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By
Michael Coate
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 This
edition of “Inside DVD
(& D-VHS®)” for
our March issue coincides with
the sixth anniversary of the
DVD format. It is hard to believe
it has been six years since
the shiny little five-inch
discs took the world by storm.
The total number released in
Region 1 has now exceeded 20,000
(that’s double the total
number of LaserDiscs in about
one-third the time frame).
So how many DVDs are in your
collection? As for players,
more than 40 million can now
be found in North American
households. In 2002, over 15
million players were sold,
and conservative estimates
for 2003 indicate at least
that many more will be sold.
Okay, first a D-VHS update for those of you who have made the leap to hi-def,
then on with the DVD details.
At the recent International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada,
Artisan Home Entertainment and Universal Studios Home Video announced their next
wave of D-Theater® releases. On February 25, Universal will make available “The
Family Man,” “Gosford Park,” and “The Hurricane” ($44.98
SRP). Artisan’s lineup (anticipated first quarter; no specific street dates
announced) is set to include “Basic Instinct,” “First Blood,” “Glengarry
Glen Ross,” “Reservoir Dogs,” and “Total Recall.” Sometime
during the year’s second quarter, look for “Dirty Dancing,” “Standing
In The Shadows Of Motown,” “Stargate” (1994), and “Young
Guns.” SRP is expected to be $34.98 for the Artisan titles. DreamWorks and
20th Century Fox are considering additional titles for release on the D-Theater
platform.
Since our last report, we’ve been informed by Joe Kane Productions that “Digital
Video Essentials,” a high-definition update to the popular “Video Essentials” calibration/set-up
disc, is still in production and would not be completed in time for the anticipated
January release. While no new date has been set, the title is now expected to
arrive this March. The plan to offer the title in two editions remains in effect:
720p and 1080i, with a 1080p version offered down the road.
In addition, HDNet continues to release special interest programming in D-VHS
(not D-Theater-encrypted), including the “Bikini Destinations,” “Smart
Travels,” and “Over...” series.
All D-VHS and D-Theater titles can be ordered at WSR’s www.DVHSMovie
Guide.com Web
site.
Moving on to DVD....
Buena
Vista
Fans of Disney’s classic animated titles will be pleased to learn that their
next one-a-year Platinum Edition releases will be “The Lion King” (due
in October; fresh from its IMAX®/Large Format re-release) and “Aladdin” (fall
2004). Their latest production, “Treasure Planet,” is due on DVD in
April (more on that in a moment). In addition, “Sleeping Beauty” should
be released later this year (we’re hearing September).
 For
many of you, the big collectible in March will no doubt be the VISTA Series edition
of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” due on the 25th ($29.99). Fans of this
landmark 1988 production will be treated to many highlights including new THX®-certified
anamorphic widescreen and full screen transfers, remastered 5.1 Dolby® Digital
and DTS® Digital Surround™, and supplements including the three Roger
Rabbit shorts: “Tummy Trouble” (which played theatrically with “Honey,
I Shrunk The Kids”), “Roller Coaster Rabbit” (“Dick Tracy”),
and “Trail Mix-Up” (“A Far Off Place”) which were previously
available on a “Best Of Roger Rabbit” LaserDisc that, well, never quite
got officially released. Additional extras include an audio commentary track
featuring the director, two producers, the screenwriters, and visual effects
supervisor; a newly-produced documentary “Behind The Ears: The True Story
Of Roger Rabbit”; split-screen comparisons; some additional featurettes;
and games.
Due on March 4 will be the first season of “The Osbournes.” The two-disc
set will feature the entire first season’s episodes, along with clips from
some unaired episodes, blooper reel, audio commentary tracks, and more. “The
Osbournes” will be available for $29.99 and in a choice of censored or uncensored
versions. Not to out-do the heavy metal madman and his crazy family, Disney has
their direct-to-video sequel to “Inspector Gadget” arriving in stores
a week later.
 March
4 will also see the long-awaited DVD release of Krzysztof Kieslowski’s “Three
Colors” trilogy: “Red,” “White,” and “Blue.” Offered
as a three-disc set, each film will be presented in anamorphic widescreen and
with the original French and Polish soundtracks remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1.
Extras are plentiful, and will include audio commentary by film scholars on each
film. Each disc will also include numerous featurettes and selected scene commentary
with some of the actors and filmmakers. Retail is $39.99.
Also in March, on the 11th, the company will release “Moonlight Mile” ($29.99,
anamorphic, Dolby Digital 5.1), which will include deleted scenes, an audio commentary,
and the Moonlight Mile: “A Journey To Screen” documentary.
“Treasure Planet,” Disney’s 42nd official animated “masterpiece” is
set to arrive on DVD on April 29. The $29.99 “Disney DVD” (as the company
likes to call them) will include an anamorphic widescreen and Dolby Digital 5.1
presentation, will be THX-certified, and will include a number of extras. The
bonus material is scheduled to include a visual commentary with the producers
and directors, some deleted scenes, music video, an assortment of games, an alternate
ending, and some additional features.
In more animation news—and this will certainly please fans of Japanese animation—Disney
has announced the DVD release of three long-awaited Hayao Miyazaki (“Princess
Mononoke”) favorites: “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” “Castle
In The Sky,” and, what is now the most successful boxoffice hit in Japan, “Spirited
Away.” All three will be offered in $29.99 two-disc sets on April 15 and
will each include anamorphic widescreen and original-language Dolby Digital 5.1
audio tracks. Extras on each film will include an introduction by “Toy Story” director
John Lasseter and a Behind The Microphone voice talent featurette. Additional
extras on “Spirited Away” include a segment on the art of the film,
a making-of featurette, and a storyboard-to-scene comparison.
 As
for classic live-action Disney films, the company plans to release “Treasure
Island” on April 29 and the often-requested “20,000 Leagues Under The
Sea” on May 13. “20,000 Leagues” will be offered as a $29.99 Special
Edition now that the Vault Disney Collection brand seems to be something the
studio has abandoned (it would seem to have been appropriate here but, oh well,
at least the title is coming out for those who want it). The THX-certified two-disc
set will include anamorphic widescreen and remastered Dolby Digital 5.1 audio.
In addition to the movie on Disc One, extras will include an audio commentary
track with director Richard Fleischer and the animated short “Grand Canyonscope.” Bonus
material to be included on Disc Two will include several featurettes and production
segments, a storyboard-to-scene comparison, actor bios, advertising and promotional
materials, screenplay excerpts, and more.
The studio has ramped up production on direct-to-video productions. In May, look
for “Atlantis II: Milo’s Return,” and in the Fall you can expect “George
Of The Jungle 2” and “Bionicle: Mask Of Light.” Also due soon
will be “MXP: Most Extreme Primate” and ”Air Bud Strikes Back.” And
in more animated news, look for “X-Men: The Legend Of Wolverine” on
April 29 and “The Incredible Hulk” on June 17, both obviously tie-ins
to capitalize on the theatrical releases of the new “X-Men” and “Hulk” movies.
 Buena
Vista also recently revealed their slate of DVD catalog (or “library”)
releases for 2003. SRP will vary between $14.99 and $19.99 depending on the title.
Except for the January and February titles, the disc specs have not been announced.
Don’t expect much by way of bonus material, and don’t be surprised
if some titles retain their original aspect ratios and others don’t. (In
addition, dozens of currently available Buena Vista DVDs will be reduced in price
over the course of the year.) January 14: “The Absent Minded Professor” (colorized), “The
Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again,” “The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes,” “Ethan
Frome,” “Gus,” “The Horse In The Gray Flannel Suit,” “The
Journey Of August King,” “The Moon Spinners,” “The Substance
Of Fire,” “Summer Fling.” February 4: “Citizen Ruth,” “Into
The West,” “Jane Eyre” (1996), “Night And The Moment,” “The
Star Maker.” March 4: “Basil,” “Blank Check,” “Blue
In The Face,” “Born Yesterday,” “Boys,” “The Duke,” “First
Kid,” “Gone Fishin’,” “Green Card,” “Heavyweights,” “A
Kid In King Arthur’s Court,” Krzysztof Kieslowski’s “Three
Colors” Trilogy (“Blue,” “White,” and “Red”), “A
Low Down Dirty Shame,” “Man Of The House,” “One Good Cop,” “The
Ref,” “Smoke,” “The Stepfather 2.” April 8: “Beyond
Silence,” “Four Days In September,” “The Inkwell,” “An
Innocent Man,” “Last Dance,” “Life With Mikey,” “The
Marrying Man,” “My Father The Hero,” “New York Stories,” “Pastime,” “Scenes
From A Mall,” “Stella,” “Tom & Viv,” “Two Much,” “Zentropa.” May
6: “Cosi,” “God Said Ha!,” “Hardware,” “Mr. & Mrs.
Bridge,” “Operation Dumbo Drop,” “Oscar,” “Perfect
Game,” “Roommates,” “A Simple Twist Of Fate,” “The
Sixth Man,” “Straight Talk,” “Summer Of The Monkeys,” “That
Darn Cat,” “Tom And Huck,” “Toothless,” “Vibrations.” June
3: “3 Ninjas,” “A La Mode,” “Cry The Beloved Country,” “The
Horseman On The Roof,” “A Stranger Among Us,” “Super Mario
Brothers,” “The Truce,” “Unstrung Heroes,” “Where
The Heart Is.” July 21: “The Advocate,” “Don’t Drink
The Water,” “Guilty As Sin,” “Lie Down With Dogs,” “The
Minion,” “A Month By The Lake,” “My Left Foot,” “Renaissance
Man,” “Queen Margot,” “Tuesdays With Morrie.” August
5: “An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn,” “Camp Nowhere,” “The
Cemetery Club,” “Crossing The Bridge,” “Dead Tired,” “French
Twist,” “Rowing With The Wind,” “Royal Deceit,” “Slam
Dunk Ernest,” “Tower Of Terror,” “The Wedding Gift.” September
2: “The Big One,” “Children Of The Revolution,” “Fatherhood,” “Feast
Of July,” “Funny Bones,” “The Gun In Betty Lou’s Handbag,” “It’s
Pat: The Movie,” “Mouth To Mouth,” “Rage In Harlem,” “Shades
Of Fear.” October 14: “Angie,” “Bad Company” (1995), “Before
And After,” “Consenting Adults,” “D.O.A.,” “Deceived,” “The
Doctor,” “Fire Birds,” “Holy Matrimony,” “Jack.” November
11: “The Air Up There,” “Jefferson In Paris,” “Money
For Nothing,” “The Shadow Conspiracy,” “Shoot To Kill.” December
9: “Blame It On The Bellboy,” “Country,” “Hello Again,” “In
The Army Now.”
And finally, if you haven’t purchased the “Toy Story” movies,
you’d better hurry. These will be the next in line for Disney titles being
placed on moratorium on May 1.
Columbia
TriStar
 Columbia
TriStar has numerous DVDs on the way this March and April, including a batch
of new Superbits, new releases “Maid In Manhattan” and the feature
film version of “I Spy,” the long-awaited catalog hit “Wind,” and
some direct-to-video titles.
Another round of Superbit™ titles have been scheduled for release on March
4. This batch will include “The Dark Crystal,” “Das Boot,” “Heavy
Metal,” “Labyrinth,” “Legends Of The Fall,” “Seven
Years In Tibet,” and the first non-widescreen Superbit: “From Here
To Eternity.” All seven will be “regular” Superbits; meaning,
no supplements will be included. SRP will be 26.95 each.
“Half Past Dead” is scheduled to be released on March 4, as is “Born
Free,” its sequel “Living Free.” Also on the 4th will be “Quitting” and “The
Best Of The Muppets Volume 3 & 4.”
 On
the 11th, look for “I Spy,” along with “Wind,” “Desert
Bloom,” “Sasquatch,” and “Sniper 2.” The 18th releases
will be “Auto Focus,” the bio-pic about “Hogan’s Heroes” star
Bob Crane, along with “The Man From Elysian Fields” and “The Eighteenth
Angel.” Look for “Troop Beverly Hills,” I’m With Lucy,” and “The
Howards Of Virginia” on March 25.
Moving on to April DVDs scheduled, look for “Lone Star State Of Mind,” “Brainscan,” “Dream
With The Fishes,” and “The Crime Of Padre Amaro” on the 1st, and
For “Da Love Of Money,” “First Shot,” “Dream For An
Insomniac,” and “The Care Bears Movie II” on April 8. “Big
Shot’s Funeral” arrives April 15. “Ignition” and “Immediate
Family” will arrive on the 22nd, and the 29th will include “The Swimmer,” “Lockdown,” “Walk,
Don’t Run,” and Luc Besson’s “Atlantis.”
As for television series on DVD from Columbia TriStar, look for the studio to
release a first season set of “Dawson’s Creek” on April 1. Throughout
the year, look for additional sets and/or compilations for “Mad About You” (“The
Complete Second Season” on April 22), “All In The Family,” “Good
Times,” “Sanford And Son,” “Dawson’s Creek,” and “Married
With Children.”
Additional spring DVD releases should include “Adaptation,” “Adam
Sandler’s Eight Crazy Nights,” and “Punch-Drunk Love.” Later
in the year, look for Special Editions of several titles including “The
People Vs. Larry Flynt,” “Black Hawk Down,” “Enough,” “Enigma,” and “Thunderheart,” as
well as more Superbits (including a possible release of the “Men In Black” movies).
DreamWorks
On March 4, DreamWorks will release “The Ring” (MAP $19.95) in separate
anamorphic widescreen and full screen editions. Both editions will include DTS
Digital Surround and Dolby Digital 5.1 (EX-encoded) audio options. In addition
to other supplements, the DVD will include an original 15-minute short film created
by director Gore Verbinksi that according to the press release, “will reveal
electrifying secrets that bring viewers closer to understanding the mystery of ‘the
ring’.”
 The
1999 Japanese production “Ringu,” on which “The
Ring” is based, will also be released on DVD March
4 ($29.99) featuring an anamorphic widescreen presentation
and a new Japanese original-language Dolby Digital 5.1
track.
Production is underway for a DVD of Steven Spielberg’s “Catch Me If
You Can” and is expected to arrive in late-spring or early summer. Other
late-spring/summer titles from DreamWorks should include “Old School” and “Biker
Boyz.”
MGM
Lots of titles on the way from MGM.... In March, new theatrical releases will
include “Personal Velocity” (on the 18th) and “Killing Me Softly” (on
the 25th). Both titles will retail for $26.98, will include anamorphic widescreen
and full screen viewing options and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. “Personal Velocity” will
also include an audio commentary track by the director, cinematographer and (in
what may be a DVD first) the gaffer, as well as a couple of featurettes. “Killing
Me Softly” will be offered in separate R-rated and Unrated editions.
 April
day-and-date theatrical titles arriving on DVD will be “Evelyn” and “Bowling
For Columbine.” Pierce Brosnan put down his license to kill and starred
in the drama “Evelyn,” which arrives April 15 with anamorphic widescreen,
Dolby Digital 5.1, two audio commentary tracks (including one with Brosnan),
a couple featurettes, and a photo gallery. A week later, on the 22nd, Michael
Moore’s acclaimed documentary “Bowling For Columbine” will reach
stores. The film, from the award-winning director of “Roger & Me,” will
include anamorphic widescreen and Dolby Digital 5.1 specs. The supplements were
not available at press time; if any are to be included they will be listed in
next month’s article.
MGM has ten catalog releases scheduled for March 4, including Special Editions
of “Salaam Bombay!” and “Of Mice And Men.” “Salaam Bombay!” will
retail for $24.98 and will include anamorphic widescreen, remastered Hindi Dolby
Digital 5.1 and original Hindi mono, plus two audio commentary tracks (one by
the director, the other by the cinematographer), six featurettes, and a photo
gallery. The 1992 edition of “Of Mice And Men” will retail for $19.98
and will include anamorphic widescreen, Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround, and audio
commentary with director/star Gary Sinise, two featurettes, deleted scenes, and
makeup tests. Rounding out the March 4 batch of releases will be “C’est
La Vie,” “A Doll’s House,” and “Nineteen Eighty-Four” (all
anamorphic widescreen), and “Equus,” “Europa Europa,” “Otello” (1986
with Placido Domingo), “Pauline At The Beach,” and “Women In Love” (all
non-anamorphic widescreen). SRP for each will be $19.98, and all will include
original language Dolby Digital 2.0 mono or surround audio (depending on the
title).
 MGM
has over twenty new-to-DVD catalog releases scheduled for the month of April
along with five double feature discs. Due April 1 (all $14.95) will be “A
Chorus Line,” “Privates On Parade” (both anamorphic widescreen), “Absolute
Beginners,” “Beat Street,” “Married To It,” “Memories
Of Me,” “How To Get Ahead In Advertising,” “Palookaville,” “The
Perez Family,” “A Private Function,” “Roadie,” “Sibling
Rivalry,” “Undercover Blues” (all anamorphic widescreen and full
screen), “Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo,” “Checking Out,” “The
Couch Trip,” “Fatal Instinct,” “Lambada,” “The
Missionary,” “Popi,” “Rappin’,” and “Salsa” (all
full screen only). All feature Dolby Digital 2.0 mono or stereo soundtracks (depending
on the title) except for “Roadie,” which will be Dolby Digital 5.1.
Most will be bare-bones/movie-only/maybe-a-trailer releases, though “Fatal
Instinct” will include audio commentary, deleted scenes and outtakes, “Absolute
Beginners” will include a photo gallery, and “A Chorus Line” will
include a featurette. The latest batch of Midnite Movies Double Features will
all retail for $14.95 (not bad for two movies) and the title matchups are: “Psych-Out”/”The
Trip,” “Angel Unchained”/”Cycle Avengers,” “Cry
Of The Banshee”/”Murders In The Rue Morgue,” “Invisible Invaders”/”Journey
To The Seventh Planet,” and “Muscle Beach Party”/”Ski Party.” The “Psych-Out”/”The
Trip” set will include featurettes for both films and audio commentary by
Roger Corman and a psychedelic film effects segment for “The Trip.”
Not a bad batch of catalog releases, but the most anticipated offering for the
month of April may be the new Special Edition of “West Side Story.” Disc
One of the new two-disc set (due April 1) will include an anamorphic widescreen
transfer of the multiple Oscar-winning classic, Dolby Digital 5.1 audio, and
an option to play feature film with or without an intermission. Disc Two is loaded
with a one-hour retrospective documentary, the original theatrical presentation
intermission music, a storyboard-to-film comparison, and a film archive featuring
rare and never-before-seen materials. The DVD has an SRP of $39.98 and will also
include a collectible scrapbook featuring the complete screenplay and reproduction
of the original lobby display brochure.
The 20th official 007 adventure “Die Another Day” is expected to appear
on DVD in May or June, and later in the year some additional James Bond catalog
titles may reappear. Also due for release soon is the Extended Cut edition of “Dances
With Wolves.” Later in the year look for possible DVD releases of the following
titles known to be in production and considered for release (some are expected
to be Special Editions): “Wild At Heart,” “The Howling,” “To
Live And Die In L.A.,” Blake Edwards’ “Pink Panther” movie
series, “A Fish Called Wanda,” “A Bridge Too Far,” “The
Great Escape,” and John Carpenter’s “Escape From New York.”
New
Line
 In
March, look for New Line to release “Friday After Next,” “Table
One,” and “Cheats.” The Infinifilm edition of “Friday After
Next” (March 25) will be offered as a DVD-14 with anamorphic widescreen
and full screen presentation options, DTS Digital Surround and Dolby Digital
5.1 audio options, and a filmmaker audio commentary as well as an actor commentary.
In addition, the loaded disc will include deleted scenes with commentary, a gag
reel, six featurettes covering different aspects of the production, and a Westside
Connection music video. “Table One” (March 18) retails for $19.98,
and features both anamorphic widescreen and full screen presentations with Dolby
Digital 2.0 audio. No supplements are scheduled to be included. “Cheats” (March
18) will SRP for $24.98 and will include anamorphic widescreen, both DTS Digital
Surround and Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks, a 21-minute documentary, and three deleted/alternate
scenes.
A couple of titles completed and given some limited theatrical playdates that
are not currently on the studio’s release schedule but may get released
at some point in the year include “Run Ronnie Run!” and “Unconditional
Love” (aka “Who Shot Victor Fox?”).
And expect big things in 2003 with part two in the epic “The Lord Of The
Rings trilogy: The Two Towers.” New Line has tentative plans to follow the
same release pattern established with “The Fellowship Of The Ring,” first
offering a theatrical version DVD in summer and then an expanded edition version
in the fall.
Paramount
March 18 will see the release of “Abandon” and “Just A Kiss.” Each
will retail for $29.99 and will include anamorphic widescreen transfers. Audio
will be Dolby Digital 5.1 for “Abandon” and 2.0 for “Just A Kiss.” “Abandon” will
include audio commentary by the director and cinematographer, a featurette, as
well as deleted and extended scenes. Also due on the 18th will be the direct-to-video
sequel “Charlotte’s Web 2: Wilbur’s Great Adventure.”
Catalog releases in March will include three baseball-themed titles (just in
time for Spring Training!), and another “Star Trek” feature receiving
the Special Edition treatment. “Bang The Drum Slowly,” “Fear Strikes
Out,” and “Talent For The Game” will arrive March 4 and will retail
for $19.99 each, and will include anamorphic widescreen transfers (“Talent” will
include a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack; the other two will be 2.0). No supplements
are scheduled to be included.
On the 25th look for “Jackass: The Movie.” The big-screen version of
the popular MTV series will feature anamorphic widescreen and full screen viewing
options, Dolby Digital 5.1 audio, and an audio commentary track by the director,
cinematographer and star Johnny Knoxville. The disc will also include a group
commentary track by the cast, a featurette on the making of the movie, outtakes,
two music videos, and photo and poster galleries. SRP is $29.99.
On to news about Paramount’s most famous franchise.... The top-grossing
of the cinematic “Star Trek” adventures (and the only one to clear
$100 million domestically), “The Voyage Home,” will be released on
March 4th in a two-disc Collector’s Edition. Trekkies and Trekkers alike
will be treated to an audio commentary track featuring both Leonard Nimoy and
William Shatner, a text commentary, no less than a dozen featurettes, some interview
segments, and a storyboard and production gallery. SRP is $24.99, and presentation
specs are anamorphic widescreen and Dolby Digital 5.1, and it will be the 118-minute
theatrical version.
 In
other “Star Trek” news, “Star Trek: Nemesis” and Collector’s
Editions of “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier” and “Star Trek VI:
The Undiscovered Country” are expected to be beamed our way later in 2003.
Additional season sets of “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” will be staggered
throughout the year, as well (“The Complete Second Season” due April
1).
In addition to the various “Star Trek” TV series offered on DVD, Paramount
will release a first season set of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” March
25. Despite being shot in and broadcast (in some regions) in widescreen format,
the DVDs will be presented in full screen. No SRP was established, though the
sets are expected to retail for around $70. Audio will be Dolby Digital 2.0,
and bonus features include a featurette, character profiles, and a Who music
video.
In additional TV news, fans of “Cheers” and “Frasier” will
be pleased to hear that Paramount plans to begin releasing season sets of those
two shows later in the year. Other episodic series are being considered for DVD
release, as well, including additional sets of “I Love Lucy” and the
ongoing “Star Trek” series.
 New
releases in April will include “The Wild Thornberrys Movie” (April
1/MAP $19.99) and “Bloody Sunday” (April 22/SRP $29.99). Both releases
will include anamorphic widescreen and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. “Thornberrys” will
also include a full screen viewing option, as well as a Paul Simon music video
and a PC game demo.
April catalog titles will include “The Carpetbaggers,” “Copper
Canyon,” “Gunfight At The O.K. Corral,” “The Lonely Man,” and “Nevada
Smith” (all April 22), and “Big Jake,” “Rio Lobo,” “Little
Big Man,” “Le Mans,” and “A Man Called Horse” (all April
29). SRP for each will be $19.99. The April 29 batch of discs and “The Carpetbaggers” will
feature remastered Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. “Copper Canyon” will be
presented in its original full screen format. The others will all feature anamorphic
widescreen editions.
Here’s an update on a couple on-the-schedule-off-the-schedule, on-the-schedule-off-the-schedule
titles often asked about—”The Italian Job” and “Once Upon
A Time In The West.” The classic Sergio Leone western is at present off
the schedule due to a myriad of complications. The studio does still hope to
release it, though. “The Italian Job,” however, will be rescheduled
for DVD release to coincide with the release of the studio’s remake (currently
in production) that is due later in the year.
Upcoming new releases expected in May include “Extreme Ops” and “The
Way Home.” And though not officially announced yet, the studio plans to
release several catalog titles during the summer, including “Flight Of The
Intruder” and “Grease 2.” And if all goes as planned, we’ll
see a DVD release of the 1980 mini-series “Shogun” by year’s end.
In terms of titles being rereleased, many of you will be pleased to learn that
the studio has finally made the decision to revisit selected titles with upgraded
transfers and audio along with an assortment of bonus material. First up: the
Jack Ryan series of movies (“The Hunt For Red October,” “Patriot
Games,” “Clear And Present Danger”), which are expected to be
announced soon with an anticipated May 6 arrival in stores.
And finally, a couple of issues back, we reported that Paramount had revealed
plans to offer selected titles with DTS Digital Surround soundtracks. As we go
to press, the studio has indicated that the previously mentioned Jack Ryan set
would be the first titles to be offered with DTS audio. Future titles will be
considered on a title-by-title basis. Look for more details in the following
entry of this “Inside DVD” series of articles.
20th
Century Fox
 “Swimfan” will
be released on March 11 ($27.98, anamorphic widescreen and full screen, Dolby
Digital 5.1). Bonus material includes ten deleted scenes with optional commentary
and an audio commentary by the director and stars Jesse Bradford and Erika Christensen.
“Sordid Lives” is scheduled for March 18. The $34.99-priced release
will include anamorphic widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1, multiple audio commentary
tracks, deleted scenes, and an interview segment.
Also on March 18, Fox will release a DVD set of the Emmy award-winning TV series “NYPD
Blue.” The six-disc set will include all 22 first season episodes presented
in their original 1.33:1 broadcast aspect ratio, remastered Dolby Digital 4.0
sound, audio commentary on selected episodes, as well as three featurettes and
bios. SRP is $59.98.
Robert Wise’s classic science-fiction film “The Day The Earth Stood
Still” will invade stores on March 4. Presented in its original 1.33:1 format
and with Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo, the extras will include a 70-minute documentary,
audio commentary by Wise and Nicholas Meyer, an original Movietone newsreel,
and a restoration comparison segment.
Other March catalog releases from Fox will be “Quest For Fire” and “Journey
To The Center Of The Earth,” both coming March 4 ($14.98 each).
On March 11 the company will also release four family titles: “Bushwhacked,” “Far
From Home: The Adventures Of Yellow Dog,” “Lucas,” and “My
Friend Flicka.” The first three titles will include both anamorphic widescreen
and full screen versions while “My Friend Flicka” will be in its original
full screen format. All will include Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtracks and have an
SRP of $14.98.
 Moving
on to April releases, Fox will be releasing “The Transporter,” the
action-packed thriller produced and co-written by Luc Besson (“The Fifth
Element,” “La Femme Nikita”) on the 15th. Specs include anamorphic
widescreen and full screen versions, Dolby Digital 5.1 audio, deleted scenes,
a featurette, and audio commentary. The disc is also said to include 15 minutes
of unrated action footage never-before-seen in theatres (not sure if that means
isolated as a supplement or integrated into the film). SRP is $27.98. Also due
on April 15 is the direct-to-video horror flick “Darkwolf” ($34.99),
and it will include a featurette and a blooper reel.
Television shows debuting in April include “Son Of The Beach” and “Family
Guy.” “Family Guy” arrives April 15 in a four-disc set of first
and second season episodes (1.33:1; Dolby Digital 2.0; $49.98), along with audio
commentary on eight selected episodes. Shock-jock Howard Stern’s “‘Baywatch’ Meets ‘Police
Academy’” parody “Son Of The Beach” arrives April 29 as a
three-disc set featuring 21 episodes (1.33:1; Dolby Digital 2.0; $39.98), audio
commentary for selected episodes, featurettes, and outtakes.
Looking forward to May DVD releases, look for a new Special Edition of the Farrelly
Brothers’ “There’s Something About Mary” on the 13th. Also
on May 13, look for a Season Seven set of “The X Files” and a Season
One collection of “Dark Angel” a week later. Also on May 20, Fox will
launch Wave 3 of their War Classics, which will include the DVD debuts of “13
Rue Madeleine,” “The Blue Max,” “The Desert Fox,” “The
Enemy Below,” “Heaven Knows Mr. Allison,” and “Sink The Bismark!.”
Other DVDs in production or completed and nearing announcement include “All
That Jazz,” “Cemetery Man,” “One Million Years B.C.,” “Terror
Train,” Mel Brooks’ “To Be Or Not To Be,” “Valley Of
The Dolls,” and “Hello, Dolly!,” as well as Special Editions of “The
Fly” (1986), “True Lies,” and “Predator.” Also expect
to see the “Alien” series get revisited sometime in 2003 as a nine(!)-disc “Quadrilogy.” In
addition, Fox plans to license out selected titles to other labels for release,
including “Kagemusha” and “Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls.” And
you Coen Brothers fans out there will be pleased to hear that the studio plans
to release “Barton Fink” and “Miller’s Crossing” this
year.
As for television programs, expect to see additional TV season sets released
throughout the year for “Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” “The Simpsons,” “M*A*S*H,” “24,” “The
Shield,” “Malcolm In The Middle,” and “The X Files.” DVD
debuts may include “Futurama,” “Millennium,” and “King
Of The Hill.”
Upcoming theatrical “A” titles expected on DVD in May or June include “Drumline,” Denzel
Washington’s directorial debut “Antwone Fisher,” and Steven Soderbergh’s “Solaris” remake.
Universal
 Universal’s
big March DVD release will be “8 Mile,” the critically-acclaimed drama
starring rapper Eminem and directed by Curtis Hanson (“L.A. Confidential,” “Wonder
Boys”). Due on the 18th, “8 Mile” will include separate anamorphic
widescreen and full screen releases, both with DTS Digital Surround and Dolby
Digital 5.1 audio. SRP is $26.98, and supplements will include a featurette,
five “Rap Battles” shot during the production featuring star Eminem
and extras from the film, and the “Superman” music video. Each of the
separate widescreen and full screen editions will be available in an “edited
supplements” and “unedited supplements” version. Also on the 18th,
the studio will release “Empire.”
The studio’s catalog output for March will include the music-themed “Sweet
Charity,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and “Zoot Suit.” Not
quite the elaborate sets one might wish for, nonetheless, the titles are being
released to DVD for the first time, each in anamorphic widescreen and Dolby Digital
2.0 Surround audio (somewhat disappointing considering each film should have
a discrete four and/or six-track printmaster in existence). “Millie” will
retail for $19.98; the other two will be $14.98. “Sweet Charity” will
include a 153-minute version of the film (the film has existed in versions with
different running times), along with an alternate ending (as a supplement rather
than as a seamless-branching viewer option) and two vintage featurettes.
 Moving
over into the month of April, look for another huge release from Universal with “Red
Dragon.” The latest entry in the Hannibal Lecter saga is due April 1 in
no less than three DVD editions: widescreen, full screen, and two-disc widescreen
Director’s Edition. The single-disc versions will retail for $26.98 and
will include several featurettes and director Brett Ratner audio commentary.
The two-disc edition ($34.98) will include everything included on the one-disc
editions plus a director’s Video Diary, a Red Dragon Tattoo segment, screen
and film tests, and a storyboard-to-final feature comparison. The widescreen
editions will be anamorphically enhanced and will include Dolby Digital 5.1 audio.
(DTS might be included as well but hadn’t been determined at press time.
Space considerations on the discs may prevent it from being included.)
Also to be released on April 1 will be “The Truth About Charlie.” The “Charade” remake
($26.98) will include anamorphic widescreen, DTS Digital Surround and Dolby Digital
5.1 audio, a Jonathan Demme audio commentary, a featurette, and deleted scenes.
In addition, the entire feature film “Charade,” on which this film
is based, will also be included as a supplement, or as the second half of a double
feature, depending on how one looks at it.
 Universal
also plans to release several catalog titles in April including “Continental
Divide” as well as anamorphic widescreen remasters of “The Andromeda
Strain,” “Fahrenheit 451,” and “Legal Eagles” (titles
previously released in bare-bones non-anamorphic versions from Image Entertainment).
In addition, the studio is considering remastered DVDs of three John Hughes favorites: “The
Breakfast Club,” “Sixteen Candles,” and “Weird Science.” Catalog
titles will continue to be unveiled throughout the year with the May batch of
releases including “The Electric Horseman,” “Two Mules For Sister
Sara,” and “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” and others.
Television series from Universal expected to get released on DVD during 2003
include season sets and/or selected episode compilations of “Baretta,” “Battlestar
Galactica,” “Dragnet,” “Emergency,” “Magnum P.I.,” “Quantum
Leap,” “The Rockford Files,” and “Sliders.”
And the never-ending saga of Little Foot continues with the DVD releases of three
more “Land Before Time” adventures. Due April 1 ($24.98 each) will
be “The Land Before Time 4: Journey Through The Mists,” “The Land
Before Time 5: The Mysterious Island,” and “The Last Before Time 6:
The Secret Of Saurus Rock.”
Warner
 Several
new theatrical “A” titles are coming from Warner Home Video throughout
March and April, along with a bunch of catalog releases. First up, on March 11,
will be “White Oleander,” followed by “Welcome To Collinwood” on
the 18th, Brian De Palma’s “Femme Fatale” on the 25th, and the
horror film “Ghost Ship” on the 28th. All will include anamorphic widescreen
versions and Dolby Digital 5.1-channel audio. Extras for “White Oleander” ($27.95)
will include additional footage, two featurettes, and an audio commentary track. “Welcome
To Collinwood” ($26.98) will include a behind-the-scenes “mockumentary” and
a “Viewer’s Guide To Collinwood Low-Life Lingo.” “Femme Fatale” ($26.98)
is set to include three featurettes and a Femme Fatale: Dressed To Kill montage. “Ghost
Ship” is scheduled to include three featurettes, an additional behind-the-scenes
segment, a “Secrets Of The Antonia Graza” segment featuring additional
footage not included in the final cut, and a Mudvayne music video. “White
Oleander” and “Ghost Ship” will also be available in separate
full screen versions for the letterbox-challenged.
On March 18, look for three foreign films from three highly-regarded international
filmmakers: “Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams,” Claude Lelouch’s “A
Man And A Woman,” and one of my personal all-time favorite foreign films,
Francois Truffaut’s “Day For Night.” All will be anamorphic widescreen
and in their original languages, and will retail for $19.98. “Day For Night” is
set to include three featurettes, and interviews, while “A Man And A Woman” will
include two featurettes.
 The
studio’s biggest spring release is without a doubt “Harry Potter And
The Chamber Of Secrets,” the second installment in the wildly popular movie
franchise based on J.K. Rowling’s series of books. Due on April 11, the
DVD will be offered as a two-disc set in separate widescreen and full screen
versions ($29.95 SRP). The audio will be Dolby Digital 5.1 (Surround EX™-encoded),
and the widescreen release will be anamorphically enhanced. Bonus material will
include 19 additional/extended scenes, a “crystal-clear, self-guided tour” allowing
viewers to linger on details in the film, cast interviews, interviews with creator
and book series author J.K. Rowling and screenwriter Steve Kloves, and DVD-ROM
content including disc access via One VoiceDVD technology (similar to that featured
on the previous “Harry Potter” DVD), an interactive Hogwarts timeline,
and additional supplements.
April catalog releases will include “One Crazy Summer,” “Wildcats,” “City
Slickers II: The Legend Of Curly’s Gold,” and “The Spirit Of ‘76” (April
1); “The Singing Detective” (April 15); “Kiss Me Kate,” “High
Society,” “Les Girls,” and “Silk Stockings” (April 22);
and “The Main Event,” “Nuts,” “Up The Sandbox,” and “What’s
Up, Doc?” (April 29). Those four Barbra Streisand titles due on the 29th
will be available individually and also as a four-disc gift set. All of the April
catalog DVDs have an SRP of $19.98; the Barbra Streisand DVD Gift Set will be
$69.92. All titles will be offered in their original theatrical aspect ratios,
and all will feature Dolby Digital mono or stereo audio (depending on the title)
except for “Kiss Me Kate,” “High Society,” “Les Girls,” “Silk
Stockings,” and “City Slickers,” which will be in Dolby Digital
5.1. Also on the 29th will be a Special Edition re-issue of “The Matrix.”
 Titles
in production or being considered for future release and/or re-release include “ABBA
The Movie,” “The Animatrix,” “Blade Runner,” “A
Christmas Story,” “Empire Records,” “Fame,” “Giant,” “Goodfellas,” “The
Hunger,” “The In-Laws,” “The Mission,” “The Omega
Man,” “Once Upon A Time In America,” “The Right Stuff,” “Robin
Hood: Prince Of Thieves,” “Soylent Green,” “This Boy’s
Life,” and many others. And in a bit of good news for fans of classic films,
restoration/preservation is underway on “Around The World In Eighty Days” and
the original “King Kong,” as well as “Ryan’s Daughter.” No
word yet on actual DVD releases, though. It may be a while.... Stay tuned.
Television series that can be expected sometime this year include “Smallville” and
additional season sets for “Babylon 5” and “Friends.” And
look for some “Looney Tunes” collections to finally make an appearance
on DVD. And speaking of “Friends,” look for a “Complete Third
Season” set of the Emmy-winning series on April 1, along with two “Best
Of Friends” releases, one for Season One and another for Season Two. The
third season set will include 25 episodes and additional footage, and an SRP
of $44.98. The Best Of releases will include the five best episodes from each
season as selected by the show’s executive producers and will retail for
$14.98 a piece.
By next issue, Warner titles such as “Analyze That” and “Two Weeks
Notice,” as well as more catalog titles should be announced for release
on DVD.
Independents
And Miscellaneous
Universal Studios Home Video has acknowledged that portions of the “Back
To The Future Part II” and “Part III” DVDs that appear in the
widescreen “Back To The Future Trilogy” DVD set were mis-framed during
their video transfer and that replacement copies will be made available to consumers.
To receive a replacement, consumers are asked to return their copies of “Part
II” and “Part III,” without the original packaging, along with
a brief letter including the following information: name, full mailing address,
daytime telephone number, and reason for return, to:
Back To The Future DVD Returns
P.O. Box 224468
Dallas, TX 75260
Customer service numbers are: 888 703 0010 (USA) and 866 532 2202 (Canada)
Anchor Bay continues to release an amazingly diverse
and plentiful slate of titles on DVD, with March discs
including “Nick Knight,” “The Daydreamer,” “The
Wacky World Of Mother Goose,” “Army Of Darkness:
Boomstick Edition,” “Crossing The Line,” “Elephant
Parts,” “Square Dance,” and “Winter
Kills.” On the April schedule are “Cartouche,” “The
Black Marble,” “A Girl Called Rosemarie,” “Five
Wives,” “Three Secretaries And Me,” and “A
Man, A Woman And A Bank.” Forthcoming releases will
include “The Cheerleaders,” “Dawn Of The
Dead” (remixed DTS-ES™ and Dolby Digital Surround
EX soundtracks), “Day Of The Dead” (remixed
DTS-ES and Dolby Digital Surround EX soundtracks), “Fear
No Evil,” “Meet The Feebles,” additional
episodes of “Highlander: The Series,” and a
25th anniversary edition of John Carpenter’s “Halloween,” and
many others.
For March, Artisan Home Entertainment has lined up “Jonah: A VeggieTales
Movie” and “Roger Dodger” for release on DVD. “Jonah” ($24.98)
is due March 4 and will include anamorphic widescreen and full screen versions,
Dolby Digital 5.1, outtakes, three audio commentaries, five featurettes, voice
auditions, interactive storybook, three music videos, and additional DVD-ROM
content. Who says kids don’t watch supplements?! As for “Roger Dodger” ($26.98),
look for anamorphic widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1, audio commentary, deleted
scenes, video postcards, and a couple of featurettes. In April, look for the
DVD release of “Standing In The Shadows Of Motown” and a new version
of “Young Guns,” among other releases to be announced.
New release information from Creative Design Art arrived too late to be
included last issue so here it is, better late than never. The company specializing
in collector’s sets have planned a February 25 street date for deluxe sets
of “Superman” ($79.99), “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001/$59.99),
and “Amadeus: The Director’s Cut” ($59.99). Titles in development
for future release include “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest,” “The
Searchers,” “The Deer Hunter,” and “Once Upon A Time In America.”
Criterion has “My Life As A Dog” and “Straw Dogs” arriving
in March along with a Truffaut box set in April. Lasse Hallstrom’s “My
Life As A Dog” (March 11) will include a new anamorphic widescreen transfer,
the 45-minute short “Shall We Go To My Place Or Your Place Or Each Go Home
Alone?” (a 1973 film directed by Hallstrom), new interview segment, and
reflections on the film by Kurt Vonnegut. Sam Peckinpah’s “Straw Dogs” (March
25) will include a new anamorphic transfer, audio commentary by film scholar
Stephen Prince, behind-the-scenes footage shot during the original production,
interview segment, and isolated music and effects. It will be the 117-minute
edition of the film. “The White Shiek” is coming on April 29 as well
as “The Adventures Of Antoine Doinel”: a five-disc set covering four
feature films directed by Francois Truffaut. Included in the set will be new
transfers of “The 400 Blows,” “Stolen Kisses,” “Bed
And Board,” “Love On The Run,” and the short “Antoine And
Colette.” And in one last Criterion note...in case you were wondering why
you haven’t seen their DVD release of “Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas” in
stores it’s because the street date was changed from January 28 to February
18.
Image Entertainment has a couple of dozen new releases on the way in March
and April. First though, an update on “War And Peace,” which the company
had planned to release on DVD back in December. Unfortunately (or fortunately,
if this results in a better disc) the title has been placed on hold and will
be reannounced for release in the future. Also, the company has announced that
a new edition of “Short Circuit” (with anamorphic widescreen; the previous
release was non-anamorphic) should be available in July. Okay, the March slate....
New releases due on March 11: “Assault On Precinct 13” (new Special
Edition; audio commentary, John Carpenter Q&A, isolated music score, photo
gallery, new anamorphic transfer, Dolby Digital 5.1), “Contraband,” “Wife
To Be Sacrificed,” “Mee Pok Man,” “X2000: The Collected Shorts
Of Francois Ozon,” “A Virgin Among The Living Dead,” “The
House With Laughing Windows,” “Acoustic Alchemy: Sounds Of St. Lucia,” “Without
Lying Down,” “DJ Quik: Visualism.” March 18: “Rock Masters:
Billy Joel,” “Rock Masters: Emmylou Harris,” “Rock Masters:
Hall & Oates,” “Joe Jackson 25th Anniversary Special,” “Goo
Goo Dolls: Live In Alaska” (“Music In High Places”), “Rockthology
5,” “Rockthology 6,” “The Man Who Came To Dinner,” “Roy
Orbison: Live In Austin City Limits.” March 25: “Because,” “Props,” “Beginning
Of The End,” “Grand Illusions: The Story Of Magic,” “Jamie
Foxx Unleashed: Lost, Stolen And Leaked!,” “The Adventures Of Dennis
Da Menace,” “Straight From The Projects,” “South Of The Border,” “Rovin’ Tumbleweeds,” “Ninja
Academy,” “In The Cold Of The Night,” “The Wind,” “Rules.” Also
on March 25 will be two more Something Weird Video Double Features: “Day
Of The Nightmare”/”The Scream Of The Butterfly” and “The
Psycho Lover”/”Heat Of Madness.”
Moving over to April releases, on April 8: “Millay At Steepletop,” “Merry-Go-Round,” “The
Life And Passion Of Jesus Christ”/”From The Manger To The Cross,” “Die
Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail,” “David Allan Coe: Live At Billy Bob’s
Texas.” April 15: “The New Adventures Of Pinocchio,” “Angels”/”Getting
Into Heaven,” “Olivia,” “Tito Puente: Live In Montreal,” “The
Wailers Live,” “Tomcat: Steppin’ Up Vol. 1,” “Ryan Adams:
Live In Jamaica” (“Music In High Places”). Also on the 15th is
a Something Weird Video triple feature consisting of “Olga’s House
Of Shame,” “Olga’s Dance Hall Girls,” and “White Slaves
Of Chinatown.” April 22: “Chinese Chocolate,” “Destiny Of
A Man,” “Operation ‘Y’ And Other Shurik’s Adventures,” “Benny
Hill’s World Tour.” April 29: “Rockthology 7,” “Rockthology
8,” “Heart: Alive In Seattle,” “Jessica: A Ghost Story,” “Darkroom,” “The
Naked Truth,” “The Zero Boys.”
And in another better-late-than-never update that came in too late to be included
last issue, Kino On Video has announced a February 25 street date for
a “Restored Authorized Edition” of Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis.” Available
in its original 1.33:1 silent ratio format and with a remastered Dolby Digital
5.1 soundtrack of a newly recorded score, the 1927 sci-fi classic will include
audio commentary by film historian Enno Patalas, the documentary “The Metropolis
Case,” a restoration featurette, and a photo gallery. SRP is $29.95.
Full
Screen-Only Update
The trend by the movie studios to release some of their films on DVD in 1.33:1
(4:3) full screen format continues to grow. That is, movies originally shot and
intended to be shown in w-i-d-e screen and instead presented on DVD in a modified
1.33:1 aspect ratio. In fairness, many of the studios have begun offering separate
widescreen and fullscreen releases, and in other cases offering both versions
on the same release. However, many titles are still being released to DVD only
in modified form.
What follows is an ongoing list of the DVDs released or scheduled for release
during 2003 with only a “modified to fit your screen” presentation.
The Absent Minded Professor (colorized)
The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again
Band Of The Hand
Bank Shot
Basic Training
Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo
Checking Out
The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes
The Couch Trip
Dennis The Menace Strikes Again
Fatal Instinct
Free Willy 3: The Rescue
Gus
The Horse In The Gray Flannel Suit
How To Beat The High Cost Of Living
Immediate Family
Joey
Lambada
Larger Than Life
The Master Of Disguise
The Missionary
The Moon Spinners
Music From Another Room
No Man’s Land (1987)
Piranha Part Two: The Spawning
Popi
Rappin’
Salsa
Summer Lovers
Troop Beverly Hills
True Love
Okay, so maybe that list doesn’t contain that many desirable titles. But
that’s not the point. Eventually, if the trend continues, a movie you want
may get released without an option to view it in its original format. An ongoing
list of all of the modified DVDs released since the launch of the format is available
on our Web site.
“Inside DVD & DVHS” will be posted regularly on the Widescreen
Review Web site (www.Widescreen Review.com) in the DVD Release News and Print
Issue Attractions sections, and will occasionally appear in the print edition
of the magazine. |
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