HK AND CULT FILM NEWS: August 2009

Monday, August 31, 2009

"Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Collection" and "Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death" on DVD/Blu-Ray!

Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Collection includes the All-New Award-Winning Animation A Matter of Loaf and Death and A Grand Day Out--The Wrong Trousers--A Close Shave

Wallace & Gromit’s™ Award-Winning Short Films Available On Blu-Ray Disc And In A Collector’s Four Disc DVD Set For The Very First Time In Stores September 22, 2009 From Lionsgate And HIT Entertainment

They’ve been to the moon, foiled a major diamond heist, broken up a sheep rustling scam and even baked bread in their own bakery. And now, for the first time, fans of the much loved British icons - Wallace and Gromit can enjoy The Complete Collection of multi-award winning short films on a stunning Blu-ray DVD from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. In addition, the four-disc DVD set includes spectacular packaging that features the duo in 3-D molded forms, a must have for all Wallace and Gromit fans.
Created and directed by Nick Park, Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Collection includes all four of their award-winning films: A Grand Day Out (Academy Award® Nominee), The Wrong Trousers (Academy Award® Winner), A Close Shave (Academy Award® Winner) and their latest title, A Matter of Loaf and Death (2008 British Academy Film Award winner) -- their first animation since 2005. This complete Wallace & Gromit Blu-ray set arrives in stores September 22, 2009 and is available for an SRP of $29.99. The four-disc DVD set is also available for an SRP of $29.98. Each format is fully-loaded with almost two hours of special features.

SYNOPSES
Millions of fans agree – no one makes animated mayhem like eccentric inventor Wallace and his faithful dog, Gromit. Join the Oscar® winning sensations for four madcap adventures in their funniest collection yet! Hang on for an out-of-this-world ride as Wallace’s craving for cheese leads to a space rocket adventure in A Grand Day Out. In The Wrong Trousers, Gromit smells something fishy after a penguin moves in and plots to make off with Wallace’s Techno-Trousers. Then it’s time for A Close Shave as Wallace & Gromit get wrapped up in a sheep-rustling scam. Finally, trouble rises after Wallace & Gromit start a bread-baking business and are ensnared in a “who-donut” mystery that becomes… A Matter of Loaf and Death!

BLU-RAY/DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
A Grand Day Out
o Audio commentary with creator Nick Park
o “Amazing Adventures of Wallace & Gromit” featurette
o 4 Cracking Contraptions
The Wrong Trousers
o Audio commentary with creator Nick Park
o “Inside The Wrong Trousers” featurette
o 3 Cracking Contraptions
A Close Shave
o Audio commentary with creator Nick Park
o “How It Was Done” featurette
o 3 Cracking Contraptions
A Matter of Loaf and Death
o Audio Commentaries with the director and editor
o “How They Donut” The Making of A Matter of Loaf and Death featurette
o Demo DVD Rom-Game of Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Adventures
o Shaun the Sheep Off The Baa Bonus Episode

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Year of Production:
A Grand Day Out: 1989
The Wrong Trousers: 1993
A Close Shave: 1995
A Matter of Loaf and Death: 2008
Copyright: © Aardman Animations Ltd 2008
Rating: NR
Type: Blu-ray Premiere/Special Edition
Genre: Children/Family/Animation
Ages: Children of all ages and adult fans of Wallace & Gromit
Closed Captioned: English Closed Captioned
Format: Full Screen
Feature Run Time: 242 minutes
DVD Audio Status: 2.0 Dolby Digital
Program website: www.wallaceandgromit.com

An All-New Who “Donut”-Mystery Caper From the
Hilarious Oscar-Winning Duo

Wallace & Gromit™: A Matter of Loaf and Death
Available on DVD September 22, 2009
From Lionsgate And HIT Entertainment

A “toast” to the return of the British icons Wallace & Gromit™! Rolling out their first half hour adventure since 2005, the hilarious duo is back, brought to life through seamless stop-motion animation and brilliant storytelling from Oscar-winner Nick Park. The highly anticipated Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death arrives on DVD September 22, 2009 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. Winner of the Short Animation 2008 British Academy Film Award, this all new adventure features all of the classic ingredients of a great murder mystery – suspicion, rivalry, love, intrigue and heroism – and is topped off with a large helping of loyalty and friendship, cooking up all you “knead” for fun family viewing!

DVD SYNOPSIS
Wallace and Gromit have opened a new bakery business – Top Bun – but a deadly murderer is targeting all the bakers in town. Wallace couldn’t care – he’s found true love in the shape of Piella Bakewell, former star of the Bake-O-Lite bread commercials. Can Gromit discover the identity of the Cereal Killer before Wallace becomes the next victim?

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
“How They Donut” – The Making of A Matter of Loaf and Death featurette
Audio commentary with director Nick Park and editor David McCormick
Wallace & Gromit Grand Adventure Video Game Demo
Bonus episode Shaun the Sheep™ “Off the Baa!”

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Year of Production: 2008
Copyright: © Aardman Animations Ltd 2008
Rating: NR
Type: Home Entertainment Premiere
Genre: Children/Family/Animation
Ages: Children of all ages and adult fans of Wallace & Gromit
Closed Captioned: English Closed Captioned
Format: Full Screen
Feature Run Time: 30 minutes
87 minutes (including bonus features)
DVD Audio Status: 2.0 Dolby Digital
Program website: www.wallaceandgromit.com

"THE OUR GANG COLLECTION" -- All 52 MGM Shorts Together on DVD for the First Time 9/1 from the Warner Archive

Alfalfa, Spanky, Buck Wheat and the rest of the gang arrive on September 1 on the Warner Archive in The Our Gang Collection that headlines a stellar line-up of new releases. This new five-disc DVD set contains all 52 of the “Our Gang” shorts produced by MGM between 1938 and 1944 in their original, uncut form as first seen in theaters at a limited time special price of $34.99 only at www.warnerarchive.com.

Among the episodes in the Collection are “Party Fever,” “The Little Ranger,” “Alfalfa’s Aunt,” “Don’t Lie” and dozens more. Also seen in the cast are Froggy, Porky, and even little Mickey Guibitosi, who soon changed his screen name to Bobby (Robert) Blake. This collection marks the first ever home video release of the entire group of the 52 MGM shorts, news sure to be welcomed by the hordes of “Our Gang” fans out there. The “Our Gang” comedies are the first in a series of monthly Warner Archive Collection releases to be drawn from a library of classic theatrical short subjects originally produced by both Warner Bros. and MGM.

View a clip from the collection

Also coming to the Warner Archive in September are the “Dogville” shorts, Wrestling Ernest Hemingway, Airbourne and many more. Please visit www.warnerarchive to view the vast selection of wonderful classic titles including treasures from the silent film era; rarely seen films starring Hollywood legends like Cary Grant, Clark Gable, Bette Davis; and Sci-fi cult classics like Doc Savage, Countdown and others.

Synopsis:
Spanky, Alfalfa, Buckwheat, Porky, Darla, Mickey, Waldo and Froggy have long been names to conjure with in the annals of screen comedy. They’re fun-loving members of Our Gang, one of the most beloved bunches of movie kids ever. And with this fabulous 5-Disc Collection of 52 Theatrical Shorts, you’ve struck the mother lode of laughter from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Popularized on television for generations following their run in theatres, these rib-tickling short subjects showcased an ensemble of groundbreakingly diverse youngsters, many of whom were skilled at song as well as slapstick. If you belong to the legions of this mischievous gang’s fans, this compilation (covering the years 1938-1944) of mirthful memories and lasting laughter belongs in your home collection.

Disc 1 (1938 - 1939)
Little Ranger, The
Party Fever
Aladdin's Lantern
Men In Fright
Football Romeo
Practical Jokers
Alfalfa's Aunt
Tiny Troubles
Duel Personalities
Clown Princes
Cousin Wilbur

Disc 2 (1939 - 1940)
Joy Scouts
Dog Daze
Auto Antics
Captain Spanky's Showboat
Dad For A Day
Time Out For Lessons
Alfalfa's Double
Big Premiere, The
All About Hash
New Pupil, The
Bubbling Troubles

Disc 3 (1940 - 1941)
Good Bad Boys
Waldo's Last Stand
Goin' Fishin'
Kiddie Kure
Fightin' Fools
Baby Blues
Ye Olde Minstrels
1-2-3 Go!
Robot Wrecks
Helping Hands
Come Back Miss Pipps

Disc 4 (1941 - 1943)
Wedding Worries
Melodies Old And New
Going To Press
Don't Lie
Surprised Parties
Doin' Their Bit
Rover's Big Chance
Mighty Lak A Goat
Unexpected Riches
Benjamin Franklin, Jr.
Family Troubles

Disc 5 (1943 - 1944)
Calling All Kids
Farm Hands
Election Daze
Little Miss Pinkerton
Three Smart Guys
Radio Bugs
Dancing Romeo
Tale Of A Dog

Friday, August 28, 2009

"UNWIGGED & UNPLUGGED": An Evening With Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer Comes Out on DVD Sept. 1 from Courgette Records

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - August 25, 2009) - "UNWIGGED & UNPLUGGED": An Evening with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer has the legendary musical and comedic trio performing music from heavy metal's loudest band Spinal Tap along with the folk music from "A Mighty Wind," and more.

The "UNWIGGED & UNPLUGGED" DVD features two plus hours of songs from the original soundtrack "This Is Spinal Tap" (1984), the studio album "Break Like The Wind" (1992), and "A Mighty Wind" (2003) along with some special surprises and rarities thrown in as captured during the trio's Spring 2009 tour at the Riverside Theatre in Milwaukee.

"UNWIGGED & UNPLUGGED" is not about funny costumes and characters, but rather three long time friends and collaborators who make each laugh and love nothing better than to find some excuse to get together and play music. The trio commented, "With this being the 25th Anniversary of the film 'This is Spinal Tap,' we thought this would be fun and at the same time, a little challenging, as we have never performed as ourselves. Think of the evening as three old friends jamming in your living room. As opposed to OUR living rooms; we won't be home."

About the Trio:

-- Guest and McKean first met in college where they wrote songs together.

-- As for McKean and Shearer, they have known each other since 1970 when they were both members of satirical group The Credibility Gap on radio, stage and records.

-- In 1979, Guest, McKean and Shearer appeared together for the first time in a Rob Reiner-produced, sketch comedy television pilot called "The TV Show." It was here the world got their famous glimpse of Spinal Tap featuring lead singer David St. Hubbins (McKean), guitarist Nigel Tufnel (Guest), and bassist Derek Smalls (Shearer).

-- In 1984, Reiner and the lads devised a way to bring the group back this time in a major motion picture, "This Is Spinal Tap," and the rest is history, literally.

-- In 2003, Guest, McKean and Shearer came back reincarnated for the Christopher Guest directed film "A Mighty Wind" where they portrayed The Folksmen, a trio of folk musicians consisting of Mark Shubb (bass vocals and upright bass, played by Harry Shearer), Alan Barrows (tenor vocals, mandolin, guitar, and five-string banjo, played by Christopher Guest), and Jerry Palter (baritone vocals, guitar, and mandolin, played by Michael McKean).

-- The title track "A Mighty Wind" (written by Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy and Michael McKean) was a 2004 Grammy Award Winner for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture while the song "A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow" (written by Michael McKean and Annette O'Toole) was nominated for an Oscar for Best Song.

-- The trio have continued to appear and work together in various configurations in the Guest directed films: "Waiting For Guffman" (1996), "Best In Show" (2000) and "For Your Consideration" (2006).

HERE'S WHAT THE CRITICS SAID ABOUT THE UNWIGGED & UNPLUGGED TOUR:

"THE BEST PARODIC ROCK ENTITY ON THE PLANET" - THE BOSTON HERALD

"Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer are masters at their music and certainly at making people laugh. They are the modern, hip, American version of Monty Python." - JACKSONVILLE TIMES UNION

"These guys write songs so well-engineered that their sheer genius is a marvel, with or without props." - COLUMBUS OTHER PAGES

"It was probably inevitable for Spinal Tap to reunite. But it's hard to imagine another reunion as charming as this one." - DAILY VARIETY

"The jokes, the natural between-song banter, the hilarious and sometimes twisted song lyrics as well as the impeccable comic timing of these three gentlemen could easily make you forget that these guys are good musicians." - DALLAS MORNING NEWS

Find us at http://www.unwigged.com/

Follow Unwigged DVD on Twitter at www.twitter.com/UnwiggedDVD

Follow Harry Shearer on Twitter at www.twitter.com/letwits

YouTube: www.youtube.com/viralmediawest

MySpace: www.myspace.com/UnwiggedandUnplugged

Courgette Records: http://www.courgetterecords.com/

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Smithsonian Networks & Infinity Entertainment Group Proudly Present "The Real Story Part 1" On DVD Sept. 29th

Thought you Knew the Whole Story? A Revealing Look at the Country’s Most Notorious & Malevolent Locations

LOS ANGELES — Sept. 1, 2009 — For Immediate Release — From one of history’s most best known and most daring prison escapes to one of America’s most notorious hauntings, Smithsonian Networks investigates in The Real Story Part 1, landing on DVD Sept. 29 from Infinity Entertainment Group.

Thought you knew the whole story? The Real Story Part 1 breaks myths and challenges convention with first-hand facts, classified files, meticulous recreations and little-known backstories of legendary icons.

Episodes Include:

Escape From Alcatraz — Once the world’s most impregnable prison, yet three prisoners achieved the impossible and escaped … never to be found. Features interviews with a fellow inmate, prison wardens, and the FBI agents who tried to track them down.

The Amityville Horror — A new look at the cold-blooded 1974 New York case of the DeFeo family, shot and killed by their eldest son in the quiet village of Amityville. Terrorizing eye-witness accounts, extraordinary archival footage and psychological drama explore the facts and reveal new evidence.

The Real Story Part 1 is presented in letterbox with an aspect ratio of 4 x 3 and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound or 2.0 Stereo. Special features include subtitling for the deaf and hearing impaired.

About Smithsonian Networks
Smithsonian Networks (SN) is a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution. It was formed to create new channels to showcase scientific, cultural and historical programming based largely upon the assets of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum complex. Smithsonian Channel features original documentaries, short-subject explorations and innovative and groundbreaking programs highlighting America’s historical, cultural and scientific heritage. Visit Smithsonian Networks on the Internet at www.smithsonianchannel.com.

About Infinity Entertainment Group
Infinity Entertainment Group, headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif., is a multi-service home entertainment retail distributor specializing in independent films, television programming, special-interest, documentaries, anime and music. Clients include Smithsonian Networks, iN DEMAND Networks, Falcon Picture Group, Bandai Entertainment, Roxbury Entertainment, SJ2 Entertainment and Retromedia. Hit titles include the iconic Route 66 television series, now available on DVD for the first time, and Spike Jones: The Legend. The company was launched in 2006 and is a division of Infinity Resources, Inc., a privately-held, multi-channel marketing and service enterprise with general offices based in suburban Chicago, Ill.

The Real Story Part 1
Infinity Entertainment Group
Genre: Documentary
Rated: TV-PG
Format: DVD Only
Running Time: Approx. 92 Minutes
Suggested Retail Price: $14.98
Pre-Order Date: August 25, 2009
Street Date: September 29, 2009
Catalog #: IEG2157
UPC Code: #617742215793

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Thursday, August 27, 2009

"WRONG TURN 3: LEFT FOR DEAD" On Blu-ray Disc and DVD October 20

Witness The Resurrection Of Three Finger In The Second Gruesome Sequel, Arriving Onto Unrated Blu-ray Disc And DVD October 20 From Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Good Things Come In Threes - The Wrong Turn Trilogy Also Available On Blu-ray Disc and DVD

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Three times the fear... three times the horror... three times the terror! Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment presents another frightening addition to the Wrong Turn franchise, when the unrated massacre Wrong Turn 3: Left For Dead is unleashed exclusively on Blu-ray Disc (BD) and DVD October 20.

Three Finger and his disturbed family of inbred cannibals are alive and well-fed in this terrifying, white-knuckle ride directed by Sci-Fi Channel movie veteran Declan O'Brien (Cyclops, Rock Monster).The first course for the bloodthirsty family comes when a group of campers arrive, realizing only too late that ticks aren't the only things that bite in these backwoods. But when some of the most vicious killers in the country escape into the woods from a bus transporting them to prison, Three Finger and his family may have met their match. Will justice be served on the convicted murderers or upon the mutant killers? Whatever happens, Wrong Turn 3: Left For Dead delivers one bone-crushing moment after another right to its terrifying end!

Filmed on location in Romania and from the producers of Wrong Turn and Wrong Turn 2, Wrong Turn 3: Left For Dead boasts an impressive cast of up-and-comers including Janet Montgomery (The Hills Run Red), Tom Frederic (Blood Trails) Tamer Hassan (Eastern Promises) and Gil Kolirin (Return to House on Haunted Hill). Available only as a terrifyingly grisly unrated cut, the BD and DVD are loaded with horrific bonus features including behind-the-scenes featurettes and deleted scenes. The BD will be available for a suggested retail price of $29.99 U.S./$32.99 Canada, with the DVD available for $22.98 U.S./$26.98 Canada.

The Wrong Turn trilogy featuring Wrong Turn, Wrong Turn 2: Dead Ahead and Wrong Turn 3: Left For Dead will also be available on BD and DVD for a suggested retail price of $39.98 U.S./$49.98 Canada and $59.99 U.S./$69.99 Canada respectively. Prebook is September 23.

Blu-ray Disc and DVD Features:
"Action, Gore and Chaos!" featurette
"Brothers in Blood" featurette
"Three Finger's Fight Night" featurette
Deleted Scenes

WRONG TURN 3
Street Date:
October 20, 2009
Prebook Date:
September 23, 2009
Screen Format:
Widescreen - 1.78:1 (both)
Audio:
English 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio, Spanish/French 5.1 DTS (BD)
Subtitles:
English 5.1 Dolby Surround, Spanish/French Dolby Surround / English, French and Spanish (BD) English, Spanish (Standard)
Catalog Number:
2261126 (Blu-ray)2261116 (DVD)2261775 (Blu-ray three-pack)2261159 (DVD three-pack)
Price:
$29.99 U.S. / $32.99 Canada (Blu-ray)$22.98 U.S. / $26.98 Canada (DVD)$59.99 U.S. / $69.99 Canada (Blu-ray three-pack)$39.98 U.S. / $49.98 Canada (DVD three-pack)
Feature Running Time:
92 minutes
DVD Rating:
Unrated
Closed Captioned: Yes

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DVD
Blu-Ray

Anchor Bay Entertainment Unleashes "STAN HELSING" On DVD and Blu-Ray October 27th

This Halloween, Prepare to Die…Laughing!

Special Edition to include Commentary, Featurettes and Deleted Scenes; Exclusive theatrical engagements planned

Beverly Hills , CA – The most feared monsters in cinematic history have met their
match! Watch out villains, here comes…Stan Helsing? From the executive producer of Scary Movie, the horror comedy Stan Helsing will be released on DVD and high definition Blu-ray™ on October 27th by Anchor Bay Entertainment. In the vein of spoof cinema like the Austin Powers and Scary Movie franchises, Stan Helsing lampoons contemporary film audiences’ never-ending fascination with what makes our blood curdle. In addition, the hilarious horrorfest will have exclusive theatrical engagements in New York , Los Angeles and other select cities the weekend of Friday, October 23rd.

The Stan Helsing DVD and Blu-ray™ will include valuable behind-the-scenes coverage no monster-hunter should be without, including a commentary track with the cast/filmmakers, featurettes and extended, alternate & deleted scenes – all guaranteed to make you howl with laughter! SRP is a side-splitting $26.97 for the DVD , with $34.98 SRP for the Blu-ray™.

Written and directed by Bo Zenga, Stan Helsing follows the misadventures of hapless video store clerk Stan Helsing (Steve Howey) and his friends. During what should be a routine video delivery on Halloween night before going to a Halloween party, Stan and company find themselves stranded in the mysterious residential development of Stormy Night Estates. There, Stan learns of his true destiny as a descendant of the legendary monster-hunter Van Helsing.

With his motley band in tow – including his best friend Teddy (“Saturday Night Live” star Kenan Thompson), he will battle evil in the form of parodies of movie monster icons “Freddy,” “Jason,” “Leatherface,” “Pinhead,” “Michael Myers,” and “Chucky.” The ultimate confrontation between good and evil will require immeasurable courage, grim determination – and a flair for karaoke?

In addition to riotously sending up some of the cinema’s greatest scream meisters, Stan Helsing also features the appearance of comedy film legend Leslie Nielsen (Airplane!, the Naked Gun films, Scary Movie 3 and 4) as well as a surprise cameo that will frighten the Republican Party!

Stan Helsing was produced by Scott Steindorff, Bo Zenga and Kirk Shaw. Director of photography is Robert New (Prom Night), production designer is Chris August (I, Robot) and music is by Ryan Shore (Cabin Fever 2).

STAN HELSING DVD
Street Date: October 27, 2009
Pre-book Date: September 24, 2009
Catalog #: DV16790
ISBN #: 0 1313 16790-9 0
Rating: R for bloody images, violence and some sexual content
Running Time: 90 minutes
SRP : $26.97
Format: Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio: Dolby Surround 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH
Bonus Features: Commentary with writer/producer/director Bo Zenga and actors Kenan Thompson and Desi Lydic;
Killer Parody: The Making of Stan Helsing;
Extended, Alternate & Deleted Scenes;
Outtakes;
Theatrical Trailer;
Still and storyboard gallery

STAN HELSING Blu-ray™
Street Date: October 27, 2009
Pre-book Date: September 24, 2009
Catalog #: N3150
ISBN #: 0 1313 83150-8 3
Rating: R for bloody images, violence and some sexual content
Running Time: 90 minutes
SRP : $34.98
Format: Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) MPEG-4 AVC 1080p
Audio: Dolby Surround 5.1
PCM Uncompressed 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH
Bonus Features: Commentary with writer/producer/director Bo Zenga and actors Kenan Thompson and Desi Lydic;
Killer Parody: The Making of Stan Helsing;
Extended, Alternate & Deleted Scenes;
Outtakes;
Theatrical Trailer;
Still and storyboard gallery

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DVD
Blu-Ray

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

HARPER'S ISLAND: THE DVD EDITION -- DVD review by porfle

Got about eight-and-a-half hours to kill? If you're like me, that's roughly the amount of time you'll have to stay glued to the TV set so you can watch all four discs of HARPER'S ISLAND: THE DVD EDITION in one marathon, butt-numbing session. (Plus time for meals, bathroom breaks, and walking the dog, of course.) The set-up is simple, but what happens over the next 13 episodes is a deviously compelling maze of murder, mystery, and deception that's as addictive as glazed donuts.

It begins as a festive wedding party gathers on a yacht that's headed for an island off the coast of Seattle. Trish Wellington (Katie Cassidy) and Henry Dunn (Christopher Gorham) are the happy couple headed for the altar, while Henry's childhood friend Abby Mills (Elaine Cassidy, THE OTHERS) is uncertain about returning to her hometown and seeing her estranged father, Sheriff Charlie Mills (Jim Beaver), after seven years. Things just haven't been the same between them since a deranged serial killer murdered Abby's mother and Charlie sent the young girl away to live in L.A.

Once everyone settles into the rustic Candlewick Inn and gets the party started, people start dying one by one in horrible ways. The murders bear an uncanny resemblance to the work of that serial killer, John Wakefield, who was supposedly shot to death by Sheriff Mills after his original rampage. Is Wakefield still alive, or is a copycat continuing what he started? Either way, the guest list for Trish and Henry's wedding is dwindling rapidly, and by the time everyone figures out what's going on it's too late to do anything about it besides run, hide, scream, and get murdered.

The generous running time gives us a chance to get to know and care about the characters and become involved in their sometimes soap opera-like interactions before the carnage goes into full swing. While Trish and Henry are crazy about each other, Trish's millionaire father Thomas Wellington (Richard Burgi) considers Henry beneath his daughter and has hired her old boyfriend to come seduce her away from him. Meanwhile, his wife Katherine (Claudette Mink) is having an S & M-tinged affair with his daughter's husband, Richard (David Lewis). Foppish Britisher Cal Vandeusen (Adam Campbell) and hunky fratboy "Sully" Sullivan (Matt Barr) vie for the affections of beautiful blonde Chloe (Cameron Richardson). And Trish's niece, Madison (impressively played by 12-year-old Cassandra Sawtell) is one seriously weird little girl who seems to know that something bad is going on before anyone else does.

Abby, meanwhile, tentatively renews her relationship with an old flame, Jimmy (C.J. Thomason), who may be more of a bad boy than anyone realizes. She also discovers that her father has a continuing obsession with the Wakefield case when she stumbles upon his attic office festooned with files, clippings, and crime scene photographs. All of this is just the tip of the iceberg--bad intentions, sinister omens, and criminal schemes lurk beneath the surface, and it doesn't take long for people to start suspecting each other of all kinds of unsavory things.

With its quaint, autumnal seaside village setting and its victims being dispatched "ten little indians" style, the show reminded me somewhat of that old reality series, "Murder in Smalltown X", in which contestants were plunged into nightmarish scenarios and "murdered" one by one in lieu of being voted off. It also begins to resemble one of those spooky videogame adventures when the characters start tracking the killer through underground passages that take them from one level of mystery and fear to the next, following blood trails and other clues while danger lurks around each dark corner. And, of course, the Agatha Christie influence is there as well.

Most of all, HARPER'S ISLAND is like a lavishly-produced 80s slasher flick extended into a nail-biting cliffhanger serial. It fulfills its promise to kill off at least one major character per chapter, in appropriately shocking and gruesome ways. One guy falls through a wooden footbridge and gets the lower half of his body amputated while he's hanging there. Another is swooped up by a rope snare and beheaded. Right off the bat in episode one we see the first missing wedding guest wrapped around the yacht's propellor shaft and headed for choppy waters.

While the murders themselves are only as violent as network TV will currently allow, they're handled well enough to convey sufficient horror while the aftermath is often quite graphic. Over the course of this series the killer (or killers) racks up a body count that would make Jason Voorhees green with envy. You never know who's going to be next--nobody's off-limits, and there's a good chance that no matter who your favorite character is, he or she will get the axe (or the shotgun, or the harpoon, or that big blade that's used to behead whales) sooner or later.

My favorite moment occurs right there during the wedding rehearsal, when one of the participants suddenly develops a splitting headache. With this overt act, after the first few episodes of buildup, the cat-and-mouse game between the killer and his would-be victims really begins in earnest. What follows is scene after scene of gripping tension and suspense punctuated by some extremely brutal murders. The matter of whether they're being stalked by Wakefield himself or a copycat killer is heightened by the growing suspicion that one of their group is actually in cahoots with him, and may even be his errant offspring.

Only in the last few episodes does this saga occasionally feel a bit thinly-stretched, with a final sequence that's uncomfortably contrived. You may also begin to wonder after awhile where in the heck all the other inhabitants of the island have gotten off to, since the main characters seem to be the only people in town once the shooting and explosions and screaming get underway. But I was having too good a time to quibble over minor details.

The DVD image is 16 x 9 with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround and stereo surround. Close-captions are available for the hearing-impaired. Episode titles are amusingly sound effects-oriented, with cast and producer commentaries for "Whap", "Sploosh", "Splash", and "Sigh." Other bonuses include deleted scenes, on-air promos, 90 minutes of webisodes from harpersglobe.com, and four featurettes: "Casting Harper's Island", "One By One: The Making of Harper's Island", "Guess Who?", and "The Grim Reaper."

The cast is very good playing their stereotypical roles, especially the winsome Elaine Cassidy as Abby, around whom the entire story revolves. Series creator Ari Schlossberg and the other writers have put together a real corker of a murder-mystery-horror-thriller that is full of giddy fun and surprises. Watching HARPER'S ISLAND one episode at a time with a whole week in between must've been torture for its original TV viewers--I can't imagine not being able to consume the whole heady concoction all at once.

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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

"TRIANGLE" -- Three Masters of Cinema Combine Forces to Create a Boldly Creative Masterpiece

Available on DVD September 15 from Magnolia Home Entertainment

"One of the most hotly anticipated films to come out of Asia in years."- Twitch

A group of tight-knit friends, down on their luck and desperate for cash, embark on the adventure of a lifetime in the tense and comedic crime caper TRIANGLE. The unique film is comprised of three independently filmed and produced sections, created by Hong Kong cinema masters Tsui Hark, Ringo Lam and Johnnie To, each famous for his distinctive style. When the men are offered the chance of a lifetime by a mysterious stranger - to steal an ancient treasure buried beneath a heavily-guarded government building in the heart of Hong Kong - they jump at the chance to solve their money troubles.

Adulterous affairs, traitorous alliances and crooked cops complicate the dangerous heist, and when it all goes wrong the three friends must choose between their ill-gotten treasure and loyalty to each other, as their lives are laid on the line.

Actors: Simon Yam
Directors: Johnnie To;Ringo Lam;Hark Tsui
Format: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen Language: Chinese
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only)
Number of discs: 1
Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: September 15, 2009
Run Time: 92 minutes

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The Paul Newman Tribute Collection -- on DVD September 22

His looks were devastating. His charm was legendary. His legacy is astonishing.

THE PAUL NEWMAN TRIBUTE COLLECTION

Academy Award Winner And Hollywood Icon Honored In All-New 17-Disc Collection, Featuring Exclusive 136 Page Book With Never-Before-Seen Images And More, On September 22 From Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

2009 Marks The 40th Anniversary Of Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid

“Newman can accomplish with the slightest of intonations, or an almost undetectable shift in his eyes, what would take another actor the course of a movie to attain.” - Washington Post

“A magnetic titan of Hollywood.”- The New York Times

CENTURY CITY, Calif. – Acting in more than 65 movies spanning over 50 years, his striking grace, unassuming intelligence and good humor seemed effortless; Paul Newman’s magnetism and passion was almost impossible to resist. On September 22, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment honors the legend with an all-new 17-disc set, The Paul Newman Tribute Collection, featuring 13 of his acclaimed films including two-disc Special Collector’s Editions of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Hustler, The Verdict and The Towering Inferno, as well as nine other films ranging throughout Newman’s historic career. A fitting homage to one of cinema’s most accomplished stars, The Paul Newman Tribute Collection includes an exclusive 136 page soft-bound book loaded with a stunning array of photos, some of which have never been seen before, of the Hollywood icon on the set with his fellow cast and crew, excerpts from each film and personal quotes from Newman himself.

Over the years, Newman worked with some of Hollywood’s most notable filmmakers, three of which are highlighted in this collection including Otto Preminger’s World War II drama Exodus, Newman’s two films with legendary director Robert Altman, Buffalo Bill and the Indians Or Sitting Bull’s History Lesson and Quintet, and three of his six collaborations with director Martin Ritt including Hemingway’s Adventures of a Young Man, Hombre and Newman’s first big screen feature with wife Joanne Woodward in The Long, Hot Summer. Rounding out the collection is the Wall Street drama From The Terrace and the hilarious comedies Rally ‘Round The Flag, Boys! and What A Way To Go! Newman also received numerous Academy Award nominations throughout his career including his stellar performances in The Hustler and The Verdict.

Format: Box set, Color, Dubbed, DVD, NTSC
Language: English
Number of discs: 17
Rating: Unrated
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: September 22, 2009

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Monday, August 24, 2009

"FAMILY GUY: SOMETHING, SOMETHING, SOMETHING, DARKSIDE" On Blu-ray Disc and DVD December 22

THE BEST SELLING TV ON DVD FRANCHISE EVER STRIKES BACK WITH AN OUTRAGEOUS NEW STAR WARS SPOOF AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON BLU-RAY & DVD

The Farce Is Strong With This Never-Before Seen “Family Guy” Adventure, Arriving On Two-Disc Blu-ray And DVD December 22 From Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Fully Loaded With Hilarious Bonus Material Including Deleted Scenes, Commentaries, Behind-The-Scenes Featurettes, A Pop-Up Video Feature And More!

“Family Guy: Something, Something, Something, Darkside” Synopsis: The story of The Empire Strikes Back is retold. Darth Vader (Stewie) is hunting the rebel Luke Skywalker (Chris) and his troops relentlessly across the galaxy. On the ice planet Hoth, Luke has a vision of his late mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi (Herbert), telling him to go to the Dagobah system to learn the ways of the Force under Jedi Master Yoda (Carl). Meanwhile Princess Leia (Lois) finds herself taking a shine to the scruffy pilot Han Solo (Peter) and, against all odds, the two soon fall in love. But an encounter with Han’s old friend Lando Calrissian (Mort) lands them in the clutches of the Empire. Envisioning this, Luke chooses to forgo his Jedi training to save his friends. It all comes to a head in a climactic confrontation with Darth Vader himself…

Two-Disc Blu-ray With Digital Copy Specs:

The “Family Guy: Something, Something, Something, Darkside” BD is presented in full screen 4x3 aspect ratio featuring English 5.1 Dolby Surround, Line 21, English for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, English, Spanish, and French stereo and subtitles. Special features include:

● Digital Copy

● Audio Commentary

● Deleted Scenes

● Behind-The-Scenes Featurette – “The Darkside of Poster Art”

● Animatics

● Pop-Up Video

DVD Specs:

The “Family Guy: Something, Something, Something, Darkside” DVD is presented in full screen aspect ratio featuring English 5.1 Dolby Surround, Line 21, English for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, English, Spanish, French, and Brazilian stereo and subtitles. Special features include all those listed above except Digital Copy.

STAR WARS and all related character names and other properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

A recognized global industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC (TCFHE) is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming on DVD, Blu-ray Disc (BD) and Digital Copy as well as acquisitions and original productions. The company also releases all products around the globe for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets -- from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce - throughout the world. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company.

Buy it at Amazon.com:
"Family Guy: Something, Something, Something, Darkside" DVD
"Family Guy: Something, Something, Something, Darkside" Blu-Ray

"One Step Beyond: The First Season" On DVD September 15

Before The Twilight Zone, there was ONE STEP BEYOND, the groundbreaking 1959 series landing on DVD for the first time ever September 15 from CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment

Debuting as a three-disc collectible set that includes all 22 digitally remastered first season episodes, ONE STEP BEYOND: THE OFFICIAL FIRST SEASON sought out stories of the paranormal - including tales of ghosts, disappearances, monsters and more - and recreated them each week in thrilling and suspenseful ways that led viewers to ask the question "What if it is real?"

Released just in time for the series' 50th anniversary, ONE STEP BEYOND was hosted by John Newland, who also directed the series, and fed on the nation's growing interest in the paranormal in the late 1950s and early 1960s. This must-have for any sci-fi fan's DVD library includes the extended pilot "The Bride Possessed," which includes a five-minute monologue from Newland, and "The Devil's Laughter," arguably the best episode of the series, which tells the story of an Englishman convicted of murder and sentenced to be hanged though he somehow manages to repeatedly escape death.

The first season also features teasers for upcoming episodes at the end of each episode, an iconic series promo, the original Alcoa-sponsored opening and the Main Title Sequence from the 1990s.

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Friday, August 21, 2009

FEED YOUR FEAR! Halloween Blu-ray from Fox!

Psychopaths, Cannibals And Killer Dolls Come To Life Like Never Before As The Latest Selection Of Bloodcurdling Classics Arrive On Blu-ray Disc September 15 From Twentieth Century Fox And MGM Home Entertainment

LOS ANGELES, CA – This Halloween… make a play date with Chucky, join a book club with Annie, have an old friend for dinner with Hannibal, or go camping with Three-Finger. Twentieth Century Fox and MGM Home Entertainment unearth a selection of frightening film favorites in haunting high-definition when CHILD’S PLAY, MISERY, HANNIBAL LECTER ANTHOLOGY, WRONG TURN and WRONG TURN 2 arrive on Blu-ray Disc (BD) September 15.

First, Chucky goes high-definition when the soul of a serial killer who isn’t ready to die uses his voodoo skills to inhabit an innocent looking doll in CHILD’S PLAY. From the Director of Fright Night, this “clever, playful” (The New York Times) thriller with “excellent special effects” (Leonard Maltin) and heart-pounding suspense takes playtime to a new level of terror on stunning BD + DVD Combo! The high-def horrors continue in the heart stopping, Academy Award®-winning, MISERY, also on BD + DVD Combo. Adapted from a Stephen King story by Oscar®-winning screenwriter William Goldman (All the President’s Men) and directed by Rob Reiner (A Few Good Men), this chiller follows maniacal fan, Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates; Titanic), as she “rescues” famed novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan; The Godfather) from a car accident and holds him hostage. What follows is an epic physiological thriller that portrays “a Hitchcockian kind of cat-and-mouse” (The New York Times) game played between two cunning minds.

Witness the birth of evil in spine tingling clarity, as the eerie and intense HANNIBAL LECTER ANTHOLOGY captures MANHUNTER, THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and HANNIBAL together on stunning Blu-ray Disc for the first time. MANHUNTER, the intense thriller from writer-director Michael Mann (Heat, Public Enemies), first introduced the world to the cunning, unforgettable serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The psychological horror continues in THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS with Oscar® winner Anthony Hopkins (The Elephant Man, Nixon) as the sophisticated murderer, alongside Oscar® winner Jodie Foster (Maverick, Contact) as FBI agent Clarice Starling, who liaisons with the killer in order to solve a murder case. Lastly, Hopkins is “perverse perfection” (Rolling Stone) in his reprisal of the role of Dr. Lecter in HANNIBAL, as he comes out of hiding to draw FBI agent Clarice Starling (Julianne Moore; Boogie Nights) into a high-stakes battle that will test her strength, cunning and loyalty.

Finally, the cannibalistic carnage continues as the WRONG TURN and WRONG TURN 2: DEAD END make their graphic Blu-ray Disc debut. The indescribable nightmare depicts the fight for survival against a family of hideously deformed inbred cannibals who plan to ruthlessly butcher everyone.

Buy them at Amazon.com:

Misery Blu-Ray
Child's Play Blu-Ray
Hannibal Lecter Collection Blu-Ray
Wrong Turn Blu-Ray
Wrong Turn 2 Blu-Ray

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

"BATTLE OF THE WARRIORS" and "RISE OF THE GARGOYLES" on DVD Sept. 8 From Genius Products

With an enormous army looming at the gates to their kingdom, the people of Liang turn to a mysterious stranger to rescue them from siege and conquest. Ferocious battles and gripping suspense highlight this epic tale of swords, strategy, and heroism.

Starring: Two-time Hong Kong Film Award-winner Andy Lau (House of Flying Daggers) and Fan Bingbing (Flash Point), with action choreography from Stephen Tung (Jet Li’s Hero).

Special Features:
Audio commentary by Hong Kong cinema expert Bey Logan
Price: $19.97
Street Date: September 8, 2009
MPAA Rating: R
Run Time: 133 minutes
Languages: English, Mandarin
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Closed Captioned

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Paris, the city of lights, becomes the city of Hell when a mysterious winged creature is unleashed from its cavernous catacombs in the supernatural thriller Rise Of The Gargoyles, arriving on DVD September 8 from Genius Products and RHI Entertainment.

A Syfy Channel original movie, Rise Of The Gargoyles is the 15th installment in the fan-favorite “Maneater Series” and follows an American professor conducting an excavation of an ancient local church, whose interest is piqued by a series of brutally animalistic killings. Teaming up with a French reporter in an effort to understand and ultimately stop the nightmarish murders, the twosome quickly realize that this is no random killing spree – it’s Judgment Day.

Directed by Bill Corcoran (Vipers), Rise Of The Gargoyles features an impressive ensemble cast that includes Eric Balfour (“24,” The Spirit, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), Tanya Clarke (Delivery Method, “CSI: Miami”) and Nick Mancuso (Ticket to Heaven, Heartbreakers). A fast-paced “guilty pleasure” certain to entertain as well as mortify, Rise Of The Gargoyles will be available for the suggested retail price of $14.95.

Buy it at Amazon.com

Monday, August 17, 2009

October Releases From CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment

MEDIUM: THE FIFTH SEASON

Allison Dubios (Patricia Arquette) is a strong-willed, devoted young wife and mother of three girls, who has gradually come to grips with her extraordinary ability to talk to dead people, see the future in her dreams, and read people's thoughts. This season, Allison and her family's world is turned upside down after her abilities are publicly exposed, resulting in sweeping changes both professionally and personally.

Actors: Miguel Sandoval, Jake Weber, David Cubitt
Format: AC-3, Box set, Color, Dolby, DVD, Widescreen, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Paramount
DVD Release Date: October 6, 2009
Run Time: 809 minutes

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TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE: THE SECOND SEASON

Each week, the 30-minute horror/fantasy anthology series, in the vein of "The Twilight Zone", presented another standalone story of horror, fantasy, and/or science fiction. Some episodes are gruesome; a few are of a lighter comedic style. Like many such shows, Tales... adapted the work of famous genre authors of the period such as Harlan Ellison, Stephen King, and Clive Barker. Many episodes also featured veteran actors of the 40s and 50s that saw very little work in their later years.

Format: Box set, Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
Language: English
Number of discs: 3
Rating: Unrated
Studio: Paramount
DVD Release Date: October 27, 2009
Run Time: 515 minutes

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MANNIX: THE THIRD SEASON

The weekly adventures of Los Angeles-based private detective Joe Mannix and his faithful assistant Peggy Fair. Hardboiled and gritty, Mannix dished out justice outside the law for his clients.

Actors: Mike Connors, Ward Wood
Format: Box set, Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
Language: English
Number of discs: 6
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Paramount
DVD Release Date: October 27, 2009

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THE FUGITIVE: SEASON THREE, VOLUME ONE

Dr. Richard Kimble is accused to be the murderer of his wife. The night before his execution, he escapes. The only chance to prove his innocence is to find the man who killed his wife. Kimble, persecuted by Lt. Gerard, risks his life several times when he shows his identity to help other people out of trouble.

Actors: David Janssen, Barry Morse, William Conrad, Bill Raisch
Format: Black & White, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number of discs: 4
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: CBS/Paramount
DVD Release Date: October 27, 2009

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HAWAII FIVE-O: THE SEVENTH SEASON

Filmed entirely on location in Hawaii, the show followed Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord), head of an elite state police unit investigating "organized crime, murder, assassination attempts, foreign agents, and felonies of every type." James MacArthur played his second-in-command Danny ("Danno") Williams, with local actors playing members of the Five-O team.

Actors: Jack Lord, James MacArthur, Kam Fong, Herman Wedermeyer, Harry Endo
Format: Box set, Color, Dubbed, DVD, Full Screen, Subtitled, NTSC
Language: English
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Number of discs: 6
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Paramount
DVD Release Date: October 20, 2009
Run Time: 1209 minutes

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VEGAS: THE FIRST SEASON, VOLUME ONE

In this popular series a handsome, fun-loving private eye, Dan Tanna (Robert Urich), drives around in Las Vegas in his vintage Thunderbird solving private cases but is also on retainer to a wealthy casino owner to keep crime out of his hotels. He is helped by his smart and sexy assistant, a sexy and not too smart chorus girl who takes messages for him, and his enthusiastic, yet inept, legman.

Actors: Robert Urich, Tony Curtis, Greg Morris, Bart Braverman
Format: Box set, Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
Language: English
Number of discs: 3
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Paramount
DVD Release Date: October 20, 2009
Run Time: 567 minutes

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THE GUARDIAN: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON

Nick Fallin is a hotshot lawyer working at his father's ultra successful Pittsburgh law firm. Unfortunately, the high life has gotten the best of Nick. Arrested for drug use, he's sentenced to do 1,500 hours of community service, somehow to be squeezed into his 24/7 cutthroat world of mergers, acquisitions, and board meetings. Reluctantly, he's now The Guardian--a part-time child advocate at Legal Aid Services, where one case after another is an eye-opening instance of kids caught up in difficult circumstances.

Actors: Simon Baker, Dabney Coleman, Alan Rosenberg, Raphael Sbarge
Format: Box set, Color, DVD, Widescreen, NTSC
Language: English
Number of discs: 6
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Paramount
DVD Release Date: October 27, 2009

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FLASHPOINT: THE FIRST SEASON (US ONLY)

"Flashpoint" is a drama which depicts the emotional journey into the tough, risk-filled lives of a group of cops in the SRU (inspired by Toronto's Emergency Task Force). It's a unique unit that rescues hostages, busts gangs, defuses bombs, climbs the sides of buildings and talks down suicidal teens. Members of a highly-skilled tactical team, they're also trained in negotiating, profiling, and getting inside the suspect's head to diffuse the situation to try and save lives.

Actors: Enrico Colantoni, Amy Jo Johnson
Format: AC-3, Box set, Color, Dolby, DVD, Widescreen, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Paramount
DVD Release Date: October 13, 2009
Run Time: 550 minutes

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NUMBERS: THE FIFTH SEASON

"NUMB3RS" is a drama abot an FBI agent who recruits his mathematical-genius brother to help the Bureau solve a wide range of challenging crimes in Los Angeles. The two brothers take on the most confounding criminal cases from a very distinctive perspective. A dedicated FBI agent, Don Eppes (Rob Morrow), couldn't be more different from his younger brother, Charlie Eppes (David Krumholtz), a brilliant mathematician who, since he was little, yearned to impress his big brother.

Don is joined on his team by fellow agents Megan Reeves (Diane Farr), a behavorial specialist who brings psychological insights to their investigations. David Sinclair (Alimi Ballard), who utilizes his incredible perspecitive and the survival skills he learned growing up in the Bronx; and new agent Colby Granger (Dylan Bruno) who just completed an extensive tour of duty in the U.S. Military.

Actors: David Krumholtz, Rob Morrow, Judd Hirsch, Alimi Ballard, Peter MacNicol
Format: AC-3, Box set, Color, Dolby, DVD, Widescreen, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Paramount
DVD Release Date: October 20, 2009
Run Time: 983 minutes

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GIRLFRIENDS: THE SEVENTH SEASON

"Girlfriends" is a sophisticated comedy series that invites viewers into the lives of three professional African American women living in Los Angeles who are struggling with the weighty issues of life--men, love, money--and more men. As they search for happiness in all its elusive forms, the three girlfriends rely on each other for support, reality checks, advice, and for the laughter that everyone needs to make it in this crazy place we call the modern world.

Actors: Reginald C. Hayes, Tracee Ellis Ross, Golden Brooks, Persia White, Khalil Kain
Writers: Mara Brock Akil
Producers: Chris Maul, David Silverman, Dee LaDuke, Lamont Ferrell, Mara Brock Akil
Format: AC-3, Box set, Color, Dolby, DVD, Widescreen, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 3
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Paramount
DVD Release Date: October 13, 2009

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THE L WORD: THE COMPLETE FINAL SEASON

Unresolved romances and a long-simmering film project finally bear fruit in the sixth season of "The L Word." Dreams come true and new life paths are forged for many of the series' characters this year, but not without the "The L Word" trademark provocative storylines, sizzling sexuality, and heartrending emotion.

Actors: Jennifer Beals, Leisha Hailey, Laurel Holloman, Mia Kirshner, Marlee Matlin
Format: AC-3, Box set, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Widescreen, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rating: Unrated
Studio: Showtime / Paramount
DVD Release Date: October 20, 2009
Run Time: 438 minutes

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Friday, August 14, 2009

Harper's Island: The DVD Edition Available September 8

Television's sexiest and scariest murder-mystery, HARPER'S ISLAND: THE DVD EDITION, makes its chilling DVD debut as a four-disc set on September 8th from CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment. Featuring all 13 episodes, the "hugely enjoyable" (Newsday) HARPER'S ISLAND follows a group of family and friends who travel to a secluded island off the coast of Seattle for a destination wedding. As the festivities begin, friendships are tested and secrets are exposed as things turn deadly and a murderer claims victims one by one - transforming the wedding week of fun and celebration into a horrific struggle for survival.

Led by a "young and sexy" (New York Magazine) cast including Elaine Cassidy (The Others), Christopher Gorham (Ugly Betty) and Katie Cassidy (Supernatural), the serial killer claims a life in each episode, making every person a suspect, from the wedding party to the island locals. By the end, every question is answered, only a few survive and the murderer is revealed in the shockingly suspenseful conclusion. HARPER'S ISLAND: THE DVD EDITION will be available for the suggested retail price of $46.99 US and $54.99 CAN.

HARPER’S ISLAND: THE DVD EDITION is jam-packed with loads of killer bonus features including Audio Commentaries by the cast and producers on four fundamental episodes, more than 15 Deleted Scenes, 90 minutes of Harper’s Globe Webisodes which were originally created for the harpersglobe.com web site, Easter Eggs, six CBS Network on-air promos and nearly an hour of four all-new Featurettes explaining how the show came together and how the cast found out each week if they were going to be the next victim.

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"WHERE THE DAY TAKES YOU" on DVD October 13th from Anchor Bay Entertainment

See WILL SMITH, ALYSSA MILANO, DERMOT MULRONEY, SEAN ASTIN, AND OTHERS Before They Were Stars in this Classic Teen Drama

“So authentic in its depiction of street life
that you'll find yourself flinching.”
- Austin Chronicle

Beverly Hills, CA – On October 13, 2009, Anchor Bay Entertainment is proud to release the groundbreaking teen drama about the dark side of Tinseltown, Where The Day Takes You on DVD for only $14.98 SRP (pre-book September 10, 2009).

Originally released in theaters 17 years ago in 1992, Where The Day Takes You boasts a stellar ensemble cast in some of the most startling performances of their young careers including mega box-office superstar Will Smith (Seven Pounds) in his film debut. Shot as if a documentary in the now popular reality style, Where The Day Takes You captures the grim, unpleasant underbelly of Hollywood’s runaway teens living on the street.

Where The Day Takes You also stars television and film favorites Sean Astin (Rudy, Lord of the Rings, “24”), Adam Baldwin (“Chuck”), Lara Flynn Boyle (“The Practice,” Twin Peaks”), Balthazar Getty (“Brothers & Sisters”), Robert Knepper (“Prison Break”), Ricki Lake (Hairspray, “Ricki Lake”), James Le Gros (Singles, Point Break), Nancy McKeon (“The Division,” “The Facts of Life,”), Alyssa Milano (“Charmed”), Dermot Mulroney (My Best Friend’s Wedding, Happy Together), and Christian Slater (Heathers). The film was directed and co-written by the late Marc Rocco (Murder in the First).

Hailed by Roger Ebert as, “effective, well-acted and convincing,” and “genuinely shocking and disturbing” by movieline.com, Where The Day Takes You also won the 1992 Golden Space Needle Award for Most Popular Movie at the Seattle International Film Festival. Rocker Melissa Etheridge also provides some of her best known songs on the soundtrack, including the haunting and heartfelt ballad, “Precious Pain.” Other songs include “Occasionally,” “Testify” and “You Can Sleep While I Drive.”

Synopsis: They have nothing…except each other. In the dark side of Tinseltown, a group of teenage runaways live each day lost in a spiral of drugs, sex, crime and violence. Led by King (Mulroney), the tribe includes tweaker Greg (Astin), legless Manny (Smith), unstable Little J (Getty), prostitute Kimmy (Milano) and just-off-the-bus Heather (Boyle).

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Sunday, August 9, 2009

Three Hits On Blu-ray Disc September 1st For the First Time From Fox Home Entertainment

M.A.S.H (September 1)

November, 1951. The 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital is shaken up by the arrival of Captains Hawkeye Pierce and Duke Forrest, amazing surgeons but lousy soldiers, who deal with the daily carnage of the war by raising hell, as M*A*S*H ten-huts onto Blu-ray Disc September 1st from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Directed by Academy Award® nominee Robert Altman (Gosford Park), the film’s screenplay was written by Oscar® winner Ring Lardner Jr (Woman of the Year) based on the novel by Richard Hooker.

The M*A*S*H Blu-ray Disc features an array of bonus features including an interactive guide, directory commentary, historical featurette, cast and crew reunion, galleries and more and will be available for the suggested retail price of $34.99 U.S. / $37.99 Canada.

Blu-ray Disc Specs:

The M*A*S*H Blu-ray Disc is presented in widescreen format 2.35:1 aspect ratio with English 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital and English, French and Spanish subtitles. Bonus features include:

* The Complete Interactive Guide to M*A*S*H

* Audio commentary by director Robert Altman

* Theatrical trailer

* AMC Backstory – M*A*S*H Enlisted: The Story of M*A*S*H Through the Lens

* M*A*S*H Reunion

* Still gallery

* BD+ BD Live ready bootstrap

The Girl Next Door (September 1)

A tongue-wagging, sexy comedy centers on blond, hot and mysterious, Danielle (Elisha Cuthbert, “24”) as The Girl Next Door with a not-so-good-girl past and Matthew Kidman (Emile Hirsch, Into the Wild), the straight-laced overachiever with political aspirations who falls in love with her. The wildly revealing and hilarious comedy is available on unrated Blu-ray Disc with more skin…more sex…and more laughs!

The racy unrated version features commentary from Elisha Cuthbert and Emile Hirsch, The Eli Experience, “A Look Next Door” making of featurette, uncut gag reel, 15 deleted scenes and the original ending with optional director’s commentary. The Girl Next Door will be available for the suggested retail price of $29.99 U.S. / $32.99 Canada.

The Girl Next Door Unrated Blu-ray Disc Specs:

Presented in widescreen with English 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio, Spanish and French Dolby Surround as well as English, French and Spanish Subtitles. Bonus features include:

* Commentary by Director Luke Greenfield

* Scene Specific Commentary by Emile Hirsch and Elisha Cuthbert

* “The Eli Experience” featurette

* Making of A Look Next Door

* Gag Reel

* 15 Deleted Scenes

* Original Ending

* Red Band GND Trailer “diRRTty”

* “Sex Education” featurette

High Crimes (September 1)

A high-profile attorney risks her job – and her life – to defend her husband against charges of an unconscionable act of violence in the suspense thriller High Crimes. The compelling duo of Golden Globe® nominee Ashley Judd (Double Jeopardy) and Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby) re-teams in this “fast-paced thriller with a great twist” (WFLD-TV, Chicago).

Co-starring Jim Caviezel (The Passion of the Christ) and Amanda Peet (The Whole Nine Yards), High Crimes BD includes director commentary, making-of featurettes and will be available for the suggested retail price of $29.99 U.S. / $32.99 Canada.

High Crimes Blu-ray Disc Specs:

Presented in widescreen with English 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio, Spanish and French Dolby Surround and English, French and Spanish Subtitles. Bonus features include:

* Commentary by Carl Franklin

* “A Military Mystery” featurette

* “FBI Takedown in Union Square” featurette

* “A Different Kind of Justice” featurette

* “Liar Liar: How to Beat a Polygraph with Sue Ducett” featurette

* “The Car Crash” featurette

* “Together Again” featurette

* Theatrical Trailer

SUNSHINE CLEANING -- DVD review by porfle

From the looks of it, I thought this was going to be some sappy lightweight comedy or something, but it turned out to be right up my alley. Why? Because I'm a little twisted, and so is SUNSHINE CLEANING (2008), a cockeyed but wonderfully emotional comedy-drama about two sisters who find themselves in the business of cleaning up blood-splattered death scenes.

Amy Adams is dazzling as Rose Lorkowski, a former head cheerleader and prom queen who now runs a cleaning service while trying to cope with her intelligent but difficult son, Oliver (Jason Spevack), and flighty, irresponsible little sister Norah (Emily Blunt), whom she had to help raise after their mother's death. Rose is still "dating" former high school quarterback Mac (Steve Zahn), now a cop, even though he's married and has a second child on the way. When Oliver is expelled from school for "licking", Rose must think of a way to earn enough to afford to send him to a private school. Mac suggests, during one of their illicit motel room trysts, that she try the lucrative world of crime and trauma scene cleanup.

The funniest scenes occur as novices Rose and Norah bumble their way through their first jobs in this bloody and often downright disgusting profession. They scrape gore off the walls with toothbrushes and kitchen cleaner, toss bio-hazardous materials into dumpsters, and more often than not have to clean up their own barf along with everything else. Gradually, though, with the friendly guidance of Winston (Clifton Collins Jr., TRAFFIC), a one-armed model builder who runs the store where they buy their supplies, they start to get a tad more professional.

They also begin, inadvertently, to get more personally involved with the survivors. Rose sits with a suddenly-widowed elderly woman outside her home and comforts her until someone comes to pick her up. Norah, discovering a ribbon-bound stack of old photographs at the scene of a woman's suicide, tracks down her daughter Lynn (Mary Lynn Rajskub, "Mr. Show") who works at a blood bank. This leads to a tentative lesbian relationship as the two troubled women reach out to one another, discovering an emotional common ground that draws them together.

Of course, just when the sisters think they've found the magic key to post-mortem success, things start to go wrong. Rose finally makes the amazing deduction that her relationship with Mac is a dead-end and that she may very well officially be a failure in life. Norah finally gives Lynn those photographs and reveals the reason for their first meeting, and Lynn doesn't take it well. Worst of all, something disastrous happens on the job (it's Norah's fault, of course) which threatens to ruin them both on a financial and personal level. But while all of this stuff is going wrong, other things are starting to go right in ways that aren't as immediately evident.

Director Christine Jeffs makes the most of Megan Holley's well-written screenplay with a lean style and a crackling pace that doesn't let up. The film's tone remains consistent throughout, even when the comedy gives way to some pretty dramatic and emotional scenes. Jeffs has a light, naturalistic touch that keeps the heavier stuff from getting as maudlin as it might have been in other hands--both the small tragedies and the life-affirming triumphs are just parts of the story's texture as they would be in real life.

The cast is so good that their characters come alive. Jason Spevack as the inquisitive, introspective Oscar is one of those spooky-good child actors who can hold his own with an old veteran like the great Alan Arkin, who plays Rose and Norah's enterprising dad, or Clifton Collins Jr. as the likable and dependable Winston. Steve Zahn plays Mac with an air of detachment suitable to his character, who will never commit to Rose. Making brief appearances are the wonderful Paul Dooley as a used car salesman and Robert Redford's daughter Amy as Mac's pregnant wife. As Lynn, Mary Lynn Rajskub has that same quirky, hesitant quality that she always brought to her comedy roles and it works well here. Amy Adams does a brilliant job of fully inhabiting the character of Rose and it's fascinating just to watch her use that expressive face so well. Emily Blunt is equally good as Norah, gradually revealing the scared little lost girl beneath the gangly, clumsy exterior.

The DVD image and Dolby 5.1 surround sound are good. The movie can be watched in either 2.40:1 anamorphic widescreen or full frame. Bonus features include a commentary track with writer Megan Holley and producer Glenn Williamson, a cool featurette called "A Fresh Look at a Dirty Business"--in which two women who actually do this for a living talk about their profession and how well the film portrays it--and a theatrical trailer.

I judged this DVD by its cover and thought it was going to be just another chick-and-wimp flick. But when it opened with a gory shotgun suicide in a sporting goods store, I was forced to readjust my expectations. And when it took the interesting turn of exploring who has to clean up after such an event and what the job must be like for them, I was hooked. I would recommend SUNSHINE CLEANING to anyone, because it isn't just a silly comedy, a sappy melodrama, or a life-affirming feelgood fix. Well, it is life-affirming, but, in a weird way, it's also death-affirming. Does that make sense?

Buy it at Amazon.com:
Sunshine Cleaning DVD
Sunshine Cleaning [Blu-ray]

Friday, August 7, 2009

"A PERFECT GETAWAY" -- Now Showing at a Theater Near You!

Everyone needs a place to escape...

Cliff and Cydney (Steve Zahn and Milla Jovovich) are an adventurous young couple celebrating their honeymoon by backpacking to one of the most beautiful, and remote, beaches in Hawaii . Hiking the wild, secluded trails, they believe they’ve found paradise. But when the pair comes across a group of frightened hikers discussing the horrifying murder of another newlywed couple on the islands, they begin to question whether they should turn back.

Unsure whether to stay or flee, Cliff and Cydney join up with two other couples, and things begin to go terrifyingly wrong. Far from civilization or rescue, everyone begins to look like a threat and nobody knows whom to trust. Paradise becomes hell on earth as a brutal battle for survival begins…

Release date: August 7, 2009
Rating: R
Genre: Suspense thriller
Cast: Timothy Olyphant, Milla Jovovich, Kiele Sanchez, Chris Hemsworth, Marley Shelton and Steve Zahn
Written and Directed by: David Twohy
Produced by: Ryan Kavanaugh, Mark Canton, Tucker Tooley, Robbie Brenner
Executive Producers: Robert Bernacchi, Scott Fischer, Mark Fischer, Bill Block, Kimberly Fox
Website: http://www.iamrogue.com/aperfectgetaway

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