We’ve got a big release news update for you today, but first we have a couple new Blu-ray reviews for you...

First, Tim has taken a look at Scream Factory’s Steelbook re-issue of The Thing: Collector’s Edition. He’s also reviewed Scream’s new Urban Legend: Collector’s Edition. And we also have a Blu-ray review from Dennis of What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice? from Kino Lorber Studio Classics. Enjoy!

Note that we’ve also posted this week’s update of the Release Dates and Artwork section featuring all the latest Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K Ultra HD cover artwork and Amazon.com pre-order links. And we’ll be updating the 4K Ultra HD Release List here at The Bits in the next day or so as well.

Now then... the big news today is that Criterion has just announced their planned April additions to the Collection, as follows. [Read on here...]

All right, we’ve been busy with reviews here at The Bits this week and the work continues through the weekend.

Case in point: I’ve just completed my in-depth review of Universal’s Jurassic Park 25th Anniversary Collection in 4K Ultra HD, which includes Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Jurassic Park III, and Jurassic World in both Blu-ray and 4K. You should read the review, obviously, but the cliff’s notes version is that the films all sound fantastic with DTS:X sound, but the transfers are a mixed bag. Jurassic Park looks better than ever (but don’t expect a miracle), The Lost World and Jurassic World look fantastic, and Jurassic Park III is barely an upgrade over the previous Blu-ray. The box is recommended for diehard fans of the franchise, certainly, and others if you can get a good sale price.

Not finished though, I’ve also posted my review of Universal’s Darkest Hour in 4K Ultra HD, which is not only a terrific film it’s a gorgeous 4K presentation of some of the best cinematography in recent years. I highly recommend this one.

By the end of the day (fingers crossed) I’ll also have posted my reviews of Paramount’s Forrest Gump and Terminator Genisys in 4K Ultra HD. [Read on here...]

All right, we’re back here at The Bits with another great film retrospective column from our own Michael Coate, who’s celebrating the 35th anniversary of Tobe Hooper’s Poltergeist today in History, Legacy & Showmanship. As always, Michael details the film’s initial theatrical release and he’s got an interview with film historian Michael Matessino as well. Enjoy!

In new release news today, Paramount has set a John Wayne Double Feature on Blu-ray on 8/8, featuring Rio Lobo and Big Jake. Both films have been available on BD individually for a few years now.

HBO has set Crashing: The Complete First Season for Blu-ray and DVD release on 8/1. [Read on here…]