How much time to detonation? - 1:42pm

Another big summer blockbuster is making its way to DVD this fall is the latest Jack Ryan Cold War thriller The Sum of All Fears. Debuting on 10/29, this one includes a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, English 5.1 and 2.0 Dolby surround tracks, two audio commentaries by director Phil Alden Robinson and cinematographer John Lindley, and Robinson again with novelist Tom Clancy, the "Making-Of The Sum Of All Fears" and "Creating Reality: the Visual Effects of The Sum Of All Fears" featurettes, and the trailer. Retail is $29.95.

On 10/29 Paramount will also bow the direct-to-video assassination thriller The Day Reagan Was Shot, starring Richard Dreyfuss. A bare bones release, this one is presented in 4:3 full screen, English 5.1 and 2.0 Dolby surround, and no extras. Retail is also $29.95.

Next up is a big wave of catalog classics on 11/5, led by three new special editions. The classic Sunset Boulevard is presented in its original 1.37:1 full screen aspect ratio and English mono, with extras including an audio commentary by Ed Sikov, "The Making Of Sunset Boulevard" and "The Music of Sunset Boulevard" featurettes, a Hollywood Location Map, and the trailer. Newly restored is the Audrey Hepburn favorite Roman Holiday, in 1.37:1 and mono, along with the all-new "Remembering Roman Holiday" documentary, "Edith Head - The Paramount Years" and "Restoring Roman Holiday" featurettes, and 3 trailers. Finally, The Italian Job features a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer and new 5.1 Dolby surround mix, plus an audio commentary by producer Michael Deeley and author Matthew Field, 3 new documentaries, a deleted scene with optional commentary, and 2 trailers. Retail is $24.95 each.

Finally, Paramount will also release two more Cary Grant classics on 11/5, To Catch a Thief and Houseboat. Both are presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and mono, with To Catch a Thief also including the "Writing and Casting of To Catch A Thief" and "The Making Of To Catch A Thief" featurettes, and both include a still gallery and trailers. Retail is $24.95 a pop.

Chilly scenes of winter - 12:08am

Perhaps not as big of a hit as expected (or as it should have been), Christopher Nolan's stark, chilly remake of the Norwegian thriller Insomnia is due to hit DVD on 10/15 from Warner. Separate full frame and 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen versions will be released, each featuring a host of extras including two audio commentaries by director Christopher Nolan and cast and crew, deleted and extended scenes with optional commentary, the "Day for Night - The Making of Insomnia," "180 Degrees: Christopher Nolan Interviews Al Pacino," "In the Fog," and "Eyes Wide Open" featurettes, the "From the Evidence Room" still gallery and trailers. ROM extras include weblinks and exclusive upcoming web events and content. Retail is $26.95 for either version.

This is Dynamation - 12:08am

More Ray Harryhausen magic is on the way from Columbia on 10/29, with Jules Verne's Mysterious Island. Presented in anamorphic widescreen and English mono, extras include "the Harryhausen Chronicles" documentary, "This is Dynamation" and "The Making of Mysterious Island" featurettes, a still gallery, and trailers. Retail is $27.95.

Also hitting stores on 10/29 from Columbia is the import Soul Assassin, presented in anamorphic widescreen and full screen versions, 2.0 surround and with minimal extras, only filmographies and trailers. Retail is also $27.95.

More Episode II - 12:08am

For you Star Wars junkies who just can't get enough, check out these two scans from the upcoming Episode II: Attack of the Clones DVD release. (Scan One / Scan Two) These offer a bit more detail on the highly-anticipated new release's features, and mighty spiffy, isn't it? Only three more months to go...