MoFo DVD Hideout Strikes Back

it wasn’t for No Country for Old Men this would’ve been P.T. Anderson’s year. There Will Be Blood was a very strong second place in a very strong year, and there is a very good possibility that future generations will embrace it more ravenously then the Coen brother’s recent triumph. It’s a shame that pop culture is only picking up on the film’s final scene, which out of context isn’t half as shocking. Hopefully this comedic interest means people that would normally avoid hour and a half long period pieces will see and ‘get’ the film. This DVD has big edge enhancement issues, and its extras aren’t really worth the extra bucks. Perhaps, if Anderson’s previous double release of Boogie Nights is any indication, we’ll be seeing a better Blu-ray release, but it also seems entirely possible that Anderson isn’t interested in analyzing his films for us, after all, his last two releases have been entirely without commentary tracks.

Overall
Wristcutters isn’t a love story for all takers, but it should earn its minor cult status over the next few years. I’m recommending it pretty highly, but fully acknowledge that there will be some folks that hate me for it. Lionsgate’s video treatment is pretty dismal, so hopefully interest in this disc will bring about a Blu-ray release some day down the line. Now if you’ll excuse me, I must avoid the traps set up for me in every corner of this town.

Title: V for Vendetta (IMDb)
Starring: Hugo Weaving
Released: 20th May 2008
SRP: $28.99

Further Details:
Warner Home Video has announced the Blu-ray release of V for Vendetta for the 20th of May, priced at around $28.99. Full specs can be found below, along with the artwork. Unfortunately Warner weren't specific about the audio formats.

• 2.40:1 Widescreen Transfer (1080p)
• Audio: English, French, Spanish 5.1
• Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
• In-Movie Experience: Director’s Notebook: Re-imagining a Cult Classic for the 21st Century
• Behind the Story: Designing the Near Future; Remember, Remember: Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot; Freedom! Forever!: Making V for Vendetta; England Prevails: V for Vendetta and the New Wave in Comics
• Additional Footage: Cat Power Montage (Music Video); Saturday Night Live Digital Short - Natalie Portman SNL
• Trailers: Theatrical Trailer (Trailer #2); Soundtrack Album Information

Title: Batman Begins (IMDb)
Starring: Christian Bale
Released: 8th July 2008
SRP: $28.99

Further Details:
Warner Home Video has announced the Blu-ray release of Batman Begins for the 8th of July, priced at around $28.99. A limited edition gift set will also be available on the 8th, priced at around $49.99. Both releases will include 'The Dark Knight Prologue' (the firs t six minute sof the film), while the gift set also features a Batman Begins motion art lenticular, a 32-page booklet including an all-new DC Comics comic book adaptation of The Dark Knight prologue, exclusive photos, script pages and story boards. The Gift Set will also include five Batman Begins collectible postcards with never-before printed key art from the theatrical release, as well as $7.50 'movie cash' towards the purchase of an adult ticket to see The Dark Knight in theatres. Here's the artwork.

Final words




Juno has been one of the most talked about films of the year. Like it, hate it, or fall somewhere in the middle, you no doubt have an opinion on the movie, but one thing should be close to unanimous: it is very well made and acted, something every film fan should be able to appreciate, respect, and admire. Brimming with edgy, trendy dialogue, a timely (and timeless) story, and well-drawn characters, Juno is definitely a movie worth seeing if you have not already. Those who loved this movie will be most eager to add it to their Blu-ray collection. Sporting fine video and audio quality that both accurately and pleasingly reflect the tone of the story, this Blu-ray edition is not likely to disappoint. The supplements are fairly extensive and entertaining, but their presentation in 480p standard definition proved disappointing. Nevertheless, this Blu-ray disc is bound to find its way into many a collection, and it comes recommended.

Attention, browncoats: there's no date yet, but Fox says it's planning an extensive Blu-ray release for the TV cult phenomenon 'Firefly.'
That's according to TV Shows on DVD, which recently posted an update reporting that they've received confirmation from the studio that it's currently in the early stages of preparing a major Blu-ray box set release of the short-lived but much-beloved Joss Whedon series.
The online rumor mill first started buzzing a couple of weeks ago, after 'Firefly' cast member Jewel Staite revealed to an Australian convention crowd that she'd recently been contacted by Fox in regards to contributing to a new box set release of the complete 'Firefly' series, though no format was specified.
When TV Shows on DVD approached the studio for comment on the rumors, they were reportedly told by a Fox rep that "news travels fast." The rep went on to confirm that a 'Firefly' Blu-ray release is currently in the early development stages, though supplement details and a street date window were a long way off.
Running for only one season to generally low ratings, 'Firefly' nevertheless has gone on to gain one of the most devoted cult followings in the history of network television. When and if the show does arrive on Blu-ray, however, it won't be the first next-gen appearance for the property. Universal previously release the big-screen 'Firefly' spin-off 'Serenity' on HD DVD back in early 2006 (though at press time the studio has not yet announced plans for a Blu-ray version).
Needless to say, watch this space for news on this developing story.
In the meantime, we've added 'Firefly' to the "Release Dates Pending" section of our Blu-ray Release Schedule. Stay tuned!

Final words




You can never have enough Arnold, and Predator is the action superstar at his very best, playing one of his most famous roles against arguably his most famous, cunning, powerful, and frightening villain, in what I consider to be his best movie. This film is the pinnacle of action, starring its greatest star, directed by one of its best helmsman, and introduced the world to one of the most frightening and lethal creatures, ever. One of my favorite movies of all-time, Predator now debuts on Blu-ray in a package that is hard to resist, but also disappointing in its lack of extra content. The video quality is about what I expected, not looking good next to films of more recent production, but definitely benefitting from the high-definition treatment. The audio is vastly superior to any rendition I've heard before, however, and is alone enough to warrant an upgrade to this Blu-ray disc. Fox, for reasons unknown, has released the classic film without the extra material of the most recent DVD release, and has failed to provide other content in its place. Regardless, this disc is as bare-bones as they come, and many fans will be turned off by this oversight. Still, for fans of the film, I believe this disc to be a must-own regardless, even in lieu of the inevitable "double-dip" that will probably show up in a few years.

Final words




No doubt about it, Speed is a major player in action movie history, one of the better ones of the 1990s (or any decade for that matter), a film that is infinitely re-watchable, and one that is simply great entertainment. Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock play very well together, and later starred opposite one another in The Lake House. Everything about Speed just works -- the acting, action, direction, pace, script, and plot -- all come together to create magnificent entertainment. Despite not having seen the DVD versions, I'm willing to go out on a limb and say that this Blu-ray edition is the best this film has ever looked or sounded for the home video market. The video quality is definitely above average, though not top flight. As you might imagine, for a film that took Academy Awards for both (1) Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing, and (2) Best Sound, the audio quality on this Blu-ray disc is superb. A decent but ultimately skimpy group of extras don't necessarily hinder the overall package. Speed is a must-own film in its own right, and owning it on Blu-ray is a no-brainer. Highly recommended!