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'Star Trek' DVD and Blu-ray Exclusives Checklist

Fri Nov 06, 2009 at 12:50 PM ET
Tags: Paramount, Amazon , Best Buy (all tags)

With so many retailer exclusives for J.J. Abrams' reboot of 'Star Trek' releasing November 17, High Def Digest has put together a checklist so you can find the right one for you.

It seems the 'Star Trek' exclusives are breeding faster than a pair of tribbles, so to make things a bit easier for our readers we've gathered the North American variants all in one place:

USA

Hollywood Video - Rent/Buy any Star Trek DVD and be entered to win an autographed poster of Uhura (Zoe Saldana).


Transworld (FYE/Coconuts/Suncoast) - Collectible Steelbook packaging.


Best Buy - Collectible Gift Set with four pack of badge pins.


CVS - Consumer Offer. Buy $15 (or more) in itunes gift cards and get the DVD (single disc) for only $9.99 (First week only).

Target - Limited Edition Collectible Starship Enterprise Packaging on both 2-Disc DVD and 3-Disc Blu-ray.

Amazon.com - Star Trek Limited Edition Replica Gift Set (Three-Disc + Digital Copy) [Blu-ray].


CANADA

Best Buy Canada - 3-Disc Special Edition Blu-Ray Collectible packaging – Easily assembles to become a Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise DVD Package! (same as Target in the US).

Future Shop - Exclusive 2-Disc Steelbook Edition and 3-Disc Blu-Ray Steelbook Edition.

HMV - Limited Edition Blu-Ray Gift Set – includes Star Trek 3-Disc Blu-Ray set with Digital copy and Four Replica Starfleet Division Badges.

Wal-Mart Canada - Exclusive Lenticular o-sleeve package on the Star Trek 2 disc DVD.

You can find the latest specs for 'Star Trek' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 17.

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Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Star Trek (2009) (Blu-ray)

'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' Released on USB

Thu Nov 05, 2009 at 02:00 PM ET
Tags: Industry Trends, Paramount (all tags)

Kingston and Paramount have teamed up to bring the much watched Transformers sequel directly to USB.

Paramount Digital Entertainment has announced that they’ve signed a deal with Kingston to bring their films to USB drives and SD cards, but the release of 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' just has us scratching our heads.

Everyone seems to agree that digital distribution is the future of entertainment, but just how it will be delivered seems to be in strong contention. Netflix and Hulu take a streaming approach, while Blockbuster and Amazon go for a pay per view sort of download service. Kingston and Paramount have, on the other hand, created a way to combine the inconvenience of having to leave the house to purchase a movie with the video quality of a stream.

For $30, consumers are able to pick up the newest Transformers film on a 4GB USB drive. According to Kingston, users simply need to plug the USB drive into their computer to play the file, but details on what format the file will be in and what kind of DRM will be involved aren’t there.

There’s also no information on the quality of the video included, but since it’s on a 4GB drive, we can assume it’s not up to Blu-ray standards.

All this wouldn’t be so bad if the cost of the USB drive and movie were less than the two purchased separately, but for $30, that just isn’t the case, as a quick Amazon search quickly confirms.

Paramount says that more movies are coming via USB sticks and SD cards, but if a $30 price tag and less than impressive visuals are what we’re getting, expect the trend to end soon.

Source: Video Business

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Paramount Announces 'The Godfather' (Parts 1 & 2) for Individual Blu-ray Releases

Wed Nov 04, 2009 at 04:00 PM ET
Tags: Paramount, Disc Announcements (all tags)

The first two films in Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece trilogy will be given the Sapphire Series treatment in February.

In an early announcement to retailers, it seems Paramount will be releasing 'The Godfather: The Coppola Restoration - Sapphire Series' and 'The Godfather: Part II: The Coppola Restoration - Sapphire Series' on Blu-ray on February 2.

Specs and special features haven't been revealed yet, but we expect the same 1080p transfers and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtracks from the already released 'The Godfather Collection'.

Suggested list price for each Blu-ray has been set at $39.99.

You can find the latest specs for 'The Godfather' and 'The Godfather: Part II' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 2.

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 Godfather: The Coppola Restoration - Sapphire Series (Blu-ray)
The Godfather: Part II: The Coppola Restoration - Sapphire Series (Blu-ray)
The Godfather Collection (Blu-ray)

Paramount DVDs and Blu-rays Coming Too Fast For Theater Owners

Mon Oct 19, 2009 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: Paramount, Industry Trends (all tags)

While a quick turnaround for Blu-ray and DVD releases may please consumers, theater owners are calling foul.

Paramount has sparked the ire of the North Association of Theater Owners (NATO) with the incredibly quick release of a pair of films to home video. The release dates in question involve 'The Goods,' starring Jeremy Piven, and 'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra' starring a lot of people who should have known better.

Falling only 88 days after the theatrical release, these movies beat the 129 day industry average by over a full month. When considering that 'G.I Joe' in particular had a fairly long tail, this window seems even shorter. The worry from NATO of course, is that these quick releases will mean a decrease in theater revenue.

Ellis Jacob of Cineplex believes that consumers will be less likely to see movies at the theater if availability increases. “We at Cineplex have invested a lot of money in our theaters and in new technology such as 3D,” he says. “So when something like this happens, it creates an issue with people from the standpoint of entertainment choices. If a guest of ours knows a movie is going to be on DVD in less than 90 days, then they know that if they miss it they can catch it on DVD not too much later.”

NATO president John Fithian took a less diplomatic tact, saying “Our members are ballistic. We don't know what Paramount is up to, but it's highly objectionable.”

Source: Hollywood Reporter

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HDD Cool Stuff: 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' Blu-ray w/Transforming Packaging Exclusively at Target

Mon Oct 12, 2009 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: Target, Paramount, Disc Announcements (all tags)

Target's Blu-ray exclusive for 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' has transforming packaging based on Bumblebee.

According to Target's website, the retail store will also be selling an exclusive Blu-ray version of Michael Bay's blockbuster sequel in which the case will transform into a 14' replica of Bumblebee in five easy steps.

The packaging art is shown below:


The price for the Blu-ray exclusive has been set at $34.99.

You can find the latest specs for 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 20.

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Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Blu-ray)

'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra' Blu-ray Box Art Revealed

Thu Oct 08, 2009 at 02:30 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Paramount (all tags)

As previously reported, Paramount will release 'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra' on Blu-ray on November 3, and now the packaging artwork is available.

The Blu-ray set will feature 1080p video, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements including: Feature commentary by director Stephen Sommers and producer Bob Ducsay; The Big Bang Theory: The Making of G.I. JOE— Join the G.I. JOE team as they set out to "Sommer-size" the summer action epic and bring G.I. JOE to the big screen; and Next-Gen Action: The Amazing Visual FX and Design of G.I. JOE— With over 1,650 visual effect shots, G.I. JOE was a truly massive endeavor. Showcasing the hard work and creativity of the film’s effects and design team, this piece looks at the unique challenges of bringing the world of G.I. JOE and COBRA to life, while immersing viewers in the incredible thrills and various FX challenges of the film’s major action sequences.

The two-disc DVD and Blu-ray packages will also feature augmented reality technology that will allow owners to participate in an exclusive 3D holographic G.I. JOE combat experience, utilizing their webcams and a special website. Fans will be able to choose between SNAKE EYES and STORM SHADOW, two of the most popular G.I. JOE and COBRA characters, and battle against their enemies one-on-one in an immersive 3D video game.

A digital copy will also be included.

The packaging art looks pretty sweet:


Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.99.

You can find the latest specs for 'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 3.

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)
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (Blu-ray)

HDD Cool Stuff: 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' Blu-ray w/IMAX Footage Exclusively at Wal-Mart

Wed Oct 07, 2009 at 12:00 PM ET
Tags: Paramount, Disc Announcements, Wal-Mart (all tags)

Now Wal-Mart gets in on the exclusive action for one of the top grossing films of 2009.

According to the administrator on Michael Bay's website and tformers.com, a Blu-ray edition of 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' where the IMAX scenes open up completely (like in 'The Dark Knight') will be exclusive to Wal-Mart stores.

You can find the latest specs for 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 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)
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Blu-ray)

'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra' Blu-ray Detailed

Mon Oct 05, 2009 at 02:30 PM ET
Tags: Paramount, Disc Announcements (all tags)

He'll fight for freedom, wherever there's trouble... G.I. Joe will charge onto DVD and Blu-ray next month.

Paramount Home Entertainment has officially announced 'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra' will be available on Blu-ray on November 3.

The Blu-ray set will feature 1080p video, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Feature commentary by director Stephen Sommers and producer Bob Ducsay; The Big Bang Theory: The Making of G.I. JOE— Join the G.I. JOE team as they set out to "Sommer-size" the summer action epic and bring G.I. JOE to the big screen; and Next-Gen Action: The Amazing Visual FX and Design of G.I. JOE— With over 1,650 visual effect shots, G.I. JOE was a truly massive endeavor. Showcasing the hard work and creativity of the film’s effects and design team, this piece looks at the unique challenges of bringing the world of G.I. JOE and COBRA to life, while immersing viewers in the incredible thrills and various FX challenges of the film’s major action sequences.

The two-disc DVD and Blu-ray packages will also feature augmented reality technology that will allow owners to participate in an exclusive 3D holographic G.I. JOE combat experience, utilizing their webcams and a special website. Fans will be able to choose between SNAKE EYES and STORM SHADOW, two of the most popular G.I. JOE and COBRA characters, and battle against their enemies one-on-one in an immersive 3D video game.

A digital copy will also be included.

Suggested list price for the Blu-ray has ben set at $29.99.

You can find the latest specs for 'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under November 3.

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)
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (Blu-ray)

HDD Cool Stuff: 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' Blu-ray Gift Set Exclusive at Best Buy

Thu Oct 01, 2009 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Paramount, Best Buy (all tags)

There's more than meets the eye with Michael Bay's explosive blockbuster at Best Buy.

Transformers fans will find a 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' Blu-ray exclusive at the mega electronics retailer.

The 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' gift set will include the Blu-ray disc as well as an Optimus Prime miniature bust collectible and $50.00 gift card for sideshowcollectibles.com.

The current price for this gift set is $46.99.

You can find the latest specs for 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 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)
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Blu-ray)

Target Blu-ray Exclusives Available September 29

Thu Sep 24, 2009 at 04:00 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements , Paramount, Target (all tags)

'Gremlins,' 'The Wizard of Oz,' and a 'Monsters vs. Aliens BD/DVD Combo' apparently will be available next week only at Target stores.

In one of the retailer's latest advertisements, three titles have been listed as surprise Blu-ray exclusives: 'Gremlins' will finally be available in high-definition for $22.99, 'The Wizard of Oz' will have a non-limited edition without all of the swag for $34.99, and 'Monsters vs. Aliens' will see a Blu-ray/DVD, will release for $24.99.

No details on the titles have been released.

We'll post more details on specs and supplements as soon as that information becomes available.

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