My Two Cents
All right, we've got some good new announcement news for you today.
First though, you may have noticed that I missed a couple daily posts last week. No worries - all is well here. We've just got some good stuff going on here at The Bits. Personally, I've been helping my mother prepare for a move to a new retirement home. And behind-the-scenes here we're also working on a couple really cool things for you guys, one of which is Dr. Jahnke's Hell Plaza Oktoberfest! Look for that to kick off on 10/1. The other thing you'll learn about soon enough, so I'll come back to that in a week or so. Anyway, I appreciate your patience as we get it all completed so thank you.
Now then... Liongate has announced their December Blu-ray and DVD slate, including Bob the Builder: Teamwork Time, Fred 3: Camp Fred, a Fred 3-Movie Collection, Titanic: Blood & Steel (Blu-ray and DVD) and A Vampire's Tale on 12/4, followed by Bigfoot County and Thomas & Friends: Sticky Situations on 12/11. The studio will release Step-up Revolution on Blu-ray and DVD on 11/27. Lionsgate has also set Power Rangers Samurai: Christmas Together, Friends Forever for DVD only release on 10/16.
Warner Home Video will release Thunderstruck on Blu-ray/DVD Combo on 1/1/2013 (SRP $24.97).
Sony Pictures has just announced the Blu-ray 3D Combo, Blu-ray Combo and DVD release of the CG-animated Arthur Christmas on 11/6. Extras will include 2 featurettes (including Un-wrapping Arthur Christmas and Elf Recruitment Video) and 5 Progression Reels (Arthur Christmas Unwrapped, Arthur's Office, Grand Santa, Invasion and Trelaw).
Sony has also announced a slate of new MOD DVD-R titles for release on 11/6, including Arizona (1940), The Tall T, Assignment K and The Houston Story.
Disney has set Army Wives: Season Six, Part Two for DVD only release on 12/18.
20th Century Fox has set individual season sets of Stargate Atlantis for release on Blu-ray Disc on 11/27 (SRP $39.99 each).
Synapse Films has announced The Definitive Document of the Dead documentary for release on DVD and limited edition Blu-ray Disc on 11/13 (SRP $19.95 each). Just 1500 copies of the Blu-ray will be available. The Blu-ray will include the 102-minute documentary on DVD, plus a BD of the 66-minute version from 1979. Extras on both will include all-new audio commentary by writer, producer and director Roy Frumkes.
PBS Distribution has announced a Masterpiece Classic: Downton Abbey - Seasons 1 & 2 box set for release on Blu-ray and DVD on 10/2 (SRP $64.99 and $59.99). The DVD is a 6-disc set while the BD set is a 5-disc set.
Anchor Bay Entertainment will release The Trouble with Bliss on DVD only on 1/1/2013.
Well Go USA Entertainment will release Painted Skin: The Resurrection on Blu-ray and DVD on 11/13.
Shout! Factory will release Kaijudo: Rise of the Duel Masters - Creatures Unleashed on DVD only on 12/4 (SRP $14.97).
CBS and Paramount have set Perry Mason: The Seventh Season - Volume Two for DVD only release on 10/23 (SRP $55.98), followed by The Streets of San Francisco: Season Five, Volume One and Volume Two on DVD on 10/30 (SRP $45.98 each) and Perry Mason: The Eighth Season - Volume One on DVD on 11/27 (SRP $55.98).
Paramount has also set Hot in Cleveland: Season Three for DVD only release on 11/27.
For you music fans, Eagle Rock Entertainment has set Paul McCartney: Live Kisses for DVD and Blu-ray release on 11/13.
And Image Entertainment has set Suddenly, the 1954 film noir classic starring Frank Sinatra, for Blu-ray Disc release on 12/4 (SRP $19.98).
In other news today, for those of you up in Canada who are having problems with Warner's Harry Potter Wizards Collection box set, we've got an e-mail you can use to report problems and see about getting them resolved. Contact Warner's Heather Borg at this address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We're working on getting a similar e-mail address for you U.K. readers too, so check back over the next couple days.
Also today, Amazon is suggesting that Universal's Ted will street on Blu-ray Combo and DVD on 12/11 (SRP $34.98 and $29.98).
Amazon.co.uk has also suggested a new street date for Warner's Empire of the Sun - 11/13 in the U.K. according to the site. Sources at Warner have informed us that a new official street is soon to be announced, so be sure to check back. We'll post it as soon as it's available.
And while we're talking about Amazon... Amazon.co.jp has revealed the Japanese Blu-ray Disc release of Gerry Anderson's UFO on 12/5 and Thunderbirds on 2/6/2013 respectively. Looks like lots of great content. One suspects they're coming in the U.S. and the U.K. as well - likely handled by Network and A&E/New Video. Fingers crossed we'll see official announcements soon. We're working to confirm. Thanks to several Bits readers who sent this in today.
We'll leave you with a look at the Blu-ray cover art for Synapse's Document of the Dead and Warner's The Postman Always Rings Twice (due 11/13) and Guys and Dolls (11/6)...
Stay tuned...
- Bill Hunt
More new announcements for you today...
Warner Home Video has set Grand Hotel, Mrs. Miniver and Driving Miss Daisy for Blu-ray Disc release on 1/8/13. Daisy will come in BD Book packaging. Also newly announced for Blu-ray release by the studio is Tom and Jerry: Blast Off to Mars on 10/16 and (for New Line) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3 as BD singles on 12/18.
Sony will release [REC]³: Genesis on DVD only on 11/6.
CBS and Paramount set J.A.G.: The Complete Series - Collector's Edition for DVD box set release on 12/11. The 56-disc set will contain all the episodes plus extras and you'll get a 40-page booklet as well. Also coming to DVD that same day is the Mission: Impossible: The Complete Television Collection Gift Set, featuring every episode plus extras in packaging that looks like microfilm in a bomb-like container.
MGM has set Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure for BD release on 11/13 (SRP $19.99). Extras will include 3 featurettes (The Original Bill & Ted: In Conversation with Chris & Ed, Air Guitar Tutorial With Bjorn Turoque & The Rockness Monster and One Sweet and Sour Chinese Adventure to Go), radio spots and the theatrical trailer.
Meanwhile, Fox has set The Big Trail for BD release on 11/13 as well (SRP $19.99).
In other release news, you can now pre-order Disney's Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One - Avengers Assembled BD set on Amazon.com again (SRP $219.00 but they have it for $139.96). Street date isn't listed but a note from Amazon says the set will come in different packaging now (minus the briefcase which Disney got sued over) and ship sometime in Spring 2013. So adjust your plans accordingly.
Finally today, here's something really cool for you Hobbit fans: Warner Bros has just issued the second trailer for the film and it looks pretty damn great. It's all over YouTube, and you can also view it on Apple (if you can actually see it - the site's bandwidth has been crushed all afternoon) and also here at the film's official site where you can choose to view the trailer with any of FIVE different endings. Count me in!
Here's a look at the Blu-ray cover artwork for MGM's Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, Criterion's The Qatsi Trilogy (due 12/11), and Warner's Driving Miss Daisy...
Stay tuned...
- Bill Hunt
Morning, folks! Hope you all had a fine weekend.
Today's update will be a quick one so we can get right to the good stuff this morning. Dr. Jahnke and yours truly have just completed our in-depth examination of Lucasfilm and Paramount's long-awaited Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures on Blu-ray Disc! The 5-disc set includes all 4 films in the series along with a bonus disc of extras. The good news is the films all look and sound fantastic and there are a couple of really good (and new) gems in the extras - stuff you've never seen before. The bad news is that LOTS of extras from the 2008 DVD set and the previous Crystal Skull Blu-ray haven't carried over. Still, the set's worth your money and remains a great deal of fun. It arrives in stores tomorrow. Click here for all the long-winded details.
One other quick thing for you today: As it happens, I was invited to speak at the Alpha: 2012 convention in Burbank, CA over the weekend. The event is a celebration of all things related to Space: 1999. The point of my appearance was to offer fans of the show an update on the Blu-ray Disc release of Season Two. As many of you know, Season One was released on BD (by Network in the U.K. and New Video/A&E here in the States) back in 2010, but the second season has been MIA since then. Fortunately, with the help of our friends at all three companies (a big thank you, guys!), I've finally been able to learn exactly what's going on with the release and was able to share the details at the convention.
Essentially, here's deal: When Network (which does all the production and remastering on the BDs under license with ITV) went to produce the Season One set, they discovered that all of the mag tracks (that make up the audio on the first season episodes) had already been digitized, so the company didn't have to take on the cost of doing it themselves in order to create new 5.1 audio mixes for each episode (in addition to the original mono). However, those tracks haven't been converted yet for Season Two and the high cost of digitizing this material has caused the budget for the BD production to become quite expensive. Network has informed me that they're definitely committed to releasing the season on Blu-ray and they're talking with ITV and New Video about the best way to make it happen affordably while ensuring that the set is of the same high quality as Season One. As with that set, Network will transfer all the episode film elements in full HD for remastering and hopes to find additional film material in the archives as well (outtakes and the like) that they'll also scan in HD for inclusion on the set. Of course, they again plan for the audio to be available in both 5.1 and the original mono. That said, the time needed to work out these details and complete the production properly means that Season Two will likely not street on BD until late next year or early 2014. In any case, rest assured that it's coming... just not right away. Adjust your plans accordingly.
That's all for now. Stay tuned...
- Bill Hunt
All right, there's LOTS more great release news today...
First though, our own Russell Hammond has once again updated the Release Dates & Art section with all the latest Blu-ray, DVD and Video Game cover artwork and Amazon.com pre-order links. As always, a portion of anything you order from Amazon after clicking through to them our links goes to help support our work here at The Bits and we really appreciate it.
Now then... Criterion has just announced its AMAZING December Blu-ray and DVD release slate. There are some really great gems here. Look for Terry Gilliam's Brazil (Cat #51 - BD) and René Clément's Purple Noon (Cat #637 - BD & DVD) on 12/4, and Godfrey Reggio's The Qatsi Trilogy (Cat #639 - BD & DVD - includes Koyaanisqatsi, Powaqqatsi and Naqoyqatsi) and Christopher Nolan's Following (Cat #638 - BD & DVD) on 12/11! For those who may be wondering, Brazil will include the 142-minute Director's Cut and the 94-minutes Love Conquers All version, plus ALL the previous extras!
Also today, Kino Lorber has announced their December slate as well. From their Kino Lorber label, look for Alps (DVD) and a Pablo Larrin: Director's Set (includes Tony Manero & Post Mortem - DVD) on 12/4, Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet (DVD) on 12/18, The Well Digger's Daughter (DVD & BD) on 12/24 and Putin's Kiss (DVD) on 12/31. On Kino Classics, look for The Blue Angel (BD) on 12/4, and Mario Bava's Baron Blood: Remastered Edition (DVD & BD), Mario Bava's Kidnapped: Remastered Edition (DVD & BD) and The Ultimate Buster Keaton Collection 15-disc box set (BD - includes Buster Keaton: Short Films Collection - 1920-1923, The Saphead, Our Hospitality, Sherlock Jr., Three Ages, The Navigator, Seven Chances, Go West, Battling Butler, The General, College (exclusive to this set until next year), Steamboat Bill, Jr. and Lost Keaton) on 12/11. SRP is $299.95. On the Artsploitation label, watch for Gandu (DVD) on 12/11. Finally, look for Fred and Vinnie (DVD) on 12/18 from the Horizon Movies label.
In addition, Lionsgate and Miramax have officially announced a Tarantino XX: 8-Film Collection for Blu-ray only release on 11/20 (SRP $119.99). It will include Reservoir Dogs, True Romance, Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, Kill Bill: Volume 1, Kill Bill: Volume 2, Death Proof and Inglourious Basterds, along with "two discs with five hours of all-new bonus material, highlighted by a critics' retrospective on Tarantino's groundbreaking catalog of films and 20 Years of Filmmaking that contains interviews with critics, stars and other masters of cinema." Still no word on the eventual BD release of Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair but one hopes it's coming in 2013.
FYI, Lionsgate has also set A Princess for Christmas for DVD only release on 10/16.
Sony has announced the Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD release of Men in Black 3 on 11/30. Extras will include the Spot the Alien game, 3 featurettes (The Evolution of Cool: MIB 1960's vs. Today, Keeping it Surreal: The FX of MIB 3 and Partners in Time: The Making of MIB 3), 4 Scene Investigations, 5 Progression Reels, a gag reel and Pitbull's Back in Time music video. The Blu-ray 3D will add 2 more featurettes (The Case of Boris the Animal: The 3D Models of MIB 3 and Converting to 3D). There will also be a Men in Black Trilogy: Limited Edition Blu-ray Giftset that includes all three films and a "worm" bobble head.
Indomina will release Flying Swords of Dragon Gate on Blu-ray and DVD on 10/2. The film stars Jet Li.
Dark Sky Films and MPI Media Group have set the Michael Rooker thriller Hypothermia for DVD only release on 10/2 as well.
Anchor Bay has announced that they'll be distributing Rob Zombie's The Lords of Salem, which presumably means home video as well. Details will follow as they come in.
Here's something to blow your mind: Timeless Media Group (a division of Shout! Factory) has just announced the DVD only release of The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams: Season One on 11/6. The 4-disc set will include 13 episodes for SRP $29.93. Big Ben, Mad Jack and old Number 7... wow, I'd actually really get a kick out of seeing this one again.
Speaking of TV DVD titles, don't forget that CBS and Paramount are releasing The Fugitive: The Most Wanted Edition - Complete Series on DVD on 10/23 (SRP $226.99). The 32-disc box set will include all the episodes, a boat-load of extras (rare pilot episodes, interviews, cast TV appearances, featurettes, promos and more) and a soundtrack CD as well.
And Image Entertainment has set Rescue: IMAX for Blu-ray 3D Combo and DVD release on 11/6 (SRP $24.98 and $19.98).
In other news today, 20th Century Fox has just announced their own Digital HD movie download plan. From the press release, Digital HD is "a new initiative that allows consumers to download or stream their favorite Fox movies on a variety of connected devices. Customized for today's digital lifestyles, more than 600 Fox films can now be enjoyed anywhere, anytime in amazing high-definition immediately in the U.S. from Amazon, CinemaNow, Google Play, iTunes, PlayStation, VUDU, Xbox Live and YouTube." That cross device/cross platform compatibility is a BIG deal - especially with iTunes and Amazon. "Digital HD combines four key benefits into one offering with earlier access to new releases, attractive pricing, cloud storage and availability across multiple devices. Whether the plan involves watching Fox movies on connected HDTVs in your living room, or on your tablet or smartphone on the run, Digital HD offers up versatility and convenience." The first title is available today for "less than $15" - Ridley Scott's Prometheus.
Speaking of Fox, there's been some confusion regarding which version of Casino Royale is being released on Blu-ray Disc both as a re-issue single by Fox and in the Bond 50 box set. Fox Connect indicates that it's an unrated version. This has fans wondering, because there IS a 13-second longer "unrated" version that was released by Sony in Europe. However we've confirmed today with Fox that the version being re-issued on Blu-ray by the studio - both as a single and in the box set - is the same PG-13 rated version released previously. The text on Fox Connect is in error and will be corrected. Just so you know.
And according to multiple Bits readers (thanks for the e-mail guys!) an official promo video that leaked early on YouTube (which is now removed) apparently let slip the planned street date for Warner's Blu-ray Combo version of The Dark Knight Rises with the text "Own it on Blu-ray Combo Pack or Digital Download 12/3." Take it with the appropriate grain of salt as it's a Monday, but we have no reason to doubt it.
Here's a look at the Blu-ray cover art for Lionsgate's Tarantino XX: 8-Film Collection, Sony's Men in Black 3 and Criterion's Brazil. All three titles are NOW AVAILABLE for pre-order on Amazon.com by clicking on the cover art below...
Stay tuned...!
- Bill Hunt
All right, we've got a couple quick updates for you today...
First, we've heard back from Universal regarding the delay the release of Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection. Here's their official statement:
"Universal Studios Home Entertainment is postponing the Blu-ray release of Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection to October 30, 2012. Certain imperfections with the product have come to light and, as a result, we are delaying the release date to correct these points. Our goal is to always deliver the best possible product to our consumers."
So there you go. Also today, a few weeks ago we first confirmed that 20th Century Fox would be finally be releasing the properly remastered version of Patton on Blu-ray Combo. Now it's official: Look for the remastered version to arrive in stores on 11/6 (SRP $24.99). As with the previous release, the Blu-ray will include an introduction and audio commentary by Francis Ford Coppola. The DVD disc included in the set will add 3 documentaries (History Through the Lens: Patton - A Rebel Revisited, Patton's Ghost Corps and The Making of Patton), a production still gallery with Jerry Goldsmith's complete score, a second still gallery with audio essay on the real Patton and the film's original theatrical trailer. And yes, it's now available for pre-order on Amazon - see the cover art below.
As if that's not cool enough, the studio now has Von Ryan's Express coming on Blu-ray the same day (11/6 - SRP $24.99). You'll get Jerry Goldsmith's isolated score, 2 documentaries (Hollywood and Its War Films and Bringing Movies to Life: The Legacy of Jerry Goldsmith) and 2 additional featurettes. See the cover art below.
Fox has also set Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter for Blu-ray Combo release on 9/23 (SRP $39.99). Extras will include audio commentary with writer Seth Grahame-Smith, The Making of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter featurette, Linkin Park's Powerless music video and The Great Calamity graphic novel. A Blu-ray 3D Combo version will also be available the same day (SRP $49.99).
And Fox will Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li on Blu-ray COmbo on 10/16 (SRP $16.99), followed by Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines on Blu-ray Combo on 10/23 (SRP $29.99).
Here's a look at the Blu-ray cover artwork for the remastered Patton, Von Ryan's Express and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter...
Have a great weekend everyone!
- Bill Hunt