'Ring' redux - 12:00am

Just unveiled from DreamWorks Home Entertainment is the full press release for the March 4th release of The Ring, and its Japanese counterpart, Ringu. While expectations were that there might be more cool stuff on the disc than originally anticipated, the DVD release of the $100 million-plus thriller is still surprisingly slim for such a major blockbuster. The only new extra is the mysterious new 15-minute short created exclusively for the DVD by director Gore Verbinski, which certainly sounds intriguing: "The short film reveals more electrifying secrets that bring viewers closer to understanding the mystery of 'The Ring'." (Alas, the rather dull key art is a disappointment - why couldn't they just have used the much-cooler original movie poster artwork?) Check out the press release for the full details.

Just as exciting for the the ever-growing cult of Ring enthusiasts is the domestic video debut of Ringu, which will also be released on March 4th. Features include an all-new 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen digital transfer plus a Japanese 5.1 Dolby surround track. Retail is $29.95, and somewhat surprisingly, it doesn't seem like any two-pack of both films will be available.

DVD of secrets - 12:00am

Coming home a little faster than its predecessor, on April 11th Warner Home Video will debut Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second big-screen Potter blockbuster. Expect another feature-loaded two-disc extravaganza, and you can check out the full press release here with all the details. And although not quite clear in the press release, there will be separate 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and full screen versions released, each with identical extras. Retail is $29.95 each.

Action Jackson - 12:00am

Just in from Fox Home Entertainment are two new action extravaganzas hitting DVD on April 15th. From producer Luc Besson comes The Transporter, which is loaded with plenty of extras. This double-sided DVD-14 features a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen version of the film on side one plus an audio commentary by director Corey Yuen and 15 minutes of an unrated, never-before-seen extended action scene. Side two features the full frame version of the film, the commentary, a making-of featurette, and the trailer. Both sides feature English 5.1 and French and Spanish 2.0 Dolby surround tracks. Retail is $27.95.

Action fans can also look forward to horror opus Darkwolf on the 15th, starring Jaime Bergman, Tippi Hedren of The Birds fame, and Jason himself, Kane Hodder. This one features a 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, English 5.1 Dolby surround track, a featurette, bloopers, and a trailer. Retail is Fox's high $34.95 direct-to-video price.