By Peter M. Bracke

December 23 through January 2: Goodbye 1999, hello 2000! (and a little Spielberg holiday cheer...)

Well, this is it, I suppose...the last release news update for 1999. Kinda sad, I guess, sniff sniff. But we will return next year with plenty more new announcements, so watch this space, of course! See you all on Monday the 3rd when I return...

Columbia: Guess this is good little last-minute final 1999 announcement I couldn't sit on until my return. We've all certainly been awaitin' for more Spielberg-sanctioned titles to arrive as the studios have indicated that the previously DVD-shy director has finally allowed some of his titles to come out. Though perhaps not as big of a hit as, say, Saving Private Ryan, the first Spielberg title to arrive in 2000 (so far) will be Hook on 3/21. The sales info finally arrived on this one today, and the $24.95 disc will be a pretty straightforward release. A 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer, a English 2.0 Surround mix, production notes and the theatrical trailer. Due to its long runtime it will be widescreen only and a dual-layer disc. Good to see some more Spielberg finally coming, and I will now be tapping my toes patiently awaitin' The Goonies and Jaws...

December 22 : Universal and Trimark's February slates

Universal : Has delivered the details on their February slate, with another interesting mix of titles.

First, on 2/1 comes Shattered Image, which I'm assuming is a new film, though I'm not familiar with it. It features a anamorphic transfer, 2.0 surround track and the trailer. Retail is $24.95.

Due 2/29 are the sleeper hit The Best Man, which features an anamorphic transfer, Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 tracks, a making-of featurette and the usual array of production notes, cast bios and a trailer. Retail is only $24.95 for the dual-layer disc.

Also up are two art-house favorites, Buffalo 66 (which is finally debuting on video) and Love & Death On Long Island. Both are anamorphic and Dolby 2.0 surround. Extras include the productions, bios and trailer. Retail for each is $24.95.

Finally, the long-in-the-coming Collector's Edition of Out Of Africa also arrives on 2/29, and features a new commentary with Director Sydney Pollack (who is just the commentary king at the moment, huh?) as well as a new making-of documentary which features new interviews with Pollack as well as Meryl Streep and other members of the cast & crew. The disc features a anamorphic transfer and 4.1 surround track, and retail is $29.95.

Trimark: Has an interesting assortment of February announcements on the way. All the following are $24.95. Look for Frank Whalley's directorial debut Joe The King on 2/1, which features a widescreen transfer, an audio commentary with the actor'/director and the trailer.

A week later on 2/8 is the unrated director's cut of the foreign film Romance. It is widescreen and contains the original French 2.0 mix and a trailer.

Then on 2/15 comes two more volumes of The Best Of Saturday Night Live, featuring Chris Rock and Dana Carvey. Each disc is $24.95, the original 4:3 full frame and 2.0 stereo.

Finally on 2/22 comes Tail Lights Fade, which features the deadly acting duo of Elizabeth Berkeley and Denise Richards! Some real acting firepower there! The 1999 action adventure flick is in widescreen, 2.0 stereo and with a trailer.

December 21 : Paramount's February titles; Synapse unleashes two cult favorites

New This Week : Though I suppose this isn't a full-fledged "new feature," we thought it would be a good idea to start a Top Picks For The Week to highlight "New Release Tuesday." When the new site design goes up next year, there will be a new graphic thing on this page that will list our top picks for the week, to better highlight titles we feel are worth mentioning. (And note that we won't receive any sort of kick backs from the studios for this! We just thought it would be worthwhile to do with so many titles coming out. However, most likely our picks will be titles we have reviews for on the site, because if we think enough of a disc to highlight as a top pick, we certainly would review it!)

So, our picks for the week are three titles we think are pretty dang cool and worth checking out. First is New Line's spiffy disc for Detroit Rock City. It wasn't a very big hit in the theaters, but it was a film made by filmmakers who have a real fondness for the innocence of growing up in the 70's and a passion for music. A nice job from New Line, and check out our review and interview with the filmmakers for more.

Also new today are tow Universal Collector's Editions, Fast Times At Ridgemont High and American Pie. This would make a very good double feature (Universal has even packaged them along with Animal House in a Campus Comedy 3-pack), and the discs have some really good extra features and nice new anamorphic transfers.

Lastly, check out the indie hit Run Lola Run, which is an incredibly stylish film that quite honestly really surprised me. Columbia has put out a great disc of this, too, with a good commentary and sparkling transfer. Not to be missed, and a very original experience.

Paramount : Finally, the info for their February titles was released. No big surprise here, look for The Addam's Family and Addam's Family Values on 2/18. To be honest, I'm surprised they didn't release these sooner! Both a re anamorphic widescreen, 5.1 surround and feature the trailers for each film on both discs.

Also on 2/22 is the box office hit Double Jeopardy, which features a making of featurette and the trailer. Get Real is also coming day & date, though I have to admit I'm not familiar with this one. No extras are listed. Both are anamorphic and in 5.1 surround.

Finally, Volumes 7 & 8 of Star Trek The Original Series round out the February slate. Volume 7 features the episodes Galileo and Court Martial. Volume 8 features the fan favorites The Menagerie Parts 1 & 2. Both volumes are $19.95, in 5.1 surround and feature TV spots.

Synapse: Eeek! Be sure to check the closet and under the bed before you turn off the lights tonight, as The Brain That Wouldn't Die is making its way to DVD from Synapse. This new 1.66:1 non-anamorphic transfer will feature the uncut version with 20 minutes of additional footage. The disc will also include the trailer and the original 1.0 mono soundtrack, and is due 4/18 for $24.95.

Due a week later on 4/25 is the festival favorite A Better Place. This special edition looks to be quite good, with a new high-definition downconverted 1.66:1 transfer of the Director's Cut and a new 5.1 soundtrack, as well as an audio commentary track with director Vincent Pereira, even more deleted scenes, and an introduction from producers Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier. Retail is $29.95.

December 20 : New MGM, Pioneer, Goodtimes and Anamorphic updates

MGM: Has quite a large and varied number of new titles due in the beginning of the year. Guess they weren't kidding when they said they wanted to released a larger number of titles each month than they have in the past!

First, look for reissues of the Polygram acquires Hoosiers, Shallow Grave and The Adventures Of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert on 3/28. All will be simple repackagings of the earlier versions, i.e., no supplements and only non-anamorphic transfers.

On 2/29 comes Betrayed, Bound For Glory, Bride At Remagen, the Director's Cut of Heaven's Gate, Meteor, On The Beach, One Man's Hero, The Taking Of Pelham 1-2-3, and the Robyn Hitchcock concert film Storefront Hitchcock, as well as Stargate SG-1 (which runs 184 minutes but does not list actual episodes, so I don't know if it is the pilot or what exactly).

Then on 3/28 comes the Rodney Dangerfield 80's fave Back To School, Wim Wenders' The End Of Violence, Force 10 From Navarone, How To Stuff A Wild Bikini, indie king Jim Jarmusch's Mystery Train, the very interesting Richard III and Taffin.

The lone title on in all of this that has any real special edition content is the 2/29 bow of Stigmata, which features an anamorphic transfer, audio commentary by director Rupert Wainwright , some deleted scenes including an alternate ending, and a Natalie Imbruglia music video!

Also, though all of the above are widescreen where applicable, none are anamorphic except Stigmata, which is a real shame and indicative of the direction MGM seems to be going (rehash everything old, add a few features on the new stuff). Retail for each is $24.95, though it would be oh-so-nice if MGM showed a bit more care and concern for the actual video quality of their titles...

Pioneer: Look for a quartet of new releases on 3/14. First is Highlander: The Adventures Begins, which is an animated version of the film series I guess, as I've never even heard of this (guess I need to get up to speed on my Highlander lore, eh?). Also due is the Ken Russell oddity Gothic (quite interesting film, though), the Mel Brook comedy That's Life! and Trigun: The $$60,000,000,000 Man (!). All are $24.95 and full frame only, with no extras to speak of, either...

Goodtimes: Has set 2/15 for a slate of new Universal licensees. All are full frame, though at a new lower price of $14.95. Look for A Cry In The Wilderness, Gray lady Down, Into The Badlands, Jet Pilot, Murder 101, Warlord and the Bill Cosby "classic" Ghost Dad. Scary!

Anamorphic MIA: Just when I learned to rest easy that certain studios' titles would always be anamorphic, they decide to throw a few curveballs at you. Paramount's recent release of The Presidio is not anamorphic as originally indicated on the press materials, though it is not labeled as such on the box. But, get this, the trailer is anamorphic! Go figure.

Also, Columbia's Year Of The Gun is not only non-anamorphic, it isn't even widescreen! Though labeled 1.66:1 on the package, it is full frame only (and quite a terrible transfer to boot). Since I'd doubt there was a rush of consumers waiting in line for this title, I wonder why Columbia even bothered... Also from Sony is The Adventures Of Elmo In Grouchland, which is also only contains a full frame transfer. The extras remain the same, but it is a little odd that it is not widescreen as on the press release. Sigh.

Finally, Warner's recent Mr. Wonderful is listed on the box as being anamorphic, but the transfer on the actual disc is not. Not sure why, but so it goes...

December 17 through 19 : Indie wrapup; Columbia readies Dogma

Uh, oh, just when you thought it was safe to turn your DVD player back on, Pioneer decides to up and release more Pokemon episodes! What on earth will stop these things? Garlic? Crosses? The return of Menudo? Let's hope another fad comes along real quick and the minds of the nation's children are freed from their Pokemon imprisonment. Anyway, look for the episodes Charizard! and Totally Togepi! on 3/14. By the way, who makes up these, names!?

Also from Pioneer on 3/7 is Martha Argerich and Friends and the Japanese anime Catnapped! The Movie (well, it least it isn't called Catnapped! The First Movie). Both are $24.95.

On 3/14 from AD Vision comes Volume #1 of the Sakura Diaries. The $24.95 anime title is featured in both its original Japanese and an English dub.

Also on the anime scene from Central Park Media comes Revolutionary Girl Utena: Rose Collection Volume 2 on 3/14. Retail for the set is $39.95, and it contains episodes 8 through 13. Also coming is Urotsukidoji Volume 1: Legend Of The Overfiend and Urotsukidoji Volume 2: Legend Of The Demon Womb, for $29.95 each. Also, both discs will be available in the Urotsukidoji Perfect Collection for $39.95. Street is 1/18.

From New Video on 1/18 comes The Brandon Teena Story, which formed the basis for the acclaimed Boys Don't Cry. A very good film, and the real-life story behind it is probably quite fascinating, so this might be worth a look if isn't some tabloid thing. Anyway, it retails for $29.95.

Finally, from Fox Lorber comes a slate of February announcements. Note that they are starting to pay around with pricing a bit more, with some now lower than Fox Lorber's usual $29.95 MSRP. Retailing for $19.95 is the next four in the Directors documentary series, featuring Joel Schumacher, Norman Jewison, Rob Reiner and Sydney Pollack. All for discs are available in a box set for $79.95. All are full frame.

Retailing for $24.95 are Big Squeeze, the blues documentary Deep Blues (which features some bonus footage and audio tracks, as well as an introduction by Dave Stewart), Just Write (which is widescreen), a special edition of Infinity with an audio commentary by Matthew Broderick and writer/sister Patricia Broderick, the documentary Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light, Mr. Jealousy (also widescreen), and a collection of Man Ray short films and a documentary, Man Ray: Prophet Of The Avant Garde.

At $29.95, comes Conceiving Ada, a collection of Eric Rohmer Shorts, Frozen, La Collectionneuse and Raining Stones. Finally, a couple of multi-disc sets, the 440-minute The Count Of Monte Cristo for $59.95 and a documentary double feature Hellhounds On My Trail and Can't You Hear The Wind Howl? for $49.95.

Columbia: For those of you who just can't wait, check out News Askew, who already have a tentative street date of 4/11 for the Dogma special edition DVD. I'm sure this one will be packed with extras, and because it is such a scatalogical and controverial film (which I liked more than I thought I would), I'm really excited to see what they come up with for the DVD. (Thanks to Bob C. for the link)

December 16 : A couple of New Line February titles

New Line : Not too much on the release front today as we near the holidays. So just a couple of New Line February titles today, but for the life of me I can't remember if I already listed these or not. Well, if I have, here they are again!

Joining The Hidden and In The Mouth Of madness on 2/8 is The Astronaut's Wife and the festival hit Trick. Both feature anamorphic widescreen transfers (1.85:1 and 1.66:1 respectively), as well as trailers and cast bios. The Astronaut's Wife features another secret THX EX mix that will not be able on the box, while Trick is 2.0 Stereo. Retail for both is $24.95.

Warner : Just a brief update on The Shawshank Redemption, which arrives next week on DVD after what seems like a decade wait. But, just wanted to let you all know there is no commentary track on the disc. The only extras are a still gallery with some of Frank Darabont's photos and a trailer. However, for $19.95 and featuring a new anamorphic transfer, it ain't a bad deal, and it is better than most Fox or Buena Vista titles that cost plenty more. Watch for our review by this weekend.

December 15 : A few more Columbia titles

Columbia : Well, well, well, what a surprise...more Columbia announcements! Seems like clockwork, doesn't it? Not that I'm complaining!

Due on 2/15, at long last, is Alan Parker's quiet drama Birdy. Though there are no extras besides a trailer, it does feature both a 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer and full frame versions, as ell as 2.0 Surround track. Also due this day is the 1950 version of Born Yesterday, which is its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio and mono sound. Also included is a still gallery of advertising materials and a trailer.

Then on 2/22 comes another Sidney Poiter classic (along with the already-announced Persuasion and To Sir With Love earlier in the month) A Raisin In The Sun. Included is a 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer and full frame version on the flip. Supplements include a trailer. Retail for all of the above is $24.95.

Finally. a word on the soundtrack for Bats. Though the press release listed a "Dolby EX enhanced commentary" (!), a follow-up from Columbia cleared up the confusion, and as expected, the Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is EX encoded, so those of you already equipped with THX EX will get a fuller surround experience. The commentary, however, is not in EX!

December 14 : Universal debuts The Story Of Us (and you, and me, and we!) and more on dual DTS/Dolby Digital releases

Universal: Unfortunately for us, Universal is releasing the recent Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer drama The Story Of Us on 2/15. In addition to an anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer, Universal is making good on intent to start offering more dual DTS/Dolby digital soundtracks on a single disc, as well as including a commentary with Director Rob Reiner. All this for only $24.95.

Also, after awaiting some sort of press release with the information, Universal finally sent me an update list of details on the Bowfinger disc. Like The Story Of The Us above, the disc will also include DTS and Dolby Digital soundtracks, and the commentary with Director Frank Oz.

Personally, I think the above shows that, yes, you can include Dolby Digital and DTS tracks on average-length feature and still have extras. Unlike previous discs like, say, DreamWorks' ANTZ DTS disc (which was only single layer despite what the packaging said), yet it didn't include any of the extras that the Dolby Digital version had, I think Universal is showing this doesn't have to be the case. I've been told on the QT (and very hush hush) that a main factor in preventing DTS and Dolby Digital tracks on the same disc is the licensing fees involved (each track of a Dolby Digital soundtrack requires a fees, so any additional formats, like DTS, raise the cost of a disc considerably). Hopefully, along with Buena Vista's recent announcements such as Teaching Mrs. Tingle, this will be the start of more dual DTS/DD releases, and consumers will be able to compare the two formats directly on the same disc and decide for themselves which they prefer.

December 13 : Columbia carves up Random Hearts; Warner reissues The Maltese Falcon

Columbia : Even on days when there is little release news, one can always rely on Columbia to have something new. Arriving 2/29 is the surprising box office underachiever Random Hearts, starring the easy-on-the-eyes coupling of Harrison Ford and Kristen Scott Thomas. The disc will have quite a bit of special features, in addition to the anamorphic transfer and 5.0 and 2.0 surround mixes. Look for an audio commentary with Director Sydney Pollack, deleted scenes also with commentary, a full isolated score and the usual talent files, production notes and trailers. Retail is $24.95.

Also of interest from Columbia is some feedback they are gathering for an upcoming DVD release of American Movie, a very funny and insightful pseudo-documentary of sorts. Stop by the web site for more details on the film and the plans for the DVD...

Warner: Making good on their promise to start releasing some of the classic films they recently acquired from MGM, look for a special edition of 1941's The Maltese Falcon on 2/1. The Humphrey Bogart classic will be presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio and English Mono, as well as include a new documentary on the making of the film, some trailers and production notes. Retail is $24.95.

Also, many have emailed about just what is up with A Star is Born and The Big Sleep. A follow up after Studio Day confirms that the disc are on the way, and that A Star Is Born "looks terrific" and all the supplements are done. Just a matter of "production productions" on the replication side, so when the discs arrive I'm sure they'll be worth the wait.

The Cut List : After a week off, The Cut List returns with some new updates. In this edition I take a look at some of the edits of four titles, Ace Ventura Pet Detective, The Breakfast Club, Earthquake and Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. All have some interesting cuts or new scenes floating around, though too bad none of the DVDs took much advantage of this fact...

December 10 through 12 : Snips and snails and puppy dog tails...

Indie Update : Lots of new indie releases on the way, and as usual, quite an eclectic mix!

From Pioneer comes the animated version of The Dog Of Flanders due 2/1. It retails for $29.95, is non-anamorphic widescreen and in 2.0 Surround, and has no additional supplements.

Next up from New Horizons is a favorite guilty pleasure of mine, Deathsport. If you've never seen this film, well, you are probably lucky. It is full frame only, but includes another "Leonard Maltin interviews Roger Corman" featurette and the trailer. Retail is $24.95.

The Roan Group has some good releases on the way for 1/18, all for $19.95 and in their original 1.37:1 aspect ratios. Look for The Big Lift, the 1950 version of D.O.A., Happy Go Lucky, The Perils Of Pauline and Lubitsch's That Uncertain Feeling. No extras on any of these discs...

From A&E on 1/25 comes The Unreal World Of Pro Wrestling, featuring such luminaries as Hulk Hogan and others. Sounds terrifying. Retail, though is only $19.95, and it includes an interactive trivia game.

Due 1/4 from those crazy kids over at Troma is Imitators, which must be good, since it is from Troma. But, it is a bit different than their usual horror/sci-fi fare, this time going for a Troma version of Pulp Fiction...or something like that. Anyway, it is $24.95.

Coming from AD Vision on 2/22 is Destroy All Monsters, a wonderful Japanese man-in-a-rubber-suit fest loaded with tons of cheesy dubbed dialogue. It is worth every damn penny at $24.95!

On 1/11 from A-Pix comes Oxygen, which is full frame and 2.0 Surround, and features a trailer. It can be yours for only $24.95!

Due 1/25 is the first Showtime DVD release, for something called Menno's Mind. Never heard of this one, but since it stars Bruce Campbell, it can't be all bad. It is priced at $24.95 and also features extras labeled "Inside Menno's Mind," "Virtual Candy" and some outtakes...

Finally, from York on 1/25 comes the direct-to-video yarn Angel's Dance, featuring James Belushi and Sheryl Lee (that cast should tell you it's bad). Retail is $24.95 and it is full frame and 2.0 Surround.

December 9 : Snips and snails and puppy dog tails...

Since there is no big release news today, I thought it would be a good opportunity to touch on a few important topics...

Fox : I guess we should start off with Fox, and the difficulties in disseminating release information. I must say and I and other sites certainly do our best to get accurate info for you all. And though it is a two-way street, alas, the press releases and sales sheets distributed by some studios do not always provide all the information I'd like. Though I hate to single anyone out, Fox's announcements especially have been the most vague and unpredictable at times, which is a shame, as their output seems to be improving.

I'm sure you are all aware of recent Fox releases like The Thin Red Line, Patton and Tora Tora Tora, as well as upcoming announcements for titles like Fight Club, Butch Cassidy and Independence Day. In the case of those already-released war titles, all were anamorphic despite the fact they were never listed that way on the prerelease announcements, nor even on the box! Fox has always just listed "widescreen" for anamorphic or non-anamorphic titles, with few exceptions (The ALIEN Legacy, for one, accurately listed anamorphic as a feature in the press announcements.)

So, it was somewhat confusing when I and many others received a nice little color sheet two weeks ago with some upcoming release info, including The Abyss and Independence Day (and you can stop by The Digital Bits, who have posted a copy of part of it). Alas, like so many announcements nowadays, it is not always indicated if a title is non-anamorphic. Thus, a title like Butch Cassidy is listed as "16x9 enhanced," yet none of the others are, including a title like Fight Club, which you would think would be since it is a new title. So, one would assume, then, that only those titles that are indicated as 16x9 enhanced, like Butch Cassidy, actually would be. Er, right?

Well, maybe not. Since there has been so much controversy about these titles, I figured I'd contact Fox and find out just how to decipher their announcements. The response was that "if it is not listed as anamorphic, then it isn't." However, get this, I was told that none of these titles have really been "officially announced." But, then, why am I holding in my hands this nice little color advertisement, I asked? Fox PR's response was to still always go by their announcements, yet, get this, the features listed on their own sales sheets are not yet "certain" according to them. (I suppose the next logical question then is why bother to release this information at all then?)

So, what constitutes"official"? Troublesome is that Fox has issued these little adverts to retailers, who are now promoting titles like Fight Club with the listed features. Though again it is a two-way street, if it was just a rumor or some leaked information that would be one thing. But this is studio-issued information being used to sell products to consumers via retailers. I always thought that if one is telling retailers to sell products with information given out by the studio themselves, then isn't it "official"? Also, I often get multiple press releases, and sales solicitations, so which one is the "official" one? Even more confusing, I also inquired about Fox's pricing, and was told that their titles are not priced higher than $34.95, yet Independence Day and Fight Club are listed as being $39.95.

All ribbing aside, and to be fair, it is certainly difficult for a studio to keep track of all this (I can relate). But I think one of the problems here is that some studios may not realize how important preordering is with DVD. I know as a consumer myself how frustrating it can be to order a title, or have to hold off, because there is no reliable way to get the exact features on a disc. Or. worse, order a tilte like Fight Club based on features announced, and then get the disc and find out there not there. And, right or wrong, in the web world, the distinction between retailer information and press information is gone. Once a title is announced to retailers, you can go to any commerce site to find it, and I get mailed this stuff all the time. The minute something goes out, within hours everyone knows about it.

As in the case of The Thin Red Line, if it wasn't for Fox graciously sending out prerelease copies to sites for review, no one would have known it was anamorphic and thus sales would have been impacted to at least some degree. Though perhaps I sound "bitchy," I think everyone - retailers, web sites, you and me - want to buy this stuff, if only we knew for sure what was on the disc. And with retailer info available to everyone, it would be a positive step if an understanding was reached that retailer info and press info are one and the same on the web...it seems easier if it was all just released at the same time. But, time and again, i get schedules for months in advance from studios...

So, in light of Fox titles that are released anamorphic even though they are not announced nor labeled as such, as well as Fox-issued sales brochures with features and pricing that "may or may not be on the disc," I'm just going to take any Fox announcements with a very big grain of salt. Luckily, most studios provide excellent announcements with detailed feature lists at the same time retailers get them, and Fox often has also in the past. But, when it comes to some of their recent stuff, I don't know what to do because I'm told by Fox not to believe their own information.

On my end, all I can do is go by what I'm told and announcements I receive via the studios. I will from here on out just say "as listed by," to make it clear nothing is definite, even on an "official" press release or sales brochure. Mistakes happen, and things change. Also, I will always make a point to label from now on what source information comes from, and put any disclaimers on information that seems vague or uncertain. Other than that, I feel I just have to go with what I'm given and told. Feel free to let me know your thoughts on this whole matter, and visit the forum as well, as I really want to know what you think about all this, because in the end it is about getting the best information in the hands of consumers like yourselves, so you can make the most informed buying decisions.

Alliance : Just a quick note that we finally got a copy of the eXistenZ Alliance version from Canada, and it indeed is a very special edition, even though the U.S. version from Buena Vista is not. Faithful readers remember that a while back a controversial story broke that Buena Vista was applying pressure on Alliance to not release special editions of disc that were movie-only here in the States. However, talking with Alliance about eXistenZ, that is a special case because it is a Canadian-made movie and subject to a different licensing arrangement than usual (no exact specifics available).

The Alliance eXistenZ disc features an anamorphic transfer, 3 commentaries (!) and a 45-minute documentary. Pretty sweet, and we'll have a "face-off" review very soon. I'll betcha $5 who's gonna win!

Pricing : In the world of pricing, a few notes of interest. First, in what is quite intriguing to me, Warner has been slowly easing up on their three-tiered pricing structure introduced back in 1998 ($14.95, $19.95 and $24.95 price points). Warner hasn't released a $14.95 "budget title" for months now, but perhaps more curious is that the price of their $19.95 mid-level catalog titles has been dropped for the month of January. The catalog titles Malcolm X, The Goodbye Girl, Forget Paris, Othello and The Ghosts Of Mississippi are all $24.95, despite the fact they have no extra features. I don't know if they are dropping the $19.95 price altogether, which seems unlikely, but a call was put in to Warner nonetheless to see what is up...

On the bright side, look for some price reductions from HBO on their made for cable productions like Earthly Possessions, The Rat Pack and Lansky, to name a few, from $24.95 to $19.95.

Discontinued and Reissued Titles: As the DVD format prepares to enter its fourth year next March, it is not surprising that some titles would begin to get discontinued. The latest casualty is An American Werewolf In London, which is now out of print. This was a Polygram film that was somehow owned by Artisan/LIVE. Now word on just who owns the rights now...perhaps we'll see a reissue of it? Also interesting is the Miramax's Madonna: Truth Or Dare, which was also distributed by Artisan. I'm told by Miramax that the rights will revert to them in the future, so we my be seeing that one discontinued as well.

As many of you already know, MGM now owns a number of Criterion/Image releases like RoboCop, The Terminator, Dances With Wolves and Sid & Nancy, amongst others. I've heard that MGM was going to get the rights back as soon as 12/31/99, but these titles will not be discontinued then. I'm told by MGM that they are planning reissues, but we won't start seeing them until 2001 at the earliest most likely. But, it is worth keeping in the back of your mind if you want to pick up the Criterion editions before they "expire." Also, note that Criterion's Hard Boiled is now out of print as well.

On the reissue front, I'm told Warner will e re-releasing Little Shop Of Horrors next year, but without the alternate ending that caused the original disc to be recalled in the first place. So, anyone who owns it still will have a collector's edition on their hands. No set date next year as of yet...

December 8 : USA reveals The Muse; A&E blows its horn; Atom Films saves Ryan's privates

A couple of good new titles today...

USA : A very funny Albert Brooks comedy that may have been a bit too much on the Hollywood inside to click with mainstream audiences, The Muse may just find a new audience on video. Look for a day & date DVD on 2/15, featuring a widescreen transfer, 5.1 mix and the theatrical trailer. Retail is $24.95.

A&E: Coming on 1/25 is the epic miniseries Horatio Hornblower (sounds like a porn title). Featured on this multi-disc set is the full 400-minute (!) version in its original 4:3 television aspect ratio. In addition look for a number of supplemental features, including Interviews with the cast and crew; behind-the-scenes footage; a "England's Royal Warships" documentary hosted by Edward Windsor; some production notes with nautical terms and definitions; and a C.S. Forester biography. Retail is $59.95, which ain't considering the length of the material...

Atom Films: Here's a couple of new DVDs that I think are worth mentioning...well, if you have the same taste as I do (and let's hope you don't). A small label called Atom Films is releasing their Definitely Not Hollywood collection on DVD. A series of short films and spoofs, look for two new editions, the Extreme Comedy Edition and the Dark Comedy Edition. The former is most notable for the inclusion of favorite of the Hollywood circuit, the parody Saving Ryan's Privates. At only $19.95 retail, these are probably fun to pick up, or at least rent. Though not widely available, you can find them at Atom Films' web site.

December 7 : Columbia goes "Bat"ty; Dave Matthews prepares first DVD release

Columbia : Has announced another feature-laden day & date release, Bats. Lots of extras here, including a "Bats Abound" featurette; "Batty Bloopers"; two still galleries with conceptual art and special effects designs; an isolated music score; storyboard-to-screen comparisons[ and production notes, bios and trailers. But perhaps most interesting is the "Dolby EX enhanced" audio commentary with director Louis Morneau and Lou Diamond Phillips, I honestly have no idea what this means, but will have to check it out. Retail is $24.95 and street date is 2/22.

Also on the Columbia front, a bit of clarification on The Mask Of Zorro. Many of you remember plans for a special edition of this disc, and many have sent emails wondering what ever happened to it. After Studio Day, where it was related that it is on hold indefinitely, an inquiry to Columbia PR resulted in a reply that though the disc is indeed done, it is a question of "when" not "if" it will be released. Seems to be another case of finding a "suitable spot" on the release schedule, and the disc has already been released overseas. When it does finally arrive on these shores, look for the following extra features: an audio commentary with director Martin Campbell, a 45-minute documentary "Unmasking Zorro"; the alternate ending and one deleted scene, and the ¿I Want To Spend My Lifetime Loving Youî music video by Tina Arena. Let's hope this disc is slotted for release sometime soon....

RCA : Just a brief update for you Dave Matthews Band fans. I received an announcement via their email newsletter that they are planning on releasing their recent live video Listener Supported on DVD this February. It will contain all the same tracks as the VHS, and a couple of "surprises." Look for more info and an exact date soon...

December 6 : Warner opens some Scooby snacks...

Warner: The fact that DVD is making mass inroads into the "mainstream" market has left many asking just when we'll start to see more diverse programming on the format besides just movies. To be fair, the last year certainly has seen considerable support for more music video, television and animated programs. But, one area where DVD still seems to be languishing (in my opinion) is television episode collections. However, 2000 may finally prove to be the year DVD embraces such fare, judging by a smattering of recent announcements.

In addition to Fox's recently-announced plans for episode collections of shows like Ally McBeal, The X-Files and The Simpsons, Warner has also begun to dip their toes in the TV waters as well, In addition to this recent titles like Batman Beyond and more South Park, 3/14 sees the announcement of two classic animated series on DVD. First is the bow of two Scooby-Doo discs, including the recent direct-to-video animated feature Scooby Doo Meets The Boo Brothers as well as Scooby-Doo's Original Mysteries, which features the first five Scooby-Doo episodes. Also coming 3/14 is Tom & Jerry's Greatest Chases, which features 14 classic T&J cartoons. Each of these discs are priced at $24.95, and even include extras, such as trivia challenges, a Scooby-Doo jukebox featuring selections form the recent Scooby-Doo's Snack Tracks CD, and footage of Tom & Jerry performing with Gene Kelley (!) from the movie Anchor's Away.

Hopefully these releases will do very well, and we'll get to see more Tom & Jerry and Scooby-Doo discs in the future. Warner also has other episode discs up their sleeves, and look for The Flintstones Stone-Age Adventures, this spring, to tie into the new theatrical live-action Flintstones feature Viva Rock Vegas...

Box Art: For those box art addicts out there, I threw up all the covers for Warner's December and January titles (including an interesting new cover design for Dead Calm), as well as MGM and Paramount's January slate as well. You can use the "Recently Modified" button on the top right to get a list of all these titles easily.

December 3 through 5 : Indie Wrapup

Well, not too much going on this week in the world of independent DVD. However, definitely check out Image Entertainment, who have another big update of titles coming next year. They have some cool stuff in there, and highlights include the IMAX film Beavers (no jokes, please), Herschell Gordon Lewis cult classics like Blood Feast and Color Me Blood Red (all including audio commentaries by director Herschell Gordon Lewis and more), Ed Wood's Glen Or Glenda? and Bride Of The Monster, more Chaplin classics including City Lights, and two new Twilight Zone episode collections. Some really cool stuff, and should I be embarrassed because I'm really excited about those Ed Wood titles!?

December 2 : Another Columbia February title; new Anchor Bay and Elite announcements

Columbia : Just when I think I'm done with Columbia announcements for the week, along comes another one! Today sees another new release, this one for a special edition of The Grey Owl. Released just this year, and directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Pierce Brosnan, I have to admit I've never heard of this film. Must have slipped beneath the radar. However, Columbia has a pretty extensive disc lined up for it, which is packed with extras. The set includes a anamorphic transfer, 5.1 mix, two audio commentaries (one with Richard Attenborough, the other with Producer Jake Eberts), three making-of featurettes, additional cast and director interviews, a Grey Owl trivia game, still gallery with production designs, the full screenplay accessible via DVD-ROM, vintage short films, and excerpts from Mr. Attenborough's book (whose title is not listed). Geesh! All this for only $27.95, and street is 2/15. Guess I'll have to check this one out!

Anchor Bay: Also new for early 2000 are a few from Anchor Bay. Due 1/11 is the cult favorite FM, which though not heavy on extras, does feature a new 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer, 5.1 mix and theatrical trailer. Also due on this date are Smashing Time, Zachariah and Where The Buffalo Roam, all of which likewise showcase new anamorphic widescreen transfers and 2.0 mixes, though no major extras aside from trailers. Lastly comes the 70's oddity Train Ride To Hollywood, which features a non-anamorphic 1.66:1 transfer, 2.0 mix and an audio commentary by Bloodstone and executive producer George G. Braunstein, the theatrical trailer and talent bios. Retail for all of the above is $24.95.

Elite : Look for a couple of good cult titles from Elite in early 2000 as well. First up on 1/25 is Tobe Hooper's early scare flick Eaten Alive, which contains no extras but does have a new non-anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer. Then due on 2/29 is the 1976 version of Jack The Ripper, which contains a non-anamorphic 1.66:1 transfer and a still gallery of rare production photos and ad materials, the theatrical trailer and some linear notes. Both of the above are $24.95.

December 1 : Columbia runs a Blue Streak and more February titles; brief anamorphic update on Fight Club; haunted Haunting THX EX soundtrack?

Columbia : Has a few new February announcements, including a 2/8 day & date release for the hit comedy Blue Streak. In addition to the usual fine Columbia anamorphic transfer, look for the "HBO First Look" featurette "Inside and Undercover"; an additional "Setting Up For the Score" featurette and three music videos by Jay-Z, Tyrese and So Plush, as well as the usual production notes, talent files and theatrical trailers. The disc also features a 5.1 English mix and pan & scan version, and retails for $24.95.

Also on 2/8 comes another Sidney Poiter classic, Buck And The Preacher. It features a anamorphic and full frame transfers, and a still gallery of advertising materials, talent files and a trailer. Retail is also $24.95.

Also, an update on last week's post on more Godzilla flicks. The Godzilla Vs. Destroyah disc is actually a double feature with Godzilla Vs. Space Godzilla. Retail is $27.95 for the disc, which seems like a really good value. Both are 1.85:1 anamorphic (cool!) and feature English 2.0 stereo dubs only.

Lastly, in what I would have expected last spring, look for a Ghostbusters 2-pack on 2/1, containing both the first film and the sequel for the rather odd price of $50.95 (why not just $49.95?). Anyway, it is the same discs as previously released, and with a good Internet discount, you can probably get each disc for under $20 apiece by buying this set.

Fox: Just a quick update on the upcoming Fight Club and its anamorphic status. There is a very good interview over at The Digital Bits with the producer of the disc, David Prior, and he indicates it will be anamorphic. I'm sure it will be, but of course the problem is Fox hasn't been very specific on their announcements (or even their packaging) about what is anamorphic and what isn't. So, though I'm sure Fight Club will be anamorphic, I have to leave it TBA until something comes from Fox in my mailbox. I want to stick to posting only what comes to me, because I'd hate for someone to go out and buy something based on something here that was simply copied elsewhere without a real confirmation (at least with a feature as important to many as anamorphic). You'd think all Fox day & date titles would be anamorphic, but then you have something like Lake Placid this January, which is a new film but non-anamorphic. Go figure!

DreamWorks: A little boo-boo on The Haunting? Our friendly ghost, er, Tech Editor Shane (who actually had to sit and watch the whole movie), discovered an error in the THX EX soundtrack. Though currently undergoing psychiatric treatment following his viewing of the film, he did send this off from the confines of his hospital bed. "At the 1:40 mark in the movie, the ghost of Hugh Crane bellows "Eleanor!" prompting Lili Taylor to turn around and see his ghost flying out of a painting (for those that haven't seen the movie, no, I'm not making this up!) It's a pretty neat sound effect and it obviously impacts what little narrative there is in the film, even if only in a minor way. In any case, this sound effect is present in the 2.0 Dolby surround mix on the DVD but is completely absent from the 5.1 EX encoded mix. While it can be argued that a lot more dialog should have been excised as well, this is clearly an error." We've reported it to Dreamworks, and we'll let you know what happens...