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Let There Be Dragons! 4K UHD & Blu-ray Shopping Guide - Dec 18, 2022Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, or whichever holiday you partake in this time of year, best wishes to you. Just think, 2023 is literally around the corner. Welcome to Volume 3 Episode 30 of our weekly release guide. A look at the highlights of what's coming to disc the week of December 18th - December 24th, as well as a look at announcements from last week. 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases- There's no other way to say it other than this week is all about House of the Dragon: Season 1. Available as both a standard edition and as a SteelBook edition. If you opt to import it, Amazon UK has an exclusive SteelBook that is almost identical, but has a sleeve with character cards in it. If you were 'lucky' enough, a major big-box retailer may have put these out early, as in, last week. Universal/Focus Features and their short-date announcements, they just added Tár by academy award nominated filmmaker Todd Field and starring two-time Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett to Tuesday's releases. On to catalog titles, from Kino Lorber, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974). Having seen the remake originally, I was pleasantly surprised how well the original was made, especially considering it to be a 1974 film. Shall we play a game? WarGames comes to us via Shout! Factory. Made during the height of the Cold War, it was definitely a heavy topic at the time. In a way, it still is. No slipcover for this one, if that's a deciding factor. Next week an October 'holiday' concludes, not my jester and scary follow-up. Blu-ray releases- Blu-ray counterparts of the above titles to get a release this week are House of the Dragon: Season 1 and Tár. Not going to really add too much 'fluff' here, it's a slow week for releases. January 3rd we will probably have to 'fluff' it as much as possible. New comedy/drama from Fox Searchlight titled The Banshees of Inisherin. Last week I mentioned there were more SandPiper releases this week. SandPiper is the label that has been reissuing a lot of Twilight Time exclusives and othr similar titles that would have been TT releases. This week look for The Bridge at Remagen, Holiday Heart, The Hawaiians, The Hospital, Moll Flanders and Wild Bill (1995). A comedic superhero type film from Paramount titled Secret Headquarters with Owen Wilson and Michael Peña. Anime highlights include Carole & Tuesday - Complete Collection, Chaika the Coffin Princess - Complete Series, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Entertainment District Arc, My Hero Academia: Season 5 Part 2, which comes as a standard edition and a limited edition, Requiem of the Rose King - Part 1, Scarlet Nexus - Season 1 Part 2 and Teasing Master Takagi-san 3 - Complete Collection. You really did not think we would go a week without LionsGate and/or Bruce Willis, did you? This action/thriller is titled Paradise City, and as an added bonus, John Travolta stars with Willis. I wouldn't count on this one being on time, but Tales of the Walking Dead: The Complete First Season is still listed for Tuesday with no cover art or description, so expect a delay. Notable announcements from last week: 88 Films has revealed that In the Line of Duty: I - IV will be coming in May. Warner Bros. has announced Bones and All will be coming January 31. Criterion collection's March releases have been announced, check out the article here. Arrow Video has also announced their March releases, no 4K for the U.S., only the UK, but what we do get is Black Sunday, The House That Screamed and Knockabout. 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?Posted Sun Dec 18, 2022 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
The Menu Announced for Bu-ray on January 17Searchlight Pictures' critically-acclaimed dark comedy starring Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Nicholas Hoult arrives on Blu-ray and DVD on January 17. Read our review here. A young couple (Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult) travels to a coastal island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef (Ralph Fiennes) has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises. The dark comedy is written by Seth Reiss & Will Tracy, and directed by Mark Mylod. The Blu-ray will include an in-depth featurette and deleted scenes with a DTS-MA 5.1 soundtrack. The Menu Order your copy today and here is the full press release: . “A TASTY SATIRE” – Owen Gleiberman, Variety Bon appétit! Searchlight Pictures’ deliciously twisted thriller The Menu Arrives on Digital January 3 and Blu-ray™ and DVD January 17 ---------------- First Course ---------------- BURBANK, CA (December 15, 2022) – From Searchlight Pictures and director Mark Mylod (Succession) comes the satirical thriller The Menu. This outrageous tale of fine dining has been celebrated by critics as “gloriously twisted” (Chris Evangelista, Slash Film) “wildly entertaining” (Alan Cerny, Vital Thrills) and “undeniably fun” (Brian Tallerico, RogerEbert.com). The film is Certified-Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes™ and arrives on Digital January 3 and Blu-ray and DVD on January 17, with never-before-seen bonus content that takes viewers behinds the scenes and inside the kitchen. Film Synopsis A young couple (Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult) travels to a coastal island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef (Ralph Fiennes) has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises. The dark comedy is written by Seth Reiss & Will Tracy, and directed by Mark Mylod. ---------------- Second Course ---------------- Bonus Features* Featurette · Open Kitchen: A Look Inside The Menu - Feast on the special ingredients of The Menu to see how director Mark Mylod and his formidable cast, the biting script and renowned chef consultants concocted the perfect recipe to bring authenticity and dark humor to the film’s high-end culinary world. o First Course: Take a seat at the table as director Mark Mylod delves into some of the key ingredients that went into crafting The Menu. Meet the renowned chefs and food stylist who brought their culinary expertise to the set. o Second Course: Savor the world-building of Hawthorn, from kitchen “boot camp,” to the meticulous details of the production design. Hear from the cast and writers about the director’s naturalistic approach to capturing the nuances of the performances. o Dessert: Dig into the creation of the s’mores sequence as costume designer Amy Westcott explains the painstaking process of sewing ponchos made of actual marshmallows. The cast discusses chocolate hats and the absurd predicament of their characters. Deleted Scenes · And for a mignardise, enjoy three deleted scenes… *Bonus features vary by product and retailer Cast Ralph Fiennes as Julian Slowik Anya Taylor-Joy as Margot Mills Nicholas Hoult as Tyler Hong Chau as Elsa Janet McTeer as Lillian Bloom Reed Birney as Richard Liebbrandt Judith Light as Anne Liebbrandt And John Leguizamo as Movie Star Directed by Mark Mylod Produced by Adam McKay p.g.a., Betsy Koch p.g.a., Will Ferrell Written by Seth Reiss & Will Tracy Product Specifications Street Date Digital: January 3, 2023 Physical: January 17, 2023 Product SKUs Digital: UHD, HD, SD Physical: Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + Digital Code) & DVD ---------------- Third Course ---------------- Feature Run Time 107 minutes Rating U.S. Rated R **For strong/disturbing violent content, language throughout and some sexual references **Bonus material not rated Aspect Ratio Digital: 2.35:1 Physical: 2.35:1 U.S. Audio Blu-ray: English 5.1 DTS-HDMA, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, English AD 2.0 Dolby Digital DVD: English 5.1 Dolby, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital English AD 2.0 Dolby Digital: 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, English Descriptive Audio 2.0 Dolby Digital (some platforms), Spanish 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital U.S. Subtitles Blu-ray: English SDH, Spanish, French DVD: English SDH, Spanish, French Digital: English SDH, French, Spanish (some platforms) ---------------- Dessert ---------------- Trailer available on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZKMBROJFro Social Media Twitter: @searchlightpics Facebook: @searchlightpics Instagram: @searchlightpics #TheMenuPosted Thu Dec 15, 2022 at 11:58 AM PST by: -
Criterion's March 2023 Releases include Mildred Pierce (1945) on 4K UHD Blu-rayJoining the upgrade of Michael Curtiz' Mildred Pierce to 4K Ultra HD is John Woo's Last Hurrah for Chivalry, David Lynch's Inland Empire, and Joan Micklin Silver's Chilly Scenes of Winter on Blu-ray. First out of the gate is the 1945 classic Mildred Pierce on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray starring Joan Crawford on March 7th. Mildred Pierce - The Criterion Collection Melodrama casts noirish shadows in this portrait of maternal sacrifice from Hollywood master Michael Curtiz. Joan Crawford’s iconic performance as Mildred, a single mother hell-bent on freeing her children from the stigma of economic hardship, solidified Crawford’s career comeback and gave the actor her only Oscar. But as Mildred pulls herself up by her bootstraps, first as an unflappable waitress and eventually as the well-heeled owner of a successful restaurant chain, the ingratitude of her materialistic firstborn (a diabolical Ann Blyth) becomes a venomous serpent’s tooth, setting in motion an endless cycle of desperate overtures and heartless recriminations. Recasting James M. Cain’s rich psychological novel as a murder mystery, this bitter cocktail of blind parental love and all-American ambition is both unremittingly hard-boiled and sumptuously emotional. 4K UHD + BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES • 4K digital transfer, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack • One 4K UHD disc of the film presented in HDR and one Blu-ray with the film and special features • Conversation with critics Molly Haskell and Robert Polito • Excerpt from a 1970 episode of The David Frost Show featuring actor Joan Crawford • Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star, a 2002 feature-length documentary • Q&A with actor Ann Blyth from 2006, presented by filmmaker Marc Huestis and conducted by film historian Eddie Muller • Segment from a 1969 episode of the Today show featuring Mildred Pierce novelist James M. Cain • Trailer • English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing • PLUS: An essay by critic Imogen Sara Smith 1945 • 111 minutes • Black & White • Monaural • 1.37:1 aspect ratio Next on March 14th comes John Woo's Last Hurrah For Chivalry on Blu-ray. Last Hurrah for Chivalry - The Criterion Collection Before he became known as the master of the bullet-riddled heroic tragedy, John Woo sharpened his trademark themes and kinetic action choreography with this whirlwind wuxia spectacle. Unaware they are caught in a deadly game of deception, a pair of rambunctious swordsmen (Wai Pak and Damian Lau) join forces to help a nobleman (Lau Kong) in his quest for vengeance. Paying thrilling homage to his mentor, martial-arts innovator Chang Cheh, Woo delivers both bravura swordplay set pieces and a bloodstained interrogation of the meaning of brotherhood and honor in a world in which loyalty is bought and sold. BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES • 2K digital restoration, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio and uncompressed monaural soundtracks • Alternate English-dubbed tracks • Audio interview with director John Woo • New interview with Grady Hendrix, author of These Fists Break Bricks • Trailer • New English subtitle translation • PLUS: An essay by scholar Aaron Han Joon Magnan-Park 1979 • 106 minutes • Color • 5.1 surround • In Cantonese with English subtitles • 2.39:1 aspect ratio Fans of David Lynch will be pleased that Inland Empire will be joining the Criterion Collection on Blu-ray on March 21st. Inland Empire - The Criterion Collection “Strange, what love does.” The role of a lifetime, a Hollywood mystery, a woman in trouble . . . David Lynch’s first digitally shot feature makes visionary use of the medium to weave a vast meditation on the enigmas of time, identity, and cinema itself. Featuring a tour de force performance from Laura Dern as an actor on the edge, this labyrinthine Dream Factory nightmare tumbles down an endless series of unfathomably interconnected rabbit holes as it takes viewers on a hallucinatory odyssey into the deepest realms of the unconscious mind. DIRECTOR-APPROVED TWO-BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES • New HD digital master, made from the 4K restoration supervised by director David Lynch, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio and uncompressed stereo soundtracks, newly remastered by Lynch and original rerecording mixers Dean Hurley and Ron Eng • Two films from 2007, LYNCH (one) and LYNCH2, by blackANDwhite, the makers of David Lynch: The Art Life • New conversation between actors Laura Dern and Kyle MacLachlan • More Things That Happened, seventy-five minutes of extra scenes • Ballerina, a 2007 short film by Lynch • Reading by Lynch of excerpts from Room to Dream, his 2018 book with critic Kristine McKenna • Trailer • New English subtitle translation and English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing • PLUS: Excerpts from Richard A. Barney’s book David Lynch: Interviews 2006 • 180 minutes • Color/Black & White • 5.1 surround • 1.85:1 aspect ratio And finally, on March 28th we have Joan Micklin Silver's Chilly Scenes of Winter starring John Heard and Mary Beth Hurt on Blu-ray. Chilly Scenes of Winter - The Criterion Collection The trailblazing Joan Micklin Silver—one of only five women to direct a film for a Hollywood studio in the 1970s—digs fearlessly into the psychology of a thorny relationship in this anti–romantic comedy, based on Ann Beattie’s best-selling novel, about lovelorn civil servant Charles (John Heard) and his married-but-separated coworker Laura (Mary Beth Hurt). Months after their affair has ended, Charles is haunted by memories as he desperately attempts to rekindle a love that perhaps never was. Switching deftly between past and present, Micklin Silver guides this piercing deconstruction of male wish-fulfillment fantasy beyond standard movie-romance tropes into something more complicated and cuttingly truthful. BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES • New, restored 4K digital transfer, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack • New program featuring producers Griffin Dunne, Mark Metcalf, and Amy Robinson • Documentary from 1983 by Katja Raganelli about director Joan Micklin Silver • Excerpts of a 2005 interview with Micklin Silver • Original ending of the film, cut by Micklin Silver for its rerelease in 1982 • Trailer • English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing • PLUS: An essay by scholar Shonni Enelow 1979 • 95 minutes • Color • Monaural • 1.85:1 aspect ratio Pre-order info has yet to be published but as always we'll be sure to update as soon as they become available.Posted Thu Dec 15, 2022 at 10:38 AM PST by: -
Strange World Arrives on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on February 14Disney's 61st animated feature blasts off to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital on February 14. Strange World introduces a legendary family of explorers, the Clades, as they attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob called Splat; Legend, the family dog; and a slew of ravenous creatures. The voice cast includes Academy Award®*- and Tony Award®-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal as Searcher Clade, a family man who finds himself out of his element on an unpredictable mission; Emmy®- and two-time Golden Globe®-nominee Dennis Quaid as Searcher’s larger-than-life explorer father, Jaeger; comedian, actor, writer, filmmaker and musician Jaboukie Young-White as Searcher’s 16-year-old, adventure-seeking son, Ethan; actress, producer, bestselling author and TIME100 cover honoree Gabrielle Union as Meridian Clade, an accomplished pilot and Searcher’s partner in all things; and critically acclaimed actress, producer, director and fine artist Lucy Liu as Callisto Mal, Avalonia’s fearless leader who spearheads the exploration into the strange world. Helmed by director Don Hall (Oscar®-winning Big Hero 6, Raya and the Last Dragon) and co-director/writer Qui Nguyen (co-writer Raya and the Last Dragon), with Roy Conli (Oscar®-winning** Big Hero 6, Tangled) producing, Strange World is in theaters now. The 4K UHD package includes a 4K UHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray and Digital Copy with a Dolby Atmos soundtrack. The Blu-ray set will include a Digital Copy, however the cover art isn't available yet. Strange World - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Here is the full press release: . “AN ENTERTAINING AND VIVID SCI-FI ADVENTURE FILM FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.” – Mark Pacis, Nerd Reactor Prepare for An Epic Adventure When Strange World Arrives on Digital December 23 and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD February 14 BURBANK, CA (December 14, 2022) – Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 61st animated feature Strange World will soon be available to audiences to enjoy at home with never-before-seen bonus features and deleted scenes. The “stunning” (Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times) family adventure arrives on all major digital platforms this holiday season on December 23 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD February 14. Strange World will also be available to Disney+ subscribers starting on December 23. Film Synopsis Strange World introduces a legendary family of explorers, the Clades, as they attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob called Splat; Legend, the family dog; and a slew of ravenous creatures. The voice cast includes Academy Award®*- and Tony Award®-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal as Searcher Clade, a family man who finds himself out of his element on an unpredictable mission; Emmy®- and two-time Golden Globe®-nominee Dennis Quaid as Searcher’s larger-than-life explorer father, Jaeger; comedian, actor, writer, filmmaker and musician Jaboukie Young-White as Searcher’s 16-year-old, adventure-seeking son, Ethan; actress, producer, bestselling author and TIME100 cover honoree Gabrielle Union as Meridian Clade, an accomplished pilot and Searcher’s partner in all things; and critically acclaimed actress, producer, director and fine artist Lucy Liu as Callisto Mal, Avalonia’s fearless leader who spearheads the exploration into the strange world. Helmed by director Don Hall (Oscar®-winning** Big Hero 6, Raya and the Last Dragon) and co-director/writer Qui Nguyen (co-writer Raya and the Last Dragon), with Roy Conli (Oscar®-winning** Big Hero 6, Tangled) producing, Strange World is in theaters now. *Best Supporting Actor, 2006 ** Best Animated Feature, 2015 Bonus Features* Anatomy of a Scene: Creating A Strange World – Learn about Walt Disney Animation Studios' creative process through a single, visually stunning scene as the filmmaking team puts all of their imagination – and more – on the screen. Strange Science – Jaboukie Young-White (voice of Ethan Clade) hosts an exploration of how Walt Disney Animation Studios artists were inspired by real science to create Strange World. Creature Feature – Journey into the world beneath Avalonia and meet some of the terrifying, slimy, gassy – and sometimes cute – creatures that inhabit this Strange World. The Hidden Secrets of Strange World – Uncover the references and characters from some of your favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios films hidden throughout the film, along with some fun facts and behind–the–scenes stories of how Strange World was made. Outtakes – Go behind the glass as we join the cast of Strange World inside the recording booth for some fun, flubs and outtakes. Deleted Scenes The Ballad of Jaeger Clade Lightning Lynx Funerals and Promises Ethan and Searcher *Bonus features vary by product and retailer Voice Cast Jake Gyllenhaal as Searcher Clade Dennis Quaid as Jaeger Clade Jaboukie Young-White as Ethan Clade Gabrielle Union as Meridian Clade Lucy Liu as Callisto Mal Director Don Hall Co-Director Qui Nguyen Producer Roy Conli Screenplay Qui Nguyen Product Specifications Street Date Digital: December 23, 2022 Physical: February 14, 2023 Product SKUs Digital: 4K UHD, HD, SD Physical: 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Code), Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + Digital Code) & DVD Feature Run Time Approx. 95 Minutes Rating U.S. Rated PG * Bonus Material Not Rated Aspect Ratio Digital: 2.39:1 Physical: 2.39:1 U.S. Audio 4K Ultra HD: English 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos, Japanese 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, Spanish 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, French 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, English AD 2.0 Dolby Digital Blu-ray: English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, English AD 2.0 Dolby Digital DVD: English 5.1 Dolby, Spanish 5.1 Dolby, English AD 2.0 Dolby Digital: English 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, English Descriptive Audio 2.0 Dolby Digital (some platforms) U.S. Subtitles 4K Ultra HD: English SDH, Japanese, Spanish, French Blu-ray: English SDH, Spanish, French DVD: English, English SDH, Spanish, French Digital: English SDH, Spanish, French (some platforms)Posted Wed Dec 14, 2022 at 09:52 AM PST by: -
After A While, Crocodile! 4K UHD & Blu-ray Shopping Guide - Dec 11, 2022Wowzers. This time of the year and a huge list of releases for the week. You didn't want to buy groceries anyway, did you? Welcome to Volume 3 Episode 30 of our weekly release guide. A look at the highlights of what's coming to disc the week of December 11th - December 17th, as well as a look at announcements from last week. 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases- Excluding previously delayed titles, this week is still an 8 out of 10 on the wallet-buster scale. New releases first... From Sony pictures, a pair of titles, first a family film titled Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. No retailer exclusives or special editions, but there is a collector's edition available, blu-ray only, below. Inspired by true events, The Woman King with Viola Davis. Pair of titles from Paramount. First TV's Reacher: Season One. which, yes, it is *that* Reacher. And, a horror film with an innocent looking cover art, Smile. The PR campaign this one had was memorable. People showing up at events with large smiles on their faces the entire time, no doubt staged because the TV cameras would spot them and put em on TV. Catalog titles begin with Scream Factory's release of Stephen King's Carrie (1976), which has a standard edition and a SteelBook edition. This one is directed by Brian De Palma. Shout Factory has a pair of Laika animated titles, Coraline, available as a standard edition and a SteelBook edition, and Paranorman, which also offers standard edition and SteelBook edition options. I really dig the new cover arts for the SteelBooks, which if you know me, that's a huge endorsement because I am critical of covers that stray from the standard poster format. See the announcements section below for more releases of this type. This LionsGate title had been rumored quite some time ago, referring to Highlander. Yup, following the common theme, available as a standard edition and a Best Buy Exclusive slipcover style SteelBook edition. Arrow Video's appearance in the 4K catagory this week is with Silent Running, as with some Arrow releases, available as a standard edition, a Zavvi Exclusive SteelBook edition and a Zavvi Exclusive Deluxe SteelBook edition. And one more to close out the domestic 4K category, Sony Pictures' My Best Friend's Wedding with Julia Roberts. This makes two comedy titles from Sony this week, and with the stress of the holiday season, why not? Import Friday has Imprint Films' take on The War of the Worlds, which has a Lenticular SteelBook and a book included in a lovely slip case. This one likely has the same transfer and color timing that Criterion used (ie: blue Mars for just a few seconds of the film). Amazon no doubt will have a listing for this title in January. Next week is a slow week but we do have dragons (we need more dragons, right?), subway assault and shall we play a game? Blu-ray releases- Blu-ray counterparts of the above 4K titles first before we dive in to a busy busy week. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, which comes as a standard edition and (what I would have bought if it was a 4K) a Collector's Edition, The Woman King (which are both from Sony Pictures), and Reacher: Season One and Smile from Paramount. Alright, the sheer volume of titles in this week's general blu-ray category is also a strong 8 in the wallet buster ratings system. LionsGate's thrillers of the week are American Murderer and The Minute You Wake Up Dead. For drama, look for Call Jane. Much anticipated (for me anyway) horror collection The Silent Night, Deadly Night Collection comes under the Vestron Video sub-label from LionsGate. A comedy/drama release from Criterion Collection with Cooley High. A Swedish film collection titled Three Films by Mai Zetterling. And lastly, music documentary The Velvet Underground. From Sony Pictures Calssics, comedy/drama Dream with the Fishes. A mystery thriller titled Spider. TV on disc this week includes EVIL: Season Three, Hogan's Heroes: The Complete Series and Players: Season One. Anime highlights include Banished from the Hero's Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside - The Complete Season, available as a standard edition and a Limited Edition, Deep Insanity THE LOST CHILD - Season 1 and Just Because! - Complete Collection. New comedy from Universal titled Ticket to Paradise starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts. Honorable mention: We like to mention Sandpiper Pictures because they have the rights to many former Twilight Time titles, and also seem to cover similar titles that TT would have carried at some point if they were still around. This week look for Assassination Tango, Boxcar Bertha and Comes a Horseman. There's a bunch next week as well. Imprint Films' November titles are available at Amazon U.S. this week, they are: >After Dark: Neo Noir Cinema Collection Two (1990 – 2002) – Imprint Collection #178 – #183 >City of God (2002) – Imprint Films Limited Edition >Directed By Roland Joffé (1984-1992) – Imprint Collection #184 – #187 >Distant Thunder (1988) – Imprint Films Limited Edition >Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains (1982) – Imprint Films Limited Edition >School Ties (1992) – Imprint Films Limited Edition >The Avengers: The Emma Peel Collection Notable announcements from last week: Shout! Factory and it's various labels have officially announced their February 2022 titles. In no particular order they are Kamen Rider Ryuki: The Complete Series, Iron Monkey, Shepherd: The Story Of A Hero Dog, Zu: Warriors From The Magic Mountain, Giovanni's Island, The Slumber Party Massacre (1982) / Slumber Party Massacre II 4K, Bubba Ho-Tep 4K, The Magnificent Seven (1960) 4K, The Boxtrolls 4K and Kubo and the Two Strings 4K. The latter two titles also have a SteelBook option just like Coraline and ParaNorman does in this week's release calendar. Warner Archive Collection's January titles include Goodbye, Mr. Chips, The Long, Long Trailer, Our Dancing Daughters, Rancho Notorious and Wife vs. Secretary. 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?Posted Sun Dec 11, 2022 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Sci-fi Horror Chiller Cube Zero Scores Three Limited Edition Mediabooks From TurbineThe best of the classic sci-fi horror franchise, Cube Zero picks up three new limited edition Mediabooks from German label Turbine Medien. Just in time for Christmas, each cover option is limited to a run of 333 units, available December 16th! This franchise was one of my favorites to pick up at the rental shop. The first Cube was a low-budget classic that did a lot with very little. Cube 2 was decent but it felt like a rehash. But then came the prequel, 2004's Cube Zero which has become a genuine sci-fi horror splatterhouse classic. It's gnarly good fun and I've been looking forward to diving back into this one and these Mediabook covers are pretty damn slick. Check 'em out: Cube Zero - Mediabook Cover ALimited to 333 units Cube Zero - Mediabook Cover BLimited to 333 Units Cube Zero - Mediabook Cover CLimited to 333 Units Here's everything you're getting in the set: Technical specifications: Language / sound: German DTS-HD MA 5.1, English DTS-HD MA 5.1, German DD 5.1, English DD 5.1 Aspect ratio: 1.78:1 (1080p24 Full HD), 1.78:1 (16:9 anamorphic, PAL) Subtitles: German, English Running time: 98 minutes Bonus material: Audio commentary by director Ernie Barbarash* Making-of - Inside the Box (approx. 20 min., with German voice-over) Storyboard/film comparisons (approx. 4 min.) Music video, trailer (US & DE) 28-page book section by Tobias Hohmann on the history of the film including an interview with director Ernie Barbarash Pre-orders are now live! Thank you for your pre-orders - they really do go a long way towards keeping out little show up and running.Posted Fri Dec 9, 2022 at 06:02 AM PST by: -
Kubo and the Two Strings & The Boxtrolls Coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray w/ SteelBooks 02/28LAIKA and Shout Factory will be bringing the modern day animated classics Kubo and the Two Strings & The Boxtrolls to the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray format on February 28 2023 with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Both films will also be available for purchase in limited SteelBooks. According to the press release, "The scrupulous remastering process for both titles was overseen by the team at LAIKA, led by LAIKA CEO (and Kubo and the Two Strings Director) Travis Knight, and Visual Effects Supervisor Steve Emerson, who pored over each film shot-by-shot, paying close attention to every last detail and color to present these groundbreaking films in the most dynamic format." "The use of Dolby Vision has made these films look more spectacular than ever before, with vivid colors and exacting picture quality, and with highlights brighter and essential dark elements darker, unleashing the full potential of HDR technology. The films were also mixed in Dolby Atmos spatial audio, bringing out more details and clarity in the sound, resulting in an even more immersive experience for fans." The four LAIKA 4K UHD titles (including the previously released Coraline and ParaNorman) will also available for digital purchase or rentals beginning December 13, 2022. Kubo and the Two Strings - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Kubo and the Two Strings - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray SteelBook Kubo and the Two Strings Kubo and the Two Strings is an epic action-adventure set in a fantastical Japan. The film follows clever, kindhearted Kubo as he ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town. But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey and Beetle and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen - a magical musical instrument - Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King and the evil twin Sisters to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family and fulfill his heroic destiny. Special Features: Feature-Length Storyboards Inside LAIKA -Revisiting the Puppets with LAIKA’s Animation Team Inside LAIKA—Confronting the Epic Challenges of Kubo and the Two Strings Audio Commentary with Director/Producer Travis Knight “Kubo’s Journey” Original Featurettes The Boxtrolls - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray The Boxtrolls - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray SteelBook The Boxtrolls This comedic fable unfolds in Cheesebridge, a posh Victorian-era town obsessed with wealth, class, and the stinkiest of fine cheeses. Beneath its charming cobblestone streets dwell the Boxtrolls, foul monsters who crawl out of the sewers at night and steal what the townspeople hold most dear: their children and their cheeses. At least, that’s the legend residents have always believed. In truth, the Boxtrolls are an underground cavern-dwelling community of quirky and lovable oddballs who wear recycled cardboard boxes the way turtles wear their shells. The Boxtrolls have raised an orphaned human boy, Eggs, since infancy as one of their dumpster-diving and mechanical junk-collecting own. When the Boxtrolls are targeted by villainous pest exterminator Archibald Snatcher, who is bent on eradicating them as his ticket to Cheesebridge society, the kindhearted band of tinkerers must turn to their adopted charge and adventurous rich girl Winnie to bridge two worlds amidst the winds of change – and cheese. Special Features: Inside LAIKA - Discovering the Characters of The Boxtrolls with Never-Before-Seen Test Footage Inside LAIKA - Revisiting the Puppets with LAIKA’s Animation Team Feature-Length Storyboards Foreword by Ramin Zahed, the Editor in Chief of Animation Magazine Audio Commentary with Directors Graham Annable and Anthony Stacchi The Making of The Boxtrolls Original Featurettes These are now up for pre-order! And once again, thank you for your pre-orders. They really do go a long way toward helping us keep our little show rolling.Posted Tue Dec 6, 2022 at 09:54 AM PST by: -
Knight Rider 40th Anniversary Blu-ray Collection from Turbine Coming December 30thMichael Knight, a lone crusader in a dangerous world. The world of The Knight Rider on Blu-ray in a new 23-Disc 40th Anniversary Complete Series Collection from German label Turbine Medien Knight Rider 40th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray David Hasselhoff and his supercar KITT ride off into the sunset dealing justice where ever they travel in new 23-Disc Blu-ray collection from Turbine. Limited to 3939 units, this expansive set gives fans all 90 episodes of the original 4 seasons spread out over 20 discs with a Blu-ray with over three hours of exclusive bonus features including interviews with various cast and crew. On top of that, Turbine is gassing up this set with the two follow-up TV films in SD Knight Rider 2000 and Knight Rider 2010 with another disc dedicated to the complete 23-episode run of Team Knight Rider in SD. In addition there will be a massive 332-page book (in German) giving a full episode guide as well as new interviews and trivia. Sadly due to licensing issues the 2008 Knight Rider series didn't make the cut. Here are some stills from the set - looking pretty good! Here's everything that's coming in the set: Technical specifications:Language / Sound: BD 1-20 (series): German & English - DTS-HD MA 2.0 - BD 21 (bonus material): English DD 2.0 - BD 22 (TV films): German & English - DD 2.0 - BD 23 (TEAM KNIGHT RIDER): German & English - DD 2.0image format: BD 1-20: 4:3 - 1080p24 Full HD - BD 21-22: 4:3 SD - BD 23: 4:3 SDSubtitles: BD 1-20: German & English for all episodes + bonus material - BD 21-22: German & English - BD 23: noneRunning time: 5820 minutesBonus material:+ TV films KNIGHT RIDER 2000* & KNIGHT RIDER 2010* (in SD)+ TEAM KNIGHT RIDER Series (in SD)+ Bonus Blu-ray with brand new world exclusive interviews and featurettes* (HD, approx. 3 hours):- Stu Phillips (composer - approx. 11 min.)- Steven E. de Souza (Producer & Writer - approx. 32 mins)- Rebecca Holden (Actress - approx. 25 mins)- Jack Gill (Stunt Coordinator & KITT Driver - approx. 34 mins)- Tom Greene (Producer & Writer - approx. 50 min.)- Deborah Davis (author - approx. 17 min.)- Knightcon 2011 - words of welcome from Tom Greene (approx. 28 min.)- myKITT.de - The fulfillment of a childhood dream (approx. 13 min.)- Universal archive* (approx. 30 min.):- Knight Rider - Under the hood (approx. 16 min.)- Knight Stunts (approx. 6 min.)- Knight Sounds (approx. 7 min.)- Sketch Gallery (approx. 3 min.)- Photo Gallery (approx. 3 min.)+ Audio Commentary* on Pilot by David Hasselhoff and Glen A. Larson+ 332-page book: Knight Guide to Series History+ Design Concept Replica+ 2 DIN A1 Posters+ 5 Replica ID Cards (incl. Knight's driver's license & KITT's vehicle registration)+ Artcard Set & Sticker+ Limitation Certificate - strictly limited to only 3,939 pieces*The Bonus material has optional German and English subtitles.Number of discs: 23 Pre-orders are now live and you can order directly from the Turbine Shop HERE Thank you for your pre-orders, they really do go a long way toward keeping our little operation at High-Def Digest alive and running.Posted Tue Dec 6, 2022 at 05:50 AM PST by: -
A-B-C - Always Be Clerkin' - 4K UHD & Blu-ray Shopping Guide Dec 4, 2022Cyber Week, done. Can you believe the Christmas holiday is just 4 weeks away? Wishing for that new TV or box set this year? Welcome to Volume 3 Episode 29 of our weekly release guide. A look at the highlights of what's coming to disc the week of December 4th - December 10th, as well as a look at announcements from last week. 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases- We've got two new releases this week in the 4K disc category and both seem to have a comedic value to them. First from 20th Century Studios (Disney) comes Amsterdam, of which I personally know nothing about, but it has got a bit of star power driving it. So it's probably worth a look. And from LionsGate and the only way to get this film on 4K disc, Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook at that, Clerks III. Before moving on to catalog titles, let's get a new release/catalog release combo first. From Paramount, Top Gun 2-Movie 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray SteelBook Superfan Collection. And for catalog titles, 48 Hrs., Another 48 Hrs. and a double feature pack with both films. From Miramax via Paramount, Pulp Fiction, which comes in a standard edition release and a SteelBook release. Universal Studios has one title this week, R.I.P.D.. Sony Pictures is delivering Adaptation., which was more recently released by Shout! Factory on blu-ray. Scream Factory has got Black Christmas (1974). Well Go USA releases Ip Man 3 which comes two weeks later than the first two. Next week, vengeful prom queen, see you later alligator..., there can only be one, turn that frown upside down and more! Blu-ray releases- As we do every week, let's list the blu-ray counterparts first. Amsterdam gets a release from 20th Century Studios and Clerks III gets a release from LionsGate. Overall this category is a bit slow this week. After the past two weeks that might be a blessing to our wallets. TV on disc includes Better Call Saul: Season Six, Better Call Saul - The Complete Series, Creepshow: Season 3, South Park: Post Covid & The Return of Covid and Star Trek: Discovery - Season Four, which is available as a standard edition and a SteelBook edition. There is a new action/drama from Paramount titled Medieval. Criterion Collection's entry this week is Michael Haneke: Trilogy. A trilogy collection from Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke. From the Warner Archive Collection, Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman. Also from the archive, The Night of the Iguana which is probably better known as an adaptation of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. Anime highlights this week include Beyond the Boundary - Complete Series Collection, The Case Study of Vanitas - Season 1 Part 1, Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun - Complete Collection and Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation - Season 1 Part 1, which is available as a standard release and as a limited edition. From Arrow Video, comedy/horror The Leech. Not done yet, sort of a horror but also action, Nightmare at Noon (Death Street USA). Highly anticipated collection Shawscope Volume Two also hits the market this week. Notable announcements from last week: You may have noticed the absence of Bruce Willis in this week's article. Fear not people, LionsGate will be releasing Detective Knight: Redemption on Janaury 17th. This is part two of a trilogy. Amazon has a listing for the 4K disc release of Frozen Planet II. One would guess a March 2023 arrival. 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?Posted Sun Dec 4, 2022 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Open Wide for The Dentist Collection on Blu-ray January 24The horror double feature starring Corbin Bernsen will make its Blu-ray debut on January 24 which will also include a digital copy. Where there’s a drill, there’s a way. Corbin Bernsen stars as homicidal dentist Dr. Alan Feinstone in these two horror favorites, available for the first time on Blu-ray™. In The Dentist, Beverly Hills dentist Dr. Feinstone seems to have the perfect, ordered life — until the discovery of his wife’s affair with the pool boy sends him off the deep end, unlocking the killer inside. The Dentist 2 finds the evil doctor in a maximum-security mental hospital…but not for long, as he escapes to a small town and turns his attentions to a new love interest and new victims. Both films will include audio commentaries, isolated score selections w/audio interviews, interviews with cast and crew, trailers and still galleries. The Dentist Collection Order your copy today and here is the full press release: . Street Date: 1/24/23 Blu-ray™ + Digital: $17.99 SRP PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Behind every clean, white surface lies the stench of decay. The Dentist Collection, which includes both The Dentist and its sequel The Dentist 2, will be released for the first time on Blu-ray™ + Digital January 24 from Lionsgate. Featuring two-time Primetime Emmy Award® nominee Corbin Bernsen (1988 and 1987, TV’s “L.A. Law,” Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Major League, Major League II), this horror collection follows dentist Dr. Feinstone who has everything including a beautiful wife and a successful career in dentistry. That is, until he discovers his wife cheating on him. After going insane, he enacts cruel dental torture on his patients. The Dentist Collection Blu-ray™ + Digital will be available for the suggested retail price of $17.99. OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS Where there’s a drill, there’s a way. Corbin Bernsen stars as homicidal dentist Dr. Alan Feinstone in these two horror favorites, available for the first time on Blu-ray™. In The Dentist, Beverly Hills dentist Dr. Feinstone seems to have the perfect, ordered life — until the discovery of his wife’s affair with the pool boy sends him off the deep end, unlocking the killer inside. The Dentist 2 finds the evil doctor in a maximum-security mental hospital…but not for long, as he escapes to a small town and turns his attentions to a new love interest and new victims. SPECIAL FEATURES THE DENTIST: Audio Commentary with Director Brian Yuzna and Special Makeup Effects Supervisor Anthony C. Ferrante Isolated Score Selections & Audio Interviews with Composer Alan Howarth and Director of Photography Levie Isaacks “The Doctor Is Insane” – An Interview with Actor Corbin Bernsen “Medical Malpractice” – An Interview with Cowriter Dennis Paoli “Mouths of Madness” - Interviews with Special Makeup Effects Supervisor Anthony C. Ferrante and Makeup Effects Artist J.M. Logan Trailer Still Gallery THE DENTIST 2: Audio Commentary with Director Brian Yuzna and Special Makeup Effects Supervisor Anthony C. Ferrante Isolated Score Selections & Audio Interviews with Composer Alan Howarth and Editor Christopher Roth “Jamie’s New Neighbor” – An Interview with Actress Jillian McWhirter “A Tale of Two Dentists” – An Interview with Producer Pierre David Mouths of Madness: The Dentist 2 - Interviews with Special Make-Up Effects Supervisor Anthony C. Ferrante and Make-up Effects Artist J.M. Logan Trailer Still Gallery CAST Primetime Emmy Award® nominee Corbin Bernsen (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Major League, Major League II, TV’s “L.A. Law”) Linda Hoffman (Face/Off, Clifford, Merchant of Death) Jillian McWhirter (Strangeland, Kiss of a Stranger, TV’s “L.A. Heat”) Susanne Wright (The Brothers Solomon, My X-Girlfriend’s Wedding Reception, TV’s “Home Improvement”) with Clint Howard (TV’s “Pam & Tommy,” 3 From Hell, Solo: A Star Wars Story) Ken Foree (Halloween, Dawn of the Dead, The Lords of Salem) PROGRAM INFORMATION Year of Production: 1996, 1998 Title Copyright: The Dentist © 1996 Trimark Pictures, Inc. The Dentist 2 © 1998 Trimark Pictures, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Type: Catalog Blu-ray release Rating: R Genre: Horror Closed-Captioned: N/A Subtitles: English, Spanish, English SDH Feature Run Time: The Dentist: 90 Minutes; The Dentist 2: 99 Minutes BD Format: The Dentist: 1080p High Definition 16x9 (1.78:1) Presentation The Dentist 2: 1080p High Definition 16x9 (1.85:1) Presentation BD Audio: English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio™Posted Sat Dec 3, 2022 at 01:46 PM PST by:
