Just a heads-up: I’m working on several new Blu-ray reviews as well, including a look at the big Monty Python reunion on disc. I know that many of you have asked if we’re going to review Batman: The Classic Series on Blu-ray. The answer is maybe. If Warner sends it, we’ll review it ASAP. We just don’t know if they’re sending it yet or not. That’s kind of how it works these days. So stay tuned.

Also here at The Bits today, our own Russell Hammond has updated the Release Dates & Artwork section with all the latest Blu-ray and DVD cover artwork and Amazon.com pre-order links. As always, whenever you order anything at all through our links to Amazon, you’re helping to support our work here at the site and we sure do appreciate it.

Now then… Disney has officially set the 101 Dalmatians: Diamond Edition for release on Blu-ray Disc and DVD on 2/10. In addition to “a selection of classic bonus features,” new special features for this release will include the all-new The Further Adventures of Thunderbolt animated short, the Walt Disney Presents The Best Doggoned Dog in the World (1961 version), Lucky Dogs, DisneyView, and Dalmatians 101: Hosted by Cameron Boyce (of Disney Channel’s The Descendants). You can see the cover artwork below and pre-orders ARE now open at Amazon (just click on the cover).

Also, Lionsgate has set Kevin Smith’s Tusk for Blu-ray and DVD release on 12/30. Extras will include deleted scenes, audio commentary with writer/director Kevin Smith, 2 featurettes (20 Years to Tusk and The Making of Tusk), and the SModcast #259: The Walrus and The Carpenter. If I’m not mistaken, I believe these extras were produced by our old friend Cliff Stephenson.

And Scream Factory has announced the Blu-ray and DVD release of Animal on 2/17, produced by Drew Barrymore and directed by Brett Simmons.

In other news today, Disney has somehow managed to get Apple and Google to reach a deal that will allow Disney movies to appear on Android devices via Google Play. More here on CNN Money and here at Variety.

And finally today, back on the subject of Warner’s Batman: The Classic Series Blu-ray release next week, Wired magazine has done a nice little article on the convoluted contractual, legal and ownership rights wrangling that went on behind-the-scenes in order to ensure that the series could FINALLY come out on Blu-ray and DVD. It’s well worth your time and an absolutely fascinating glimpse into the Byzantine world of Hollywood IP negotiation, so do give it a read here.

Here’s a look at the Blu-ray artwork for 101 Dalmatians, Tusk, Animal, and Batman: The Classic Series…

Back tomorrow. Stay tuned!

- Bill Hunt