DVDFILE.COM: DVD-Video Release News - Archive for February 16 through 29, 2000

disc news

Archived updates

By Peter M. Bracke

February 15 : Big Ol' update on Buena Vista, Warner, New Line, Columbia, Fox & USA

Well, today's update is big enough for a whole week, so let's just get down to it!

Warner : A little out of order, but Warner's April titles have come in, and more details on some May and June announcements as well.

First, from the "It's about damn time!" department, due 4/4 is the 20th Anniversary Edition of Caddyshack, which features (yes, this is confirmed) an anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer, as well as "The 19th Hole" documentary which includes outtakes, rare footage and interviews with the cast and crew and the theatrical trailer.

Next up are the Rick Moranis, Tom Arnold and John Ritter "comedies" Big Bully and Stay Tuned, as well as the sequels Major League 2 and Major League 3: Back In The Minors (strangely, Paramount still owns the right to the first Major League). All these discs feature anamorphic transfers, cast bios and the trailer. Also, Diner is now confirmed for 4/4 and includes an anamorphic transfer and new documentary.

Then in May, on 5/9 comes the hilarious Richard Dreyfuss thriller Silent Fall, the even more hilarious Alicia Silverstone thriller The Crush, and then on 5/23 The Little Shop Of Horrors reissue. Note that the first version was recalled after the alternate ending became a source for ire form producer David Geffen. The new disc now features the same features sans alternate ending of the first version, including an audio commentary by director Frank Oz, a behind-the-scenes documentary, the alternate music-only track, outtakes and deleted scenes with commentary, cast bios and theatrical trailers and TV spots.

Finally, last but certainly not least comes Warner's June announcements. The big news here (and yes, it is official seems, with a press release on the way) is that Warner has finally announced DTS support which has been in the making for along time now. Longtime disc enthusiasts remember that Warner announced a DTS laserdisc of Contact about two or so years ago, but it never materialized. So, though I'm happy about these following titles, I sure hope Warner doesn't pull the plug at the last minute.

Coming on 6/6 are dual DTS/Dolby Digital remasters of Interview With The Vampire and Twister. Both have new features to boot, and this is a good sign (I hope) that Warner is starting to redo older titles. Interview will feature introductions by Director Neil Jordon and Anne Rice, an audio commentary with Jordan, a making-of featurette, a still gallery and trailer. Twister will feature a commentary by Director Jan De Bont and 2 music videos. Retail for both is $24.95, and the previous versions will be deleted.

Also, I did talk with Amblin recently, and both Twister and The Color Purple are being remastered partially at the urging of a certain big-time director's request, along with The Goonies and (yes!) Gremlins 2: The New Batch. Look for dates on those latter two in the months ahead.

Then, on 6/6 is that Lethal Weapon box set promised at last year's Studio Day. It includes the longer cuts of the first three films (part four is not included in the set), all anamorphic. Each features DTS and Dolby Digital tracks as well. I'm not sure if each will be available separately, but I'd assume they would...

Finally, PBS is releasing via Warner a ten-disc (!) set of Ken Burn's Baseball, also on 6/6. The set retails for $179.95, and features the entire series and DVD-ROM features, "collectible packaging" and more. Pretty sweet!

Buena Vista: First up are more details on Buena Vista's 4/11 titles, and note that starting in April, the MSRP of all Buena Vista $29.95 titles has been upped to $32.95. This has been confirmed, though I'm awaiting printable info on why. I'm hearing that it is mainly due to the drastic price slashing on the Internet...though retailers are still charged the same price, upping the MSRP allows all retailers more leeway in discounting. I'm not exactly sure how this works, but Disney did it before with their animated titles (upping the price from $34.95 to $39.95 though leaving the dealer cost the same).

Anyway, onto the discs. The Insider will include a making-of featurette and a special "Inside A Scene" feature that breaks down a scene with director Michael Mann. Also on the disc is the trailer. Happy Texas will include an audio Commentary with director Mark Illsey, deleted footage, a music video and the trailer. This single-disc set is $39.95.

Not to be outdone and at the same price, Music From The Heart looks to be Miramax's best special edition yet and truth be told the contents of this double-disc set are mighty impressive. It includes an audio commentary by Director Wes Craven and Producer Marianne Maddalena, a making-of featurette, "Behind the Scenes at Carnegie Hall: The Bach Double Concerto, featurettes on the making of the Gloria Estefan and N'SYNC music video (and the clip itself), another featurette "Scoring Session: Behind the Scenes," deleted scenes with commentary and some with deleted score, "Background and Wisdom Soundbites with professional musicians that inspired the music in the film" and the second bonus disc includes "Small Wonder," the documentary that inspired the film. Whew!!

Then on 4/18 comes That's The Way I Like It and Mumford, which will also include a making-of featurette and a trailer.

Finally, some May arrivals, including a day & date Cradle Will Rock, Princess Mononoke and Mystery Alaska on 5/9, along with Father Of The Bride II, Next Stop Wonderland, Jackie Chan's Project A and on 5/23 Mighty Peking Man.

The best news of all is that all of the above are anamorphic except Father Of The Bride II. Good job, Buena Vista, keep it up!

Then in June come another slate of extensive titles. On 6/13 comes Taylor Hackford's Blood In Blood Out and (finally!) the From Dusk Til' Dawn collector's edition fans have been waiting for. Checking the stats against the previous laserdisc, the $39.95 DVD will have all the same features, though the Full Tilt Boogie documentary Alliance planned on releasing with the disc is not listed, nor is a DTS track. However, Disney often adds features on the final press announcement, so for now it is just listed as "widescreen." Stay tuned for more details.

Finally, some details on Disney's 6/6 slate of animated titles. Pocahontas will be a movie-only version and 1.66:1 and is listed as such, however, there "may" be an announcement to the effect that a subsequent special edition version with all the extras from the laserdisc as well. Let's hope the do it at the time of the press release and give consumers the information they need to make a solid buying decision. Also due are Melody Time and Make Mine Music, which will be released as separate $29.95 discs. Strangely, though the MSRP of Buena Vista's live-action titles is now $32.95, the animated titles are all still being announced as $29.95. Hmmm....

Columbia : First is an April title I missed, a 4/18 arrival called Gen X Cops. It includes a 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer (no full frame version is includes) and Chinese and English-dubbed 5.1 mixes, as well as a making-of featurette, music video and trailers.

Some of their early May titles have come in, and includes a trio of anticipated titles. First up is a DVD many have wanted, as it represents the first availability of a widescreen transfer since the laser which has been long out of print. The late Richard Marquand's Jagged Edge arrives with wide and full screen versions, and a English 2.0 mix. It includes the trailer. Also on 5/2 comes David Mamet's Things Change, and something called Virtual Sexuality. Both are also anamorphic widescreen, and retail for all four of the above are $24.95 each.

New Line : Though it marked the big-screen return of once uber-hot Chris O'Donnell, whose fame seems to have cooled, The Bachelor didn't exactly alight the box office on fire this past fall. The disc is due 4/18 from New Line, and features mostly DVD-ROM features such as script to screen access, web links, and the theatrical trailer and cast bios. Also on the disc are 1.85:1 anamorphic and 4:3 full frame versions and English 5.1 and 2.0 soundtracks. Retail is $24.95.

Fox : Just a quick note from Fox that Fight Club has finally been confirmed as being postponed, with the new date set for 6/6 (the VHS will still street on 4/25). The disc features (in addition to terrible new cover art, which I'll have up soon) a commentary with Director David Fincher, making-of featurettes, the trailer and more to be announced (lots more, or so I'm told). Stay tuned for final details. Retail is not yet set, but will be "at least" $34.95.

USA : A sort of faux-designer cum music video version of Bonnie & Clyde set in the Victorian times (I swear I'm not making this up), Plunkett & Macleane played to largely empty houses last year, though it does feature the directorial debut of Jake Scott, son of Ridley. USA will release the DVD version on 3/21, and it features a 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer, a English 5.1 mix, and the theatrical trailer. Retail is $24.95.

February 17 : MGM Bond details; Dogma delay; New Line goes dark; Anchor Bay update and reader survey

MGM : The full details on the second Bond Collection have come in, and given the success of the last box, it is no surprise MGM is sticking to the same blueprint for these next six titles. However, there is one little thing that kind of irks me about the set, but check out today's editorial for more on that...

As for the set, it looks like a good batch of titles and features, though it is rather Connery-light this time. As we all know by now, the six titles coming are The World Is Not Enough, Moonraker, Dr. No, The Man With The Golden Gun, On Her Majesty's Secret Service and The Spy Who Loved Me. Each is $34.95, and a five disc set of the older Bonds is $149.95. The box will contain an empty space for The World Is Not Enough, which is only available separately. Yes, this is what I'm complaining about in today's editorial...

Anyway, all of the Bond films will contain a 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer (except Dr. No which is 1.66:1), a collectible booklet, theatrical trailers, TV spots, radio spots and a still gallery, except for The World Is Not Enough and Moonraker which only feature the trailer. In addition, each disc has the following extras:

The World Is Not Enough includes screen-specific audio commentaries by Peter Lamont, Vic Armstrong and Composer David Arnold, "The Making Of The World Is Not Enough" 30-minute documentary, "The Secrets Of 007" Alternate Video Option (look for the 007 on the screen, click the button and get a mini-making-of on the action scene you were just watching) and the Garbage music video and making-of the video.

Dr. No features a screen-specific audio commentary by Terence young and audio interviews with the cast & crew, Inside Dr. No 30-minute documentary, additional Dr. No featurette

The Man With The Golden Gun contains a screen-specific audio commentary by Director Guy Hamilton and audio interviews with the cast & crew, "Inside The Man With The Golden Gun" 30-minute documentary and additional "Inside Q's Lab" featurette

Moonraker contains a screen-specific audio commentary by Director Lewis Gilbertand audio interviews with the cast & crew, "Inside Moonraker" 30-minute documentary and additional "The Men Behind The Mayhem" special effects featurette

On Her Majesty's Secret Service contains a screen-specific audio commentary by Director Peter Hunt and audio interviews with the cast & crew, "Inside On Her Majesty's Secret Service" 30-minute documentary and additional "Double-0-Stuntman" featurette

The Spy Who Loved Me contains a screen-specific audio commentary by Director Lewis Gilbert and audio interviews with the cast & crew, "Inside The Spy Who Loved Me" 30-minute documentary and additional featurette "Ken Adams: Designing Bond"

DreamWorks : Just a quick little correction on the GalaxyQuest disc info I posted a day or so ago. The disc arrives on 5/2, and I received the info that it would have an extra commentary track, and in my literal minded thinking I assumed it would be the director or something, or surely a human being. But, actually, it is an Alien Foreign Language Track! I believe this must be a first for DVD, and I'll certainly be interested to hear it, as I have no idea what it would sound like or how entertaining it would actually be! Sorry for the mixup.

Columbia : If you are a Kevin Smith and Dogma fan, you've probably read our interview with View Askew's Vincent Pereira, and are awaiting the Dogma special edition. However, news has come from View Askew that there will actually be two releases of the film on DVD, and we got subsequent confirmation on this as well. The first will street with the VHS in May and be pretty much movie-only. However, the real goodies for fans of the film will come around next October when the special edition is released. If what I'm hearing is any indication, it will be worth the wait and since consumers are being alerted to it early, I don't mind waiting. If you just want the film, you can get it May, or be patient for the SE next fall. Watch this space for more info as it arrives...

New Line : Coming on 5/23 from New Line will be another of their more highly-requested catalog titles, Keith Gordon's Mother 'Night. The disc will feature anamorphic and full frame versions, a new 5.1 sound mix and cast bios and the trailer. Retail will be $24.95.

Anchor Bay : The folks over at AB have sent along some news of their most recent acquisitions, and there are more intriguing titles in there (I must say, Anchor Bay has very unique but cool tastes!). The five newest acquired titles for eventual DVD release are Parasite, The Shooting Party, Goodbye Emmanuelle, The Being and Hiding Out. Really varied stuff!

Also, in a move I'd like to see more of, Anchor Bay is asking for consumer input, and have a new survey up. I think it is great when companies actively try and connect with consumers to find out what they want. So spend a few minutes and take their survey and let them know what you think!

February 16 : DreamWorks launches GalaxyQuest; updates on Legend, Invasion America, The Exorcist and more

After yesterday's big update, hopefully today won't seem anticlimactic!

DreamWorks : Though it got off to a slow start, DreamWorks' GalaxyQuest built up speed fast and garnered very good word of mouth. I missed this one in the theaters, but am really looking forward to catching up with it on DVD. It will arrive on 5/2 and be a Signature Series $29.95 title, and is sure to be as great as previous DreamWorks special editions. Disc specs are still a bit limited, but it will feature an anamorphic transfer and English 5.1 mix (though it was EX I believe theatrically, so should be another "hidden EX" track like DreamWorks' The Haunting), and an audio commentary, a making-of feature, trailer and the usual production notes and bios. Expect full details soon.

Updates & Corrections : Speaking of DreamWorks, I've gotten a fair amount of email wondering what ever happened to the Invasion America animated set rumored to be in production last year. The most recent info I received just recently is that the set is no longer on the schedule, though that doesn't mean it won't ever come out. But, for now it is simply MIA.

Another new tidbit has surfaced regarding the hotly-anticipated Legend special edition from Universal. In addition to the new cut of the film, it will feature the Jerry Goldsmith score and not the "Americanized" Tangerine Dream one. No set date for this disc yet, though according to Universal it won't be until the second half of 2000 at the earliest. Can't wait!

Also on the radar is the longer cut of The Exorcist bandied about for a while now. I certainly got a good amount of email asking me whatever happened to the "William Peter Blatty cut" of The Exorcist that William Friedkin talked about here last year. Well, now Fandom has some new information on the rerelease, which looks to happen this fall. Personally, I hate most of the footage that was cut and will be sticking with the current version. And that original ending...bleech! I think Friedkin had the right idea cutting it out in the first place...

Finally, a couple of corrections to yesterday's post. The Interview With The Vampire "featurette" is actually a newly-produced full-length documentary. Sounds cool, and the wrong info was just my input error. Second, thanks to all who emailed about Jagged Edge, which was indeed letterboxed on the previous Columbia laserdisc (now out of print). Ooops.

February 15 : Big Ol' update on Buena Vista, Warner, New Line, Columbia, Fox & USA

Well, today's update is big enough for a whole week, so let's just get down to it!

Warner : A little out of order, but Warner's April titles have come in, and more details on some May and June announcements as well.

Then on 4/18 comes That's The Way I Like It and Mumford, which will also include a making-of featurette and a trailer.

The best news of all is that all of the above are anamorphic except Father Of The Bride II. Good job, Buena Vista, keep it up!

February 14 : More on Bond; Disney's latest animated details

MGM : The world just isn't enough for anyone these days, isn't it? It's all about me, me, me, and more, more, more. James Bond fans should be getting plenty more this may when six new Bond DVDs are released by MGM...let's hope it is enough to satisfy our demanding appetites like the last 007 set did (well, a few of you didn't like it, but most did).

Most of the details on The World Is Not Enough have arrived, and it looks to be another great disc. Street is 5/16, and in addition to a 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer and 5.1 English sound mix, there will be no less than 9 mini-featurettes on 9 key action sequences. Similar to The Matrix "follow the white rabbit" function, the trick this time is to click when you see the little 007 logo on the screen, which will then take you to the featurette detailing the action sequence you were watching. In addition there will be two audio commentaries with Director Michael Apted, Producer Michael G. Wilson, Stunt Coordinator Vic Armstrong and members of the cast & crew (which were not listed by name). Also included is a music video for the title song by Garbage as well as a making-of featurette on the video, and a collectible booklet.

The five other Bond discs Moonraker, Dr. No. The Spy Who Loved Me, On Her Majesty's Secret Service and The Man With The Golden Gun will all have new anamorphic transfers, and each disc will have its own 30-minute documentary, two audio commentaries with the director/producer and cast & crew (all are not listed by name, alas), a photo gallery and booklet. As usual with prior MGM announcements, a more extensive press release will be forthcoming shortly with the complete exact details. Each disc is $34.95.

Now, for the part that has me confused. The details provided thus far from MGM say "Each is priced at $34.95 or as a boxed set for $149.95." Also, a five-title box set will be available on VHS. So, I don't know if The World Is Not Enough will be included in this set, or not. The last 7-disc Bond Collection was $199.95 but had 7 films. Hopefully more clear info will come from MGM soon on this, so stay tuned.

Disney : Has announced the full details on 3 more animated titles this May, and some may be a bit disappointed. Due 5/2 are The Fox And The Hound, Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros, and each is $29.95. Laserdisc fans remember that Disney offer Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros as a set, but they aren't continuing that trend on "Disney DVD." In addition to the feature films, each disc features the theatrical trailer, and Fox & The Hound includes a read-along and trivia game, as well as a (I'm not kidding) "booklet on the importance of friendship." Saludos Amigos also contains the live-action short "South Of The Border With Disney," while The Three Caballeros includes the cartoon shorts "Don's Fountain Of Youth and "Pueblo Pluto."

In what is not particularly a surprise, Disney has also extended the availability of the first "limited edition" nine animated titles released late last year. In addition, price drops from $39.95 to $34.95 have been set for Lion King II, The Little Mermaid, Hercules, The Jungle Book, 101 Dalmatians, Peter Pan and Lady And The Tramp.

To top that off, Buena Vista is beginning to raise the MSRP on their catalog titles from $29.95 to $32.95 starting in April. Needless to say, I will try to find out from Buena Vista what this is all about...

February 10 through 13 : New Columbia title; Indie wrap-up

Columbia : Another day, another Columbia title. Coming 4/25 is the sequel the world has been waiting for, Fortress 2: Re-Entry. I know, I know, you are excepting me to come up with a comment on that perverted title. But I'm not, because it would be too easy...

Anyway, the disc features anamorphic widescreen and full screen versions, English 5.1 and 2.0 tracks, and the trailer. Retail is $24.95.

Artisan : Has a trio of titles that I'm not familiar with coming on 4/11. Look for Dark Harbor (with an audio commentary by director Adam Coleman Howard), Minus Man and the "rap thriller" Judgment Day. Each are anamorphic widescreen, have trailers and are priced at $24.95, except Dark Harbor which is $29.95.

Indie Update : Lots of good stuff coming from the indie world this spring...

First up, Fox Lorber has a good assortment of titles coming on 3/21. Look for 70 Years Of Popeye, a retrospective of the Spinach-munching hero's most popular shorts over the last 70 years. Also coming is Angelica Huston's acclaimed but little-seen drama Bastard Out Of Carolina, In The Realm Of Passion and In The Realm Of The Senses (which is a new version of a film that was already once-released on DVD in 1998), Telling Lies In America (which was also released on one of those free VersaDisc mailers), Quarrel and Marcello Mastroianni: I Remember. Prices are $24.95 each except for Popeye which is $19.95 and Marcello Mastroianni which is $29.95. Only the two In The Realm films are widescreen (and non-anamorphic). No special features on any of these except trailers on the theatrical titles...

Due 3/14 from Amazing Fantasy is a variety of cool horror and sci-fi flicks. Dungeon Of Desire, a 1991 version of The Pit & The Pendulum, Trancers and Retro Puppet Master (!) are all widescreen and each feature a "Videozone: Behind-The-Scenes" featurette. Retail is $24.95.

Finally, on 4/4 from A-Pix comes Above All Else: The Everest Dream, The Science Of Magic and Super Racers. Each are $24.95 and full frame, with 2.0 soundtracks. No major special features of note.

February 9 : More Bond in May; Warner May titles; Buena Vista update

MGM : While features are still unavailable for a two or three more weeks, MGM has set an official date for the next James Bond 007 Collection. Street 5/2, the set includes the most recent Bond blockbuster The World Is Not Enough (And I Feel Fine), as well as On Her Majesty's Secret Service, The Man With The Golden Gun, Dr. No, Moonraker and The Spy Who Loved Me. All that is known right now is that each is $34.95, and all are anamorphic like the last batch. Also, MGM does own the rights now to Never Say Never Again and Casino Royale, though I don't know why there are only six titles in this set, not seven like the first volume. I'm sure these will show up eventually.

Perhaps what is most interesting about this set is that MGM is making The World Is Not Enough available two weeks before the VHS debut on 5/16, which will also be rental-priced only. I talk more about this briefly in today's editorial. Wonder if it is a sign of things to come...?

Warner : Just in time for the joys of spring, Warner has a nice collection of titles due 5/16. In addition to the 5/2 debut of Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, look for the classics Gypsy, On The Town, Seven Days In May, Kelly's Heroes and the Oscar-winning The Killing Fields. All are dual-layer discs and in their original aspect ratios. Price is $24.95 each.

Buena Vista : Just a quick update on the situation with Tarzan. The Buena Vista Consumer Hotline (1-800-723-4763) is now taking names and addresses to replace defective Tarzan discs. Though not a true recall (i.e., discs will stay on store shelves until consumers return them), at least Buena Vista is attempting to provide consumers with replacement product. However, I'm not sure what expense is involved for consumers to return a defective disc. But definitely give them a call if you are unable to return your copy to the point of purchase.

Finally, we received the box art for most of the April Buena Vista titles (to be put into the database after it is repaired this weekend), and both Music From The Heart and Happy, Texas are listed as collector's series titles. However, no features are yet available, but we'll fill you in when it arrives. I hope it is more than just a featurette!

February 8 : New Columbia titles and a Chasing Amy update

Kevin Smith Flicks : Just a quick bit of news on two hotly anticipated Kevin Smith titles. First, official word came from Buena Vista's press site that Chasing Amy is indeed on the schedule for April. Box art and full specs will be available soon. Also, more info came our way from the guys over at View Askew regarding the disc. According to them, the director himself said that the flick will get a new anamorphic transfer from a clean print, which is great news as many (myself included) feared it may just end up being a laserdisc rehash.

Also, a new official date has come from Columbia for the Dogma disc, which is 5/2. And speaking of which...

Columbia : Has three new April announcements due 4/25. Included are the early Sylvester Stallone drama The Lords Of Flatbush, Bob Rafaelson's The King Of Marvin Gardens, and a double feature of Blind Fury and Omega Doom. Strangely enough, Blind Fury is listed as "Full Screen (Enhanced for 16x9 TVs)" while Omega Doom is "Widescreen (Enhanced for 16x9 TVs)." Don't ask me to explain it! None of the above have any supplements aside from the usual talent files and trailers. Each are $24.95.

New Horizons : While we're all waiting for the Jurassic Park films to make their way to DVD later this year, New Horizons has a little dinosaur trilogy of their own to tide us over. Coming 4/18 are Carnosaur, Carnosaur 2 and Carnosaur 3 in full digital glory. Each disc is $24.95, though they feature full frame transfers only and no supplements of note. Still, these films are a hoot and should be fun to see again...

February 7: New Criterion and Fox April titles

Criterion : Has four new announcements set for 4/18, including Cleo From 5 To 7, Ingmar Bergman's The Magic Flute, 1985's Vagabond, and finally 1,000,000 (Le Million). All have new digital transfers an d English subtitles. Cleo and Vagabond are non-anamorphic 1.66:1 while the other two are 1.33:1. None of any special features, not even trailers, though The Magic Flute contains the rarely-heard stereo score, and Cleo has the restored color opening sequence. All are $29.95.

Fox : Has set a 4/18 date for Boys Don't Cry, which was one of my favorite films of last year (right behind American Beauty). Alas, the disc is featureless, though it does feature a 1.85:1 widescreen transfer and a trailer. Retail is the usual Fox overpriced $34.95.

Warner : Has a couple of new day & date titles on the way. First up is the Neve "I can do more than horror movies!" Campbell comedy Three To Tango on 4/11. Aside from a 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer and the trailer, no special features of note. Following on 4/18 is the remake of The House On Haunted Hill, which is packed full of features. Included is a commentary with Director William Malone, some deleted footage, six behind-the-scenes featurettes on the special effects, the "Two Houses Haunted" documentary analyzing the 1959 and 1999 versions, trailers from both versions, and finally the DVD-ROM features "Escape from the House" interactive challenge, some essays on the film and more web links. Both retail for $24.95.

Street Date Changes : Speaking of Warner and Criterion, a few street date changes. First, Casablanca, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof and the first Poltergeist have reverted from MGM to Warner, who will be reissuing them in snapper cases (so grab those keepcase copies why you can). The features will be the same.

Also, Chill Factor and Two If By Sea have been postponed with no new dates set, while Eyes Wide Shut has been bumped up one week, I don't know why. Finally, Criterion's The Last Temptation of Christ has been bumped to 4/17.

February 4 through 6 : Tarzan test

Tarzan Test : Just a quick note on the Tarzan saga (again). We've gotten a lot of emails and read posts that some of the Tarzan discs are good, while others contain the front left channel duplicated in rear left channel. While I certainly think this is true, Buena Vista has not delivered any sort of definitive number or way to tell apart what is a good copy and what is a bad copy. We suggest you hold on to your receipt and try to return your copy if it is defective.

To figure out if you have a disc with the faulty soundtrack, here is simple test. Go to around the 31:00 mark on the English track and play, and at approximately 31:12, you will hear a gunshot. If you hear any this sound effect in your rear left channel, you have a faulty disc (compare it to the French or Spanish track, and you will hear this gunshot only in the front left channel). There are plenty of other ways to spot the defect, but we found this to be the easiest. Good luck, and we hope you don't have a bad copy!

February 3 : Image update, Region 0 releases no more; quick word on Max

Not too much new today...

Region 0 Updates : First, three days ago, I posted a link to Blue Laser, who had some Region 0 Akira Kurosawa discs for sale. I have always gotten a fair amount of email asking for more information on legitimate Region 0 releases, and decided to try and offer some of that information. However, I learned that these Blue Laser discs are bootlegs, so quite frankly that will be the first and last time I post any information on releases outside of Region 1. It is not that I wouldn't like to, but with no way to verify these releases, it is just doesn't make sense to try and cover releases outside of North America. I certainly appreciate information on overseas titles, but I feel that the job is best left to non-Region 1 sites to cover. So that's it.

Anchor Bay : The nice folks at the Anchor Bay web site sent along some more cool news. First, they want your feedback to gauge interest on DVD issues of the Mad Mission series from Hong Kong. Also, they are also planning to deliver issues of That Girl! to DVD later this year, as well as the French thriller Diva (and I hope they do a better version than the previous release!). Stop by and check out their site.

Image : Has announced some pretty cool April titles in their latest update. Coming is a 16x9 and 5.1 disc of the recent stage version of Victor/Victoria, as well as the Herschell Gordon Lewis cult classic The Wizard Of Gore, Flash Gordon Conquers The Universe, Chaplin's The Great Dictator and a restored version of Limelight, Abel Ferrara's Ms. 45, Slipper & The Rose, VH-1 Diva's Live '99, and two more volumes of The Twilight Zone. Check it out.

More Max : I received lots of nice emails from readers regarding the new prints of Mad Max, with reports of showing beyond just San Francisco, including Los Angeles' own Nuart, which is just a few minutes from me. All replies unanimously hailed the restored print, say it looked striking, though reviews of the new "5.1" mix were negative, stating it sounded like a mono track simply thrown around 5 speakers.

Anyway, I heard back from Image, and MGM now controls the rights to Mad Max. I fired off an email to them, maybe they might pursue reissuing a new DVD, though I dare not hope for a special edition to prevent disappointment...

February 2 : Updates on Mad Max, Blood Simple, Stir Of Echoes and Tarzan (again)

Since there are no new announcements today, a few cool bits of info have come in...

A Remixed Max? : I received a nice email from reader Ernie L. up in San Francisco that two theaters up in that area (the Castro theatre and UC Theatre in Berkeley) recently showed new prints of Mad Max, with its original Australian dialogue and remixed 5.1 track. Fans of the film now that this would certainly be quite a find, as for years the only available versions on home video were the generally awful English dubbed versions. Strangely, though the original Australian soundtrack was in English, distributors at the time felt the accents were too heavy and would not be understandable to American audiences, and redubbed the track. It has been thought that the original Australian tracks had since been lost, but if these San Francisco screenings are the original tracks, then I guess they were found.

Image's previous DVD of Mad Max (Warner released the two sequels) contained the a 1.0 version of the American dub. I put out an email to them, hopefully we can get some more information on any possible DVD reissue. Thanks again to Ernie for the info, and let's hope a new Max turns out to be a reality.

Universal : Some of you Coen Brothers fans may remember a post last year regarding a DVD release of Blood Simple in the pipeline. As a fan of the film, I was excited to hear at the time it was on the Universal release schedule for DVD. But, then, time goes by and...no disc. I received some info from readers and two friends of mine who all attended a screening of a new recut of the film at Sundance. The Coen Brothers were in attendance, and talked about the changes made to the film, mostly to up the pace (hey, they are the directors). Apparently there was a very funny new intro to the film featuring a new Lucas technology, which is a subtle little dig at George 's propensity to redo his movies.

Anyway, an audience member asked the question about a DVD, and the Coen brothers said it would debut this year on DVD with the new cut and soundtrack, and include a commentary as well. Hopefully we hear more from Universal on plans for this disc, because I know as a loyal fan, I've been waiting a long time for this one myself!

Artisan : Just a quick note on the aspect ratio of the new Stir Of Echoes DVD from Artisan. Some readers have wrote in that the box states it is "Modified to fit this screen," and Full Frame but yet enhanced for 16x9 televisions! But, the disc reveals it is just weird packaging, because the disc is indeed anamorphic widescreen. Thanks to all the readers who wrote in...

Buena Vista : finally, more on (sigh) Tarzan and the case of the 5.0 audio mix. We've contacted both THX and Buena Vista, and quite frankly so far I've received some conflicting preliminary information on the the soundtrack. So, until I can get real quotes that are printable, I'm just going to wait before proceeding.

Also, both Cliff (who reviewed the disc) and myself are a bit perplexed by some of the emails and posts decrying the 5.0 soundtrack and the "missing LFE channel." Now, this is one thing we have confirmed through both Disney and THX, there is no secret 5.1 mix. It is supposed to be 5.0, and Cliff has a few comments about 5.0 soundtracks in general (this can also be found in today's editorial).

There have been many debates recently as to the factual status of Disney's Tarzan and its 5.0 soundtrack. Many have wondered why there's no LFE track for bass and if it's a misrepresentation of the original soundtrack. Short answer: no. The inclusion of an LFE track is optional although many sound mixers utilize it even on almost completely bass-less soundtracks. The mix for Tarzan does not utilize a separate LFE track but there's bass there. How is that possible you might ask? The low end provided in the Tarzan 5.0 track is mixed into the main left and right channels and is then redirected depending on you speaker and system set up.

What happens in this case is that, and let use my system set up as a reference, any frequencies lower than 80htz contained in any of the main channels are removed and routed to the subwoofer. The bass is there, it just doesn't have a dedicated channel devoted to it. This is actually more common than you might think. This is going to come as a big shock to many of you, but the soundtrack for Speed is actually a 5.0 track, not a 5.1 as the packaging and player readouts will tell you. Yes, there's a .1 LFE track there, but there's nothing contained there. All of the bass is contained in the mains and gets rerouted to the subwoofer if that's your system set up. If you were to have five full-range speakers hooked up with the subwoofer only receiving the LFE signal, the sub wouldn't do anything throughout the entire movie.

Waterworld is another 5.0 soundtrack that has bass so low many systems won't do the track justice. So that's the story with the "missing" LFE track on Tarzan. It's not missing because it was never there in the first place. The theatrical track would have been 5.0 with the bass in the mains and now the DVD Dolby Digital soundtrack is 5.0 with the bass in the mains. End of argument.

February 1 : Thoughts on covering non-Region 1 discs; Paramount spring news,

Keeping Tabs : Before we begin today's release news update, I wanted to make mention of some small changes to this page starting this week. I the past, I tried to answer email inquires on specific titles and rumors as best I could, but due to the amount of email we get now, it is often difficult if not impossible. So, while I certainly read everything I get, I'm going to use this space to address many reader inquiries if I have anything new to add, which will help me reach the most people. Especially on slow days with little release news, it will be nice to have something to talk about, though again only if I have something appreciable to add, and not just filler. I will still answer emails, but it will be nice to be able to touch on big email getters with one post and simply send out a reply to all the emails that there is a post on the topic. So today, I'll make mention of many rumors I've been sent regarding The Godfather films...

Paramount : Alright Trekkers (or Trekkies or Spiner-Fems, or...), the date has finally arrived. 4/11 will see the bow of Star Trek III: The Search For Spock on DVD. But, more important than that movie, what it really means is we are only one title away from...The Wrath Of Khan! Woo-hoo!

Also due on 4/11 are three more Paramount titles, including a day & date Superstar! starring Molly Shannon, Hollywood Confidential (not familiar with this one) and the rather underrated thriller Jennifer 8. All are anamorphic widescreen, though there are no major extras to be found on any of the discs. Retail is $29.95 each.

Also, some early peeks at further Paramount May and early summer titles has come our way, in conjunction with another of their VHS "priced to own" things. Some of these I think I remember hearing about, some not. In addition to the delayed Braveheart special edition (more on that below) we're all awaiting, coming are Dead Again, Elvis' Blue Hawaii, The Firm (finally!), a favorite of mine Harold & Maude, the original Romeo & Juliet, and An Officer And A Gentlemen, which since I'm a sap I'm really excited about. Also, expect some day & date stuff, including a gangbusters Sleepy Hollow disc (from what I'm hearing, it will probably be Paramount's best disc yet in terms of supplements). Look for more info and firm dates on these in the coming weeks.

As for Braveheart, an update has come from Paramount that the disc will not make its anticipated May berth. I'm not sure the exact nature of the production issues involved, but it is not canceled or anything like that. Hey, it happens, and if it means a better disc in the end, I'm all for it. Hopefully a new date and the full features will become available sometime soon.

Finally, I've heard some rumors and such on The Godfather Trilogy, and of course contacted paramount to see if there was anything new to the story. If there is one thing I've learned about studio PR and DVD news, it is that "Yes" means "Yes," "No Comment" means "Yes, it's true, but I just can't tell you about it yet," and "No" really does mean "No." If a studio is clear that the answer is no, you can almost always believe it.

I've received the release schedule for Paramount through the spring (nothing more to add as dates so far in advance are bound to change so why bother) and The Godfather ain't on it. Paramount PR delivered a sound "No" for any of The Godfathers this year. So, I'm going to listen to the public service announcements, and go with the fact that no means no. But, at least we'll have Spock and Braveheart to tide us over whilst we wait.

Columbia : What!? More Columbia titles!? Gee, what a surprise! The Energizer Bunny of DVD just keeps 'em coming, and these are a couple of discs for some reason I forgot to add last week (doh!)

Due on 4/18 are two films that really couldn't be more different. First is the Oscar nominee Picnic, which features full screen and 1.85;1 anamorphic widescreen transfers, a vintage advertising gallery and photo montage, and a 2.0 English surround track. On the opposite end of the spectrum is an admitted guilty pleasure, Zalman King's "masterpiece of erotica" Two Moon Junction. Highlights of this one include a very young Milla Jovovich (before her triumphant starring role in Return To The Blue Lagoon) and Kristy McNichol as a lesbian (not much of a stretch). Anyway, there are no special features on the disc, though it have anamorphic widescreen and full screen versions and a English mono track. Retail for each is $24.95.

Anamorphic Updates : Just a few quick notes from the anamorphic brigade regarding early press release misinformation. First, in the good news, though the press announcements didn't list it, all of Warner's January titles, such as Malcolm X, Forget Paris and The Goodbye Girl, amongst others, are indeed anamorphic and labeled as such on the packaging. However, most retailers didn't list them that way, which is no surprise since they weren't announced as anamorphic. Kinda strange, as you'd think Warner would really want to highlight it. Oh, well.

In bad news (depending on your opinion), Richard Pryor's Live On The Sunset Strip is not anamorphic, and in fact it isn't even widescreen. The press release I received did say anamorphic widescreen, but the packaging does reflect that it is full frame only. SO, if you ordered this on the assumption it would be widescreen but haven't received it yet, you may want to reconsider if these features are important to you.

Overseas & Region 0 Releases : Since we get a fair share of email asking about titles that will play in Region 1 players, and while not unofficial releases, are nonetheless from overseas (such as Region 0 titles), I though it was about time we solidified our policy on them. We have thought about trying to cover such titles and imports, but we pretty much have our hands full just keeping track of Region 1 titles.

But, to at least do something to provide information on import releases that may be of interest, I will start mentioning in this space any info I receive on legitimate Region 0 releases that are importable into the United States. The first comes from a reader and Kurosawa fan who sent along a link to Blue Laser, an online retailer who has some Region 0 Kurosawa DVDs. I can't vouch for the quality of these, but check it out, as I don't believe many of these titles are currently scheduled for any domestic Region 1 release. However, as for quality, we can't vouch for 'em...