By Peter M. Bracke

June 23 through 25 : Dimension unveils SCREAM trilogy box set; this week's indie wrap-up

STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE news

As anticipation continues to build for the expected announcement of the last STAR TREK film yet unreleased on DVD, the series' maiden theatrical voyage THE MOTION PICTURE, acclaimed special effects house Foundation Imaging has issued a press release that hints at some special effects work and updating they are doing on the project. No further details are known beyond that, and check out Trek Today for more on the story.

'SCREAM' again with new box set this fall

Good news for SCREAM fans...I think your box set fantasies may have been answered. If you're into the series at all, you know that all previous DVD editions of SCREAM and SCREAM 2 were considered lacking in many fan's eyes, with few features and non-anamorphic transfers. However, with he announcement of SCREAM 3 on 7/4 a few weeks back, it seemed at least the third entry would get the grand treatment, with an anamorphic transfer and some very good supplements to round out the release.

However, Dimension also announced that a new 4-disc box set would come out on 9/26, and now the final specs have come in for the set as well as SCREAM 3. To me, the specs look very good, though I will get the one bit of bad news out of the way: the first disc nor the sequels will be any sort of director's or unrated cut, but only the theatrical versions. That disappointment aside, the rest of the details look very good.

These new SCREAM discs will only be available (at least for now) in this 4-disc set, with a bonus disc full of additional supplemental materials. The first SCREAM is the same as the previous Collector's Series, which includes an audio commentary with Director Wes Craven and Screenwriter Kevin Williamson, a production featurette, behind-the-scenes footage montage, Q&A clips with the cast & crew, a special effects montage gallery, and theatrical trailers, TV spots, cast bios and "film facts." But, this new disc were told will be anamorphic and in of course Dolby Digital 5.1. (Though the actual release did not specify anamorphic, we we're told in a phone follow-up they would, so I'll just go with it.)

SCREAM 2 is also 2.35:1 anamorphic and English 5.1 surround, and includes all-new features. Look for an audio commentary with Craven and Producers Patrick Lussier and Marianne Maddelena, deleted scenes with commentary by the above participants, a making-of featurette, outtake montage and Master P. and Kottonmouth Kings music videos, as well as theatrical trailers, TV spots, cast bios and yet more "film facts."

SCREAM 3 (both the stand-alone and box set editions) feature a 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer and 5.1 mix, audio commentary with Craven, Maddelena and "the crew," deleted scenes and alternate ending with commentary also by the above participants, outtake reel, Creed's "What If" music video, behind the scenes footage from all three SCREAM movies, and yet again domestic and international theatrical trailers, TV spots, cast bios and yet more "film facts."

Finally, the fourth disc is not limited just to DVD-ROM features as the original press release stated, instead including the "Behind The Scream" documentary, outtakes, "The Cutting Room" feature that "allows viewers to edit their own scene via the use of their remote control" (sounds interesting), screen tests of Neve Campbell, Jamie Kennedy and Skeet Ulrich, and "Sunrise Studios" trailers, which you fans of the movie know all about. The DVD-ROM features include a trivia game, "character web" listing of all the characters and their relationships in the mythology of the film, a "ScreamSaver" (ho ho, ha ha, he he), the complete screenplay with a "shot list," and finally links to the SCREAM web site.

In all, a pretty nice package, and no retail price has yet been released for the set, though a Buena Vista spokesperson said the package would be "under $100." And I would like to give kudos to Miramax and Buena Vista for announcing the details of this set before the 7/4 street date of the stand-alone SCREAM 3 disc, which allows consumers to make an informed choice on which version they want to buy...

This week's INDIE WRAPUP

Just a short couple of announcements from the land of the independents this week:

From Pioneer on 9/19 comes more anime fun, including POKEMON - HANG TEN, PIKACHU! and Volume 4 of the TENCHI UNIVERSE COLLECTION - TIME & SPACE ADVENTURES. Both are full frame, in English 2.0 stereo (TENCHI is also in Japanese 2.0 stereo). Then on 9/26 comes three music titles, The Metropolitan Opera's performance of HANSEL & GRETEL, MILES DAVIS LIVE FROM THE MONTREAL JAZZ FESTIVAL and LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR. All are in full frame and 2.0 surround. Finally, watch for GRIPEN, a high-flyin' aircraft spectacular in DTS 5.1 and English 2.0 stereo and full frame. All of the above titles are $29.95 each.

Then, from Ventura comes the special editions many have wanted of the Billy Jack quartet BILLY JACK, BILLY JACK GOES TO WASHINGTON, THE TRIAL OF BILLY JACK and the precursor to the trilogy BORN LOSERS. Warner originally released a "cheap price" DVD of BILLY JACK, and these improve upon that release, at least in terms of supplements. All four are full frame and English 1.0 mono, but do feature audio commentaries on each disc by creator Tom McLoughlin and wife Delores Taylor, "Billy Jack Factoids" and a trivia game. Retail is $19.95 each and street date is 8/29.

June 22 : Fox sets two more late summer titles; Universal bows two new PSYCHOs

FOX sets TITUS special edition

A couple of new Fox sales announcements came in yesterday, for a couple of titles that were pretty much overlooked in their theatrical runs. Due on 8/15 is the Julie Taymor (of Broadway's "The Lion King" fame) extravaganza TITUS with Anthony Hopkins and Jessica Lange. The $34.95, feature-loaded two disc set features a 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer and English 5.1 and 2.0 mixes, three separate audio commentaries with Taymor, composer Elliot Goldenthal and stars Anthony Hopkins and Harry Lennox, a Q&A with Julie Taymor, a 30 minute documentary "Muse of Fire: The Making of Titus," another 6-minute featurette on the making of the "Penny Arcade Nightmares," a still gallery with costume and art designs costume Gallery, some DVD-ROM links to American Cinematographer essays, and the usual filmographies, trailers and TV spots. Looks like another great Fox 2-disc set.

Then, on 9/5 comes the low-key teen romance HERE ON EARTH. The $34.95 disc features a 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer, English 5.1 and English and French 2.0 surround mixes, English and Spanish subtitles, the Jessica Simpson music video "Where You Are" and the trailer.

Another shocking 'PSYCHO' from Universal

I don't know, but I think the record for the most number of DVD releases with the word "Psycho" in the title must belong to Universal. In addition to their classic Norman Bates series, they will be bowing two versions of the recent controversial art shocker AMERICAN PSYCHO. I thought this Mary Harron-directed black comedy improved considerably upon the book, though perhaps it didn't have the cheap slasher films today's audiences often demand. Anyway, Universal will be releasing separate R-Rated and Unrated editions, which are otherwise identical. both feature 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfers, English and French 5.1 Dolby Digital tracks, a making-of featurette, an interview with star Christian Bale, and production notes, cast bios and the trailer. Retail is $26.95 for each disc.

June 21 : BIG KAHUNA and BEYOND THE MAT news; ANCHOR BAY plans SUSPIRIA SE; and a more info on ROCKY HORROR

Ride THE BIG KAHUNA this August

Since it was totally ignored in theaters despite the presence of recent Oscar winner Kevin Spacey, the DVD release of THE BIG KAHUNA on 8/29 is now your chance to check the film out if you missed it. The disc features a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, English 5.1 mix, English captions and the trailer, production notes and cast bios. Retail is $26.95.

Also, an update on the documentary BEYOND THE MAT coming on 8/22, which will also feature an audio commentary with Director Barry W. Blaustein along with the full frame transfer and 5.1 mix, and the usual trailer, production notes and cast bios. Retail is $29.95.

ANCHOR BAY announces plans for SUSPIRIA special edition

A couple of cool bits of news courtesy of the folks from the Anchor Bay web site. They have announced definitive plans to bring Dario Argento's classic SUSPIRIA to DVD in early 2001, and judging by their recent efforts in Italian horror cinema, it should be a great disc. Also, acclaimed DVD producer Bill Lustig will be behind the project, which makes it even better.

Also, Anchor Bay in conjunction with filmmaker Clive Barker is soliciting artwork for its upcoming HELLRAISER special edition. Details on where to send any HELLRAISER-inspired art can be found on the Anchor Bay site. The deadline is July 1st, so get those entries in fast. I really think it is just terrific that Anchor Bay and Mr. Barker are so actively involving the fans, so hopefully those of you out there into HELLRAISER will take advantage of the opportunity and go for it. Can't wait for the disc, due in September!

A couple of ROCKY HORROR tidbits

Just a couple of quick notes on THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW 25th Anniversary Edition coming on 10/3 from Fox. We're told the disc will be 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, and the "multi-angle presentation" features clips of audience members that you can access during certain musical numbers, sort of like a visual version of the audience participation audio track. Hmmmm, sounds interesting!

June 20 : TOY STORY blasts onto DVD; EDWARD SCISSORHANDS and ROCKY HORROR 25th Anniversary details

TOY STORY finally arrives on DVD

First JAWS, then BRAVEHEART, last week JURASSIC PARK and now TOY STORY. It looks like a great number of long, long awaited titles are finally being announced for DVD. While Buena Vista PR said yesterday that "it wasn't supposed to be announced yet," their sales department released the date and specs for not one but two new TOY STORY collections on DVD to retailers late yesterday, and if the previous A BUG'S LIFE COLLECTOR'S EDITION is any indication, these new discs should be winners.

Due on 10/17 is the THE TOY STORY COLLECTION, with both films in 1.77:1 direct-from-digital anamorphic widescreen and (TOY STORY 2 only) full frame transfers, English 5.1 Dolby Digital mixes, French and Spanish 5.1 Surround tracks, and English, French and Spanish subtitles. Extra features include a "Monsters Inc." sneak preview, the "fake" outtakes that appeared at the end of some release prints, an audio Commentary "by the filmmakers" (participants to be announced), the trailers and the Pixar short films "Luxo Jr." and "Tin Toy." Retail is only $39.95 for the two-disc set.

But, for the real collector's comes THE ULTIMATE TOY BOX, featuring the same above two discs (with an additional music and effects-only track for each film), plus a third disc with more bonus material, including "The Making Of Toy Story," additional deleted animation footage, "The History of Toy Story," a "Moviemaking Secrets Revealed" short, still galleries with conceptual art, character designs, storyboards and promotional materials, a multi-language demo reel, a "Buzz Lightyear Of Star Command" preview and even more features TBA. Price for this 3-disc set is $69.96.

Buena Vista PR would only confirm the street date and that the full specs have not been announced but that the above features "are not wrong." I'll let you decipher that one for yourselves...

Also, Disney has announced two new animated titles, a Gold Collection issue of MICKEY'S ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS due on 10/31 and in full frame, and PETE'S DRAGON on 12/5. There are no features listed on these sales announcements, other than a $29.95 price tag. Stay tuned...

Let's Do The Time Warp Again!

Not to be outdone in the 2-disc department, Fox has released specs for THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW 25th Anniversary Edition, which features 2 full discs of fun, though it probably won't make a good double feature with TOY STORY for the kiddies, will it?

The set includes a 1.85:1 widescreen transfer (alas, it is not listed as anamorphic, which Fox usually specifies, but we'll check it out and post as soon as we get a confirm either way), a English 5.1 surround track, the original 1.0 mono mix and an audience participation track, which I assume is the same one as the laserdisc. Also included are the "Superheroes" and "Once in a While" deleted sequences, alternate takes of the numbers "Time Warp" "Brad & Janet Getting Undressed," "Janets Seduction" and "Floor Show," a "multi-angle presentation" (not sure how that will work), three new DVD-ROM games, a booklet, a revamped still gallery and trailers. The packaging will be the double amaray a la THE ABYSS, not the foldout sleeve like FIGHT CLUB. Street is 10/3 and retail is only $29.95.

On 9/5 comes another big request title, a 10th Anniversary Edition (has it really been that long?) of EDWARD SCISSORHANDS. The disc features a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, 4.1 surround mix (I received an update from Fox that the 4.0 surround originally specified was a mistake), as well as a range of good features. Included is a new making-of documentary, an audio commentary by Tim Burton as well as Composer Danny Elfman, a still gallery of conceptual and production artwork, and 2 trailers and 2 TV spots. Retail is $29.95, and looks like a great disc.

Man, is it going to be an expensive fall!

June 19 : MGM September titles; five NEW HORIZONS horror titles

A little bit of a horror movie day today, so don't get too scared...

MGM scares up September titles

Sorry these are so late, but just a little screw-up with me, my fax machine and Irene. Anyway, another weird and inconsistent batch of new transfers and old. All are $19.95 each and include French and Spanish subtitles.

First up on 9/5 is Frankie and Annette in BEACH PARTY, PAJAMA PARTY and BIKINI BEACH, with all featuring full transfers and the first two also in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and the third 2.35:1 non-anamorphic widescreen (figure that one out), English 1.0 mono, French and Spanish subtitles and the theatrical trailer. Then comes HEAVY TRAFFIC in full frame only, English 2.0 stereo, and the trailer, and a movie I thought would be really great but then I finally saw it and I just laughed, THE AMITYVILLE HORROR. The disc features 1.85:1 nonanamorphic widescreen and full frame transfers, English 2.0 stereo and Spanish 1.0 mono, and the trailer. Finally, also on 9/5 is A BUCKET OF BLOOD in full frame and English 1.0 (no trailer), STRANGER THAN PARADISE in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, English 1.0 mono, the trailer and behind the scenes footage.

Then, on 9/19 comes DILLINGER in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, English 1.0 mono and with the trailer, and (drum roll, please) DELTA FORCE and DELTA FORCE 2, with both full frame only and English 2.0 stereo, and the trailers. Then FROGS is in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and full frame, English and Spanish 1.0 mono and the trailer, and finally TALES OF TERROR in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and full frame, English 1.0 mono and the trailer. Who decides these transfers!?

When slumber parties go bad...

If those MGM horror titles aren't enough, you fans of bad slasher movies (like me) will be happy with New Horizon's latest batch of titles due 8/29. Featuring full frame transfers, English 1.0 mono tracks and the trailers, watch for SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE 1, 2 and 3, as well as SORORITY HOUSE MASSACRE 1 and 2. Retail is only $14.95, and I can't wait! Woo-hoo!