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This one saw half a dozen questionable releases on DVD alone before it arrived on Blu-ray in 2007 from Fox/MGM with a resounding and very expensive "Thud." Prior to that there supposed to be another Blu-ray release from Sony but it was so bad it was pulled from the market before it could get wide distribution - even though a few discs slipped out. Then in 2014 we finally got the 4K sourced remaster we've long been hoping for approved by Verhoeven himself. Then in 2019, Arrow gave the film the genuine Limited Edition treatment with an ever so slightly brightened transfer sourced from the same 2014 remaster. 

For this Blu-ray Comparison Video, we're going to showcase the MGM/Fox 2007 disc, the MGM/Fox 2014 disc, and the 2019 Arrow Video release. 

As you can see there's a pretty big difference from the MGM/Fox 2007 disc and the MGM/Fox 2014 disc and less so with the 2019 Arrow Video release. The Arrow presentation is slightly brighter, maybe a little bluer in a couple of scenes, but that's it. The Arrow Video release has the advantage of offering both cuts of the film along with hours of excellent bonus features. If you can find the Limited Edition or the SteelBook - that's your best way to go. 

*Digital movies or TV episodes allow fans to watch a digital version of their movie or TV show anywhere, on their favorite devices. Digital movies or TV episodes are included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs. With digital, consumers are able to instantly stream and download movies and TV shows to TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones through retail services. For more information on compatible devices and services go to wb.com/digitalmoviefaq. Consult a digital retailer for details and requirements and for a list of digital-compatible devices.

BASICS

PRODUCT                                                                            ERP

                                    Ultra HD Blu-ray                                                                    $24.99*

Standard Street Date: 7/6/2021

EST Street Date: 7/6/2021

Ultra HD Blu-ray Languages: English, Spanish, Parisian French, Danish, Finnish, German, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish

Ultra HD Blu-ray Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, Parisian French, Danish, Finnish, German, Italian, Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish

Run Time: 87 min (Feature Only)

Rated: PG

First, let's get to the release that will get the most attention this week, I am referring to Raya and the Last Dragon. This title was stewing on a soft-release date of May 18th, but not a single retailer had an order link available until May 10th. Maybe someone can tell me their strategy, something other than self-sabotaging physical media. For 4K this release has your standard slew of releases, do you buy one, both, or all three because you love Disney releases? The standard 4K release, the Target Exclusive 4K release and the Best Buy 4K Exclusive SteelBook release all beckon you.

Delayed from last month, Severin Films releases their 4K disc of Santa Sangre.

Sony Pictures releases the SteelBook of Arnold Schwarzenegger's Last Action Hero. The standard (non-SteelBook) is due in June. I still have my laserdisc somewhere, this is one of those films you either love or hate. It too seems to be unavailable to order, maybe it will get delayed (?)

Universal Pictures has two titles to pick from this week. The oddity though is that the SteelBooks are not available on Amazon, but yet they are not Best Buy Exclusives, but seem only available from there.

First, National Lampoon's Animal House. Standard Release Here and SteelBook Release Here.

And second, look for The Sting (1973), Standard Release Here and SteelBook Release Here.

HD Blu-ray/Digital releases-

Slightly above average week for Blu-rays. Here are some of the highlights...

Lets start with dragons first. Raya and the Last Dragon gets a Blu-ray combo this week if you choose. And from Universal, the Dragonheart: 5 Movie Collection. This compilation was previously only available on DVD.

LionsGate's obligatory releases this week include Above Suspicion and Minari.

Bruce Willis in a mecha suit? That's what it looks like in Cosmic Sin from Paramount Pictures. Academy nominee The Father starring Anthony Hopkins debuts this week.  Also from Paramount/CBS TV, Charmed: The Complete Third Season (2000). Let me remind them that they left us hanging with MacGyver Season One and never gave us a hint at more seasons. From CBS this week also, Star Trek: Lower Decks Season One, available as a standard release and as a SteelBook release.

Anime/Animated titles to consider this week include Cannon Busters - The Complete Series, available as a standard release and as a Limited Edition release. InuYasha: Set 5, Sakura Wars the Animation and The Prince's Voyage close out Anime. From Warner Bros, Tom & Jerry - The Movie.

Drunken Master II comes this week from Warner Archive Collection.

Criterion Collectors look for the foreign film Flowers of Shanghai.

Friday releases are all Opera or Classical Music titles:

Notable announcements from last week:

Visual Entertainment has just announced that Baywatch - The Complete TV Series will be available for purchase on May 28th. The show has been remastered and will be presented in a 1.77:1 widescreen format.

On the 4K front from Universal, Howard the Duck and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World were announced and have a confirmed date of July 6th. From Warner Bros. Space Jam also has a street date of July 6th. A 3D release of Godzilla vs. Kong has been added to the mix and the order link for the Best Buy Exclusive 4K SteelBook has gone live.

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?

This week, direct to video comes the animated release Justice League: World War II from Warner Bros.

Next in the animated category, the original smash hit Shrek debuts on 4K disc, available as a standard edition release and as a SteelBook release. The SteelBook is not touted as a Best Buy exclusive but seems to not be available on Amazon.

In the reissue category, the original The Fast and the Furious gets a SteelBook release. Best Buy is also offering an exclusive version SteelBook which also seems to come with swag.

And in the last minute announcement to release date category, LionsGate brings us the original Saw movie, as a standard release and as a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook release.

HD Blu-ray/Digital releases-

For Blu-ray releases, I like to think this is a good healthy average week.

In the Anime/Animated category, look for 7 Seeds - Part Two, Babylon - Complete Collection, Infinite Dendrogram - The Complete Series, available as a standard release and as a limited edition box set, Naruto: Set 3 as a standard release and One Piece: Season Eleven - Voyage Two.

 From Warner Bros., if you didn't opt for the 4K, Justice Society: World War II is available on Blu-ray.

Criterion Collections releases for the week? First, Fast Times at Ridgemont High. I have heard the name of this one a lot but can't say I ever have seen it. Would this one be worthy of a 4K disc? And also look for Merrily We Go To Hell (1932).

From Shout Factory, among other titles, King Kong (1976) gets a Collectors Edition this week.

Universal's 2021 drama Land debuts this week on Blu-ray. The action thriller The Marksman also comes out this week.

Friday releases comprises of just Bizet: Carmen, a well known opera.

Notable announcements from last week:

Arrow Video has revealed their July title line up. The UK will be getting a 4K and Blu-ray release for True Romance. The U.S. and Canada will get The Cat o' Nine Tails - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Daimajin Trilogy, Threshold and Vengeance Trails: Four Classic Westerns.

For 4K disc news, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory will be coming on June 29th. Also from Warner Bros, it looks like The Lost Boys (1987) will be coming soon as well, most likely on the same date. And last but not least with Warner Bros, Godzilla vs. Kong will be coming to home video on June 15th as a 4K/Blu-ray Combo Standard Edition, a 4K/Blu-ray Combo Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook edition, a standard Blu-ray/DVD combo edition and as a three film blu-ray edition.

Word is that Universal is also prepping Howard the Duck for 4K disc on or around the same time period.

Lionsgate will be releasing the 2021 Sci-Fi Voyagers on June 8th in both 4K+Blu-ray and Blu-ray + DVD combo packs.

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?

Order Today

CELEBRATING ITS 50^TH ANNIVERSARY, THE BELOVED FILM WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 4K RESOLUTION WITH HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE (HDR)

Own it June 29 on 4K Ultra HD and Digital

BURBANK, CA, May 3, 2021 – Warner Bros. Home Entertainment announced today that the perennial family classic Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory will be released on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital on June 29. Called a “genuine work of imagination” by Roger Ebert, the film stars Gene Wilder in one of his most famous roles.

Directed by Mel Stuart from a screenplay by Roald Dahl, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory was produced by Stan Margulies and David L. Wolper. The film is an adaptation of Dahl’s 1964 novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory stars Gene Wilder as Wily Wonka, Jack Albertson as Grandpa Joe, Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket, Roy Kinnear as Mr. Salt, Julie Dawn Cole as Veruca Salt, Leonard Stone as Mr. Beauregarde, Denise Nickerson as Violet Beauregarde, Dodo Denney as Mrs. Teevee, and Paris Themmen as Mike Teevee.

Ultra HD* showcases 4K resolution with High Dynamic Range (HDR) and a wider color spectrum, offering consumers brighter, deeper, more lifelike colors for a home entertainment viewing experience like never before.   

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory will be available on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack for $24.99 ERP and includes an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc with the feature film in 4K with HDR and a Blu-ray disc with the feature film and special features. Fans can also own Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory in 4K Ultra HD via purchase from select digital retailers beginning on June 29.  

About the Film:

Directed by Mel Stuart and starring Gene Wilder as the legendary Candy Man Willy Wonka, this splendiferous movie brings to the screen the endlessly appetizing delights of Roald Dahl’s cherished book. Coated with flavorful tunes and production designs that are a visual treat for the eyes, this effervescent musical never fails to enchant young and old. On a whirlwind tour of Willy’s incredible, edible realm of chocolate waterfalls, elfish Oompa-Loompas and industrial-sized confections, a boy named Charlie (Peter Ostrum) will discover the sweetest secret of all: a generous, loving heart. And viewers will rediscover all the timeless magic as it was meant to be seen.

Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray Elements

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory Ultra HD Blu-ray contains the following previously released special features:

• Commentary with the Wonka Kids

• Pure Imagination: The Story of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory

• The Moviemakers

• Scrumptious Sing-Along: Pure Imagination

• Scrumptious Sing-Along: I Want It Now!

• Scrumptious Sing-Along: I’ve Got A Golden Ticket

• Scrumptious Sing-Along: Oompa-Loompa-Doompa-De-Do

• Theatrical Trailer

DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS

On 6/29/2021, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory 4K UHD will be available to own for streaming and download to watch anywhere in high definition and standard definition on favorite devices from select digital retailers including GooglePlay, Vudu, Xbox and others, and will be made available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.

ABOUT DIGITAL 

*Digital movies or TV episodes allow fans to watch a digital version of their movie or TV show anywhere, on their favorite devices. Digital movies or TV episodes are included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs. With digital, consumers are able to instantly stream and download movies and TV shows to TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones through retail services like CinemaNow, Flixster Video, Vudu and more. For more information on compatible devices and services go to wb.com/digitalmoviefaq. Consult a digital retailer for details and requirements and for a list of digital-compatible devices.

BASICS

PRODUCT                                               ERP

    Ultra HD Blu-ray                                           $24.99*

Standard Street Date: 6/29/2021

EST Street Date: 6/29/2021

Ultra HD Blu-ray Languages: English, Spanish, French

Ultra HD Blu-ray Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, Parisian French

Run Time: 99 min 30 sec (Feature Only)

Rated: G

THE CREDITS

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.

Director Tim Burton's Big Fish gets a 4K disc debut this week. The movie has an all star cast and no doubt Sony did a fine job on the presentation.

And next, look for the 1994 surprise hit Speed to hit 4K disc as well, and this one will be available as a standard release and as a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook. Both have reinvented cover art and while the standard release is tolerable, WTH are they thinking with the SteelBook? Both of our links go to Best Buy as the dispute between Disney and Amazon continues, years later.

HD Blu-ray/Digital releases-

Fortunately for our wallets, this week is a little bit light. The rest of the month, not so much.

In the Anime/Animated category there are several titles of interest, for starters look for Bleach: Set 10. A RightStuf exclusive, Emma: Victorian Romance Season One debuts this week. Sentai Filmworks brings us Gate - Complete Collection. NCircle releases Sonic Boom: Season One.

From Arrow Video, known for bringing us many lost gems,  a 2020 film titled A Ghost Waits. I know people that write plots are goot at what they do, but this one realy does sound pretty good.

From Warner Bros this week, a bio/history drama titled Judas and the Black Messiah. Not stopping there, Warner also releases The Little Things, a crime thriller with Denzel Washington.

Mill Creek releases a handful of titles this week. They include Hellfighters, Macgruber and Scars of War: 4 Vietnam Stories.

Criterion Collection's single release this week is Trances, which appears to be a foreign film in a very specific dialect, 'Moroccan Arabic.'

LionsGate's obligatory appearance this week is to bring us The Virtuoso, an action thriller featuring Anthony Hopkins, someone that pops up every so often just to let us know he's still around.

Notable announcements from last week:

Blue Underground has announced Two Evil Eyes for 4K disc on August 24th. This film is directed by both George Romero and Dario Argento. It will feature Dolby Vision HDR and a ton of extras.

Paramount will be releasing several 2021 films soon,  Action/Thrillers Night of the Sicario on June 22nd and Assault on VA-33 on June 8th, Action/Comedy The Lovebirds on June 8th, the Crime/Thriller The Vault on June 1st and Comedy/Romance Happily on May 25h.

Under the Paramount Presents label, look for 48 Hrs. and Another 48 Hrs. on July 6th. If these two movies were 4K discs I would rate my likelihood of buying them close to 100%, but as standard Blu-rays, I am looking at  perhaps 75%. Paramount, THANK YOU for keeping physical media alive, but this seems like a blown opportunity to me. How about the original as a 4K and the sequel as Blu-ray?

Mill Creek has announced its July 13th releases, they include I Dream of Jeannie: The Complete Series, Saving Silverman, Skin Deep and Two If By Sea. Pretty exciting to see more classic television coming our way.

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?

Tim Burton’s Big Fish  

A genuine fan-favorite and by many considered to be Tim Burton's finest film - Big Fish is making a welcome appearance on 4K. The 1080p Blu-ray was terrific for its time, but this visual marvel should look stunning with HDR. 

Speed  

After Dracula, before Jonny Mnemonic and The Matrix - Keanu Reeves proved his action acting chops with Jan de Bont's high-octane thriller Speed. The Blu-ray has been a pretty limp-looking addition - even if the DTS mix is great - so this Native 4K edition is a welcome upgrade. PLUS it also marks an exciting return for Disney's rebranded 20th Century Studios to the 4K Ultra HD Format! 

Speed Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook  

Speed is also getting a Best BuyExclusive 4K UHD Blu-ray release and well... the inside art is kinda cool? Considering the classic poster art hasn't appeared since DVD I'd have loved to see that work represented on a mat-black SteelBook. 

May 11th, 2021 

Justice Society World War II  

While some of the DC animated movies can be a bit hit and miss, more often than not they're worth the time you give them and with the colorful animation stylings tend to make worthy 4K releases. 

Justice Society World War II - Best Buy Exclusive  

What's become pretty common for these DC Animated releases is Best Buy will ultimately offer fans a little collector's figurine. Is that worth the extra few bucks? That's up to you to decide. 

Saw  

Now that Spiral: From the Book of Saw aims to reboot the franchise, Lionsgate is giving fans a fresh new look at the James Wan original with a brand new native 4K digital intermediate! While this was a low-budget gem, I'm looking forward to revisiting this ahead of the new film. Time will tell if the rest of the franchise will hit 4K or not. 

Saw - Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook  

Lionsgate is also dropping an exclusive SteelBook with a plastic slipcover to Best Buy. Considering the price is only a couple bucks more, this is the better way to go if you're a rabid Saw fan!

Shrek  

The classic family favorite is coming to 4K. While this may be a headscratcher for some considering the age of the film and the animation for the era - remember - even Toy Story saw a worthy improvement in clarity and color saturation with HDR, and we expect to see something of the same here. 

Shrek - SteelBook 

Considering the price point is practically identical to the standard release, why not go big? Originally believed to be a Best Buy exclusive, it looks like Target will also be offering this one, at least online. 

The Fast and the Furious 20th Anniversary SteelBook  

With F9 finally hitting movie theaters this summer, the first film that started it all oh so long ago gets to celebrate it's birthday with a 20th Anniversary SteelBook edition. 

The Fast and the Furious 20th Anniversary SteelBook Best Buy Exclusive  

What's the difference between this The Fast and the Furious 20th Anniversary SteelBook and the other The Fast and the Furious 20th Anniversary SteelBook? Swag and a few extra bucks. Ask yourself how much character cards and booklets are worth if you're going to pick this one up. 

May 18th, 2021 

Last Action Hero - SteelBook 

Last Action Hero is one of those movies you're either a huge fan of - or it's just not your thing. Perhaps a bit too meta for its time, it was a notable box office dude right after Schwarzenegger's mega-hit Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Over the years this one has developed a cult following and has long needed a worthy upgrade after several lackluster Blu-ray releases. If you're weird and don't want this awesome SteelBook release, the Standard Edition drops June 15th

Animal House 

Another Universal back catalog classic with a sad history of dodgy home video releases is getting the long-deserved 4K UHD Blu-ray upgrade. Animal House is a hilarious comedy and should look and sound great on the format!  

Animal House - SteelBook  

And true to form - Universal is dropping an attractive SteelBook option for fans and considering the lower price point, like Shrek, it's an easy one to add to the collection!

Raya and the Last Dragon  

This is a bit of an odd one - not the film, by all accounts it's wonderful - but Disney announced this title, but we have not been able to locate any pre-orders for the May 18th release frame, thus no pre-order button. As soon as it's up for pre-order or if the release date changes we'll update our listings and this release guide. 

Santa Sangre 

Severin Films already nailed their first 4K UHD Blu-ray outings with Perdita Durango and The Day of the Beast - so we have high hopes for this Jodorowsky classic! If there's ever a director whose films would look amazing on 4K UHD - even if it doesn't have HDR would be Jodorowsky. On top of the film in 4K and 1080p, you're getting a ton of bonus features including the film's trippy soundtrack on CD!

The Sting 

George Roy Hill's comedy caper The Sting is genuine classic 70s Hollywood at its best featuring icons Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and Robert Shaw. Like Animal House, this is another fan favorite with a pretty mediocre home video history. Now with a new 4K restoration, we're hoping this is a visual delight. 

The Sting - SteelBook  

If you're a SteelBook fan, this is another no-brainer. Universal is doing right with The Sting, Animal House, and Shrek by offering attractive SteelBook releases without charging an arm and a leg extra for the privilege of deluxe packaging. This is another easy one worth the pre-order. 

May 25th, 2021 

Chaos Walking  

After several release delays for reshoots - Doug Liman's Sci-fi opus hit during a pandemic. Haven't seen it myself yet, but by all accounts, it's visually interesting but still a mess. I know folks who loved it and hated it so it's a bit of a toss-up - maybe rent before you buy? 

Chaos Walking - Best Buy SteelBook  

Lionsgate is hitting it again with another great-looking SteelBook with a plastic slipcover, but the price and the movie itself may keep some collectors from jumping. 

Django 4K + Texas Adios 

After several delays - Arrow Video's Django 4K UHD + Texas Adios Blu-ray set is finally hitting shelves! A favorite of ours - we would have been happy with a special edition Blu-ray, but to get Django on 4K is even better. We've had this on pre-order for ages now so it's almost weird to believe it's finally coming out! Like all Arrow 4K releases, this will probably sell out fast so get that pre-order in while you can.

My Fair Lady 

A genuine Hollywood classic, My Fair Lady is a musical delight and we can't wait to see this one in full Native 4K with HDR. Rex Harrison's sweaters are sure to look incredible! 

Psycho  

Already previously released on 4K as part of the Alfred Hitchcock 4K Collection - this solo release features the classic poster artwork and - hopefully - the disc should have the correct mono audio mix without needing to send in for a replacement. But if you already have the full Hitchcock set, there's nothing new here. 

Psycho - SteelBook 

This one already got a solo Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook when the Alfred Hitchcock Collection came out on 4K - now Universal is issuing a new one which I dare say is the classier release. If you didn't already pick up the collection set, make room for this SteelBook on your shelf. 

Super 8  

J.J. Abrams' member berries-fueled tribute to 80s Steven Spielberg movies comes to 4K UHD Blu-ray sourced from a new Native 4K Digital Intermediate with Dolby Vision HDR. This should be a damn impressive A/V upgrade over the previous 1080p Blu-ray.

Super 8 - SteelBook  

Here's another great SteelBook option for collectors that isn't a retail exclusive. And just for a couple of bucks more, if you're a fan of the movie this is an easy pickup.

The Birds  

Like Psycho - The Birds was already previously available with the Alfred Hitchcock 4K Collection. This release isn't all that stunning considering it doesn't reference some of the classic poster art. That's why it's nice to see Universal dropping a SteelBook for this one. If you don't have it yet, this is a terrific looking disc and worth the pickup. 

The Birds - SteelBook  

Now, I wasn't planning on picking up a solo release of this since the box set is already sitting on my shelf, but this SteelBook is hard to pass up. I love they used the classic poster art for the cover. Plus the price point ain't half bad either. 

The Final Countdown 

This action sci-fi classic starring Kirk Douglas and Martin Sheen lands on 4K thanks to Blue Underground in a huge 4K UHD Blu-ray + Blu=-ray + CD soundtrack set with lenticular cover. Every Blue Underground release thus far has been a picture-perfect release with impeccable A/V presentations. Needless to say - we're VERY excited for this one! 

The Last Outpost  

After already hitting Blu-ray for a bit, this underappreciated war drama is coming to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray with a new Director's Cut release. This was a hell of a film that I would have loved to see in theaters, but a new 4K release is welcome! 

That does it for this month! As I said, May is going to be a damn expensive month with a bunch of essential and fan-favorite flicks coming to the format for the first time. And this doesn't say anything about the EU imports we hope to cover. We've heard rumblings that Zack Snyder's Justice League should be hitting 4K in May - while we don't have a U.S. release date, it does look like the U.K. is getting it at the end of the month. Heat is also expected to hit 4K in Germany in May - but no pre-order or official announcement has hit anywhere yet so we'll keep an eye out! 

Obviously, all of these titles and release dates are subject to change. Some could get shifted, new ones could still be announced. If any changes happen we'll update our listings and this article ASAP. 

Thanks again for the pre-orders! Your orders help keep our little operation up and running.
- The HDD Team

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra - 4K UHD Blu-ray 

G.I. Joe: Retaliation  

Read the full press release from Paramount Home Entertainment below - 

The Worldwide Smash Hits Arrive July 20, 2021, in Advance of the Highly Anticipated Theatrical Premiere of Snake Eyes: G.I. JOE Origins

When all else fails…these guys don’t!  Based on Hasbro’s wildly popular action figures, Paramount Pictures’ big screen global blockbusters G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA and G.I. JOE: RETALIATION make their long-awaited U.S. 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray debuts on July 20, 2021 from Paramount Home Entertainment.

For the first time, both G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA and G.I. JOE: RETALIATION will be available on disc in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision^® and HDR-10 for ultra-vivid picture quality.^*

Starring Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans, Sienna Miller, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rachel Nichols and Ray Park, as well as veteran actors Dennis Quaid and Christopher Eccleston, G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA follows a top-secret elite strike force featuring the best operatives from around the globe.  After a high-tech secret weapon is stolen by a mysterious and evil organization known as COBRA, it’s a race against time for the G.I. JOE team to avoid their enemy from plunging the world into chaos.

Dwayne Johnson, Channing Tatum and Bruce Willis star in the explosive global hit G.I. JOE: RETALIATION.  The G.I. JOE team has been set up to take the fall for a terrible crime they didn’t commit.  Now, ROADBLOCK, DUKE, and the rest of the team must once again face their mortal enemy COBRA, as well as dangerous new threats operating within the government. When all else fails, one option remains —RETALIATION.

The G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA two-disc 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray set includes access to a digital copy of the film along with previously released bonus content:

              4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

·       Feature film in 4K Ultra HD

·       Commentary by director Stephen Sommers and producer Bob Ducsay

Blu-ray

·       Feature film in HD

·       Commentary by director Stephen Sommers and producer Bob Ducsay

The G.I. JOE: RETALIATION two-disc 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray set includes access to a digital copy of the film along with previously released bonus content:

4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

·       Feature film in 4K Ultra HD

·       Commentary by director Jon M. Chu and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura

Blu-ray

·       Feature film in HD

·       Commentary by director Jon M. Chu and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura

·       G.I. JOE: Declassified

o   Mission Briefing

o   Deployment

o   Two Ninjas

o   The Desert Attack

o   COBRA Strikes

o   The Lone Soldiers

o   The Monastery

o   Fort Sumter

·       Deleted Scenes

Dirty Dancing, the surprise smash hit from the Vestron Video days leads off as a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook. There is no standard release as of yet, best guess would be a couple of months. Watch the back story of how this movie was rejected by every studio except Vestron on the Netflix series The Movies That Made Us. A lot of smash hit movies had the same sort of beginning.

Next from Arrow Video, look for Donnie Darko in the familiar 'fat-pack' release format. When I had bought the Blu-ray release I thought it would never see 4K but I'm kind of glad it did. I almost expect a last minute delay but we shall see.

Closing out the 4K category this week, Kino Lorber brings us one of Sergio Leone's finest Westerns, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Extensive work was done to bring us this release so kudos goes to team Kino. This one does not feature HDR, but it is the best this film has ever looked.

HD Blu-ray/Digital releases-

Compared to last week, this week is huge as far as Blu-ray releases.

From Warner Archive look for Another Thin Man, the third 'Thin Man' movie released by Warner Archive. Film-Noir release starring James Cagney titled Each Dawn I Die sees a release this week. A more recent film starring Bill Murray titled Quick Change also debuts on Blu-ray.

If you like Rock Hudson or Douglas Sirk films, look for Battle Hymn from Kino Lorber this week. Also from Kino this week and done previously by Twilight Time, Heartworn Highways and Heartworn Highways Revisited is back in print! Kirk Douglas' A Lovely Way To Die also gets the Kino treatment this week.

Maybe not a brand new release, but Elvira: Mistress of the Dark gets a spiffy looking SteelBook release this week.

Arrow Video's other Blu-ray this week is a release titled Switchblade Sisters.

Anime releases have been sporadic the past month or two. This week though there are a couple to ponder.  HERO MASK Seasons 1 & 2 for starters. Discotek's releases this week are pretty much Japanese only (no dubs) but if that interests you, go for it. Their only English dubbed release this week is s-CRY-ed - The Complete TV Series.

Just like last week, Criterion Collection is gaining two (non-4K) entries this week. Irma Vep is the first one, and French film Masculin Féminin being the second one.

LionsGate's obligatory weekly entry this week is titled Vanquish, an action/crime/thriller starring Ruby Rose and Morgan Freeman. And speaking of Morgan Freeman, it looks like Shawshank Redemption might finally be getting a 4K disc this year.

Notable announcements from last week:

FUNimation's July batch of releases have been announced, the titles are Diary of Our Days at the Breakwater, Arte - The Complete Season, Plunderer - Part 2, Tenchi Muyo! War on Geminar - The Complete Series (Classics), Listeners - The Complete Season, Uzaki-Chan Wants to Hang Out! The Complete Season, Uzaki-Chan Wants to Hang Out! The Complete Season (Limited Edition), A Certain Magical Index: Season 1 (Essentials), Isekai Quartet2 - Season 2, Gleipnir - The Complete Season, All Out!!: The Complete Series (Essentials), The Vision of Escaflowne - Complete Series (Classics), One Piece: Season Eleven - Voyage Three and Shironeko Project ZERO Chronicle - The Complete Season.

Shout Factory has also added State and Main and House of Wax (2005) to their July title mix.

TV on Blu-ray is good. A couple of years ago CBS decided it was going to release the original MacGyver and the original Charmed TV series on blu-ray. Out came season 1, then season 2 for Charmed, and now for this coming May, Charmed gets Season 3 released. Did they forget MacGyver?

LionsGate has announced the 2018 Bio/Crime/Drama City of Lies will be available for purchase on Blu-ray and DVD on June 8th. Also a 2019 film titled Siberia (not the Keanu Reeves film) will be available on June 22nd.

One last side note -- those curious about what's going on with blu-ray.com, if you visit their Facebook page or try going directly to their forum (forum.blu-ray.com), they indicate there was a drive failure, among other things. We take pride in HighDefDigest and never wish an ill will of other sites. I find their site useful on several avenues so I am a bit anxious too to see the outage going so long.

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? All the 4Ks this week interest me. I preordered Dirty Dancing and Donnie Darko, will most likely get The Good, The Bad and The Ugly soon. I will probably finally break down and get the Elvira movie thanks to the new cover art SteelBook. Wishlist? Hero Mask Season 1 & 2, Nomadland, s-CRY-ed The TV Series, Vanquish and the Saint Seiya Collection. I really with the Saint Seiya had an English dub, I have the DVDs of Knights of the Zodiac tucked away somewhere.

Collector's Edition 

Zavvi SteelBook 

We'll keep you all posted as we learn more - hopefully within the next few days we'll get the official press release and/or a U.S. announcement to clarify some of the details. 

Warner Archive Collection has a couple of titles this week. First the musical Annie Get Your Gun. Next, look for a reissue of Chariots of Fire. Often times the reissues are semi-pointless as I have observed that the original Digibooks are still available at the same price, but not the case here. And not stopping there, Warner Archive brings us a reissue of the 1935 version of Mutiny on the Bounty.

Criterion Collection has a pair of (non-4K) titles for us this week. First the Drama/Romance/Western The Furies starring well known actress Barbara Stanwyck. Also this week, Criterion brings us Bong Joon-ho's 2003 film Memories of Murder.

The next chapter of the animated films Space Dogs releases this week, this one's titled Space Dogs: Tropical Adventure. The first film was from Universal Pictures and this one is not, so I'm not entirely sure what's up with that.

Friday's release is another arts/opera release titled Puccini: La Bohème.

Notable announcements from last week:

Sony has announced the 4K disc release for In the Line of Fire starring Clint Eastwood. Expect to see it on June 15th.

LionsGate will be bringing us Chaos Walking both on 4K and Blu-ray on May 25th. This film was shot in 6.5K and a 4K DI was used for mastering, so it should look stunning.  I thought I had seen a 4K SteelBook for it in a Zavvi email, but may have been mistaken. Additionally, they will also bring us a movie titled Flashback on June 8th.

If you've been waiting for Criterion Collection to announce their first 4K disc release, keep on waiting as July will not be the month for that. But, they do have a rounded assortment of Blu-ray releases coming. The titles are Bringing Up Baby, Deep Cover, La Piscine (The Swimming Pool), Mirror and Working Girls.

Shout Factory has also announced their July Blu-ray slate as well and several of the titles have never been on commercial Blu-ray anywhere in the world.The titles include Brotherhood of the Wolf, Chamber of Horrors, Dark Spell, The Dead Zone, Eight Legged Freaks, Ernest & Célestine, Fire, Little Big League, The Night, No Man's Land, The Pianist and A Stranger Is Watching. The Pianist did make HD-DVD, but not Blu-ray domestically.

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? I'm down for all three 4K releases this week. Truthfully, I might take this week off on buying discs, nothing sticks out to me that I must buy. Annie Get Your Gun is a maybe.

For 4K releases, may the schwartz be with you! I'm referring to one of my favorite Mel Brooks tiltes Spaceballs. When it came out I had heard of this title for years from friends but was sort of 'meh'. I bought the laserdisc and loved it and wondered why I did not buy it sooner! Don't judge a book by its cover, or title!

HD Blu-ray/Digital releases-

For Warner Archive look for Fred Astaire's Broadway Melody of 1940. The more I watch of the classics the more I appreciate the stars that made them. Also from Warner Archive, look for Doctor X and Green Dolphin Street. And lastly, if you've been waiting for the next release of Josie and the Pussycats, Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space is available this week.

3D releases are far and few, so when there is one, we try to point it out. This week Kino Lorber releases the 1977 film Dynasty in 3D. Check out our review by following the link, then buy the disc via the link in the review. Speaking of Mel Brooks, Kino is releasing his 1968 movie The Producers this week as well. In case you don't need the 4K release of Spaceballs, the Blu-ray is also available.

If ever you were interested in what could have been, the film Fukushima 50 covers the selfless acts of those involved when the Fukushima plant melted down and what could have happened had they not reacted the way that they did.

In another non-4K week, Criterion Collection releases History is Made at Night. This title may not be 4K material, but some of the releases they chose for a U.S. release have been 4K releases in other countries by other studios.

The anime category is somewhat slow this week. Look for Kids on the Slope - Complete Collection and nothing more.

Friday release is an Arts/Ballet title.

Notable announcements from last week:

The order link for Arrow Video's 4K release of The Bird With the Crystal Plumage is live.

I called it when I said there would be a 4K disc announcement for Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. It will have a street date of June 8th.

Warner Archive Shop has ceased operation, but the good news is that it is now part of Amazon.com. The label will live on and I would expect availability to improve a little bit. Their May batch of titles has been announced. Except for a Jackie Chan film, the rest of the slate includes a lot of classic cinema with big name talent. The titles are: Athena, Bachelor in Paradise, Drunken Master II, Escape from Fort Bravo, Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, The Tender Trap, They Won't Believe Me and The Yearling.

I got a notification from Amazon regarding delivery date for Spaceballs 4K. It may take a few weeks to get stock and ship them. I have seen this a lot with Arrow Video titles as well. Pandemic related or not, it annoys me when I preorder something on day one and see it cancelled 2 months later and then the scalpers take over. *cough**cough*Gamera

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? I did preorder Spaceballs 4K. Wishlist items are Fukushima 50, Killer Pinata and Laidbackers.

There is a single 4K disc release this week. If you missed the opportunity to get the limited-edition release of Tremors from Arrow Video, they are releasing a scaled-back 'Special Edition' version this week.

HD Blu-ray/Digital releases-

Somewhat average week for Blu-ray releases. Here are the highlights...

LionsGate this week releases a new feature titled Barb & Star Go To Vista Del Mar, which at first glance looks like an animated film, but, surprise, it's not! It actually is a comedy film that could be fun. Also from LionsGate, Shadow in the Cloud and Son of the South. I said "Son of the South" and NOT "Song of the South", sorry but the latter title will remain 'lost' pretty much forever.

Carole Lombard fans should note that Kino is releasing the Second Collection this week. Also getting a volume 2 this week, Western Classics.

Suidio Ghibli's latest, Earwig and the Witch debuts on disc this week, available as a standard release and as a SteelBook release via GKIDS and Shout Factory. I have said this before, I wish their SteelBooks would be a little more exciting, the cover arts are a rather bland solid color with a character or two on the cover itself.

Other animated releases, look for a standard release of Elfen Lied: Complete Collection, if you bought the SteelBook, this one could be to use while the collectible SteelBook remains untouched, or maybe you've been waiting for it to be more affordable. Also look for Sunday Without God, no doubt a potentially controversial title just by its name.

The single Warner/Warner Archive release this week is the complete animated series for Thundarr the Barbarian.

There is a single release scheduled for Friday, a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert from 1976, Live at Knebworth.

Notable announcements from last week:

In addition to The Bird With The Crystal Pluamge 4K coming in June, Arrow Video is also releasing Irezumi, Major Dundee, The Stylist and Years of Lead: Five Classic Italian Crime Thrillers.

The next releases for the Paramount Presents label are Mommie Dearest (Spine number 17) on June 1st and Last Train from Gun Hill (Spine number 18) on June 15th.

Vinegar Syndrome has announced its next 4K release, Six-String Samurai. It is unclear if this title release of May 2021 will be for their web site exclusively and then in June on Amazon and other sites or if May is the general release. Usually their announcements have street dates for their site and then 30(ish) days later on Amazon and other sites.

Blue Underground has revealed the street date for Dead & Buried on 4K disc to be July 20th, and they have announced 2 additional slip cover variants as well. Do check out the 4K release schedule for details.

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? I did preorder Sunday Without God and the Elfen Lied Collection. I will likely pick it up locally, Barb & Star Go To Vista Del Mar. I sort of expect the standard release for Earwig and the Witch to be available locally too, which I will buy. Mild interest in the other two LionsGate releases, Shadow in the Cloud and Son of the South.

This July, the Criterion Collection will present a fitting tribute to the man dubbed "The Worst Director Of All Time" with the 6-film, 5-disc set The Visions of Ed Wood. Synonymous with low-budget B-Movie schlock, Edward D. Wood Jr. admittedly produced some of the worst movies ever made, but he carried the true spirit of an independent filmmaker stretching budgets and recycled stock footage to their breaking point. He was also a collector of cast-off Hollywood stars, most famous was his long-time friendship and collaboration with Dracula star Bela Lugosi. The Criterion Collection is proud to present Glen or Glenda (1953), Jail Bait (1954), Bride of the Monster (19545, Plan 9 From Outer Space (1957), Night of the Ghouls (1959), and The Sinister Urge (1960).

Disc One: 
Glen or Glenda and Jail Bait

• New 2K Restorations sourced from the best possible surviving elements
• Restored lossless LPCM mono audio tracks
• The Real Glen & Glenda - The Christine Jorgensen Story
• Archival Cast and Crew Interviews
• Behind the Scenes Still Gallery 
• Promotional Materials Still Gallery
• Trailers 

Disc Two:
The Bride of the Monster and Plan 9 From Outer Space

• New 4K restorations from the newly rediscovered original negatives 
• Fully restored LPCM mono audio mixes
• Plan 9 From Outer Space - 2 Aspect Ratios 1.37:1 or original theatrical 1.85:1
• Grave Robbers From Outer Space - A Dramatic Reading of Ed Wood's Original Screenplay by Actor James Woods. 
• The Original Monster - Bela Lugosi Retrospective
• Tor Johnson - The Man, The Myth, The Legend 
• MST3K and Ed Wood - Interview with the cast of Mystery Science Theater 3000
• Behind the Scenes Still Gallery
• Promotional Materials Still Gallery 

Disc Three
The Bride of the Monster and Plan 9 From Outer Space 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

• Sourced from new 4K restorations with Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10. 
• New Dolby Atmos Audio mix for Plan 9 From Outer Space 
• LPCM mono audio for Bride of the Monster 
  
• Plan 9 From Outer Space - 2 Aspect Ratios 1.37:1 or original theatrical 1.85:1

Disc Four
Night of the Ghouls and The Sinister Urge 

• New 2K restorations of both films from the original camera negatives
• Fully restored LPCM mono audio mixes
• The Klayton Trilogy - The Bride of the Monster, Plan 9 From Outer Space, Night of the Ghouls
• I Ruled The Universe - The John Breckenridge Story

Disc Five 
Bonus Features 

• The Edward D. Wood Jr. Story
• Brave, Bold, and Lingerie - Edward D. Wood Jr.'s Incredible War Record 
• Vodka Gimlet - The Many Writings of Edward D. Wood Jr. 
• There's Always Porn - Retrospective 
• I've Got $50 Let's Make A Movie! - The Ed Wood Affect on Hollywood
• Who Made Bad Better? - Roger Corman Interview

PLUS a 100-page collection of Ed Wood's Science Fiction and Adult-themed Short Stories

Batman v Superman Dawn of Justice Remastered 

Technically, nothing is scheduled for this day. However, after the botched release of Batman v. Superman Remastered 4K UHD Blu-ray, April 6th is the earliest ship date we've seen from any retailer we were able to pre-order from before. Some stores are listing a ship date well into mid-May. We'll cover this one ASAP - we have pre-orders with Amazon, Target, and Best Buy so it's a race to see who gets this to us first. 

Tremors - Standard Special Edition 

If you had a tough time finding Arrow's deluxe release of Tremors on 4K UHD Blu-ray - you weren't alone. Even before that set went out of print it was commanding steep gray-market prices. Now you can get the not-so-deluxe single-disc release at a much more reasonable price. 

April 13th, 2021 

Spaceballs  

The month starts a bit on the slow side of things without any new 4K UHD Blu-ray titles the first week but jumps in nicely on the 13th with this hilarious fan favorite that has had a long history of lackluster home video releases. As we already reviewed Spaceballs - this one is well worth the upgrade! 

April 27th, 2021 

Donnie Darko  

I can't believe this one's already 20 years old! After Arrow already gave this modern cult classic an excellent deluxe release, they're following it up with a new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release. Richard Kelly's brain bender is a welcome addition to the format offering fans both the Theatrical Cut and extended Director's Cut with Dolby Vision HDR and a host of excellent bonus features. 

Santa Sangre  

Severin follows up their excellent releases of Perdita Durango and The Day of the Beast with a dive into the beautiful madness of Alejandro Jodorowsky's Santa Sangre. This three-disc set includes the 4K disc, the 1080p Blu-ray, the soundtrack CD and a massive assortment of new and archival bonus features. 

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly  

Kino Lorber Studio Classics returns to one of their most popular releases to give Segio Leone's iconic The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly the 4K UHD Blu-ray treatment it deserves. However, only the Theatrical Cut is offered and no HDR - but - the film is getting new color timing work so it won't be he same as their previous 50th Anniversary release. 

Dirty Dancing 

Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey sell this teenage coming of age film with hit music and some sultry dance moves. Made on a shoestring budget, it's been a fan favorite success ever since it hit theaters. Lionsgate is giving this film the full 4K UHD Blu-ray treatment with an exclusive SteelBook release to Best Buy. As of right now, this film isn't available anywhere else - if that changes we'll keep you posted. 

That does it for this month - Arrow was supposed to drop a single release of Django on 4K on the 27th, but since we can't locate any pre-order info for that release anywhere, it looks like they're holding onto their May 25th slate for the big deluxe two-film set. 

While this wasn't a huge month of releases, it leads us into May which is going to be packed to the gills with fan favorites the liks of The Sting, Speed, Shrek, and My Fair Lady among numerous others. In the meantime, we'll also be picking away at some exciting import titles as we can get to them.  This should be an exciting summer! Thanks for reading and thank you for all of the pre-orders! We really appreciate it and all of the feedback. Here's to the start of an awesome summer season! 

First from Severin, foreign films The Day of the Beast and Perdita Durango. I won't pretend to know these films, there is an English dub on their respective discs for those that prefer it. Look in the Blu-ray releases section if you prefer them instead.

From Sony, on the heels of video game base Monster Hunter, this week we see Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV becomes available. Logically they would also be releasing The Spirits Within at some point as well, but perhaps not, the age of the film might not translate well.

A week after the UK release, Wonder Woman 1984 his the U.S. shores on disc. Look for a standard edition, Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook and a standard edition double feature release, which also includes the Wonder Woman film from 2017.

BBC's next nature release, still featuring narration by Sir David Attenborough is titled A Perfect Planet. Different from prior releases, this one also includes the Blu-ray in the same package and there is no SteelBook option this go around.

And last, but certainly not least in the 4K category this week, Cecil DeMille's classic film The Ten Commandments. David Krauss turned in his review and it looks to be another stunning effort. Sadly the original silent version is not included - so hold onto that special edition Digibook from last year. 

HD Blu-ray/Digital releases-

Anime highlights of the week include Asteroid in Love - Complete Collection, Black Clover: Season 3 Part 3 as a standard release, and as a box release meant to hold the rest of the season when you buy them. Also, Cagaster of an Insect Cage, Goblin Slayer - Goblin's Crown, Lupin III: Missed by a Dollar and Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine.

Sony Pictures is releasing a few random vanity titles each month. Two such films this week are 55 Steps, a biography/drama based on the life on Eleanor Riese, and Girl, Interrupted.

Paramount's catalog releases include The Bad News Bears (1976). The 2005 release of the same title was announced for this week as well but seems to have been possibly delayed,  Under the "Paramount Presents" label, Cecil DeMille's The Greatest Show on Earth.

Warner Archive brings TV movie The Bermuda Depths to disc this week. Previously announced by Scream Factory, but now released by Warner Archive, Isle of the Dead also debuts this week. Also from Warner Bros, no doubt a tie in to the upcoming 2021 movie, a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook of the original two Mortal Kombat movies. And just like the 4K releases above, Wonder Woman 1984 on Blu-ray gets several SKUs this week as well; standard edition, 3D edition, Target Exclusive and as a double feature that includes the 2017 film. Target dropped the ball on this one, their exclusive is not the 4K release nor a gallery book, which is sad as I prefer that cover art over all of the other ones available, which as I mentioned last week, the Amazon UK Exclusive SteelBook indeed has that same cover art.

Criterion Collectors have more than one release to get this week. Look for Defending Your Life, Persona and Secrets & Lies. There are some well-known names in these films, I vaguely remember Defending Your Life but again will not have a discussion pretending to know them well.

Lionsgate's obligatory appearance of the week is brought to you by The Toll.

Notable announcements from last week:

Although there were no major Blu-ray announcements last week I would like to mention two 4K titles. First, Smokey and the Bandit is being released on June 1st. And second, Arrow video has announced The Bird With the Crystal Plumage for June 29th. The latter looks very similar to the fat-pack Blu-ray released previously, but of course now 4K. Reminds me of the double-dip I did for Donnie Darko, but I still will get it any way!

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? Just like last week, if I get all the 4K titles I want, it could be a wallet buster. I did order the Best Buy SteelBook of Wonder Woman 1984. I am pretty sure I will get The Ten Commandments as well, looking to see if it is available locally first. I like the BBC releases so A Perfect Planet is on my radar, and Kingsglaive is also on the wish list too. Blu-ray releases, I did preorder Greatest Show On Earth, but I really wish it were a 4K disc. Also ordered the Mortal Kombat SteelBook. Impulse buy will likely get The Toll as it will likely be available locally. Wishlist: Black Clover Season 3 Part 3 Box Set, the Goblin Slayer Goblin's Crown movie, Cagaster Insect Cage and The Widow.

Starting out first with worthy imports with Monday street dates, Second Sight's Dawn of the Dead, but this time as a standard, more budget friendly release. And next, a week before the domestic release, Wonder Woman 1984 in a couple of packaged options. Zavvi's Exclusive includes a figure of Wonder Woman in her golden outfit. Amazon's Exclusive SteelBook features what I consider the best cover art of all the options available, import or domestic. Next week's Target Exclusive release includes the same cover art, but that one is NOT a 4K set, and just when I thought Target was getting it all together and offering their exclusives as 4Ks.

Let us now move on to domestic, Tuesday releases, all eight of them.

Warner Bros. has a busy week. First the Warner Archive's first 4K release, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. This one is not a recycled disc available previously, it has been reworked.

And no doubt to celebrate the upcoming Godzilla vs King Kong movie, Godzilla (2014) gets a 4K disc upgrade. The Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook cover art shows a very familiar cover art that was previously used on an Asian Metalpak release, and the standard edition features a cover art very similar to the ugly(ish) teal & orange cover art for the release of Godzilla: King of Monsters.

Sony Pictures is offering the 1997 Sci-Fi Gattaca as a SteelBook release this week.

Universal releases the recent Tom Hanks drama News of the World.

And closing out 4K discs for the week, Disney Pixar releases Soul this week in its usual array of options. Again, it's great to see new releases from Disney on 4K disc, but my issues with them are they have yet to offer a triple-layer disc on any releases, they won't deal with Amazon on preorders and they have all but ignored their catalog releases beyond what is already out unless it ties in to a new movie. Anyway, Soul gets three 4K releases, a standard edition, a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook and a Target Exclusive Gallery Book edition.

HD Blu-ray/Digital releases-

Fortunately for our line of credit, Blu-ray releases this week are below average volume.

Arrow Video offers the horror/mystery The Bloodhound this week.

Recent comedy/crime film Breaking News in Yuba County comes from Warner Bros this week. Also from Warner Bros, look for 2020's The Undoing, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant.

In the animation category, look for Castlevania: Season Three this week. I'm glad to see them releasing more streaming service titles on disc, hello Shout Factory, Bojack Horseman beyond Season Two please?? That show got better as it went on. Anime fans look for Fruits Basket: Season 2 Part 2, and like previous releases, available as a standard release and as a Limited Edition release. Finally, One Piece is getting released on blu-ray. Season Eleven - Voyage One comes out this week.

It might be finally happening! Event Horizon (Collector's Edition) might actually be streeting this week after what seemed like half a dozen delays.

Criterion Collection's single title this week is the mega-set titled World of Wong Kar Wai.

The above mention News of the World also gets a Blu-ray release this week.

Disney Pixar's Soul gets a standard Blu-ray release as well.

Friday releases consists primarily of the arts (Symphony, Opera, Ballet, Opera Ballet).

Notable announcements from last week:

Criterion Collection's June batch of titles has been announced, and no, 4K titles are still not on the horizon. Their titles for the month include The Human Condition, Pariah, Pickup on South Street, The Signifyin' Works of Marlon Riggs, Streetwise / Tiny: The Life of Erin Blackwell and Visions of Eight. My sheltered life says I know none of these titles, but you can still bet that the quality of these releases will still be top notch, as is the Criterion motto!

Look for Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon on 4K disc and Blu-ray disc on May 18th. Going with the normal routine, I sort of expect to see a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook and a Target Exclusive Gallery Book edition added to the mix as well.

20th Century Studios (via Disney) is bringing Speed (1994) to 4K disc on May 4th, available as a standard release and a rather f'ugly SteelBook release. And before you jump all over me as to how I was wrong and that Disney *is* releasing a catalog title on 4K disc, keep in mind that all the back work on this title was already done before Disney acquired 20th Century Fox. Also expect to see Michael Mann's action/crime/thriller Heat (1995) later this year as well, with the same back story. Both films are logical choices of the Fox catalog to be released in a new format. As media collectors, if these titles sold like hotcakes, it should get someone at Disney's media division to work on more catalog releases. Disney being Disney though means these will not be available to preorder on Amazon, if there's Dolby Vision it will be streaming only, and another site is suggesting that Dolby Atmos will be on streaming only as well, not on the disc. Reminds me of the term "jumbo shrimp." Atmos, streaming, really? Stay tuned for final specs.

Sony will be releasing Snatch (2000) on 4K disc on June 1st.

Paramount has officially released info about the Indiana Jones 'quadrilogy' set on 4K disc and as Matthew suspected when he broke the original news article, there will be a different SKU, as a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook set.

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? For me, the wallet-busting factor is thanks mostly to 4K releases. I preordered the SteelBooks of Godzilla and of Soul. Gattaca and News of the World also interest me, but I have not preordered them. Regular Blu-ray I have in interest in Breaking News in Yuba County and Event Horizon. Doubtfully, neither of the latter will be available at local brick-and-mortar stores.

Just in time to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Raiders of the Lost Ark - Paramount Home Video has officially announced the June 8th release date of the 4-film 4-Disc deluxe box set release of Indiana Jones 4-Movie Collection 4K UHD Blu-ray. Each film will be presented in Dolby Vision HDR (and standard HDR10), with new Dolby Atmos audio mixes to match! Now - some of the pictures of the packaging make it look like each disc gets its own SteelBook package - but nothing in the press release actually indicates "SteelBook." If that's a retailer exclusive we'll keep you posted as we learn more. 

So save the bucks and plan for June 8th! 

The full press release from Paramount is below

Celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of Raiders of the Lost Ark with All Four Indiana Jones Movie Adventures on 4K Ultra HD for the First Time

Deluxe 4K Ultra HD Set Arrives June 8, 2021

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (March 15, 2021) – Relive the unforgettable exploits of world-renowned, globetrotting hero Indiana Jones in spectacular 4K Ultra HD when the INDIANA JONES 4-MOVIE COLLECTION arrives in a new 4K Ultra HD set June 8, 2021 from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Paramount Home Entertainment.

The cinematic classic that started it all—Raiders of the Lost Ark—celebrates its 40^th anniversary this year, having first introduced audiences to the man with the hat on June 12, 1981.  Forty years later, the legendary hero continues to captivate new generations of fans.

Now, for the first time ever, all four films are available together in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision^® and HDR-10 for ultra-vivid picture quality and state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos^® audio^*.  Each film has been meticulously remastered from 4K scans of the original negatives with extensive visual effects work done to ensure the most pristine and highest quality image.  All picture work was approved by director Steven Spielberg.

In addition, all four films were remixed at Skywalker Sound under the supervision of legendary sound designer Ben Burtt to create the Dolby Atmos^® soundtracks.  All original sound elements were used to achieve the fully immersive Dolby Atmos^® mixes while staying true to each film’s original creative intent.

The INDIANA JONES 4-MOVIE COLLECTION includes a collectible booklet with behind-the-scenes images from all four films.  Each film is presented on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc with original theatrical trailers and access to digital copies.  The set also includes a Blu-ray^™ with seven hours of previously released bonus content as detailed below:

·       On Set with Raiders of the Lost Ark

§  From Jungle to Desert

§  From Adventure to Legend

·       Making the Films

§  The Making of Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981 documentary)

§  The Making of Raiders of the Lost Ark

§  The Making of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

§  The Making of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

·       The Making of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (HD)

·       Behind the Scenes

§  The Stunts of Indiana Jones

§  The Sound of Indiana Jones

§  The Music of Indiana Jones

§  The Light and Magic of Indiana Jones

§  Raiders: The Melting Face!

§  Indiana Jones and the Creepy Crawlies (with optional pop-ups)

§  Travel with Indiana Jones: Locations (with optional pop-ups)

§  Indy’s Women: The American Film Institute Tribute

§  Indy’s Friends and Enemies

§  Iconic Props (Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) (HD)

§  The Effects of Indy (Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) (HD)

§  Adventures in Post Production (Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) (HD)

Warner Archive releases this week are Crossfire, Damn Yankees, Driving Miss Daisy (reissue) starring the great Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy and a reissue of What's Up, Doc?

In the obligatory weekly visit from LionsGate, look for Dark Web: Cicada 3301 and Don't Tell a Soul.

Criterion's non-4K disc release for the week is Céline and Julie Go Boating, another film I know nothing about but will likely get 11 stars from the critics.

Looks like Mill Creek is into new title releases, this week they release I Am Lisa, having not seen it, is it a werewolf story? The 1986 film Rad also gets a SteelBook release this week.

From Universal Pictures this week, recent revenge-film Promising Young Woman. Also, a film titled Songbird, a frightening take on the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the anime category, look for BOFURI: I Don't Want to Get Hurt So I'll Max Out My Defense, available as a standard release and as a Limited Edition Set. I have noticed a growing number of MMORPG-type releases in anime, this has me curious though to see how they pull it off. Shout Factory/GKIDS rereleases, but now as a SteelBook releases include The Cat Returns and Whisper of the Heart. I myself think these covers are a bit bland, a solid color background with a character or two imposed over it. And lastly, Nickelodeon's The Legend of Korra gets a 'Complete Series' release, Amazon has two SKUs listed, I cannot seem to tell the difference between the two other than price. SKU1 is labeled as a SteelBook and SKU2 is simply the complete collection, but both SKUs show the same second image of a SteelBook collection, thus the confusion.

Friday releases above average this week, mostly the arts category. The John Williams release piques my interest, it's got Dolby Atmos to boot! This title was delayed a couple of times.

Notable announcements from last week:

Universal has announced a 4K disc release of George Roy Hill's The Sting (1973) that will be available on May 18th as a standard edition and as a SteelBook edition. Additional 4K SteelBooks announced include The Birds, another realase of Psycho and National Lampoon's Animal House. Also from Universal but on May 11th,  celebrating its 20th Anniversary and available on 4K disc for the first time, the animated smash Shrek.

Shout! Factory has announced a bunch of releases for June. They are The Awakening, Battle Beyond the Stars (SteelBook), Embattled, Human Nature, Hunter Hunter, Just a Gigolo, Kindred, Sphinx, Stardust (2020) and The Unhealer. For Studio Ghibli releases getting a SteelBook Edition, look for The Secret World of Arrietty and The Wind Rises.

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? Anime wise, I already ordered the Bofuri Limited Edition set and once the SKUs are sorted out, I want to consider The Legend of Korra set. I will likely get Dark Web: Cicada 3301 and Don't Tell a Soul as they will likely be at my local store. If Songbird is available locally it too might be bought on impulse. Damn Yankees, I Am Lisa and Money Plane interest me as well, I sort of expect to have to buy those online. Friday's release of  John Williams in Vienna really interests me too.

Mill Creek releases a handful of titles this week, a couple of them under their 'Retro VHS Covers' series. Look for The Babe, Gold Diggers: The Secret of Bear Mountain, Gorillas in the Mist, My Girl / My Girl 2 (Double Feature) and Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot.

The ever present Kino Lorber (and affiliated partners) has a few memorable titles releasing this week, they are Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia, The Choirboys, The Don is Dead and The Forest.

Film Movement has a handful of British war film titles this week worth mentioning too. Before Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk, British cinema released a movie by the same name in 1958, check it out. Other British cinema titles include The Dam Busters and Ice Cold in Alex. Film Movement has other titles licensed as well, keep your eyes peeled for upcoming releases.

The Scream Factory label gives us Rent-A-Pal this week.

Criterion Collection has one release this week, Touki Bouki, and I will not even pretend to say I have ever heard of this film, but Criterion does what they do best, bring us some of the best cinema from around the world.

A slow week for LionsGate, their single title this week is Vanguard, and it sounds like a typical Jackie Chan flick, which isn't a bad thing.

For Friday releases, there are two arts related titles to look for.

Notable announcements from last week:

If ever there was a pattern it would be that the same companies continue to support physical media while other companies do NOT. Absent almost every week is Disney/20th Century Studios. What is it going to take to tell them we are still buying discs?

Paramount has updated their May slate of titles. A couple of titles were scheduled for March, a couple are brand new. Look at May 25th for these titles:  Days of Heaven, Don't Look Now, Get Rich or Die Tryin', The Last Castle, The Legend of Bagger Vance, A Night at the Roxbury, Rosemary's Baby, The Saint, Tupac: Resurrection and The Tuxedo. A reissue of Snake Eyes has now been pushed to May 18th. This is an interesting mix as some of these titles have not been on Blu-ray til now and a couple were done previously by Criterion Collection. I did import Don't Look Now in 4K so why Paramount decided to pass on a transfer that is already done is beyond me.

Warner Archive has announced their April 2021 titles. Links and exact dates coming soon. The titles are: Annie Get Your Gun, Another Thin Man, Broadway Melody of 1940, Doctor X, Each Dawn I Die, Green Dolphin Street, Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space and Quick Change.

And on the 4K disc front, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is bringing us John McTiernan's (Director of Die Hard) Last Action Hero on George Strait's Birthday (May 18th.) Any chance to get a Schwarzenegger movie in 4K is welcome! There are actually a lot of new titles coming that day, maybe it's a convergence of some sort.

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? This week's list includes The Forest, Gorillas in the Mist, My Girl double feature and Rent-a-Pal. If Vanguard is available locally, I will likely pick that one up, if not, it will be on my wishlist.