Upcoming Releases

[HollywoodGolightly]

Target's upcoming exclusive *Gremlins* and *The Wizard of Oz* blu-ray releases were already mentioned in the "Special Sales" thread - but wait, there's more!! (maybe):

 

Well folks... it looks like your local Target store is going to have a couple of pretty cool and exclusive Warner Home Video Blu-ray titles on Tuesday (9/29): Gremlins (SRP $22.99) and a BD/DVD/Blu-case version of The Wizard of Oz (SRP $34.99, with no swag). These will only be available at Target for a limited time (likely a few months), after which we assume they'll be available everywhere. Proof will be available in Target's weekly newspaper circular this Sunday. We're also hearing (consider this Rumor Mill-worthy) that Target will have another pair of exclusives on 11/17: Gone with the Wind (in a similar BD/DVD/Blu-case configuration, sans all the big box swag) and Goonies. We'll confirm the latter as soon as we can.

 

Hope the "Rumor Mill-worthy" info from digitalbits.com turns out to be accurate!

[HollywoodGolightly]

*Original Toolbox Murders Coming to Blu-ray*

 

Blue Underground Blue Underground has announced that they will bring the cult horror film 'Toolbox Murders' (1978) to Blu-ray on January 25th, 2010. Video will be presented in 1.66:1 1080p resolution, and while audio specs have not been announced at this time, you can expect to see either a DTS-MA or Dolby TrueHD soundtrack.

[filmlover]

There's a very nice 2-page ad in Home Media Magazine for the *Gone with the Wind* Blu-ray set showing the contents of the box and describing them:

 

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/questex/hom777565RDE/index.php?startid=Cover1&WidgetId=null&BookId=d609bc3a3cd4173783dc1deace62c8a1#/2

 

A few pages on, it also show the Rocky collection and The Wizard of Oz.

[HollywoodGolightly]

I don't remember them saying anything about a limited edition velvet keepsake box before. That does sound like the kind of thing a fan would appreciate.

[filmlover]

blu-ray.com has posted a very in-depth review of The Wizard of Oz:

 

http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Wizard-of-Oz-Blu-ray-Review/6366/

[HollywoodGolightly]

Nice review.

 

For fans of Pulp Fiction, here is some interesting news: it seems a blu-ray 15th anniversary "Briefcase Edition" is forthcoming in Australia:

 

http://dvdcrave.com.au/ViewProduct.aspx?Id=f2b0068e-d803-4396-898c-3a50370bd279

 

There is no image, unfortunately, and it's not clear if it would be a region-free blu-ray.

 

The only previous blu-ray edition of Pulp Fiction that I am aware of is the French edition, which was unfortunately region-locked and also had permanent French subtitles when watching the movie with the English-language soundtrack.

[HollywoodGolightly]

There is a cool new blu-ray/DVD set of Dawn of the Dead being released in the UK that includes far more material (and different edits of the movie) than what is available in the U.S. blu-ray release. Though I don't know if the blu-ray will be region-free, it looks very interesting:

 

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content/id/71571/dawn-of-the-dead-1978-uk-bd-in-october.html

 

Arrow Video have announced the UK Blu-ray Disc release of *Dawn of the Dead* on 19th October 2009 priced at ?17.99 RRP. George A. Romero's classic zombie movie is presented as a special three-disc edition ? exclusive to the UK ? and includes the George A. Romero approved Theatrical Cut of the film in 1080p resolution on Blu-ray, plus the Director's Cut and the Dario Argento Cut on DVD, the latter being made available on DVD as part of this collection for the first time in the UK.

 

Also included is a host of extras that include the rarely seen "Scream Greats" documentary on the career of special effects wizard Tom Savini, audio commentaries by the filmmakers and, for the first time, French Romero fanatic Nicolas Garreau's fascinating travelogue-come-documentary "Fan Of The Dead". Additionally, exclusively designed packaging features four different sets of artwork from which fans can choose to display the collection, including the little-seen "gasmask" artwork and an all-new, specially commissioned oil painting commemorating this landmark release of the film.

 

*Dawn of the Dead* is an HMV Exclusive release at first but will be available from all retailers around March next year.

 

 

Disc One (Blu Ray)

 

* Theatrical cut of the feature in 1080p High Definition

* DTS HD and Stereo audio options

* Audio commentary by director George A Romero, special effects artist Tom Savini and assistant director Chris Romero

* Audio commentary by producer Richard P. Rubinstein

* "Document of the Dead" documentary

* "Document of the Dead: The Lost Interview" and deleted scenes

* "Fan of the Dead" documentary

 

 

Disc Two (DVD)

 

* Director's cut of the feature

* "The Dead Will Walk" documentary

 

 

Disc Three (DVD)

 

* Dario Argento's cut of the feature

* "Scream Greats" documentary

* Publicity Vault containing US and German trailers, TV and Radio spots, reviews, Arrow Video's Giallo trailers ("Macabre", "Sleepless" and "The House by the Cemetery")

 

Also included

Exclusive, four artwork option packaging; double sided poster with all-new Rick Melton painting on one side and the original UK theatrical artwork on reverse; "For Every Night There is a Dawn" booklet written by Calum Waddell.

[filmlover]

This coming week, you are probably going to see various editions of *The Wizard of Oz* Blu-ray and DVD 70th anniversary.

 

And it is likely to get confusing.

 

There is the Ultimate Collector's Edition, which will sell in various online and actual store locations. It is the biggest set available. Well, except there are Blu-ray exclusive editions from Best Buy and Amazon, which at this moment look to be similar, each containing 4 8x10 color photos of the main characters.

 

Then there is the Blu set from Target, advertised in this Sunday's flyer, which looks similar to the inner case of the Blu, but probably won't have any of the things like the book or watch from the UCE..

 

Then there's a one-disc Blu edition from Wal-Mart that isn't the first disc in the UCE as one mightthink. Early word has it as being the movie, plaus a few of the extras on the UCE first disc but not all, and some of the specials from the UDE's 2nd disc, but not all. (There is also a German editon that looks similar to this one.)

 

Then there's the Blu 3-disc set from Amazon UK. Unknown at this time what is on it.

 

Then there's the 2-DVD set available from Amazon, obviously only having some of what is on the Ultimate Collectors Edition for DVD which contains 4 DVDs.

 

Barnes & Noble is supposed to have a 2 Blu discs edition.

 

Wherever you look, there will be some edition available to you starting on Tuesday. The decision of which to get will be up to you. (I'm getting the Ultimate Edition.)

[HollywoodGolightly]

> {quote:title=filmlover wrote:}{quote}

> Well, except there are Blu-ray exclusive editions from Best Buy and Amazon, which at this moment look to be similar, each containing 4 8x10 color photos of the main characters.

 

Actually, the Best Buy "exclusive" consists of _lenticular postcards_, not regular 8x10 photos, like the Amazon set.

 

> Then there's the Blu 3-disc set from Amazon UK. Unknown at this time what is on it.

 

It isn't unknown, it has been posted in this thread. It will include a sing-along DVD.

[HollywoodGolightly]

blu-ray.com has additional details about the Gremlins blu-ray that will be available at Target exclusively starting tomorrow:

 

*Gremlins Blu-ray Detailed*

 

Warner Bros. Thanks to a member of our forum, we have the release details of the Blu-ray of *Gremlins* that Target is set to put on sale exclusively on September 29. The BD will largely replicate the content from the special-edition DVD released in May 2007. Video will be 1.78:1 1080p, accompanied by a Dolby TrueHD audio track.

 

Special features include:

 

* Over 10 minutes of additional scenes

* Making-of featurette

* Commentaries: Director Joe Dante, Zack Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Dick Miller and Howie Mandell / Director Joe Dante, producer Michael Finnell and special effects artist Christ Walas

* Photo/storyboard gallery

* Theatrical trailer

[filmlover]

blu-ray.com has put together a short list of the upcoming Blu releases for Oz.

 

Months ago, when Warner Home Video announced the 70th anniversary edition of 'The Wizard of Oz', only one version was listed for Blu-ray: the Ultimate Collector's Edition. However, several retailers are now allegedly preparing their own exclusive editions, with different content and pricing. Confusion reigns among BD enthusiasts. This note aims to compile the release details and pricing for all available editions, and help our readers make an informed buying decision.

 

Note that this is a work-in-progress, culled from retailer information and especially the data we're getting from various sources, including forum members.

 

 

 

A. Ultimate Collector's Edition

 

 

 

This release contains four discs (two BDs, one dual-sided DVD, one Digital Copy disc). It includes the six-hour documentary 'When the Lion Roars'.

 

Bundled collectibles include: a high-quality replica of the film's original 1939 Campaign Book (for the first time reproduced in its entirety); a facsimile of a budget sheet; a 52-page book, Behind the Curtain of Production 1060; and a limited-edition 70th Anniversary Watch nestled in an Emerald City-embossed tin.

 

 

 

1. Amazon UCE

 

 

 

Amazon is selling the UCE with a set of four exclusive 8" by 10" posters.

 

 

 

2. Best Buy UCE

 

 

 

Best Buy is selling the UCE with a set of four exclusive lenticular postcards. (We apologize for the poor quality of the picture above, which is the only available one.)

 

 

 

B. Target Edition

 

 

UPDATED INFO:

The existence and $34.99 price of this edition are confirmed. It consists of three discs (two BDs and one dual-sided DVD), in a regular Blu-ray-sized case in a slipcover. It is not a snap case, but rather a cardboard fold out with the sleeve. Here is a close-up of the list of contents from the back cover.

 

 

 

C. Wal-Mart Edition

 

 

 

UPDATED INFO:

This edition has been confirmed by multiple forum members. It retails for $19.96.

 

It consists of one disc (Disc 1 of the UCE), in a regular Blu-ray-sized case. In summary, it includes the audio/video extras included on Disc 1 of the UCE (see blu-ray.com's review), but not those on Disc 2, the documentary "When the Lion Roars", the digital copy, or any of the collectibles. Note that the sticker on the front of the case is incorrect: the Wal-Mart edition does not include the documentary on director Victor Fleming, the Dreamer of Oz TV special, or the Munchkin featurette. If you want any of those, you need to buy the UCE or Target's Emerald Edition.

 

 

http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=3480

 

Edited by: filmlover on Sep 29, 2009 8:35 AM

[filmlover]

An update on the Mel Brooks Blu set coming out:

 

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has announced the technical specs and special features for the upcoming Blu-ray release of 'The Mel Brooks Collection', which is scheduled to hit store shelves on December 15th. For this nine-disc set, video will be presented in 1080p AVC accompanied by 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks.

 

 

Special features include:

 

 

Disc One:

Blazing Saddles ? feature film

Additional Scenes

Scene-Specific Commentary by Mel Brooks

2 Documentaries

Back in the Saddle

Intimate Portrait: Madeline Kahn (Excerpt)

Black Bart: 1975 Pilot Episode Of The Proposed TV Series Spinoff

Theatrical Trailer

 

 

Disc Two:

Spaceballs ? feature film

Commentary by Mel Brooks

Spaceballs: The Documentary

In Conversation: Mel Brooks & Thomas Meehan

John Candy: Comic Spirit

Watch the movie in Ludicrous Speed

Still Galleries

Film Flubs

Storyboards-to-Film Comparison

 

 

Disc Three:

Young Frankenstein ? feature film

Commentary by Mel Brooks

Inside The Lab: Secret Formulas in the Making of Young Frankenstein

Deleted Scenes

It's Alive! Creating A Monster Classic

Making FrankenSense of Young Frankenstein

Transylvanian Lullaby: The Music of John Morris

The Franken-Track: A Monstrous Conglomeration of Trivia - Trivia Track

Blucher Button

Outtakes

Isolated Score Track (DTS MA)

 

 

Disc Four:

High Anxiety ? feature film

Hitchcock and Mel: Spoofing the Master of Suspense

The ?Am I Very, Very Nervous?? Test

Dr. Thorndyke's Ink Blot Test

How Anxious Am I?

Don't Get Anxious! The Trivia of Hitchcock - Trivia Track

Isolated Score Track (DTS MA)

 

 

Disc Five:

History of the World Part 1 ? feature film

Musical Mel: Inventing ?The Inquisition?

Making History: Mel Brooks on Creating the World

The Real History of the World - Trivia Track

Isolated Score Track (DTS MA)

 

 

Disc Six:

Robin Hood: Men In Tights ? feature film

Funny Men In Tights: Three Generations of Comedy

HBO Special: Robin Hood: Men In Tights - ?The Legend Had It Coming?

LaserDisc Commentary by Mel Brooks

Isolated Score Track (DTS MA)

 

 

Disc Seven:

Silent Movie ? feature film

Silent Laughter: The Reel Inspirations of Silent Movie

Speak Up! Historical Hollywood - Trivia Track

 

 

Disc Eight:

To Be Or Not To Be ? feature film

Brooks and Bancroft: A Perfect Pair

How Serious Can Mel Brooks Really Get?

Profiles of Mel Brooks, Anne Bancroft and Charles Durning

To Be Or Not To Be: That Is The Trivia! - Trivia Track

Isolated Score Track (DTS MA)

 

 

Disc Nine:

Twelve Chairs ? feature film

 

http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=3483

[HollywoodGolightly]

Guten Tag!

 

It appears that the British blu-ray version of The Red Shoes will go on sale at Amazon Germany on October 5th:

 

http://www.amazon.de/Red-Shoes-Blu-ray-UK/dp/B0029KQNW8

 

Why is this the first time the restored movie is being sold in blu-ray format in any Amazon store? Because when it was released in the UK earlier this year, it was (and still is) an HMV exclusive, so Amazon UK couldn't sell it.

 

Since this is an UK import that's going to be sold in Germany, it is presumably still the same region-locked version previously available from HMV.

[HollywoodGolightly]

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Everything in this post is about a series of exclusive Disney steelbook blu-rays that will _only_ be available in Canada. The chain that is going to be selling these does not ship outside of Canada. The only way to buy these in the US would be through a third party seller (ebay or Amazon sellers).

 

OK, with that out of the way, I wanted to briefly mention the "12 Steelbooks of Christmas" that are going to be available thru Canada's FutureShop chain. Here's a link:

 

http://www.futureshop.ca/MARKETING/DISNEY_COLLECTION/

 

They're basically going to sell these 12 blu-ray titles, with exclusive collectible steelbook cases, in quick succession in the weeks before the holidays. The titles, as you can see, include many Disney animated classics, recent Pixar movies, and some recent live-action movies also from Disney.

 

With the exception of Snow White, I don't think any of these were ever available here as blu-ray steelbook releases.

 

As much as I wish that FutureShop shipped outside of Canada, maybe in a way it is better this way, because getting many of these titles would be really rather tempting.

[filmlover]

dvdbeaver.com has a review now up for the Blu-ray version of *Miracle on 34th Street*:

 

Great news is that it doesn't have any colorized version in it.

 

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews47/miracle_on_34th_street_blu-ray.htm

[HollywoodGolightly]

The transfer on the blu-ray edition looks much better than the last SD-DVD they released.

 

My only quibble: none of the bonus features are in HD.

[lzcutter]

Filmlover,

 

Thanks for the update on the various editions of the *Wizard of Oz*. I know which one I'm asking Santa for but I'm sure your post helped us all to figure it out.

 

Also, thanks for the update on the Mel Brooks set. He is a hoot in person, isn't he?

[HollywoodGolightly]

I hope you'll be getting one of the Oz UCEs, I think it is a pretty good set.

 

The no-frills Target set was pretty tempting, but at $35 plus sales tax, it means a very small difference between that and the UCE from Amazon (with no sales tax). If Target had set the price at $29.99, I'd have scrapped plans to get the UCE.

 

EDIT: blu-ray.com has updated the breakdown of the Oz sets to include details about the Wal-Mart exclusive:

 

This edition has been confirmed by multiple forum members. It retails for $19.96.

 

It consists of one disc (Disc 1 of the UCE), in a regular Blu-ray-sized case. Here is a close-up of the list of contents from the back cover:

 

 

In summary, it includes the audio/video extras included on Disc 1 of the UCE (see blu-ray.com's review), but not those on Disc 2, the documentary "When the Lion Roars", the digital copy, or any of the collectibles. Note that the sticker on the front of the case is incorrect: the Wal-Mart edition does not include the documentary on director Victor Fleming, the Dreamer of Oz TV special, or the Munchkin featurette. If you want any of those, you need to buy the UCE or Target's Emerald Edition.

[filmlover]

> {quote:title=lzcutter wrote:}{quote}

> Filmlover,

>

> Thanks for the update on the various editions of the *Wizard of Oz*. I know which one I'm asking Santa for but I'm sure your post helped us all to figure it out.

>

> Also, thanks for the update on the Mel Brooks set. He is a hoot in person, isn't he?

 

lzcutter,

 

Since your post was addressed to me, I'd like to say, "You're welcome." And, yes, Brooks definitely was a treat in person!

 

filmlover

[HollywoodGolightly]

One more update regarding The Wizard of Oz, being released today by WHV. The Emerald Edition, which Target has as an exclusive in the U.S., can also be found in Canada in FutureShop stores. The price is 42 Canadian dollars.

 

Here's a photo of the Emerald Edition I found in another forum:

[HollywoodGolightly]

Following up on their highly acclaimed 2007 release, Spike Jones - The Legend, Infinity Entertainment has announced a November 24th release date for The Best of Spike Jones.

 

Guest stars include Eddy Arnold and Zasu Pitts.

 

[HollywoodGolightly]

I've just learned about some cool blu-ray releases from France that are coming up. _Haven't been able to find out yet if they are region-locked or have English subtitles_.

 

* *Coco Before Chanel*, which is barely being released to theaters in the U.S., will be released by WHV on Oct. 7

* *The Fantastic Planet*, to be released by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment on Nov. 4

* *Farinelli*, to be released by Tf1 Video on Nov. 4

 

On amazon.fr, Chanel is about 20 euros; the other two titles 23 euros.

[HollywoodGolightly]

digitalbits.com has posted its review of Snow White (both DVD and blu-ray versions).

 

No screencaps, but it's a good read, imho:

 

http://www.thedigitalbits.com/reviewshd/bdreviews100209.html#sno

 

Most interestingly, it includes a list of all the bonus feature items that were included in the previous "Platinum Edition" DVD released in 2001, but which are _not_ included in this new "Diamond Edition".

[edgeciff]

Just got my copy of WOZ from WBSHOP. The cost was $41.95 and as stated just a few dollars more than the Target set but with all the extras including the book. WB even sent the set UPS.

[HollywoodGolightly]

Yup, I also took advantage of the WBShop deal and ordered Gigi on blu-ray as well. My order should be delivered no later than Monday, also via UPS ground.

 

Having already seen the UCE at Target, I've to confess it's a bit bigger and heavier than I had expected, but I won't be complaining about getting it for almost the same price as Target's so-called Emerald Edition (because with Target I'd have paid sales tax).

 

So it looks like I'll be watching WOZ and Snow White more or less around the same time. That should be fun!