We’ve got just a couple of quick bits of announcement news for you today...

First up, Scream Factory has revealed that they’re going to be releasing Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986) as a new Collector’s Edition on Blu-ray and DVD sometime in the first half of 2016. What’s more, they’re planning Michael Mann’s Manhunter (1986) as a new ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray and DVD release too. And look for Scream to release Frank LaLoggia’s Lady in White (1988), a double feature of Murders in the Rue Morgue (1971) and The Dunwhich Horror (1970), Species II (1998), and a double feature of Species III (2004) and Species IV: The Awakening (2007) all on Blu-ray in early 2016!

Meanwhile today, Broad Green Pictures has set A Walk in the Woods for Blu-ray and DVD release on 12/29.

Wild Eye Releasing has set The Last House for DVD only release on 11/24.

The street date for Sony’s Joe Dirt 2: Beautiful Loser has been moved to 1/5 (from 1/12). Adjust your plans accordingly.

In other news, we’re getting reports that people are having trouble with Disc Two of CBS’ new My Fair Lady Blu-ray. We’re looking into it.

We also need to take a moment today to acknowledge the passing of screenwriter Melissa Mathison, whose work included the original scripts for E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial, The Black Stallion, and Kundun. She was 65. You can read more here at Variety and here at NPR.

And finally, Amazon.com has started offering Countdown to Black Friday deals on all kinds of products (including Blu-rays, DVDs, and home electronics) so do be sure to check them out. Remember – anything at all that you order from Amazon after clicking through to them from any of our links helps to support our work here at The Bits and we surely do appreciate it!

Here’s a look at a few more new and upcoming Blu-ray titles, with Amazon pre-order links if available...

Stay tuned...

- Bill Hunt