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Laughter is the best medicine - 12:55am Just announced from Columbia are three new February titles, including the dark Tom Hanks comedy Punchline. Perhaps a bit underappreciated in its time (before hanks was a megastar) the DVD gets the rather bare bones treatment, with anamorphic widescreen and full screen transfers, English and French 2.0 surround tracks, and no extras aside from production notes and trailers. Retail is $19.95 and street date 12/19. Coming a week earlier on 2/12 is the "sexy thriller" Sexual Predator starring Richard Grieco and Angie Everhart, presented in full screen only with English, French and Spanish 2.0 surround tracks, and no extras. Lastly, watch for the Jet Li import The Legend Of Red Dragon. No specs yet, but stay tuned... Animation greats - 12;55am On 2/19, Fox will launch a new animation promotion, featuring a mix of old and new DVD releases. In addition to repricings on Anastasia and Thumbelina to $24.95, Fox will release three animated catalog faves for the first time on DVD. Ferngully, Ferngully 2: The Last Rainforest, and A Troll In Central Park feature full screen transfers and trailers only as extras. Retail is $19.95 each.
Major attitude - 1:33pm Yikes...is MGM slipping!? Just in are their March 2002 announcements, and gosh golly, there's only 14 catalog titles this month, quite a comedown from their usual gazillion! Up first are a couple of new releases due on 2/5, including the indie hit Ghost World, which features a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, English 5.1 surround track, deleted and alternate scenes, a making of featurette, music video, and trailers. MGM will also release the little-seen teen drama The Smokers, which features 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and full screen transfers, 2.0 surround track, and the trailer. Retail is $26.95 each. Then hitting DVD on 3/5 is another round of MGM catalog titles, this time focusing on foreign and arthouse favorites. Eat Drink Man Woman is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and Mandarin Chinese 2.0 stereo, and also includes an interview with the director, while A Tale Of Springtime, Electra, and Mademoiselle all feature non-anamorphic widescreen transfers. All include trailers, and list for $19.95. Then on 3/19 comes another round of Avant-Garde cinema titles, all in 2.0 surround. Bar Girls, Boxcar Bertha, De Sade, Romeo Is Bleeding, and The Locusts all feature anamorphic widescreen transfers, while Angels And Insects and Impromptu are non-anamorphic widescreen only. All include trailers, and De Sade also includes a making-of featurette and Episode 1 of the Richard Matheson Storyteller series. Retail is also $19.95 a pop.
Spielberg update - 12:03am After the oh-so-long wait for the hits of Steven Spielberg to finally reach DVD, the past year or two has been mighty nice indeed. Close Encounters, Jaws, the Jurassic Park films ... plenty of great Spielberg hits to choose from and enjoy again and again. But, of course there are still plenty of the director's gems - both hits and misses - still unaccounted for, so where are they, anyway? Well, we were fortunate enough (and surprised) to have our request granted this week and steal a few minutes with Spielberg's longtime publicist Marvin Levy (about as close as you're going to get to the man unless you're Leonard Maltin), and question him on the state of upcoming Spielberg titles on DVD. Lots of good stuff coming, and Levy even helped to dispel a rumor or two... Of course, the big question is what is up with E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial. Ever since the new 20th Anniversary Edition of Spielberg's classic was announced early this year, complete with a big splashy theatrical re-release (due this February), reactions fans all over the world have been mixed. Many of the alterations and CGI additions to the film have already been heavily criticized even before the new cut has been seen, with some fans even planning boycotts and protests. But unlike George Lucas' tinkering with the Star Wars films, according to Levy the original 1982 theatrical version of E.T. was never meant to be "replaced," and the original cut will continue to be made available, including any DVD release(s) of the film. "It was always everybody's intention to have the original version (of E.T.) remain available," Levy revealed, though both versions may not all be packaged on one DVD. "A decision hasn't been made yet on whether the original version will be included (on one DVD) or as a separate release," he continued, though remained firm on the Spielberg's camp commitment to preserving cinematic history. "There will be a release of the original version of E.T. on DVD." Given all the debate regarding the CGI alterations made to the new version of E.T., speculation has run rampant that in the wake of the events on 9-11, Spielberg would also revise his recent cinematic opus A.I., digitally erasing the image of two crumbled World Trade Center towers from the climax of the film. Levy scoffed at such rumors with a simple, succinct nay. "No, there is no truth to it. Definitely not!" And what of another true Spielberg masterpiece, the Oscar-winning Schindler's List. Levy had no news on any upcoming DVD release, but did offer explanation on another long-hoped for project, a longer extended cut of Spielberg's most personal project. "Steven at some point, has talked about conceivably doing something like that, of doing something with a lot of added scenes. There is really some great material that just had to be cut." But with the the director currently being kept quite busy which such theatrical projects as the upcoming Minority Report, it is unlikely anytime soon. Added Levy, "There is no work being done on anything like that right now." Other Spielberg titles not currently in the pipeline include the Indiana Jones trilogy, which won't see a DVD release, at least in 2002, and the director's first theatrical feature, The Sugarland Express. But fans of Duel and The Color Purple will be treated to new DVD special editions of these two favorites next year, and if everything continues as planned, the Spielberg-produced, Robert Zemeckis-directed Back To The Future trilogy. The BBFC (British Board Of Film Classification) just approved a new 3-minute DVD trailer for the trilogy, and the hoped-for release date is 3Q 2002. Of course, with so many delays for this one in the past, I'm not holding my breath. But in any case, 2002 looks like a great year for Spielberg fans!
Jo Jo mojo - 12:03am Arriving on 2/19 are two new titles from Columbia TriStar, including the acclaimed Richard Pryor biopic Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling. The disc features 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and full screen transfers, English mono track, and English and French subtitles. There are no extras to speak of, and retail is $19.95. Also hitting the shelves on 2/19, is Advertising Rules!, though no specs are yet announced. Stay tuned... Evil has many faces - 12:03am Alright, Evil Dead fans, we've got another one comin' at ya. Originally released in a very fine special edition from Elite Entertainment (now discontinued), Anchor Bay hopes to go one better when it releases two new editions of the Sam Raimi classic The Evil Dead on 3/5. We received some early specs on the releases, and it looks mighty fine. The $19.95 "standard" edition and the $49.95 deluxe package (complete with "Book Of The Dead" packaging specially designed by FX artist Tom Sullivan and a 24-page collector's booklet with original conceptual drawings) will both included tons of great new features. Presented in a new, THX-certified 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer (per Sam Raimi's wishes), Dolby Surround EX and DTS ES surround mixes, audio commentary with Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert and a second commentary with actor Bruce Campbell, behind-the-scenes footage, the complete original short film "Within The Woods," trailers and TV spots, and even more to be announced. Watch for full specs soon...
They have arisen - 12:04am A number of new street dates have just come in from Warner, and let's start with the most terrifying return. Our friends the Twins Of The Damned, Mary-Kate and Ashley, return on 1/12 with two new DVD adventures, Winning London and Passport To Paris. Both epics are presented in full frame and 2.0 surround, with filmographies, fun facts and promos as extras. Retail is $24.95 each. Hitting shelves on 3/5 are the documentaries Bruce Lee: A Warrior's Journey and Inside The Vatican, along with Rutger Hauer in the sci-fi thriller Split Second, and the latest Scooby-Doo adventure, Scooby-Doo And The Reluctant Werewolf.Finally, on 3/12 comes Tom And Jerry: The Movie and Tom And Jerry: The Magic Ring, Cartoon Network's Samurai Jack, and the animated Blast! and Watership Down, and Real Wheels: Truck Adventures. Watch for full specs soon... "I'm not gonna tell..." - 12:04am Just announced from Fox Home Video is a 2/19 street date for the recent Michael Douglas psychological thriller Don't Say A Word. Presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen with both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround tracks, this is another well-stocked two-disc set from Fox, with disc one featuring an audio commentary with Gary Fleder and a second edited actor commentary with Michael Douglas, Sean Bean, Brittany Murphy, Famke Jansen and Oliver Platt. Disc two features a making-of featurette, the "Cinema Master Class" conversation with Gary Fleder, a producing workshop, conversation with The Kopelsons, 2 multi-angle storyboard sequences, Brittany Murphy screen tests, filmographies, TV spots and trailers. Retail is $27.95. On 2/26 Fox will release the James Caan and Robert Sean Leonard thriller A Glimpse Of Hell, presented in 1.78:1 anamoprhic widescreen, English 5.1 and 2.0 Dolby surround tracks, and trailers. Retail is Fox's high pseudo-rental price of $34.95. Boogie oogie oogie - 12:04am Just in from ADV, anime fans shoudl watch out for the Right Stuf's Boogiepop Phantom Collector's Set, a four-volume collection of the atmospheric sci-fi horror series from Watanabe Takash. The DVD release ($99.95 SRP) will feature the English-language version as well as the original Japanese-language version with English subtitles, and DVD extras include a Dolby 5.1 track, producer intro, audio commentary with the director and voice actors, a still gallery, and "video liner notes." Street date is 1/29, and retail $99.95.
Anchor Bay January titles - 2:30pm New from Anchor Bay are five 70's cult favorites, all due to hit stores on 1/22. First up is the Gerard Depardieu comedies Going Places and Get Out Your Handkerchiefs, featuring 1.66:1 anamorphic widescreen transfers and French and ´English mono tracks with optional English subtitles, and the trailers. Next up is the John Schlesinger satire Honky Tonk Freeway, in 1.85;1 anamorphic widescreen and English mono, with English Closed Captions and the trailer. Retail is $19.95 each. Last but not least we have uncut version of Violent City, presented in 2.35;1 anamorphic widescreen with English, French and Italian mono tracks and optional English subtitles, an all-new 15-minute interview with director Sergio Sollima "Shooting Violent City," a still gallery, and the trailer. Finally, we have the William Lustig favorite Vigilante, THX-certified and presented in 2.35;1 anamorphic widescreen with new Dolby Digital Surround EX and DTS 6.1 DTS-ES tracks, additional English, French, Italian and German 2.0 surround with optional Spanish subtitles and English Closed Captions, a new audio commentary with director William Lustig and Stars Robert Forster, Fred Williamson and Frank Pesce, still gallery, promo reel, radio and TV spots, and theatrical trailers. Retail is $19.95. Grand slam - 2:30pm Just announced from Paramount is a 2/19 release date for the fall feel-good hit Hardball, starring Keanu Reeves. The disc comes quite feature-loaded, sporting a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, English 5.1 and English and French 2.0 surround tracks, audio commentary with director Brian Robbins and writer John Gatins, "The Making Of Hardball" featurette, three deleted scenes, the "Hardball" music video by Lil Bow Wow, Lil' Wayne, Lil' Zane & Sammie, the theatrical trailer, and "Interstitials." Retail is $29.;95. Jay & Silent Bob specs - 2:30pm Hey Kevin Smith fans, check out the View Askew website, as Kevin Smith himself has posted the specs for the Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back DVD, due out as a two-disc set on 2/12 from Buena vista. According to the site, goodies include an audio commentary, over an hour of cut scenes, extended footage, and gag reels, two "Behind the Scenes" featurettes, music videos, The Comedy Central "Reel Comedy with Jay and Silent Bob" Special, and TV spots and trailers. Stay tuned for more, as well as retail price, and Smith also hinted at yet another new DVD, this one a "super-duper" 10th Anniversary of Smith's first theatrical film, Clerks. Back to the minors - 12:04pm Just announced from Paramount are more new early 2002 titles, all streeting on 2/12. First up is all three films in the Bad News Bears trilogy, The Bad News Bears, The Bad News Bears Go to Japan, and The Bad News Bears In Breaking Training. All three discs are presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and English mono (the first Bad News Bears also includes a 5.1 track.) There are no extras included, not even trailers. Retail is $24.95. Arriving a week later on 2/19 is the Richard Gere and Sharon Stone drama Intersection, presented in 1.85;1 anamorphic widescreen with English 5.1 and English and French 2.0 surround tracks and the trailer, as well as the John Cusack comedy Hot Pursuit, also in 1.85;1 anamorphic widescreen with English 2.0 stereo and mono tracks, and the trailer. Retail is $24.95 a pop.
Like new and fully loaded - 12:30am Just announced from Columbia are specs for some new February titles and more price drops. First up is the cult comedy Used Cars, due on 2/5 and featuring a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, English, French and Portuguese mono tracks, an audio commentary with director Robert Zemeckis, producer Bob Gale and actor Kurt Russell, a still gallery, outtakes, TV and radio promotional materials, and the trailer. Retail is $24.95. Also just announced for a 2/12 street date are the new releases Sexual Predator and Legend Of Red Dragon, as well as the new-to-DVD Mrs. Winterborne, starring Ricki Lake. Watch for specs soon. Finally, Columbia has also announced a series of price drops on many popular catalog titles, all of which go into effect on 2/5. Dropping to $19.95 are All The Pretty Horses, Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Finding Forrester, Look Who's Talking, both versions of Saving Silverman, and The Wedding Planner. Falling to $14.95 are the special edition of Cliffhanger, The Freshman, Love Stinks, Poetic Justice, The Seventh Sign, Under Suspicion and Universal Soldier: The Return. In love and war - 12:05am Just in from Universal are specs for two new theatrical releases hitting DVD this February. The sweeping romantic saga of Cap 'N Crunch's long-lost brother, Captain Corelli's Mandolin arrives on 2/5 and includes a 2.35;1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround tracks, an audio commentary with director, a Spotlight On Location featurette, additional soundtrack featurette, production notes, filmographies and the trailer. Retail is $26.95. Then hitting stores on 2/25 is The Musketeer, which is more bare bones, featuring a 2.35;1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, Dolby Digital and DTS tracks, production notes, filmographies and the trailer. Retail is also $26.95. Warner, meet DTS - 12:05am Despite continued public statements of "don't expect any more DTS releases anytime soon," Warner does indeed seem to be continuing to support the format, at least with a couple of new releases. Lo and behold, we received review copies of Madonna's Drowned World Tour and the recent theatrical release American Outlaws, and both include DTS 5.1 tracks in addition to the customary Dolby Digital mix. While the American Outlaws packaging indicates the DTS track, you won't find any label at all on the Madonna DVD, but sure enough it is there. Hey Warner, if you're gonna support DTS, there's no reason to be embarrassed of it. Watch for reviews soon... Rough trade - 12:01am Hitting stores on 2/5 is the next two volumes in the Starship Troopers animated chronicles, Roughnecks: Starship Trooper Chronicles - The Hydora Campaign and Roughnecks: Starship Trooper Chronicles - The Tophet Campaign. Like all the other entries in the series, each is presented in full frame with Dolby Digital 2.0 surround tracks, and retail is $24.95 apiece. Much music - 12:01am Coming from Sony Music are five new titles to fill your stockings in time for Christmas. Journey Live 2001, Marc Anthony: The Concert From Madison Square Garden, Tony Bennett: Live By Request - An All Star Tribute, Train: Midnight Moon, and Roger Waters: In The Flesh - Live hit the stores on 12/18 for $19.95 a pop. All are presented in full frame with both Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM 2.0 stereo tracks, and English lyrics available via subtitles. The Roger Waters release also features plenty of extras, including a new 30-minute behind-the-scenes documentary, projected images videos, a still gallery, and band biography.
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