The big bit of announcement news today is that Sony is releasing a “sans swag” 16-disc Blu-ray version of Breaking Bad: The Complete Series on 6/3. For the first time, there will also be a 21-disc DVD version. You don’t get the barrel packaging, apron or challenge coin of the original BD release (from last November), but the new BD set does give you all the disc-based content (55 hours in all), including the Blu-ray exclusive No Half Measures: Creating the Final Season of Breaking Bad documentary. Note that the DVD version includes 50 hours of content and doesn’t have the documentary. We’re waiting to see what the SRP is from Sony and will post it when they confirm it. We assume it will be cheaper than the $399 of the original BD release.
Sony has also set A Fighting Man for DVD and digital release on 6/17.
Meanwhile, Lionsgate has set I, Frankenstein for Blu-ray 3D Combo and DVD release on 5/13 (SRP $39.99 and $29.95). Extras will include audio commentary with co-writer/director Stuart Beattie, audio commentary with filmmakers Gary Lucchesi, Richard Wright, James McQuaide and Kevin Grevioux, and 2 featurettes (Creating a Monster and Frankenstein's Creatures).
Shout! Factory has set NYPD Blue: Season Six for DVD release on 6/24, including all the season’s episodes on 6 discs.
Monarch Entertainment will release the indie thriller Bucksville on DVD only on 4/29.
And Warner Home Video has set How the West Was Won: The Complete Second Season for DVD release on 7/15. The 6-disc set includes all 14 parts.
Finally today, Cinemax has begun running the remastered theatrical cut of James Cameron’s The Abyss in HD. Sources still tell us that both The Abyss and True Lies will finally be released on Blu-ray later this year, as each film celebrates an anniversary in 2014 (The Abyss’ 25th and True Lies’ 20th). We’ll post details as soon as they’re available.
Here’s a look at the BD cover art for Warner’s The Time Machine (due 7/8), and Lionsgate’s I, Frankenstein and Blood Ties (due 6/3)…
Stay tuned...
- Bill Hunt