By Peter M. Bracke

More from Oliver Stone

If you're an Oliver Stone fan, don't think that the recently released Oliver Stone Collection is the last you're going to see of the filmmaker's work on DVD. Some asked why MGM's two Stone titles, Salvador and Platoon, weren't included in the box sets. To make a long story short, Warner (who released the Oliver Stone Collection) and MGM had a bit of a falling out in recent years (note understatement), so MGM declined to participate in the box set.

However, on 6/5, MGM will be releasing their own special edition versions of these two Stone classics. Already released on DVD and Laserdisc as a special edition (both now discontinued) the new MGM special edition of Platoon will feature many of these same supplements, along with the new anamorphic widescreen transfer available on the existing MGM DVD movie-only release. (Got that?) The MGM disc includes an English 5.1 surround mix, an audio commentary with director Oliver Stone, a second audio commentary with technical advisor Dale Dye, "The Tour Of The Inferno" documentary, a still gallery (featuring some material from the lavish laserdisc box set package) production notes, a collectible booklet and trailers.

Salvador will also be getting the special edition treatment, with a new anamorphic widescreen transfer, a new audio commentary with Stone and making-of documentary, deleted scenes and a still gallery with production photos. Retail for both of these sets is $24.95, and the existing movie-only edition of Platoon will remain on the market, but be repriced to $14.95. Street date for both is again 6/5. (Now, all I want to know is, when is Warner gonna release The Hand on DVD?)

Bedknobs & Broomsticks and Rock updates

A couple of new updates from Buena Vista, including the full specs for Bedknobs & Broomsticks. This looks to be a very nice special edition, complete with the extended version of the film, a new 1.66:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround mix, , the animated shorts "The Worm Turns" and "The Vanishing Prairie," new "Music Magic" featurette with members of the cast and crew and restoration supervisor Scott MacQueen, "A Step in the Right Direction" deleted song, the "Bedknobs and Broomsticks Scrapbook: with 3 still frame galleries, the "Portobello Road" recording session with David Tomlinson, and trailers. Retail is $29.95 and street date 3/20.

Also, some additional specs have been released (and should be the final ones) for the 2-disc set of Bounce, which includes two audio commentaries (with director Don Roos and producer Bobby Cohen, and the second with Roos and stars Gwenyth Paltrow and Ben Affleck), deleted scenes with commentary, the "All About Bounce" and "Ben and Gwenyth Go Behind The Scenes" featurettes, a gag reel, the "Need To Be Next To You" music video and trailers. Retail is $29.95 and street 4/17.

Finally from Buena Vista, on 6/26 comes another 2-disc set, for M. Night Shyamalan's Unbreakable. This special edition includes an anamorphic widescreen transfer, English 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS surround tracks, an interview with M. Night Shyamalan, an audio commentary with score by composer James Newton Howard, three featurettes on the films story, effects and production, a storyboard comparison and trailers. Retail is $32.95.

Oops, one last thing. After much confusion over the retail price of the upcoming The Rock 2-disc set from Criterion, the price has been officially set at $49.95, just like Criterion's Spartacus. If you were able to preorder the disc for less, count your blessings, and hope whatever retailer you ordered it from will honor the preorder price!

Like a cannonball

Now, in an announcement I know you are all dying for, the oft-postponed Cannonball Run DVD has gotten a new date of 6/5, courtesy of HBO. The disc includes a new 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, English, French and Spanish 1.0 mono tracks and subtitles, and the trailer. Retail is just $14.95.

Close encounters of the digital kind

Columbia has announced more of their May titles, including their 5/29 batch, and I think you're gong to be interested in what they have in store for you this time...

A number of great releases are on the way, starting with the new release The House Of Mirth. Though not that widely seen in its theatrical run last fall, it features a career-making performance from Gillian Anderson, and is worth seeing if you appreciate a good drama. The disc includes an anamorphic widescreen transfer, English 5.1 and 2.0 surround tracks, an audio commentary with director Terence Davies, talent files and the trailer. Retail is $27.95.

On the catalog front, also coming on 5//29 is the A Few Good Men special edition, which includes lots of extra goodies. The disc features a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, an English 5.1 surround track (along with the usual bevy of Columbia language and subtitle options in French, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Chinese and Thai), an audio commentary with Director Rob Reiner and a second audio commentary with Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, the original making-of featurette, an isolated score, talent files and trailers. Retail is $27.95. More catalog titles on 5/29 include the award-winning documentary The Celluloid Closet, in its original 4:3 broadcast ratio and with English 2.0 surround track, the 102-minute version of the film, production notes and bonus trailers. Retail is $24.95. Up next is Once Upon A Time In China 2, running 113 minutes and presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, with Mandarin Cantonese and English 2.0 tracks, talent files and trailers. Retail is $29.95.

And, oh yeah, last but not least comes some little Spielberg movie about UFOs, called Close Encounters Of the Third Kind. Ever since the "Spielberg embargo" on DVD was lifted last year, there has been no lack of anticipation for this one, and hints and hopes for a street date. In fact, Close Encounters was originally announced for DVD release way back in 1997, but has been postponed ever since. Columbia indicated we'd see this title come May at last November's Studio Day, but with Spielberg titles, one must always remain cautiously optimistic? But Columbia is finally releasing a 5/29 street date to retail this week for the disc, which has also finally appeared on the Columbia (non-consumer) web site, so it looks like this is the real deal.

Full details have not been announced, other than that it includes the third (and final?) cut of the movie released in 1998, called "The Collector's Edition." Fans of the CE3K (as it is known amongst the elite) know that the film has been reedited by Spielberg more than once, but this version is apparently the one he is most happy with. Full specs for the DVD are not yet announced, other than that it will be a 2-disc set, include a new anamorphic transfer (downconverted from a hi-def master, no less), and include the Laurent Bouzereau documentary as seen on laserdisc. Retail is $27.95, and stay tuned for the full announcement, which should come in a couple of weeks or so...

Paramount goes to war

If you've paid careful attention to Paramount's DVD releases as of late, you've probably noticed they are really big into "themed" release batches. We saw "gangland" titles like The Warriors, Death Wish and The Untouchables in January along with a trio of "football" titles, and a batch of Audrey Hepburn and romantic dramas coming in April. Coming in May, Paramount will be going to war, with the first of these themed titles being the William Holden drama The Bridges At Toko-Ri on 5/22. The disc is presented in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, with English and French 1.0 mono tracks and the theatrical trailer. Retail is $29.95, and watch for more Paramount war titles to be announced soon.

A Whole Lotta Groove

Yet another in a growing line of topnotch Disney special editions, Buena Vista has just announced the full details for The Emperor's New Groove, and it looks pretty grand. Available in a standard edition and 2-disc Collector's Edition, both feature some extra goodies, an anamorphic transfer and Dolby Digital and DTS tracks. Check out the full press release for all the details.

Once bitten, twice Famous

Speaking of press releases, with only two weeks to go until its 3/13 arrival date, Dreamworks has announced the details on Almost Famous. Finally, we know for sure what is up with this somewhat controversial release. Originally expected to include a longer cut supervised by director Cameron Crowe, the release clarifies what version will be on the upcoming disc. Though this 3/13 release is the theatrical cut, the release also indicates that Dreamworks and Crowe are working on a longer cut of the film to be released at a later date. You can read the full announcement here.

New Top Pick Contest

We have a new Top Pick for the week, and our choice is Columbia's new special edition reissue of In The Line Of Fire. Wolfgang Petersen directed this Clint Eastwood thriller, which is one of his best, and finally Columbia has created a disc to match. In addition to a fine anamorphic widescreen transfer and 5.1 surround mix, the disc includes an audio commentary, deleted scenes and multiple making-of featurettes. We'll be giving away a copy, along with a $25 gift certificate from our Top Pick sponsor, BetterCables.com. Enter here for your chance to win, and read our review for more info on the disc.

And congrats goes out to last week's winner, Evan Kintry of Madison, Wisconsin, who snagged a copy of Criterion's Do the Right Thing and $25 gift certificate from BetterCables. Great job!

New Anchor Bay April announcements

Another batch of Anchor Bay starts off the disc news for the week, and there are quite a few long-awaited gems in the bunch. Due on 4/24 are a number of new Paul Verhoeven and Alex Cox cult favorites, amongst other titles. All of the following feature 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfers, their respective theatrical trailers and a poster replica in the keepcase.

The first batch of Anchor Bay's Paul Verhoeven Collection features some of the director's early Dutch work, and each of these discs includes their original "Danish" 1.0 mono tracks (as Anchor Bay lists them), a new audio commentary with the director for each film and talent bios. Solider Of Orange also includes an additional teaser, The Fourth Man some storyboard art, and Turkish Delight a still gallery with production photos. Each disc is $29.95.

Anchor Bay is also releasing some rarely seen (in this country) titles from director Alex Cox, of Repo Man and Sid & Nancy fame. All of the following feature the original English 1.0 mono tracks, along with some extra goodies. Straight To Hell includes an audio commentary with Cox and writer and star Dick Rude, the documentary "Back To Hell" and a music video by The Pogues, while Three Businessmen features an audio commentary with Cox and writer and producer Tod Davies. Last is Cox's thriller Death And The Compass, with an English 2.0 surround track, an audio commentary with the director, and his short film "Spiderweb." Both these discs retail for $24.95.

Also coming from Anchor Bay on 4/24 is the 80's campfest Flowers In The Attic, in English 1.0 mono and with a collector's booklet; the horror film Pin, in 2.0 surround and audio commentary with director Sandor Stern and journalist Ted Newsom; Max Von Sydow in Pelle The Conqueror, in Danish and English 2.0 surround; Christopher Lee and Christian Bale in Milo In The Land Of Faraway, in 2.0 surround; and director Lizzie Borden's Working Girls, in English 1.0 mono, and with an audio commentary with director Lizzie Borden, director of photography Julie Irola, and star Amanda Goodwin. Last but not least, we have one of the best Conan rip-offs of the 80s, The Sword & The Sorcerer. While there are no extras on the disc, it does feature a new anamorphic transfer and English 5.1 surround mix, and some additional TV spots. All of the above are $24.95, except Pelle and Working Girls, which are $29.95.

Artisan panics!

A couple of new announcements from Artisan today as well, for titles quite frankly I've never even heard of. Due on 6/5 is the Neve Campbell thriller Panic, which features a 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, English 5.1 surround mix, along with an audio commentary with director Henry Bromell, deleted scenes, cast and crew filmographies and the theatrical trailer. Retail is $24.95. Also on the way is the Dennis Hopper comedy Backtrack, in non-anamorphic 1.77:1 widescreen, an English 2.0 surround track, a still gallery with production photos and production notes. Retail is $14.95.

No U2 for U

Well, the Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. Universal Music has now just postponed those U2 discs mentioned last week as arriving 3/27. PopMart Live and The Best Of 1980-1998 have been indefinitely shelved, pending a new announcement. The wait continues...sigh...

Barbie goes digital

Since apparently plastic just isn't good enough for her, Barbie is getting all 21st century on us and going digital. Mattel and Artisan Entertainment announced today the arrival of the first-ever full-length Barbie adventure, Barbie In The Nutcracker. Launching on both VHS and DVD, you can check out the full press release here, and watch for Barbie to hit your home screen in October 2001.

Do you U2?

Hot off their multiple Grammy wins Wednesday night, and after nearly a two-year wait, a couple of new U2 DVDs will finally be released by Universal Music on 3/27. If you had a DVD player back in 1997 and are a U2 fan, you may remember Polygram announced a couple of DVD titles, which were postponed and then canceled for good went Polygram was dismantled. So, here we are in 2001, and here comes PopMart Live and The Best Of. Both discs are full frame (though some of the clips on The Best Of are non-anamorphic widescreen), and featuring Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo and a 2.0 surround track on PopMart. Additional extras include a discography and English lyrics, and PopMart features some behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. Retail is $24.95 for each disc.

Some box art

Well, since there isn't much release news today to finish off the week, here's a desperate bit of box art filler to tide you over to Monday. Some of these you may have seen, some you may not. The Crow Collection, due on 3/27 from Buena Vista, looks pretty snazzy, and even if you don't want the whole box set, at least you can buy 'em individually. Anyway, the rest of these look pretty good, and see you all again Monday...

FEBRUARY 22

Space Cowboys launches in April

After an unusually long wait (well, in today's instant direct-from-theatrical-release-to-video world), Warner has finally announced the specs for Clint Eastwood's summer action adventure Space Cowboys. The disc is due on 4/17, and comes complete with a 2.35;1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, English and French 5.1 surround tracks, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles, four mini-documentaries on the making of the film, the special effects, and the real heroes at NASA folks, some DVD-ROM features including the web site, a trailer gallery and essays, and the trailer. Retail is $26.95.

Also, Warner has issued the full press release for the Miss Congeniality special edition, due on 5/1.

Columbia gets suspicious

Coming on 5/1 from Columbia is the suspense thriller Suspect, starring Cher, Dennis Quaid and a scraggly Liam Neeson. The disc includes a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and fullscreen presentations, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese 2.0 surround and subtitle tracks, an audio commentary with director Peter Yates, talent files and trailers. Retail is $24.95.

More Stargate SG-1

After announcing the Stargate SG-1 Complete First Season box set earlier this month, MGM has just set a 5/22 date for each disc in the box set, which will also be made available separately. Each volume features four episodes from season 1, and are presented in 1.77:1 anamorphic widescreen, with English 5.1 and additional French and Spanish 2.0 tracks and subtitles. Retail is $14.95 a pop.

Bad manners

Warner has released the full specs for their upcoming special edition of the Sandra Bullock sleeper smash Miss Congeniality, and it looks like a winner. In addition to a 1.85;1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, the disc includes English and French 5.1 surround tracks, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles, two audio commentaries with director Donald Petrie and editor Billy Weber on track one, and screenwriter Marc Lawrence and Producer and Actress Sandra Bullock on track 2, deleted scenes, outtakes, 2 making-of featurettes, and the trailer. Retail is $26.95, and street date 5/1.

Also, Warner has offered a peek at the box art for the upcoming Superman Collection 4-disc set, also due 5/1. Simple, but pretty nice, huh?

All the pretty DVDs

Looks like 5/1 is going to be a pretty big day for DVD. Coming from Columbia TriStar is All The Pretty Horses. A bit of a box office underachiever despite the presence of Matt Damon, the disc includes a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, 5.1 and 2.0 surround tracks, and is billed as a special edition, though aside from an audio commentary, the rest of the specs are still TBA. Retail is $24.95.

Also, a correction on yesterday's posting of Finding Forrester. The correct street date is 4/24, not 6/1. Sorry for the error!

HBO spring titles

HBO has just announced a batch of new DVD titles for spring, a nice selection of some of their most acclaimed original productions All include 2.0 surround tracks and English, French and Spanish subtitles. Presented in full frame are And The Band Played On, Blind Side and The Josephine Baker Story. Retail is $14.95 each. Presented in anamorphic widescreen are Return To Honor and Disappearing Acts, which retail for $19.95 each. Street date is 6/5 for all.

FEBRUARY 19 and 20

New Top Pick Contest

It is a shorter-than-average week, but our Top Pick is anything but. Our favorite DVD of the week is Criterion's new double-disc set of Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing. Featuring an all-new anamorphic widescreen transfer and tons of extras, if you are a fan of the film, this is the DVD you've been waiting for. Enter here for your chance to win, and read our review, too!

And congrats goes out to last week's winners, Joe Cecil of Pace, Florida, Lyon Fiore of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Lydia Wallace of Little Rock, Arkansas and Sig Holman of Augusta, Maine, who all won a copy of Universal's Bring It On. Chris Seaman of Antioch, California and Rod Lott from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma each won a copy of Meet The Parents, also from Universal. Finally, an extra-special congrats goes to Paul Sheer of New York, New York, who won the grand prize, a copy of Bring It On, Meet The Parents signed by Ben Stiller, and a $25 gift certificate to BetterCables.com.

What Mel Wants

After raking it in at the box office last Christmas, Paramount has set a 5/8 arrival date for Mel Gibson's smash comedy What Women Want. This is another nice feature-laden Paramount disc, which includes a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, English 5.1 and 2.0 surround tracks, and supplements including an audio commentary with director Nancy Meyers and production designer Jon Hutman, a behind-the-scenes featurette, a cast and crew interview gallery, and a theatrical trailer and teaser. Retail is $29.95.

Finding Connery

While feature specs are still limited, Columbia TriStar has set a 4/24 arrival date for the Gus Van Sant drama Finding Forrester, with Sean Connery. The disc features a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, English 5.1 track, audio commentary with Van Sant, a making-of featurette, and more to be announced. Retail is $24.95, and watch for the full specs soon.

Fox price drops

Fox has become the latest studio to drop the price on a number of their catalog titles, an increasing trend nowadays it seems. Slashed from their original retail prices to $22.95 are Bulworth, Full Monty, Raising Arizona, X-Men, Young Frankenstein, Lake Placid, Titan A.E., A Life Less Ordinary, She's The One and There's Something About Mary. All price drops are effect 3/6. Also falling to $22.95 on 4/3 are How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Light It Up, Waiting To Exhale and Soul Food (the theatrical cut of which will remain in release, despite the upcoming Director's Edition due in May.)

Criterion drops DTS from 'Spartacus'

Finally today, Criterion has just announced spec change on the upcoming 2-disc set of Spartacus. The disc will no longer feature a DTS track. The rest of the features remain the same, as does the $49.95 price tag and 4/24 street date.