By Peter M. Bracke

'The Stunt Man' finally arrives on DVD

Sinister, indeed! After almost a year of rumors surrounding a hoped-for DVD release of Richard Rush's acclaimed The Stunt Man and its excellent attending documentary "The Sinister Saga Of Making The Stunt Man," Anchor Bay has announced today that they have acquired the rights to release the film and documentary on DVD, with a hoped-for 2001 street date. As you may know, 20th Century Fox never released a DVD for whatever reason (their loss, quite frankly,) but given the high quality of Anchor Bay's work lately, I think we can safely assume this should be a great set. I saw the film and the documentary last year at a screening here in LA, and am really glad the film and the doc will finally be able to be seen by a wide audience. Check out the Anchor Bay web site for the news on the announcement.

Is that your final destination?

Our next Clip Of The Week is coming a bit early this time, because it is a little sneak peek before the bow next Tuesday of the hit thriller Final Destination. New Line has graciously supplied us with a key deleted scene exclusive to the DVD release, and our own video guru Michael Cidoni of The Movie Place has edited a nice little piece together with the scene and a introduction by Director James Wong. If you've seen the movie, you may be surprised by this deleted scene and how different it is from what happens in the final cut (and if you haven't seen the film yet, you may want to skip this or it might spoil some surprises for you!) The movie and disc are a lot of fun, so check out the clip in the box to your right, as well as our review for a little taste of the DVD.

Audio notes on Central Park Media's Slayers anime set

Attention anime fans, you may have heard rumblings around the web of some potential audio errors on the new Slayers set from Central Park Media. They have released an official statement on the matter, through spokesman Justin Sevakis (who's name is probably familiar to you Digital Otaku fans), so check it out for the full scoop. It appears the audio mastering presents problems for some consumers, though at this time there are no plans for a recall. But check out the statement for the full skinny and sweet.

Everyday is like Morrissey

A little late announcement on my part, but on 10/17 watch for the first-ever Morrissey solo video collection, Morrissey Oye Esteban! (anyone know what that means?) The full frame and PCM 2.0 stereo collection features "nearly all" of Morrissey's official music videos, totaling 18 clips in all. Songs with titles like "The Last of the Famous International Playboys," "November Spawned A Monster," "We Hate it When Your Friends Become Successful" and "You're the One For Me Fatty" can all be yours for only $24.95!

Patriot loses score

Okay, not exactly. But just a quick note that Columbia has announced that the upcoming The Patriot special edition will no longer have the isolated score as originally announced. But the rest of the features, street date and retail price remain the same.

X-Men artwork

To send you all off for the weekend with a bang, I thought I'd leave you with a peek at the upcoming artwork for the X-Men disc, due from Fox on 11/21. They took out a big ad in the trades, which is where this image comes from. Very nice, simple and sleek, and I only hope they don't mess it up with lots of banners, logos and other symbols when the final art is completed (unless they don't change this at all, though the lack of the DVD symbol makes me think this is just a comp for the ad.) Anyway, enjoy it, and see you all Monday!

September 21 : The Sopranos comes home; Universal news; two new Criterion announcements; 'Gladiator' artwork; Trimark attempts to bewitch you; yet another Matrix box set; final Spinal Tap subtitle post?

Toucha toucha touch me!

A couple of quick Universal updates...and some bad news for Touch Of Evil fans. Universal has sent out an updated announcement on the long-awaited disc due on 10/31, which will no longer contain the "Reconstructing Evil: The making Of Touch Of Evil" documentary and has been demoted from its Collector's Edition status. Retail remains $29.95, and the disc still features the complete 111-minute restored feature and the 58-page memo from Orson Welles.

Also, Universal is about ready to launch a big new press site on Monday, 9/25. While I'm sure most of you don't care since you can't access it (it will contain cover art, press releases and lots of other goodies to make the lives of webmasters like myself so much easier), there was an interesting little note on the release, however. Encouraging the press to register as early as possible, the release urges us not to miss "the very important announcement" that will be made on the website on the 25th. Hmmm, sounds interesting, can't wait! Of course, we'll let you know what this is come the 25th...

No sliced eyeballs in this one...

Amid most of the drek coming out lately on DVD (see below for that), it is always nice to get the latest Criterion announcements, because at least yo know you are going to get some quality cinema, whatever your taste. On 11/14 comes Bunuel's classic The Discreet Charm Of The Bourgeoisie. This 2-disc set features a 1.66:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, French and English dub 2.0 mono tracks, feature in 2.0 mono, along with the two documentaries, the 105-minute "A Proposito de Bunuel" by Jose Luis Lopez Linares and Javier Rioyo and "El Naufrago De La Calle De La Providencia" which runs 25 minutes and was helmed by Arturo Ripstein and Rafael Castanedo. Retail is $39.95. Also due on 11/14 is one of Britain's best sci-fi films, The Fiend Without A Face. This disc also features a 1.66:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, English 2.0 mono track and an audio commentary, a still gallery of production photos, and an illustrated essay on British sci-fi filmmaking by film historian Bruce Eder. Retail is also $39.95.

Gladiator art

Alright, alright, you guys all sound like a Roman mob! I must say, Gladiator is one of the most hotly anticipated DVDs I've ever seen since starting this site three years ago. Geez! But, to quell your thirst temporarily, DreamWorks sent along the full specs and cover art for the set, and it looks better than some of the other artwork I've seen floating around, and it even boasts Mr. Scott's signature. Nice. Anyway, the specs (in addition to a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer and DTS 6.1 Discreet ES and Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 surround tracks) includes audio commentary by director Ridley Scott; and on the second disc the HBO First Look and The Learning Channel "The Bloodsport of a Gladiator" documentaries, 25 minutes of deleted scenes with Scott's commentary, a 7-minute "Treasure Chest" of additional unused footage, a 15-minute interview with Hans Zimmer on his score, a production diary written by actor Spencer Treat Clark, a slideshow of concept art and storyboard stills, an additional behind-the-scenes gallery of stills from the set, and finally production notes, cast bios, trailers and TV spots. This looks even better than the specs announced for the Region 4 disc a few weeks back, and is sure to be a mega-seller, don't you think? You can also check out the full press release as well.

Finally!

Alright, organized crime fans. Your answers have finally been answered...on 12/12, HBO will be issue the first DVD release of the acclaimed series The Sopranos for $99.95. The 2-disc set features the entire first season n all its full frame and 2.0 surround glory. Extras are quite extensive, including an audio commentary on the pilot episode by series creator David Chase and director Peter Bogdanovich, a new 77-minute interview with Chase by Bogdanovich, two behind-the-scenes featurettes and an episode guide. I just hope the compression is better than that rush job they did on Sex & The City...

."..and then their footage was found..."

If you just can't wait for The Blair Witch Project 2, maybe you can tide yourself with one of the most shameless knockoffs ever released, The St. Francisville Experiment. Shot entirely handheld and concerning a group of filmmakers who seek out a legend in a haunted house but mysteriously disappear (sound familiar?) this 77-minute opus mostly bypassed the theaters and now arrives direct-to-DVD on 12/5 from Trimark. Actually, that is way after Blair Witch 2, so I guess by the time this arrives, will anyone care? In any case, the disc looks feature filled, because in addition to a full frame transfer and 2.0 surround track, extras include an audio commentary with the "filmmakers," some deleted footage, a behind-the-scenes featurette, and the trailer. Retail is $24.95.

Keanu Reeves goes platinum

Since his band Dogstar will probably never sell a million copies of a record (though they may release a million records that sell one copy each), the closest you're going to get to a platinum Keanu Reeves is (yes, oh, yes) yet another repackaging of The Matrix, the Platinum Mini-Box due on 11/7. Featuring the original disc, the box also includes a senitype image from the film, another 35mm film clip and 8 lobby cards, all housed in a luxury fitted slipcase. All this can be yours for only $49.95!

R.I.P. Spinal Pap

Alright, I really hope this is the last post I'm going to have to do on the subtitle problems with This Is Spinal Tap. After hearing from MGM and retailers, the problem with the copies of the disc that are still floating around without the English subtitle streams reportedly is a retailer-level issue. Though English subtitle-less copies of the disc were shipped to some retailers, all were notified to return those copies in exchange for the new versions. So, if you happened to receive a copy of the disc without the subtitles, promptly return it to the point of purchase and ask for an exchange. Your retailer should honor it, and if not, I'd suggest shopping elsewhere. Good luck, mates!

September 20 : 'Jaws' goes full frame; 'French Connection' news; Anchor Bay spec updates' MGM airs 'Dirty Pictures'; and more updates on 'From Dusk Til Dawn' and 'Spinal Tap'

"You're gonna need a bigger frame..."

Apparently not content with being letterboxed in, that ever-so-demanding shark from Jaws now wants a full frame all to himself. Ummm, excuse me, Mr. Big-Time Shark, but all you had to do was, like, lay around the beach, swim for a few takes, and eat people. Sorry, but I could act circles around you with my fins tied around my back! And now you want your own full frame DVD? Geez, what's next, you're own trailer!? Hey, Spielberg, give this shark a bit part in your next movie to shut him up already, okay?

Anyway, giving in to the shark's incessant demands, Universal will be releasing a full frame version of the 25th Anniversary Edition of Jaws on 12/5. Available in Dolby Digital only, the disc will contain the same features as the currently available discs, and retail for $26.95 as well. Universal has also released the cover art, and though I'm always afraid dual inventory will confuse consumers, I guess if offering full frame versions of big titles helps bring newbies to DVD, I guess it serves the format in the end...

The Friedkin Connection

A couple of readers wrote in with some on-the-scene reporting from Austin, Texas, where Director William Friedkin attended a screening of a new print of his acclaimed and Oscar-winning crime epic The French Connection. As you may or may not be aware, Fox has stated they plan on releasing a DVD of the film late this year or early next, and Friedkin reportedly talked a bit about what to expect on the upcoming disc during the subsequent Q&A. Watch for a new audio commentary with Friedkin just recently completed, as well as nine deleted scenes. Thanks to Todd C. and Chris T., both of whom said the new print look very good, so can't wait for the disc!

Oooh, I feel so dirty!

Though it originally aired on Showtime (or was it HBO?), MGM will be releasing the DVD of the acclaimed made-for-cable movie Dirty Pictures, starring James Woods and Diana (where have you been?) Scarwid. Though full frame and 2.0 surround only, the disc retails for just $19.95. I'm getting erect with anticipation already...

Yet more on...

...From Dusk Til Dawn and This Is Spinal Tap. In good news, Buena Vista will be issuing a press release on the full From Dusk Til Dawn set to quell the confusion on just will and won't be on the disc, and got back to us that street date is indeed still 10/3. However, the disc won't be anamorphic, but watch for the full release in a few days with all the specs.

Also, we've gotten a few emails on the This Is Spinal Tap subtitling problems discussed yesterday, and it seems there are discs out there that have the new subtitle streams on them, and some that don't. We'll be inquiring about the different discs floating about to MGM, but in the meantime, you may want to try and return your disc if it doesn't contain the subtitles, as there are corrected discs out there...

Anchor Bay news

Just a quick one to remind you all to check out the Anchor Bay web site, if you don't already. They have some good new info up on some of their upcoming discs, including a new extended cut of Manhunter, courtesy of Director Michael Mann, as well as cool features like commentaries and such due on discs such as The Wicker Man, Lust In The Dust and Nightwatch. Check it out...

September 19 : New Buena Vista hits due in December; More on X-Men; Yet another version of A Perfect Storm!; Buena Vista horror-ific updates; Spinal Tap subtitles

'Scary Movie' and 'Seconds' set for December

Two big Buena Vista summer hits have finally been given official street dates, Scary Movie and Gone In 60 Seconds. Both discs retail for $29.95 and street one week apart, on 12/5 and 12/12, respectively. Announced features are light on both discs...anamorphic widescreen transfers and English 5.1 surround tracks is the only info known yet. However, full specs have not been released yet, so stay tuned for more...

Also, DreamWorks has released a 11/21 date for the 2-disc set of Gladiator, but full specs are still not available for that, either. But, again, stay tuned for finalized details any day now!

Can't we all just get along?

Even if you've only been into DVD for a few months or less, you've undoubtedly read posts or heard that Buena Vista has somewhat of a, um, checkered history when it comes to announcing DVD titles with accurate specs. Mislabeled soundtracks and missing features are just a few of the errors that have cropped up on past Buena Vista titles, and shifting dates are not unheard of, either.

So, with that little caveat, the "are they or aren't they really coming out" upcoming releases of The Prophecy and From Dusk Til Dawn box sets have become even murkier lately. Some retailers have now removed these titles from their release lists, and both have disappeared from the Buena Vista press site as well. Also, because the information has been removed from the site, the disparities in different retailer lists on just what features are on the From Dusk Til Dawn set, including whether it is really gong to be anamorphically enhanced and contain the complete "Full Tilt Boogie" documentary on a second disc can't be confirmed, either. And believe it or not, Buena Vista PR has not concrete info on the exact specs of these titles as of yesterday.

To add to consumers' inevitable frustrations, we've also heard that the first installment of the Scream box set due on 9/26 will not be anamorphic after all...only parts 2 and 3. Go figure. But, again, Buena Vista has yet to confirm or deny this information, and even more frustratingly for us, Buena Vista is now the only major studio who continues to not send out early copies of their titles for review to web sites like this. So, unless Buena Vista decides to issue more information (hopefully on their press site someday soon), we'll have to do our best to find an early copy of these for review to uncover just what is on these discs. Because given Buena Vista's track record (Halloween H20, anyone?), just what will actually be on these discs will remain a mystery until we get them our hot little hands.

Given that all the studios seem to have mastered the art of the complete, well-informed press release, hopefully Buena Vista will be able to, in our opinion, better disseminate information and keep their press site updated with current information. Until then, we'll do the best we can...

How many mutants does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

Ever since it's record-breaking opening weekend this past summer, just what will and won't be on inevitable X-Men disc from Fox has been a hot topic of conversation, certainly among DVD web enthusiasts. Is there going to be a new cut of the film, is it one disc or two, and will it have a DTS track? With a 11/21 street date and some features for the disc released to retailers yesterday, the question of what the exact features and length of the film are ironically got a bit murkier, instead of clearer.

But Fox has been quick to release information to the press yesterday in an effort to get it right (which is a nice change from Buena Vista, but oh, nevermind.) The $29.95 disc does indeed include a new cut of the film...sort of. Employing the seldom-used trick of "extended branching," Fox will be doing something somewhat unique with this release. Similar to the method of access to the deleted scene contained on Fox's own X-Files Season One gift pack, or more famously the "Follow The White Rabbit' function employed on Warner's The Matrix, the X-Men disc will allow the user to control how the view the additional scenes manually. Featuring the 104-minute theatrical version, there will also be six extra scenes (in full 5.1 and 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen) contained on the disc, which after selecting the "view extended cut" option from the menu, can be accessed during the film whenever the "X" symbol appears on the screen. Thus, you can watch the extended cut, but you will have to activate each scene one at a time and by hand when prompted.

A rather interesting approach, one that placates director Bryan Singer's desire to maintain the integrity of his theatrical cut but also allow fans to accessible a longer, expanded version. However, why not just do seamless branching with two fully-edited cuts? You got me, but I'm sure your reactions will begin to be heard loud and clear in message forums and via email to the approach Fox took for this disc. Can't wait! (By the way, apologies for our mistake yesterday...the X-Men set will be a single-disc edition only, not two discs. Sorry for the error.)

Lastly, we have received some emails questioning whether Fox is beginning to pull back on their publicly announced commitment to supporting more DTS soundtracks on their discs. With the new X-Men disc going Dolby Digital-only due to compromises in quality that would have had to have been made in the video if dual soundtracks and all the supplements were included, Titan A.E. and the 2-disc set of Romper Stomper on 11/14 are the only announced Fox DTS titles as of now. However, look for six catalog titles from Fox to get the DTS treatment come late December, and watch for the announcement in fairly soon. I won't bother posting the titles (given how much they've changed over the last few months, why bother!), but if they do hold up, I think many of you will be pleased with the selection. Stay tuned...

Spinal Tap titles

This one definitely was done in "Dubly." You may recall the last minute changes MGM had to make to their new special edition of This Is Spinal Tap, when it was uncovered that the print they used for the new transfer did not contain the subtitles used throughout the film to identify people, places and things. MGM announced, though, that they would be repressing the discs at the last minute to include the subtitles, all in time of the disc's 9/5 street date. And sure enough, they did make that date.

However, note that the transfer remains the same...the subtitles were created as a separate subtitle stream, so you may have to turn them on to see them (note, though, it is a separate subtitle stream from the complete transcription of all the dialogue from the movie). So if you don't get any subtitles on your copy of the disc, it may simply be a setup issue, not a faulty pressing. And though some of you are displeased with MGM's decision not to use a new print with burned-in subtitles, MGM has no plans to issue a new version of the disc, nor will there be a "recall."

Some Columbia cover art

Last but not least, Columbia has sent along a triptych of cover art for some of their big upcoming holiday titles, so I thought I'd put them up for your viewing pleasure, Now, in addition to the four editions of The Perfect Storm due from Warner, we now have a fifth box cover art design, this one for the version of the disc included on Columbia's upcoming Wolfgang Petersen Collection 4-pack. Also, we finally got a confirm that the version of In The Line Of Fire included with this set will be the currently released version, not the new special edition due out next year. Anyway, check out the art, and can't wait for that 2-disc set of Bridge On The River Kwai, should be a good one!

September 18 : X-Men mutate; new disc changes and delays...

X-Men mutate to DVD this November

After week's of emails practically begging for details (geez, you guys really want this title bad!) Fox- has delivered the full specs for the upcoming 2-disc X-Men set due after all on 11/21. With a feature running time listed as 120 minutes, the disc features 10 minutes of additional footage and six scenes exclusive to the DVD, along with a "Mutant Watch" featurette, Hugh Jackman's screen test; four excerpts from director Bryan Singer's visit to "The Charlie Rose Show;" two creature animatics, a conceptual art gallery with over 150 photos, cast filmographies, a collectible booklet and the theatrical trailer. The disc is in 2.35;1 widescreen and English 5.1 and 2.0 surround (no DTS soundtrack on this one) and retail is $29.95.

By the way, some seem miffed that Director Bryan Singer isn't doing a commentary, but even though he did contribute one to The Usual Suspects laserdisc, he seems to have cooled on them a bit. Check out the Drive-In archives for a video interview with him during the X-Men press junket for more on his feelings on commentaries...

Buena Vista fall titles and delays...

Buena Vista has released a few of their November titles, though little in the way of hard specs. David Lynch's The Straight Story, Detroit 9000, the Ewan McGregor remake of Nightwatch, Dolph Lundgren in Men Of War, and She's So Lovely are all set for 11/14 and retail for $32.99, though no features or aspect ratio info is yet available off their press site.

In what is sure to be disappointing news for many of you, the planned From Dusk Til Dawn special edition, as well as the From Dusk Til Dawn and Prophecy box sets due over the next weeks have been indefinitely postponed. The listings have also been removed from the Buena Vista site, and a reply from their PR department confirms there is no new date for these titles, though they have not been canceled outright. Stay tuned, maybe they'll show up by next Halloween?

Pokemon's revenge

Last but certainly least, we have the breathlessly awaited DVD debut of Pokemon The Movie 2000: Pikachu Boogaloo, coming 11/14 from Warner. The $24.95 disc features a full frame transfer and English and French 5.1 mixes, a "Soundtrack Live" collection of musical performances from the "Pokemon: The Movie 2000" soundtrack, additional behind-the-scenes footage; a sneak preview of "Pokemon 3"; a DVD-ROM collection of trailer samplers and Nintendo game guides, a free Pikachu game card and something called a "Lugia coin." Yikes!