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Philip Seymour Hoffman dead at 46[teaser]Oscar-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead Sunday afternoon in his Manhattan apartment.[/teaser] Law enforcement officials have confirmed that Hoffman was found dead of an apparent drug overdose. Additional details are still being reported. Hoffman was born in Fairport, a suburb of Rochester, New York, on July 23, 1967. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his title role in the 2005 film 'Capote.' He leaves behind a son and two daughters from his longtime relationship with designer Mimi O'Donnell. Source: The New York TimesPosted Sun Feb 2, 2014 at 11:40 AM PST by: -
HDD Deal of the Week: 'The Walking Dead: Seasons 1-3' Blu-ray $71.99 at Amazon[teaser]Save nearly sixty five percent on the first three seasons of the hit AMC series on Blu-ray this week at Amazon![/teaser] Amazon is selling 'The Walking Dead: Seasons 1-3' for $71.99 (64% off the suggested retail price). Click here to bring home an army of walkers today! This offer is available from now through February 9.Posted Sun Feb 2, 2014 at 08:28 AM PST by: -
And the Oscar Goes to... Eight-Plus Decades of Best Picture Winners on Blu-ray, Part Twoby David Krauss Last week, we looked at the earliest Best Picture winners from the 1920s and 1930s. [teaser]This week, we examine the 1940s and 1950s, where we see the emergence of such esteemed directors as Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock, a wave of patriotic war movies, more widespread use of Technicolor (which would morph into cheaper single-strip color formats by the mid-1950s), the dawn of a new genre that soon would be dubbed film noir, the rise of social issue films and a movement toward realism, and the development of a revolutionary widescreen process called CinemaScope. By the end of these two decades, the once mighty studio system would be all but dead, and censorship would be on its way out, too. The era would spawn 20 Best Picture winners. Thirteen are currently available on Blu-ray, and they are…[/teaser] 'Rebecca' (1940) – Director Alfred Hitchcock made quite a name for himself in his native Great Britain during the 1930s with suspense films like 'The 39 Steps,' 'The Lady Vanishes,' and 'The Man Who Knew Too Much,' so it was only a matter of time before Hollywood came calling and lured him across the pond. 'Rebecca,' adapted from the bestselling novel by Daphne du Maurier about a demure, naïve lass (Joan Fontaine) who marries a rich and distinguished widower (Laurence Olivier) tormented by the mysterious death of his glamorous, seemingly perfect wife, would mark Hitchcock's American debut – it also would be producer David O. Selznick's first film after 'Gone With the Wind' – and the result is an impeccably executed exercise in romantic suspense, made all the creepier by Judith Anderson's unforgettable portrayal of the sinister Mrs. Danvers. The film received 11 Oscar nominations in all, including Hitchcock's first as Best Director and acting nods for Olivier, Fontaine, and Anderson. In addition to Best Picture, 'Rebecca' also took home the Best Cinematography (black-and-white) award. 'How Green Was My Valley' (1941) – It was supposed to be the year of 'Citizen Kane,' but Academy voters weren't enamored of boy-wonder Orson Welles' brash conceit, so instead bestowed top honors on this heartwarming, inspirational tale of the trials and tribulations of a Welsh mining community as seen through the eyes of a young boy (Roddy McDowell). The lovely Maureen O'Hara also makes an indelible impression in this memorable adaptation of the Richard Llewellyn novel. John Ford won his third Best Director Oscar (and second in a row – he scored the previous year as well for 'The Grapes of Wrath'), and Donald Crisp was awarded Best Supporting Actor for his gruff yet tender portrayal of the stalwart family patriarch. The film also was honored for its gorgeous black-and-white cinematography (Arthur Miller) and art direction-interior decoration. 'Mrs. Miniver' (1942) – This patriotic salute to the brave, noble, and spirited British civilians who stoically endured constant aerial attacks by German bombers during World War II won a total of six Oscars, including prizes for Best Director (William Wyler), Best Actress (Greer Garson in the title role), Best Supporting Actress (Teresa Wright), Best Screenplay, and Best Cinematography (black-and-white). Garson personifies the strength and will of the British people, who refused to be bullied by the Nazis, and the scene in which she, her on-screen husband (Walter Pidgeon, also Oscar nominated), and two children silently weather a terrifying bombing barrage in their makeshift shelter remains a stirring sequence. An interesting side-note: After the picture was released, Garson would marry Richard Ney, the actor who portrays her grown son in the film. 'Casablanca' (1943) – "You must remember this…" One of the all-time classic motion pictures was a surprise winner at the 1943 Academy Awards, especially considering its rocky production history. The script changed practically daily and an ending wasn't decided upon until shooting was almost complete, making it difficult for the actors to figure out their motivations. Yet somehow what should have been a disastrous train wreck gels cohesively together, and the story of non-conformist saloon owner Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) ("I stick my neck out for no one"), lost love Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), freedom fighter Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), a piano player named Sam (Dooley Wilson), and those pesky, coveted letters of transit has captivated moviegoers for decades. The priceless, Oscar-winning screenplay by Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, and Howard Koch contains more quotable lines per capita than almost any other script in history, including such gems as "Here's looking at you, kid" and "Round up the usual suspects." And aside from "Over the Rainbow," there's no better anthem for a movie than the immortal "As Time Goes By." You can play 'Casablanca' again (and again) any day of the week and it never gets old…and chances are it never will. 'The Best Years of Our Lives' (1946) – At last, World War II ended, but returning servicemen faced a multitude of problems, from post-traumatic stress to alienation, and many found assimilating into society and reestablishing fractured relationships a difficult – if not impossible – task. William Wyler's 'The Best Years of Our Lives' forthrightly depicts this uncertain environment with tenderness and grace as it follows the homecoming odysseys of a trio of former GIs. Fredric March won his second Best Actor Oscar as a family man who must come to terms with all he has missed, and Harold Russell, a non-actor who lost both his hands in a training accident, brings special poignancy to his role as a double-amputee who must learn to live with his limitations and accept the love of those around him. Robert E. Sherwood's literate screenplay, which placed its finger firmly on America's pulse, was also rightfully honored, as was Wyler's sensitive direction. Though wars and times have changed over the course of several decades, 'The Best Years of Our Lives' remains a moving tribute to common heroes who must battle first on the war front and then on the home front. 'Gentlemen's Agreement' (1947) – 'The Lost Weekend' (1945), which deals with the debilitating and destructive effects of alcoholism, was the first serious social issue film to capture the Academy's top honor (sadly, it is not yet available on Blu-ray), and this searing study of anti-Semitism and how it insidiously infects American society – even people who profess to abhor it – followed hot on its heels. The sober, slightly preachy story charts the exploits of a magazine writer (Gregory Peck) who goes undercover as a Jew to get a first-hand look at prejudice and discrimination. Moss Hart's screenplay is packed with righteous speeches and indignant outbursts as it loudly broadcasts its message, but director Elia Kazan (who won his first Oscar for the film) presents the tale with style and grace. Though a bit dated in spots, this groundbreaking movie is still well worth a look. 'All About Eve' (1950) – Tied with 'Titanic' for the most Academy Award nominations in history (a whopping 14!), this deliciously sophisticated backstage, backstabbing yarn about conceit, paranoia, and ambition in New York's rarefied theatrical realm is distinguished by one of the finest scripts ever written. (Who can forget Bette Davis' classic pronouncement, "Fasten your seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy night!"?) For the second year in a row, Joseph L. Mankiewicz won Oscars for direction and screenplay (he also took home both awards the previous year for 'A Letter to Three Wives') and George Sanders earned a well-deserved Best Supporting Actor prize for his portrayal of an acid-tongued critic. Davis, as the egocentric Broadway star, Margo Channing, and Anne Baxter, as her conniving understudy, both received Best Actress nominations, and Celeste Holm, Gary Merrill, Hugh Marlowe, Thelma Ritter, and a young Marilyn Monroe, who makes quite an impression as a sexy starlet, all assert themselves well. One of Hollywood's most polished productions, 'All About Eve' is cultured, cutting, and altogether magnificent. 'An American in Paris' (1951) – The first musical in 22 years to win Best Picture, this sumptuous tribute to the music of composer George Gershwin is best known for its climactic ballet, danced to perfection by stars Gene Kelly and a teenage Leslie Caron (making her film debut). Unfortunately, the pedestrian, often plodding plot drags the production down (amazingly, the script won an Oscar), but glorious Technicolor, elegant direction by Vincente Minnelli, and such beautifully executed numbers as 'Our Love Is Here to Stay' and 'I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise' make it all bearable. Kelly's choreography is typically muscular and inventive, and the star received an honorary 1951 Oscar for his myriad contributions to the development and advancement of the movie musical. Still, how the innocuous 'An American in Paris' triumphed over such powerful dramas as 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and 'A Place in the Sun' is unfathomable. 'From Here to Eternity' (1953) – Tying the record set by 'Gone With the Wind' in 1939, this uncompromising portrait of a Hawaiian army base in the months before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor won eight Oscars, including Best Director (Fred Zinnemann), Best Supporting Actor (Frank Sinatra), Best Supporting Actress (Donna Reed), Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Recording, and Best Editing. Ironically, however, the climactic aerial assault isn't this finely woven drama's most memorable moment. That honor unequivocally belongs to the romantic beach scene, in which Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr make love on the sand as the surf cascades over them. It's an iconic image that has come to define this stellar adaptation of the James Jones bestseller that also contains a brilliant performance by Montgomery Clift, one of the era's most talented actors, who shines as a stubborn buck private who won't let an abusive commanding officer get the best of him. 'On the Waterfront' (1954) – Director Elia Kazan won his second Oscar and actor Marlon Brando scored his first as a manipulated dock worker who stands up to the mob in this unforgettable drama that ushered in a more realistic style of moviemaking and features some of the screen's finest acting to date. Best remembered for the famous taxi cab tête-à-tête between Brando and Rod Steiger ("I coulda been a contender!"), 'On the Waterfront' also won eight Academy Awards and remains notable for its stark, naturalistic cinematography, gritty locations, and the potent chemistry between Brando and Eva Marie Saint, who earned a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her dazzling debut. (The nuanced glove scene is a primer in the art of Method acting.) This is a rare and wonderful cinematic jewel that's at once blistering and tender, romantic and suspenseful, intelligent and entertaining. 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' (1957) – Arguably the greatest epic filmmaker in history, David Lean won his first Best Director Oscar for this rousing and brutal study of a Japanese POW camp during World War II. The film chronicles not only the efforts of a group of English prisoners to build a bridge in unbearable conditions to satisfy the demands of their camp commander, but also the plans of the British commando team that is dispatched to detonate it. Gripping and taut, the movie won a total of seven Academy Awards, including Best Actor (Alec Guinness), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Score, and Best Editing. The whistled theme remains instantly identifiable, and the dramatic climax, more than a half century later, is still a stunner. 'Gigi' (1958) – A record-breaking nine Oscars went to this elegant, sophisticated, and delectably lush musical, which was partially filmed on location in Paris. The crowning achievement of director Vincente Minnelli, who won his only Best Director award for the film, and the legendary Arthur Freed Unit at MGM, 'Gigi' tells the simple story of a young French girl (Leslie Caron) groomed to be a courtesan, and how she ultimately finds love and respectability. Such marvelous songs as 'Thank Heaven for Little Girls,' 'I Remember It Well,' and 'The Night They Invented Champagne' (all written by the seasoned duo of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe) are performed in sumptuous settings with the perfect amount of joie de vivre by Caron, Louis Jourdan, Maurice Chevalier, and Hermione Gingold. With the exception of any acting honors, 'Gigi' won almost every Oscar imaginable, and this light-as-a-soufflé confection remains a timeless classic. 'Ben-Hur' (1959) – There are epics, and then there's 'Ben-Hur.' The film that defines the genre, this mammoth "tale of the Christ" shares the record for most Oscars (11) ever won by a single film with 'Titanic' and 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.' Biblical epics are often bloated, cumbersome, and corny, yet 'Ben-Hur' is anything but, as it combines the engrossing story of a Roman nobleman who becomes a prisoner and then a slave with a grand canvas of historical events and brilliantly executed set pieces. Director William Wyler received his third Academy Award for helming the eye-filling, yet surprisingly intimate spectacle, which includes one of the most memorable and ambitious scenes in movie history – the thrilling chariot race. Charlton Heston and Hugh Griffith also were honored for their acting, and a slew of well-deserved citations for cinematography, costume design, editing, scoring, art direction, sound, and special effects were showered upon this towering cinematic achievement. Best Picture Winners of the 1940s and 1950s Not Yet Available on Blu-ray: 'Going My Way' (1944) 'The Lost Weekend' (1945) 'Hamlet' (1948) 'All the King's Men' (1949) 'The Greatest Show on Earth' (1952) 'Marty' (1955) 'Around the World in Eighty Days' (1956) Best Picture Nominees of the 1940s and 1950s Available on Blu-ray: 'The Grapes of Wrath' (1940) 'The Great Dictator' (1940) 'Foreign Correspondent' (1940) 'Citizen Kane' (1941) 'The Maltese Falcon' (1941) 'The Song of Bernadette' (1943) 'In Which We Serve' (1943) 'The Bells of St. Mary's' (1945) 'Spellbound' (1945) 'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946) 'Great Expectations' (1947) 'The Bishop's Wife' (1947) 'Miracle on 34th Street' (1947) 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre' (1948) 'The Red Shoes' (1948) 'Twelve O'Clock High' (1949) 'A Letter to Three Wives' (1949) 'Sunset Boulevard' (1950) 'Quo Vadis' (1951) 'A Streetcar Named Desire' (1951) 'High Noon' (1952) 'The Quiet Man' (1952) 'The Robe' (1953) 'Shane' (1953) 'The Caine Mutiny' (1953) 'Picnic' (1955) 'Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing' (1955) 'Giant' (1956) 'The Ten Commandments' (1956) '12 Angry Men' (1957) 'The Diary of Anne Frank' (1959) 'Anatomy of a Murder' (1959) Next week: The 1960s and 1970sPosted Fri Jan 31, 2014 at 04:01 PM PST by: -
High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: January 2014by Steven Cohen Every month, dozens of Blu-rays hit shelves, littering stores with high-def temptation. New releases, catalog titles, complete TV seasons, and elaborate box-sets all vie for affection, and with so many worthy releases targeting our wallets, choosing which discs to spend our hard earned cash on can be rather tricky. To make things a little easier, we here at High-Def Digest thought it might be helpful to bring you our top three must own recommendations for the month. From important classics to contemporary blockbusters, these are the discs that we consider to be the absolute cream of the crop. High quality releases with great video, audio, and supplements, these are the Blu-rays that are truly worth every penny. Last month we spotlighted an adamantium laced action flick, an umbrella-flying nanny, and an emotionally charged mystery thriller. If you haven't already, be sure to check out the Essential Picks for November, December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November 2013, and December 2013. [teaser]This month, we're covering a high seas thriller, a complex character study, and a sensitive coming of age story. [/teaser] Please be aware, that if you haven't already seen them, there might be some spoilers for the films listed. If you can only buy three titles that hit Blu-ray in January, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'Captain Phillips' - Marked by his trademark shaky-cam visual style and an overall penchant for building palpable tension, director Paul Greengrass' 'Captain Phillips' is a powerful and gut-wrenching viewing experience, thrusting audiences into a true tale of survival and courage. And while the film's version of the real-life events that inspired it has been met with some controversy, judged purely on its own merits as a motion picture, the movie is an undeniably masterful piece of filmmaking, bolstered by an incredible performance from Tom Hanks. Though Phillips may get his name in the title, in many ways this is actually the story of two captains, and Greengrass and company do a decent job of characterizing the Somali pirates as more than just big screen villains. Through early cross-cutting sequences, we catch a glimpse of Phillips and Muse's (Barkhad Abdi) dual stories, shedding some light on the circumstances that lead to piracy while setting up the fateful day when their paths eventually cross. With that said, this really is Tom Hanks' show, and the actor does an absolutely phenomenal job. His character's quick thinking and calm under pressure manage to keep him and his crew alive in a dire situation, and Hanks goes through a true roller coaster of emotion. The film's final scene in particular, is truly heart-wrenching, and the actor's moving breakdown has to be seen to be believed, perfectly decompressing the immense trauma Phillips has been through in an understated and utterly affecting moment of relief and shock. Beyond the acting, the visuals and sound also help to create an unrelenting air of escalating tension, with a thunderous score that not only rises but also falls at key moments to emphasize dramatic turns (the way the rousing music almost completely cuts out when the pirates finally attach their ladder to Phillips' boat is especially effective, further reinforcing an air of defeat and impending dread). And as the characters continue to scramble, so too does Greengrass' camera, creating a chaotic, quasi-documentary aesthetic that feels raw and cinematic at the same time. Visceral and persistently engaging, the movie manages to pull the audience headfirst into a harrowing high seas journey without over sensationalizing the events or violence. When the film's inevitable, bloody resolution finally hits the screen, there is indeed a clear sense of relief, but with it comes a pang of undiluted horror. This isn't a simple action flick or a video game, and though the antagonists have been defeated, lives are taken and it's not a pretty picture. Stirring, exciting, and complex, 'Captain Phillips' is an exceptional thriller that doesn't rely on easy tricks or simplistic morality. Coupled with demo worthy video and audio, and solid special features, this Blu-ray rises above the pack to earn January's top spot. 'Blue Jasmine' - Using Tennessee Williams' 'A Streetcar Named Desire' as a jumping off point, Woody Allen's latest foray into the increasingly blurred line between comedy and drama serves as an effectively wry, intelligent, and ultimately unsettling addition to his ever growing filmography. Through a seemingly effortless, tour-de-force performance from Cate Blanchett and great turns from all the supporting players, Allen's film shines a light on class disparities and the precarious stability of shallow affectations -- revealing the all too fragile core that rests beneath seemingly elegant facades. The narrative is clearly influenced by current hot button issues related to wealth disparity and financial corruption, but rather than wallow in political commentary, Allen instead decides to use this fiery climate as the backdrop for a fascinating character study -- and boy does Cate Blanchett's Jasmine prove to be one hell of a character to study. In a truly remarkable performance, the actress becomes the embodiment of upper class entitlement, dressing up her entire persona under a just barely secure blanket of haughty social airs and thick pretension. But as we gradually bear witness to the downfall of her once "perfect" existence through intermittent flashbacks and present day breakdowns, it quickly becomes clear that she may not have the tools necessary to keep afloat in the real world -- financially or mentally. Watching the once proud and increasingly unstable socialite repeatedly collide with working class culture leads to some dry humor and frustrating drama, and throughout it all, Blanchett manages to create a fully realized character that avoids caricature. Unable to cope with her situation, the woman is in a constant state of desperation, just barely held together by her last, dwindling remnants of high society composure, seemingly ready to crack entirely at any minute. And when she does finally succumb to the pressures of a common life, it appears that there might be nothing left at all behind her grand facade. That is, if there was ever anything there to begin with. But as unlikeable as Jasmine can be, Blanchett is still able to elicit sympathy for the woman, and her unhinged and at times almost possessed performance is startlingly natural and engrossing, allowing the actress to completely disappear into the complex and expertly written role. Layered with texture and nuance, the script and direction are clearly the products of a veteran filmmaker completely at home in his craft, and with 'Blue Jasmine,' Allen turns in some of his best contemporary work, easily cementing this disc as one of January's essential releases. 'The Spectacular Now' - Coming of age flicks seem to be a dime a dozen lately, especially on the festival circuit, but despite this oversaturation, there have actually been several strong efforts in the genre within the past few years. Titles like 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' and 'The Way Way Back' have all tapped into the bittersweet pain and joy of adolescence, and now director James Ponsoldt's 'The Spectacular Now' joins the pack with another sensitive and affecting look at teenage woes and young love. Tackling many similar themes as his last effort, 'Smashed,' Ponsoldt's latest feature once again deals with alcoholism and personal growth, but this time through the prism of high school romance. And while that previous film was a very solid movie in its own right, here the director demonstrates notable improvement as an artist, offering a much more assured command of tone and style. Through long takes and gorgeous, gentle lighting designs, the movie perfectly evokes the wistful happiness and confusion of youthful passion, blending sweet comedy with delicate drama. Actors Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley are perfect in their roles, and unlike the typical model-types who often play parts like this, they are both very believable as actual teens -- imperfect skin and all. Teller, in particular, turns in a career making performance as the happy-go-lucky Sutter who hides deeper insecurities through his constant alcoholic buzz. In fact, much like the character, the movie itself masks a heavy wealth of sadness beneath an outward veneer of humor -- but even as this level of pathos rises more and more to the forefront, the tragedy is never overwhelming. It's sensitive, honest, and real. Though the story might be a bit predictable and familiar, to their credit, the filmmakers do actually go in slightly different directions, weaving an emotional narrative about learning not to just love others, but ourselves as well. A celebration of the ever-expanding now stretched out before us all, the film is both melancholic and full of limitless hope. This might not be the flashiest Blu-ray hitting stores this month, but the movie really is an enjoyable and heartfelt piece of cinema, and this disc from Lionsgate is very solid, helping to edge out the competition to earn the last spot on January's list. So, there you have it. While there are many titles worth picking up this January, those are our top three must own recommendations. We'll be back next month with three more essential picks, but for now, what do you think of our selection? What are your choices for January's must own titles?Posted Fri Jan 31, 2014 at 04:00 PM PST by: -
Weekend Roundtable: Your First TVThis time every year, Super Bowl Sunday inspires countless people to run out and buy new televisions in order to experience the action on the largest screen possible. Of course, we home theater junkies should already be prepared for this. Sadly, we didn't always have things so good. In this week's Roundtable, we take a look back to our modest origins to remember the TVs we used to own back before we even had a concept of "home theater." Share your stories with us in the blog today.Posted Fri Jan 31, 2014 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
'Lake Placid' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]Steve Miner's 1999 horror/comedy will make a splash on Blu-ray this summer. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Scream Factory will be releasing 'Lake Placid' on Blu-ray sometime this summer. When a man is eaten alive by a mysterious creature in the beautiful Lake Placid area of New England, New York scientist Kelly Scott (Bridget Fonda) arrives to investigate and, examining the evidence, soon confirms that the creature is a giant crocodile. Teaming up with local game warden Jack Wells (Bill Pullman) she uses state-of-the-art equipment to attempt to track down and capture the huge beast. But when they finally encounter their prey, it seems determined to give them a run for their money. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Lake Placid' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING.Posted Fri Jan 31, 2014 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Amazon Prime Pricing Could Increase[teaser]The online retail giant is considering a price increase for its Prime subscription service. [/teaser] During Amazon's fourth quarter earnings conference call, the company revealed that it might need to reevaluate its Prime subscription pricing. Currently, Prime members pay $79 per year, but the proposed fee increase could see that price rise by $20 to $40. Amazon Prime benefits include free 2-day shipping, unlimited access to a growing library of streaming movies and TV shows, and one free Kindle book to borrow each month. Unfortunately, due to rising shipping fees and increased popularity for Prime Instant Video, the cost of maintaining the service might be too much to sustain the current $79 pricing. While a potential price increase for Amazon Prime membership has not been finalized, any new revisions to the subscription scheme could see fees rise to as high as $119 per year. It's also possible that the company will experiment with piecing out its services in order to offer less expensive plans for specific features. Source: The VergePosted Fri Jan 31, 2014 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Justin Chadwick's biopic starring Idris Elba in his Golden Globe nominated performance is planned for Blu-ray in March. Pre-orders are also now available at Amazon. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay is working on 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' for a Blu-ray release on March 18. Nelson Mandela's extraordinary journey to becoming one of history's most iconic figures is brought to life in 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.' The film chronicles Nelson Mandela's early life, education, marriage and 27-year prison sentence before becoming South Africa's first democratically elected president. Working to rebuild the country's once segregated society, Mandela's greatest struggles lead to his greatest triumph. The Blu-ray/DVD/Ultraviolet Combo Pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 soundtrack, and supplements include: Mandela: The Leader You Know, The Man You Didn't; Feature Commentary With Director Justin Chadwick; Behind-The-Scenes Featurettes; and a Tribute Video Gallery. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 18.Posted Fri Jan 31, 2014 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
'Buck Wild' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The outrageous zombie comedy will shamble to Blu-ray in March. Order the Blu-ray here! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Millennium Entertainment will be unleashing 'Buck Wild' on Blu-ray on March 18. 'Buck Wild' is a tongue-in-cheek adventure that turns the buddy comedy upside down while tearing zombies inside out! Craig Thompson's idyllic hunting trip with his two buddies and unstable cousin is wrecked after hearing that his fiancée and best man-to-be have been cavorting behind his back. To make matters worse, Craig's cousin appears to be on the verge of a murderous rampage, while a rapidly spreading Chupacabra virus is transforming locals into the undead. After taking drastic measures to protect themselves, the boys must put aside their differences to survive an insidious hillbilly gang and impending zombie melee. Things are about to get 'Buck Wild!' There's no word on tech specs yet, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Buck Wild' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it 's indexed under March 18.Posted Fri Jan 31, 2014 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
'Touch of Evil: Limited Edition' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The 1958 Orson Welles' classic is headed for Blu-ray in April. Pre-orders are now available here! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal Studios is preparing 'Touch of Evil' for a Blu-ray release on April 15. Directed by Orson Welles, 'Touch of Evil' is a film noir masterpiece whose Hollywood backstory is as unforgettable as the movie itself. Starring Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh and Welles himself, this dark portrait of corruption and morally compromised obsessions tells the story of a crooked police chief who frames a Mexican youth as part of an intricate criminal plot. The Blu-ray/DVD/Ultraviolet Combo Pack will include three versions of the film (Theatrical, Preview, and Reconstructed) and will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 soundtrack, and supplements include: Preview Version Commentary with Welles Historians Jonathan Rosenbaum and James Naremore; Theatrical Version Commentary with Writer/Filmmaker F.X. Feeney; Reconstructed Version Commentary with Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh and Reconstruction Producer Rick Schmidlin; Reconstructed Version Commentary with Reconstruction Producer Rick Schmidlin; Bringing Evil to Life; Evil Lost and Found; and Theatrical Trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Touch of Evil: Limited Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 15.Posted Thu Jan 30, 2014 at 12:00 PM PST by:
