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Blu-ray Highlights: Week of June 23rd, 2013Some weeks bring us more interesting Blu-ray releases than others. Regardless, new discs will hit stores this week, and we've got a rundown of what's available in the blog today.Posted Mon Jun 24, 2013 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Big Wedding' Blu-ray Announced and Detailed[teaser]The star-studded ensemble comedy will walk down the high-definition aisle this August. [/teaser] In an early retailer announcement, Lionsgate will release 'The Big Wedding' on Blu-ray on August 13. When long divorced Don (Robert De Niro) and Ellie (Diane Keaton) are forced to reunite to play the happy couple for their adopted son's wedding weekend, anything can happen. After learning his biological mother is unexpectedlyflying halfway across the world for the event, the duo must work together to convince her they are still happily married, much to the amusement of their adult children and friends. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include a "Coordinating The Big Wedding" featurette. Suggested list price will be $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Big Wedding' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 13.Posted Mon Jun 24, 2013 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Weekend Roundtable: Favorite College MoviesThis week's Pixar prequel 'Monster University' takes a trip back in time to visit lovable scarers Mike and Sulley in their college days. Today's Roundtable, therefore, seems like a good opportunity to look at some of our favorite movies about the college experience. Share your picks with us in the blog.Posted Fri Jun 21, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Stalag 17' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Billy Wilder's 1953 war drama is planned for Blu-ray in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony will be releasing 'Stalag 17' on Blu-ray on October 8. Two worthy Academy Award nominees from 1950's 'Sunset Boulevard' -- actor William Holden and producer/co-writer/director Billy Wilder -- reteamed for the gripping World War II drama, 'Stalag 17.' The result was another Best Director nomination for Wilder (his fourth), and the elusive Best Actor Oscar for Holden. Holden portrays the jaded, scheming Sergeant J.J. Sefton, a prisoner at the notorious German prison camp, who spends his days dreaming up rackets and trading with the Germans for special privileges. But when two prisoners are killed in an escape attempt, it becomes obvious that there is a spy among the prisoners. Is it Sefton? Famed producer/director Otto Preminger tackles a rare acting role as the camp's commandant, and actor Robert Strauss won a Supporting Actor nomination for his role as "Animal." Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Stalag 17' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 8.Posted Fri Jun 21, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Theatrical Reviews: Movies from U to ZHere we are in the heart of blockbuster season, and Hollywood keeps cranking out potential hits. This week brings us the Pixar prequel 'Monsters University' and the zombie apocalypse epic 'World War Z'. Read our reviews of both in the blog today!Posted Fri Jun 21, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Exorcist: 40th Anniversary Edition' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]A head-spinning 40th Anniversary Blu-ray double dip is coming in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers has revealed 'The Exorcist: 40th Anniversary Edition' is planned for Blu-ray on October 8. 'The Exorcist' tells the now-famous story of a girl's demonic possession, and a gripping fight between good and evil. Linda Blair, in a breakout role, plays Regan, a young girl who starts to exhibit strange, arcane behavior. Her mother (Ellen Burstyn) calls upon a priest, Father Karras (Jason Miller) to investigate. But Karras, who has a spiritual crisis of his own, is suddenly confronted with the unimaginable evil of Regan's possession. Father Lankester Merrin (Max Von Sydow), an archeologist-priest, is called to help, and a horrific battle for her soul begins. When 'The Exorcist' was first released in 1973, viewers were frightened out of their wits, and literally out of their seats. A true cinema landmark, the theological thriller is one of the top ten box-office performers of all time, earned ten Academy Award nominations (including Best Picture) and won two Oscars, for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound. Subsequently, the film went on to become a multi-million dollar franchise. Directed by Friedkin (Oscar-winner for 'The French Connection') and written by William Peter Blatty, the film is based on Blatty's best-selling novel, which sold nearly 13 million copies domestically and was the #1 book on the New York Times Best Seller List for 57 weeks, 17 of them at #1. Regarding the Extended Director's Cut, Friedkin says, "After my final cut of the original 'The Exorcist,' I took out 12 more minutes before we actually released it in theatres. Years later, Bill Blatty asked if I'd consider reviewing some of that rejected footage (which he always felt should have remained) with an eye towards putting it into a new version. Bill gave me the best piece of material I've ever received and because of that and because the film had such a major reputation over some 25 years, I agreed to revisit all these scenes. When I saw them, I came to realize that Bill was, in fact, right. With technical advances, scenes that didn't work then could now be fixed with CGI and there were others that I thought strengthened the spiritual aspect of the film. Warner agreed and released a whole new theatrical print in 2000 which we called 'The Exorcist: The Version You've Never Seen.' And I now agree with Blatty that this is the best and most complete version." Specs have yet to be revealed, but the release will include both the theatrical and extended director's cuts of the film and supplements will include: Introduction by William Friedkin; Two Audio Commentaries with William Friedkin; Audio Commentary with William Peter Blatty; The Fear of God: 25 Years of the Exorcist (1998 BBC Documentary); Raising Hell: Filming The Exorcist; The Exorcist Locations: Georgetown Then and Now; Faces of Evil: The Different Versions of The Exorcist; Interviews: The Original Cut, Stairway to Heaven, The Final Reckoning; Sketches & Storyboards; Original Ending; Radio Spots; TV Spots; and Trailers. New features will include: Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist: 40 years after his novel was published, The Exorcist author, screenwriter and producer returns to where it all began. First stop is a cabin/guest house in the hills of Encino, California, where Blatty wrote the novel. The author visits the place for the first time in 40 years and shares not only memories of writing the book, but also discusses how it inspired him. We then meet Blatty in two key and iconic locations; Georgetown University where the film was shot, and at the now-famous Exorcist steps. Throughout, Blatty reads from his novel, including an excerpt from a chilling newly published passage; Talk of the Devil: While at Georgetown University, William Peter Blatty heard about a true case of possession from Father Eugene Gallagher. At the time the film came out, the priest talked at length about exorcism, the true story and about Blatty; this footage is now available for the first time in many years. It is as revealing as it is shocking; plus an excerpt from Friedkin's new book, "The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir." Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $49.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Exorcist: 40th Anniversary Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 8.Posted Fri Jun 21, 2013 at 08:35 AM PDT by: -
'Cavalcade' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed[teaser]Frank Lloyd's 1933 Oscar-winner debuts on Blu-ray for its 80th anniversary this August. [/teaser] In an early retailer announcement, 20th Century Fox will release 'Cavalcade' on Blu-ray on August 6. The Best Picture winner offers a view of English life starting New Year's Eve 1899 through New Year's Day 1933. Presented from the point of view of wealthy London residents Jane and Robert Marryot, several historical events serve as background for the film, including the Second Boer War, the death of Queen Victoria, the sinking of the Titanic and World War I. The Blu-ray/DVD combo pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono soundtrack, and supplements will include: Commentary by Film Historian Richard Schickel and Fox Movietone News: Cavalcade Wins First Honors. Suggested list price will be $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Cavalcade' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 6.Posted Fri Jun 21, 2013 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Reminder: 'Falling Skies' Contest Deadline TodayDo you like free stuff? Well, don't miss your chance to win 'Falling Skies: The Complete Second Season' on Blu-ray. You still have time to enter our contest before the deadline at the end of the day today. Get right on that while you still can!Posted Fri Jun 21, 2013 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'Empire State' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Dito Montiel's crime drama starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson heads to Blu-ray this September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate says 'Empire State' is coming to Blu-ray on September 3. The film co-stars Liam Hemsworth and Emma Roberts and centers on two childhood friends who plan to rob an armored car depository, and the NYPD officer who stands in their way. The release will be a Blu-ray/Ultraviolet combo pack with 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include Director's Audio Commentary; Deleted Scenes; and Behind the scenes interviews with cast/crew. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Empire State' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under September 3.Posted Fri Jun 21, 2013 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Sleepless in Seattle' Blu-ray Up for Pre-Order![teaser]A limited edition Blu-ray of Nora Ephron's 1993 romantic comedy is now available for pre-order! [/teaser] In an "early" announcement to retailers, Twilight Time says 'Sleepless in Seattle' is headed for a Blu-ray release on July 9. Tom Hanks stars as Sam Baldwin, a widowed father who, thanks to the wiles of his worried son, becomes a reluctant guest on a radio call-in show. He's an instant hit with thousands of female listeners, who deluge his Seattle home with letters of comfort. Meanwhile, inspired in equal parts by Sam's story and by classic Hollywood romance, writer Annie Reed (Meg Ryan) becomes convinced that it's her destiny to meet Sam. There are just two problems: Annie's engaged to someone else, and Sam doesn't know - yet - that they're made for each other. The release will be limited to 3000 units and will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Audio Commentary with Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron; Isolated Score Track; Love in the Movies; "When I Fall in Love" Music Video; Original Theatrical Trailer; and Extensive Liner Notes by Julie Kirgo The Blu-ray can be pre-ordered from Screen Archives here for $29.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Sleepless in Seattle' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 9.Posted Thu Jun 20, 2013 at 09:50 AM PDT by:
