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First Look: 'Mist,' '1408' Blu-ray Box Art
Fri Jul 11, 2008 at 03:00 PM ETTags: High-Def Disc Packaging, Weinstein Co. (all tags)
With the launch of the their first Blu-ray titles only a month away, the Weinstein Co. has issued a first look at the cover art for 'The Mist' and '1408.'
As first announced last month, Frank Darabont's 'The Mist' will mark the Weinsteins' first Blu-ray release of a theatrical title when it hits stores on August 5. The studio will then follow it up with another hit Stephen King adaptation '1408,' due a little over a month later on September 16.
Tech specs see both 'The Mist' and '1408' receiving BD-50 dual-layer presentations (with 'The Mist' also a two-disc set), with 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround audio.
Extras will mirror the previous DVD editions, with both films presented in unrated versions and brimming with extras including audio commentary, featurettes, deleted scenes, and more.
Finally, the Weinstein Co. had revealed the final high-res box art for both releases.
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As previously reported, suggested list price for the double-disc 'The Mist ' has been set at $34.98, and $29.98 for the single-disc '1408.'
You'll find final specs for 'The Mist' and '1408' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under August 5 and September 16, respectively.
We've also set up dedicated threads for Weinstein's next-gen debuts in our Forums area -- click the following links to discuss the 'The Mist' Blu-ray release and the '1408' Blu-ray release.
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Weinstein to Release First Theatrical Blu-ray with 'The Mist' (Jun 25, 2008)
- Weinstein to Unlock '1408' on Blu-ray this September (Jun 26, 2008)
Rob Zombie Confirms October Arrival for 'Halloween' Blu-ray
Wed Jul 09, 2008 at 01:00 PM ETTags: Disc Announcements, Weinstein Co. (all tags)
Filmmaker Rob Zombie has confirmed via his official MySpace page that a deluxe Blu-ray of his hit 'Halloween' remake is currently being planned for an October release.
As first revealed on www.myspace.com/halloweenmovie, Zombie surprised diehard Myers fans with a posting that has leaked early details of a three-disc Blu-ray edition of his $60 million-grossing 'Halloween' reboot.
Pegging an October 21 street date (timed to coincide with the release of a new special edition DVD version), the Blu-ray is set to include an all-new four-and-a-half-hour documentary on the making of the film entitled "Michael Lives."
Further specs are still TBA, but given the three-disc configuration, all of the extras included on the previous two-disc Unrated DVD version (released last year) appear likely.
At press time, the Weinstein Co. has neither confirmed nor denied plans for any 'Halloween' release on Blu-ray, but given Zombie's official thumbs up, the prognosis looks good. As always, we'll keep you updated as any official news comes in.
In the meantime, you'll find preliminary specs for 'Halloween (2007)' 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.
- Related links:
- Rob Zombie's Halloween [Official MySpace]
- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- Halloween (2007) (Blu-ray)
Weinstein to Release First Theatrical Blu-ray with 'The Mist'
Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 03:00 PM ETTags: Disc Announcements, Weinstein Co. (all tags)
Becoming the last major studio to embrace Blu-ray, the Weinstein Co. has announced its first theatrical release on the format with the August bow of 'The Mist.'
Though the studio issued a retailer alert last month for the TV-on-high-def release of 'Lonesome Dove,' 'The Mist' will mark the Weinstein's first theatrical title on Blu-ray when it hits stores August 5. (The studio had previously supported HD DVD before pulling the plug following the format's demise earlier this year.)
Directed by Frank Darabont and based on a classic short story by Stephen King, 'The Mist' will come to Blu-ray in a two-disc set with a host of bonus features that replicate the acclaimed DVD edition (which the Weinstein Co. first issued last March). Among the extensive extras are audio commentary with Darabont, multiple making-of featurettes, deleted scenes, a series of behind-the-scenes Web-i-sodes, and theatrical trailers.
Tech specs include both the original theatrical feature and a unique "black and white" version, each getting their own disc, presented in 1080 video and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround audio.
Suggested retail price for 'The Mist' has been set at $34.98.
You'll find the latest specs for 'The Mist' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 5.
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 Mist (Blu-ray)
- Lonesome Dove (Blu-ray)
Genius Products Planning Return to Blu-ray with 'Lonesome Dove?'
Tue May 13, 2008 at 11:00 AM ETTags: Disc Announcements, TV on High-Def, Weinstein Co. (all tags)
An early alert to retailers leaking an August next-gen bow for 'Lonesome Dove' suggests that lone studio holdout Genius Products is on the verge of jumping into Blu-ray.
According to new listings at Amazon.com and other retailers, the landmark miniseries 'Lonesome Dove' is poised to get a Blu-ray debut on August 19. The title would mark the first Blu-ray release from Genius, who previously supported HD DVD exclusively, but have since remained relatively mum about its Blu-ray plans since abandoning the HD DVD format last year.
When contacted for comment, a Genius spokesperson would not confirm nor deny the release, though comment will be forthcoming soon.
According to retailer reports, extras to be included on the Blu-ray version of the Emmy-winning miniseries include a new featurette "The Making of An Epic," an interview with director Simon Wincer, additional vintage interviews with cast and crew, a video montage with score by Basil Poledouris, and a photo gallery with stills, press materials and script notes.
Suggested list price has been set at $39.82.
You'll find the latest specs for 'Lonesome Dove' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 19
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)
- Lonesome Dove (Blu-ray)
Genius to Go Blu in Late 2008; Weinstein to Follow?
Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 01:00 PM ETTags: Industry Forecasts, Weinstein Co. (all tags)
After sitting out the format war for nearly a year, the CEO of Genius Products says the company is preparing to release its first Blu-ray titles beginning later this year.
In a recent conference call with investors, Genius CEO Trevor Drinkwater stopped short of issuing any specific titles or release dates, but confirmed that the company will begin supporting the Blu-ray format by the end of 2008.
As the home video distributor for the Weinstein Company, Genius had been among the HD DVD camp's most high-profile initial partners. The company released nearly a dozen titles over the first six months of 2006 (including 'Clerks II,' 'Black Christmas' and 'Scary Movie 4'), before abruptly ending their support without any further explanation.
In light of Drinkwater's statements, could Genius/Weinstein finally be ready to release such highly-anticipated hits as '1408,' 'Grindhouse' and the 'Scary Movie' franchise to Blu-ray? High-Def Digest contacted each for comment, but representatives from both companies were unprepared to offer comments on their future high-def plans.
Nevertheless, Genius' plans for a late-2008 Blu-ray launch certainly remain a positive omen for Blu-ray fans. In addition to the Weinstein Co., Genius currently distributes titles on home video for such other prominent indie labels as Tartan Films, ESPN, Sesame Workshop, Here!, World Wrestling Entertainment, and IFC Films.
As always, we'll keep you posted on all future developments in the Genius/Weinstein Co. story as they come to us.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- Missed Guidance Sends Genius Stock Tumbling [Home Media Magazine]
- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- Clerks II (HD DVD)
- Black Christmas (2006) (HD DVD)
- Scary Movie 4 (HD DVD)
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- HD DVD Backer Weinstein Goes MIA; Speculation Mounts (Oct 25, 2007)
HD DVD Backer Weinstein Goes MIA; Speculation Mounts
Thu Oct 25, 2007 at 11:00 AM ETTags: Weinstein Co. (all tags)
With no releases or announcements from the Weinstein Company in over four months, speculation is mounting that there are changes afoot for the HD DVD exclusive distributor.
Although the well-regarded indie had been among the HD DVD camp's most high-profile exclusive studio partners, releasing nearly a dozen titles over the first six months of this year (including 'Clerks II,' 'Lucky Number Slevin' and 'Scary Movie 4'), the studio has been uncharacteristically quiet in recent months.
In fact, we haven't heard a peep from Weinstein on the next-gen front since the studio's June 12 HD DVD releases of 'Harsh Times' and 'Black Xmas.'
Could the studio be re-evaluating its HD DVD exclusivity stance? That's the current speculation among industry insiders and fans alike.
We recently brought the question to the studio itself, asking a Weinstein spokesperson to comment on the ongoing rumors, but his response seems likely to only add fuel to fire. "We aren’t commenting on our High-Def plans at this time" was the only word back from the studio.
So what's cooking? Darned if we know, but with such highly anticipated next-gen titles as 'Grindhouse' and '1408' waiting in the wings, here's hoping the studio will break its silence sometime soon.
- Related links:
- Where's Weinstein? [High-Def Digest Forums]
- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- Clerks II (HD DVD)
- Lucky Number Slevin (HD DVD)
- Scary Movie 4 (HD DVD)
- Harsh Times (HD DVD)
- Black Christmas (2006) (HD DVD)
Weinstein Co. Bumps 'Black Christmas,' 'Harsh Times' HD DVD Dates
Wed Apr 11, 2007 at 12:01 AM ETTags: Disc Announcements, Weinstein Co. (all tags)
The Weinstein Co. is shuffling its upcoming HD DVD line-up, moving the late spring releases 'Black Christmas' and 'Harsh Times' back one month to early summer.
Both titles had been scheduled for a May 8 release, but the studio confirmed late Tuesday that they have now been slotted for June 12.
The Weinstein Co. has also revealed full details for both titles. Tech specs include 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfers, plus full-blown Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround tracks on each.
Extras include two making-of featurettes, seven deleted scenes and three alternate endings on 'Black Christmas,' while 'Harsh Times' gets a lone high-def trailer gallery.
Each title will list for a suggested $29.99.
We've added full specs for both titles to our complete HD DVD Release Schedule, under June 12. Stay tuned for box cover art in the days ahead...
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)
- Black Christmas (2006) (HD DVD)
- Harsh Times (HD DVD)
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Weinstein Co. Scares Up 'Black Christmas,' Rejiggers Winter HD DVD Line-Up (Feb 25, 2007)
Weinstein Co. Scares Up 'Black Christmas,' Rejiggers Winter HD DVD Line-Up
Sun Feb 25, 2007 at 10:59 PM ETTags: Disc Announcements, Weinstein Co. (all tags)
Bringing a dose of holiday horror to HD DVD, the Weinstein Co. has announced the 2006 remake of 'Black Christmas,' and split its original March slate into two waves now due in April and May.
A gory reimagining of the 1974 cult classic, 'Black Christmas' failed to make much of a box office impression this past December. However, horror fans will have a second chance to check out the bloody results when the Weinstein Co. debuts the title on HD DVD May 8.
'Black Christmas' will be joined by another Weinstein title, 'Harsh Times,' which as previously reported, was originally set for a March 27 HD DVD debut along with two other titles, 'School for Scoundrels' and 'Feast.'
The studio will further splinter that original March wave, with both 'Scoundrels' and 'Feast' now receiving a new street date of April 17.
Though no specs are yet available for either 'Black Christmas' or 'Harsh Times,' the Weinstein Co. has issued tech deatils for 'Feast' and 'Scoundrels.' Each will feature 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfers, and loads of extras. The goodies include audio commentaries on each disc, multiple featurettes, deleted scenes, and on 'Feast,' a blooper reel and a "Project Greenlight: Where Are They Now?" follow-up special.
In even more exciting news for audiophiles, 'Scoundrels' and 'Feast' will also boast Dolby TrueHD tracks. Word from Weinstein is that the studio hopes to make the lossless format standard on their HD DVD titles going forward, so we can expect to see a lot more high-resolution audio from the Weinstein Co. in the future.
Retail has been set at $29.95 for each release.
The latest specs and updated street dates for all upcoming Weinstein Co. titles can be found in our complete HD DVD Release Schedule.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- 'Feast,' 'Harsh Times' Fill Out Weinstein Co.'s March HD DVD Slate (Feb 14, 2007)
'Feast,' 'Harsh Times' Fill Out Weinstein Co.'s March HD DVD Slate
Wed Feb 14, 2007 at 12:01 AM ETTags: Disc Announcements, Weinstein Co. (all tags)
Adding two new titles to their growing HD DVD library, the Weinstein Co. will bring 'Feast' and 'Harsh Times' to the next-gen format on March 27.
No tech specs or supplemental details are yet known for either release, though we can certainly expect the usual 1080p video transfers and, if recent Weinstein titles like 'Clerks II' and 'Pulse' are any indication, possibly Dolby TrueHD soundtracks as well.
Both titles join 'School for Scoundrels,' which was previously announced late last month for a March 27 HD DVD release.
The Weinsteins have set a $29.95 list price for each.
The latest details for both 'Feast' and 'Harsh Times' have now been added to our HD DVD Release Schedule under March 27. Stay tuned for full specs to come in the days ahead.
We've also set up dedicated threads for these titles in our Forums area -- click the following links to discuss the 'Feast' HD DVD release and 'Harsh Times' HD DVD release.
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Weinstein Co.'s 'School for Scoundrels' in Session on HD DVD (Jan 23, 2007)
Weinstein Co.'s 'School for Scoundrels' in Session on HD DVD
Tue Jan 23, 2007 at 04:12 PM ETTags: Disc Announcements, Weinstein Co. (all tags)
The Weinstein Co. continues their exclusive support of the HD DVD format with the release of the comedy 'School for Scoundrels,' due in stores March 27.
Though the $18 million-grossing comedy was not a huge hit, the Weinsteins will be giving a generous treatment on HD DVD, as part of a "Ballbuster Edition" that includes an Unrated version of the film, audio commentary with director Todd Phillips, and more features to be announced.
Tech specs include a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer, and audio formats to be revealed.
Genius has set a $29.95 list price for the release.
We've added the most current specs for 'School for Scoundrels' to our HD DVD Release Schedule under March 27. Stay tuned for complete details as they're announced...
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
MORE HIGH-DEF DISC NEWS TAGGED "WEINSTEIN CO.":
- Weinstein Co. Sets Date, Specs for Second HD DVD Wave Jan 04, 2007
- Weinstein Co. Drops More Hints at HD DVD January Line-Up Dec 07, 2006
- 'Clerks II,' 'Slevin' and 'Pulse' on Deck at Weinstein for Early 2007 Nov 14, 2006
- Weinstein Co. Adds 'Scary Movie 4,' More HD DVD Launch Titles Oct 05, 2006
- Genius Jumps into HD DVD, Blu-ray Sep 14, 2006
- HD-DVD Comes Out Swingin' with Initial Title Lineup Jan 05, 2006
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