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Weekend Roundtable: Movie & TV Product PlacementIn honor of this week's theatrical release of 'The Internship', which appears to be little more than a 119-minute commercial for Google, today's Roundtable looks at other examples of blatant and obnoxious product placement in movies and TV. Read all about it in the blog.Posted Fri Jun 7, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'The Wizard of Oz: 75th Anniversary Edition' Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D Dated and Detailed![teaser]The 75th anniversary Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D releases of the classic 1939 musical starring Judy Garland will arrive in October following a limited IMAX 3D theatrical release in September! [/teaser] As previously reported, Warner Brothers is working on 'The Wizard of Oz: 75th Anniversary Edition', along with 'The Wizard of Oz - 3D: 75th Anniversary Edition' and 'The Wizard of Oz - 3D: 75th Anniversary Collector's Edition (Amazon Exclusive)', and now the date has been set for October 1. Kicking off the celebration, The Wizard of Oz 3D will be presented in the immersive IMAX® 3D format and return to the big screen for an exclusive one-week engagement in IMAX® theatres across North America beginning September 20, 2013. “We couldn’t be happier to partner with IMAX® as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of this iconic film,” said Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. “The Wizard of Oz IMAX® 3D Experience is an integral part of our studio-wide anniversary initiative and we are excited to give fans the rare opportunity to see this stunning version on the big screen.” “The Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved films of all time and we are thrilled that our longtime partners at Warner Bros. have made IMAX® a part of this exciting milestone event,” said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX® Entertainment. “This film revolutionized the use of color and special effects in cinema, and we’re excited to add another ‘first’ – bringing this timeless classic to moviegoers through the power of The IMAX 3D Experience® for the very first time.” The IMAX® release The Wizard of Oz will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX 3D Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX®'s customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie. “Seventy-five years later, The Wizard of Oz continues its reign as a multi-generational favorite, with nearly 100 percent awareness among adults and more than 80 percent awareness among children,” said Jeff Baker, WBHE Executive Vice President and General Manager, Theatrical Catalog. “In this new 3D version, the film is bound to make history all over again—with both past and future fans.” Adapted from L. Frank Baum's timeless children's tale about a Kansas girl's journey over the rainbow, 'The Wizard of Oz' opened at Grauman's Chinese Theater on August 15, 1939. The film was directed by Victor Fleming (who that same year directed Gone With the Wind), produced by Mervyn LeRoy, and scored by Herbert Stothart, with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg. Dorothy was portrayed by a 4'11" sixteen-year-old girl who quickly earned her reputation as the world's greatest entertainer: the incomparable Judy Garland. Ray Bolger appeared as the Scarecrow, Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion, Jack Haley as the Tin Man, and Frank Morgan in six different roles, chief among them the Wizard himself. 'The Wizard of Oz' received five Academy Award® nominations, including Best Picture (Outstanding Production), and captured two Oscars®—Best Song (“Over the Rainbow”) and Best Original Score -- plus a special award for Outstanding Juvenile Performance by Judy Garland. The film was an overwhelmingly popular and critical success upon its initial release and repeated its ability to captivate audiences when M-G-M reissued the film in 1949 and 1955. The film made a new kind of history with its network television premiere in 1956 on CBS. Nearly 45 million people tuned in for this initial telecast, marking the beginning of an annual tradition. Ever since, 'The Wizard of Oz' has been shown virtually annually on network (and then cable) television; its magical story and heartfelt performances have enabled it to grow from a perennial classic to its current status as a treasured icon of popular culture. Special features of the Collector's Edition will include all previously released special features along with: ALL-NEW Documentary! The Making of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz—This candid overview of how a troubled production overcame the odds to become an integral part of American culture features contributions from historians John Fricke and Sam Wasson, composers Stephen Schwartz and Marc Shaiman, critics Leonard Maltin and Michael Sragow, Bert Lahr’s son John as well as revealing interview clips with Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Buddy Ebsen, Margaret Hamilton and Mervyn LeRoy, among others. NEW! Exclusive Collectible Memorabilia —A collectible 75th Anniversary journal; Sparkle RUBY SLIPPERS™ Globe; Noble Collection 3-piece enamel pin set, a Map of Oz and a 48-page hardcover book. Collection is limited and numbered. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is set at $19.98, the Blu-ray 3D is $35.99, and the Amazon Exclusive Blu-ray 3D Collector's Edition is $105.43. You can find the latest specs for all editions of 'The Wizard of Oz: 75th Anniversary Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're now indexed under October 1.Posted Fri Jun 7, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
'Oblivion' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser] The sci-fi blockbuster starring Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman will crash land on Blu-ray this August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal Studios is working on 'Oblivion' for a Blu-ray release on August 6. Based on director Joseph Kosinski's acclaimed graphic novel, 'Oblivion' follows Jack Harper (Tom Cruise), a drone repairman working with his partner Vika (Andrea Riseborough) to salvage vital resources from a desolate, nearly-ruined future Earth. As their assignment approaches its final days, Jack rescues a beautiful stranger (Olga Kurylenko) from a downed spacecraft, triggering a chain of events that forces him to question everything he knows, and leaves humanity's fate in his hands. The Blu-ray/DVD/UV Digital Copy will have 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Feature Commentary with Tom Cruise and director Joseph Kosinski; Deleted Scenes; Isolated Score; and Promise of a New World - The Making of Oblivion. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Oblivion' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 6.Posted Fri Jun 7, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Theatrical Reviews: Much Ado About InternsThis week in theaters, 'Wedding Crashers' stars Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson get Googled while 'Avengers' director Joss Whedon doth quoteth the Bard. Read our reviews of 'The Internship' and 'Much Ado About Nothing' in the blog today.Posted Fri Jun 7, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Big Parade' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The groundbreaking classic of love and war will make its Blu-ray debut in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is working on 'The Big Parade' for Blu-ray on October 1. The idle son of a rich businessman joins the army when the U.S.A. enters World War One. He is sent to France, where he becomes friends with two working-class soldiers. He also falls in love with a Frenchwoman, but has to leave her to move to the frontline. Specs have yet to be revealed, but the release will be packaged in a 64-page digibook and supplements will include: Audio Commentary by Historian Jeffrey Vance with Director King Vidor; Documentary The Men Who Made the Movies: King Vidor; and Vintage Short 1925 Studio Tour. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $27.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Big Parade' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 1.Posted Fri Jun 7, 2013 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Doctor Who: Spearhead from Space' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The debut of the Third Doctor (Jon Pertwee) teleports to Blu-ray in celebration of the franchise's 50th anniversary this August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, BBC says 'Doctor Who: Spearhead from Space' will hit Blu-ray on August 13. The Time Lords have banished the newly regenerated Doctor to Earth. But the Doctor isn’t the only alien to have arrived, as a swarm of meteorites have crashed into the sleepy English countryside, bringing with them a terrible new threat to mankind. As the Nestene plan takes shape, UNIT, the Doctor and his newly appointed scientific advisor, Liz Shaw, race against time to stop humanity being replaced by a terrifying plastic facsimile race. For the Blu-ray release, the original 16mm negatives were scanned and digitized using state-of-the-art equipment. From there, further strides were made, including repairing damage done to one episode's negative caused by a reaction with chemicals during a printing process some years ago. Dirt has also been removed, grain lessened, joins cleaned up, and picture movement stabilized. The soundtrack, which had previously been remastered, was then added to the final master version. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Doctor Who: Spearhead from Space' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 13.Posted Fri Jun 7, 2013 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
High-Def Digest's Father's Day Gift Guide 2013by Steven Cohen Now that Mother's Day is behind us, it's time to once again turn our attentions to dear old dad. [teaser]Buying the perfect gift for any movie-loving father can be quite a challenge, so we're here to help make your HD shopping experience a little easier with our Father's Day Gift Guide.[/teaser] Filled with classic flicks, contemporary blockbusters, and several must own boxsets, this list offers Blu-ray suggestions for fathers of all tastes -- though, the emphasis is definitely on explosions. After all, what father doesn't love explosions? And as a very special added bonus, much like our previous Mother's Day Gift Guide, this list is officially "Father Approved." That's right, my very own dad actually had a hand in selecting the titles featured, and will even be providing some very fatherly commentary on all the included flicks! So, without further ado, here's our Blu-ray disc suggestions for Father's Day 2013: 'The Ultimate Gangsters Collection Classics' - This recently released set includes gangster classics 'Little Caesar,' 'The Public Enemy,' 'The Petrified Forest,' and 'White Heat,' offering a fantastic collection of golden age crime flicks from the 30s and 40s. To be honest, I haven't seen any of these titles yet myself, but Blu-ray reviewer David Krauss gave the boxset very high marks and with strong video, audio, and supplements, this seems like a no-brainer for any classic film fan fathers out there. Dad Says: "These are all great classic gangster films. You can’t go wrong with James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart or Edward G. Robinson -- these were the originals." 'The Ultimate Gangsters Collection Contemporary' - Going along perfectly with the Classic set, this contemporary collection includes 'Mean Streets,' 'The Untouchables,' 'Goodfellas,' 'Heat,' and 'The Departed.' With a triple dose of Scorsese and a one two punch of De Palma and Mann, this really is an enticing set. Helping to redefine and reinvigorate the genre, these films took what came before and made it fresh. With plenty of memorable characters and quotable lines to go along with a healthy assortment of bullets and suspense, this is a collection that no father should be without. Dad Says: "These movies continue what the originals started. I particularly like 'The Untouchables.' Who can forget that classic line, 'You wanna get Capone? Here's how you get him. He pulls a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital; you send one of his to the morgue! That's the Chicago way.'" 'Patton (Remastered)' - After negative reactions to the DNR riddled transfer on the previous release, 'Patton' has finally received the remaster it so fully deserves. A defining war epic with an iconic performance from George C. Scott, this film is exactly the type of movie I'd usually catch my dad getting lost in on a laid back Sunday afternoon after a hard week of work. Dad Says: "War movies just aren’t made like this any more. It's got an epic scope with larger-than-life characters and stirring action without having to be too realistic with gore." 'The Guns of Navarone' - A kick ass and highly influential "men-on-a-mission" flick, this movie has got it all: action, thrills, interesting dilemmas, an incredible ensemble cast that includes Gregory Peck, David Niven, and Anthony Quinn, and two impossibly large guns. Though it can be a bit ridiculous at times, there is real intelligence and depth in the script, and the story hits all the right classic war movie beats. It's another perfect film to help fathers unwind. Dad Says: "Like 'Patton,' this is just another great old fashioned war epic with impressive visuals. In fact, I recently visited the Greek island of Rhodes where the film was shot. It's a really beautiful location." 'Star Wars: The Complete Saga' - While the prequel trilogy might not be everyone's cup of tea, the Star Wars saga as a whole is really something special. With nearly universal appeal, these movies strike a chord with every generation. Filled with high adventure, wondrous visuals, and some infamous daddy issues, these are the perfect movies for fathers and their children (young and old) to bond over. Dad Says: "These are perfect sci-fi fun. The original three are timeless Saturday matinee films that you can just sit on the couch and watch while eating popcorn and suddenly find youself transported to "a galaxy far, far away" -- especially in high definition." 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol' - With the fourth installment of the 'Mission Impossible' franchise, director Brad Bird has taken the series to a whole new level. As far as recent blockbusters go, it doesn't get much more entertaining than this one, and I remember walking out of the theater with my own dad and agreeing that we both had a great time. With all the major dad flick hallmarks present, you really can't go wrong with Ethan Hunt and company. Dad Says: "This last one is definitely the most exciting so far. It's Tom Cruise at his fun and frolicking best." 'Die Hard: 25th Anniversary Blu-ray Collection' - These films basically invented an entire style of action flick, and when I envision my father sitting down to watch a movie on a Saturday night, 'Die Hard' is the first thing that pops into my mind. John McClane is the ultimate wise-cracking big screen tough guy, and these movies have dad material written all over them. Dad Says: "These are all action packed and endlessly entertaining. And they have one of the greatest catchphrases of all time 'Yippee-ki-yay motherf^&*$%!'" 'The Avengers' - I still can't believe that Marvel pulled this off. Their movie spanning shared universe plans were almost impossibly ambitious (especially in the logistical nightmare that is Hollywood). Their phase one strategy is really a pretty remarkable feat if you think about, and the results are any comic book fan's dream come true: getting to see their favorite heroes on the silver screen together. Those with the cash to spend should also consider picking up the entire 'Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One Collection' which includes all the individual films that led up to 'The Avengers' for a truly heroic Father's Day treat. Dad Says: "The Marvel movies have become the staple of the modern big budget matinee films like 'Star Wars' before them. They are entertaining and feature iconic characters that many people grew up with in the comics. Hollywood has done a good job of bringing these superheroes to film. The actors, like Robert Downey Jr., really bring humor and credibility to these characters." 'The Mad Max Trilogy' - This highly influential post-apocalyptic action trilogy helped catapult Mel Gibson to Hollywood stardom. The Blu-ray set arrives just in time for Father's day, and with its mixture of science fiction/western storytelling and vehicular mayhem, it should satisfy any Dad's thirst for dystopian action. Dad Says: "I never really had the opportunity to see any of these films, but I've always heard good things about them. Some say it features Mel Gibson at his best, so I look forward to finally watching them all on Blu-ray." 'Lethal Weapon Collection' - This is a set of films I remember my dad watching endlessly when I was younger (on old VHS copies taped off of cable with commercials, no less) and to this day these remain quintessential "guy" flicks. Buddy action at its best, watching Glover and Gibson bounce off each other is great fun and as far as I'm concerned neither one will ever be "too old for this shit." Dad Says: "Who can forget the final fight scene on the lawn with the bursting fire hydrant in the first film? Things might change when I finally see 'Mad Max,' but for now, I think this is Mel Gibson at his action peak." 'The Twilight Zone: The Complete Series' - In many respects, this really might be the greatest television show ever made. With tales that frighten, astonish, delight, terrify, and touch the heart in equal measure, the series is full of science fiction stories that run the full gamut of emotion, using fantastical allegories and intelligent writing to probe the inner mysteries of humanity. I have many fond memories of catching various marathons on TV with my dad, and with this set we can have our own impromptu marathons whenever we're together. Dad Says: "First you hear that iconic music, then Rod Serling's voice over, and suddenly you know you're in for something very special – there just isn't anything like it. Some of the stories were simple, some were complex, but all made you go 'wow!' You can watch them over and over and still see something new you didn’t realize was there before. Even after all these years, the episodes are timely and just so cool!" 'Clint Eastwood 20 Film Collection' - Whether in front of or behind the camera, Clint Eastwood is a true Hollywood legend. This collection features twenty of his films, including 'The Outlaw Josey Wales,' 'Unforgiven,' 'Dirty Harry,' and 'Mystic River.' Showing off virtually every side of the actor/director's impressive repertoire, there's a version of Eastwood here for everybody. Of course, most fathers will likely prefer the squinting, grizzled, low talking iteration. Now, go ahead, make you father's day by picking this set up. Dad Says: "Wow, what a great collection from such an incredible talent. Its offers an eclectic range of some of his finest and most fun films. It shows his versatility as both an actor and director." 'Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection' - My father is responsible for introducing me to a lot of movies for the first time (many of which are on this list), but perhaps the most important films he brought to my attention were the works of Alfred Hitchcock. There really isn't much left to be said about the "Master of Suspense" that hasn't already been said countless times before, but this collection of fifteen films from the famed British director really is a must own. Any film-loving dad, young or old, would almost surely love to get their hands on this. Dad Says:"My personal favorite film of all time is 'North by North West.' The way Hitchcock builds up the suspense slowly allowing the audience to use their imagination without ever showing gore is fantastic. He puts average guys in the most unexpected and difficult situations and makes you really feel like you're a part of the movie. His artistry with the camera and the way he portrayed obsession are unparalleled to this day." 'Enter the Dragon: 40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition' - My dad's a big Bruce Lee fan so there's been many a time that I've walked into the living room as a kid to find the martial arts master punching and kicking his way across our TV screen. This new remastered 40th Anniversary Edition of 'Enter the Dragon' is being released on June 11, giving buyers just enough time to snatch it up as the perfect gift for their action hungry dads. Dad Says: "I remember seeing my first Bruce lee movie, 'The Chinese Connection,' and I was blown away. I had never seen such great karate scenes before. Unlike his earlier films, with 'Enter the Dragon' (unfortunately his last movie), Lee had Hollywood behind him. This movie has good production value but some of his previous Hong Kong produced films take the slight edge when it comes to fight scenes. All of his films are just great fun to watch." 'The Bourne Trilogy' - As Paul Rudd said in 'The 40 Year Old Virgin,' "Y'know, I always thought that Matt Damon was like a Streisand, but he's rocking the shit in this one!" The Bourne films brought a new, contemporary spin to the espionage genre and though your dad might complain about all that annoying "shaky cam" (mine does) there's no denying that these are cool, pulse-pounding movies. Just make sure your father isn't prone to motion induced seizures. Dad Says: "I love the international flavor, the thrilling car chases, the exceptional fights scenes, and the intricate plot lines. Man just turn off the lights, turn up the volume, and leave me alone." 'Star Trek: The Original Series – Season 1' - Gene Roddenberry's planned five year voyage for the starship Enterprise might have ended prematurely, but the original series has gone on to spawn an enduring franchise that continues to entertain. Groundbreaking in many ways when it first aired in the 1960s, the show has been given a beautiful Blu-ray release that should appeal to many fathers, especially those that were kids during the series' first run. You might also want to consider throwing in the Motion Picture Collection the 2009 film and The Next Generation for the ultimate Father's Day trekkie collection! Dad Says: "The original series was ahead of its time. The best part for me is that I can watch them over and over and still feel that same sense of wonderment I felt when I first saw them on TV when I was 10 years old." 'Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures' - Spielberg’s Indiana Jones films are pure pulpy, popcorn entertainment. Harrison Ford has never been better than when he's wearing that fedora, and the character just oozes cool. The third installment even features a great father/son dynamic. Though, come to think of it, I suppose the fourth one does too, but the less said about "Mutt," the better. Dad Says: "Just like 'Star Wars,' these films are incredibly fun -- no hidden messages, no metaphors, just straight, sometimes silly fun." 'Best of Warner Bros. 50 Film Collection' - This is an utterly mammoth set that covers the entire cinematic spectrum from 1932 to 2010 with fifty films from Warner's incredible catalog -- including classics like 'Casablanca' and 'The Wizard of Oz' and modern hits like 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' and 'Inception.' With such an all-encompassing assortment of previously available titles, this would make the perfect gift for any father just starting their Blu-ray collection! Dad Says: "Man, what can I say, they're all here. As far as I am concerned this is all you need to keep you film happy for a couple of months. Turn off the lights, turn up the A.C., get the popcorn, and start with number 50 and watch your way down to number 1. You'll be in film heaven. 'Bond 50' - Perhaps the definition of male oriented entertainment, the James Bond films are sophisticated, sexy, and exciting, while often being utterly ridiculous and silly at the same time. This set includes fifty years worth of 007 adventures spanning Sean Connery to Daniel Craig. Be sure to also pick up the latest (and possibly greatest) entry in the series, 'Skyfall,' to complete the set, giving dad the total Bond package. Dad Says: "Saved the best for last. I used to replay these movies so much when my daughter was young that when I would ask her what she wanted to watch, she would just say, "Please, something a little less Bond." All women want him and all men want to be him. For me, the original Connery films were the best. However, each actor has made the character their own, and there is something good about all of them. The newer ones with Daniel Craig have brought the series full circle, going back to a more serious 007. As far as I'm concerned, it's always time for Bond." Well, there you have it. Those are our Father's Day Blu-ray gift suggestions for 2013. We hope that these recommendations help to give you some ideas in your search for the perfect gift for your dad. But remember, whatever movies you end up getting, just make sure you watch them together. After all, that's the best part, isn't it?Posted Thu Jun 6, 2013 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
'Room 237' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Rodney Ascher's Jury Award-winning documentary (Austin Fantastic Fest) on Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining' will take an axe to Blu-ray in September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, IFC Films will be releasing 'Room 237' on Blu-ray on September 24. After the box office failure of Barry Lyndon, Stanley Kubrick decided to embark on a project that might have more commercial appeal. The Shining, Stephen King's biggest critical and commercial success yet, seemed like a perfect vehicle. After an arduous production, Kubrick's film received a wide release in the summer of 1980; the reviews were mixed, but the box office, after a slow start, eventually picked up. End of story? Hardly. In the 30 years since the film's release, a considerable cult of Shining devotees has emerged, fans who claim to have decoded the film's secret messages addressing everything from the genocide of Native Americans to a range of government conspiracies. Rodney Ascher's wry and provocative Room 237 fuses fact and fiction through interviews with cultists and scholars, creating a kaleidoscopic deconstruction of Kubrick's still-controversial classic. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Room 237' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 24.Posted Thu Jun 6, 2013 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
'House of Wax (1953) - 3D' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]Celebrate the 60th anniversary of the classic Vincent Price horror on Blu-ray 3D available this October! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay is working on 'House of Wax (1953) - 3D' for Blu-ray on October 1. In 1953, the film was the first color 3D feature released by a major studio. The huge hit also marked Vincent Price’s first major starring horror role and changed the course of his career. Thanks to advanced technology and the expert work of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging (MPI), audiences will now be able to enjoy the classic mystery shocker as it was originally seen in theatres. Originally designed to lure audiences away from their TV sets, 3D utilized a “left-eye/right-eye” dual projection process and polarized glasses, the basis for what is seen today. MPI’s work on 'House of Wax' includes a 4K scan, and a full restoration of the two “eyes,” as well as perfect 3D image alignment. 'House of Wax' was a major box-office success when it was released in 1953. If adjusted to today’s gross, it would have brought in more than $401 million, placing it among the top 100 highest grossing films ever.* It no doubt paved the way for a 3D boom over the next several years during which 50 3D features and some two dozen shorts and cartoons were released. The film was directed by André deToth, an unlikely choice to direct a 3D film as he was blind in one eye and unable to properly see the effects he created. Besides Price, 'House of Wax' additionally features Frank Lovejoy, Phyllis Kirk, Carolyn Jones, Paul Picerni and a young actor named Charles Buchinsky, who would later become known to audiences worldwide as Charles Bronson. Screenplay is by Crane Wilbur. Brian Foy produced. The Warner library has the largest number of classic 3D titles (15) of any studio, and now that the technology has been perfected, the studio looks forward to re-introducing them to home audiences. The long-awaited, much requested release of 'House of Wax' is the second classic 3D film the studio has released on Blu-ray, following last year’s release of 'Dial M for Murder.' Specs of yet to be revealed, but the Blu-ray/Blu-ray 3D combo pack will include: Expert Commentary; All New Featurette: "House of Wax: Unlike Anything You've Seen Before"; "Round-the-Clock Premiere: Coast Hails House of Wax"; Mystery of the Wax Museum (1933 Warner Bros. Feature Film); and Theatrical Trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'House of Wax (1953) - 3D' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 1.Posted Thu Jun 6, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Hell's House' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]Another classic featuring Hollywood's golden age starlet Bette Davis will arrive on Blu-ray in June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Kino Video has revealed 'Hell's House' will hit Blu-ray on June 18. 'Hell's House,' released in 1932, was an independent production, produced by Bennie Zeidman, that features early appearances by both Davis and Pat O'Brien right before their time as contract players at Warner Bros., where they would both become superstars within a couple years. A pre-code melodrama, 'Hell's House' is an exposé of the American penal system, with similarities to other socially-conscious films of the period such as 'I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang' and 'The Mayor of Hell.' The film stars Junior Durkin as a naive farmboy who comes to the big city after his mother dies. There, he falls into bad company when he meets a smooth-talking bootlegger (O'Brien) and his beautiful girlfriend (Davis). Before long, the lad finds himself in trouble with the law and is handed a sentence in a brutal reform school. Abandoned by the judicial system, the boy's only chance for justice from the reform school is the conscience of the criminal who put him there in the first place. Specs have yet to be revealed, but the Blu-ray will be mastered in HD from an original 35mm print from Bette Davis' personal collection, donated to the Library of Congress. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Hell's House' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 18.Posted Thu Jun 6, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT by:
