The big news today was probably inevitable, but Warner Home Video has just announced an Alexander: The Ultimate Cut – Ultimate Collector’s Edition release of the Oliver Stone film for release on 6/3 (SRP $49.99). It includes the original 2004 Theatrical Cut (175 minutes) and a new Ultimate Cut (206 minutes). That’s 8 minutes shorter than the 2007 so-called Final Cut, which is not included here, and is apparently different in structure. Says Stone of the new cut: “I’ve tried throughout this process to achieve what I believe is the appropriate balance between the inner and outer journeys undertaken by this extraordinary man. Free from earlier constraints, I’ve continued to pursue this great story, and I think I have at last achieved a film that tells a story as it has never been told.” The set will also include an all-new historical documentary The Real Alexander and the World He Made, plus new Ultimate Cut audio commentary by Stone, Theatrical Cut commentary by Stone and Robin Lane Fox, 5 featurettes (Resurrecting Alexander, Perfect Is the Enemy of Good, The Death of Alexander, Vangelis Scores Alexander, and Fight Against Time: Oliver Stone’s Alexander by Sean Stone) and trailers. Here’s what the box set looks like (click on the art to pre-order on Amazon.com)...
By the way, Warner has also set Longmire: The Complete Second Season for DVD release on 5/13 (SRP $39.98). Extras will include all 13 episodes and over 2 hours of special features, including the Testing Courage: The Storm Defines the Man featurette and extended versions of 2 episodes.
Also today, Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company have set officially set Philomena for Blu-ray and DVD release on 4/15. Extras will include 3 featurettes (A Conversation with Judi Dench, The Real Philomena Lee, and Q&A with Steve Coogan) plus audio commentary with star and co-writer Steve Coogan and screenwriter Jeff Pope.
Meanwhile, Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment have set The Legend of Hercules for Blu-ray 3D Combo and DVD on 4/15. Extras will include The Making of The Legend of Hercules documentary (Blu-ray only) and audio commentary with Kellan Lutz and director Renny Harlin.
Paramount has set Jeff Dunham’s Achmed Saves America for Blu-ray and DVD release on 3/18.
And in TV DVD news today, Shout! Factory has officially set The Bob Newhart Show: The Complete Series for DVD release on 5/27. The 19-disc box set will include all 142 uncut episodes, the new Group Therapy interview featurette with Bob Newhart, Jack Riley, Bill Daily, Peter Bonerz, and Michael Zinberg, The Bob Newhart Show 19th Anniversary Special from 1991, the original unaired pilot, episode audio commentaries, a gag reel, and a 40-page book including an essay by writer Vince Waldron (SRP $129.99).
We’ll leave you with a look at the cover artwork for Philomena and The Legend of Hercules, as well as DVD art for The Bob Newhart Show: The Complete Series...
Stay tuned!
- Bill Hunt