 11:46am) 
