Thumper Returns - 7:03pm

Buena Vista Home Entertainment has announced two big new releases today, each a classic of a different kind: a most-beloved animated perennial, and a much-maligned reimagining of a historical legend.

First up is director Antoine Fuqua's King Arthur, which will be released on December 21st in two different versions: the original PG-13 theatrical cut and a never-before-seen "hard" version that Fuqua prefers. Each will get 2.40 anamorphic widescreen transfers (the PG-13 cut will also be released in a separate full frame version with identical extras) and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround tracks. Extras will include commentary by Fuqua, a roundtable video commentary with the cast and filmmakers, a "Knight Vision" subtitle fact track, deleted scenes, alternate ending, the "Blood on the Land: Forging King Arthur" documentary, producer Jerry Bruckheimer's photo gallery and theatrical trailers. Retail will be $29.95 whichever version you choose. 

Buena Vista has also just announced the beloved favorite Bambi, which will hit DVD on March 1st next year. Painstakingly restored and presented in its original 1.33:1 full screen, extras include the “Walt’s Annotated Bambi" documentary, the "Disneypedia" and "Disney Time Capsule" featurettes, never-before-seen deleted scenes, the all-new "Thumper’s Storytime" short based on the Golden Book classic, a Bambi Legacy promotional gallery with stills, rare music cues, a new music video and trailers, and a Bambi II sneak peek. List price will be $29.95.

In the Round - 7:03pm

Just in from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment are four new catalog announcements. First up on November 9th is the little-seen directorial debut from rocker John Mellencamp, Falling from Grace. Written by Larry McMurty, this first-ever DVD release includes a new anamorphic widescreen transfer, Dolby 2.0 surround track, and no extras aside from bonus trailers. List will go for $19.95.

Due a week earlier on November 2nd are two new Cirque du Soleil releases, a three-disc Fire Within (a 13 episode reality series on life behind the scenes of the acclaimed troupe), and two-disc La Nouba. Note that Columbia will also release a Fire Within/Varekai two-pack (the latter being the show that is document in the reality series). All are presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen and Dolby 5.1 surround, and include no extras outside of promo spots. Retail will be $39.95 for Fire Within, $61.95 for the two-pack, and $28.95 for La Nouba.

Hot Shots - 7:03pm
 
Rounding out today's news, Paramount Home Entertainment has just announced the full specs for the November 16th re-issue of the mega-hit Top Gun. This two-disc set will get the remastered anamorphic widescreen and Dolby Digital Surround EX and DTS 6.1 surround treatment, plus plenty of extras: audio commentary with director Tony Scott, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and screenwriter Jack Epps, six new making-of featurettes, an additional two featurettes on real pilot survival training and the original EPK, vintage Tom Cruise interviews, four music videos, a multi-angle storyboard comparison, and theatrical trailers. Retail will cost you $29.95.