Hmmmm, is it just me, or have things changed in the few years that DVD has gone mainstream? I remember in the good ol' days studios seemd to want to release R-Rated and Unrated versions of a flick all on the same disc, but nowadays it's all about seperate releases. Is this move to appease the Blockbusters of the world that won't rent unrated movies? Ah, well, whatever the case may be, we have another one to add to the list, the 8/20 release of separate R-Rated and Unrated versions of National Lampoon's Van Wilder from Artisan Entertainment. Presented in anamoprhic widescreen with English 5.1 and 2.0 surround tracks, each release includest the same extras, including deleted scenes and outtakes, over one hour of various Van Wilder "specials," the Sugarcult music video, and trailers. Retail is $24.95 each.

New & noteworthy - 1:06am

A bit of a slow news day today, so here's a few new and noteworthy updates to keep you occupied...

Some new releases just announced include specs for not one but two special editions of the recent Cameron Diaz comedy The Sweetest Thing, arriving on 8/20 from Columbia TriStar. Available in both R-Rated and Unrated versions, each release features the same extras, including audio commentary with director and the cast, the "Standing Erect" featurette (ahem), filmographies, and trailers. Each release features anamorphic widescreen and full screen transfers, and English 5.1 Dolby surround tracks. Retail is $26.95 a pop. Arriving from New Line on 9/3 is the pimp-a-thon The Mack, presented in anamorphic widescreen and full screen transfers, English 5.1 and 2.0 surround tracks, an audio commentary with director Michael Campus, star Max Julien, writer Robert J. Poole and producer Harvey Bernhard, the "Mackin' It Easy" documentary, and the trailer. Retail is $19.95.

In more New Line news, the studio continues to pledge its commitment to offering cutting-edge web-enabled DVD content. InterActual Technologies today announced a two-year software distribution and licensing agreement with the studio to include its industry-standard DVD software, InterActual Player, on all their Region 1 DVD releases, including such upcoming hits as John Q. and Blade II. Check out the press release for the full details....

Last but not least, Fox Home Entertainment has announced that effective immediately, the Bruce Lee Collection box set has been placed on moratorium. No word on how long it will last or if the studio plans on reissuing or repackaging the title, but catch 'em while you can...