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July 6
Jason and the Argonauts
(1963) Todd Armstrong, Nancy Kovack, Gary Raymond, Honor Blackman. Special effects legend Ray Harryhausen, who turns 90 this year, solidified his mark as a stop-motion master when this movie hit theaters in 1963. Harryhausen's use of the medium exhilarated audiences as they followed Jason on his journey, encountering behemoth bronze statues, multi-headed serpents and the iconic animated armed skeletons. Through these effects, Harryhausen gave this mythical tale new legs and a provided an enduring spectacle for audiences. In an era before computer generated effects were possible, Harryhausen pioneered advances in stop motion photography which brought his mythic monsters to life -- and blended them so seamlessly among the actors. A towering Cyclops fighting Sinbad and his men on the beach, skeletons with swords fighting the heroes in a duel to the death, Talos, the enormous bronze statue come to life; these are only a few of the amazing creatures which Harryhausen's hands animated with incredibly precise and vivid detail. Each individual creature is alive with realistic movement, musculature, personality and even emotion. The unique world and unmistakable style that he created forever changed the approach to fantasy and special effects filmmaking. Bonus features: Interactive photo gallery with previously unreleased original storyboards of the famous skeleton sequence; new commentaries by Harryhausen, Peter Jackson, three time Oscar-winner for Best Visual Effects Randall William Cook, and film historian Tony Dalton; interview with Harryhausen conducted by director John Landis; two featurettes; "Ray Harryhausen Chronicles" and "The Harryhausen Legacy."
(Sony).
More Titles
"Brooklyn's Finest "(2010) (Anchor Bay), "A Single Man" (2009) (Sony), "Eyeborgs" (2009) (Image Entertainment), "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" (2010) (Music Box Films)
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July 13
In Bruges
(2008) Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes. Bonus features: Deleted scenes, extended scenes, gag reel. (Universal).
Insomnia
(2002) Dir.: Christopher Nolan; Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Hilary Swank, Martin Donovan, Paul Dooley. Bonus features: Four featurettes, two commentaries, more. (Warner).
More Titles
"Greenberg" (2010) (Universal), "Our Family Wedding" (2010) (Fox), "The Bounty Hunter" (2010) (Sony), "Chloe"(2010) (Sony), "Middle of Nowhere" (2008) (Image Entertainment), "Parasomnia" (2008) (E1 Entertainment), "White Collar Season One" (2010) (Fox), "The Greatest" (2009) (National Entertainment Media), "Caught in the Crossfire" (2010) (Lionsgate)
July 20
Black Narcissus
(1947) This explosive work about the conflict between the spirit and the flesh is the epitome of the sensuous style of filmmakers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. A group of nuns -- played by some of Britain's best actresses, including Deborah Kerr, Flora Robson and Jean Simmons -- struggles to establish a convent in the snowcapped Himalayas; isolation, extreme weather, altitude, and culture clashes all conspire to drive the well-intentioned missionaries mad. A darkly grand film that won Oscars for its set design and for its cinematography by Jack Cardiff, "Black Narcissus" is one of the greatest achievements by two of cinema's true visionaries. New, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: Video introduction by French filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier; commentary featuring the late director Michael Powell and filmmaker Martin Scorsese; "The Audacious Adventurer," a 2006 video piece in which Tavernier discusses "Black Narcissus" and Powell; "Profile of Black Narcissus" (2000), a 25-minute documentary; "Painting with Light," a 27-minute documentary about Jack Cardiff's Oscar-winning cinematography on "Black Narcissus"; original theatrical trailer; booklet featuring an essay by film critic Kent Jones. (The Criterion Collection).
Forbidden World (Mutant)
(1982) Jesse Vint, June Chadwick, Dawn Dunlap, Linden Chiles,, Fox Harris, Michael Bowen, Scott Paulin. On the remote planet of Xarbia, a scientific experiment has gone horrifically wrong, mutating into a man-eating organism. With plenty of gratuitous gore, unexpected nudity, surprising bits of black comedy, and an assortment of inspired and inventive special effects. Two-disc set with the remastered theatrical version and the never-before-seen, unrated director's cut. Extras: Commentary by director Allan Holzman, interview with producer Roger Corman, interviews with cast and crew, special effects featurette, poster and still Gallery, original theatrical trailer, additional New World trailers. (Shout! Factory Roger Corman's Cult Classics)
The Red Shoes
(1948) "The Red Shoes," the singular fantasia from Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, is cinema's quintessential backstage drama, as well as one of the most glorious Technicolor visual feasts ever concocted for the screen. Moira Shearer is a rising star ballerina romantically torn between an idealistic composer and a ruthless impresario intent on perfection. Featuring outstanding performances, blazingly beautiful cinematography by Jack Cardiff, Oscar-winning sets and music, and an unforgettable, hallucinatory central dance sequence, this beloved classic, now dazzlingly restored, stands as an enthralling tribute to the life of the artist. New, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: Commentary by film historian Ian Christie, featuring interviews with stars Marius Goring and Moira Shearer, cinematographer Jack Cardiff, composer Brian Easdale, and filmmaker Martin Scorsese; introductory restoration demonstration with Scorsese; "Profile of The Red Shoes" (2000), a 25-minute documentary; video interview with Thelma Schoonmaker Powell, Michael Powell's widow; gallery from Scorsese's collection of "The Red Shoes" memorabilia; "The 'Red Shoes' Sketches," an animated film made from Hein Heckroth's painted storyboards; readings by actor Jeremy Irons of excerpts from Powell and Pressburger's novelization of "The Red Shoes" and the original Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale; theatrical trailer; booklet featuring an essay by film historian Ian Christie. (The Criterion Collection).
More Titles
"Cats & Dogs "(2001) (Warner), "Tin Man" (2007) (Vivendi Entertainment), "Cop Out" (2010) (New Line), "The Losers" (2010) (Warner), "The Runaways" (2010) (Sony), "Mother" (South Korea -- 2010) (Magnolia Home Entertainment)
July 27
Batman: Under the Red Hood
(2010) Voices of Bruce Greenwood, Jensen Ackles, Neil Patrick Harris, John DiMaggio, Jason Issacs. Batman confronts new enemies, old foes and painful memories when a powerful vigilante with a penchant for violence comes to Gotham City in the intense graphic-novel-come-to-life. Latest entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe animated original PG-13 movies. Available as a single DVD, two-disc DVD and Blu-ray disc. Bonus features: "Robin's Story" featurette; "Death in the House of Batman" featurette; four title-themed episodes from Warner Bros. Animation's 20-year history of Batman television series, hand-picked by animation legend Bruce Timm; digital copy. (Warner).
Battlestar Galactica: Season Three
(2004) Five-disc set with 20 episodes, Bonus features: Commentary; U Control: "The Oracle"; U Control: "Battlestar Blips"; Ronald D. Moore's podcast commentaries; BD Live Download Center; "Battlestar Galactica: The Resistance" webisodes; David Eick's video blogs; "Colonial Military Assessment" quiz. (Universal).
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
(2000) Dir.: Ang Lee; Yun-Fat Chow, Michelle Yeoh, Ziyi Zhang, Chen Chang, Sihung Lung, Pei-pei Cheng. Bonus features: Two commentaries: Director Ang Lee and producer James Schamus, and cinematographer Peter Pau; "Unleashing the Dragon: The Making-of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon"; "A Conversation with Michelle Yeoh"; photo gallery; BD-Live. (Sony).
More Titles
"The Secret of the Grain" (2007) (The Criterion Collection), "G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero -- The Movie Special Collectors Edition" (1983) (Shout! Factory), "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon"/"Curse of the Golden Flower"/"House of Flying Daggers" Blu-ray Trilogy (Sony) , "Ip Man" (2008) (Well Go USA), "Stargate Universe (SGU 1.5)" (MGM), "Clash of the Titans" (2010) (Warner), "The Long Good Friday"y (1980) (Image Entertainment), "Time Bandits" (1981) (Image Entertainment), "Mona Lisa" (1986) (Image Entertainment), "Withnail and I" (1987) (Image Entertainment), "Accidents Happen" (2009) (Image Entertainment), "Life After People: The Complete Season Two" (A&E Home Entertainment), "Loose Screws" (1985) (Severin Films), "Repo Men" (2010) (Universal), "Don't Look Up" (2009) (E1 Entertainment), "Operation: Endgame" (2010) (Anchor Bay)
August 3
The Breakfast Club 25th Anniversary Edition
(1985) Dir.: John Hughes; Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Paul Gleason. Bonus features: "Sincerely Yours" 12-part documentary with Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall, Ally Sheedy and other cast members as they reflect on the making of "The Breakfast Club"; "The Most Convenient Definitions -- The Origins of the Brat Pack"; commentary by Judd Nelson and Anthony Michael Hall; BD-LIVE; "My Scenes" bookmark function. (Universal).
Charlie's Angels
(2000) Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, Bill Murray, Sam Rockwell, Kelly Lynch, Tim Curry, Crispin Glover, Matt LeBlanc, LL Cool J, Tom Green, Luke Wilson. Bonus features: Commentary by director McG and cinematographer Russell Carpenter; "Getting G'd Up" profile of director McG; "The Master and the Angel" look behind the martial arts and stunts; "Welcome to Angel World" behind-the-scenes look at the film's set design; "Angelic Attire: Dressing Cameron, Drew and Lucy"; "Angelic Effects"; scene deconstruction: "Wired Angels"; scene deconstruction of the Chinese Alley scene and the wiring work used during filming; deleted scenes; blooper reel; two music videos; movieIQ+sync. (Sony).
Elvis on Tour
(1972) Golden Globe-winning documentary that followed Elvis on a 15-city tour of the United States in 1972, in newly-restored and remastered Blu-ray and DVD versions. Elvis on Tour, considered to be Presley's last film before his death in 1977, was written and directed by Robert Abel and Pierre Adidge, and the cinematographer was Lucien Ballard. Twenty-five musical numbers spotlight Presley's talent, range and showmanship in captivating on-stage performances and intimate backstage rehearsals with his band, including "See See Rider," "Proud Mary," "Burning Love," "Don't Be Cruel," "Teddy Bear," "Hound Dog," "Can't Help Falling in Love with You," "Love Me Tender," "All Shook Up," "Suspicious Minds," "Heartbreak Hotel," "Are You Lonesome Tonight" and more. Bonus features: Elvis' Ed Sullivan Show performance, montage sequences (supervised by Martin Scorsese) showcasing Elvis' early career and movies. The Blu-ray Disc is packaged as a book filled with Elvis photos, quotes, trivia, a tour itinerary, set lists, costumes, and background information about the filming techniques used. Read more about this month's Elvis releases and the celebrations surrounding the 75th anniversary of the rock 'n' roll icon's birth. (Warner).
Elvis Blu-ray Collection
"Elvis on Tour," "Jailhouse Rock" and "Viva Las Vegas," $49.99. (Warner).
James and the Giant Peach: Special Edition
(1996) Dir.: Henry Selick; voices of Simon Callow, Richard Dreyfuss, Jane Leeves, Joanna Lumley, Miriam Margolyes, Pete Postlethwaite, Susan Sarandon, Paul Terry, David Thewlis.Bonus features: "Spike the Aunts Interactive Game," production featurette, "Good News" music video by Randy Newman, still frame gallery. Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack (Disney).
Road to Perdition
(2002) Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law, Daniel Craig, Ciaran Hinds, Jennifer Jason Leigh. New bonus features: Sam Mendes feature introduction, "A Cinematic Life: The Art & Influence of Conrad Hall," "The Library: A Further Exploration of the World of Road to Perdition." Previously released bonus material: Commentary by director Sam Mendes, deleted scenes, "The Making of Road to Perdition." (Paramount).
More Titles
"After.Life" (2009) (Anchor Bay), "To Save a Life" (2009) (Sony), "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" (2010) (Fox), "Heroes: Season 4" (2009-10) (Universal), "Humanoids From the Deep" (1980) (Shout! Factory), "Piranha" (1978) (Shout! Factory), "A Prophet" (2009) (Sony), "Heroes: Season 4" (Universal), "Kick-Ass" (2010) (Lionsgate)
August 10
More Titles
What's Up, Doc? (1972) (Warner), National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) (Warner), National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985) (Warner), "Crumb" (1995) (The Criterion Collection), "Date Night" (2010) (Fox), "Death at a Funeral" (2010) (Sony), "The Joneses" (2010) (Fox), "The Diplomat" (2009) (Vivendi)
August 17
Black Orpheus
(1959) Winner of both the Academy Award for best foreign-language film and the Cannes Film Festival's Palme d'Or, Marcel Camus'" Black Orpheus" (Orfeu negro) brings the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice to the 20th-century madness of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. With its eye-popping photography and ravishing, epochal soundtrack, "Black Orpheus" was a cultural event, kicking off the bossa nova craze that set hi-fis across America spinning. New, restored high-definition digital transfer, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack. Extras: Optional English-dubbed soundtrack; archival interviews with director Marcel Camus and actress Marpessa Dawn; new video interviews with Brazilian cinema scholar Robert Stam, jazz historian Gary Giddins, and Brazilian author Ruy Castro; "A la recherche d' 'Orfeu negro,'" a feature-length documentary about "Black Orpheus's" cultural and musical roots and its resonance in Brazil today; theatrical trailer; booklet featuring an essay by film critic Michael Atkinson. (The Criterion Collection).
William Shakespeare's Hamlet
(1996) Dir.: Kenneth Branagh; Kenneth Branagh, Kate Winslet, Robin Williams, Judi Dench, Billy Crystal, Julie Christie, Gerard Depardieu, Jack Lemmon. Branagh's "Hamlet" represents the first time that the full, uncut Shakespearean text had been recorded on screen. Filmed as an epic, the movie adaptation is recast in a sumptuous 19th century castle. "Hamlet" was the last feature film to date shot using a 65mm negative for 70mm projection. Bonus features: Commentary by Kenneth Branagh and Shakespeare scholar Russell Jackson; introduction by Kenneth Branagh; "To Be on Camera: A History With Hamlet"; 1996 vintage Cannes Film Festival promo; trailer; collectible book containing director and actor biographies, film trivia and more. (Warner).
More Titles
"Nanny McPhee" (2005) (Universal)
August 24
Lost: The Complete Sixth and Final Season
(2010) Five-disc set with 16 episodes $79.99. Bonus features: Bloopers and deleted scenes; commentaries on four episodes ("LA X," "Dr. Linus," "Ab Aeterno" and "Across the Sea"); "The End: Crafting a Final Season" featurette; "A Hero's Journey" featurette; "See You in Another Life, Brotha" featurette that unlocks the mysteries of this season's intriguing flash sideways; "Lost on Location"; plus a featurette that delves deeper into the world of "Lost" with a much-anticipated new chapter of the island's story from executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, "Lost University." (Disney).
Lost: The Complete Collection
(2009) Thirty-six disc set with every episode in the series (Seasons 1 through 6), $229.99.
Extras: More than 30 hours of Season 1-6 bonus materials (previously released materials from Season 1-5 and the all-new Season 6 bonus material); a unique series of featurettes that takes viewers on very personal tours of Oahu where the series was created, with key cast and crew; bonus showcases events ranging from the series cast and crew at San Diego's famed Comic-Con convention to international voice recordings, local events and even fan parties, all of which helped make the show into a worldwide favorite; a closer look at some of the props with cast, writers and producers, exploring their significance, stories and emotional ties to the characters; a look at every character who died on the series; 16 "Lost" "Slapdowns" featurettes showcasing celebrity "Lost" fans who confront executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse to ask press questions about the final season, including the Muppets and cast members Nestor Carbonell, Michael Emerson, Rebecca Mader and more; a special edition collectible "Senet" game as seen in Season 6; a custom "Lost" island replica; an exclusive episode guide; a collectible Ankh; and a black light penlight. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Disney).
More Titles
"The Simpsons: The Complete Thirteenth Season" (Fox), "The Square" (2010) (Sony)
August 31
More Titles
"House: Season Six" (Universal), "Sons of Anarchy Season Two" (Fox), "The Vampire Diaries: The Complete First Season" (Warner), "City Island" (2010) (Anchor Bay), "Harry Brown" (2010) (Sony)
September 7
The Player
(1992) Director: Robert Altman; Stars: Tim Robbins, Greta Scacchi, Fred Ward, Whoopi Goldberg, Peter Gallagher, Cynthia Stevenson, Vincent D'Onofrio, Dean Stockwell, Richard E. Grant, Sydney Pollack, Lyle Lovett. Bonus features: Commentary by director Robert Altman and writer Michael Tolkin, featurette "One on One With Robert Altman," deleted scenes with unused cameo appearances. (Warner).
Stardust
(2007) Claire Danes, Ian McKellen, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer. New bonus features: Commentary by writer-director Matthew Vaughn and writer Jane Goldman, "Crossing the Wall: The Making of Stardust" five-part featurette, "Nothing Is True" featurette; deleted scenes and
blooper reel from the DVD release. (Paramount).
Tommy
(1975) Director: Ken Russell; Stars: Oliver Reed, Ann-Margaret, Roger Daltrey, with appearances by Eric Clapton, Elton John, Tina Turner and Jack Nicholson. Newly restored and remastered in high definition, with a newly remastered 5.1 soundtrack in addition to the original 5.0 Quintaphonic track. Bonus features: movieIQ+sync featuring a "Tommy" playlist, which allows users to access real-time information on the cast, music, trivia and more while watching the movie via BD-Live. (Sony).
Warner Bros. Sci-Fi Action Films
Six films new-to-Blu-ray, $24.98 each: "Forbidden Planet,""Mars Attacks!""THX 1138 Director's Cut,""Lost in Space,""A Scanner Darkly" and "Matrix Reloaded." (Warner).
More Titles
"It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" (1966) (Warner), "The Black Dahlia" (2006) (Universal), "The Skeleton Key" (2005) (Universal), "The Office Season Six" (2009-10) (Universal), "Chuck: The Complete Third Season" (Warner), "Solitary Man" (2010) (Anchor Bay Entertainment), "Smallville: The Complete Ninth Season" (Warner), "Supernatural: The Complete Fifth Season" (Warner)
September 14
Breathless
(1960) There was before "Breathless," and there was after "Breathless." Jean-Luc Godard burst onto the film scene in 1960 with this jazzy, free-form, and sexy homage to the American film genres that inspired him as a writer for Cahiers du cinema. With its lack of polish, surplus of attitude, anything-goes crime narrative, and effervescent young stars Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg, "Breathless" helped launch the French New Wave and ensured that cinema would never be the same. Restored high-definition digital transfer, approved by director of photography Raoul Coutard, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack. Bonus features: Archival interviews with director Jean-Luc Godard and actors Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jean Seberg, and Jean-Pierre Melville; video interviews with Coutard, assistant director Pierre Rissient, and filmmaker D. A. Pennebaker; video essays: one on Jean Seberg and one on "Breathless" as film criticism; "Chambre 12, Hotel du suede," an 80-minute documentary about the making of "Breathless"; "Charlotte et son Jules," a 1959 short by Godard starring Belmondo; French theatrical trailer; booklet featuring writings by Godard and film historian Dudley Andrew, Francois Truffaut's original film treatment, and Godard's scenario. (The Criterion Collection).
Delicatessen
(1991) Directors: Marc Caro, Jean-Pierre Jeunet; stars Dominique Pinon, Marie-Laure Dougnac, Jean-Claude Dreyfus, Karin Viard, Ticky Holgado, Anne-Marie Pisani. Bonus features: Documentary on the film; commentary by co-director Jean-Pierre Jeunet; making-of featurette; the featurette "The Archives of Jean-Pierre Jeunet"; 20-page collectible booklet. (Lionsgate StudioCanal Collection).
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
(1975) Director: Milos Forman. Stars Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Christopher Lloyd, Vincent Schiavelli, Danny DeVito, Brad Dourif, Scatman Crothers, Brad Dourif. 35th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition. Extras: "Completely Cuckoo," a feature-length documentary about the making of the film, commentary by director Milos Forman and producers Michael Douglas and Saul Zaentz, new interview with producer Michael Douglas, deleted scenes, original trailer, collectibles including playing cards, posters, character cards, pre-production correspondence and movie trivia. (Warner).
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
(2001) Theatrical version.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
(2002) Theatrical version.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
(2003) Theatrical version.
Se7en
(1995) Dir.: David Fincher; Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwenyth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey. Remastered with supervision by David Fincher. Blu-ray book includes 32 pages of intense photography and production notes, insight into the making of "Se7en" and a special behind-the-scenes look at the alternate endings. Bonus features: Four commentaries featuring director David Fincher, actors Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman and other collaborators on the film; additional/extended scenes; alternate endings; exploration of the opening title sequence from multiple video angles with various audio mixes and two commentary tracks; production design and still photographs with commentaries; "The Notebooks": Full motion video details "John Doe's" writings.
The Third Man
(1949) Director: Carol Reed; stars Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Orson Welles, Trevor Howard, Bernard Lee. Bonus features: New commentary with assistant director Guy Hamilton, actor Simon Callow and crew member Angela Allen; a new interactive tour of Vienna; the featurette "The Third Man on the Radio"; audio interviews with actor Joseph Cotten and writer Graham Greene; alternative opening (with voiceover by Cotten); interview with and zither performance by Cornelia Mayer; stills gallery; original trailers; 20-page collectible booklet. (Lionsgate StudioCanal Collection).
The Twilight Zone: Season 1
(1959-60) Five-disc set with all 36 episodes, $99.98. All new 1080p high-definition transfers created from the original camera negatives, as well as uncompressed PCM audio, remastered from the original magnetic soundtracks. Bonus features: Extremely rare, never-before-released unofficial "The Twilight Zone" pilot, "The Time Element," written by Rod Serling and hosted by Desi Arnaz; 19 new audio commentaries, featuring "The Twilight Zone Companion" author Marc Scott Zicree, author and film historian Gary Gerani ("Fantastic Television"), author and music historian Steven C. Smith ("A Heart at Fire's Center: The Life and Music of Bernard Herrmann"), music historians John Morgan and William T. Stromberg, writer-producer David Simkins ("Lois & Clark," "Dark Angel"), writer Mark Fergus ("Children of Men," "Iron Man"), actor William Reynolds and director Ted Post; interviews with actors Dana Dillaway, Suzanne Lloyd, Beverly Garland and Ron Masak; "Tales of Tomorrow" episode "What You Need"; vintage audio interview with director of photography George T. Clemens; 1977 syndication promos for "A Stop at Willoughby" and "The After Hours"; 18 radio dramas; 34 isolated music scores featuring the legendary Bernard Herrmann, Jerry Goldsmith and others; commentaries by actors Earl Holliman, Martin Landau, Rod Taylor, Martin Milner, Kevin McCarthy, and CBS executive William Self; vintage audio recollections with actors Burgess Meredith and Anne Francis, directors Douglas Heyes and Richard L. Bare, producer Buck Houghton and writer Richard Matheson; Rod Serling audio lectures from Sherwood Oaks College; Rod Serling promos for "Next Week's" show; original unaired pilot version of "Where Is Everybody?" with Rod Serling's "Network Pitch";
footage of the Emmy Award wins for the series. (Image Entertainment).
More Titles
"Glee: The Complete First Season" (Fox), "Mercury Rising" (1998) (Universal), "Unleashed" (2005) (Universal), "Fringe: The Complete Second Season" (Warner), "The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Third Season" (Warner), "Just Wright" (2010) (Fox)
September 21
American Beauty
(1999) Director: Sam Mendes; stars Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Chris Cooper, Peter Gallagher, Mena Suvari, Wes Bentley, Allison Janney, Scott Bakula. Bonus features: Commentary by Mendes and screenwriter Alan Ball; "American Beauty: Look Closer ...," storyboard presentation with Mendes and director of photography Conrad L. Hall. (Paramount).
Charade
(1963) In this deliciously dark comedic thriller, a trio of crooks relentlessly pursue a young American, played by Audrey Hepburn, outfitted in gorgeous Givenchy, through Paris in an attempt to recover the fortune her dead husband stole from them. The only person she can trust is a suave, mysterious stranger, played by Cary Grant. Director Stanley Donen goes splendidly Hitchcockian for "Charade," a glittering emblem of sixties style and macabre wit. Restored high-definition digital transfer, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack. Bonus features: Commentary featuring director Stanley Donen and screenwriter Peter Stone, original theatrical trailer, booklet featuring an essay by film historian Bruce Eder. (The Criterion Collection).
The Peacemaker
(1997) George Clooney, Nicole Kidman. Bonus features: Stunt Footage, "From the Cutting Room Floor ..." (Paramount).
Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue
(2010) Original full-length CG-animated film explores the Tinker Bell "backstory." Voices: Kristin Chenoweth, Michael Sheen, Mae Whitman, Jesse McCartney, Lucy Liu, Raven-Symone. (Disney).
More Titles
"Spartacus: Blood and Sand -- The Complete First Season" (Anchor Bay)," Stomp the Yard: Homecoming" (2010) (Sony), "Human Target: The Complete First Season" (Warner), "Modern Family: The Complete First Season" (Fox), "Triple Dog" (2009) (Well Go USA), "The Experiment" (2010) (Sony)
September 28
King Kong
(1933) Dir.: Merian C. Cooper; Stars Robert Armstrong, Bruce Cabot, Fay Wray. Newly remastered film is presented in its 1933 entirety and includes scenes that were originally considered too shocking for the 1938-1956 re-releases. Bonus features: Commentary by Ray Harryhausen and Ken Ralston with Merian C. Cooper and Fay Wray; Merian C. Cooper movies trailer gallery; "I'm King Kong! The Exploits of Merian C. Cooper," a 2005 documentary directed by acclaimed filmmakers Kevin Brownlow and Christopher Bird; "RKO Production 601: The Making of Kong, Eighth Wonder of the World" seven-part documentary that delves deeply into just about every aspect of the making of the film; creation test footage with commentary by Ray Harryhausen; Blu-ray Book written by renowned film historian Rudy Behlmer, with 32 pages of rare photography and trivia. Read the complete press release. (Warner).
Superman/Batman: Apocalypse
(2010) Ninth entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe animated original PG-13 Movies. The Man of Steel and the Dark Knight unite once again, this time to battle the powerful forces of Darkseid. Bonus features: "DC Showcase: Green Arrow" short, featurette: "Supergirl: The Last Daughter of Krypton," four bonus episodes from the animated television serie, featurette: "The New Gods" that covers Darkseid's story, featurette pods,
"Orion" mini-featurette, "Mister Miracle" mini-featurette, digital copy. (Warner).
More Titles
"Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" (1983) (The Criterion Collection), "The Thin Red Line" (1998) (The Criterion Collection), "Superman/Batman: Apocalypse" (2010) (Warner), "Frozen" (2010) (Anchor Bay)
October 5
Beauty and the Beast Diamond Edition
((1991) Voices of Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers, Angela Lansbury. The Diamond Collection DVDs have state-of-the-art picture restoration, 7.1 Digital Surround Sound and hours of additional viewing experiences that include behind the scenes features, deleted scenes, enhanced music tracks, immersive games and more. (Disney).
Audience members were frightened out of their wits -- and literally out of their seats. Some ran out of the theater; others got physically ill or couldn't sleep for weeks. Newly remastered in 1080p from the original camera negative, the Blu-ray version includes both the remastered Extended Director's Cut as well as the remastered theatrical version of the film. According to Friedkin, "After my final cut of the original 'The Exorcist,' I took out 12 more minutes before we actually released it in theaters. Years later, Bill Blatty asked if I'd consider reviewing some of that rejected footage (which he always felt should have remained) with an eye towards putting it into a new version. Bill gave me the best piece of material I've ever received and because of that and because the film had such a major reputation over some 25 years, I agreed to revisit all these scenes. When I saw them, I came to realize that Bill was, in fact, right. With technical advances, scenes that didn't work then could now be fixed with CGI and there were others that I thought strengthened the spiritual aspect of the film. Warner agreed and released a whole new theatrical print in 2000 which we called 'The Exorcist: The Version You've Never Seen.' And I now agree with Blatty that this is the best and most complete version." The Blu-ray edition will be packaged with a personal letter written by Friedkin inside a 40-page Blu-ray Digibook featuring photos, cast bios, revealing production notes and more. Disc 1: Extended Director's Cut (2000) plus commentary by William Friedkin; new featurette "Raising Hell: Filming the Exorcist" with set footage produced and photographed by Owen Roizman, camera and makeup tests, and interviews with director William Friedkin, actress Linda Blair, author-screenwriter-producer William Peter Blatty and Owen Roizman; new featurette "The Exorcist Locations: Georgetown Then and Now"; new featurette "Faces of Evil: The Different Versions of The Exorcist" with Friedkin and Blatty discussing the different versions of the film and featuring outtakes; trailers, TV spots & radio spots from the film's 2000 release; Disc 2: Theatrical Cut (1973) plus introduction by Friedkin; commentary by Friedkin; commentary by Blatty; "The Fear of God: 25 Years of The Exorcist" [1998 BBC documentary]; additional interviews with Friedkin and Blatty; original ending; sketches & storyboards; trailers & TV spots from the 1973 version. (Warner).
The Maltese Falcon
(1941) Dir.: John Huston; Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Sydney Greenstreet, Mary Astor, Peter Lorre, Elisha Cook Jr. Newly restored and remastered. Bonus features: Commentary by Bogart biographer Eric Lax; featurette "The Maltese Falcon: One Magnificent Bird"; "Breakdowns of 1941": Studio blooper reel; makeup tests; "Becoming Attractions: The Trailers of Humphrey Bogart"; "Warner Night at the Movies" 1941 short subjects gallery: Newsreel, musical short "The Gay Parisian," two classic cartoons: "Hiawatha's Rabbit Hunt" and "Meet John Doughboy," trailers for "The Maltese Falcon," 1941's "Sergeant York" and 1936's previous Falcon" movie adaptation "Satan Met a Lady"; audio-only bonus: Three radio show adaptations, two featuring the movie's original stars, plus another starring Edward G. Robinson. (Warner).
Ocean's Eleven
(1960) Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, Angie Dickinson, Richard Conte, Cesar Romero, Patrice Wymore, Joey Bishop, Akim Tamiroff, Henry Silva, Ilka Chase, Buddy Lester. 50th Anniversary edition. Commentary by Frank Sinatra Jr. and Angie Dickinson; "Cool Fun: Las Vegas Then and Now" interactive map/gallery featurette; The Tonight Show With Johhny Carson" episode excerpt with guest host Frank Sinatra and guest Angie Dickinson. (Warner).
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
(1947) Director: John Huston; Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Tim Holt, Walter Huston. Bonus features: Commentary by Bogart biographer Eric Lax; featurette "Discovering Treasure: The Story of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre"; feature-length documentary profile on John Huston; uuttakes; classic cartoon: "8 Ball Bunny"; "Warner Night at the Movies 1948" short subjects gallery: Newsreel, Joe McDoakes comedy short "So You Want to Be a Detective," classic cartoon "Hot Cross Bunny," trailers for "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" and 1948's "Key Largo"; audio-only bonus: Radio show adaptation featuring the movie's original stars.
(Warner).
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"The Secret of Kells" (2009) (New Video/Flatiron Film Co.)
October 12
The Darjeeling Limited
(2007) Director Wes Anderson; stars Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman, Anjelica Huston. Three estranged American brothers reunite for a meticulously planned, soul-searching train voyage across India, one year after the death of their father. For reasons involving over-the-counter painkillers, Indian cough syrup, and pepper spray, the brothers eventually find themselves stranded alone in the middle of the desert -- where a new, unplanned chapter of their journey begins. New high-definition digital transfer, supervised and approved by director Wes Anderson. Extras: Anderson's short film "Hotel Chevalier" (part one of "The Darjeeling Limited"), starring Natalie Portman, with commentary by Anderson; commentary featuring Anderson and co-writers Jason Schwartzman and Roman Coppola; behind-the-scenes documentary by Barry Braverman; Anderson and filmmaker James Ivory discuss the film's music; Anderson's American Express commercial; on-set footage shot by Coppola and actor Waris Ahluwalia; audition footage, deleted and alternate scenes, and stills galleries; booklet featuring an essay by critic Richard Brody and original illustrations by Eric Anderson. (The Criterion Collection).
The Extreme Hangover Edition
(2009) Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Heather Graham, Sasha Barrese, Jeffrey Tambor, Ken Jeong, Rachael Harris, Mike Tyson, Mike Epps. Includes both the unrated and theatrical versions of the film. Contains an exclusive never before seen 28-page wedding album featuring missing photos from the ill-fated Vegas wedding and more incriminating photos from the lost camera that you couldn't see in theaters; commentary by Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms and Todd Phillips; "The Madness of Ken Jeong" non-stop improv; "The Dan Band!" performs "Fame"; gag reel; "Three Best Friends Song"; Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis "freestyle" their own song; "Map of Destruction"; "Action Mash-Up" compilation of all the physical comedy from the film; picture-in-picture commentary and BD-LIVE content: "Iron Mike Online Teaser" and "Cursing Mash-Up." (Warner).
The Magician
(1958) Director Ingmar Bergman; stars Max von Sydow, Gunnar Bjornstrand. An engaging, brilliantly conceived tale of deceit from one of cinema's premier illusionists. Von Sydow stars as Dr. Vogler, a mid-19th-century traveling mesmerist and peddler of potions whose magic is put to the test by a small town's cruel, eminently rational minister of health, Dr. Vergerus. The result is a diabolically clever battle of wits that's both frightening and funny, shot in rich, gorgeously gothic black and white. New, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: New visual essay by Bergman scholar Peter Cowie; brief 1967 video interview with director Ingmar Bergman about the film; booklet featuring an essay by critic Geoff Andrew, a reprinted essay by Assayas, and an excerpt from Bergman's autobiography "Images: My Life in Film." (The Criterion Collection).
Three Kings
(1999) George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Ice Cube, Spike Jonze, Cliff Curtis, Nora Dunn, Jamie Kennedy. Bonus features: "Under the Bunker" documentary, tour of the Iraqui village, commentaries, additional scenes, more. (Warner).
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The Lost Boys: The Thirst (2010) (Warner)
October 19
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Ultimate Edition
(2004) Three-disc set, $39.92. Extras: New features: "Creating the World of Harry Potter Part 3: Creatures" and "Tour Nick Dudman's Creature Shop"; additional featurettes: "Creating the Vision" interview with J.K. Rowling and the filmmakers, "Conjuring a Scene: Creating Buckbeak and the Dementors for the Screen," additional scenes, more; 48-page creatures photo book; two collectible character cards: Hermione Granger, Sirius Black; Year 3 lenticular card; bonus digital copy of the theatrical film. (Warner).
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Ultimate Edition
(2005) Three-disc set, $39.92. Extras: New feature: "Creating the World of Harry Potter Part 4: Sound & Music"; additional featurettes: "Preparing for the Yule Ball," conversations with the cast, reflections on the fourth film, more; 44-Page sound & music photo book, two collectible character cards: Ronald Weasley, Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, Year 4 lenticular card, digital copy of the theatrical film. (Warner).
(1960) Director: Alfred Hitchcock. Stars Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Martin Balsam. Remastered with 5.1 Surround Sound. "Psycho Sound" looks at the re-mastering process required to create the 5.1 Surround mix from the original mono elements using Audionamix technology; "The Making of Psycho"; "In the Master's Shadow"; "Hitchcock's Legacy" with some of Hollywood's top filmmakers discussing Hitchcock's influence and why his movies continue to thrill audiences; "Hitchcock/Truffaut Interviews": Excerpts from a 1962 audio interview with Alfred Hitchcock; commentary by Stephen Rebello, author of "Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho"; newsreel footage on the release of "Psycho," showcasing the unique policy Hitchcock insisted upon for the release of the film; "The Shower Scene," a look at the impact of music on the infamous shower scene ;shower scene storyboards by Saul Bass; Production notes; "The Psycho Archives" gallery of on-set photo stills from the film's production; posters and ads gallery; lobby cards gallery; behind-the-scenes photographs; original promotional trailer; re-release trailers. (Universal).
Seven Samurai
(1954) One of the most thrilling movie epics of all time, "Seven Samurai" (Shichinin no samurai) tells the story of a 16th-century village whose desperate inhabitants hire the eponymous warriors to protect them from invading bandits. This three-hour ride from Akira Kurosawa featuring legendary actors Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura seamlessly weaves philosophy and entertainment, delicate human emotions and relentless action, into a rich, evocative, and unforgettable tale of courage and hope. Restored, high-definition digital transfer. Bonus features: Two audio commentaries: one by film scholars David Desser, Joan Mellen, Stephen Prince, Tony Rayns, and Donald Richie and the other by Japanese film expert Michael Jeck; 50-minute documentary on the making of "Seven Samurai"; "My Life in Cinema," a two-hour video conversation between directors Akira Kurosawa and Nagisa Oshima; "Seven Samurai: Origins and Influences," a documentary that looks at the samurai traditions and films that helped shape Kurosawa's masterpiece; theatrical trailers and teaser; gallery of rare posters and behind-the-scenes and production stills; booklet featuring essays by Kenneth Turan, Peter Cowie, Philip Kemp, Peggy Chiao, Alain Silver, Stuart Galbraith, Arthur Penn, and Sidney Lumet, and an interview with Toshiro Mifune from 1993. (The Criterion Collection).
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"Oceans" (2009) (Disney)
October 26
Alien Anthology
Six-disc set with theatrical, director's cut and special editions of all four "Alien" films. Fox has united the material from every home video release of the "Alien" saga including the 1991/1992 laserdisc releases, the 1999 "Legacy" release and 2003's groundbreaking "Alien Quadrilogy" release into one complete Blu-ray collection. The set also includes two versions of each film and over four hours of previously unreleased exclusive material such as original screentests of Sigourney Weaver prior to filming the original "Alien," unseen deleted scenes, thousands of still photographs from the Fox archives, the previously unseen original cut of "Wreckage and Rage: The Making of Alien3," and much, much more. The fifth disc includes five hours of additional video Enhancement Pods created exclusively for this collection, presenting behind-the-scenes footage, raw dailies and interview outtakes from all four films. And the sixth disc is an archive of pre-production, production and post-production featurettes on the four films. Price: $139.99. Read more about "Alien Anthology" here.
Back to the Future: 25th Anniversary Trilogy
Three-disc set with "back to the Future," "Back to the Future Part II" and "Back to the Future Part III." Bonus features: Tales from the Future: New six-part retrospective documentary featuring interviews with Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, director Robert Zemeckis, producers Bob Gale and Neil Canton, plus executive producer Steven Spielberg ("In the Beginning ..." featurette; "Time to Go" production stories; "Keeping Time" musical score featurette; "Time Flies" behind-the-scenes and visual effects featurette; "Third Time's the Charm" featurette; "The Test of Time" featurette on the pop culture impact of the films); "The Physics of Back to the Future" featuette with celebrity best-selling author and physicist Dr. Michio Kaku about the overall appreciation of the science in the trilogy; "Nuclear Test Site" ending storyboard sequence of the original proposed ending of the film; 16 deleted scenes; Michael J. Fox Q&A; Q&A commentaries with director Robert Zemeckis and producer Bob Gale; feature commentaries with producers Bob Gale and Neil Canton; four archival featurettes; eight short behind-the-scenes featuettes; "Back to the Future: The Ride"; two music videos; photo and art galleries. (Universal).
Elf Ultimate Collector's Edition
(2003) Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Edward Asner, Mary Steenburgen, Zooey Deschanel, Daniel Tay, Faizon Love , Peter Dinklage, Amy Sedaris, Michael Lerner, Andy Richter, Kyle Gass, Artie Lange. Packaged in a collectible holiday tin filled with an Elf CD soundtrack sampler, a festive holiday stocking, gift tags and a magnetic picture frame. $49.99.Bonus features: Deleted scenes; "Fact track" reveals history, facts and trivia about the movie; "Beyond the Movie" featurettes: "Deck the Halls," "Christmas in Tinseltown," "Santa Mania," "Kids on Christmas": "All Access Pass" featurettes: "Tag Along With Will Ferrell," "How They Made the North Pole," "Film School for Kids," "That's Wrap," "Lights, Camera, Puffin!"; Fun and Games: Buddy's Adventure Game, Elf Karaoke, read-along, Elf Karaoke, more. (Warner)
House
(1977 -- Japan) How to describe Nobuhiko Obayashi's indescribable 1977 movie "House" (Hausu)? As a psychedelic ghost tale? A stream-of-consciousness bedtime story? An episode of Scooby-Doo as directed by Mario Bava? Any of the above will do for this hallucinatory head trip about a schoolgirl who travels with six classmates to her ailing aunt's creaky country home and comes face-to-face with evil spirits, a demonic house cat, a bloodthirsty piano, and other ghoulish visions, all realized by Obayashi via a series of mattes, animation, and collage effects. Equal parts absurd and nightmarish, "House" might have been beamed to Earth from some other planet. Never before available on home video in the United States, it's one of the most exciting cult discoveries in years. New, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: "Constructing a House," a new video piece featuring interviews with director Nobuhiko Obayashi, story scenarist and daughter of the director Chigumi Obayashi, and screenwriter Chiho Katsura; "Emotion," a 1966 experimental film by Obayashi; new video appreciation by director Ti West ("House of the Devil"); theatrical trailer; an essay by Chuck Stephens. (The Criterion Collection).
Paths of Glory
(1957) Director: Stanley Kubrick; stars Kirk Douglas, Ralph Meeker, Adolphe Menjou, George Macready, Wayne Morris, Richard Anderson, Joe Turkel, Christiane Kubrick, Timothy Carey. A pivotal work by Stanley Kubrick, "Paths of Glory" is among the most powerful antiwar films ever made. A fiery Kirk Douglas stars as a French colonel serving in World War I who goes head-to-head with the army's ruthless top brass when his men are accused of cowardice after being unable to carry out an impossible mission. This haunting, exquisitely photographed dissection of the military machine in all its absurdity and capacity for dehumanization (a theme Kubrick would continue to explore throughout his career) is assembled with its legendary director's customary precision, from its tense trench warfare sequences to its gripping courtroom climax to its ravaging final scene. New, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: New commentary by critic Gary Giddins; television interview from 1979 with Douglas; new video interviews with Kubrick's longtime executive producer Jan Harlan, "Paths of Glory" producer James B. Harris, and actress Christiane Kubrick; excerpt from a French television program about real-life World War I executions similar to the events dramatized in "Paths of Glory"; theatrical trailer; an essay by Kubrick scholar James Naremore. (The Criterion Collection).
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"Star Wars: The Clone Wars: The Complete Season Two" (2010) (Warner)
November 2
The Goonies 25th Anniversary Collector's Edition
(1985) Dir.: Richard Donner; Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Martha Plimpton, Ke Huy-Quan, Joe Pantoliano. Bonus features: Cast commentary with director Richard Donner and the actors, "The Making of The Goonies" documentary, Cyndi Lauper music video "The Goonies 'R Good Enough," deleted scenes. Also comes with a new board game, collectible storyboard prints, a 1985 souvenir magazine with behind-the-scenes stories about the filming in Astoria, Oregon (including the production design that transformed Astoria into the "Goon Docks"), and a reprint of a 2009 article with updates on the cast and crew.
The Pacific
(2010) The 10-part miniseries, $79.99. Bonus features: Interviews, profiles, two companion interactive features across all 10 episodes. (HBO Video).
(1975) Director: Milos Forman. Stars Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Christopher Lloyd, Vincent Schiavelli, Danny DeVito, Brad Dourif, Scatman Crothers, Brad Dourif. 35th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition. Extras: "Completely Cuckoo," a feature-length documentary about the making of the film, commentary by director Milos Forman and producers Michael Douglas and Saul Zaentz, new interview with producer Michael Douglas, deleted scenes, original trailer, collectibles including playing cards, posters, character cards, pre-production correspondence and movie trivia. (Warner).
(1933) Dir.: Merian C. Cooper; Stars Robert Armstrong, Bruce Cabot, Fay Wray. Newly remastered film is presented in its 1933 entirety and includes scenes that were originally considered too shocking for the 1938-1956 re-releases. Bonus features: Commentary by Ray Harryhausen and Ken Ralston with Merian C. Cooper and Fay Wray; Merian C. Cooper movies trailer gallery; "I'm King Kong! The Exploits of Merian C. Cooper," a 2005 documentary directed by acclaimed filmmakers Kevin Brownlow and Christopher Bird; "RKO Production 601: The Making of Kong, Eighth Wonder of the World" seven-part documentary that delves deeply into just about every aspect of the making of the film; creation test footage with commentary by Ray Harryhausen; Blu-ray Book written by renowned film historian Rudy Behlmer, with 32 pages of rare photography and trivia. 
