By Peter M. Bracke

MAY 4 - 6

Horror-ific August MGM titles

Because they know what scares you, MGM has just sent a nice little brochure filled with lots of Halloween tricks and treats for DVD lovers. 8/28 will be quite a date for scary movie fans, with a number of long-awaited horror titles arriving on DVD.

But first, MGM also announced a drama that some may still find frightening, Things You Can Tell Just By Looking At Her. Boasting quite a cast including Holly Hunter, Glenn Close, Calista Flockhart and Cameron Diaz and boasting the tag line "A man only sees what a woman wants him to know," the disc features 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen and full screen transfers, English and Spanish 5.1 and French 2.0 surround tracks, French and Spanish subtitles, and English Closed Captions. Retail is $24.95, and street date 7/10.

Now on to MGM's big 8/28 horror slate (Note that all of the following titles do not include English subtitles, only French and Spanish, though they do feature English Closed Captioning.) Perhaps most exciting are a trio of Brian De Palma suspense classics. Aside from my personal favorite Blow Out, which although lacking in any features aside from the trailer does include a new 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer and English and Spanish 2.0 stereo tracks, watch for a full-blown special editions of Dressed To Kill and Carrie. Most exciting, especially since these looked like crap on laserdisc (and even the old Carrie DVD was terrible), these both sport new anamorphic widescreen transfers, and English 5.1 surround mixes. Both these special editions were produced by Laurent Bouzereau (who has also written a book on De Palma) and feature some great goodies. Dressed To Kill presents the Unrated version of the film, along with "The X, R, G Comparison of Dressed To Kill," a new 45-minute documentary including interviews with all of the main cast, "Slashing Dressed To Kill" and "Dressed To Kill: An Appreciation by Keith Gordon" featurettes, animated photo gallery and the original theatrical trailer. The 25th Anniversary Edition of Carrie includes not one but two 45-minute making of documentaries, "Acting Carrie" and "Visualizing Carrie." Also included is what is the guaranteed-to-be-entertaining "Carrie: The Musical" featurette, text on Stephen King and "The Writing Of Carrie," an animated photo gallery and the original theatrical trailer. Retail for these three gems is $19.95 each.

Also arriving on 8/28 are thirteen new entries in MGM's Midnite Movies collection. Each title, while low on extras, will only set you back $14.95 a pop. All the following include anamorphic widescreen transfers and trailers: Killer Klowns From Outer Space (which also features behind-the-scenes footage, animated photo gallery and the "Character Concepts" featurette), The Beast Within (which scared the shit out of me as a kid!), the 1977 version of The Island Of Dr. Moreau, The Dunwich Horror, Tobe Hooper's Invaders From Mars, and Count Yorga Vampire. Beast Within and Killer Klowns feature English 2.0 stereo tracks, while the rest are mono. The following are all in non-anamorphic widescreen and mono: Theatre of Blood, Planet Of the Vampires and Twice Told Tales, while Mars Needs Women, It! The Terror From Beyond Space, The Monster That Challenged The World and Reptilicus are presented in full frame and mono.

But wait, there is more. MGM will also release seven more new horror DVD titles on 8/28 in anamorphic widescreen, 2.0 stereo and with trailers: The Howling (alas, none of the laserdisc extras are on here, what gives?), Haunted Honeymoon, Scanners (mono only), The First Power, Breeders (mono only), Candyman 2: Farewell To The Flesh, and Audrey Rose (which is non-anamorphic.) Retail is only $14.95 each for these as well.

Akira due in July

Check out ICV2.com, who've been tracking the status of the upcoming Akira remaster and DVD release, and now have some cool cover art and specs up on the disc. Looks like a very nice two-disc set and Akira fans (who've waited a very long time for this one) should be pleased...

Hannibal hits August 21

After making major bucks at the box office this past winter, MGM has just announced a 8/21 retail arrival date for both the rather terrible Hannibal and its Oscar-winning predecessor, The Silence Of The Lambs. Both will be special editions, though MGM only announced the date...no features, pricing or other info is yet available on the Hannibal disc, though you can find the Silence specs in the April 20 update. Stay tuned, and check out today's editorial for more on some other notable news regarding the Hannibal video release...

Buena Vista 2001 preview

Buena Vista Home Entertainment sent out a nice little preview package today highlighting many of their upcoming 2001 DVD releases. While this is not everything they are releasing, of course, it is a preview of some of the more notable catalog and new releases Buena Vista has in store for us.

Starting off with some of their live action titles, on 8/7 comes the multiple Academy Award nominee Chocolat (also known as "Harvey Weinstein & the Chocolate Factory.") The disc features a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, English 5.1 Dolby surround track, behind-the-scenes featurette, the trailer and more TBA. Retail is $32.95. The packet also highlighted the full specs for the Dracula 2000 coming on 7/3, which in addition to the audio commentary with director Patrick Lussier and screenwriter Joel Soisson, deleted scenes and making-of, there are some audition reels, storyboards and the trailer. Retail is $29.95.

On 8/28, Buena Vista will release the recent TV version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific, starring Harry Connick, Jr., and Glenn Close. The disc is presented in full frame and English 5.1 surround, and features deleted scenes, a making-of featurette hosted by Glenn Close, and a clip for ":My Girl Back Home" sung by Connick. Retail is $29.95. Even more unintentionally hilarious is Santa Who?, starring Leslie Nielsen. This disc arrives on 11/6 and features a full frame transfer, 5.1 surround track, and trailers. Retail is $29.95. Finally, the full specs were announced for the Recess: School's Out DVD due on 8/7. The disc will be presented in 1.66:1 anamorphic widescreen and 5.1 surround, along with "the Schoolyard Challenge Game," "Recess Animation camp," the digital comic book "the Trouble With Shorts," two music videos, the trailer and DVD-ROM features including more Recess secrets, and expanded Animation camp and weblinks. Retail is $29.95.

Oh, and last but not least, Buena Vista will be issuing 18 DVD Double Packs on 11/6, each of which feature "two like-minded live action titles for one low price." All have already been released, except for the Sister Act / Sister Act 2 2-pack, featuring the first-ever DVD release of the original. Retail is $39.95 per pack...

Disney also has quite a slate coming in 2001, if this preview is any indication. Of course, there is the Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Platinum Collection release on 10/9, which Disney promises will represent "the industry's first truly immersive DVD experience." Though full features have not been issued, it will be a two-disc set, carry a retail price of only $29.95, and be hosted by Roy Disney and the "Magic Mirror" and offer a "V.I.P tour." This tour will include commentaries, featurettes, behind-the-scenes features and plenty more, I'm sure. Watch for a big kickoff for this disc in the week's ahead...

Another big Disney favorite is Dumbo, arriving on 10/23. This 60th Anniversary Edition is presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, and includes an all-new recording of "Baby Mine" by Michael Crawford as featured on "Michael Crawford: The Disney Album," behind-the-scenes featurette, still galleries, an interactive game and trailers. Retail is $29.95. Then two weeks later on 11/6 comes Mickey'S Magical Christmas: Snowed In At The House Of Mouse and Recess Christmas: Miracle On Third Street. Retail is $29.95 each, with features TBA.

Disney also has quite a slate coming in 2001, if this preview is any indication. Of course, there is the Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Platinum Collection release on 10/9, which Disney promises will represent "the industry's first truly immersive DVD experience." Though full features have not been issued, it will be a two-disc set, carry a retail price of only $29.95, and be hosted by Roy Disney and the "Magic Mirror" and offer a "V.I.P tour." This tour will include commentaries, featurettes, behind-the-scenes features and plenty more, I'm sure. Watch for a big kickoff for this disc in the week's ahead...

Another big Disney favorite is Dumbo, arriving on 10/23. This 60th Anniversary Edition is presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, and includes an all-new recording of "Baby Mine" by Michael Crawford as featured on "Michael Crawford: The Disney Album," behind-the-scenes featurette, still galleries, an interactive game and Dumbo 2 preview. Retail is $29.95. Then two weeks later on 11/6 comes Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed In At The House Of Mouse , Disney's Whispers: An Elephant's Tale and Recess Christmas: Miracle On Third Street. Retail is $29.95 each, with features TBA.

Finally, to cap off the year, comes "Wave One" of Walt Disney Treasures on 12/4. This first wave features four discs (sold separately), each of which contain a collection of shorts and other material and are packaged in collectible tins. Mickey Mouse In Living Color features twenty-six Mickey Mouse color adventures including "The Band Concert," "Thru The Mirror," "Mickey's Rival," "Clock Cleaners," and more. Disneyland USA showcase four early programs on Disneyland, including "The Disneyland Story," "Dateline Disneyland," "Disneyland After Dark," and "Disneyland 10th Anniversary Show." Silly Symphonies collect thirty-six of Walt Disney's seminal early animated films, including the first-ever appearance of Donald Duck in "The Wise Little Hen," the first Disney Technicolor short "Flowers And Trees," and the first cartoon to use the multiplane camera breakthrough in animation, "The Old Mill." Finally, Davy Crockett includes all five of the classic TV episodes. Each volume includes introductions by Leonard Maltin, art galleries, making-of featurette, and "easter eggs." Retail is $32.95 per collectible tin.

Lastly, this preview packet included a notice that both the So Dear My Heart and Oliver & Company DVD releases have been indefinitely postponed. Stay tuned for any updates...

More from Showtime

In addition to their new family titles announced earlier this week, Showtime Entertainment has added three new dramas to their summer titles. Arriving on 8/7 is Harlan County War, starring Holly Hunter, Love Songs with Louis Gossett, Jr., ("You mean we're singing about some damn shark's mutha?") and James Belushi and Gregory Hines in Echo Of Murder. Each disc features a full frame transfer, English 2.0 surround track, English, French and Spanish subtitles and previews. Retail is $24.95 each.

Monkey business

On 7/10, Fox will release the expensive flop Monkeybone on DVD. Lasting about 12 minutes in the theaters, this is still an interesting flick directed by Nightmare Before Christmas and James & The Giant Peach helmer Henry Selick. The disc features an anamorphic widescreen transfer, audio commentary with Selick, making-of featurette, still gallery and the trailer. Sound formats and further features TBA. Retail is $26.95.

Die Hard, Cast Away pics

Fox Home Video has sent along some nice pics and a bit of info on two of their big upcoming summer releases. First up, those new Die Hard special editions will finally make their DVD debut on 7/10. While all three are 2-disc sets, only the first title is a "Five Star Collection," and at first parts 2 and 3 will only be available in the new Die Hard collection triple-pack. No features or details, but the box art pics look pretty good. But, I must say, does anyone else not like the Five Star Collection packaging? While I'm all for "branding" titles (Platinum Series, Five Star Collection, Vista Series, etc.) all this silver seems a bit obtrustive...I think the packaging for the second and third discs are much snazzier. (Click on a box for a blowup.)

Fox has also sent along some nice pics of the menu screens from Cast Away. Just click on the menu image for more of 'em and blowups. This disc looks pretty dang feature loaded, and can't wait to check it out come 6/12 when it hits stores...

MAY 2

My bloody valentine

Warner has just announced a couple of romance-themed titles due to hit retail on 7/24. Sweet November is a syrupy love story starring Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron, just perfect for those long summer days sitting on the porch swing with your loved one (yeah, whatever.) The disc features a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, English and French 5.1 surround and subtitle tracks, the featurette " Sweet November: From the Heart," cast and crew filmographies and theatrical trailers. Retail is $24.95.

A different kind of love story also arrives on 7/24, the godawful Valentine. This disc features a 2.35;1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, English 5.1 surround track, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles, an audio commentary with director Jamie Blanks, cast and crew interviews, a "Club Reel" for the the song "Opticon" by Orgy, cast and crew filmographies and the trailer. Retail is $19.95.

"F" is for Family

Showtme Entertainment has just announced four new family titles, all due on 6/19. Finding Buck McHenry, Mermaid, Out Of Time and Ratz! are all presented full frame with 2.0 surround tracks, English, French and Spanish subtitles, cast and crew highlights and previews. Retail is $19.95 each.

New from Columbia

Just announced for 7/10 is the 1982 drama Querelle, starring Midnight Express's Brad Davis. The disc features an extended cut with three minutes of additional footage, a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, English and French mono tracks, English, French and Spanish subtitles and bonus trailers. Retail is $24.95.

Diamonds are a pig's best friend

Columbia has just announced the 7/10 arrival of their next Muppet release, The Great Muppet Caper. The disc features anamorphic widescreen and full screen versions, English 5.1 surround and English, French and Spanish 2.0 surround tracks, 3 "Muppetisms," and trailers. Retail is only $19.95, and you can check out the full press release here.

MAY 1

Head over heels

Universal has just announced a 7/3 retail arrival date for the recent Freddie Prinze, Jr., "comedy" Head Over Heels. The disc includes a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, English 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS surround tracks, additional French .2.0 surround and subtitle tracks, a Spotlight On Location featurette, and the usual cast and crew filmographies, production notes, trailers and weblinks. Retail is $26.95.

Before he was Bond...

...he was The Saint. On 6/26, A&E will release the first two long-awaited sets of the classic Roger Moore television series The Saint on DVD. Each two-disc set, The Saint Set 1 and The Saint Set 2, features two volumes apiece, each with three episodes, or six total per set. Each episode is presented in full frame and English 2.0 mono, and features TV spots for each episode, a still gallery and a Roger Moore biography. Retail is $39.95 each, and A&E expects to release more sets in the future...

Much music

Sony Music has just announced a few new titles, including some late DVD singles, both due on 5/15. First up is Destiny's Child: Survivor, which features the song "Survivor," and Wu-Tang Clan: The W #1, which features four new videos "The W," "Gravel Pit," "Protect Ya Neck," and "Be Careful," as well as some deleted footage. Both are full frame and in 5.1 and 2.0 stereo, and retail is $9.95. Also, debuting on 6/19 is VH-1 Storytellers: Classics. This release "gives "gives fans a rare glimpse into the lives of some of the biggest stars in music," combining "classic songs, intimate live performances and the personal stories of the legends behind the music." Artists featured on this release include Ringo Starr, David Bowie, Jackson Browne, Sheryl Crow, Rod Stewart, Pete Townshend and Steely Dan, and in addition to a live performance from each, the disc also features artist profiles and discographies, song stories, interviews and a VH1 Storytellers Timeline. The disc is presented full frame with Dolby 5.1 surround and PCM 2.0 stereo tracks. Retail is $19.95.