By Peter M. Bracke

June 16 through 18 : New DISNEY updates; INDIE WRAPUP

New DISNEY announcements and schedule changes

A few new updates from Disney, and quite interesting they are, too. First, what I believe may be the only PG-rated Disney animated feature (though I could be wrong) THE BLACK CAULDRON will be coming to DVD on 10/3, in 2.35:1 nonanamorphic widescreen and English 2.0 surround. No other features are listed, not even the trailer. Retail is $29.95.

Also, an update on the JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH DVD, which is now due along with THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS on 10/3. The disc will also include a making-of featurette, music video and the trailer. Retail is $29.95, and the disc is in nonanamorphic widescreen and English 5.1 surround.

Finally, we received word from Buena Vista that the late 2000 Disney DVD release schedule has shifted since the original announcement way back in early 2000, and that many of the late 2000 titles like THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME are no longer on the schedule for the original dates announced on the Disney consumer site. However, we did received some info via supposedly sent out to retailers that lists TOY STORY and TOY STORY 2 as coming to DVD on 10/3. However, Buena Vista says this is "not confirmed," so at this point I'll just let you make up your own mind on it. But, given Michael Eisner's recent comments on internet piracy, perhaps the whole thing is just getting more complicated? Anyway, it looks like the rest of the schedule from here on out should be a mystery until the announcements come in...

'THE PRISONER' to arrive on DVD

For you fans of the classic TV serial THE PRISONER, check out the cool site Six-Of-One, who have some news that the show will be coming to DVD from A&E this fall in 2 boxed sets. I've always wanted to see this show because I've heard so much about it, so I guess now I'll have my chance! (Thanks to Andrew F. for the link)

This Week's INDIE WRAPUP

A short update this week, but we do get quite a selection, from Hitler to The Beatles!

Coming from Synapse on 9/12 is the acclaimed but controversial Leni Riefenstahl documentary TRIUMPH OF THE WILL. Riefenstahl has been simultaneously revered and vilified for what some saw as a pro-Nazi work, but the documentary is an important historical document in my opinion, so will be interesting to see the response to the DVD. The disc features a new 1.33:1 windowboxed transfer and German 1.0 mono mix, English subtitles and the Riefenstahl 30-minute short film "Day of Freedom." Retail is $34.95.

Next, on 8/29 from Pioneer comes BILLY VAUGHN AND HIS ORCHESTRA and BEETHOVEN: CHORAL FANTASY, both full frame, English 2.0 surround and $29.95 each. Following on 9/12 comes the first two volumes in the techno music compilation MOVE, BEATS IN SPACE and SHAPES IN BASS. Each 60-minute disc is full frame and English 5.1 and 2.0 surround, with a retail price of $24.95.

Finally, coming on 7/4 from MPI is a box set of four previously released Beatles discs, HELP!, MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR, THE BEATLES: THE FIRST U.S. VISIT and YOU CAN'T DO THAT: THE MAKING OF A HARD DAY'S NIGHT. The set retails for $79.95 and contains no additional features that were not included on the original releases.

June 15 : NEW & NOTEWORTHY tidbits

Not too much big mega-news today, just a few little updates...

The full specs have come in for Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID II: RETURN TO THE SEA (try and hold your breath). The $29.95 disc features a full frame transfer, 5.1 Surround track, two interactive games and a Disney Storybook. Street is 9/5.

Also, look for a trio of new Columbia titles in September. First up on 9/5 is the next in the THREE STOOGES collection, SPOOK LOUDER. The disc runs 99 minutes, but as I'm not a Stooge expert, is this a full-length feature? (No other episodes are listed). The disc is full frame and English 1.0 mono, and features English, French and Spanish subtitles. Retail is $24.95.

Then, on 9/19 comes two new catalog titles, a rare Julia Roberts box office disappointment MARY REILLY, and the great Wim Wenders film FARAWAY SO CLOSE. Both are in anamorphic widescreen and full frame, with special features still TBA. The former is $24.95, the latter $29.95.

Lastly on the Columbia front, we received an update on that new STAND BY ME special edition due on 8/29, and what I labeled a "making-of featurette" (which can be seen as an insult, to be sure!) is actually a new documentary including interviews with Rob Reiner, Stephen King and the cast including Jerry O'Connell, Corey Feldman (no jokes, please), Will Wheaton and Richard Dreyfuss (though not River Phoenix, alas). Retail is $29.95, and it should be a good disc.

Finally, don't you think it is about time for a SUPERMAN update? During the last Warner live chat over at the Home Theater Forum, the participants indicated to expect news in late spring/early summer, so nary a day goes by without someone sending us something asking about SUPERMAN. Of course, we're excited, too, and we were hoping for an announcement perhaps at this summer's VSDA. However, we talked to a spokesperson from Warner Home Video, and we'll have to wait just a little bit longer. No announcement will be forthcoming on the the discs (yes, all four, not just the first one) until late summer at the earliest, but the good news is that it is really and definitely happening for 2000 and Warner will be treating it as an event on the order of "a new theatrical release'. Good, Superman deserves it! So, I guess good things come to those who wait, huh?

June 14 : It's a PEANUTS bonanza from Paramount

"You're a blockhead, CHARLIE BROWN!"

I guess I am at risk at being laughed at here, but ever since I was a kid I identified with Charlie Brown. I suppose everyone at one time or another has felt like the neighborhood "loser," and there is just something about Charles M. Schultz's creation that is so universal that it is hard to imagine anyone not relating to at least one of the beloved PEANUTS characters.

So, given that, I'm so glad to be able to post the announcement today that Paramount, long the home of the PEANUTS gang, will be releasing the first volumes of Charlie Brown specials to DVD this fall. Each disc will feature one special plus an additional short, each with a full frame transfer and English 1.0 mono track as well as English Captions. The three specials include one of my favorites, IT'S THE GREAT PUMPKIN CHARLIE BROWN, also featuring "You're Not Elected Charlie Brown," A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING with "The Mayflower Voyagers," and perhaps the most-loved of all PEANUTS specials, A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS along with "It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown." Each disc is $19.95, and there will also be a three-disc gift set available for $57.95. Street is 9/12.

But, there is yet more PEANUTS in store for 9/12, with IT'S THE PIED PIPER CHARLIE BROWN on the way. It features a full frame transfer and English 5.1 surround and 1.0 mono tracks, English Captions and Spanish subtitles, and a retrospective interview with Charles M. Schultz. Retail will also be $19.95.

Finally, Paramount will be releasing the Nickelodeon co-production of BLUE'S BIG MUSICAL MOVIE, a cute little movie due on 10/3. The $24.95 disc is in full frame and English 2.0 surround with English captions, and features a behind-the-scenes featurette "Backstage at Blue's Clues - A Sneak Peak for Parents," two music videos for "I Can Be Anything I Want To Be" and "There It Is" and a "Who am I?" menu guessing game for kids, along with "savings booklet" for parents. Nice to see Paramount supporting the family market, and I'm really excited about these PEANUTS discs! (What's BRAVEHEART again?)

June 13 : JURASSIC finally arrives; a TWIN PEAKS fall; Warner kicks up 'ROMEO'; Three new PARAMOUNT August titles; Golden Books unveils...UNDERDOG!!

RETURN TO 'JURASSIC PARK' on DVD

Well, here they are...the announcements for the big two, JURASSIC PARK and THE LOST WORLD have finally arrived, and they look sweeeet! I won't bother explaining it, just check out the press release. However, it is a bit obliquely phrased, but the DTS and Dolby Digital versions will be separate releases. These look to be great sets, and I for one am glad we're getting the full "making-ofs" for each disc. However, note that the DTS versions will have less features, and check out the press release for the differences between the two. In any case, it is gonna be a great fall!

FIRE WALK WITH DVD

After a very long wait for David Lynch fans, it looks like it is finally going to be a TWIN PEAKS fall this year. We finally received some street dates for the first episode collection of TWIN PEAKS episodes and the theatrical feature film TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME (aka "I am the muffin") from Artisan and New Line, respectively.

The first set of TWIN PEAKS episodes will arrive on 11/14 and feature the pilot and episodes 1-7 on a double-sided, dual-layer disc. The disc will be full frame and 2.0 surround, though none of the extras are known at this time. Retail is $39.95.

About a month earlier, and in the TWIN PEAKS timeline in the proper order (as it's a prequel) watch for TWIN PEAKS FIRE WALK WITH ME on 10/10. All that is known at this point is that it will feature a new anamorphic widescreen transfer of the theatrical cut...any deleted scenes or extras remain TBA. Retail will be $24.95.

Finally, if you want up-to-the-minute TWIN PEAKS DVD info, check out the great Lynch site THE BLACK LODGE. They will be keeping the most up-to-the-minute watch on the DVDs, so definitely check them out if you want to know the latest news.

WARNER asks...must 'ROMEO' die!?

Some updated details for the Clint Eastwood box set and a new announcement have come in from Warner today.

First, some changes have been made to the lineup of the CLINT EASTWOOD COLLECTION, a set dedicated to everyone's favorite cowboy/pistol packin' cop, Clint "Make my day!" Eastwood. Warner really seems to like cross-studio box sets, so the new lineup for the DVD set (the VHS reissues are much more extensive) features Warner's UNFORGIVEN, DIRTY HARRY and a special edition version of THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES, along with Universal's BRONCO BILLY and THE BEGUILED and Columbia's IN THE LINE OF FIRE. All the discs are repackaged versions of previous releases except BRONCO BILLY, which is a newbie, though since only the outer box art for the whole set is available (I'm having trouble with my slide scanner or I'd post it), I don't know if the individual discs will have new cover art or not. Anyway, retail for the set is $99.95 and street is 8/1, just in time for the theatrical premiere of Clint's new adventure, SPACE COWBOYS.

However, Warner will also be releasing more new DVDs and reissues to coincide with the set, though why they are also not included in the box remains a mystery to me. Look for KELLY'S HEROES (new to DVD) which includes anamorphic widescreen and full frame transfers, a English Dolby Digital 5.1 track, and trailers, along with reissues of ABSOLUTE POWER, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY (alas, still full frame only), PALE RIDER, TRUE CRIME and THE GAUNTLET. Each disc will retail for $24.95. Note that if you are a DIRTY HARRY fan, at last March's Studio Day, a Warner rep indicated that they hope to visit the DIRTY HARRY films on DVD in 2001 or beyond, pending remastering issues. But, these Clint titles should tide us over for now, I guess!

Finally, watch for a special edition of ROMEO MUST DIE from Warner on 8/1, featuring an anamorphic widescreen transfer, English 5.1 mix, and no less than 9 featurettes on the production, action and special effects. Expect the usual production notes, bios and trailers as well. Retail will be $24.95.

Yet more PARAMOUNT August titles

Here we go again, two more Paramount August titles and one street date change. To be honest, I wonder why all these don't just get announced at once...

First up is TYCUS on 8/8 which features a full frame transfer, English 5.1 and 2.0 surround tracks, English and Spanish subtitles, along with a screen-specific audio commentary with Director John Putch, cast bios and filmographies, and the trailers.

Then we have the atrocious, godawful, totally unwatchable THE NEXT BEST THING. Sorry, but please Madonna, just don't act anymore! (Can't you tell I'm still bitter that I paid $8.50 to see this in the theater? I guess I deserved it.) Anyway, it features a 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer, English 5.1 and 2.0 surround tracks and English captions, along with "exclusive" cast & crew interviews (these should be funny, I hope Madonna talks about her "craft" and uses that phony English accent) and Madonna's "American Pie" music video. Yeah!

Then, also on 8/29 comes DETERRENCE, which features an anamorphic widescreen transfer, English 2.0 surround, English captions, the trailer and a screen-specific audio commentary from Rod Lurie. Retail for all of the above is $29.95.

Finally, looks like NASHVILLE has a new date again, 8/15. Should be a great disc, though!

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's...UNDERDOG!

Family entertainment label Golden Books will be unveiling UNDERDOG's first appearance on DVD this fall, with the arrival of the UNDERDOG COLLECTOR'S EDITION. The $19.95 disc features a compilation of Underdog episodes including rarely-seen episodes long thought lost. A $49.95 edition limited to just 1,000 copies will include a lithograph created by original illustrator Joe Harris especially for the DVD. I used to love Underdog as a kid, so I for one and looking forward to rediscovering him on DVD this fall, when the disc streets 9/14.

June 12 : Fox fall titles; updated specs on NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

FOX adds box set and more fall titles

Hot on the heels of the PLANET OF THE APES and OMEN collections, it looks like Fox is really getting into the whole box set groove.

Due on 8/29 is the ROGERS & HAMMERSTEIN COLLECTION, which includes the new special edition of THE SOUND OF MUSIC (which also streets individually the same day), along with the previously-released CAROUSEL, THE KING & I, OKLAHOMA!, SOUTH PACIFIC and STATE FAIR. The whole set retails for $149.95, not a bad deal! Then on 11/7 comes the imaginatively titled WORLD WAR II COLLECTION, featuring THE LONGEST DAY, PATTON, THE THIN RED LINE and TORA! TORA! TORA!, all previously released. The 4-disc set retails for $109.95

Finally, look for a few more Christmas-y titles on the way from Fox on 10/31 (and why these are being release on Halloween remains a mystery.) First is the original 1967 DOCTOR DOLITTLE with Richard Attenborough and Rex Harrison, which is due on 10/31 and features a 2.20:1 widescreen transfer and 2.0 stereo track, and the trailer. Also coming that day is the 1994 version of MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, also starring Attenborough as Santa Clause, and in 1.85:1 widescreen, 5.1 and 2.0 surround and featuring the trailer. Lastly, look for OLIVE THE OTHER REINDEER (yeah, okay, who's she?), which is full frame and 2.0 stereo. Retail is $29.95 for the first two and $19.95 for the latter.

Updated specs on NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Just a few updated specs today for Walt Disney's upcoming A NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS special edition. The date has been moved up a couple of weeks to 10/3, and 1.66:1 transfer will not be anamorphic. Also, the documentary has been "updated," as well as the still, sketch and storyboard galleries. Also, the disc will feature both Tim Burton shorts FRANKENWEENIE and VINCENT. Retail for the dual-layer disc is $29.95, and the previous movie-only version will be discontinued.