September 2020 is going to be a damn fun – and expensive – month for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray collectors. Hope you saved your allowance, blood, and tooth fairy payday money! While there’s been some recent scuttlebutt about various studios perhaps possibly ending or at the very least severely cutting back on their live-action catalog additions to physical 4k media – September is a damned robust release slate full of fan favorites with deluxe editions and SteelBooks.
As we receive review product - or purchase these ourselves - we'll be providing reviews for each of these great titles ASAP!
Pitch Black
Due to an unfortunate delay, one of Arrow’s inaugural 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases got a temporary delay – but no worries it’s still coming, just later than the original August 18th release window.
Pre-order Pitch Black 4K UHD Blu-ray
The Goonies
“Goonies never say die!” Richard Donner’s childhood adventure movie gets a welcome 4K upgrade – with several options for purchase! You have the standard release, the fully stuffed Giftset, and then Best Buy’s exclusive SteelBook. So… all you got to do is choose which Goonies is right for you.
Pre-order The Goonies 4K UHD Blu-Ray Standard Release
Pre-order The Goonies 4K UHD Bl-uray Amazon Exclusive Giftset
Pre-order The Goonies 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Beetlejuice
While you don’t need to say his name three times to buy the 4K UHD Blu-ray – you do get to choose between three releases! Just like The Goonies – Warner Bros. is releasing a standard release, a giftset, and a Best Buy exclusive SteelBook. As one of my favorite Tim Burton movies, I’m excited for this one – so I went for the SteelBook, but that Handbook For The Recently Deceased looks really fun!
Pre-order Beetlejuice 4K UHD Blu-ray Standard Release
Pre-order Beetlejuice 4K UHD Blu-ray Amazon Exclusive Giftset
Pre-order Beetlejuice 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Sherlock Holmes / Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Guy Ritchie and Robert Downy Jr. teamed up for a lively reimagining of the world’s greatest detectives adding some extra punch and pizzazz to the proceedings through a solid first film and a decent enough sequel. As we await the possibility of a third spin with this franchise, a welcome 4K UHD Blu-ray upgrade will have to hold us over.
Pre-order Sherlock Holmes 4K UHD Blu-ray
Pre-order Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows 4K UHD Blu-ray
The Alfred Hitchcock Classics Collection
Psycho, The Birds, Vertigo, and Rear Window are all making their 4k Ultra HD Blu-ray debut from Universal in a snazzy 4-film set. If Universal’s recent efforts for back catalog 4K UHD releases are any early indication, these four classics from the master of suspense should be impressive and well worth the upgrade!
Pre-order The Alfred Hitchcock Classics Collection 4K UHD Blu-ray
Psycho - Best Buy SteelBook
Hitchcock’s seminal shocker gets its own solo release for those only interested in upgrading this one single film to native 4K complete with Best Buy exclusive SteelBook packaging. If you’re a collector – this is very tempting but it’s also a bummer none of the other Hitchcock films of the Classics Collection will be getting solo SteelBook releases.
Pre-order Psycho 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Invisible Man Best Buy SteelBook
Where was this SteelBook when the movie first came out on 4K? While I don’t normally like to buy a movie twice just to get collectible packaging, this is a pretty slick piece of work and far more interesting than the common ½ face artwork of the standard release. Damn tempting.
Pre-order The Invisible Man 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Mamoru Oshii’s classic anime adaptation of the iconic manga series will be given a grand 4K Ultra HD debut from Lionsgate. Fully restored in native 4K, this release will offer Dolby Vision / HDR10 as well as a new Japanese Dolby Atmos audio mix. Choose from the standard release or the snazzy SteelBook from Best Buy – this is a big one for fans.
Pre-order Ghost in the Shell 4K UHD Blu-ray Standard Release
Pre-order Ghost in the Shell 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Superman: Man of Tomorrow
Follow a younger more inexperienced superhero as he adjusts to life at the Daily Planet, saving Metropolis, and intergalactic threats in the form of bounty hunter Lobo and the power-hungry alien Parasite. DC animated movies can be hit and miss, but at the very least it should be worth checking out. Once again Best Buy also gets an exclusive figurine set.
Pre-order Superman: Man of Tomorrow 4K UHD Blu-ray Standard release
Pre-order Superman: Man of Tomorrow 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy Exclusive
21 Jump Street / 22 Jump Street
Movie adaptations of classic television shows have a pretty rocky reputation. Somehow 21 Jump Street found a way to make it work – and pull off a funny as hell sequel. Sony is rolling both films onto 4K UHD Blu-ray in separate releases, or if you’re a big fan of both, Best Buy is running an exclusive SteelBook for both films.
Pre-order 21 Jump Street 4K UHD Blu-ray
Pre-order 22 Jump Street 4K UHD Blu-ray
Pre-order 21 / 22 Jump Street 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Home Alone
The now-iconic family holiday favorite about a serial killer in training mercilessly causing physical and psychological torment on two hapless would-be thieves on Christmas Eve is finally getting a 4K UHD Blu-ray release. On top of that Best Buy is also prepping a SteelBook as well – something to get excited for come the holidays!
Pre-order Home Alone 4K UHD Blu-ray Standard Release
Pre-order Home Alone 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Hocus Pocus
Just in time for the Halloween holiday season – Disney’s hilarious fan-favorite about three hapless witches is getting a new 4K restoration. After some decent but far from amazing past releases, fans have been eager for a reason to upgrade and this should be a major highlight for parents aiming to entertain their sugar-fueled kids – or enjoy some childhood nostalgia of their own.
Pre-order Hocus Pocus 4K UHD Blu-ray Standard Release
Pre-order Hocus Pocus 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Goodfellas Best Buy SteelBook
While not a new release, Martin Scorsese’s seminal gangster classic is getting a snazzy SteelBook rerelease from Best Buy. If you already own this on 4K, the packaging may not be a reason to purchase again – but if you haven’t picked it up yet, this is a pretty slick-looking set.
Pre-order Goodfellas 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Full Metal Jacket
This is my rifle this is my 4K UHD Blu-ray! This is for fighting this is for the best possible home viewing experience! After a successful first outing with The Shining and 2001: A Space Odyssey – Warner Brothers is releasing another Stanley Kubrick classic to 4K Ultra HD. While Eyes Wide Shut has been teased for a while – this amazing Vietnam War film is a welcome addition to the format. Again – Best Buy is offering up their own exclusive SteelBook option for collectors.
Pre-order Full Metal Jacket 4K UHD Blu-ray Standard Release
Pre-Order Full Metal Jacket 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Stanley Kubrick 3-Film 4K Collection
If you didn’t already buy The Shining or 2001: A Space Odyssey – this set lets you pick up those two excellent 4K releases alongside Full Metal Jacket. However, one has to assume that Eyes Wide Shut, A Clockwork Orange, and a 4K UHD Bly-ray release of Barry Lyndon aren’t too far off on the horizon so maybe a full Kubrick 4K Collection box set makes more sense?
Pre-order Stanley Kubrick 3-Film 4K Collection
Whiplash
Damien Chazelle’s 2014 drama starring Miles Teller and earned J.K. Simmons a deserved Best Supporting Actor Oscar is getting the A/V upgrade it deserves with an upscaled 4K UHD HDR transfer and Dolby Atmos audio. For the collectors out there – Best Buy is offering up a pretty slick looking SteelBook.
Pre-order Whiplash 4K UHD Blu-ray Standard Release
Pre-order Whiplash 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Evil Dead / Evil Dead 2 Double Feature SteelBook
Getting ready for the Halloween season? If you already bought LionsGate’s excellent 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases of Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell's hilarious horror flicks – you’re not getting anything new here. However – this SteelBook packaging recreates two iconic poster images for both films and conveniently packages both movies in one nice little case.
Pre-order Evil Dead Double Feature 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Halloween (1978) Best Buy SteelBook
Lionsgate continues to help fans get ready for the spooky season with a new SteelBook release of John Carpenter’s slasher classic Halloween. Nothing is inherently new with this set beyond the autumn-themed artwork and it will apparently include a digital code this time. If you already bought the previous release you’re all set – but if you’re a SteelBook collector this one may be hard to pass up at this price point.
Pre-order Halloween 1978 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Mad Max Fury Road Best Buy SteelBook
There have been more than a few releases of Max Max Fury Road in the last few years. While this SteelBook certainly is attractive – but without the Black and Chrome edition or the 3D disc, it’s not exactly a “complete” experience. Still, if you haven’t picked this one up on 4K yet – this is a nice package, especially if you’re a SteelBook collector.
Pre-order Mad Max Fury Road 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Well - that's eveything that's been announced to-date. While something new could come up, with October and November 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray titles already being announced, this appears to be a fully scheduled slate of releases. With all the rumors of various studios pulling back on the format or undergoing worrisome restructuring, it's encouraging to see a month like this just filled to the gills with great content.
Any of these on your pre-order list? How many of you are going to snap them all up? Any favorites you look forward to coming to the format soon? Sound off in the comments below!
Want Sony to release Anaconda on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray? - Now's your chance to let them know
Sony needs your help deciding their next wave of back catalog 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases. Just as they did with their Columbia Classics 4k Ultra HD Volume One set, they're requesting fan input for the roster of titles.
Just like last time, they want fans to request a genuine classic title from the 1930s through the 1950s. Some of the featured classics include:
... and many more classics. A number of these already have great Blu-ray releases - several are members of the Criterion Collection - but it'd be nice to see these in native 4K with HDR.
Next on the survey, they want to know what other titles you'd love to see on the format. This section isn't specifically classics-driven and these aren't entirely intended for the next Columbia Classics collection either. These are the fan favorites voting that influenced Sony to bring out The Mask of Zorro to 4K and other big hits. You can pick three titles here. This part of the survey from last year is also where they got the idea for Jerry Maguire coming to 4K so vote with caution, they take these seriously! Hudson Hawk is on the list - just saying...
Some of the featured fan favorites include:
... and many many more great titles - and some that raise an eyebrow but hey, every movie has its fan. After that is a comments section where you can make specific requests about their releases - Dolby Vision/HDR10+, audio format, new bonus features for these releases, SteelBook packaging - OR - you can request titles that weren't on the list - I personally requested 7th Voyage of Sinbad and the rest of Ray Harryhausen's extensive catalog from Columbia. I'd love to see those childhood favorites fully restored in 4K with HDR.
Given all of the news and recent speculation that Disney may or may not release live-action catalog titles on 4K UHD Blu-ray and Warner Bros. restructuring - this is a good thing. It means Sony is happy with the results from the fist Columbia Classics release as well as their other catalog titles we enjoyed from last year. So don't wait to fill that survey out! Let them know you're down to buy your favorites on the best physical media format available.
Welcome to Episode 12 of our weekly home video releases series. It's not a witty week for me so I am getting right on to business. In case you were wondering what I decided for my 4K purchase of Flash Gordon, I opted to cancel my UK order and get the Arrow Video release instead. I did opt for the 'fat pack' offering that includes the extra disc and swag. Another deciding factor was the new, considerably higher shipping rates Amazon UK is charging, currently £14.38 for just about any movie. If you order more than one item it appears to still stay the same cost however. Zavvi has also seemingly done the same thing with Shipping Rates.
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Digital Releases-
For 4K offerings this week, if you have opted to import Flash Gordon, it should ship on Monday. Also shipping on the import release schedule is the 4K restoration of Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, also done by StudioCanal.
HD Blu-ray/Digital releases-
Digital:
There is a single digital offering this week, The King of Staten Island. The street date for this movie was just announced, the physical release will be available August 25. All resolutions are selling at the same price, which is boggling, 4K, 2K, SD, same price, say what?
Physical:
Disc offerings this week are aplenty. Here's a run down of some of the highlights...
From Sony, followers of the TV show Blacklist can expect Season Seven this week.
Handful of offerings this week for anime, as there always is. Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card is getting a complete series set this week, instead of a split set that was previously offered. InuYasha Set 2 is coming out this week, Set 1 came out not too long ago.
SteelBook collectors might be insterested in Casper this week at Best Buy. It wasn't a horrible movie, but the only way I am going to buy it again is if it was a 4K release.
Criterion Collection brings us The Complete Films of Agnès Varda - Criterion Collection. Sorry, I'm not familiar with these, but with Criterion doing this release, it's sure to be thorough.
While Kino has got a handful of titles this week, the ones I remember the most from the 80's are Date With an Angel and The Quest, the latter having been in limbo for awhile, but is finally getting released. The trailer for Lucky Grandma is quite amusing, Kino releases this disc this week as well.
Shout Factory is releasing the previously delayed Phantom of the Opera (1962) this week. I'm used to the Robert Englund version, but just like so many other movies that have been remade multiple times, everyone has their favorite version.
Eureka - The Complete Series does appear to finally be coming out this week. I had this on preorder since the early announcement days, but it was delayed a time or two it seems. Mill Creek has been doing a so/so job on their TV releases. A lot of them would never see the light of day on Blu-ray so I'm thankful they're still releasing titles, I think their lacking is with video bit rates.
On the subject of TV shows, Warner Archive is releasing Final Space: The Complete First & Second season this week. Not a TV show, but back to movies, remember when John Travolta played the role of an angel? Michael debuts on Blu-ray this week.
This year's drama/romance The High Note comes out this week from UPHE.
Recent action movie I Am Vengenace: Retaliation comes out this week from LionsGate.
I've come to dig some of the IFC and Shudder films coming to disc lately, this week we see The Wretched coming from the IFC label.
Notable announcements from last week:
Delayed: Pitch Black 4K was coming out next week, according to Amazon it's now September 1st. The Blu-ray is still on schedule, subject to change of course. I'm still waiting for the Flash Gordon delay even though it's due this next week. I did get an email from Amazon indicating an unknown delivery date, which to me translates to a delay. I guess when it gets here, it will get here, and I'm sure I will enjoy it.
Normally I do not make much mention of title reissues, but this is one of those exceptions. Towards then end of 2019 Paramount acquired a large stake in the Miramax company. The fruits of these labors is now coming to bear. Paramount has distribution rights to their home video releases, and come September 22, there are a bunch of reissue releases. This might not seem like a big deal, but a lot of their releases have been out of print for quite some time, the secondary market has been asking for upwards of $80 for some of the titles that are in the September release slate, and Paramount is asking a mere $14.99 MSRP for these titles. The title list includes Bad Santa, Bridget Jones's Diary, The Brothers Grimm, Children of the Corn Series: 4-Movie Collection, Dracula: Double Feature, Extract, Extract / The Switch (Double Feature), The Faculty, Finding Neverland, Jackie Brown, Hellraiser Series: 4-Movie Collection, Kevin Smith: 3-Movie Collection, Shall We Dance?, Sin City, Spy Kids: Triple Feature & The Switch. Do check these out under the release calandar, September 22. Previously both Disney and LionsGate had the rights to release their titles at various points in time.
For 4K announcements, Warner has announced 300 for October 6th, and Sony has announced the Resident Evil collection for November 3rd.
Naruto fans will probably look forward to Naruto Triple Feature - SteelBook Collector's Edition, which includes Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow / Legend of the Stone of Gelel / Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom. This set is also available as a standard release.
RLJ Entertainment continues to announce its release titles, including multiple Shudder Originals, the one non-Shudder title that caught my attention though is The American West: Season 1. I've been waiting for this one actually, I thought it was a well produced show when it debuted. I do not watch much broadcast TV, so the current state of the show as best as I can tell is it is still being produced.
Arrow continues to add more titles to their October slate. The one I most recognize is The Last Starfighter. This could probably be a decent 4K release but it's not so much mainstream, so I would likely be happy with a standard 2K/BD release. Add the Arrow Video treatment, it should be a well produced disc. Still, I'd be open to a 4K disc.
The Last Kingdom: Season Four also has an announced date of October 6th. I thought the cover art for the UK releases were better for this series, I'm just saying!
Which titles are you buying this week? Which ones are on your wishlist, be it to buy as an impulse buy or to wait for the right price?
Myself, for anime I did not buy the individual CardCaptor releases, so do I want the single release this week or do I want the previous offerings? As a person that likes slip covers, it's a tough choice as the single release does not have one. I have the InuYasha #2 on order, and as I've mentioned, The Wretched is a wishlist/strong maybe.
From entertaining the troops in the Pacific during WWII to a brief cameo in Toy Story 4, Carl Reiner's entertainment legacy spans decades. He was that rare multifaceted entertainer who was just as comfortable in front of the camera as well as behind, be it as a director, writer or producer. When looking back at his career, we find a man who never achieved the level of fame or notoriety as those he felt privileged to have worked with, the sort of celebrityhood we'd expect given the wealth of memorable films and TV sitcoms he has left behind. But neither did he seek the stardom nor publicity. Mr. Reiner truly was that unique, genuine talent who simply wanted to share his gift and make people laugh.
For many contemporary audiences, Carl Reiner is not a well-known name or hardly rises to the level of acclaim as Mel Brooks, Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Martin, George Clooney, Bette Midler and so many others fortunate enough to have known the legendary comedian personally. Nevertheless, his impact on comedy and the entertainment industry is immeasurable and can be felt everywhere. As an actor, he usually played supporting roles, but his performances always stood out and his presence always brightened every scene. Mr. Reiner is a true legend and he will be dearly missed, and so, we celebrate his legacy by revisiting some of our personal favorites from his oeuvre.
After coming to prominence working on Sid Caesar's variety shows Your Show of Shows and Ceasar's Hour, Carl Reiner began working on a sitcom loosely based on his experiences as a writer for those aforementioned shows while trying to raise a family. Originally titled Head of the Family with Reiner as the star, Reiner reworked his pilot script with Dick Van Dyke in the lead and co-starring Mary Tyler Moore. With Reiner playing Alan Brady, the host of a variety show and Van Dyke's boss, the sitcom was a smash hit for CBS and is today considered a TV classic that still delivers the laughs and heartwarming smiles.
After the show ended in 1966, Reiner tried his hand at film directing, but Hollywood success didn't come as easily with one box-office fail after another. Of his first three directorial efforts, Where's Poppa? has actually garnered a well-respected cult following, and it's for good reason. It features an absolutely delightful and hilariously memorable performance by Ruth Gordon as the most embarrassing mother ever. More importantly, Reiner demonstrated a talent for telling a witty tale with an unobtrusive camera and excellent timing, trusting his cast to sell the silly premise of a son struggling with a moral quandary.
A few years later, Reiner went on to co-write and direct Steve Martin to box-office success and A-list stardom in the cult comedy favorite about a naïve dolt on a personal, self-discovery journey. Admittedly, the movie is rather stupid, and for some contemporary viewers, it may be a challenge to see the humor or fuss. But the moronic absurdity is precisely what makes it hilarious because the daffy nonsense is surprisingly clever and Steve Martin sells it with deadpan seriousness. The premise of a white man too dense to realize he was adopted by a black family is more than enough to see this beloved comedy immediately.
A few years later, Reiner and Martin reunited for another absurd comedy about another hapless oaf drifts through a world he doesn't belong. Only this time, the two comedians go further into complete absurdity by inserting Martin into vintage 1940s noir films. As a private eye hired to investigate the murder of noted scientist, Martin's hysterical performance flawlessly interacting with a laundry list of legendary actors of classic film noir is the movie's most memorable comedic achievement. It's a bizarre, quirky parody, but as the saying goes ("Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."), this beloved cult comedy has to be the most lovingly heartfelt homage to the bygone-popularity of the pulp detective genre.
Another Reiner-Martin team-up introduced audiences to a Martin at his most weird, wacky and absolutely bonkers, playing a renowned neurosurgeon who created a brain transplant procedure he called "cranial screw-top." How could any movie-lover possibly go wrong in a strangely ludicrous romantic tale of a well-intentioned doctor who literally falls in love with a brain in a vat named Anne (voiced by Sissy Spacek), which was placed there by a mad scientist played by David Warner. All the while, he's fighting for his life from his scheming, murderous wife Dolores (Kathleen Turner). The movie demands to be watched for the tagline alone: "HEALTH WARNING: Watching This Movie May Cause Severe Brain Damage!"
Ten years after not letting Steve Martin wear plaid, Carl Reiner returned to lampooning the film noir genre in this ridiculously dumb but much too fun to watch comedy. With Armand Assante as a lawyer who moonlights as a police detective, which means he also defends the same criminals he arrests, the jokes practically write themselves. But if we're going to be honest, the movie is pretty bad, and I would never argue it's an underrated gem. Still, it has its moments and comes with enough chuckles for a lazy Sunday afternoon watch. Besides, seeing Sean Young and Sherilyn Fenn intentionally overacting is worth the price alone.
At the height of the Cold War, Norman Jewison directed Reiner in this cult black comedy classic about a Russian submarine accidentally grounding off the coast of a small New England island. Reiner is terrific as Walt Whittaker, a loving father and husband to Eva Marie Saint, and he plays opposite a hysterically wonderful Alan Arkin in his feature-film debut. Looking back at the film, it was rather bold of Jewison and crew to make light of a very serious and terrifying fear many Americans were experiencing at the time, and some of the political sentiments underlining the plot and characters are also somewhat prophetic.
There is absolutely no way of talking about Carl Reiner without also mentioning Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's movies. It's near sacrilege not to point out his stupendously memorable performance as the always-scene-stealing con man Saul Bloom. It may be a supporting role and arguably, a bit part amongst a large ensemble cast with a majority of the attention favoring George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon. But Reiner, nonetheless, stands out, which speaks volumes of his comedic talent. His Saul is proof "There are no small parts, only small actors," and in Ocean's, Reiner is a huge star.
Here are other memorable Carl Reiner features deserving of HD releases:
Celebrating 25 years - this iconic anime feature film is getting a brand new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release. With Dolby Vision HDR and Japanese Dolby Atmos audio, this looks to be an exciting September! I was digging the standard cover art but that Best Buy Steelbook with slip looks pretty slick. I was already torn with this release since I already have the Mondo Exclusive SteelBook - but I don't think I can pass up the dip into 4K. The movie is just too damn good and I have great memories devouring the original Shirow Masamune manga before going to my local arthouse theater to see the movie and being completely blown away by it and then endlessly playing the Playstation game for hours when I probably should have been doing homework.
Preorders are now live - and the price point for both is right on - no need to break the bank!
Standard 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Release
Check out the full press release from Lionsgate below.
It found a voice… now it needs a body.
One of Anime’s Most Beloved Films Is Reborn on 4K Ultra HD™ Combo Pack and Digital 4K Ultra HD September 8th from Lionsgate®
4K Ultra HD to Include Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos®
SANTA MONICA, CA (July 29, 2020) – Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of one of the most critically acclaimed anime films of all time when Ghost in the Shell arrives on 4K Ultra HD™ Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray™ and Digital 4K Ultra HD) and Digital 4K Ultra HD on September 8th from Lionsgate. Based on the beloved manga from Japanese writer and illustrator Shirow Masamune, the film’s voice cast includes Atsuko Tanaka (Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, TV’s “Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex”, “Ghost in the Shell 2.0”), Akio Ôtsuka (Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, Paprika, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots), and Kôichi Yamadera (Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, Ninja Scroll). Remastered in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and featuring fan-favorite commemorative artwork from pop illustrator Martin Ansin – along with brand new bonus material – this will be the most definitive Ghost in the Shell package to date.
2029: A female cybernetic government agent, Major Motoko Kusanagi, and the Internal Bureau of Investigations are hot on the trail of “The Puppet Master,” a mysterious and threatening computer virus capable of infiltrating human hosts. Together with her fellow agents from Section 9, Kusanagi embarks on a high-tech race against time to capture the omnipresent entity. Director Mamoru Oshii’s award-winning cyber-tech thriller, based on the comic book by Shirow Masamune, is lauded as one of the leading Japanese animation films of all time.
The Ghost in the Shell special features include an audio commentary as well as two brand new bonus featurettes: “Accessing Section 9: 25 Years into the Future” and “Landscapes & Dreamscapes – The Art and Architecture of Ghost in the Shell.” Experience four times the resolution of full HD with the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, which includes Dolby Vision, bringing entertainment to life through ultra-vivid picture quality. When compared to a standard picture, Dolby Vision can deliver spectacular colors never before seen on a screen, highlights that are up to 40 times brighter, and blacks that are 10 times darker. Additionally, the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack features Dolby Atmos, which will transport viewers from an ordinary moment into an extraordinary experience with moving audio that flows all around them. Fans will feel like they’re inside the action as the sounds of people, places, things, and music come alive with breathtaking realism and move throughout the space.
The Ghost in the Shell 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack will be available for the suggested retail price of $22.99.
4K / BLU-RAY / DIGITAL SPECIAL FEATURES
· Full-length audio commentary of Ghost in the Shell with Mary Claypool (Animation Writer and English Language Scriptwriter), Eric Calderon (Animation Producer and Writer), Richard Epcar (Voice of “Batou”), and Charles Solomon (Animation Historian and Critic)
· “Accessing Section 9: 25 Years into the Future” Featurette
· “Landscapes & Dreamscapes: The Art and Architecture of Ghost in the Shell” Featurette
ADDITIONAL ARCHIVAL BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES
· Production Report & Digital Works Featuretes
· Theatrical Trailer
Year of Production: 1995
Title Copyright: Ghost in the Shell © 1995 Masamune Shirow / Kodansha Ltd. / Bandai Visual Co. Ltd. / Manga Entertainment Ltd. Artwork & Supplementary Materials © 2020 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Type: Theatrical Release
Rating: Not Rated
Genre: Anime, Action, Crime, Thriller
Closed-Captioned: N/A
Subtitles: English, Spanish, English SDH
Feature Run Time: 83 Minutes
4K Ultra HD™ Format: Dolby Vision, 2160p Ultra High Definition 16x9 (1.85:1) Presentation
Blu-ray Format: 1080p High Definition 16x9 (1.85:1) Presentation
4K Audio Status: Japanese 2.0 LPCM Audio, Japanese Dolby Atmos, English Dolby Atmos, English Descriptive Audio
Blu-ray Audio Status: Japanese 2.0 PCM Audio, English 5.1 DTS-HD Master AudioTM
It was only a matter of time...
The Back to the Future: Ultimate Trilogy 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray set will smash fans' wallets on October 20th, 2020 in a 7 disc set - 3 4K UHD discs, 3 Blu-ray discs, plus an additional Blu-ray bonus disc! Per the specs supplied from Universal Pictures, each film will enjoy HDR10 / Dolby Vision / HDR10+ grading along with Dolby Atmos audio tracks! Tons of bonus features are included in the set. There are also going to be some retailer exclusives from Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. This new set will also be available on Blu-ray - but considering how many times this has been issued in 1080p, more folks will be interested in the 4K sets. Pre-orders are now live for the standard release, the Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook - The Amazon Exclusive Giftset with a floating hoverboard is pending but the listing is live now.
Back to the Future: Ultimate Trilogy 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Amazon Exclusive Back to the Future: Ultimate Trilogy 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook Back to the Future: Ultimate Trilogy 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Check out the full press release below for all the details!
Universal City, California, July 27, 2020 – Great Scott! In 1985, Director Robert Zemeckis, Executive Producer Steven Spielberg and Producer/Screenwriter Bob Gale embarked on a three-part journey through time that broke box-office records worldwide and catapulted BACK TO THE FUTURE into one of the most beloved trilogies in motion picture history. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment celebrates the 35th Anniversary of the groundbreaking first film with BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE ULTIMATE TRILOGY available on 4K Ultra HD for the first time ever on October 20, 2020 - just in time to celebrate “Back to the Future Day” on October 21! This collection is loaded with bonus material including a bonus disc that comes with over an hour of brand-new content such as rare audition footage from Hollywood stars Ben Stiller, Kyra Sedgwick, Jon Cryer, Billy Zane, Peter DeLuise and C. Thomas Howell, a tour of the film’s props and memorabilia hosted by co-writer/producer Bob Gale, a sneak peek at the new musical show, and a special episode of the popular YouTube Series “Could You Survive The Movies?” Join Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) and a time traveling DeLorean for the adventure of a lifetime as they travel to the past, present and future, setting off a time-shattering chain reaction that disrupts the space-time continuum!
BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE ULTIMATE TRILOGY will include all three movies in collectible discbook packaging plus a bonus disc including all-new bonus content. For the first time, the past, present and future collide in eye-popping Ultra HD resolution for a time-traveling celebration. New 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray™ deliver the highest quality picture, more colors than ever before, and immersive, multi-dimensional sound. From filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, this unforgettable 35th anniversary collection features hours of bonus features and is an unrivaled trilogy that stands the test of time making this a must-own for everyone’s movie library. All three BACK TO THE FUTURE films will also be available on 4K Ultra HD digitally for the first time ever and BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE COMPLETE TRILOGY will also be available on DVD.
Three premium collections will be available at select retailers for a limited time only:
BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE ULTIMATE TRILOGY will be available on 4K Ultra HD combo pack, which includes 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, & Digital Code and on Blu-ray™ which includes the Blu-ray™ & Digital Code.
BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE ULTIMATE TRILOGY bonus DISC FEATURES ON BLU-RAY™:
BACK TO THE FUTURE bonus FEATURES ON 4K Ultra Hd & BLU-RAY™:
*Only on the Blu-ray™ disc
BACK TO THE FUTURE II bonus FEATURES ON 4K Ultra Hd & BLU-RAY™:
*Only on the Blu-ray™ disc
BACK TO THE FUTURE III bonus FEATURES ON 4K Ultra Hd & BLU-RAY™:
TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4K ULTRA HD:
Street Date: October 20, 2020
Selection Number: 61212628 (US) / 61212662 (CDN)
Layers: BD-100
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 1.85:1 Widescreen
Rating: PG
Subtitles: English, French Canadian, Latin American Spanish
Video: 2160p UHD Dolby Vision/HDR10+/HDR 10
Sound: English Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital 2.0 ; French European DTS Digital Surround 5.1 ; Latin American Spanish DTS Digital Surround 5.1
Run Time:
Back to the Future – 01:55:57
Back to the Future II – 01:47:55
Back to the Future III – 01:58:14
The year is nearly half over. For some of us, where has the time gone, while others might say, when is this year going to end. I guess I see the year both ways, depending on the topic du jour. In the United States, Independence Day weekend is approaching, tourist season would normally be in full swing, and campgrounds would be at capacity. Welcome to Episode 6 of our Home Video releases calendar feature article. As far as video releases this week, it is similar to last week in that there are not major titles being released this week, but there are enough different ones that everyone should find something that interests them.
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Digital Releases-
There are no 4K disc releases slated for this week.
There are no 4K digital releases slated for this week.
HD Blu-ray/Digital releases-
Where we lack in 4K releases, this week brings us more title choices than last week.
What's Mel Gibson up to these days? He has a role in the 2020 movie Force of Nature, and LionsGate is bringing it to you. Next from LionsGate, Four Kids and It. When I was trying to figure out what this movie was about, it turns out there are many movies with "it." It's a family movie with a furry creature, not a horror, I know you were thinking of Pennywise for a monent. Michael Caine and Russell Brand are listed 3rd and 4th on the cover artm I think you've heard of them.
Warner Archive has a couple of titles this week. First though, it looks like a last minute switcheroo happened with Cannery Row. It was slated to release on June 30th, but was quietly released on June 9th.
Severin Films is releasing The Complete Lenzi/Baker Giallo Collection this week after a delay. I am not familiar with this set, but I have been pleased with the Severin titles that interest me that I have purchased in the past. Fans waiting for this collection should snatch it up.
Fans of Django should rejoice that the Django + Texas Adios set is finally coming this week from Arrow. This one was tied up for quite some time in legal limbo. This one is being offered in a loaded 2-disc Limited Edition, as well as an identical release, but in a SteelBook.
The musical Hair (1979) is getting the Olive Signature treatment. Releases from Olive have been rather scarce lately, it is good to see they're still releasing discs.
Miss Fisher fans can now buy the movie Crypt of Tears this week from Acorn Media.
Kino Lorber has about a half dozen releases this week, I've selected two. Check out the release calendar for the full listing. First, Ten Little Indians, based on an Agatha Christie novel. I remember this one when it was a new movie, and I was entertained by it enough to merit a mention today. Jim Belushi fans should also be happy to see Wild Palms being released this week as well. It is a TV mini-series from my early life and is, in my opinion, underrated on IMDB.
For anime fans, there's most always a release every week worth looking at. Sentai Filmworks is releasing After the Rain: Complete Collection. Titles like this are worth mentioning as many of their releases do not feature an English dub. I myself have trouble appreciating what's going on on the screen if I am focused on reading subtitles. Famous for their Premium Box sets that increase in valud over time, cannot say for sure if this one will, but Run With the Wind: Complete Series is being offered as one this week.
Discotek often times releases all their offerings in a single week. This week we see Astroganger: The Complete Series which is an SD on BD offering. When shows are not available in HD, I am still most appreciative that they are offering it on Blu-ray. Imagine entire seasons of TV shows on one single disc, with better picture clarity than if it were released as a DVD set instead. Part 2 of City Hunter: Season 1 arrives this week too. Next from Discotek, Crusher Joe: The Movie. The next Lupin the 3rd movie, titled Goodbye Partner is also coming this week. Ninja Scroll: The Series closes out the titles for the month from Discotek.
FUNimation is offering Black Clover: Season 2 Part 5 as a regular offering, as well as a set that includes an art book. Also this week, Midnight Occult Civil Servants: The Complete Series as well as several of the usual 'Essentials' releases.
A final note, the Laurel & Hardy: Definitive Restorations was delayed 2 weeks, from the 16th. You should be able to purchase that this week.
For digital releases, Warner Bros. has quietly pushed out Scoob! this week. Oddly enough though, the 4K digital is reading as "not available in your area." Where do they think my area is anyway?
Notable announcements from last week:
Warner Bros has announced Young Sheldon: The Complete Third Season via the Warner Archive. While not like going to find this on the cheap side, on a positive note, at least they're still releasing TV programs on physical media. Warner Bros also has a street date for the physical releases of Scoob! Available as a 4K Combo Pack and a Blu-ray Combo Pack on July 21.
Samuel Goldwyn Films has announced a release of Mel Gibson's Apocalypto, which means you no longer have to pay an ebay scalper $60 for this film. The previous release was over 13 years ago.
FUNimation has announced their September titles. Along with the usual glut of Essentials Releases, highlights of the regular releases are: Fire Force: Season One Part Two which is available as a standard edition and a limited edition release, Fairy gone: Seaone One Part Two, Arifureta: From Commonplace to Worlds Strongest: Season 1 available as a standard release and a limited edition, A Certain Scientific Accelerator: The Complete Series and lastly, Africa Salaryman: The Complete Series.
Which titles are you buying this week? Which ones are on your wishlist, be it to buy as an impulse buy or to wait for the right price?
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#ReleaseTheSnyderCut Wins the Day for an Unspecified 2021 Release Date
Given all of the free publicity Zach Snyder has been giving Warner Broths with hinted tidbits about his original cut of Justice League - it was only a matter of time before WB made it official. With Warner Brothers launching their HBO MAX streaming service - they need something to build the hype and this will certainly get some DC fans' mouths watering!
Even I have to admit after the Bizarr-O world hodgepodge that was the Snyder/Whedon cut we got in theaters - I'm hopeful and optimistic that this will be something more than lipstick on a pig. I hope to see something of Richard Donner's Superman 2 level of improvement - but we'll see in about a year. Until then - more speculation and rumor with cryptic reveals from Snyder! Yay!
Below is the full press release from Warner Brothers.
LOS ANGELES – May 20, 2020 – After global passionate fan calls to action and the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement, HBO Max and Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that it will exclusively world premiere Zack Snyder’s director’s cut of the Warner Bros. Pictures/DC feature film Justice League in 2021. Snyder surprised fans with the news this morning during a live online commentary of his film Man of Steel with Henry Cavill.
#ReleaseTheSnyderCut first became a passionate rallying social media cry among fans in 2017 and has not let up. From countless press articles and hundreds of thousands of social media mentions, it became a powerful global movement among cinephiles and comic book fans.
“I want to thank HBO Max and Warner Brothers for this brave gesture of supporting artists and allowing their true visions to be realized. Also a special thank you to all of those involved in the SnyderCut movement for making this a reality,” said Snyder.
“Since I got here 14 months ago, the chant to #ReleaseTheSnyderCut has been a daily drumbeat in our offices and inboxes. Well, the fans have asked, and we are thrilled to finally deliver. At the end of the day, it really is all about them and we are beyond excited to be able to release Zack’s ultimate vision for this film in 2021. This could never have happened if it weren’t for the hard work and combined efforts of the teams at HBO Max and Warner Bros. Pictures,” said Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, Warner Media Entertainment and Direct-To-Consumer.
“When Zack and Debbie shared the extraordinary vision of where Zack wanted to take Justice League, my team and our counterparts at Warner Bros. took it as a mission to solve the many issues that stood in the way,” said Kevin Reilly, Chief Content Officer at HBO Max, President, TNT, TBS and truTV. “Thanks to the partnership at Warner Bros. and the relentless pursuit of the entire WarnerMax team we are able to deliver this incredibly exciting moment for Zack, the fans and HBO Max.”
“Thanks to the efforts of a lot people, we’re excited to bring fans this highly anticipated version of Justice League,” said Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “This feels like the right time to share Zack’s story, and HBO Max is the perfect platform for it. We’re glad the creative planets aligned, allowing us to #ReleaseTheSnyderCut.”
In Justice League, fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.
The Justice League screenplay is by Chris Terrio, story by Chris Terrio & Zack Snyder, based on characters from DC, Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The film’s producers are Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, with executive producers Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas, Jim Rowe, Ben Affleck, Wesley Coller, Curtis Kanemoto, and Chris Terrio.
Hey there movie fans – Universal Studios and High-Def Digest are teaming up to give away ONE 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray of Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen!
Starring Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Colin Farrell, Michelle Dockery, and Hugh Grant – among many others, The Gentlemen is a nice return to Guy Ritchie’s Crime/Comedy roots featuring an all-star cast of colorful characters who happen to be the worst career criminals of the underworld.
Since this movie is a Crime/Comedy – let’s keep things lighthearted. There’s enough bad news in the world today so let's have some FUN. Here’s how you enter:
1. Like and Follow High-Def Digest on Facebook
Since the disc will be coming direct from the distributor, only U.S. residents are eligible and can not be sent to a P.O. box.
Thanks and have fun!
“This was great opportunity for me to get The Room right,” says Writer, Producer, Director, Star Tommy Wiseau. “When I first made The Room, I was doing something no one else done before – shooting a film on film and digital at same time. Now with new 4K technology I see I didn’t need to shoot film at all. This new improved The Room will be only the digital. No film. Film look old. The Room is a beautiful film, so it should look that way with the digital. It create more real experience with Dolby Vision.” "I honestly can't believe this is happening," says Greg Sestero.
Pre-order The Room 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
The Room 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray will be available August 11th 2020 - preorders are not yet live.
*Obviously this is an April Fools gag – We love you Tommy! We’d love to see this come out in 4K!
With a street date of May 19th, Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment is releasing multiple Tom Cruise blockbusters on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray.
No doubt timing these releases with the upcoming Top Gun: Maverick movie, the lineup includes several milestones as well.
Final Specs are trickling in, but it looks like a couple of these discs will feature Dolby Atmos sound and Dolby Vision HDR. It is unknown at this time if the Blu-ray offering of Top Gun, as well as the combo packs will contain new Blu-ray transfers.
Click on the "Discs Mentioned" section below for product info pages and purchase links. Current slate of titles are as follows:
Top Gun - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Top Gun - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray (SteelBook)
Top Gun - Blu-ray
Days of Thunder - (30th Anniversary Edition) 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
War of the Worlds - (15th Anniversary Edition) 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
"E's kicked the bucket, 'e's shuffled off 'is mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleedin' choir invisible!! THIS IS AN EX-FORUMS!!"
Due to a slew of factors - namely costs to make the forums compliant with new privacy regulations on top of dwindling activity - the High-Def Digest forums are no more. While we hate to see them go, this enables our little website to maintain a measure of profitability so we can pay our writers and website admin team whilst providing you fine folks with new disc reviews, news updates (as best we can), and the occasional funny bit of fan reflection. Currently, the "Forums" button is in our navigation headers and footers but that too will soon be disappearing.
What to do if you want to commentate? There's the good news. Each disc review and news post has a Disqus comment section where you're able to freely comment (so long as it's civil) and share your opinion about said film. Truthfully the HDD Forums accounted for a very small fraction of our daily traffic activity while we saw an impressive amount of activity in the Disqus section.
If you have any questions you can comment below! And certainly reach out to us here: https://www.highdefdigest.com/forms/feedback
Thanks again for being awesome readers and great online friends, Best -
The High-Def Digest Team
Find your mask, cape, and practice slicing your Z's - The Mask of Zorro is coming to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray May 5th 2020 sourced from a new 4K restoration in HDR (probably only HDR10), with a new Dolby Atmos audio track AND with some new UHD exclusive bonus features! This isn't ready for pre-orders yet, but keep an eye out on our listing for updates here
Check out the full press release below.
SYNOPSIS
When a power-crazed despot schemes to buy California from Mexico, it takes two Zorros--the legendary Don Diego de la Vega (Anthony Hopkins) and his chosen successor Alejandro Murrieta (Antonio Banderas), a dashing bandit-turned-hero-- to defeat the tyrant's unscrupulous plans. But can even their combined skills, bravado and derring-do be enough to achieve de la Vega's ultimate goal: revenge against the man who killed his wife, kidnapped his daughter and held him prisoner for twenty years?
BONUS MATERIALS
4K ULTRA HD BONUS MATERIALS:
• Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
• Theatrical Trailers
BLU-RAY BONUS MATERIALS:
• Director Commentary
• “Unmasking Zorro” Documentary
• 2 Deleted Scenes
• Music Video by Marc Anthony and Tina Arena
CAST AND CREW
Cast: Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stuart Wilson, Matt Letscher
Director: Martin Campbell
Story by: Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio and Randall Jahnson
Screenplay by: John Eskow and Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio
Co-Producer: John Gertz
Executive Producers: Steven Spielberg, Walter F. Parkes, Laurie MacDonald
Producers: Doug Claybourne and David Foster
DETAILS
Run Time: 136 minutes
Rating: Rated PG-13 for some intense action and violence
Final Details have been announced for Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker with a street date of March 31. In addition to a multitude of retailer exclusives, Disney will also be releasing all previously unavailable on 4K disc titles as individual releases as well. Let's also not forget that Best Buy will be offering a retailer exclusive with all nine films of the Star Wars saga, called The Skywalker Collection which works out to around $26 per movie.
Finally, don't forgot to visit the linked Forum where all the March 31st Star Wars releases are catalogued, with purchase links, near the bottom of the article or here, or just click the links to the discs mentioned in this article, your choice --
Here is what Disney officially says about The Rise of Skywalker :
“Everything you want from a Star Wars film” —Owen Gleiberman, Variety
OWN THE FINAL FILM IN THE CONCLUSION OF THE SKYWALKER SAGA
STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER
Over two hours of bonus material includes a feature-length, making-of documentary and behind-the-scenes access to the cast and filmmakers who brought the epic scenes and characters to life
BURBANK, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2020) — Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Lucasfilm and director J.J. Abrams’ riveting, inspiring conclusion of the seminal Skywalker saga, electrified audiences around the globe, earning more than a billion dollars worldwide. Soon fans can complete their collections when Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker arrives digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD™ and via Movies Anywhere on March 17, two weeks before it lands physically in 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on March 31.
Bonus material includes a feature-length, making-of documentary, which goes behind the scenes with the cast and filmmakers from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and explores the legacy of the Skywalker saga. Bonus features also dig into the film’s Pasaana desert scenes, including the thrilling landspeeder chase, and the ship in which Rey discovers family secrets as well as a new little droid named D-O. Plus, fans will hear from Warwick Davis, who reprises his role as Wicket the Ewok, as well as the creature effects team that created a record 584 creatures and droids for the film. Digital consumers will receive an exclusive feature highlighting legendary composer John Williams, who has scored every episode in the Skywalker saga.
Bonus features include*:
The Skywalker Legacy – The story lives forever in this feature-length documentary that charts the making of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Pasaana Pursuit: Creating the Speeder Chase – Dive into the making of the movie’s epic landspeeder chase and discover how this spectacular sequence was brought to the screen.
Aliens in the Desert – See what it took to create the Pasaana desert scenes, from the sheer scale and complexity of the shoot to its colorful details.
D-O: Key to the Past – Explore the ship that connects Rey to the mystery of her missing parents and get to know the galaxy’s newest, irresistible droid.
Warwick & Son – Warwick Davis, who played Wicket in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, dons the Ewok costume once more; this time joined by his son Harrison.
Cast of Creatures – The team behind the film’s memorable creatures reveal the puppetry, makeup, prosthetics and digital magic that bring them to life!
Digital Exclusive:
The Maestro’s Finale – Composer John Williams reflects on his body of work for the Star Wars saga and shares insights on scoring Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
* Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer.
The ninth and final episode in the Skywalker saga welcomed the return of original characters Luke Skywalker, General Leia Organa, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2, Emperor Palpatine and Lando Calrissian, along with the latest generation of heroes and villains, including Rey, Finn, Poe, BB-8, Maz, Rose, General Hux and Kylo Ren. Newcomers include Jannah, a new ally of the Resistance; Allegiant General Pryde of the First Order; and smuggler Zorii Bliss.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is packaged several ways to ensure fans get the most out of their at-home viewing experience. The Multiscreen Edition includes Blu-ray and a Digital copy, giving viewers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices. Those with 4K Ultra HD capability may opt for a 4K UHD Ultimate Collector’s Edition, including 4K UHD, Blu-ray and a Digital copy. 4K Ultra HD provides four times the resolution of HD paired with fully immersive picture and sound and Dolby Atmos audio, allowing viewers at home to practically feel the Force.
On March 31, coinciding with the physical release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, eight Star Wars films are being released on 4K UHD for the first time: Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: A New Hope, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS:
FEATURE RUN TIME: Approximately 142 min.
RATING: PG-13 in U.S.; PG in CE; G in CF
ASPECT RATIO: 2.39:1
AUDIO: 4K UHD Blu-ray = English Dolby Atmos, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, French and Spanish 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus
Blu-ray = English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
DVD = English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio
UHD Digital = English Dolby Atmos (some platforms), English 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, English Descriptive Audio 2.0 Dolby Digital (some platforms)
HD Digital = English 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, English Descriptive Audio 2.0 Dolby Digital (some platforms)
SD Digital = English 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, English Descriptive Audio 2.0 Dolby Digital (some platforms)
SUBTITLES: 4K UHD Blu-ray = English SDH, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish and French
Blu-ray = English SDH, Spanish and French
DVD = English SDH, Spanish and French
Digital = English SDH, French, Spanish (some platforms)
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Website: https://www.starwars.com/films/star-wars-episode-ix-the-rise-of-skywalker
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/starwars
Twitter: https://twitter.com/starwars
Instagram: http://instagram.com/starwars
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/starwars
ABOUT STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER:
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker stars Carrie Fisher (Leia Organa), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), Daisy Ridley (Rey), John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Naomi Ackie (Jannah), Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux), Richard E. Grant (General Pryde), Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata), Keri Russell (Zorii Bliss), Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca), Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico), with Ian McDiarmid (Emperor Palpatine) and Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian).
The film is directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Abrams and Michelle Rejwan. Callum Greene, Tommy Gormley and Jason McGatlin serve as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Chris Terrio & J.J. Abrams and the story is by Derek Connolly & Colin Trevorrow and J.J. Abrams & Chris Terrio, based on characters created by George Lucas. Composer John Williams, who has scored every episode in the Skywalker saga since 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope, returns for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
ABOUT LUCASFILM LTD.
Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company's activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California. Lucasfilm, the Lucasfilm logo, STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. ©2020 & TM Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
MOVIES ANYWHERE (MA):
Movies Anywhere simplifies and enhances the digital movie collection and viewing experience by allowing consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place when purchased or redeemed through participating digital retailers. Movies Anywhere brings together the movies from Sony Pictures Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox Film, Universal Pictures (including DreamWorks and Illumination Entertainment), The Walt Disney Studios (including Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm), and Warner Bros. Participating digital retailers are iTunes. Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Google Play, Microsoft Movies & TV and FandangoNOW. Movies Anywhere offers a library of over 7,500 digital movies, including new releases, and will continue to expand the consumer experience as more content providers, digital retailers and platforms are added. Using the free Movies Anywhere app and website, consumers can connect their Movies Anywhere account with participating digital retailers and enjoy their favorite digital movies from the comfort of their living room and across multiple devices and platforms, including Amazon Fire devices; Android devices and Android TV; Apple TV; Chromecast; iPhone, iPad and iPod touch; Roku® devices, Windows 10 and Xbox devices; and popular browsers. Consumers can also redeem digital codes found in eligible Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD packages from participating studios and enjoy them through Movies Anywhere.
ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS:
For over 95 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today it brings quality movies, episodic storytelling, music, and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. The Walt Disney Studios encompasses a collection of respected film studios, including Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disneynature, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Twentieth Century Fox, Fox Searchlight Pictures, and Blue Sky Studios. It is also home to Walt Disney Records, Hollywood Records, and Disney Theatrical Productions, producer of world-class stage shows.
EDIT: As of Wednesday, Jan 22 at 9:10am this contest is now CLOSED! Thank you for participating, winners will be notified shortly.
Thanks to the incredibly kind folks at Paramount Pictures, we have THREE copies of the Beverly Hills Cop Trilogy Blu-ray and we have THREE copies of Gemini Man 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray to give away by 9AM (EST) Wednesday, Jan 22nd!
Paramount delivered one hell of a beautiful 4K UHD Blu-ray with Gemini Man presented in native 4K 60fps. On top of that, they delivered a full trilogy set of Eddy Murphy Beverly Hills Cop hilarity all wrapped up in one nice neat little package complete with recent remasters so the films look better than ever! You have a chance to take one of these bad boys home and add to your collection!
1) Like & Share this Post and Follow High-Def Digest on Facebook
2) POST this article to your Facebook with a gif of Will Smith or Eddy Murphy tagging High-Def Digest using hashtag #GeminiMan4KGiveaway or #BeverlyHillsCopGiveaway. You can create two different posts to be considered for both titles - but you can't win both. If you win one, you're no longer considered for the second title.
If Facebook won't let you include a gif with the link to this article - post the gif as a followup comment in your post.
3) Lastly - COMMENT below (on this page), with your favorite Eddy Murphy or Will Smith quote with the movie or show title so we know you're you!
At 5AM EST on Wednesday, Jan 22nd 2020!
Again, you CAN enter for a chance to win Gemini Man 4K or Beverly Hills Cop Trilogy Blu-ray, but you can only win one of them. The winners for each contest will be selected at RANDOM, notified in the comments below, and given 24 hours to message us directly on Facebook with their preferred shipping information. If we don't hear from you - after 24 hours, we'll move onto the next random winner, and so on until all copies are called for.
By entering or participating in this giveaway, participants agree to be bound by High-Def Digest's Official Rules, which you can read in full HERE. Contest is open to residents within the United States. Sadly can't send to P.O. Boxes or outside of the U.S.
Good luck to you all!
LOCKED AND LOADED WITH BONUS CONTENT INCLUDING NINE ALTERNATE & EXTENDED SCENES, A HILARIOUS BLOOPER REEL AND MORE!
Remember to limber up and beware of bathrooms, as Woody Harrelson (Venom), Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network), Abigail Breslin (“Scream Queens”) and Emma Stone (La La Land) return to the United States of Zombieland ten years after their first undead adventure for Ruben Fleischer’s long-awaited ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP coming to Digital December 24 and 4K Ultra HDTM, Blu-rayTM and DVD January 21 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.
Experience an all-new adventure with some of your favorite zombie apocalypse survivors, as well as newcomers Rosario Dawson (TV’s “The Defenders”), Zoey Deutch (TV’s “The Politician”), Luke Wilson (Old School), Avan Jogia (Shaft), and Thomas Middleditch (TV’s “Silicon Valley”).
Set one decade after the events of the first film, ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP finds Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), and Wichita (Emma Stone) working together as a well-oiled, zombie-killing machine with a new home in the now-vacant White House. These four slayers must face off against the many new kinds of zombies that have evolved since the first movie, as well as some new human survivors. But most of all, they have to face the growing pains of their own snarky, makeshift family.
In addition to the film’s on-screen reunion, ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP brings back several fan-favorites behind the camera as well. Director Ruben Fleischer returns to the Zombieland universe after the blockbuster debut of Venom in 2018, directing a script penned by original Zombieland screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, in addition to Dave Callaham, solidifying ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP as an event ten years in the making.
The bonus materials for ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP include audio commentary by Ruben Fleischer, a hilarious blooper reel, nine alternate & extended scenes, and several behind-the-scenes featurettes diving into the making of the film and more!
ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP has a runtime of approximately 99 minutes and is rated R for bloody violence, language throughout, some drug and sexual content. The IMAX® Enhanced 4K Ultra HDTM edition features digitally remastered content presented with High Dynamic Range and DTS:X® audio for a more immersive at-home entertainment experience.
ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP BONUS MATERIALS
Extended Bloopers & Outtakes
Alternate & Extended Scenes
“The Beast is Gone”: Tragedy falls upon Tallahassee.
“Van Rides”: A vehicle says a lot about a person.
“Would of Never Met”: Wichita and Columbus discuss what their lives would have been like if not for the zombie apocalypse.
“In Bed”: Tallahassee’s still got it!
“Breakfast at Babylon”: Cruelty-free breakfast and conversation.
“Car Ride”: Road trips were made for family bonding.
“Melting Gun”: Tallahassee says goodbye to another friend.
“There’s a Party Tonight”: I don’t want to hang out with a bunch of hippies.
“Alternate Proposal”: Love is the perfect mix of cool and uncool.
“The Doppelgangers”: From stunts to special effects, this in-depth piece breaks down doppelgangers Flagstaff and Albuquerque and comes complete with interviews, demonstrations, and multiple cameras to snag all the action in their wild scenes.
“The Rides of Zombieland”: From the Beast to Big Fat Death (and a hated Pontiac Trans Sport in between) this short focuses on the rides that get our main characters around Z-land.
“Rules of Making a Zombie Film”: It takes a lot of rules and a lot of people to make a zombie film!
“Making Babylon”: Explore the climactic third act location in the film known in Zombieland as Babylon. Part fortress, part freshman dormitory, Babylon is the safe-place for a generation of misguided peace-loving retro-hippies.
“New Blood”: Rosario Dawson, Zoey Deutch, and Avan Jogia join our zombie-slaying cast.
“Single Take Doppelganger Fight”: Ruben Fleischer shares the camera monitor during the Doppelganger fight sequence.
Commentary with Director Ruben Fleischer
“Zombieland Ad Council”
CAST AND CREW
Cast: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Abigail Breslin, Emma Stone, Rosario Dawson, Zoey Deutch, Luke Wilson, Avan Jogia, Thomas Middleditch
Executive Producers: Paul Wernick, Rhett Reese, Rebecca Rivo, Ruben Fleischer, David Bernad, Jack Heller, Doug Belgrad
Written By: Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick and Dave Callaham
Producer: Gavin Polone
Director: Ruben Fleischer
After its first week, Disney's Frozen II has already brought in nearly $500 Million worldwide. Coming six-years after the original Frozen, which remained in the top 10 at the box office for a whopping 17 weeks and ultimately took in $1.27 Billion. A speculative street date would not likely be any bit sooner than April 2020.
With several options available, particularly with retailer exclusives, it might be wise to secure your copy today if the retailer exclusive is your desire.
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According to a recent ZDNet article, thousands of users have reported their accounts have been compromised - some have been locked out altogether. While after a week of notable glitches, this would sound like more bad news. However, if you dig into the story more and read past the sensational headlines that have been spreading around like wildfire in the last 24 hours, it reads more as if folks didn't create new unique passwords for their accounts and simply recycled one that was already compromised. In other cases, it sounds like key-stroke logging malware or info-stealing software could be the culprit rather than a true hack of Disney+.
As users accounts are apparently being sold on the dark web, Disney+ has a big customer service problem on their hands. Obviously people are upset so some tweets and Facebook posts are less than thrilled with Disney's customer service, but at the same time, it is troubling that there doesn't appear to be any contingency plan in place for an event such as this. While most folks' experience with the streaming platform has been relatively problem-free (I keep having to turn off subtitles but that's it), this simple case of people not taking their cybersecurity seriously is turning into more bad press for Disney+ after their slightly bumpy rollout and news that torrent sites already offer full rips of their content.
Create Unique Passwords
This is a bit of a no-brainer but it still needs to be said: create unique passwords for your accounts! While it's tempting to share accounts you also need to be careful who you share your login information with - that person's computer could be compromised and be the source of your troubles. As our viewing content moves towards streaming, it's going to be that much more important that we stay vigilant with our logins/passwords and our cybersecurity as a whole.
