Frankly, I’m sick to death of complaining to the studios about these kinds of frustrating issues (which drive disc consumers absolutely out of their minds) only to realize the truth, which that the people who make these decisions just don’t care that this kind of thing infuriates fans. Clearly, the evidence suggests their retail partners’ desire for exclusive content means far more to Paramount than what their customers – the people who actually buy their discs – want from that product. Now, I’ll allow that it’s possible that this unfortunate decision was made years ago, as part of a multi-title deal with iTunes. Maybe this is contractual obligation bullshit. But it’s still bullshit. Good God, the lengths I have personally gone to over the last couple years to try and help this studio understand its own customers better! Then nothing happens except more of the same. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. So if the studio doesn’t care, why the hell should we?
Star Trek Beyond. Buy the damn discs or don’t, I don’t care anymore. I’m done with this stupidity. Maybe when Alibaba finally buys this fool studio, things will change. But I won’t be holding my breath.
By the way, if you go back and re-read the above text with the Beastie Boys’ Sabotage playing in the background, I think it really strikes the proper mood and sentiment. Why, here it is right now. Crank it up to 11 and think of all the fine folks who made this decision as you listen. You’re welcome.
Moving on, here’s something interesting for you today. For those of you who have yet to start your own viewing experience with Game of Thrones, HBO is making Game of Thrones: The Complete Seasons 1-6 available on Blu-ray and DVD on 11/15 in one box (SRP $229.99 and $189.99). These will have Digital HD codes for all the episodes. What we aren’t sure of yet is whether each season will be the original Blu-ray release or the more recent BD re-releases with Dolby Atmos audio mixes. Rest assured, we shall endeavor to find out.
Meanwhile, scanning various Amazon sites from around the world, it appears that among Warner’s forthcoming (and TBA) catalog 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray offerings will be Ben Affleck’s Argo, George Miller’s original Mad Max, and Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas. Here’s a look at some cover artwork, but note that until these are actually announced we’re not going to include Amazon pre-order links yet.
In other announcement news today, Music Box Films has set Mia Madre for Blu-ray and DVD release on 11/15.
Well Go USA has set Cardboard Boxer for Blu-ray and DVD release on 11/15 as well.
MPI is releasing Last Girl Standing on DVD and Digital HD on 11/1.
In addition to their recent UFO announcement, Network Distributing has just set Gerry Anderson’s Terrahawks: Volume 2 for release on Blu-ray and DVD in the U.K. on 10/31 (SRP £19.99 each).
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has just listed The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Tenth Season for Blu-ray and DVD pre-order on Amazon (street date TBA). See the Blu-ray cover artwork below.
And finally, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is releasing Outlander: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray on 11/1 in a regular edition (SRP $34.99 on Amazon) as well as an Amazon-exclusive Collector’s Edition (SRP $75.99) that includes a bonus disc, a hardcover book, and an exclusive sneak peek at the next book in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. Here’s what it looks like. (And here’s a look at the cover artwork for a few other discs we mentioned above too – just click on the covers to pre-order)...
All right, y’all. That’s the news and I am outta here. I need a break from the aggrivation and I’m sure some of you Trek fans do too. So much love and have a great weekend!
- Bill Hunt (@BillHuntBits)