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The latest news on all things 4k Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Gear.
Car Go Vroom, 4K UHD & Blu-ray Shopping Guide - November 5, 2023 Go Aaaaaaaah

 Unlike last week, this week is a walk in the park for 4K titles. As we hinted last week though, there are still a few worthy titles to ponder. From George Lucas' beginnings, a video game adaptation of a different color with David Harbour, David Harbour in a Santa suit, and more! If you have not done so already, read Matthew's article about how ooooooows AND aaaaaaahs this month is going to have!

 Welcome to Volume 4 Episode 23 of our weekly release guide. A look at the highlights of what's coming to disc the week of November 5th - November 11th, as well as a look at announcements from last week.

4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases-

 Import Monday begins with an anime 4K, Nadia: Secret of the Blue Water: Part 1 - Limited Edition. I wish I had more info to share, part 2 (coming next month) appears to NOT be a Limited Edition. To make it even more confusing, there's an Ultimate Edition release on Thursday that is Part 1 and Part 2 together. I've already taken one for the team, so one would guess GKIDS will announce something soon.

 Domestic Tuesday's new release is for Gran Turismo starring David Harbour. This one is available as a standard edition and as a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook, which is actually out of the norm for Sony (SteelBook, normal, Best Buy, not).

    

 

 Next on the semi-new release list, Violent Night, with more David Harbour action. This one appears to be a true 4K release and not an MOD release, and is available as a standard edition and as a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook.

    

 

 Under the Shout Select label, Fargo finally sees light of day. This one was hinted (but not announced) quite early in the year.

 

 One of George Lucas' early success stories was with American Graffiti. And this one is available as a standard edition and as a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook.

    

 

 How about some Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd fun with Trading Places from Paramount?

 

 And a little more comedy with Scrooged, also from Paramount.

 

 Sony's next batch of 4K with Dolby Vision Upgrades in a SteelBook package are available this week, Black Hawk Down and The Guns of Navarone.

 And NOT a Dolby Vision upgrade from Universal, Scarface is available as a double-dip in a Best Buy Exclusive Steelbook option.

 Next week, a bunch of SteelBooks that we thought were Walmart Exclusives, but are not. Also, Stephenie Meyer series in 4K, Equalizer 3, Terms of Endearment, Nun 2, Duel, and a return of wallet-busting action!

 

Blu-ray releases-

 Blu-ray counterpart of the above titles includes just Sony's Gran Turismo, available as a Standard Edition and as a Walmart Exclusive SteelBook (this makes two weeks in a row now that the Walmart Exclusive has not been 4K).

 Like the 4K category, this week there is a slight dip in the number of blu-ray titles released this week.

 New comedy/drama from Sony titled The Miracle Club. Does releasing a 2023 film under the "Sony Pictures Classics" label allow them to opt out of a digital code?

 

 Paramount is tugging at your purse strings in several ways. First, the collectible mega-set Star Trek: The Picard Legacy Collection. It is a handsome looking set, but what would sell it to me is if they sold it is a hybrid 4K and blu-ray set like LionsGate did with Evil Dead.

 

 And next, a pair of South Park releases, South Park: The Complete Twenty-Sixth Season and South Park: The Streaming Wars.

 Anime highlights include Beast Tamer: The Complete Season, Classroom of the Elite Season 2, More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers. and My Dress-Up Darling: The Complete Season, which is available as a Standard Edition and as a Limited Edition.

 Fortunately for us, a week doesn't go by without a Criterion Collection release. This week look for Jackie Chan: Emergence of a Superstar.

 

 LionsGate this week is offering Clerks I-III Premium Box Set. Just my opinion, but to me this set would be "premium" if it were 4K. It certainly is an interesting looking set though.

 Honorable Mention: The Universal MOD label (think Warner Archive Collection, but Universal) has a handful of Marx Brothers releases this week. They include Animal Crackers (1930), The Cocoanuts, Duck Soup, Horse Feathers and Monkey Business.

 Special Interest title this week, The American Buffalo - A Film by Ken Burns is certainly worth checking out, if that is your area of interest.

Notable announcements from last week:

 Shout Factory has revealed their January line-up. Although there are no 4K titles in the batch, there are a few that are definitely worth checking out. A couple of the titles feature Charles Bronson or Chuck Norris, and no doubt the budgets were a bit low for these productions that a 4K doesn't make sense. Titles include Ernest & Célestine: A Trip to Gibberitia, Forced Vengeance, Funeral Home, Jennifer 8, St. Ives, Street Girls, Telefon and (Stephen King's) Thinner.

4K Release Calendar

2K/BD Release Calendar

Which titles are you buying this week? Which ones are on your wishlist, be it to buy as an impulse buy or to wait for the right price?



Marvel Origins Vintage Collection Blu-ray + DVD Mediabooks Coming from Turbine November 9th

Before the MCU, after The Incredible Hulk, Marvel made three of the weirdest wildest made-for-television comic films ever! Witness the first appearance of Doctor Strange on Blu-ray and Reb Brown's plastic-clad Captain America and Captain America II on DVD! 

Not to simply bring these deep-cut fan favorites to disc, Turbine offers three stylish Mediabooks. All three films appear in each set, so you have to decide which cover is best for your collection... or get all three! Honestly, it's impossible to pick just one so buying all three is rather sensible if you think about it not from a financial perspective but from saving yourself mental anguish. That said, I'd be happy with any one of these, but I'm partial to the Captain America II if for no other reason it replicates the international posters with Reb Brown right out there in the flesh. But then you've got that Frank Bruner-inspired Doctor Strange art and that first Captain America that looks like a stylish mashup of old-school John Romita and Steve Ditko. Too many choices... so yeah just get all three while you can! Each cover has a limited run of 500 units so move fast! Each set comes with a 56-page booklet by Tobias Hohmann on the origin story of the Marvel heroes and the film adaptations.

Marvel Origins Vintage Collection - All Three Mediabooks 

Marvel Origins Vintage Collection - Doctor Strange Mediabook
Limited 500 Units 

Marvel Origins Vintage Collection - Captain America Mediabook
Limited 500 Units 

Marvel Origins Vintage Collection -Captain America II Mediabook
Limited 500 Units 

 

Technical specifications:

  • Speech / Sound: German DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono, English DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono, German DD 5.1, German DD 2.0, English DD 5.1,English DD 2.0
  • Aspect ratio: 4:3 (full screen) (original format) 1080p24 Full HD, 4:3 (full screen) (original format) PAL / NTSC
  • Subtitles: German, English
  • Runtime: 267 minutes


Bonus material:

  • Trailer DR. STRANGE
  • Trailer CAPTAIN AMERICA I + II


All sets are up for pre-order right now! 

Love Actually 20th Anniversary 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Dated & Detailed for November 21

Richard Curtis' star-studded 2003 rom-com Love Actually will be getting a 20th Anniversary 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on November 21.

Funny, irresistible, and heartwarming, Love Actually is the ultimate romantic comedy that follows eight couples whose lives intersect shortly before Christmas. From the makers of Bridget Jones's Diary and Notting Hill, this beloved film is headlined by an incredible roster of stars including Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Rowan Atkinson and more. Take a breathtaking tour of love's delightful twists and turns as you fall under the spell of Love Actually and share the laughs and charm again and again!

Love Actually - 20th Anniversary 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray 

Love Actually - 20th Anniversary 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray 

The 4K UHD Blu-ray + Blu-ray + Digital combo pack will include a Dolby Atmos soundtrack and supplements include:

BONUS FEATURES: 

  • Making LOVE ACTUALLY (NEW)

    • Join Writer/Director Richard Curtis along the with cast and crew as they reflect on the making of the film and its legacy 20 years later.

  • Deleted Scenes with Introductions by Richard Curtis

  • The Music of LOVE ACTUALLY with Introductions by Richard Curtis

  • The Storytellers

    • A featurette exploring the film’s main storylines, featuring interviews with the cast discussing their characters and the major elements within each on-screen relationship.

  • Kelly Clarkson “The Trouble with Love is” Music Video

  • Billy Mack “Christmas is All Around” Music Video

  • Feature Commentary with Director Richard Curtis and Actors Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy and Thomas Sangsters

Pre-orders should be available any day now and here is the full press release:


  

 

 

THE BELOVED HOLIDAY FAVORITE COMES HOME

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER ON 4K ULTRA HD

 

LOVE ACTUALLY

20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

 

YOURS TO OWN NOVEMBER 21, 2023 

FROM UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT

INCLUDES BLU-RAY™ AND DIGITAL CODE



SYNOPSIS: Funny, irresistible, and heartwarming, Love Actually is the ultimate romantic comedy that follows eight couples whose lives intersect shortly before Christmas. From the makers of Bridget Jones's Diary and Notting Hill, this beloved film is headlined by an incredible roster of stars including Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Rowan Atkinson and more. Take a breathtaking tour of love's delightful twists and turns as you fall under the spell of Love Actually and share the laughs and charm again and again!

 

BONUS FEATURES: 

  • Making LOVE ACTUALLY (NEW)

    • Join Writer/Director Richard Curtis along the with cast and crew as they reflect on the making of the film and its legacy 20 years later.

  • Deleted Scenes with Introductions by Richard Curtis

  • The Music of LOVE ACTUALLY with Introductions by Richard Curtis

  • The Storytellers

    • A featurette exploring the film’s main storylines, featuring interviews with the cast discussing their characters and the major elements within each on-screen relationship.

  • Kelly Clarkson “The Trouble with Love is” Music Video

  • Billy Mack “Christmas is All Around” Music Video

  • Feature Commentary with Director Richard Curtis and Actors Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy and Thomas Sangsters

 

Instagram: @uniallaccess

X: @UniAllAccess

Tiktok: @universalallaccess

 

LOVE ACTUALLY FILMMAKERS:

Cast: Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Martine McCutcheon, Rowan Atkinson

Casting By: Mary Selway CDG

Music By: Craig Armstrong 

Co-Producers: Debra Hayward, Liza Chasin 

Costume Designer: Joanna Johnston 

Line Producers: Chris Thompson 

Production Designer: Jim Clay 

Director of Photography: Michael Coulter BSC

Editor: Nick Moore 

Produced By: Duncan Kenworthy, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner 

Written and Directed By: Richard Curtis 



LOVE ACTUALLY TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4K:

Street Date: November 21, 2023

Selection Number: 810134946309 (US)

Layers:  BD 66

Aspect Ratio: 16:9 2.39:1 Widescreen

Rating: R for Sexuality, Nudity and Language

Subtitles: English SDH and Latin American Spanish

Languages/Sound: English (Dolby Atmos for Feature and Dolby Digital 2.0 for Bonus Content) and Latin American Spanish (DTS Digital Surround 5.1)

Run Time: 02:14:52

 

ABOUT UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT:

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (UPHE – www.uphe.com) is a unit of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG). UFEG produces, acquires, markets and distributes filmed entertainment worldwide in various media formats for theatrical, home entertainment, television and other distribution platforms, as well as consumer products, interactive gaming and live entertainment. The global division includes Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, Universal Brand Development, Fandango, DreamWorks Animation Film and Television.  UFEG is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience.  NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

We Give Thanks for New 4K! - November 2023 4K UHD Shopping Guide

Now that the scary rush of horror and genre films is over, we can brace ourselves for the impact of a mass holiday-timed releases. We're getting classics we've always wanted on disc, we're getting old favorites seeing their first 4K releases, and we're also getting a whole swath of new releases. The holidays are always a crazy time of year for big exciting releases and November 2023 is no different. Hope you've got some spare change in those couch cushions because this one is going to get pricy

November 2023 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Shopping Guide

November 7th - 4K UHD Blu-ray Releases

Starting out the month, we're getting everything from one of the best 80s thrillers starring Harrison Ford to a couple of the funniest Christmas comedies ever made. On top of that there are plenty of retail exclusives to get excited for. 

        

        

      

          

 


November 14th - 4K UHD Blu-ray Releases

From demonic nuns to classic 70s cinema getting a criterion release to Spielberg's first film (made for television that is) and one of the greatest sports movies ever all are coming to 4K. From true drama classics to big action to one of the silliest YA franchises, there's a lot to get for yourself, or keep in mind when shopping for gifts. 

        

        

    

       

 


November 21st - 4K UHD Releases 

Things don't slow down much in the third week of the month. We see the return of everyone's favorite killer Jigsaw just in time for your Thanksgiving feast on top of one of Harrison Ford's best films, another Scorsese great, and one of the best WWII prison films along with the second half of the infamous Barbenheimer! 

      

       

       

        

       


November 28th - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases 

As the final week before the big December holiday shopping push, this frame tends to be the busiest filled with major new releases and tantalizing catalog upgrades. While we're getting some great stuff here, this final weekend of the month is actually a little quiet. But the reason is probably because that first weekend of December is going to be a real wallet-buster. Until then some great horror, science fiction, drama, and thrillers will have to keep you busy.

         

       

        

         

   

That is it for this month's 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray shopping guide. Keep in mind all release dates are tentative and sometimes titles get bumped back, but then we can see some last-minute additions like last month with Barbie. Until next time, thank you for all of your pre-orders, they go a long way towards keeping our little show up and running. 

PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie Barks at Blu-ray on December 12

The family-friendly film will make the perfect stocking stuffer for the kids this holiday season when it arrives on Blu-ray on December 12. Digital is now available.

When a magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City, it gives the PAW Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The MIGHTY PUPS! But they face their mightiest challenge yet when the pups' archrival Humdinger breaks out of jail and teams up with Victoria Vance, a mad scientist, to steal the superpowers for themselves. With the fate of Adventure City hanging in the balance, the Mighty Pups have to stop the supervillains before it's too late.

PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie - Blu-ray 

PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie 

Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: 

  • PAW-Somely Mighty Pups — Get ready to fly high with Skye (McKenna Grace) as she breaks down the amazing superpowers that the crystals bestow on the pups. Plus, see the team's all-new super-suits and their mighty upgraded vehicles.
  • A Totally PAW-Some Cast — Meet the pup-tastic cast and see the incredible young talent behind the voices of Chase, Skye, Liberty, and the Jr. Patrol pups. Additionally, meet the actors who brought reporter Sam Stringer and the villainous Victoria Vance to life.

Pre-orders should be available any day now and here is the full press release:


PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie™ arrives on Digital October 31 and will debut on Blu-ray™ and DVD on December 12

A hit with audiences and critics alike, the exciting and inspiring new adventure PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie™ arrives for families to enjoy together at home when it becomes available to buy on Digital October 31, 2023!  The delightfully entertaining movie will debut on Blu-ray™ and DVD on December 12, just in time for holiday gift-giving.

“An action-packed adventure for the entire family” (FOX-TV) hailed as “heartwarming and fun” (Crosswalk), PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie™ follows the fan-favorite pups as they take on new adventures with all-new superpowers and prove that even the smallest pup can make the biggest difference!

Fans who purchase the film on Digital*, Blu-ray or DVD will be on a roll with fun-filled bonus content, including a look at the team's amazing superpowers, all-new super-suits, and upgraded vehicles with none other than Skye herself.  Plus, go inside the voiceover booth to hear from the actors who voice your favorite characters!  Bonus content is detailed below:
  • PAW-Somely Mighty Pups — Get ready to fly high with Skye (McKenna Grace) as she breaks down the amazing superpowers that the crystals bestow on the pups. Plus, see the team's all-new super-suits and their mighty upgraded vehicles.
  • A Totally PAW-Some Cast — Meet the pup-tastic cast and see the incredible young talent behind the voices of Chase, Skye, Liberty, and the Jr. Patrol pups. Additionally, meet the actors who brought reporter Sam Stringer and the villainous Victoria Vance to life.
PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie™ and PAW Patrol: The Movie™ will also be available in a 2-movie collection on Digital.

Synopsis
When a magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City, it gives the PAW Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The MIGHTY PUPS!  But they face their mightiest challenge yet when the pups' archrival Humdinger breaks out of jail and teams up with Victoria Vance, a mad scientist, to steal the superpowers for themselves. With the fate of Adventure City hanging in the balance, the Mighty Pups have to stop the supervillains before it's too late.
Ernest & Célestine: A Trip to Gibberitia Travels to Blu-ray on January 16

Ernest & Célestine: A Trip to Gibberitia - the sequel to the Academy Award nominated Ernest & Célestine is headed for Blu-ray on January 16th. The film will be available on digital platforms on December 9.

Ernest and Celestine return in this delightful and joyous follow-up to their first Academy Award®-nominated adventure, where the bear and mouse became the unlikeliest of friends. When Celestine accidentally breaks the beloved violin of her grouchy companion, they embark on a journey to Gibberitia, home to the only artist who can repair it as well as Ernest's family. But when the duo arrives, they are shocked to discover that all forms of music have been banned for many years and the land once known for its incredible musicians has fallen silent. It is up to Ernest and Celestine and their new friends, including a mysterious masked outlaw, to bring music and happiness back to the land of bears.

From the producers of The Triplets of Belleville, Ernest & Celestine, and The Secret of Kells, the cheerful Ernest & Celestine: A Trip To Gibberitia was co-directed by Julien Chheng (Star Wars: Visions), and Jean-Christophe Roger (New Adventures of Lassie). It has become a fan favorite thanks to its uplifting tale and two characters that everyone can enjoy. 

Ernest & Célestine: A Trip to Gibberitia - Blu-ray

Ernest & Celestine: A Trip To Gibberitia Special Features

  • Making Of
  • Interview with the Directors
  • Interview with the Cast
  • Interview with Producer Didier Brunner
  • How to Draw Ernest & Celestine
  • Trailers

Pre-orders for Ernest & Célestine: A Trip to Gibberitia will be available in the coming days and the release will be in stores on January 16. 


GKIDS Presents

ERNEST & CELESTINE: A TRIP TO GIBBERITIA,

THE FOLLOW-UP TO THE ACADEMY AWARD®-NOMINATED ADVENTURE ERNEST & CELESTINE,

COMING TO BLU-RAY™ ON JANUARY 16 

On January 16 the beloved cinematic characters Ernest & Celestine are back with Ernest & Celestine: A Trip To Gibberitia arriving on Blu-ray™, from GKIDS with distribution from Shout! Studios. Special features include a Making Of, interviews with cast and directors, and more. Ernest & Celestine: A Trip To Gibberitia is available for pre-order now from GKIDS.com/storeShoutFactory.comAmazon.com, and other retailers. The film will also be available on all major digital platforms beginning December 19.

Ernest and Celestine return in this delightful and joyous follow-up to their first Academy Award®-nominated adventure, where the bear and mouse became the unlikeliest of friends. When Celestine accidentally breaks the beloved violin of her grouchy companion, they embark on a journey to Gibberitia, home to the only artist who can repair it as well as Ernest's family. But when the duo arrives, they are shocked to discover that all forms of music have been banned for many years and the land once known for its incredible musicians has fallen silent. It is up to Ernest and Celestine and their new friends, including a mysterious masked outlaw, to bring music and happiness back to the land of bears.

 

From the producers of The Triplets of Belleville, Ernest & Celestine, and The Secret of Kells, the cheerful Ernest & Celestine: A Trip To Gibberitia was co-directed by Julien Chheng (Star Wars: Visions), and Jean-Christophe Roger (New Adventures of Lassie). It has become a fan favorite thanks to its uplifting tale and two characters that everyone can enjoy. 

Ernest & Celestine: A Trip To Gibberitia Special Features

  • Making Of
  • Interview with the Directors
  • Interview with the Cast
  • Interview with Producer Didier Brunner
  • How to Draw Ernest & Celestine
  • Trailers

 

About GKIDS

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, GKIDS is the producer and distributor of artist-driven and award-winning animation from around the world. Since 2010, the company has scored an astounding 12 Best Animated Feature Oscar nominations with The Secret of Kells in 2010, A Cat in Paris and Chico & Rita in 2012, Ernest & Celestine in 2014, The Tale of The Princess Kaguya and Song of the Sea in 2015, Boy and the World and When Marnie Was There in 2016, My Life as a Zucchini in 2017, The Breadwinner in 2018, Mirai in 2019, and Wolfwalkers in 2021. GKIDS also handles North American distribution for the famed Studio Ghibli library of films, one of the world’s most coveted animation collections with titles Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke and others; as well as the critically acclaimed television series, NEON GENESIS EVANGELION.GKIDS also hosts ANIMATION IS FILM (AIF), an annual LA-based film festival which embraces the highest aspirations of animation as a cinematic art form, and is a vocal advocate for filmmakers who push the boundaries of the medium to its fullest range of artistic expressions www.gkids.com

MI: SOW (Save Our Wallets) From the 4K UHD & Blu-ray Shopping Guide - October 31, 2023

 A blue beetle, half of an impossible mission, a witness and more Hitchcock, oh my! The Halloween holiday is on Tuesday and we've got a few choices to ponder. It's hard to ignore all the great titles coming out this week, your wallet will self destruct in 30 seconds!

 Welcome to Volume 4 Episode 22 of our weekly release guide. A look at the highlights of what's coming to disc the week of October 29th - November 4th, as well as a look at announcements from last week.

4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases-

 Before we get to all that stuff mentioned above, import Monday has the M3GAN SteelBook set that the US should have had, just not as a very limited edition that sold out in a couple of days.

 It is a bit tough deciding which domestic new release to lead off with, a DC universe with a ton of characters or an umpteenth sequel in a successful series. Both titles scored in the 90s for audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.

 So, let's begin with Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount, which comes as a standard edition and as a SteelBook edition (NOT a Best Buy Exclusive). This one rated high among audiences and critics.

     

 

 Blue Beetle from Warner Bros is next. On the 4K front we get a standard edition and a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook. Audiences loved it, critics were all over the place.

    

 

 Staying with Warner Bros and DC, DC Animated Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part Two also streets this Tuesday.

 

 Catalog titles next, a Capelight Pictures release in the US, Limbo (2021). Distributed by MVD with both German and English soundtracks, as well as the original Cantonese version.

 

 Sorry to confuse you, it's not intentional. Arrow Video's Witness, which stars Harrison Ford and Kelly McGillis streets this week. Amazon says it is due next week, but the source (Arrow Video) says this week.

 

 A pretty full week for Universal Pictures Releases, first let's look for The Alfred Hitchcock Classics Collection Vol. 3. Not like the previous two volumes, this time we also get the individual releases the same week, which are Frenzy, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Rope, Topaz and Torn Curtain.

 

 Animal House gets a Universal Essentials Collection this week.

 

 Schindler's List also gets an Essentials Collection release too. And on this one, you can also get it (minus the swag) as a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook.

 

 And the final title this week from Universal, Jurassic World: The Ultimate Collection. This is a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook Collection and, quite frankly, the individual covers for each film are actually well done. SOLD!

 

 Next week, a film that got George Lucas on the map (no, not Star Wars, no, not THX1138), Gran Turismo (no, not the video game), Scrooged, Violent Night and more.

 

Blu-ray releases-

 Blu-ray counterparts to the above titles include Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One from Paramount, Blue Beetle from Warner Bros, which includes the standard edition, a Target Exclusive Edition and a Walmart Exclusive SteelBook which I truly wish was 4K due to its better cover art, Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part Two which is also from Warner Bros., and Witness from Arrow Video. Amazon concurs on the release date for Witness on blu-ray.

 

 There are quite a few releases in the blu-ray category, let's sort though some of the highlights...

 As far as actual NEW stuff, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 comes to us via Universal. As of press time Amazon still doesn't realize that it comes out on Tuesday, thanks to the typical zero-day notice from Universal. And naturally, there is a three-film collection to go with this. Also, catalog title Stealing Christmas gets a blu-ray debut as well.

 

 Lionsgate this week has a couple of films in DVD cases that also include blu-rays and digital codes. Action/crime film Retribution (2023) and action/thriller King of Killers. Are they finally dumping 25+ year old technology (DVD) and just clearing out the cases?

 Criterion Collection this week has the horror/thriller Nanny (2022).

 

 The Warner Archive Collection this week is offering Dance, Fools, Dance which features a well-known cast, Double Trouble with Elvis Presley and Mad City, a crime drama with Dustin Hoffman and John Travolta.

 

 Anime highlights include Cybersix: The Complete Series, Goku Midnight Eye: The Complete OVA Series, Jujutsu Kaisen: Season 1, Part 2, which comes as a standard edition and as a limited edition, Phantom of the Idol Complete Collection and The Wonderful World of Puss 'n Boots.

 Special Interest: Over the years we have bought multiple editions of these Christmas collections and each time they give us just a little bit more, here we go again with The Complete Rankin/Bass Christmas Collection. Off the bat I can see The Year Without a Santa Claus is something that was previously unavailable and hard to find, even on DVD. Could this be the most complete, (minus a 4K aspect) to hold in your hands at one time? Probably.

 

Imprint Films' October batch is also available via Amazon US on Friday, titles include:

 

Notable announcements from last week:

 LionsGate has officially announced the 4K release of The Twilight Saga [15th Anniversary] as a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook for November 14th. We have had it listed for some time now.

 Arrow Video has revealed their January slate of releases. For North America we will be seeing Conan the Barbarian, Conan the Destroyer and The Conan Chronicles (which includes both Conan movies), available on blu-ray and 4K fat-packs. The single UK title is Carrie, available as a 4K fat-pack. No doubt we are asking if the Carrie release offers anything different (other than the swag) over the US release from Scream Factory.

 

4K Release Calendar

2K/BD Release Calendar

Which titles are you buying this week? Which ones are on your wishlist, be it to buy as an impulse buy or to wait for the right price?



Up For Preorder - Nia Vardalos' My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 coming to Blu-ray 10/31

Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos' My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 - co-starring John Corbett, Louis Mandylor, Andrea Martin, and more arrives on Blu-ray and Digital from Universal on October 31.

A 3-Film Collection will be available on the same date.

When Toula (Vardalos) plans a trip to Greece to honor her late father Gus’ (Michael Constantine, The Juror) final wish, the family’s reunion becomes complicated with the reveal of a deep family secret. With non-stop laughter at every twist and turn, the highly anticipated third installment of the franchise brings a heartwarming reunion that honors the essence of what makes the original so unique. 

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 - Blu-ray

BONUS FEATURES on BLU-RAYTM, DVD AND DIGITAL for your collection:

  • GAG REEL
  • DELETED AND EXTENDED SCENES
  • ON SET WITH NIA VARDALOS – The MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING franchise comes full circle as writer and star Nia Vardalos adds a new role, and takes Toula’s ongoing adventure to another level, by taking a seat in the director’s chair.
  • OPA! THE MAKING OF MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3 – Enjoy even more fabulous fun with the Portokalos family as the cast and crew takes you to Greece for revealing behind-the-scenes interviews, sneak peeks of beautiful locations and inside stories on the film’s creation.
  • WEDDING DRUM SONG – EXTENDED TAKE
  • FEATURE COMMENTARY - with Writer/Director Nia Vardalos

Pre-orders for My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 is up for pre-order and the release will be in stores on October 31


YOUR FAVORITE GREEK FAMILY IS COMING HOME WITH HILARIOUS, NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN BONUS FEATURES
INCLUDING DELETED AND EXTENDED SCENES

OWN ON DIGITAL, BLU-RAY™ AND DVD OCTOBER 31, 2023 
FROM UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT 

Universal City, California, October 24, 2023 – “The Portokalos family is back for another serving of ouzo and opa” (Tori Brazier, METRO) in MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3, available on Digital, Blu-rayTM and DVD October 31, 2023, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Written and directed by Academy Award® nominee Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek WeddingMy Life in Ruins, Connie and Carla), MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3 follows the Portokalos family to Greece for their grandest adventure yet that Collider calls “a family reunion worth flying out for.” Featuring commentary from Nia Vardalos and a behind-the-scenes look at making the film with interviews from the cast and crew, sneak peeks, and inside stories.
 
When Toula (Vardalos) plans a trip to Greece to honor her late father Gus’ (Michael Constantine, The Juror) final wish, the family’s reunion becomes complicated with the reveal of a deep family secret. With non-stop laughter at every twist and turn, the highly anticipated third installment of the franchise brings a heartwarming reunion that honors the essence of what makes the original so unique.
 
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 stars Nia Vardalos along with John Corbett ("Sex and the City," "And Just Like That...), Louis Mandylor ("NCIS," "Desperate Housewives,"), Elena Kampouris (My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2)Gia Carides (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Joey Fatone (My Big Fat Greek Wedding)Maria Vacratsis (Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again), Elias Kacavas (“Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin”), Lainie Kazan (Beaches, Tango Shalom), and Andrea Martin (“Only Murders in the Building,” “Evil”).
 
MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3 features an Original Motion Picture Soundtrack with music by Grammy® Award-winning composer Stephanie Economou. The soundtrack also features the original song “OLI MAZI (We Are All Together)" co-written & performed by film producer & celebrated singer/songwriter Rita Wilson p.g.a. and Academy Award®-winning songwriter Diane Warren, featuring guest vocalist Christos Mastoras. The Remix version of the song is also out, remixed by Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike - a Belgian-Greek DJ duo composed of brothers Dimitri Thivaios and Michael Thivaios who have remixed artists including Lady Gaga and The Chainsmokers.
 
Rita Wilson p.g.a., Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman return as producers, with Paul Brooks, Scott Niemeyer, Steven Shareshian, and Nia Vardalos serving as executive producers.
 
BONUS FEATURES on BLU-RAYTM, DVD AND DIGITAL for your collection:

  • GAG REEL
  • DELETED AND EXTENDED SCENES
  • ON SET WITH NIA VARDALOS – The MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING franchise comes full circle as writer and star Nia Vardalos adds a new role, and takes Toula’s ongoing adventure to another level, by taking a seat in the director’s chair.
  • OPA! THE MAKING OF MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3 – Enjoy even more fabulous fun with the Portokalos family as the cast and crew takes you to Greece for revealing behind-the-scenes interviews, sneak peeks of beautiful locations and inside stories on the film’s creation.
  • WEDDING DRUM SONG – EXTENDED TAKE
  • FEATURE COMMENTARY - with Writer/Director Nia Vardalos


For more information on MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3, please visit:
Press Advisory: https://www.uphe.com/press-release/my-big-fat-greek-wedding-3-press-release
UPHE Website: https://www.uphe.com/movies/my-big-fat-greek-wedding-3
UPHE Trailer: https://uni.pictures/MyBigFatGreekWedding3_HomeEntTrailer
X: @MBFGreekWedding
Instagram: @mbfgreekwedding
Facebook: @MyBigFatGreekWeddingMovie
#MyBigFatGreekWedding3

FILMMAKERS:
Cast:
 Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Louis Mandylor, Elena Kampouris, Gia Carides, Joey Fatone with Lainie Kazan and Andrea Martin
Music By: Stephanie Economou
Production Designer: Grant Armstrong
Edited By: Annette Davey ACE, Craig Herring
Director of Photography: Barry Peterson
Co-Producer: Jonathan Shore
Line Producer: Michael P. Flannigan
Executive Producers: Paul Brooks, Scott Niemeyer, Steven Shareshian, Nia Vardalos
Produced By: Rita Wilson p.g.a., Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman
Written and Directed By: Nia Vardalos
 
TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD:
Street Date: October 31, 2023
UPC Number: 191329252871 (US)
Layers: DVD 9
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 2.39:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Rating: PG-13 for suggestive material and some nudity
Languages/Subtitles: English, Latin American Spanish
Sound: English (Dolby Digital 5.1 for Feature, Dolby Digital 2.0 for Bonus Content), Latin American Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1 for Feature)
Run Time: 01:31:50

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BLU-RAY:
Street Date: 
October 31, 2023
UPC Number: 191329252765 (US)
Layers: BD 50
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 2.39:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Rating: PG-13 for suggestive material and some nudity
Languages/Subtitles: English, Latin American Spanish
Sound: English (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 for Feature, Dolby Digital 2.0 for Bonus Content), Latin American Spanish (DTS Digital Surround 5.1 for Feature)
Run Time: 01:31:50 

Neill Blomkamp's Gran Turismo Races to 4K and Blu-ray from Sony on November 7

Neill Blomkamp's Gran Turismo based on a true story and starring David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Archie Madekwe, Darren Barnet, Geri Halliwell Horner and Djimon Hounsou will part itself on 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray on November 7. The film is on digital/on demand now.

SteelBook fans will need to put the pedal to the metal and head on over to Best Buy (4K) and Walmart.

Gran Turismo is based on the unbelievable true story of a team of unlikely underdogs – a struggling working-class gamer (Archie Madekwe), a failed former racecar driver (David Harbour), and an idealistic motorsport executive (Orlando Bloom). Together, they risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world. Gran Turismo is an inspiring, thrilling, and action-packed story that proves that nothing is impossible when you’re fueled from within.

Gran Turismo - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray 

Gran Turismo - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray 

Gran Turismo - Blu-ray 

Gran Turismo 

The 4K UHD Blu-ray will have Dolby Atmos soundtracks and bonus features for the Blu-rays include:

4K UHD, BLU-RAY™ AND DIGITAL EXTRAS

  • Special Features:
    • Deleted & Extended Scenes
    • The Engine: Driving the Visuals
    • The Pit Crew: Action and Stunts
    • The Garage: The Amazing Automobiles
    • The Plan: The True Story of Jann Mardenborough
    • The Wheels: The Fast-Acting Cast 

Here are some of the retailer exclusives coming our way:

Gran Turismo - Best Buy 4K Ultra HD SteelBook 

Gran Turismo - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray (Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook)  

Gran Turismo - Walmart Exclusive Blu-ray SteelBook

The Expendables Walmart Exclusive SteelBook 

Pre-orders for Gran Turismo on 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray are up now and here is the full press release:


EXPERIENCE THE TRIUMPH OF AN UNDERDOG: 
"GRAN TURISMO: BASED ON A TRUE STORY" 
SPEEDS INTO YOUR LIVING ROOM
“THE FEEL-GOOD MOVIE OF THE YEAR!” - Shawn Edwards / FOX TV KANSAS CITY

AVAILABLE ON 4K UHD, BLU-RAY™ & DVD NOVEMBER 7
ON DIGITAL NOW
SYNOPSIS
Gran Turismo is based on the unbelievable true story of a team of unlikely underdogs – a struggling working-class gamer (Archie Madekwe), a failed former racecar driver (David Harbour), and an idealistic motorsport executive (Orlando Bloom). Together, they risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world. Gran Turismo is an inspiring, thrilling, and action-packed story that proves that nothing is impossible when you’re fueled from within.
 
SPECIAL FEATURES
4K UHD, BLU-RAY™ AND DIGITAL EXTRAS
  • Special Features:
    • Deleted & Extended Scenes
    • The Engine: Driving the Visuals
    • The Pit Crew: Action and Stunts
    • The Garage: The Amazing Automobiles
    • The Plan: The True Story of Jann Mardenborough
    • The Wheels: The Fast-Acting Cast 
Blu-ray™, 4K UHD and DVD include a digital code for movie and bonus materials as listed above, redeemable via Movies Anywhere for a limited time. Movies Anywhere is open to U.S. residents age 13+. Visit MoviesAnywhere.com for terms and conditions.
 
CAST AND CREW
Directed by: Neill Blomkamp
Produced by: Doug Belgrad, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, Dana Brunetti
Screenplay by: Jason Hall and Zach Baylin
Story by: Jason Hall and Alex Tse
Based on: The Play Station Studios Video Game
Executive Producers: Matthew Hirsch, Jason Hall, Kazunori Yamauchi, Hermen Hulst
Cast: David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Archie Madekwe, Darren Barnet, Geri Halliwell Horner and Djimon Hounsou
SPECS
Run Time: Approx. 134 Mins.
Rating: PG-13. Intense Action and Some Strong Language
 
4K UHD: 2160p Ultra High Definition / 1,90:1 • Audio: English Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 compatible), French (Doublé au Québec) 5.1 DTS-HD MA, Spanish, English & French (Doublé au Québec)  – Audio Description Tracks 5/1 Dolby Digital • Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish • Color
Blu-ray™: 1080p High Definition / 1.90:1 • Audio: English & French (Doublé au Québec) 5.1 DTS-HD MA, Spanish, English & French (Doublé au Québec) - Audio Description Tracks 5.1 Dolby Digital  • Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish • Mastered in High Definition • Color
DVD: 1.90:1 Anamorphic Widescreen • Audio: English & French (Doublé au Québec), Spanish, English - Audio Description Tracks 5.1 Dolby Digital, French (Doublé au Québec) - Audio Description Track Dolby Surround • Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish • Mastered in High Definition • Color
Kenneth Branagh's A Haunting in Venice Dated & Detailed for Blu-ray 11/28

After 2017’s Murder on the Orient Express and last year’s Death on the Nile, Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) is on the case once more in A Haunting in Venice - arriving on Blu-ray on November 28th.  Digital and HULU will be available on Halloween.  

The film also stars Kyle Allen, Camille Cottin, Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, Jude Hill, Ali Khan, Emma Laird, Kelly Reilly, Riccardo Scamarcio, and Michelle Yeoh.

A Haunting in Venice is set in eerie, post-World War II Venice on All Hallows’ Eve and is a terrifying mystery featuring the return of the celebrated sleuth, Hercule Poirot. Now retired and living in self-imposed exile in the world’s most glamorous city, Poirot reluctantly attends a séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets.

A Haunting in Venice - Blu-ray

Bonus Features

  • Murder, Death and Haunting: Discover the secrets behind the scenes of A HAUNTING IN VENICE. Join Kenneth Branagh and his team as they bring Agatha Christie's classic Poirot novel ‘Hallowe’en Party’ to life with elaborate ensemble scenes and extravagant sets.
  • Deleted Scenes: Check out these scenes that didn’t make the final cut:
    • Morning Routine
    • The Doge’s Palace
    • Halloween Party Extended
    • Desdemona’s Warning
    • Children’s Story
    • Poirot Needs Air
    • Guarding The Gates
    • Secret Doorway Extended
    • Ferrier’s Shouts
    • Poirot Pauses for Thought
    • Journey Home

*Bonus features vary by product and retailer

Pre-orders for A Haunting in Venice should be available soon and the release will be in stores on November 28th. Here's the full press release:


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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS FACT SHEET

 

Release Date
Digital: October 31
Physical: November 28
 
Product SKUs
Digital: 4K UHD, HD, SD
Physical: Blu-ray (Blu-ray + Digital Code), DVD
 
Feature Run Time
Approx. 103 minutes
 
Rating
U.S. Rated PG-13
      
Aspect Ratio
Digital: 1.85:1
Physical: 1.85:1

Disc Size
Blu-ray: 50GB
DVD: 8.5GB

U.S. Audio
Blu-ray: English 7.1 DTS-HDMA and 2.0 Dolby Digital Descriptive Audio, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital
DVD: English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Dolby Digital Descriptive Audio
Digital: English Dolby Atmos (UHD only, some platforms), English 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, English Descriptive Audio 2.0 Dolby Digital (some platforms)

U.S. Subtitles
Blu-ray: English SDH, Spanish, French
DVD: English SDH, Spanish, French
Digital: English SDH, French, Spanish (some platforms)

 

Bonus Features*

Murder, Death and Haunting: Discover the secrets behind the scenes of A HAUNTING IN VENICE. Join Kenneth Branagh and his team as they bring Agatha Christie's classic Poirot novel ‘Hallowe’en Party’ to life with elaborate ensemble scenes and extravagant sets.

 

Deleted Scenes: Check out these scenes that didn’t make the final cut:

  • Morning Routine

  • The Doge’s Palace

  • Halloween Party Extended

  • Desdemona’s Warning

  • Children’s Story

  • Poirot Needs Air

  • Guarding The Gates

  • Secret Doorway Extended

  • Ferrier’s Shouts

  • Poirot Pauses for Thought

  • Journey Home

 

*Bonus features vary by product and retailer

 



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