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Warner to Offer Discounted Blu-rays Beginning this Fall

Mon Jul 14, 2008 at 09:00 AM ET
Tags: High-Def Disc Marketing, Industry Trends, Warner (all tags)

Starting in September Warner Home Video will begin offering retailers a new series of multi-tier discounts on select Blu-ray catalog titles.

According to Video Business, WHV will begin to sell retailers specific Blu-ray catalog releases for as low as $11 each (after rebate), allowing them to discount the titles for consumers at a few dollars off their current suggested list price.

Warner has not issued a complete list of the titles to be made available for discounting, but some of the "deep" catalog offerings will include: 'The Shining,' 'A Clockwork Orange,' 'The Aviator,' 'The Road Warrior,' 'Enter the Dragon,' 'The Fugitive' and 'Swordfish.'

Among more recent new releases to be offered at a slimmer discount are: '300,' 'Ocean's 13,' 'The Departed,' 'I Am Legend' and 'We Are Marshall.'

The studio has not specified an exact date when the new retail pricing strategy will go into effect aside from the September window, but as always, we'll keep you posted on this story as it develops. Stay tuned.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Related links:
Warner Lowers Blu-ray Pricing [Video Business]
Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
300 (Blu-ray)
Ocean's Thirteen (Blu-ray)
The Departed (Blu-ray)
I Am Legend (Blu-ray)
We Are Marshall (Blu-ray)
The Shining (1980) (Blu-ray)
A Clockwork Orange (Blu-ray)
The Aviator (Blu-ray)
The Road Warrior (Blu-ray)
Enter the Dragon (Blu-ray)
The Fugitive (Blu-ray)

CMT Brings Exclusive 'Elvis: Viva Las Vegas' Blu-ray to Wal-mart

Wed Jul 09, 2008 at 09:00 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, High-Def Disc Marketing (all tags)

The King is headed to high-def in the Sam's Club and Wal-mart exclusive Blu-ray release of the CMT retrospective special, 'Elvis: Viva Las Vegas.'

Celebrating Elvis' long career in Vegas and his enduring musical legacy, 'Viva Las Vegas' features a host of performances by today's top stars. Among the artists reinterpreting the King's top hits are Toby Keith and Joe Perry performing "Mystery Train;" Faith Hill with the gospel classic "Peace in the Valley;" Chris Daughtry singing "Suspicious Minds" and Celine Dion delivering "Can't Help Falling In Love."

Set to debut on CMT August 11, the network will release Blu-ray and standard DVD versions of 'Elvis: Viva Las Vegas' only one day later, on August 12, exclusively through Wal-mart and Sam's Club. (At press time, there are no plans to release the Blu-ray through other retailers.)

Extras include additional footage not seen during the original network broadcast.

There are no tech specs yet, but we'll keep you posted.

The Blu-ray will retail for a suggested list price of $18.99.

You'll find disc details for 'Elvis: Viva Las Vegas' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 12.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Elvis: Viva Las Vegas (Blu-ray)

Disney Bundles 'Pirates' Trilogy on Blu-ray

Fri Jun 27, 2008 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, High-Def Disc Marketing, Disney (all tags)

Disney today announced plans to bundle all three 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films in a six-disc Blu-ray box set, due this September.

Dubbed 'Pirates of the Caribbean: 3-Movie Collection,' the set features the complete blockbuster trilogy -- 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl,' 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End' -- packaged together on Blu-ray for the first time.

Replicating the stand-alone two-disc versions currently available, there are no new bonus features or box set exclusives. Disney also says the individual keepcase packaging will mirror the existing releases.

Suggested list price for the '3-Movie Collection' is $82.98, representing a more than $20 savings over buying each title individually.

You'll find a listing for 'Pirates of the Caribbean: 3-Movie Collection' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under September 16.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Pirates of the Caribbean: 3-Movie Collection (Blu-ray)
Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (Blu-ray)
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (Blu-ray)
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (Blu-ray)

Amazon to Offer Exclusive 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' Blu-ray

Fri Jun 27, 2008 at 09:00 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, High-Def Disc Marketing, City Lights, Amazon (all tags)

In an industry first, the acclaimed 1985 drama 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' is set to make its Blu-ray debut this July exclusively through Amazon.com.

Long out of print on VHS, the Oscar-nominated William Hurt-Raul Julia starrer will finally make its way to Blu-ray, standard DVD, and as an online download on July 22, via an exclusive partnership between distributor City Lights Home Entertainment and Amazon. The release marks the first such cross-format online exclusive for the format.

"Amazon customers have asked for ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman' for many years," said Peter Faricy, Vice President of Movies and Music, Amazon. "By making it available in so many mediums on Amazon.com, independent film fans can rediscover a classic that has not been seen in theaters for more than 23 years and has not been available on video for more than 15 years."

City Lights and Amazon have not yet issued tech specs for the Blu-ray, but full details should be made available shortly.

Extras on the Blu-ray include the full-length documentary "'Tangled Web: Making Kiss of the Spider Woman.'"

Retail for the Blu-ray has been set at $39.98. (The disc is currently available for pre-order at Amazon.com for 27.95 -- see the link below.)

You'll find the latest specs for 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 22.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Related links:
Kiss of the Spider Woman [Amazon.com]
Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Kiss of the Spider Woman (Blu-ray)

'American Werewolf' Blu-ray to Pack More Bite

Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 01:00 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, High-Def Disc Marketing, Universal (all tags)

'American Werewolf in London' fans got a sneak peek from director John Landis over the weekend at a Blu-ray version of the cult horror flick that's set to feature all-new bonus features.

According to a report from Bloody Disgusting, Landis attended the HorrorHound Convention this past weekend in Pittsburgh, and gave fans a sneak peek at a first-ever Blu-ray version of his pioneering horror-comedy that the director says is currently in the planning stages by Universal.

Originally released by the studio on HD DVD back in the Fall of 2006, extras on that version included audio commentary and brief making-of materials, all of which mirrored the 2001 DVD special edition.

But according to Landis, Blu-ray fans will get even more, including a brand-new 90-minute documentary called "Beware the Moon: The Making of 'An American Werewolf in London,' that features retrospective interviews with cast and crew.

Landis said there is no street date yet, but Universal is currently preparing the Blu-ray release for "sometime next year."

At press time Universal had neither confirmed nor denied plans for an 'American Werewolf' release on Blu-ray, but as always we'll keep you updated as any official news comes in.

In the meantime, we've added 'An American Werewolf in London' to the "Release Dates Pending" section of our Blu-ray Release Schedule.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Related links:
'American Werewolf' Comes to Blu-ray With 'Beware the Moon' Doc! [Bloody Disgusting]
Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
An American Werewolf in London (HD DVD)

First Look Bows Low-Priced Blu-rays with 'The Breed'

Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:00 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, High-Def Disc Marketing, First Look (all tags)

First Look Studios is kicking off a new series of low-priced Blu-rays with the October debut of 'The Breed.'

Priced at a new company-low of only $19.98 (considerably cheaper than First Look's usual $39.98 MSRP), the indie will debut 'The Breed' on Blu-ray October 21. (The title will be trailed a week later by another discount Blu-ray release, the just-announced direct-to-video sequel 'Prince & Me 2,' with further titles at the new price point to follow.)

A "nature run amok" horror film in the tradition of 'Cujo,' 'The Breed' stars Michelle Rodriquez, Taryn Manning and Oliver Hudson as would-be victims of rampaging, genetically-engineered canines.

First Look has not yet revealed tech specs,for 'The Breed.' Needless to say, we'll keep you posted as more details come in.

You'll find the latest specs for 'The Breed' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 21.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
The Breed (Blu-ray)
The Prince & Me 2: Royal Wedding (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Prince & Me' Double Header Coming to Blu-ray (Jun 23, 2008)

Video: Warner Previews Features on 'Batman: Gotham Knight' Blu-ray

Wed Apr 16, 2008 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: Video Clips, High-Def Disc Marketing, Warner (all tags)

Warner has released an online promo for the upcoming Blu-ray release of 'Batman: Gotham Knight,' providing a first glimpse at the disc's extensive bonus features.

As first announced this past February, Warner Home Video will debut the direct-to-video title on Blu-ray July 8 (day-and-date with the standard DVD).

A three-minute video clip posted on the title's official website give a first peek at the highly-anticipated Blu-ray release, previewing comments from the film's cast and crew regarding the film's inspiration, revealing some of the disc's supplemental features, and showcasing further behind-the-scenes footage.

The clip is available to watch now (via streaming video) at the Batman: Gotham Knight official website.

As previously announced, extras on the 'Gotham Knight' Blu-ray are set to include the documentary "A Mirror for the Bat: The Evil Denizens of Gotham City," the "Batman and Me a Devotion of Destiny: The Bob Kane Story" featurette, a pair of bonus episodes from 'Batman: The Animated Series' (personally selected by 'Gotham Knight' director Bruce Timm), and a special sneak peek at the upcoming DC Comics/Warner Premiere animated movie, 'Wonder Woman.'

Warner has not yet announced tech specs for 'Gotham Knight,' but we'll keep you posted.

Suggested list price for the Blu-ray has been set at $34.98.

As always, you'll find the latest specs for 'Batman: Gotham Knight' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 8.

We've also set up a dedicated thread for Warner Premiere's latest in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Batman: Gotham Knight' Blu-ray release.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Batman: Gotham Knight (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Direct-to-Video 'Batman: Gotham Knight' Bound For Blu-ray (Feb 26, 2008)

Fox Announces Specs, Adds Unrated Cut to 'Meet the Spartans' Blu-ray

Mon Apr 14, 2008 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: High-Def Disc Marketing, Fox (all tags)

Fox has unveiled updated specs and box art for 'Meet the Spartans,' which will hit Blu-ray this June in an "Unrated Pit of Death Edition' with never-before seen footage.

Fox first announced a June 3 Blu-ray premier for the $40 million-grossing medieval spoof (day-and-date with the standard DVD), though early indications were that the film would be presented in its original theatrical version only.

The studio has now issued the full media release for 'Meet the Spartans,' which it says will also feature an 87-minute Unrated version with material too racy for theaters. The BD-25 single-layer presentation boasts 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video and DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio 5.1 Surround (48kHz/24-bit), plus French and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround and subtitle tracks.

Extras shared between both the Blu-ray and DVD include audio commentary with the cast and crew, a pair of featurettes ("Meet the Spartans: The Music" and "Prepare for Thrusting"), "Know Your Spartans Pop Culture" trivia game, gag reel, a set tour, and theatrical trailers.

Finally, Fox has unveiled a high-res peek at the Blu-ray box art for 'Meet the Spartans':


As previously announced, Fox has set the suggested retail price at $39.98 for the Blu-ray.

You'll find final specs for 'Meet the Spartans' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 3.

We've also set up a dedicated thread for Fox's latest in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Meet the Spartans' Blu-ray release.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Meet the Spartans (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Meet the Spartans' Headed to Blu-ray (Mar 31, 2008)

Disney Offers Up 'National Treasure' Blu-ray Two-Pack

Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, High-Def Disc Marketing, Disney (all tags)

In a studio first, Disney says it will bundle the hits 'National Treasure' and 'National Treasure: Book of Secrets' as a Blu-ray two-pack this May.

As we've previously reported, Disney is set to debut the blockbuster 'National Treasure' on May 20, concurrent with its equally-popular sequel 'National Treasure: Book of Secrets' (the latter day-and-date with the standard DVD).

As a way for fans to the Nicolas Cage-starrers on Blu-ray in one swift grab, Disney has now confirmed that it will also offer a Blu-ray two-pack featuring both 'National Treasure' titles on May 20.

Carrying a suggested list price of $69.98, the 'National Treasure' bundle does not offer any discount compared to buying each title separately. However, Amazon is already taking pre-orders for the bundle at $39.99, which shaves off $4 versus buying the stand-alone versions.

Note that Disney says the 'National Treasure' two-pack edition will bear identical specs to the current stand-alone releases, and box art for each individual title also remains the same.

As always, you'll find complete specs for the 'National Treasure/National Treasure: Book of Secrets' two-pack in our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 20.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
National Treasure/National Treasure: Book of Secrets (Two-Pack) (Blu-ray)
National Treasure (Blu-ray)
National Treasure: Book of Secrets (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'National Treasure' Blu-ray Double-Header Gets a Date (Feb 01, 2008)

First Look: 'Passage to India' Blu-ray Box Art Kicks Off Sony's "Columbia Classics" Line

Fri Mar 21, 2008 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: High-Def Disc Packaging, High-Def Disc Marketing, Sony (all tags)

Blu-ray box art is in for 'A Passage to India,' the first Sony next-gen title to bear the "Columbia Classics" banner.

As previously reported, Sony has set an April 15 debut for the David Lean classic, which is due day-and-date with a new DVD special edition re-issue.

Previously-announced specs for both versions boast a wealth of bonus material, including an audio commentary with producer Richard Goodwin and a suite of seven all-new making-of featurettes: "E.M. Forster: Profile of an Author," "An Epic Takes Shape," "An Indian Affair," "Only Connect: A Vision of India," "Casting a Classic," "David Lean: Shooting with the Master," "Reflections Of David Lean").

Exclusive to the high-def version will be an all-new graphic and subtitle trivia track.

Tech specs for the Blu-ray include newly-remastered 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video, and English and French Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround audio (English, French and Spanish subtitle options are also provided).

Finally, Sony has issued box art for 'A Passage to India,' which will inaugurate the studio's new "Columbia Classics" series of Blu-ray releases:


Sony has set a suggested list price of $28.95 for the Blu-ray.

You'll find final disc details for 'A Passage to India' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 15.

We've also set up a dedicated thread for Sony's first "Columbia Classic" in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'A Passage to India' Blu-ray release.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
A Passage to India (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Passage to India' Blu-ray Specs In (Feb 05, 2008)


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