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Paramount Plots Unrated 'Ruins' Blu-ray for July

Fri May 16, 2008 at 01:00 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Paramount (all tags)

In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount has revealed plans to bring a never-before-seen unrated version of the horror film 'The Ruins' to Blu-ray this Summer.

Based on the best-selling novel by Scott B. Smith, 'The Ruins' earned solid reviews but only managed to scrape up barely $20 million at the domestic box office. Paramount hopes to turn the film's fortunes around on Blu-ray July 8, when it hits stores day-and-date with the standard DVD.

Due to the early nature of the announcement, there are no tech specs or supplement details as of yet. We'll keep you posted.

Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $39.98.

You'll find preliminary specs for 'The Ruins' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 8.

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 Ruins (Blu-ray)

'There Will Be Blood' Blu-ray Specs, Box Art Revealed

Thu May 08, 2008 at 09:00 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Paramount (all tags)

Paramount has unveiled full specs and box art for 'There Will Be Blood,' which will hit Blu-ray this June with Dolby TrueHD audio and several bonus features.

As previously reported, Paramount's long-awaited return to Blu-ray includes a June 3 format debut for P.T. Anderson's critically-acclaimed epic, which also boasts an Academy Award-winning performance by Daniel Day-Lewis. (The studio previously announced an HD DVD version of 'There Will Be Blood,' only to cancel the title following the demise of the format)

Extras shared with the recently-released DVD edition include a making-of featurette, four deleted scenes, and two theatrical trailers.

Tech specs include 1080p video and audio tracks in English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround.

Finally, Paramount has unveiled the Blu-ray box art for 'There Will Be Blood':


Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $39.95.

You'll find specs for 'There Will Be Blood' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 3.

We've also set up a dedicated thread for Paramount's latest in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'There Will Be Blood' Blu-ray release.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
There Will Be Blood (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Breaking: Paramount Unveils Blu-ray Launch Plans (Apr 29, 2008)

Paramount to Re-Issue Entire Blu-ray Back Catalog

Wed May 07, 2008 at 09:00 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Paramount (all tags)

Only days after Paramount announced it would be re-issuing a select number of discontinued Blu-ray catalog titles this Spring, the studio has confirmed it is returning its entire Blu-ray back catalog to store shelves by the end of May.

As we first reported last week, Paramount announced plans to re-issue eight previously-discontinued catalog titles on the format on May 20. Now there's even more good news for fans who have been unable to find past Paramount Blu-ray titles at retailer locations, as the studio will re-issue their entire Blu-ray back catalog.

Word from Paramount is that the titles are identical to the original releases (even the catalog IDs and SKUs remain consistent), so expect the same tech specs, supplement details, and packaging.

The complete list of newly-reactivated titles includes: 'Black Rain,' 'Coming to America,' 'Disturbia,' 'Failure to Launch,' 'Flags of Our Fathers,' 'Four Brothers,' 'Freedom Writers,' 'Hustle & Flow,' 'Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,' 'The Italian Job (2003),' 'Letters from Iwo Jima,' 'The Manchurian Candidate (2004),' 'Mission: Impossible,' 'M-i-2,' 'M:i:III,' 'Mission: Impossible - Ultimate Missions Collection,' 'Nacho Libre,' 'Norbit,' 'Payback: Straight Up - The Director's Cut,' 'Reds,' 'Shooter,' 'Trading Places,' 'We Were Soldiers,' 'World Trade Center' and 'U2 Rattle & Hum.'

These nearly three-dozen titles join the previous eight announced by Paramount last week: 'Aeon Flux,' 'Babel,' 'Black Snake Moan,' 'Dreamgirls,' 'Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow,' 'Sleepy Hollow,' 'The Untouchables' and 'The Warriors.'

Paramount has not yet confirmed suggested list prices for the Blu-ray re-issues, but we'll keep you posted.

To read our original reviews of all of Paramount's past Blu-ray re-issues, click on the links below.

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)
Four Brothers (Blu-ray)
U2: Rattle and Hum (Blu-ray)
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (Blu-ray)
Mission: Impossible (Blu-ray)
M:I-2 (Blu-ray)
Mission: Impossible III (Blu-ray)
Mission: Impossible - Ultimate Missions Collection (Blu-ray)
Reds (Blu-ray)
The Italian Job (2003) (Blu-ray)
Nacho Libre (Blu-ray)
World Trade Center (Blu-ray)
The Manchurian Candidate (2004) (Blu-ray)
We Were Soldiers (Blu-ray)
Black Rain (Blu-ray)
Payback: Straight Up - The Director's Cut (Blu-ray)
Failure to Launch (Blu-ray)
Flags of Our Fathers (Blu-ray)
Letters from Iwo Jima (Blu-ray)
Freedom Writers (Blu-ray)
Norbit (Blu-ray)
Trading Places (Blu-ray)
Coming to America (Blu-ray)
Hustle & Flow (Blu-ray)
Shooter (Blu-ray)
Disturbia (Blu-ray)
Aeon Flux (Blu-ray)
Babel (Re-Issue) (Blu-ray)
Black Snake Moan (Re-Issue) (Blu-ray)
Dreamgirls (Re-Issue) (Blu-ray)
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (Re-Issue) (Blu-ray)
Sleepy Hollow (Re-Issue) (Blu-ray)
The Untouchables (Re-Issue) (Blu-ray)
The Warriors: Ultimate Director's Cut (Re-Issue) (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Paramount Reactivates Blu-ray Catalog (Apr 30, 2008)

'Spiderwick Chronicles' Specs, Box Art Revealed

Mon May 05, 2008 at 09:00 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Paramount (all tags)

Paramount has issued full specs and box art for 'The Spiderwick Chronicles,' which will arrive on Blu-ray this June with extensive supplemental features.

As we've previously reported, Paramount will debut its first day-and-date next-gen release since returning to Blu-ray with 'The Spiderwick Chronicles,' which will hit Blu-ray and DVD on June 24.

Extras shared across the Blu-ray and DVD include 7 making-of featurettes ("Spiderwick: It's All True!", "It's a Spiderwick World!", "Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide," "Spiderwick: Meet the Clan!", "Making Spiderwick!", "A Final Word of Advice!"), 4 alternate scenes, 2 theatrical trailers and 8 TV spots.

Tech specs include 1080p video and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround audio.

Finally, Paramount has revealed the Blu-ray box art for 'The Spiderwick Chronicles':


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

You'll find final specs for 'The Spiderwick Chronicles' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 24.

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 Spiderwick Chronicles (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Breaking: Paramount Unveils Blu-ray Launch Plans (Apr 29, 2008)

Paramount Reschedules 'Blades of Glory' Blu-ray for May

Fri May 02, 2008 at 01:00 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Paramount (all tags)

After yanking the Blu-ray from their next-gen schedule, Paramount has re-set 'Blades of Glory' for a May release.

Originally planned for release on Blu-ray only days before Paramount announced their switch to HD DVD exclusivity last year, the studio subsequently pulled 'Blades of Glory' at the last minute before it hit store shelves (with the few copies that leaked out to retailers quickly becoming a much sought-after collector's item).

Fans still scouring eBay for a Blu-ray copy of the Will Ferrell-Jon Heder smash comedy can now stop looking, as Paramount has confirmed it will debut the long-shelved release on Blu-ray on May 20.

Tech specs remain identical to those originally announced.

As always, you'll find final specs for 'Blades of Glory' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under its new date of May 20.

We've also set up a dedicated thread for Paramount's latest in our Forums area -- click the following link to discuss the 'Blades of Glory' Blu-ray release.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Blades of Glory (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Blades of Glory' to Hit High-Def Ice on Blu-ray, HD DVD (May 29, 2007)
Paramount Officially Cancels Blu-ray SKUs (Aug 21, 2007)

'Bee Movie' Blu-ray Box Art, Specs Revealed

Fri May 02, 2008 at 09:00 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, High-Def Disc Packaging, Paramount (all tags)

'Bee Movie' is buzzing to Blu-ray this May and the full specs and box art are now in, with the next-gen release including a hive's worth of exclusive content.

As previously reported, Paramount's long-awaited return to Blu-ray includes a May 20 Blu-ray debut for the Jerry Seinfeld animated smash. (The studio previously announced an HD DVD version of 'Bee Movie,' only to cancel the title following the demise of the format)

Extras shared with the two-disc DVD edition (which Paramount released earlier this year) include audio commentary with Seinfeld and the filmmakers, four making-of featurettes ("Jerry's Flight Over Cannes," "Inside The Hive: The Cast of Bee Movie," "Tech of Bee Movie," "Meet Barry B. Benson"), deleted scenes and alternate endings with optional commentary, a music video, "TV Juniors" shorts that first aired on NBC, and a suite of "DreamWorks Animation Kids" interactive activities ("The Buzz About Bees," "The Ow! Meter," "That's Un-BEE-lievable!", "Pollination Practice," "Be A Bee").

Exclusive to the Blu-ray will be several additional features, including "The Animators' Corner" a picture-in-picture storyboard reel that runs the length of the film, "Barry's Trivia Track" pop-up fun facts and "My Menus" which allow users to customize the disc's navigation based on their favorite character. Additional web-enabled content is set to include "The World Of Bees" movie guide with biographies of talent and characters from the film, the "Build-A-Bee Avatar" and "Barry's Digital Coloring Book."

Tech specs include 1080p video and audio tracks in English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround.

Finally, Paramount has unveiled the Blu-ray box art for 'Bee Movie':


Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $39.95.

You'll find final specs for 'Bee Movie' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 20.

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

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Bee Movie (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Breaking: Paramount Unveils Blu-ray Launch Plans (Apr 29, 2008)

Paramount Preps 'Drillbit Taylor' Blu-ray for July

Thu May 01, 2008 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Paramount (all tags)

In an alert to retailers, Paramount has set an early-July Blu-ray bow for the comedy 'Drillbit Taylor.'

Fresh off of their official return to Blu-ray, Paramount has issued a street date of July 1 for the Owen Wilson comedy, with the high-def version arriving day-and-date with the standard DVD.

Due to the early nature of the announcement, there are no tech specs or supplemental details, but we'll keep you posted.

Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $39.95.

You'll find preliminary specs for 'Drillbit Taylor' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 1.

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

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Drillbit Taylor (Blu-ray)

Paramount Adds Exclusives to 'Cloverfield' Blu-ray

Thu May 01, 2008 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, High-Def Disc Packaging, Paramount (all tags)

Paramount has unleashed specs and box art for 'Cloverfield,' which will hit Blu-ray this June with an exclusive picture-in-graphics track.

As we reported earlier, Paramount marked their return to Blu-ray with a spate of titles that included a June 3 arrival for the horror hit 'Cloverfield,' but the studio stopped short of issuing any specs. (Paramount released the standard DVD version last month)

Now full details are in, with the Blu-ray set to include all of the extras found on the DVD. Among the bonus features is an audio commentary with director Matt Reeves, four featurettes ( "Document 01.18.08: The Making of Cloverfield," "Cloverfield Visual Effects," "I Saw It! It's Alive! It's Huge!", "Clover Fun"), four additional scenes, two alternate endings, and no less than fourteen hidden easter eggs.

Exclusive to the Blu-ray release will be the Cloverfield Special Investigation Mode" picture-in-graphics track.

Tech specs include 1080p video, and audio options in English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround.

Finally, Paramount has provided an early look at the Blu-ray's box art:


Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $39.95.

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

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

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Cloverfield (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Breaking: Paramount Unveils Blu-ray Launch Plans (Apr 29, 2008)

Paramount Reactivates Blu-ray Catalog

Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Paramount (all tags)

Following its official return to Blu-ray yesterday, Paramount has announced plans to re-issue eight previously-discontinued catalog titles on the format in late-May.

On May 20, the studio will bring back to market nearly a dozen titles that had been pulled from store shelves last year following Paramount's move to HD DVD-exclusivity.

The complete list of re-activated titles includes: 'Aeon Flux,' 'Babel,' 'Black Snake Moan,' 'Dreamgirls,' 'Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow,' 'Sleepy Hollow,' 'The Untouchables' and 'The Warriors.'

According to the studio, the titles are identical to the original releases, with the same tech specs and supplement details.

Paramount has not yet confirmed suggested list prices for Blu-ray re-issues, but we'll keep you posted.

To read our original reviews of all eight of Paramount's upcoming Blu-ray re-issues, click on the links below.

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)
Aeon Flux (Blu-ray)
Babel (Re-Issue) (Blu-ray)
Black Snake Moan (Re-Issue) (Blu-ray)
Dreamgirls (Re-Issue) (Blu-ray)
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (Re-Issue) (Blu-ray)
Sleepy Hollow (Re-Issue) (Blu-ray)
The Untouchables (Re-Issue) (Blu-ray)
The Warriors: Ultimate Director's Cut (Re-Issue) (Blu-ray)

Breaking: Paramount Unveils Blu-ray Launch Plans

Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 09:00 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, Paramount (all tags)

The wait is over: Paramount has officially confirmed the details of its Blu-ray re-entry plans, with its first titles due for release late next month.

Announced late today via press release (which can be read in full here), the studio will kick off their Blu-ray support on May 20, with the release of 'Face/Off,' 'Next,' and 'Bee Movie.'

Paramount will follow that up on June 3 with the release of 'Cloverfield' and 'There Will Be Blood. Then on June 24 we'll see the debut of 'The Spiderwick Chronicles,' which will launch day-and-date with the standard DVD.

"Paramount Home Entertainment continues to focus on the consumer and to explore avenues that allow fans to get more out of their home entertainment experience," said Kelley Avery, President of Worldwide Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures. "We will have a strong slate of titles for Blu-ray release throughout the year worldwide and are enthusiastic about expanding the format's offerings for a broad consumer audience while delivering an experience that goes beyond what viewers love about DVD."

Full tech specs are not yet in for the newly-announced titles, though preliminary details in the press release indicate that the supplemental content on the Blu-ray versions will mirror the previously-released standard DVD and HD DVD versions.

Paramount's announcement follows weeks of anticipation among early adopters. The studio initially launched a format-agnostic approach to the format war in 2006, only to defect to HD DVD late last year in a widely publicized announcement. Following Toshiba's war-ending abandonment of the HD DVD format earlier this year, Paramount again switched allegiance to Blu-ray, though the studio had yet to issue details of its initial release plans.

Needless to say, we'll keep you posted on all of Paramount's future Blu-ray announcements as soon as they come to us.

You'll find the latest specs for all of Paramount's newly-unveiled Blu-ray titles linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under their respective street dates.

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

Related links:
Paramount Home Entertainment Launches 'Spiderwick Chronicles' Day-and-Date on Blu-ray [Press Release] [High-Def Digest]
Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
The Spiderwick Chronicles (Blu-ray)
Cloverfield (Blu-ray)
There Will Be Blood (Blu-ray)
Face/Off (Blu-ray)
Bee Movie (Blu-ray)
Next (Blu-ray)


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