Displaying items by tag: BD

Quick update on yesterday’s news: A number of readers have asked why Schindler’s List and Munich weren’t included in Universal’s newly announced The Steven Spielberg Director’s Collection Blu-ray box set. So we contacted the studio and got this statement:

“The Steven Spielberg Collection showcases the Director’s journey at Universal making some of the biggest blockbusters in film history that have thrilled, entertained and delighted audiences around the world. Due to the historical significance and deeply serious nature of the films, Schindler’s List and Munich were not included so as to not understate their unique impact.” [Read on here...]

Okay… we’ve got a few pretty cool things to report today that should kick off July in high style!

First, here at the site today we have a couple of new columns. Todd Doogan has posted his weekly Doogan’s Queue column running down this week’s latest Blu-ray and DVD releases. Our very own Dr. Adam Jahnke has also delivered his weekly Burnt Offerings: MOD DVD column, detailing the latest hand-crafted deep catalog titles from Warner Archive and the Sony Pictures Choice Collection.

Speaking of Jahnke, he’s also turned in a review of Warner’s new 300: Rise of an Empire Blu-ray. Sounds as though the film is exactly what you’d expect. The review is a good read, so do give it a look. [Read on here…]

All right, some quick news updates today...

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has set the CG-animated film Appleseed Alpha for Blu-ray, DVD and digital release on 7/22. The discs includes audio commentary with the filmmakers and an 11-part “making of” documentary.

PBS Distribution is releasing the British sitcom Vicious, starring Sir Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi, on DVD on 7/8. [Read on here…]

Our very own Dr. Adam Jahnke has weighed today on a topic near and dear to many of you. His latest installment of An Honor to Be Nominated in Jahnke’s Electric Theatre looks back at this little 1977 space fantasy adventure that some of you might have heard of. I’ll let him tell you about it.

Also today, Tim reviews another great Blu-ray release from Shout! and Scream Factory, circa 1983... Sleepaway Camp! Enjoy.

Before we get to the announcement news today, just a quick heads-up: Paramount’s 4-disc Star Trek: The Compendium Blu-ray set, which includes the 2-disc Star Trek (2009) SE and also the new 2-disc Star Trek Into Darkness SE (featuring the IMAX version of the film) is now available for pre-order on Amazon for just $31.99. Click on the link or on the cover artwork below to get your orders in. Street date is 9/9 and rebate details are still TBA. [Read on here...]

We’ve got two more Blu-ray reviews for you to enjoy today, starting with Joe Marchese’s look at Cohen Media Group’s The Vivien Leigh Anniversary Collection, which includes Dark Journey, Fire Over England, Sidewalks of London, and Storm in a Tea Cup. Tim Salmons also checks in with his thoughts on B3MP’s recent Blu-ray release of George Pal and Arnold Leibovit’s 1987 stop-motion gem The Puppetoon Movie. Enjoy! [Read on here…]

We’ve got some good stuff here at The Bits for you today from our staffers...

Tim Salmons has checked in with reviews of a pair of Wes Anderson films on Blu-ray, including Criterion’s upgrade of The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and Fox’s brand new The Grand Hotel Budapest. They’re two of my favorites and come highly recommended by both myself and Tim, so do check them out. [Read on here…]

All right, let’s get the new week started off right, shall we?

I believe I promised you a new column from our own Michael Coate, so here it is. Today being the official 25th anniversary of the original theatrical release of Tim Burton’s Batman, Michael has delivered the latest installment of History, Legacy & Showmanship column: Wings of Change: Remembering Tim Burton's Batman on its 25th Anniversary. It’s well worth a read, as Michael’s column always are, delivering not one but two fine interviews and a wealth of detail. So be sure to check it out today.

And now for that surprise title announcement we mentioned on Friday: Paramount is finally making good on the Star Trek Into Darkness Blu-ray debacle with the 9/9 release of the 4-disc Star Trek: The Compendium Blu-ray box set (SRP $39.99)!  [Read on here…]

We’re closing out the week today with a few more major title announcements.

First though, a quick note: We invite you all to check back here at The Bits bright and early on Monday morning, because we’re going to have a couple fun things for you. The first is a new column from our own Michael Coate, looking back at Tim Burton’s Batman on the occasion of the film’s 25th anniversary. The other is a surprise bit of announcement news. So be sure to check back then. [Read on here…]

All right, there was no update yesterday because I was up in L.A. checking out Robert Harris’ recent restoration tests of The Alamo with my own two eyes. Despite what MGM has claimed officially, let me assure you, having now seen the tests firsthand – which the studio has apparently not done yet for some strange reason (and how weird is that?) – this film is in serious need of restoration. The good news, however, is that I’ve also seen tests of how good the film could look like if given a restoration. The result would easily be worth theatrical presentation and a solid Blu-ray release. So keep spreading the word and keep the pressure on the studio. Fingers crossed. [Read on here…]

We’re kicking things off today with Todd’s latest Doogan’s Queue installment, covering the best of this week’s new Blu-ray and DVD titles. Some fine releases this week – House of Cards: Season 2, new Wes Anderson and more – so don’t miss it.

The good Dr. Jahnke has also delivered this week’s Burnt Offerings: MOD DVD, running down the latest in small batch catalog DVDs from the Warner Archive. Be sure to check that out too. [Read on here…]