Recent News

The latest news on all things 4k Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Gear.
Happy IRS Day! - Spend Your Refund with HDD's 4K UHD & Blu-ray Shopping Guide, Apr 15, 2024

 Happy IRS day! Got a big refund coming? Dolby is tugging at your refund check. That is, Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision! And how bout that backlog of discs?

 We get another below average slow week this week, with another disc-ocalypse just around the corner. If every week were busy, burning the candle at both ends would not really be very sustainable, agreed?

 Welcome to Volume 4 Episode 46 of our weekly release guide. A look at the highlights of what's coming to disc the week of April 14th - April 20th, as well as a look at announcements from last week.

4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases-

 We actually do have a new release this week, that being Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: The Final Season, brought to us via Paramount. And since it's a final season, why not include The Complete Series while we are it it? Let us also offer up the obvious money grab, Jack Ryan Ultimate 5-Movie Collection. Maybe you held off buying this collection?

   

 

 From the Criterion Collection, Hungarian film Werckmeister Harmonies.

 

On the delayed list, The Faculty from Shout Factory to an undetermined date, and High Noon from Kino Lorber to May 7th. The latter still shows up on Amazon for a release this week, but official listings at Kino Lorber indicate otherwise.

 Word of caution -- Disc-ocalypse, part two is just 2 weeks away!

 

Blu-ray releases-

 Blu-ray counterparts of the above 4K releases includes Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: The Final Season (not available to order at press time-alternate WALMART LINK) and Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: The Complete Series from Paramount. Also available, Werckmeister Harmonies from Criterion.

 For the rest of this category, it is a bit slow. But as always, here are the highlights...

 Shout Factory has a new 'Select' release of 1997 drama Affliction.

 

 

 Universal has the latest comedy sequel, Half Baked: Totally High. Amazon has their stupid Allied Vaughn placeholder for the studio still, but it really is Universal.

 

 Also from Universal, the latest season in the series, The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die.

 From Sony Pictures, 1991 crime drama City of Hope. Under the Sony Pictures Classics label (NOT Allied Vaughn as Amazon shows), the Polish animated drama The Peasants.

 

 Just one release in the anime category this week, Rozen Maiden: The Complete Series.

 

 Star Trek: Lower Decks - Season Four comes to disc this week via Paramount.

 

 

Notable announcements from last week:

 In the 'You're Welcome' category, Francis Ford Coppola's One from the Heart: Reprise  will be coming to domestic 4K from LionsGate on May 7th. You're Welcome because I bought the import literally a month ago. Any other titles you would like me to import?

 Warner Bros. has announced that Dune: Part Two will be coming to blu-ray and 4K on May 14th. Specs would indicate it will *not* include the IMAX ratio.

 Sony Pictures Entertainment has announced that Madame Web will be released on April 30th to blu-ray and 4K format.

 In entertainment industry news, Universal All-Access Rewards will be completely closed on July 31st. Seldom did this program offer physical rewards, but I would use it to add digital copies to my locker of titles that often times got licensed out to boutique labels for disc production. Boutique labels almost never include digital copies, so that was a nice side gig.

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?



Redeem Those Points! Universal All-Access Rewards Closing June 30th 2024

Have you been redeeming those digital copy slips that come with your discs? Universal Studios' popular rewards program Universal All-Access which lets you redeem points for swag, tickets, and digital copies will be closing on June 30th. Last day to redeem points will be July 31st, 2024 

For a number of film fans out there who have loved building a physical media collection, they've also been building their digital streaming collections redeeming the codes on those little slips of paper. Like fellow studios Disney and Sony, Universal Studios gave collectors a little extra incentive with their own branded rewards program - Universal All-Access. This service gave members the opportunity for a little extra juice from their media purchases by redeeming their accumulated points for fun swag items like posters and such, movie tickets, or redeem for more digital copies of favorite films. Every month a new batch of rewards would arrive giving you all the more reason to keep redeeming those codes. Well, that's all coming to a close within the next three months.

Per an email that was sent out to members this morning, Universal All-Access' last days are on the horizon. The final day to redeem codes for their point values will be June 30th. The last day to redeem those points will be July 31st. As a parting gesture to users, the final batch of new digital rewards will go live in June and they're saying it's supposed to be a much larger selection than normal. So if you've been hoarding those points (I regularly forget to redeem them for rewards and have over 21,000 points), you'll only have a couple of months to get all the goodies you can. 

Here's what was in the email:

"Dear Valued Members,

  • As we wind down the program, we encourage you to redeem your accumulated points by exploring the new rewards for March.

Please note the following important dates and information regarding the program’s closure:

  1. Last Day to Earn Points: The last day to earn points is June 30th, 2024. We encourage you to make any planned movie purchases by this date to maximize your Points earning potential.
  2. Last Day to Redeem Points: The last day to redeem points is July 31st, 2024. We encourage you to redeem any outstanding rewards points accumulated by this date. Any points not redeemed by this date will be forfeited.
  3. Redeeming Your Points: You can continue to redeem points for rewards until July 31st, 2024. In a special final gesture, we're excited to announce that the last batch of free movie rewards, available in early June, will be significantly larger than usual, providing an extensive selection for you to choose from. This is our way of saying thank you and ensuring you have ample opportunity to enjoy a wide array of movies, making the most of your accumulated points. Stay tuned for more details.
  4. Customer Support: Our customer service team is here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about this change. Whether you need help with redeeming your points or have questions about your account, we’re here to ensure a smooth transition.
  • We understand this may be disappointing news, and we want to extend our sincerest appreciation for your engagement with the Universal All-Access Rewards Program. Your passion for movies has made this program a wonderful journey, and we’re excited about what the future holds for our community.
  • Please expect further communications over the next few months regarding the closure to ensure you are fully informed. Should you have any questions or require assistance, please reach out to our Customer Support Team.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Best regards,
Universal All-Access Rewards Staff" 

That just about does it. While it sucks to see the program close - it's been a nice and easy way to grow my digital collection, I'm glad they're not simply turning the faucet off. You've got time to get those reward slip codes in and they're at least going to be adding more titles to the program for a couple more months so you can burn through those points. 

The Physical Media Must Flow - 'Dune: Part Two' Drinks the Water of 4K & Blu-ray May 14th

Shai-Hulud be praised! The wait for Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Two arrives on physical media May 14th. After a triumphant return to theaters easily besting its predecessor's pandemic-era box office haul, Dune: Part Two currently sits as the biggest global earner of 2024. Digital rental and sales start April 16th

Now that the wait for a disc release is nearly over, all we have to do now is wait for Villeneuve to start directing Dune: Messiah! The various Blu-ray, 4K UHD, and SteelBook releases of Dune: Part Two have been up for Pre-order for a while now, so it's nice to see a confirmed street date and some definite specs. The press release doesn't list the HDR Grade, but Part One enjoyed a lovely Dolby Vision transfer so it's a safe bet this one will too. The PR does state Atmos in the specs so riding sandworms should sound incredible at home! Sadly, it doesn't look like sandworm popcorn bucket packaging will be an option... 

Dune: Part Two - 4K UHD 

Dune: Part Two - 4K UHD SteelBook

Dune: Part Two - Blu-ray 

Also Available: Dune: Two Film Collection 4K UHD and Dune: Two Film Collection Blu-ray 

DIGITAL, 4K, BLU-RAY & DVD ELEMENTS 

Dune: Part Two Premium Digital Ownership contains the following special features:  

  • Filmbooks: House Corrino
  • Filmbooks: The Reverand Mother
  • Filmbooks: Water
  • Filmbooks: Lisan-al-Gaib
  • An Ensemble for the Ages
  • Chakobsa Training
  • Creating the Fremen World
  • Finding the Worlds of Dune
  • Buzz Around the New “Thopter”
  • Worm-Riding
  • Becoming Feyd
  • A New Set of Threads
  • Deeper into the Desert: The Sounds of the Dune
  • Inside Dune: The Spice Harvester Attack
  • Inside Dune: Gurney Hallaeck’s Revenge
  • Inside Dune: The Fight for the Imperial Throne

Dune: Part Two 4K UHD and Blu-ray contain the following special features:  

  • Chakobsa Training
  • Creating the Fremen World
  • Finding the Worlds of Dune
  • Buzz Around the New “Thopter”
  • Worm-Riding
  • Becoming Feyd
  • A New Set of Threads
  • Deeper into the Desert: The Sounds of the Dune 

Premium Digital Ownership: April 16, 2024

4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD Street Date: May 14, 2024

Rating: PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, some suggestive material and brief strong language.

DVD: DLBY/DGTL

4K UHD and Blu-ray: ATMOS TrueHD, DLBY/DGTL

  • Running Time: 165 minutes
  • 4K Languages: English, Canadian French, Latin, Spanish
  • 4K Subtitles: English SDH, Canadian French, Parisian French, Latin Spanish
  • BD Languages: English, Canadian French, Latin Spanish
  • BD Subtitles: English SDH, Canadian French, Parisian French, Latin Spanish
  • DVD Languages: English, Canadian French, Latin Spanish
  • DVD Subtitles: English SDH, Canadian French, Parisian French, Latin Spanish

 

PRODUCT                                                                                        ERP
4K UHD + Digital                                                                              $29.99
Blu-ray + Digital                                                                                 $24.99
DVD                                                                                                   $19.99

Francis Ford Coppola's 'One from the Heart: Reprise' Sings its Way to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on May 7

Lionsgate is preparing Francis Ford Coppola's romantic musical One from the Heart: Reprise has been restored and will be available on 4K Blu-ray on May 7.

The Reprise version of the film includes new footage approved by Coppola and will be available in a 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital combo pack with a SRP of $30.99 . Digital will be available on April 9 with the SRP of $7.99 (SD) and $9.99 (HD/UHD).

One from the Heart: Reprise is a spectacular 4K restoration and reimagining of the 1982 cult classic from Francis Ford Coppola. Six minutes of footage have been added to replace the original negative, previously thought to be destroyed, resulting in a brand-new Reprise version, approved by Coppola himself. One from the Heart: Reprise tells the story of a Las Vegas couple (Teri Garr, Frederic Forrest) whose break-up on the Fourth of July leads them both to a night on the Strip in pursuit of their romantic fantasies (Raul Julia, Nastassja Kinski). But in this town of gamblers and dreamers, should they bet it all on dreams, or give true love another roll of the dice? Featuring breathtaking design, show-stopping set pieces, the stunning photography of Vittorio Storaro (Apocalypse Now, The Last Emperor) and accompanied by the wonderful Oscar®-nominated music of the one and only Tom Waits, this neon explosion of color, sound, and innovation is a cinematic valentine for all movie lovers.

One from the Heart: Reprise - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray 

One from the Heart: Reprise - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray 

The Blu-ray + DVD + Digital combo pack includes Reprise on 4K Blu-ray and the 1982 cut on Blu-ray with the following supplements:

4K DISC – ONE FROM THE HEART: REPRISE
• Francis Ford Coppola Feature Commentary
NEW The Look of One from the Heart
NEW The Cast of One from the Heart
NEW The Choreography of One from the Heart
NEW Reinventing the Musical: Baz Luhrmann One from the Heart
NEW One from the Heart: Reprise, Restoration Comparison
NEW 2024 Trailer
 
BLU-RAY DISC – ONE FROM THE HEART 1982 CUT
• The Making of One from the Heart
• The Dream Studio
• The Electronic Cinema
• Tom Waits and the Music from One from the Heart
• Deleted Scenes
• Videotaped Rehearsals
• Francis Ford Coppola Speaks to the Exhibitors
• Press Conference at the Studio
• This One’s from the Heart Music Video
• Stop-Motion Demo
• The Tom Waits Score: Alternate Tracks
• 1982 and 2003 Theatrical Trailers

Pre-order listings for One from the Heart: Reprise - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray are up on Amazon, but it's not quite for sale yet, but it should be soon. Here's the full press release:


ONE FROM THE HEART: REPRISE

One from the Heart: Reprise

EST SD: $7.99 SRP  

EST HD/UHD: $9.99 SRP

Digital Street Date: 4/9/24

 

4K+BD+Digital: $30.99

PKG Street Date: 5/7/24

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

One from the Heart: Reprise is a spectacular 4K restoration and reimagining of the 1982 cult classic from Francis Ford Coppola. Six minutes of footage have been added to replace the original negative, previously thought to be destroyed, resulting in a brand-new Reprise version, approved by Coppola himself. Featuring breathtaking design, show-stopping set pieces, the stunning photography of Vittorio Storaro (Apocalypse Now, The Last Emperor) – and accompanied by the wonderful Oscar®-nominated music of the one and only Tom Waits – this neon explosion of color, sound, and innovation is a cinematic valentine for all movie lovers. The newly restored version of the visually stunning romantic musical is available for the suggested retail price of $7.99 EST (Standard Definition) and $9.99 EST (HD/UHD). And the wonders don’t end there! Included in the 4K + Blu-rayTM + Digital package are six brand-new special features (available on the 4K restoration) plus the 1982 cut on Blu-ray, filled with classic 1982 bonus content. The One from the Heart: Reprise package comes straight from the heart, and arrives 5/7/24 with an SRP of $30.99.

 

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

One from the Heart: Reprise is a spectacular 4K restoration and reimag ining of the 1982 cult classic from Francis Ford Coppola. Six minutes of footage have been added to replace the original negative, previously thought to be destroyed, resulting in a brand-new Reprise version, approved by Coppola himself. One from the Heart: Reprise tells the story of a Las Vegas couple (Teri Garr, Frederic Forrest) whose break-up on the Fourth of July leads them both to a night on the Strip in pursuit of their romantic fantasies (Raul Julia, Nastassja Kinski). But in this town of gamblers and dreamers, should they bet it all on dreams, or give true love another roll of the dice? Featuring breathtaking design, show-stopping set pieces, the stunning photography of Vittorio Storaro (Apocalypse Now, The Last Emperor) and accompanied by the wonderful Oscar®-nominated music of the one and only Tom Waits, this neon explosion of color, sound, and innovation is a cinematic valentine for all movie lovers.

 

CAST

Frederic Forrest         Apocalypse Now; The Conversation; The Rose

Teri Garr                  Tootsie; Close Encounters of the Third Kind; Young Frankenstein 

Nastassja Kinski        Tess; Paris, Texas; Cat People

Raul Julia                 The Addams Family; Kiss of the Spider Woman; Presumed Innocent

SPECIAL FEATURES (PKG RELEASE ONLY)

 

4K DISC – ONE FROM THE HEART: REPRISE

• Francis Ford Coppola Feature Commentary

• NEW The Look of One from the Heart

• NEW The Cast of One from the Heart

• NEW The Choreography of One from the Heart

• NEW Reinventing the Musical: Baz Luhrmann One from the Heart

• NEW One from the Heart: Reprise, Restoration Comparison

• NEW 2024 Trailer

 

BLU-RAY DISC – ONE FROM THE HEART 1982 CUT

• The Making of One from the Heart

• The Dream Studio

• The Electronic Cinema

• Tom Waits and the Music from One from the Heart

• Deleted Scenes

• Videotaped Rehearsals

• Francis Ford Coppola Speaks to the Exhibitors

• Press Conference at the Studio

• This One’s from the Heart Music Video

• Stop-Motion Demo

• The Tom Waits Score: Alternate Tracks

• 2003 Theatrical Trailer

• 1982 Theatrical Trailer

 

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Year of Production: 2023

Title Copyright: One from the Heart: Reprise © 2023 Zoetrope Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Type: New Release

Feature Run Time: Reprise Cut Approx. 93 Mins., 1982 Cut Approx. 102 Minutes

Rating: Not Rated

Genre: Musical, Romance, Drama

Closed-Captioned: N/A

Subtitles: English, German, English SDH

Format: 16x9 (1.37:1) Presentation

Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master AudioTM, English 2.0 LPCM Stereo

It's Madamin' Time! 'Madame Web' Spins Up a 4K UHD, Blu-ray, & SteelBook Release April 30th

Witness the origin of all of the Dakota Johnson memes with Sony's Madame Web! The latest extension into the Spider-Man universe can be yours on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and a limited edition SteelBook April 30th

Some movies are made to entertain, and some movies entertain because they become awkward memes. From the first trailer, Madame Web didn't have an easy time getting fans excited for this latest Spider-Man spin-off (no pun intended). Bad reviews, poor box office, and some amazing Dakota Johnson interviews later the film is finally coming home to Blu-ray and 4K UHD letting you research spiders in the Amazon... 

Madame Web tells the standalone origin story of one of Marvel publishing's most enigmatic heroines. The suspense-driven thriller stars Dakota Johnson as Cassandra Webb, a paramedic in Manhattan who may have clairvoyant abilities. Forced to confront revelations about her past, she forges a relationship with three young women destined for powerful futures...if they can all survive a deadly present.

Madame Web - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray 

Madame Web - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray SteelBook 

Madame Web - Blu-ray 

 

BONUS FEATURES

  • Gag Reel 
  • Easter Eggs
  • Oracle Of The Page 
  • Fight Like A Spider 
  • Future Vision 
  • Casting The Web 
  • Deleted Scene

CAST AND CREW:

  • Directed by: SJ Clarkson 
  • Produced by: Lorenzo di Bonaventura
  • Based on The: Marvel Comics
  • Story by:  Kerem Sanga and Matt Sazama & Burk Sharpless 
  • Screenplay by: Matt Sazama &  Burk Sharpless and Claire Parker & SJ Clarkson
  • Executive Producers: Adam Merims, SJ Clarkson, Claire Parker
  • Cast: Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O’Connor, Tahar Rahim, Mike Epps, Emma Roberts, Adam Scott

SPECS:

Run Time: Approx. 116 minutes

Rating: PG-13 for violence/action and language

4K UHD: 2160p Ultra High Definition / 2.39:1• Audio: English Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 compatible), English & French (Doublé au Québec)- Audio Description Tracks 5.1 Dolby Digital  • Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish • Color • Some of The Information Listed May Not Apply To Special Features or the Blu-ray disc ™

Blu-ray™: 1080p High Definition / 2.39:1 • Audio: English, French (Doublé au Québec), Spanish 5.1 DTS-HD MA, English & French (Doublé au Québec)- Audio Description Tracks 5.1 Dolby Digital  • Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish • Mastered in High Definition • Color • Some of The Information Listed May Not Apply To Special Features.

Pre-orders for Madame Web and all her disc formats are live and ready - Happy Collecting!

Picnic at the Empire State Building - HDD's 4K UHD & Blu-ray Shopping Guide, Apr 7, 2024

 Is not a lot of witticism to open with this week, it basically being an ordinary slow week. As far as physical media and entertainment, we keep chugging along.

 Welcome to Volume 4 Episode 45 of our weekly release guide. A look at the highlights of what's coming to disc the week of April 7th - April 13th, as well as a look at announcements from last week.

4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases-

 4K catalog week, part deux, or is it part tres. No matter, here's what to look for this week. Two weeks to the next wallet-buster.

 From Paramount Pictures, the SteelBook of King Kong (1976). Shout Factory very recently did a blu-ray release of this one. The lesson we learned from the Shout release was not to go in with high expectations as the source material has a few issues. Still, I expect this release to look the best of all the previous releases.

 

 From the Criterion Collection, Picnic at Hanging Rock. When I ordered the Second Sight UK fat-pack some time back, I did so knowing full well that Criterion would probably be doing a US release. But at the same time, Criterion does not offer it in a fancy edition or a swag filled fat-pack, so I am still happy with what I got.

 

 From Massacre Video and (maybe) this week, action/horror Postal.

 

 Closing out the category, an MPI Mediabook of Don Lee's The Roundup: No Way Out. For now, to get the original film with a Mediabook, it's blu-ray only.

 

Blu-ray releases-

 Blu-ray counterparts of the above 4K releases? This week look for The Roundup: No Way Out, in a standard edition blu-ray.

 The rest of the category has a little bit of wallet-recharge vibe to it. Here are a few things though that you may want to ponder.

 Two entries from Universal Pictures, Lisa Frankenstein: Collector's Edition and Night Swim: Collector's Edition. Are studios overusing the term Collector's Edition? If you are hollaring Where's the 4K? to truly make it a Collector's Edition, I won't disagree with you here. Not every movie gets such a physical release, but then some just seem inevitable. Whether a 4K double-dip is on our future, by Universal or Turbine, that is to be determined. [Edit: A UK 4K edition for Lisa Frankenstein is already available for preorder with a sttreet date in June, and it looks like Night Swim is coming in May, so, back to posing the original question to Universal/Blumhouse. Some people don't link importing though as there is a small chance of compatibility issues. Often times the enclose blu-ray on these UK releases are region locked.]

 

 Doom Patrol: The Complete Fourth and Final Season comes to us via Warner Bros. You can also get a Complete Series set if you waited for this point of the series.

 

 From the MVD Rewind Collection label, action flick Mean Guns: Collector's Edition.

 The only Anime Highlight this week is Peter Grill and the Philosopher's Time Super Extra (Season 2). I feel like we have been stuck at the previous season for awhile, so this is quite welcome.

 

 If you have been waiting for the non-Walmart Exclusive edition of Winnie the Pooh: Blood & Honey, it comes as a standard release this week. Can you believe there are already two sequels to this? One is already made, the other is in the works. The film was made on a low budget, and there are a couple of territories which it is available as a 4K disc, but those releases are probably not much of an upgrade.

 Worthy Mention: Fourteen years after Warner Bros releases it, Shout Factory brings us a new edition of Lost in Space: Collector's Edition.

 

Notable announcements from last week:

 Paramount has revealed the next Paramount Presents label title to be Chinatown, as a 4K release with a bonus blu-ray of Two Jakes. Expect to see this release June 18th.

 LionsGate will be releasing a blu-ray of Blumhouse's Imaginary on May 14th. Yup, I will say it again this time .... Blumhouse, what's with the lack of 4K releases of so much of your library? Time to catch up with 2024.

 Shout Factory's various labels have revealed releases for June. They are an interesting slate that include Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning, Matinee 4K, Robocop (2014) 4K, Robocop 2 4K,  The First Slam Dunk and Species II 4K. Yeah, my video wall is probably going to burst with that slate.

 

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?



Ethan Coen's 'Drive-Away Dolls' Hits the Road to Blu-ray on April 23

Universal is preparing to release Ethan Coen's film Drive-Away Dolls on Blu-ray + DVD + Digital combo pack on April 23.

The road-trip comedy starring Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal, Colman Domingo, and Bill Camp will be streaming exclusively on Peacock April 12. Digital purchases and rentals will also be available on the same date.

Written by Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke, the story follows Jamie (Margaret Qualley), an uninhibited free spirit bemoaning yet another breakup with a girlfriend, and her demure friend Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan), who desperately needs to loosen up. In search of a fresh start, the two embark on an impromptu road trip to Tallahassee, but things quickly go awry when they cross paths with a group of inept criminals along the way.

Drive-Away Dolls - Blu-ray 

Drive-Away Dolls 

The Blu-ray + DVD + Digital combo pack includes a English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 soundtrack and the following supplements: 

 

  • THE DRIVE-AWAY GANG – Sit down with the cast and filmmakers of DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS as they discuss their roles, getting into character, and the exciting cameo appearances.
  • DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS: AN ETHAN AND TRICIA PROJECT – Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke discuss what inspired them to write this story, why they waited 20 years to bring it to life, and what it was like working together on a project from start to finish for the first time.
  • ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS

Pre-orders for Drive-Away Dolls are up and here is the full press release:


WATCH THE LATEST FILM FROM  ACCLAIMED DIRECTOR ETHAN COEN AND WRITER TRICIA COOKE

Drive-Away Dolls

AVAILABLE TO OWN ON DIGITAL & BLU-RAY™ 

EXCLUSIVE NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN BONUS CONTENT

AVAILABLE ONLY ON DIGITAL APRIL 12, 2024 

AND BLU-RAY™ APRIL 23, 2022

THE HILARIOUS ROAD-TRIP COMEDY CAPER ALSO STREAMS EXCLUSIVELY ON PEACOCK APRIL 12

Universal City, California, April 5, 2024 – Bring home Academy Award® winner Ethan Coen’s (The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, The Big Lebowski) solo directorial debut with DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS. The film will be making its streaming premiere exclusively on Peacock beginning April 12th. It will also be available to own with exclusive bonus features, including a sit down with the cast and filmmakers, on Digital April 12, 2024 and on Blu-rayTM April 23, 2024, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

 

This new road trip comedy caper film showcases an all-star cast including Primetime Emmy Award® nominee Margaret Qualley (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), Geraldine Viswanathan (Blockers), Beanie Feldstein (Booksmart, Lady Bird), Matt Damon (Oppenheimer, Ford v Ferrari), Primetime Emmy Award® nominee Pedro Pascal (“The Last of Us”),  Colman Domingo (Rustin, The Color Purple), and Primetime Emmy Award® nominee Bill Camp ( “The Queen’s Gambit,” “The Night Of”).

 

Written by Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke, the story follows Jamie (Margaret Qualley), an uninhibited free spirit bemoaning yet another breakup with a girlfriend, and her demure friend Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan), who desperately needs to loosen up. In search of a fresh start, the two embark on an impromptu road trip to Tallahassee, but things quickly go awry when they cross paths with a group of inept criminals along the way.

 

BONUS FEATURES on DIGITAL, BLU-RAYTM AND DVD: 

• THE DRIVE-AWAY GANG – Sit down with the cast and filmmakers of DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS as they discuss their roles, getting into character, and the exciting cameo appearances.

• DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS: AN ETHAN AND TRICIA PROJECT – Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke discuss what inspired them to write this story, why they waited 20 years to bring it to life, and what it was like working together on a project from start to finish for the first time.

• ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS

For more information on DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS please visit:

Press Advisory: https://www.uphe.com/press-release/drive-away-dolls-press-release

UPHE Website: https://www.uphe.com/movies/drive-away-dolls

Peacock: www.peacocktv.com/stream-movies/drive-away-dolls

Trailer: https://uni.pictures/DriveAwayDolls_HomeEntTrailer

Facebook: /Drive-Away Dolls |/UniversalPicturesAllAccess

X: @DriveAwayDolls | @UniAllAccess

Instagram: @DriveAwayDolls | @UniAllAccess

#DriveAwayDolls

 

FILMMAKERS:

Cast: Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Colman Domingo, Pedro Pascal, Bill Camp, and Matt Damon

Casting By: Ellen Chenoweth and Rachel Tenner

Music By: Carter Burwell

Costume Designer: Peggy Schnitzer

Edited By: Tricia Cooke

Production Designer: Yong Ok Lee

Director Of Photography: Ari Wegner, ACS, ASC

Produced By: Ethan Coen, Tricia Cooke, Robert Graf, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner

Written By: Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke

Directed By: Ethan Coen

 

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BLU-RAYTM:

Street Date: April 23, 2024

Selection Number: 191329255988

Layers: BD 50

Aspect Ratio: 16:9 1.85:1 Widescreen

Rating: R for crude sexual content, full nudity, language and some violent content

Subtitles: English SDH, French Canadian, and Latin American Spanish

Languages/Sound: English (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 for Feature, Dolby Digital 2.0 for Bonus Content), French Canadian (Dolby Digital Surround 5.1), and Latin American Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1)

Run Time: 01:23:37

 

TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD:

Street Date: April 23, 2024

Selection Number: 191329255766

Layers: DVD 9

Aspect Ratio: 16:9 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen

Rating: R for crude sexual content, full nudity, language and some violent content

Subtitles: English SDH, French Canadian, and Latin American Spanish

Languages/Sound: English (Dolby Digital 5.1 for Feature, Dolby Digital 2.0 for Bonus Content), French Canadian (Dolby Digital 5.1 for Feature), and Latin American Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1)

Run Time: 01:23:27

 

ABOUT UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT:

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (UPHE – www.uphe.com) is a unit of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG). UFEG produces, acquires, markets and distributes filmed entertainment worldwide in various media formats for theatrical, home entertainment, television and other distribution platforms, as well as consumer products, interactive gaming and live entertainment. The global division includes Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, Universal Brand Development, Fandango, DreamWorks Animation Film and Television.  UFEG is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience.  NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

 

ABOUT PEACOCK:

Peacock is NBCUniversal’s streaming service providing audiences a singular, unmatched content destination. As one of the most complete streaming products on the market, Peacock offers exclusive breakout original series; more than 8,000 hours of live sports and entertainment programming; hit movies right after theaters from Universal Pictures, Focus Features, DreamWorks Animation and Illumination; next-day access to all new shows from NBC and Bravo; fan-favorite library content; daily live news; as well as live channels from brands including Hallmark and WWE. Built on the foundation of NBCUniversal with a spirit that is all Peacock, the platform delivers for its audiences with innovative technology, creative partnerships, and entertainment that is truly entertaining.

 

'Imaginary' Makes Blu-ray Its New BFF on May 14

Lionsgate and Blumhouse are set to release Jeff Wadlow's horror film Imaginary on Blu-ray + DVD + Digital combo pack on May 14. Digital arrives a week earlier on May 7.

Imaginary features Blumhouse's next horror icon Chauncey the Bear and the Blu-ray will include several supplements and a Dolby Atmos soundtrack. 

When Jessica moves back into her childhood home with her family, her youngest stepdaughter, Alice, finds a stuffed bear named Chauncey. As Alice's behavior becomes more and more concerning, Jessica intervenes only to realize that Chauncey is much more than the stuffed toy bear she believed him to be.

Imaginary - Blu-ray

Imaginary 

The Blu-ray + DVD + Digital combo pack includes Dolby Atmos audio and the following supplements: 

  • Audio Commentary by Producer-Cowriter-Director Jeff Wadlow and Executive Producer-Actress DeWanda Wise
  • Meet Your New Imaginary Friends
    Meet the cast of Imaginary as they discuss the meaning behind their characters and the terrifying creatures of the Never Ever. They also discuss the universal childhood experience of imaginary friends and how that plays such a crucial part in how they worked through this film.
  • Frills and Thrills
    Costume designer Eulyn C. Hufkie uncovers the real-life inspirations behind her designs for the leading ladies of Imaginary. 
  • Crafting the Beasts of Imaginary
    Meet Mark Viniello, Claire Flewin, Richard Landon, and Tim Huizing, the Spectral Motion team and puppeteers behind Chauncey the Bear and Bear Beast. Prepare to be amazed as they guide you through a captivating showcase, unveiling their remarkable creations. Immerse yourself in the behind-the-scenes and feature footage that reveals the magic behind each practical effect and how they breathe life into the world of Imaginary.
  • Bringing Nightmares to Life
    Step into the realm of nightmares as you embark on the Never Ever created by production designer Meghan C. Rogers. We’re guided through the home’s terrifying rooms, each infused with an unsettling sense of dread. We unveil the builds, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that brings Jessica’s nightmares to life, from the writing on the walls to the haunting crawl space entrance into Never Ever. Here you’ll gain insight into the twisted world of Imaginary. 

Pre-orders for Imaginary are up and here is the full press release:


 

Imaginary Blu-ray

On Electronic Sell-Through May 7 and Blu-ray™, DVD, and Digital May 14 from Lionsgate® 

Hold Blumhouse’s newest nightmare in your own arms!

SANTA MONICA, CA (April 2, 2024) – Keep your new best friend forever when IMAGINARY arrives on Electronic Sell-Through May 7 and Blu-ray™ (+ DVD and Digital), and DVD from Lionsgate. IMAGINARY stars Chauncey the Bear, Blumhouse’s latest horror icon, now ready to play in your imagination at home! But remember, Chauncey is not imaginary, and not your friend. Alongside Chauncey are his human castmates DeWanda Wise (Jurassic World Dominion), Tom Payne (“The Walking Dead”), Taegen Burns (“The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers”), Pyper Braun (Desperation Road), Betty Buckley (Carrie), Matthew Sato (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”), and Veronica Falcón (“Ozark”).

When Jessica moves back into her childhood home with her family, her youngest stepdaughter, Alice, finds a stuffed bear named Chauncey. As Alice's behavior becomes more and more concerning, Jessica intervenes only to realize that Chauncey is much more than the stuffed toy bear she believed him to be.

 

Lionsgate and Blumhouse present, a Tower of Babble production. Written by Jeff Wadlow & Greg Erb & Jason Oremland. Directed by Jeff Wadlow.

 

On May 7, Imaginary will be available on Electronic Sell-Through for $14.99 and on May 14, Imaginary will also be available on Blu-ray™ (+ DVD and Digital) for $39.99 and on DVD for $29.96.

 

CAST:

• DeWanda Wise                Jurassic World Dominion, The Harder They Fall

• Tom Payne                      “Prodigal Son,” “The Walking Dead”

• Taegen Burns                  “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers,” “Blue Ridge”

• Pyper Braun                     Desperation Road, “Erin & Aaron”

• Betty Buckley                  Split, The Happening, Carrie

• Matthew Sato                  “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”

• And Veronica Falcón       “Ozark,” “Perry Mason,” The Forever Purge

 

SPECIAL FEATURES:

• Audio Commentary by Producer-Cowriter-Director Jeff Wadlow and Executive Producer-Actress DeWanda Wise

• Meet Your New Imaginary Friends

Meet the cast of Imaginary as they discuss the meaning behind their characters and the terrifying creatures of the Never Ever. They also discuss the universal childhood experience of imaginary friends and how that plays such a crucial part in how they worked through this film.

• Frills and Thrills

Costume designer Eulyn C. Hufkie uncovers the real-life inspirations behind her designs for the leading ladies of Imaginary. 

• Crafting the Beasts of Imaginary

Meet Mark Viniello, Claire Flewin, Richard Landon, and Tim Huizing, the Spectral Motion team and puppeteers behind Chauncey the Bear and Bear Beast. Prepare to be amazed as they guide you through a captivating showcase, unveiling their remarkable creations. Immerse yourself in the behind-the-scenes and feature footage that reveals the magic behind each practical effect and how they breathe life into the world of Imaginary.

• Bringing Nightmares to Life

Step into the realm of nightmares as you embark on the Never Ever created by production designer Meghan C. Rogers. We’re guided through the home’s terrifying rooms, each infused with an unsettling sense of dread. We unveil the builds, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that brings Jessica’s nightmares to life, from the writing on the walls to the haunting crawl space entrance into Never Ever. Here you’ll gain insight into the twisted world of Imaginary. 

 

 

Official Site: https://www.imaginary.movie/

Publicity Materials: https://www.lionsgatepublicity.com/theatrical/imaginary

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imaginaryfilm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImaginaryFilm/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ImaginaryFilm

Hashtag:#ImaginaryFilm

 

PROGRAM INFORMATION 

Year of Production: 2024

Title Copyright: Imaginary © 2024 Lions Gate Films Inc. and Blumhouse Productions, LLC. Artwork & Supplementary Materials ®, ™ & © 2024 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Type: New Release

Rating: PG-13 for some violent content, drug material and language

Genre: Horror, Mystery

Feature Run Time: 1hr 44min

Subtitles: English, English SDH, Spanish, French

Closed-Captioned: No

Blu-ray™ Format: 1080p High Definition 16x9 (2.39:1) Presentation 

DVD Format: 16x9 (2.39:1) Presentation 

Blu-ray Audio:  English Dolby Atmos, English Descriptive Audio, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Audio

DVD Audio:  English 5.1 Dolby Audio, English Descriptive Audio, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Audio

 

We Ain't Fool'n You - April 2024 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Shopping Guide

Now that we've gotten past the intense craziness of three James Cameron releases all in one shot, we can get back to enjoying a full schedule of exciting new and catalog titles on everyone's favorite 2160p disc format.  

If March wasn't busy enough, one specific director dominated the release slate with three of his biggest hits delivering three impressive albeit controversial discs. Compounding the problem was the scarcity issue as online retailers struggled to get product out failing to meet preorders by weeks at a time. Well, now that's all over with, we can get back looking at some new and exciting gems while letting our wallets recover a bit. Overall April is a pretty slim month compared to recent frames, but what's coming in is pretty exciting. We have a range of new recent theatrical hits on top of a nice selection of deep-cut comedy, action, drama, and horror titles debuting on the format.

April 2024 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Shopping Guide 


April 2nd, 4K UHD Releases  

The first week of the month is a mix of reissues, rescheduled, with a couple of eclectic catalog titles. Who'da thought that Cutthroat Island would come to 4K UHD, let alone command a SteelBook release at that? Major League is a sports comedy classic so let's hope it looks and sounds great! 

     

     

 

Now, we have seen images of new Mondo X 4K SteelBooks for Doctor StrangeThe Avengers, Black Panther, and Guardians of the Galaxy popping up. Supposedly these are Walmart exclusives, but we couldn't find them on Walmart's website so we don't know if the release has been pushed back, or if they're so limited you can't order them online at all. We'll keep an eye out all the same and update if that changes. And just like that things change, the Mondo Walmart Exclusive Marvel SteelBooks are now available online and in stores, but they are selling fast! 

    

Technically arriving April, 5th since it's a music release:


April 9th, 4K UHD Releases 

The second frame of the month sees a little bit of a slowdown. A small mix of new and catalog titles, it gives us a slight financial breather but there are still some good ones to keep an eye on. 

     

 


April 16th, 4K UHD Releases 

For another quiet week, how well did you enjoy the cinematic and television versions of Tom Clancy's favorite CIA analyst? The only other major new 4K release this frame is only one of the greatest films ever made... 

      

   


April 23rd, 4K UHD Releases  

A busy frame from one end to the next, it's also a pretty wild and eclectic slate featuring some classic exploitation flicks, animated superheroes, weepy dramas, Jason Statham, and the movie that finally nabbed Scorsese his Best Director Oscar. 

     

      

         

   


April 30th, 4K UHD Releases 

Not to go out quietly, April ends on one of the busiest, most diverse notes for new title and catalog 4K releases. 

     

     

       

     

 

 

 

 

And that is what we have for domestic 4K releases aiming to crash into our collections through the month of April. It starts slow, but some great titles are coming and the final week of the month is a hell of a frame (and an expensive one!). As always some of these release dates could be changed and some last-minute releases have been known to sneak in - if and when that happens we'll update the shopping guide ASAP. Until then - Happy Collecting!

    

Forget it Jake, it's 4K - Chinatown 50th Anniversary - Paramount Presents 4K UHD Coming June 18

Paramount celebrates the 50th anniversary of the classic noir Chinatown starring Jack Nicholson with a limited edition 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release on June 18. Pre-orders are now available.

Chinatown was nominated for 11 Academy Awards including Best Picture and is now preserved in the U.S.'s National Film Registry at the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant." This limited-edition release not only includes Chinatown fully restored on 4K UHD Blu-ray, but also the sequel - The Two Jakes on Blu-ray as well as new and legacy content.

Jack Nicholson is unforgettable as private eye Jake Gittes, living off the murky moral climate of sunbaked, pre-war Southern California. Hired by a beautiful socialite (Faye Dunaway) to investigate her husband's extra-marital affair, Gittes is swept into a maelstrom of double dealings and deadly deceits, uncovering a web of personal and political scandals that come crashing together for one, unforgettable night.

Chinatown 50th Anniversary - Paramount Presents 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Chinatown 50th Anniversary - Paramount Presents 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
 

The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray + Digital Limited Edition release presents the fully restored Chinatown in 4K, plus the film's sequel, The Two Jakes, on Blu-ray. The release also includes new and legacy supplements as follows:

New bonus content is detailed below:

  • A State of Mind: Author Sam Wasson On Chinatown – Sam Wasson, film historian and bestselling author of The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years Of Hollywood, on the importance of the film and its legacy.   
  • Chinatown Memories Legendary producer Hawk Koch shares stories from his time as assistant director on the film.  
  • The Trilogy That Never Was – Sam Wasson discusses the planned third installment of what would have been a trio of movies featuring the character Jake Gittes. 

 

Additional legacy bonus content:

  • Commentary by screenwriter Robert Towne with David Fincher
  • Water and Power
    • The Aqueduct
    • The Aftermath
    • The River & Beyond
  • Chinatown: An Appreciation
  • Chinatown: The Beginning and the End
  • Chinatown: Filming
  • Chinatown: Legacy
  • Theatrical Trailer

Pre-orders for Chinatown 50th Anniversary - Paramount Presents 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray are now live!

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