King of the monsters

Perhaps hoping to wash away the bad taste left in everyone's mouth after that 1998 Godzilla remake debacle, Sony Entertainment has just announced a new Ultimate Godzilla Collection box set of five classic Godzilla flicks. Hitting stores on 9/17 are Godzilla's Revenge, Terror of Mechagodzilla, Godzilla Vs. Mothra, Rodan, and the original classic that started it all, Godzilla King of the Monsters. (Note that the previous Goodtimes DVD release of Godzilla King of the Monsters is now out of print.) These cheapie issues are all presented in full frame and mono with only some Godzilla facts as extras. Retail is a low $12.95 each, or $39.95 for the box.

Things that go bump in the night - 12:28pm

Hey Barnabas Collins fans, mark 8/27 on your calendars! That's when MPI will release Dark Shadows Collection 2, featuring episodes 251 through 290 of this classic horror soap opera. Each episode is presented in it its original 4:3 broadcast aspect ratio and mono, and extras include a new featurette and interviews with the cast. Retail is $59.95 for the set.

The Grinch that stole DVD - 12:28pm

Just in from Universal are specs on that new How the Grinch Stole Christmas 2-disc Deluxe Edition due on 11/5. Oddly enough, this is not one of Universal's famed "Ultimate Editions," but will include all the same extras as the previous releases (sans the "Interactive Playset"), along with widescreen and pan & scan transfers. The only new extras include an audio commentary with director Ron Howard, a new batch of DVD-ROM extras including printable coloring sheets, puzzles, holiday Grinch recipes, exciting games, Grinch themed holiday cards, and the “Grinch a Friend” holiday card program, and a sneak peek at the upcoming new Cat in the Hat movie. Retail is $29.95, and the existing Grinch DVD releases will remain on the market.