Archived On The Mark - August, 2006

August 31, 2006 - LATE UPDATE -Here is a DVD review of Warner Home Video's "Poseidon: Two-Disc Special Edition." Fox has announced a bunch of Blu-ray Disc titles to debut on November 14, 2006 along with a day and date release of "Ice Age: The Meltdown" on Blu-ray Disc and DVD on Tuesday, November 21, 2006. I have added the titles to the upcoming DVD/HD DVD/Blu-ray Disc Calendar along with other announced media releases, which you can read by clicking here or on the (Coming Soon) button above. I'll be working on more media reviews over the holiday weekend, but this will be my last update before Labor Day barring something unforeseen. So I wish you all a relaxing, pleasant, and safe Labor Day Weekend and look forward to seeing you all back here on Tuesday, September 5th. Thank you.

August 31, 2006 - Warner Home Video has announced 10 high definition optical disc format movies divided up respectively between Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD releases. Here is information on the new releases on the press release below. I am working on another DVD review before the holiday weekend and will be back later with a link so please stay tuned.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 WARNER HOME VIDEO TO RELEASE
RECORD TEN HIGH DEFINITION
 MEDIA TITLES SEPTEMBER 26

Burbank, California (August 30, 2006) – On September 26, Warner Home Video -- continuing to take the leadership role in the introduction of next generation home viewing -- debuts 10 High Definition titles, the most any studio has released on a single day. Coming to Blu-ray will be Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, Swordfish, Space Cowboys, Lethal Weapon 2, The Fugitive and House of Wax. Making their HD DVD debuts are The Dirty Dozen, Grand Prix, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and The Adventures of Robin Hood. All titles will be available for $28.99 SRP. All bonus materials on the Standard Definition versions of these titles will be included on the HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc versions.

Special Notes

Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride is the first full length animated film to be released in high definition, making its debut in the Blu-ray format…Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines’ IME (In-Movie Experience) will feature director Jonathan Mostow taking fans on a journey to the heart of the T3 experience… Bugs Bunny and Ultra-Resolution come to DVD! The Adventures of Robin Hood, restored with Warner’s patented Ultra-Resolution process, will look especially terrific… as will three Looney Tunes, marking the first High Definition release of Looney Tunes, or any classic animation.

About the Blu-ray Movies

Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride - Set in a 19th century European village, this stop-motion animated feature follows the story of Victor (voiced by Johnny Depp), a young man who is whisked away to the underworld and wed to a mysterious Corpse Bride, while his real bride, Victoria, waits bereft in the land of the living. Though life in the Land of the Dead proves to be a lot more colorful than his strict Victorian upbringing, Victor learns that there is nothing in this world, or the next, that can keep him away from his one true love.

Swordfish is a suspenseful and action-packed story of the world’s best computer hacker (Hugh Jackman) becoming entangled in a cyber-heist masterminded by a charismatic mystery man (John Travolta). The daring theft of a government slush fund (code-named Swordfish) becomes a high-stakes game of life and death that keeps everyone guessing until the end. ce Cowboys - Clint Eastwood’s rocket-powered action hit stars Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland and Ja

Lethal Weapon 2 - Mel Gibson and Danny Glover are at it again (with more than four added minutes) in this blockbuster sequel. Joe Pesci makes his first appearance in the series as Leo (“OK, OK”) Getz.

The Fugitive, which stars Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones is the box-office hit and Best picture Oscar^® -nominated motion picture based on the long-running TV series about a surgeon falsely accused of killing his wife.

HD DVDs

The Dirty Dozen - Lee Marvin portrays tough-as-nails Major John Reisman, assigned to command a squad of misfits on a suicide mission against Nazi brass on the eve of D-Day in occupied France. With no other chance for redemption, this group of convicts, psychos, lunkheads and losers will earn their freedom -- IF they can survive.

Grand Prix was shot in stunning locations throughout France, Italy, Monaco, England and Belgium at a series of races, winding up at the British Grand Prix, where glory awaits one champion and tragedy another.  The film also offers a rare glimpse inside the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy. 

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines - Arnold Schwarzenegger dons his trademark shades and leather jacket to return as a time-traveling T-101 Terminator in this smash hit directed by Jonathan Mostow. He’s back to protect youthful Earth Resistance leader John Connor (Nick Stahl) and an unsuspecting veterinarian (Claire Danes) who’s stunned to learn her destiny is linked with Connor.

The Adventures of Robin Hood - This lavish, fast-paced version of the Robin Hood legend won three Academy Awards^® (Best Film Editing, Interior Decoration and Original Score). Doing many stunts himself, Errol Flynn is at his athletic, romantic best in a role originally intended for James Cagney. Olivia de Havilland (Maid Marian), as well as consummate screen villains Basil Rathbone and Claude Rains round out the all-star cast.

Warner Home Video HD DVDs and Blu-ray Discs offer resolution six times higher than standard definition DVDs, as well as extraordinarily vibrant contrast and color and beautifully crisp sound. The new formats also provide a higher level of interactivity, with instant access to extra features via a seamless menu-bar where viewers can enjoy features without leaving or interrupting the film.

August 30, 2006 - Here is a DVD review of Lionsgate Entertainment's "Stephen King's Desperation." BCI Entertainment has created a new label for their genre and cult film titles on DVD and HD DVD as well as Blu-ray Disc.  Below is  the Brand logo for Deimos Entertainment as well as the press release, which contains information on upcoming titles as well.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 29, 2006

NAVARRE CORPORATION’S BCI ANNOUNCES THE DEIMOS BRAND OF DVD TITLES

New Unit To Be Devoted To Classic Horror, Cult and Sci-Fi Releases

Los Angeles, CA – As illustrated by its recent “Crypt of Terror” collection, BCI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation, is putting its marketing and distribution muscle behind a dedicated line of genre-specific titles.  This direction has led to the announcement of the Deimos Brand, which will focus on classic horror, cult and sci-fi DVD releases.  The announcement was made today by Cliff MacMillan, Director of Acquisitions, BCI.

“With the tremendous success over the past several years of cult—specifically horror—films at the box office, there is no question that this genre has a dedicated fan base looking to satiate itself with as much product that is available,” said MacMillan.  “The Deimos Brand has been created to meet the needs of this very important consumer demographic.”

The Deimos Brand will feature the following new lines of product, many that will include such special features as audio commentaries, deleted scenes, trailers, TV spots, interviews and DVD-ROM features:

• Horror—Crypt of Terror and The Spanish Horror Collection
• Sci-Fi—“Galaxina”
• Cult—titles such as “Don’t Answer the Phone” and The Starlite Drive-In Theater series

The initial titles already released under the Deimos Brand include “Galaxina” and the Crypt of Terror double features “Night of the Bloody Apes/Curse of the Doll People” and “Cemetery of Terror/Grave Robbers.”

Upcoming titles include:

Crypt of Terror Collection

Land of the Minotaur—Tourists visiting a Greek Archaeological site are abducted by a strange cult, intent on sacrificing them to their God, the Minotaur.  Starring horror legends Peter Cushing and Donald Pleasence.

Terror—When filmmaker James Garrick holds a screening party for a movie about the violent deaths of his real-life ancestors, party guests suddenly start meeting their own untimely deaths.  Could the curse of one of Garrick’s deceased relatives be seeking vengeance centuries later?

Brain Twister—A college student uncovers a demented study, as her science professor is conducting experiments on the human brain.  As the professor’s tests intensify, his subjects take on Jekyll/Hyde personalities, experiencing seizures, signs of madness and hallucinations, leading to a rash of campus-wide homicides and suicides.

Prime Evil—A sect of monks has taken up shop in New York City, having achieved immortality through a pact with the devil.  Bringing with them a ritual of sacrificing blood relations at 13 year intervals, the monks set off a series of bizarre deaths and disappearances, leading to a city-wide investigation.

Don’t Panic—After Michael receives a Ouija board as a gift from his friend Tony, the two boys unknowingly unlock an evil force that leads to a wave of violent deaths around town.  Is Michael the killer, and is he possessed by the Ouija spirit?

The Demon Rat—In a futuristic society, environmental pollution has taken over the world, and toxic chemicals have produced a rash of monstrously mutated animals and insects. 

Embryo—While performing experiments on the human fetus, Dr. Paul Holliston (Rock Hudson) discovers a way to accelerate the fetus into an adult in four and a half weeks.  But things suddenly get out of hand when the fetus-turned-adult becomes a homicidal killer.

Lord Shango—In a bizarre case of body-shifting spirits, a young girl watches as the spirit of her dead lover enters the body of her mother’s boyfriend.  Once the girl becomes pregnant, things spin out of control, as the townsfolk begin to wonder of the child is of a higher power.

Spanish Horror Collection

Night of the Werewolf—Filmed in the real castles of Spain, “Night of the Werewolf” represents one of the most impressive works of renowned Spanish Horror master Paul Naschy.  Filled with werewolf transformations, seductive vampire women, bloody stakes and piercing silver daggers, the film remains one of the crowning glories of international horror cinema.

Vengeance of the Zombies—Paul Naschy stars is triple-threat performances as a Hindu mystic, his evil brother, and the Devil himself.  Zombies, satanic voodoo rituals and gruesome killings head a bizarre ride in true “Euro-cult” tradition.

Starlite Drive-In Theater

The Madmen of Mandoras (aka They Saved Hitler’s Brain)—After giving a speech about the deadliest gas nerve ever developed, Dr. John Coleman mysteriously vanishes.  He is believed to be on the island of Mandoras, where years earlier, a group of fanatics from Nazi Germany carried out a secret experiment to give eternal life to the brain of Adolph Hitler.

The Devil’s Hand—Rick Turner experiences a bizarre case of ménages a trois when the beautiful woman that haunts his dreams mysteriously appears in the face of a doll at the local shop.  When Rick then notices that another doll strangely looks exactly like his fiancé, he finds himself caught in the throws of a satanic cult.

About Navarre Corporation

Navarre Corporation is a publisher and distributor of physical and digital home entertainment and multimedia products, including PC software, CD audio, DVD video, video games and accessories. Since its founding in 1983, the Company has established distribution relationships with customers across a wide spectrum of retail channels which includes mass merchants, discount, wholesale club, office and music superstores, military and e-tailers nationwide. The Company currently provides its products to over 19,000 retail and distribution center locations throughout the United States and Canada. Navarre has expanded its business to include the licensing and publishing of home entertainment and multimedia content, primarily through the acquisitions of Encore, BCI, and FUNimation. For more information, please visit the Company's web site at http://www.navarre.com.

About BCI

August 29, 2006 - Here is a DVD set review of HIT Entertainment's Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment's "Fraggle Rock: The Complete Second Season."

August 28, 2006 - Here is a combined DVD review of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment's "Romancing The Stone: Special Edition" and "The Jewel Of The Nile: Special Edition."

August 24, 2006 - Here is a DVD set review of Paramount Home Entertainment's "Threshold: The Complete Series."

August 22, 2006 - Here is a DVD set review of Universal Studios Home Entertainment's "Surface: The Complete Series." Though it will not be available in the USA for a few months, especially since series 2 will not even debut on SCI FI until September 29, 2006, you can get a possible idea of what the series 2 DVD set may look like by taking a look at the Region 2 PAL version box art below that debuts in the U.K. in November. Amazon.UK will also have an exclusive gift set in a Cyberman's head packaging similar to the original DVD release of Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Epic Series" from Universal Studios home Entertainment appeared a few years ago. An image of what it may look like is below too.

Lionsgate has delayed the second wave of Blu-ray Disc titles, which include Total Recall, The Devil's Rejects, Stargate, and Stir Of Echoes by one week. They are now expected to debut on August 29, 2006. Finally Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced the Blu-ray Disc version of "Click," which will debut day and date with the DVD and UMD Video For PSP counterparts on Tuesday, October 10, 2006. You can read all about in the press release below.

GOLDEN GLOBE®-NOMINEE ADAM SANDLER, OSCAR®-WINNER CHRISTOPHER WALKEN AND KATE BECKINSALE “CLICK” IN THIS HEART-WARMING COMEDY

CLICK

- Debuts on Special Edition DVD, Blu-ray Disc® and PSP™ October 10-

Culver City, Calif. (August 21, 2006) –Sony Pictures Home Entertainment presents the hilarious summer blockbuster Click, which will be available for purchase on Special Edition DVD, Blu-ray Disc® and PSP, on October 10.  From director Frank Coraci (The Wedding Singer), Click stars producer Adam Sandler (50 First Dates, Big Daddy), Kate Beckinsale (Underworld, The Aviator) and Oscar®-winner Christopher Walken (Catch Me If You Can, Wedding Crashers).  Written by Emmy®-nominated Steven Koren (TV’s “Seinfeld”) and Mark O'Keefe (Bruce Almighty) the film follows family man Michael Newman (Sandler) as he learns to be careful what he “clicks for” when he stumbles upon a universal remote control that allows him to fast-forward through parts of his life. Click was shot entirely in high definition to capture the film’s poignant and humorous remote-controlled moments with pristine picture and superior sound quality. This comedy will be available in anamorphic Widescreen format DVD (SRP $28.95), on Universal Media Disc* (UMD™) for the Sony Playstation Portable™ (PSP™) (SRP $28.95) and in the new high-definition Blu-ray Disc® format for an SRP of $38.95.

Synopsis:
In Click, Michael Newman (Sandler) is a family man with a busy career as an architect leaving minimal time for his wife Donna (Beckinsale) and two kids.  Unable one day to determine which of his many remotes turns on the television, he decides that a universal remote control will solve all of his problems. On Michael’s search for the perfect device, he meets Morty (Walken), who gives him a one-of-a-kind remote with magical powers that allow him to perform TiVo-like functions.  As Michael fast-forwards through annoying quarrels with his wife and mutes the barks and begging of Sundance, the family dog, he begins to feel in control of his career and personal life.   However, when the remote starts to override his choices, Michael begins to truly appreciate and embrace the life he already has – the good, the bad and the ugly.

DVD BONUS FEATURES INCLUDE
* Deleted Scenes
* Audio Commentary with Adam Sandler, Director Frank Coraci, Executive Producer Tim Herlihy and Writer Steve Koren
* “Car of the Future” Featurette
o A look at the futuristic cars created for the film
* “Design My Universe” Featurette
o Inside look at the Production Design
*  “Dog, Dog, Duck”
o Behind the scenes working with the dogs
* “Fine Cooking” Featurette
o Additional “Fat Suit” Footage
* “Director’s Take”
o Featurette on Director Frank Coraci
* “Make Me Old and Fat”
o Featurette on the make-up effects of  the film
* “FX of Click”
o Special Effects Featurette
* Audio: English 5.1, French 5.1
* Subtitles: English, French

August 19, 2006 - Here are full details on Lionsgate's second wave of Blu-Ray Disc titles, which street this Tuesday, August 22, 2006.

BLU-RAY WAVE 2:

Stir of echoes

stargate

total recall

THE devil’s rejects

Street Date: 8/22/06

Order Date: 7/26/06

DVD SRP: $29.99

Lionsgate announces their second wave of next-generation high-definition Blu-ray Discs featuring a variety of genres including action, thriller, science-fiction and horror, all available on August 22 at a $29.99 SRP.

STIR OF ECHOES PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Starring Kevin Bacon (Mystic River, Apollo 13), and Illeana Douglas (To Die For, HBO’s “Six Feet under”), Stir of Echoes follows Tom (Bacon) and his family as their lives catapult into a terrifying ghost chase after he is hypnotized by his sister-in-law Lisa (Douglas).

*DVD SPECIAL FEATURES

·                        Audio commentary with director David Koepp

·                        “Sight of Spirits: Channeling the Paranormal” featurette

·                        Deleted scenes

STARGATE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This all-time sci-fi favorite stars Kurt Russell (Poseidon, Sky High), James Spader (TV’s “Boston Legal,” Secretary) and Jaye Davidson (The Crying Game) and was written by Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow) and Dean Devlin (Godzilla, Independence Day).  When Professor Daniel Jackson (Spader) innocently accepts the offer of a mysterious woman to decode an ancient Egyptian artifact known only as the Stargate, he unwittingly takes the first steps on an epic adventure that will span galaxies and decide the fate of an entire planet.

*DVD SPECIAL FEATURES

·                        Audio commentary with writer/director Roland Emmerich and writer/producer Dean Devlin

TOTAL RECALL PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger (Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, True Lies) and Sharon Stone (Basic Instinct 2, Broken Flowers), Total Recall takes place in the future and follows the dual-life of Douglas Quaid (Schwarzenegger) as he searches for the truth on the planet Mars and uncovers a bigger conspiracy then he could have ever imagined.