Universal Studios Home Video has just announced another batch of classic catalog titles for release this spring, all making their first-ever DVD appearances. The first in their new Universal Western collection, the lineup debuts on May 6th and includes a number of James Stewart classics: Bend of the River, Destry Rides Again, The Far Country, The Rare Breed, The Redhead from Wyoming and Winchester '73. All are presented in their original theatrical aspect ratios and anamorphically encoded (if applicable), and include English mono tracks, English and French subtitles, and trailers. Retail is only $14.95 a pop.

Playtime with Paramount - 12:54pm

Just in from Paramount Home Entertainment are a couple of kiddie titles perfect for those times when you're stuck without a babysitter. Blue's Clues: Shapes and Colors and Dora the Explorer: City of Lost Toys both street on June 3rd and feature full screen transfers with 2.0 Dolby surround tracks, and interactive games and promo spots as extras. Retail is $19.95 each.

More on The Matrix - 12:51pm

Yet more has come in on the now-canceled, near-legendary Matrix two-disc special edition that was originally supposed to be released this May by Warner Home Video. Speaking to Video Store Magazine (read article) it was producer Joel Silver who convinced Warner to squash the 2-disc deluxe set because it contained too many plot spoilers for The Matrix Reloaded, and that he also hoped to do a better transfer for the film on a future release.

Given that this two-disc set was just a rehash of the previously-released Matrix and Matrix Revisited sets, hopefully the new-new version - whenever it arrives - will really be worth the wait. As always, stay tuned...