Finally, with all the recent talk of a possible sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1982 sci-fi classic Blade Runner, I thought it was high time to update my epic, 4-page 2007 review of Warner Home Video’s original Blade Runner: The Final Cut Blu-ray. The updated review now includes details on the more recent BD re-issues from 2012 and 2013, as well as a postscript with thoughts on a possible future re-issue when the sequel film finally comes to light. Longtime readers will no doubt recall the review, but it’ll certainly be new to some of you. So enjoy!
Now then, back on the subject of Amazon’s latest studio dispute, we’ve learned that the current situation involves not just Lionsgate, but Miramax and A&E too, which are distributed by Lionsgate. Hopefully, this will be resolved soon. Thanks to Bits reader Dennis L. for additional info.
In new announcement news for you this afternoon, RCA is slated to release the HBO series Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways on Blu-ray and DVD on 4/7 (SRP $29.98 and $19.98). Both versions will include more than 3 hours of bonus content, including 10 extended interviews and never-before-seen footage. If you haven’t seen it, the 8-episode documentary series was directed by Dave Grohl and follows the band through eight different cities around the country as they record one song (from their recent album of the same name) in each city. Stops include Chicago, Washington DC (technically Arlington), Nashville, Austin, Los Angeles (technically Joshua Tree), New Orleans, Seattle and NYC. What’s great about the series is that it’s actually much less a show about the band and their music, and more about the history of the music scene in each city. Among those who appear in the documentary along with the band are Tony Joe White, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Dr. John, Ian MacKaye from Minor Threat and Fugazi, Paul Stanley from Kiss, Joe Walsh from The Eagles, Mike D from the Beastie Boys, Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top, Dolly Parton, Cyril Neville, Nora Guthrie, Willie Nelson, Nancy Wilson from Heart, Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick, Zac Brown, Gary Clark, Jr., the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Trombone Shorty, Chuck D from Public Enemy, LL Cool J, and legendary engineers and producers like Steve Albini and Rick Rubin. If you’re a music fan, it’s well worth your time. You can see the cover artwork below.
Meanwhile, Warner Home Video has just set the TNT’s The Last Ship: The Complete First Season for Blu-ray and DVD release on 6/9 (SRP $49.99 and $39.98).
Amazon is now taking pre-orders on the TBA Blu-ray and DVD release of Sony’s Justified: The Final Season.
And Shout! Factory has set The Last Unicorn: The Enchanted Edition for Blu-ray and DVD release on 6/9.
Finally today, we have a bit of sad news to report. Steve Tannehill has died. Many of you longtime Bits readers will no doubt remember Steve’s DVD Resource Page. Way back in 1996, back when The Digital Bits was still an e-mail newsletter, and before other early sites like DVD File, DVD Review, DVD Verdict and The Home Theater Forum appeared on the scene, the DVD Resource Page was the place to go for DVD news and information online. Through the early days of the introduction of DVD and the infamous DVD/Divx format wars, Steve Tannehill became a great friend and colleague of mine. Not only was he a fellow early commentator and expert on the format – it’s hard to believe, but there were only a few of us online back then – he was an avid home theater and movie enthusiast. He was also a fine human being. Steve apparently suffered multiple cardiac arrests on February 28th. He was placed on life support, but passed away on March 2nd. I have always – and will always – cherish his friendship. If any of you would like to leave a few words of your own in his memory, you can do so on his Facebook page here. I’m sure his family and friends will appreciate it.
All right, we’ll leave you today with a look at a little more new BD cover artwork...
Stay tuned…
- Bill Hunt