By Peter M. Bracke

Two new Columbia announcements

Columbia has announced two new December day & date titles, both due on 12/5. Though it was expected to be a breakout youth hit, the "rave" film Groove failed to make much of a dent at the box office. However, the DVD comes feature-packed, with 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and pan & scan transfers and a English 5.1 mix, along with an audio commentary with director Greg Harrison, deleted scenes, a making-of featurette, isolated music score in 5.1, audition reels, a still gallery with production photos, talent files, production notes and the theatrical trailer. A very nice set, all for only $24.95.

Also due is Trixie, which despite a stellar cast also failed to drum up big business on the art-house circuit. The disc includes 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and pan & scan transfers, Dolby Digital English 5.1 mix, an audio commentary with director Alan Rudolph, production notes, talent files and the trailer. Retail is $29.95, and maybe DVD will be your chance to check these two flicks out.

I get by with a little help from my 'Friends'

Thanks to a friendly little fly on the wall, news has come our way to expect the first batch of Friends episodes from Warner this December. A huge hit overseas (not that it is huge here as well), Friends episodes have already been released in Europe, and now U.S. fans will get their first DVD as well. Due on 12/19, this initial Friends collection will include the first ten episodes, though retail is as yet unavailable. Watch for more info soon, and along with some other TV fare like Charlie's Angels from Columbia and Fox's X-Files sets, it looks like there is finally more television favorites being released on DVD. Now, if only I could get those episodes of My Mother The Car I've always wanted...

To boldly go where no Star Trek film has gone before...

Sometimes, the coolest news can be found in the most unexpected of places. In today's Hollywood Reporter, in the usual weekly MPAA ratings and classifications announcements section (pg. 18), I was rather surprised to see Star Trek: The Motion Picture - The Director's Edition listed right up at the top. The original theatrical release of The Motion Picture was only Trek film (so far) to ever have been rated G, and now this new cut has been resubmitted to the MPAA and re-rated PG for "sci-fi action and mild language." "Sci-fi action"? Well, this should certainly be interesting to see! (But, hey, where's the NC-17 "Kirk cut" with all the nasty bits?)

What's also interesting about this is news is that it also heralds three firsts for the Star Trek series. It is not only the first Trek film to be re-rated and renamed (assuming the title "Star Trek: The Motion Picture - The Director's Edition" sticks), but also marks the only Trek film to be released in not one, not two, but three different incarnations (The Motion Picture had already been released on video in both in its original theatrical form and a subsequent "expanded" version with about 12 minutes of additional footage.) Though no release date has been set for the disc, rumors continue to fly that it will dock sometime in 2001. Stay tuned...

Paramount December catalog announcements

Along with the already-announced Shaft disc, coming on 12/12 from Paramount is a quartet of great catalog titles. Two personal favorites (finally) on the way including The Conversation, with Francis Ford Coppola's first-ever full-length audio commentary as well as one by Editor Walter Murch and the featurette "Close-Up on the Conversation," and An Officer And A Gentleman, which includes a commentary with Director Taylor Hackford. Also due are the original The Odd Couple, and the Oscar-winning Children Of A Lessor God. All are anamorphic widescreen and 2.0 surround, except The Conversation which features a new 5.1 mix. All also include the trailers, and retail is $29.95.

More than meets the eye

Finally an update has come from Rhino on the status of the oft-delayed Transformers: The Movie DVD. The disc is now due on 10/24, and will feature the 90-minute American cut of the film and a new 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack. Unfortunately, still no details on whether it is anamorphic or not, and retail will be $19.95. Stay tuned.

Columbia wants to whip you

Oh, harder. Coming on 12/12 is the "provocative comedy" Whipped, featuring full screen and anamorphic widescreen versions, an audio commentary with Director Peter M. Cohen, talent files and trailers. Retail is a rather high $29.95...

Anchor Bay acquires 'Bad Taste'

A quick note from the folks at the Anchor Bay website, they have acquired the rights to the cult favorite Bad Taste, filmmaker Peter Jackson's first feature. With Jackson now helming the massive Lord Of The Rings trilogy, it will be good to revisit this early work in what should be a good new edition. Hey, Miramax, where's that Heavenly Creatures special edition you should have released ages ago??

Last word on Legend?

Okay, I hope this is the last post on Legend. Not that I ain't excited, but this will make it three days in a row. Anyway, Universal has issued the full press release, so check it out for every single last bit of news. Can't wait for 11/21!

More Legend specs

Some more details have come in after yesterday's Legend announcement on just what different cuts and soundtracks will be included. Aside from being Universal's first 2-disc set, it will contain both the U.S. 86-minute version with the Tangerine Dream score, as well as a new, never-before-seen cut with the Jerry Goldsmith score. Note, however, that we've been told this will not be just the UK cut or what appeared on the Japanese laserdisc, so it should be a real treat for fans to see what I presume is Ridley Scott's true vision of the film. Also, the "Creating Myth" documentary runs an hour long and includes rare footage and new interviews with Ridley Scott, William Hjortsborg and Mia Sara, among others (Tom Cruise did not take part, for whatever reason) and the screenplay that is on the DVD-ROM portion of the disc will be William Hjortsborg's original script, which differs from the final cuts of the film in significant ways. So, that is another added treat for fans to be sure. Lastly, the Bryan Ferry music video some of you emailed about will not be included on the set. In any case, it certaily looks to be a terrific set, and again retail is $34.95 and street date 11/21.

(By the way, thanks to all who emailed in about the cover art posted yesterday, which is actually the same as the UK artwork from the film's original theatrical release. I guess the only problem I have with it is that it reveals the appearnence of Darkness, but then I guess we've all seen the movie by now, huh? Anyway, thanks all for the clarification.)

"The sun will come out, tomorrow!"

Can you bet your bottom dollar? Whatever, little Miss Optimist. In somewhat of a surprised, the oft-requested 1982 version of Annie will make its DVD debut on 11/14. The disc features anamorphic widescreen and full screen versions and an English 2.0 surround track. Extras are minimal, with a still gallery of advertising materials, talent files and trailers. Retail is $24.95.

In other Columbia news, the Timecode DVD originally scheduled for October has been "indefinitely postponed." Stay tuned for any further word on a new date, if any...

Romper Room

In stark contrast to 'Annie', Fox has issued the full specs for the Romper Stomper two-disc special edition due on 11/21. In addition to a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer and DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks, the set features an audio commentary with Director Geoffrey Wright, a making-of documentary, an additional "Skinheads - Reality And Fiction" documentary, a still gallery, interviews with Russell Crowe and Geoffrey Wright, cast bios, and the trailer. Retail is just $26.95.

Hanging with the Backstreet Boys

Don't be scared, it's not one, not two, but three new Backstreet Boys DVDs. On second thought, be afraid, be very afraid! On 10/24 BMG will release this trio, which includes A Night Out With The Backstreet Boys, which is primarily interview footage with the band and the full length video clips of "All I Have to Give" and "I'll Never Break Your Heart," All Access, which is the band's first video collection, and Homecoming: Live In Orlando which is (obviously) a live concert and also includes interviews. Each disc is full frame and 5.1 surround, and retail for $19.95 a pop.

September 26: Legend announced; Who's the man...SHAFT!; 'Survivor' comes to DVD; Warner goes PowerPuff in November; From Dusk Til Dawn, Scary Movie and Gone In 60 Seconds details

At long last...Legend

Well, well, well, look what DVD title finally decided to show up? Could it be...Legend? Why, I think it is. The various incarnations and cuts of this film have developed a legendary status, and now we're finally getting a the DVD special edition we've all wanted courtesy of Universal (well, if you are a fan of the film, that is.) Due on 11/21, the disc features a brand new cut (exact running time not yet available), an English 5.1 surround track (with the Jerry Goldsmith score - no listing of any alternate soundtracks as of now), an anamorphic 2.35:1 widescreen transfer, and a host of supplements including "Creating a Myth: The Making of Legend" documentary by JM Kenny, a screen-specific audio commentary with Director Ridley Scott, three storyboards galleries "Lily and the Unicorns," "Jack's Challenge" and "Downfall of Darkness" and a special storyboard sequence with score of the long-lost "The Fairy Dance" sequence, production notes, cast bios, the trailer and the entire screenplay accessible via DVD-ROM. Retail for the set is $34.95.

(By the way, what do you think of the new cover art? Well, at least it is better than that Lost World crap!)

Who's the man? SHAFT!

Alllllright! While it may not boast the 70's groove the original had, the 2000 remake of Shaft is still a pretty fun movie (but, hey, why did da man only sleep with like one chick in the whole movie!?) Anyway, on 12/12 comes the DVD, complete with 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, English 5.1 and and English and French 2.0 Dolby Digital surround tracks, "Still the Man" featurette and the Isaac Hayes "Theme from Shaft" and R. Kelly "Bad Man" music videos. Retail is $29.95.

'Survivor' comes to DVD

Oh, come on now, you just knew it had to happen. Video Store Magazine is reporting today that Paramount will be releasing the first season highlights of Survivor to VHS and DVD next January. So set price or street date is available yet, though the DVDs are said to include interviews, outtakes and weblinks. Oooh, can't wait.

Warner goes "Puff" this November

Alright, here it is, the announcement you've been waiting for. Star Wars? Indiana Jones? Superman? Ha, who cares! The debut of the Powerpuff Girls is finally here! Warner will be debuting the first two discs on 11/7, Down N' Dirty and Powerpuff Bluff. Each $19.95 disc contains 10 episodes, which despite being family titles all sound like porn movies: "Down N' Dirty," "Bubblevicious," "Bare Facts," "Mr. Mojo's Rising," "Mo Job" (I ain't touching that one) and the even ickier "Doggie Do" are just a few of the gems to be found in the collection. Bonus features on each disc include interactive games, a Cartoon Network "bonus toon," Powerpuff Girls bios and trivia (that Buttercup, she's a cutie) and DVD-ROM access to the complete website. All episodes are full frame and 2.0 surround.

Warner also has a few more special interest titles on the way in November, including Short 10: Chaos on 11/7, League Of Gentlemen: Series 1 (never heard of this one) on 10/24, and the Tom Selleck comedy Running Mates on 10/31. All are full frame except the latter, which is 1.66:1 anamorphic widescreen and features interviews with the cast and the trailer. Retail for Short 10 is $14.95, the rest $19.95 each.

South of the border

Last and certainly least, we received the info (finally) from Buena Vista on just will and won't be on the upcoming 10/6 bow of the From Dusk Til Dawn special edition. Unfortunately, the 2-disc set will not be anamorphic widescreen (despite the fact that an anamorphic transfer exists, of course), and features English Dolby Digital 5.1 and French 2.0 surround tracks, all the same features as the previous laserdisc (the commentary, making-of, etc.) and on the second disc the complete Full Tilt Boogie feature in full frame and 2.0 stereo. Retail remains at $29.95.

Also revealed were the full specs for Scary Movie and Gone In 60 Seconds. Thankfully, both are in anamorphic widescreen, and Scary Movie features deleted scenes, "Scary Movie: A Guide for the Culturally Challenged," a making-of featurette, "Chillin' with the Villain" interactive game, character profiles, the trailer and the complete screenplay and web site accessible via DVD-ROM. Gone In 60 Seconds includes a making-of featurette, an interview with producer Jerry Bruckheimer, an action sequence highlight reel, a Cult music video and the trailer. Retail is $29.95 and street 12/12 for both

Also, Buena Vista released the full specs for those December titles mentioned yesterday. Dead Man will also feature an audio commentary with Director Jim Jarmusch, deleted scenes and outtakes, while Love's Labour Lost will feature deleted scenes and making-of featurette. Retail is $32.95.

September 25: 'Big Momma" specs from Fox; latest Buena Vista December announcements; Warner releases 'Price Of Glory' SE

ris Golon of New Britain, Connecticut, who snagged a copy of Anchor Bay's new 2-disc tin of Hellraiser and Hellraiser II. Congrats!

Big Momma gets a whole lotta extra features

After last week's brief announcement of a 11/28 street date for the surprise box office smash Big Momma's House, Fox has now issued the full specs as well. The disc features a THX-certified (no, I'm not kidding) 1.85:1 widescreen transfer, English 5.1 and 2.0 surround mixes, an audio commentary by Director Raja Gostell and Producer David T. Friendly, the "Building Big Momma's House" documentary, a reel of deleted scenes, outtakes and bloopers, Martin Lawrence's makeup tests, two music videos by Little Bow Wow (?) and Jermaine Dupri and NAS, the theatrical trailer and cast bios. Retail is only $26.95.

Buena Vista adds more December titles

Rounding out the rest of their 2000 slate after last week's announcements of such big titles as Scary Movie and Gone In 60 Seconds, they have set a number of new catalog titles for December as well. Due on 12/12 are the dramas Human Traffic and Legend (not to be confused with the Ridley Scott film), and then on 12/19 Kenneth Branaugh's much-maligned Shakespeare update Love's Labour Lost, and the Jim Jarmusch surreal comedy Dead Man. All are anamorphic widescreen and feature the trailers, and retail is $32.95 each. Watch for teh full features to be announced soon.

And in some last minute updates from Buena Vista, both the upcoming The Nightmare Before Christmas and James And The Giant Peach special editions will now include DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks. Retail remains the same at $29.95 each. This, then, marks the first DTS-encoded titles from Buena Vista since last December's Teaching Mrs. Tingle set. Good to see their support coming back...

What price glory?

Though it didn't breakout at the box office to become the sleeper hit Warner probably hoped for, the urban boxing drama Price Of Glory will get another chance on video come 11/14. The DVD will feature a number of special features in addition to the 1.85:! anamorphic transfer and English 5.1 surround mix, including a screen-specific audio commentary with director Carlos Avila and actor Jimmy Smits, deleted scenes with optional commentary, the trailer, and the entire screenplay and theatrical web site accessible via DVD-ROM. Retail will set you back $24.95.