Beautiful Balloon - 4:44pm

So, why did Hollywood's latest "reimagining" of a classic, Around the World in 80 Days, tank at the box office this past summer? Is it because audiences are not into Jackie Chan anymore? Proof positive that Roger Ebert's rule "no movie with a hot air balloon in it can be any good" is true? Or simply because Arnold Schwarzenegger lent a cameo? Find out for yourself on November 2nd when Buena Vista Home Entertainment releases the Frank Coraci-helmed epic in a special edition DVD. To be made available in separate THX-certified 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and 4:3 full screen versions, each with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround options, extras include audio commentary with Coraci and cast , deleted scenes including an alternate opening, the "Around The World In 80 Days" and "Around the World of Jackie Chan" featurettes, the "All Over the World" music video and theatrical trailers. Retail will cost you $29.95.

Black as Midnight - 4:44pm

Speaking of bombs, also fairing poorly this past summer was the big-budget Pitch Black sequel The Chronicles of Riddick. Once again starring Vin Diesel (and...Dame Judi Dench!?), Universal Studios Home Video will release the CGI-fest on November 16th in no less than three versions: anamorphic widescreen and full screen versions of the R-rated theatrical cut, and a Director's Cut with 7 minutes of extra footage in widescreen only. Each includes Dolby Digital 5.1 surround tracks and a host of extras, although full specs have yet to be announced. Expect a retail price of $29.95 no matter which version you choose.

Spawn of Satan - 4:44pm

Last but not least, closing today's news is yet another double-dipper from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment. Watch for a new Director's Cut (running 132 minutes) of Guillermo del Toro's sorta-hit Hellboy, which will get the three-disc treatment on October 19th. Presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and Dolby 5.1 surround (sorry, no DTS - but I'm sure a Superbit version will be along shortly), all of the extras on the previous two-disc release will be included, along with a new audio commentary with del Toro exclusive to the Director's Cut, the complete ComicCon 2002 panel discussion with cast & crew, "Excerpt From The Diary Of Grigori Rasputin" featurette, a Mike Mignola still gallery with commentary; an exclusive ROM screenplay viewer, and additional theatrical trailers. Retail will list for $34.95.