Home video releases for May 19 include A BUG'S LIFE on Blu-ray, the 20th anniversary edition of BATMAN on Blu-ray, the DVD/Blu-ray release of VALKYRIE, ENEMY AT THE GATES and PAYCHECK on Blu-ray, two volumes of classic 1960s and '70s cartoons, season seven of 24 and season one of TRUE BLOOD on DVD/Blu-ray and more.
24 Season Seven on DVD and Blu-ray
Get ready to get addicted again with another heart-pounding, nail-biting thrill ride when 24 Season Seven arrives for the first time ever on high-definition Blu-ray Disc and DVD May 19 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. The countdown starts over as Jack Bauer (Emmy Award winner Kiefer Sutherland) is thrust back into action in a new city, with a new role and a new enemy to bring down. Set in Washington, D.C., Jack is under investigation for his high crimes during his time at CTU as a mysterious new threat is attempting to take the government down.
As the race against the clock escalates, Jack is forced to take matters into his own hands, working with old friends and new allies to once again protect the country. Featuring stunning performances by returning from dead cast member Carlos Bernard (Tony Almeida), Mary Lynn Rajskub (Chloe O'Brian), James Morrison (Bill Buchanan), Carlo Rota (Morris O'Brian) and Elisha Cuthbert (Kim Bauer), new faces emerge including comedian-actress Janeane Garofalo and two-time Tony Award-winner Cherry Jones, as the first female President of the United States.
Fans can experience the long-awaited return of the nonstop adrenaline-charged intense thriller only 24 on Blu-ray Disc and DVD can bring, loaded with special features including deleted scenes, commentaries and featurettes. The 24 Season Seven Blu-ray Disc will be available for the suggested retail price of $69.99 U.S. and the DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $49.98 U.S. Pre-book is April 22. On DVD & BD, you control the clock.
Set in Washington D.C., for the first time, the season opens four years after Season Six with the Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) dismantled and Jack on trial for all his "misconduct" at CTU. Jack's day takes an unexpected turn when the government is threatened and his expertise are needed once again.
24 producer Paul Gadd is the man responsible for the in-house visual effects coordination, planning and production with such outside visual effects vendors as Stargate Studios, Eden FX and Look Effects. While 24 isn't known as a show that relies on vfx sequences, season seven's change of location has amped up the inclusion of more digital wizardry than ever before.
"I think we have had a lot more visual effects this year," Gadd assesses. "Because of D.C. we have done a lot of visual effects adding, but maybe not as much as you might think. In fact, we now think we should have done it more often because it's so simple and works great. But we really didn't want to make the season about finding a place to put a monument, but more about the scene itself."
Special Features Include:
-- Commentaries from the filmmakers-- The Fimucite Festival Presents: The Music of 24-- Deleted Scenes with Optional commentary-- 24-7: The Untold Story
ARMY OF DARKNESS Screwhead Edition on DVD and Blu-ray
Bound in human flesh, inked in blood -- and amazingly hard to pronounce -- the ancient "Necronomicon" (Book of the Dead) unleashes unspeakable evil upon mankind in this outrageously hilarious sword-and-sorcery epic. From Universal Studios Home Ent. and acclaimed director, Sam Raimi (SPIDER-MAN franchise) and released just in time for his upcoming major motion picture Drag Me to Hell comes ARMY OF DARKNESS Screwhead Edition. Loaded with bonus features, a digitally remastered picture, and overflowing with spectacular special effects, ARMY OF DARKNESS will make you scream with fear and laughter.
The 1992 release from Universal Home Ent. features vfx from K.N.B. Effects Group, Introvision International, Alterian, Perpetual Motion Pictures and 24 Hour Post.
Special Features Include:
-- Alternate Ending: See the original ending planned for the film.-- Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes that never played in theaters.-- The Men Behind The Army: Go behind-the-scenes with star Bruce Campbell.-- Additional Footage: See extra footage shot for the film.-- Feature Commentary with director Sam Raimi, star Bruce Campbell, and co-writer Ivan Raimi-- THEATRICAL TRAILER: The original promotional trailer for the theatrical release.
Blu-ray-Exclusive Special Features Include:
-- U-Control: Universal's exclusive signature feature, U-Control puts viewers one click away from going deeper into the making of the film without ever leaving the movie.-- Production Photos: Access interactive production photos from the set without interruption to the movie experience.-- BD-Live: Access the BD-Live Center through your Internet-connected player to get even more content, watch the latest trailers, and more!-- My Scenes: Pick your favorite scenes from the film to create your own video montage.
BATMAN: The Movie 20th Anniversary on Blu-ray
BATMAN: The Movie, the film that launched a global phenomenon, celebrates its 20th anniversary May 19 with a new single release. BATMAN: The Movie 20th Anniversary Blu-ray will be packaged in a premium hardcover book format that is loaded with hours of bonus content, including commentary with director Tim Burton and a digital copy which allows consumers a single non-transferable download of the full-length film compatible with iTunes and Windows Media devices. The Blu-ray book includes original script pages, excerpts from the Batman Official Book of the Movie and the DC Comics comic book adaptation of the film.
Tim Burton's direction and Michael Keaton's performance combine perfectly in the first film of the Warner Bros. series which captures Gotham City's sinister atmosphere and BATMAN'S brooding nature. Jack Nicholson stars in a memorable performance as the maniacal villain, The Joker and Kim Basinger is Vicki Vale, the beautiful and resourceful photojournalist. Featuring songs by Prince and a score by Danny Elfman, BATMAN won the 1990 Oscar for Best Art Direction/Set Decoration.
This 1989 release from Warner Home Video features vfx from The Magic Camera Company.
Special Features Include:
(Includes all of the special features from the Two-Disc Special Edition DVD):-- Commentary by director Tim Burton-- On the Set with Bob Kane-- Legends of the Dark Knight: The History of BATMAN: The Comic Book Saga as Reinvented and Reinterpreted over Seven Decades-- Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the DARK KNIGHT Parts 1-3 * The Road to GOTHAM CITY* The Gathering Storm* The Legend Reborn-- Beyond Batman Documentary Gallery -- 6 Featurettes: Visualizing Gotham: The Production Design of BATMAN, Building the Batmobile, Those Wonderful Toys: The Props and Gadgets of BATMAN, Designing the Bat-Suit, From Jack to The Joker and Nocturnal Overtures: The Music of BATMAN-- Three Prince Music Videos* "Batdance"* "Partyman"* "Scandalous"-- The Heroes and The Villains Profile Galleries-- BATMAN: The Complete Robin Storyboard Sequence-- Theatrical trailer
A BUG'S LIFE on Blu-ray
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment invites families to experience a Disney-Pixar favorite like never before when A BUG'S LIFE wiggles and squirms onto Disney Blu-ray on May 19, 2009. For the first time ever, this blockbuster hit will be presented in the pristine manner intended by the Pixar animation team -- with glorious high definition picture and sound that'll make this animated classic a truly magical experience for all. In addition, this new Blu-ray edition comes packed with several new bonus features, a DisneyFile Digital Copy of the movie and access to all avatars and a trivia game via the Disney's BD-Live Network.
Following Pixar Animation Studios' worldwide smash-hit success of TOY STORY, comes A BUG'S LIFE the hilarious and visually breathtaking animated film that reminds us heroes come in small shapes and sizes! Now, experience a bug's eye view of the world in spectacular high definition picture and sound with this all-new Blu-ray set, which includes a special introduction from director John Lasseter (Cars, Toy Story), plus exciting new bonus material designed exclusively for the Blu-ray release, including the "Filmmakers Round Table" feature, in which the creative minds behind the movie discuss Life's journey from story to screen. Plus, see the animation process from the beginning stages in the feature "A Bug's Life: The First Draft" (also including a special introduction by director John Lasseter). In addition, Disney BD-Live interactive features and DisneyFile Digital Copy of the movie bring more fun and mobility to the movie experience.
Crawling with imaginative characters, hilarious laughs and colorful animation, A BUG'S LIFE received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score with a voice cast that includes Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Hayden Panettiere, Phyllis Diller, Denis Leary, Bonnie Hunt, Brad Garrett, David Hyde Pierce, John Ratzenberger, Dave Foley, Christina Milian and Ashley Tisdale.
Disc One Special Features Include:
New Blu-ray Exclusive Bonus Features:-- Introduction By John Lasseter-- Filmmakers Round Table -- Filmmakers John Lasseter, Kevin Reher, Darla Anderson and Andrew Stanton take a journey back 10 years from when the theatrical release first premiered and discuss what advances Pixar has made in technology, storytelling and the overall filmmaking process.-- A BUG'S LIFE: The First Draft -- Existing storyboards from Pixar's original story treatment brought to life by animating them.-- Story Treatment Intro By John Lasseter-- BD-Live Features -- Movie Chat, Movie Mail, Movie Challenge, Movie Reward and Avatars
Plus Original DVD Bonus Features:-- Pixar Animation Studios' Academy Award-winning Best Animated Short Film, GERI'S GAME-- A Walt Disney Silly Symphony -- GRASSHOPPER AND THE ANTS (1934)-- Director Commentary-- Story and Editorial-- Storyboard To Film Comparison-- Outtakes-- Behind the Scenes of A BUG'S LIFE-- Character Interviews
Disc Two Special Features Include:
-- DisneyFile Digital Copy of the movie -- iTunes and Windows Media formats
DR. DOLITTLE: MILLION DOLLAR MUTTS on DVD
Maya Dolittle and Lucky the Dog are off on an exciting new fun-filled adventure, taking them inside the world of Hollywood glitz and glamour when DR. DOLITTLE: MILLION DOLLAR MUTTS arrives exclusively on Blu-ray Disc and DVD May 19 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Ent.
An all-star cast of loveable animals highlights this fast and furry-ous adventure set in exciting Hollywood, where everyone's favorite wise-acre mutt Lucky proves he's worth millions in love and laughter! It's Lucky to the rescue when his owner, Maya Dolittle (Kyla Pratt), finds herself in hot water -- Hollywood-style! Dropping her dreams of becoming a vet, Maya (and Lucky) travel to L.A. where her talent for talking to animals lands her a job hosting an animal talk show with famous heiress Tiffany Monaco (Tegan Moss)! But just as Lucky starts falling in love with a pedigreed pooch, Maya falls out of love with Tiffany's bird-brained ideas about how to help animals. And just when Maya thinks she'll be trapped in Tinseltown forever and never become a vet, Lucky, his new girlfriend and a whole herd of their animal friends spring, trot, fly and slither into action to save the day!
Special Features Include:
-- Tiffany's Tricked Out Cell Phone featurette-- No Business Like Show Business featurette-- Star Tours: Dolittle Style featurette
ENEMY AT THE GATES on Blu-ray
The year is 1942 and the Nazis are cutting a deadly swath through Russia. Under the leadership of Kruschev (Bob Hoskins), the citizens of Stalingrad are mounting a brave resistance, spurred by the exploits of their local hero, Vassili Zaitsev (Jude Law). An expert sniper, Vassili's deeds have become legendary -- thanks to propaganda produced by Vassili's best friend, a political officer named Danilov (Joseph Fiennes). To stop Vassili, the Germans dispatch their best sniper, Major Konig (Ed Harris), to Stalingrad. When Vassili and Danilov both fall in love with a beautiful soldier (Rachel Weisz), As the city burns, Vassili and Konig begin a cunning game of cat and mouse, waging a private war for courage, honor and country.
This 2001 Paramount Home Ent. release features vfx from Double Negative and CFC, Cutting Edge, Das Werk, Die Nefzers and Snow Business International.
Special Features Include:
-- Through the Crosshairs-- Inside Enemy at the Gates-- Deleted Scenes-- Theatrical Trailer
FIREMAN SAM HERO NEXT DOOR on DVD
Preschool favorite FIREMAN SAM teaches young children about fire safety, avoiding accidents in the home and how to work together. Set in the village of Pontypandy, Sam and his trusty fire brigade race to the rescue in FIREMAN SAM: HERO NEXT DOOR, igniting on DVD May 19, 2009 from Lionsgate and HIT Ent.
Fireman Sam is on the scene for more heroic adventures in five fun-filled episodes for the whole family! Team up with Sam and his fire-fighting crew as they teach that safety comes first with lessons about the dangers of fire and tackling challenges big and small. So be prepared and come along for four-alarm fun with your favorite hero next door, Fireman Sam.
-- "A Real Livewire"-- "Twist of Fate"-- "Liquorice Shoelaces"-- "Carnival of Junk"-- "Joker Soaker"
Special Features Include:
-- "Roary Sees Red" - Bonus episode of Roary the Racing Car
LABOU on DVD and Blu-ray
Legend has it the famed pirate, Captain LeRouge haunts the Louisiana bayou where his treasure-filled ship went down after it was struck by a hurricane. Embarking on the journey of a lifetime, three friends come together to discover that some legends are true in the action-adventure fantasy LABOU, arriving on DVD May 19 from MGM Home Ent.
From the creative minds known best for their behind-the-scenes work in Disney's THE HAUNTED MANSION, THE COUNTRY BEARS, SCOOBY DOO 2: MONSTERS UNLEASHED and more, LABOU is about the camaraderie of three children in search of a ghost pirate and his long lost treasure. Eager to get back at the school bully, feisty Emily and the new kid, Gavin challenge Toddster to explore the eerie and murky Louisiana swamps. Lost in the bayou after being chased by the ghost of Captain LeRouge, the kids stumble across a lovable little creature named Labou whose home is about to be destroyed by two money hungry oil tycoons. Determined to save the swamps and their new found friend, they devise a plan and enlist the help of the legendary ghost pirate to rid the wetlands of its imposters once and for all.
Special Features Include:
-- Audio commentary with director and writer Greg Aronowitz, producer Sheri Bryant and actor Chris Violette-- Building LABOU-- The Casting Process-- The Making of LABOU: Part One and Part Two-- The Music of LABOU-- Special Effects-- New Orleans: Points of Interest
MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3D on DVD and Blu-ray
The 3-D remake of the classic horror film MY BLOODY VALENTINE slashes its way into stores in a Special Edition DVD and Blu-ray as well as a standard definition DVD this May from Lionsgate.
The Special Edition DVD includes both the 2-D and 3-D versions of the film with bonus materials including audio commentary, two featurettes -- "Deep Inside My Bloody Valentine" a behind the scenes look at the making of the film and "Sex, Blood and Screams" -- the make-up FX from the film, deleted scenes and a gag reel.
It will come with four pairs of 3-D glasses enclosed in the DVD. MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3D on Blu-ray Disc contains both 2-D and 3-D versions, four pairs of 3-D glasses plus all of the special features and a digital copy of the film. The standard DVD will feature both the 3-D and 2D widescreen versions of the film and will come with 4 pairs of 3-D glasses.
Ten years ago in the town of Harmony, an inexperienced coal miner caused an accident that trapped and killed five men and sent the only survivor, Harry Warden, into a coma. When Harry woke, exactly one year later on Valentine's Day, he wanted revenge and brutally murdered 22 people with a pickaxe before being killed himself. Now, after years of peace, something from Harmony's dark past has returned. Wearing a miner's mask and armed with a pickaxe, an unstoppable killer is on the loose. As his footsteps come ever closer, the townspeople realize in terror that it just might be Harry Warden who has found his way back.
MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3D features vfx from Asylum.
Blu-ray Special Features Include:
-- Audio Commentary with Director Patrick Lussier and Co-Writer Todd Farmer-- "Deep Inside My Bloody Valentine" -- a "making of" featurette-- "Sex, Blood and Screams" -- The Special Make-Up FX of MY BLOODY VALENTINE" featurette-- Deleted and Extended Scenes-- Gag reel-- MoLog -- Movie Blog network connected community and interactive movie blog tool set -- Lionsgate Live enabled-- Standard Definition Digital Copy of the feature film
Special Edition DVD Special Features Include:
-- Audio Commentary with Director Patrick Lussier and Co-Writer Todd Farmer-- "Deep Inside My Bloody Valentine" -- a "making of" featurette-- "Sex, Blood and Screams" -- The Special Make-Up FX of MY BLOODY VALENTINE" featurette-- Deleted and Extended Scenes-- Gag reel
PAYCHECK on Blu-ray
In a futuristic but familiar world, a high-tech engineer whose memory has been partially erased must use a group of unrelated objects, including a wire, a ticket stub and a bus token as clues to discover the truth about his previous identity, and collect a paycheck he had been awaiting. Based on the short story by science fiction author Phillip K. Dick.
This 2003 Paramount Home Ent. release features vfx from CIS Hollywood, CREO, Frantic Films, Pixel Playground, Rising Sun Pictures, Pacific Title and Art Studio and Applied Effects.
Special Features Include:
-- Commentary by Director John Woo-- Commentary by Screenwriter Dean Georgaris-- Featurettes-- Deleted and Extended Scenes
Saturday Morning Cartoons 1960's Volume 1 and Saturday Morning Cartoons 1970's Volume 1 on DVD
Consumers will take a trip down memory lane when Warner Home Video (WHV) releases some of the most beloved Saturday morning cartoons from the 1960's and 1970's on DVD together for the first time on May 19, 2009. Titled Saturday Morning Cartoons 1960's Volume 1 and Saturday Morning Cartoons 1970's Volume 1, these DVDs offer some of the most extensive collections of legendary kids' TV cartoons ranging from THE QUICK DRAW MCGRAW SHOW and THE ATOM ANT SHOW to THE BATMAN/TARZAN ADVENTURE HOUR, HONG KONG PHOOEY and many others. These titles will be sold separately and will each retail for $26.99 SRP.
Saturday Morning Cartoons 1960's Volume 1 features a collection of 14 episodes taken from 12 rare and popular cartoon series on two discs. Disc one includes TOP CAT, THE ATOM ANT SHOW, THE PETER POTAMUS SHOW, THE SECRET SQUIRREL SHOW, THE FLINTSTONES, THE PORKY PIG SHOW and THE QUICK DRAW MCGRAW SHOW. Disc two includes THE JETSONS, MARINE BOY, SPACE GHOST & DINO BOY, HERCULOIDS, FRANKENSTEIN JR. & THE IMPOSSIBLES, THE MAGILLA GORILLA SHOW and THE QUICK DRAW MCGRAW SHOW. This collection will also include newly created enhanced content featuring QUICK DRAW MCGRAW, HERCULOIDS, and FRANKENSTEIN JR. & THE IMPOSSIBLES.
Saturday Morning Cartoons 1970's Volume 1 includes a collection of 12 episodes from 12 different cartoons on two discs. Disc one features THE JETSONS, THE BATMAN/TARZAN ADVENTURE HOUR, HONG KONG PHOOEY, GOOBER AND THE GHOST CHASERS, SPEED BUGGY and WHEELIE AND THE CHOPPER BUNCH. Disc two features YOGI'S GANG, AMAZING CHAN AND THE CHAN CLAN, ROMAN HOLIDAYS, JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS, THE NEW SCOOBY-DOO MOVIES and FUNKY PHANTOM. This collection will also include newly created enhanced content featuring AMAZING CHAN AND THE CHAN CLAN and FUNKY PHANTOM.
TERMINATOR 2 Skynet Edition on Blu-ray
It's one of the greatest action films of all time -- now see it on Blu-ray the way it was meant to be seen. On May 19, 2009 Lionsgate will release TERMINATOR 2 Skynet Edition on Blu-ray.
Fans of the ultimate action film can see and hear multiple versions of the movie in explosive, THX certified high-definition and all-new English Lossless DTS-HD Master Audio. The disc is loaded with over 8 hours of interactive Blu-ray content including over 140 minutes of behind the scenes video and multimedia galleries, storyboard-script views, audio commentaries, quizzes and games -- plus additional BD-Live enabled content featuring games and more that is accessible on internet-connected players.
In addition, the TERMINATOR 2 Skynet Edition Blu-ray will be available for a limited time in the Limited Edition T2 Complete Collector's Set, a 6-disc set that allows the ultimate T2 fan to play the film anytime, anywhere! Packaged with a 14" T-800 Endoskull bust that plays sound effects from the film while its eyes light up, this collectible set features the TERMINATOR 2 Skynet Edition Blu-ray plus both the Extreme Edition DVD and Ultimate Edition DVD -- which, combined, include every T2 special feature ever released on DVD. As a bonus, the Limited Edition T2 Complete Collector's Set comes with a digital copy of the film for iTunes or Windows Media.
TERMINATOR 2 Skynet Edition on Blu-ray Disc and the Limited Edition T2 Complete Collector's Set will be available for $29.99 and $174.99 respectively on May 19, 2009, coinciding with the theatrical release of TERMINATOR: SALVATION and the DVD release of the Schwarzenegger DVD Collection.
Arnold Schwarzenegger returns as the Terminator in this explosive action-adventure spectacle. Now he's one of the good guys, sent back in time to protect John Connor, the boy destined to lead the freedom fighters of the future. Linda Hamilton reprises her role as Sarah Connor, John's mother, a quintessential survivor who has been institutionalized for her warning of the nuclear holocaust she knows is inevitable. Together, the threesome must find a way to stop the most lethal Terminator ever created. Co-written, produced and directed by James Cameron, this visual tour de force is also a touching human story of survival.
This 1991 release features vfx from ILM, Stan Winston Studio, Pacific Data Images, Fantasy II Film Effects, 4-Ward Productions, Video Image, Make-up Effects Unlimited and The Artificial Lighting Company.
Special Features Include:
-- Multiple THX-certified versions high-definition versions of the film-- All-new English 6.1 DTS-HD Master Audio Lossless-- Picture-in-picture of behind the scenes video, text commentaries and multimedia galleries-- Storyboard-script mode -- view storyboards and read the script while watching the film-- Interactive quizzes and games-- BD-Live enabled, featuring games, extra content and more for internet-connected players-- Audio commentary with 26 cast and crew members-- Audio commentary with director James Cameron and co-writer William Wisher-- Enhanced for D-Box Motion Control Systems-- Includes THX Optimizer
THOMAS & FRIENDS: TEAM UP WITH THOMAS on DVD
The beloved animated children's series, Thomas & Friends, has a new look, new engine friends and a new live-action host, Mr. Arkwright, waiting with a warm smile and a tip of the hat to welcome you to the Island of Sodor. Enjoy thrilling new stories when THOMAS & FRIENDS: TEAM UP WITH THOMAS steams onto DVD May 19, 2009 from Lionsgate and HIT Ent.
The new host, Mr. Arkwright, can be seen only on DVD, and is a new driver on the Island of Sodor. Mr. Arkwright is Sir Topham Hatt's right-hand man, and engages children with interactive dialogue and extra fun, like showing how to build a cardboard engine for Sir Topham Hatt's grandchildren. As an added bonus, Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment are also releasing a special limited edition of THOMAS & FRIENDS: TEAM UP WITH THOMAS packaged with a Thomas Wooden Railway engine.
Thomas, Edward, Toby, James and the rest of the engines introduce young engineers to Hank, a big, strong, new engine, and Flora, a lovely new lady steam engine. Together, they take us along on their tasks around the island. Be careful: trouble may lie around the next bend. But one thing's for certain -- you'll always come home with a brand new friend!
Episodes include:
-- "Heave Ho Thomas" -- Sir Topham Hatt asks Thomas to show Hank, the new engine, around the island. Thomas quickly rails against Hank's brash personality and refuses to let Hank help him with his important jobs. When overloaded, Thomas cracks a cylinder and needs Hank's help. The two soon become good friends.-- "James Works it Out" -- It's winter on the island and James is telling everyone he always knows best and never needs advice from anyone! When Hector tries to warn him about the bad weather, he decides to ignore him. He soon changes his mind when they get stuck in the snow. Luckily, Hector is happy to help his friend James.-- "Tram Trouble" -- Toby is very excited about leading the parade at the first Great Waterton festival, so when Thomas discovers that Flora, the new steam tram, is also leading the parade, Thomas is worried his friend will be upset. Thomas tries to impede the forthcoming events... little does he know that Toby is scared of leading the parade on his own!-- "Push Me Pull You" -- The Puppet Show has arrived on the Island of Sodor and Skarloey excitedly asks Sir Topham Hatt if he can pull the puppet show special. The trucks are very heavy, and instead of accepting Rheneas' offer of help, Skarloey challenges him to a tug of war with the trucks. Disaster quickly ensues, and Skarloey learns that friendship is the strongest thing of all.
Special Features Include:
-- Spot the Difference Game-- Sir Topham Hatt's Helping Hands-- Bonus Episode: ROARY THE RACING CAR - "Roary Takes Off" The all-new TV series from the creators of BOB THE BUILDER
TRUE BLOOD: The Complete First Season on DVD and Blu-ray
For the first time ever, HBO Home Entertainment is simultaneously releasing a DVD and Blu-ray version of an HBO original series when TRUE BLOOD: The Complete First Season hits stores on May 19, 2009 -- just weeks before the second, highly-anticipated season of the show premieres on the network. TRUE BLOOD: The Complete First Season on DVD and Blu-ray features 12 episodes on five discs and is the perfect antidote for audiences that want to catch up or catch on to HBO's highest-rated series of 2008.
The meticulously-crafted and alluring world of TRUE BLOOD, which will also be available for digital download beginning May 19th, 2009, is created and executive produced by Alan Ball (Emmy-winning creator of HBO series SIX FEET UNDER) and based on the popular Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris.
While reaction to the series has been mixed, with critics and fans split down the middle on the success of Ball's wildly explicit take on love, sex and vampirism, TRUE BLOOD is definitely generating buzz and a confirmed second season.
And that's good news for Zoic Studios, the renowned visual effects company enlisted by Ball to make the otherworldly aspects of his series come to life so realistically that you'd swear vampires could be lurking just outside our doors. Visual Effects Supervisor Jon Massey and In-House Visual Effects Supervisor Andrew Orloff talk to VFXWORLD about the challenges of making Ball's vision of the supernatural world come to life like audiences have never quite seen before.
Read more at VFXWorld.com.
Now, HBO Home Ent. is giving audiences a chance to immerse themselves even deeper into Sookie's world with original, in-story DVD and Blu-ray bonus materials.
Fans will hear what Alan Ball says about the mysterious reason vampire Bill Compton is attracted to Sookie in one of six revealing audio commentaries with cast and crew. Anna Paquin (winner of a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Sookie Stackhouse) also discusses doing her own stunts, while Stephen Moyer (Bill Compton) gives insights into how V-juice (vampire blood) affects all humans differently.
The TRUE BLOOD bonus materials on Standard Definition and Blu-ray will also give viewers a chance to engage with the stories, characters and themes of the show with in-story features like: "In Focus: Vampires in America", a documentary that chronicles the integration of vampires into the human world; "Tru Blood" beverage ads marketing the synthetic blood product to "out of the coffin" vampires; Public Service Announcements created by groups on opposite sides of the "Vampire Rights Amendment" debate; and vampire-targeted product ads for dating, motel and lawyer services.
In addition, with True Blood Enhanced Viewing, Blu-ray offers an amplified experience with even more original, interactive content that unearths fascinating behind-the-scenes details about the series, all in HD 1080p video and DTS-HD master audio. TRUE BLOOD's flamboyant and outspoken Lafayette (played by Nelsan Ellie) gives audiences the scoop on everyone in Bon Temps with over 70 video clips dishing up everything from secrets about Tara's crush on Jason to the history of the Stackhouse family in Bon Temps and much more.
Blu-ray bonus features also include helpful hints and FYI's that pop up to unravel the mysteries surrounding the entire series, animated maps to help viewers explore colorful locations in Bon Temps and ways to learn more about how your favorite vampires were "made."
VALKYRIE on DVD and Blu-ray
The remarkable yet seldom told true story of the German Resistance's attempted coup and assassination of Adolf Hitler reveals itself when VALKYRIE is released on Blu-ray Disc and Special Edition DVD with Digital Copy on May 19 from MGM Home Ent.
Based on the incredible true story of Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) and his ingenious assassination plot targeting Adolf Hitler, this engrossing thriller reenacts the daring operation to eliminate one of the most evil tyrants the world has ever known. Co-starring Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Terence Stamp and Eddie Izzard, Valkyrie delivers gripping suspense and pulse-pounding excitement from start to finish.
Director Bryan Singer has a track record with digital visual effects, having made two X-MEN movies. But his latest project, the MGM release VALKYRIE, was the polar opposite of a CG "look-at-me" assignment. This World War II tale based on an actual plot to stop Adolf Hitler demanded invisible effects that would help the production recreate 1940's Germany.
For this, Singer called upon veteran VFX Supervisor Rich Hoover and Sony Pictures Imageworks, which had previously worked with the director on SUPERMAN RETURNS. "VALKYRIE is obviously not an effects movie per se," says Hoover, whose many credits include ARMAGEDDON and SEABISCUIT. "There are really two key issues in this film. One is that Colonel Von Stauffenberg, the German officer played by Tom Cruise, lost an eye, a hand and two fingers on his other hand after a battle in North Africa. The second issue was restoring Berlin to a 1943 period look, creating vintage airplanes and augmenting explosions."
Blu-ray Special Features Include:
Disc One-- Commentary by Tom Cruise, Bryan Singer, and Christopher McQuarrie-- Commentary by Christopher McQuarrie and Nathan Alexander-- Featurettes: The Journey to Valkyrie, The Road to Resistance: A Visual Guide, The African Front Sequence, Taking to the Air, Recreating Berlin, 92nd Street Y: Reel Pieces with Tom Cruise and Bryan Singer and The Valkyrie LegacyDisc Two-- Digital Copy
Two-Disc Special Edition DVD Special Features Include:
Disc One-- Commentary by Tom Cruise, Bryan Singer, and Christopher McQuarrie-- Commentary by Christopher McQuarrie and Nathan Alexander-- Featurettes: The Journey to Valkyrie and The Valkyrie LegacyDisc Two-- Digital Copy
Single-Disc DVD Special Features Include:
VALKYRIE single-disc DVD will be presented in widescreen format with English, Spanish & French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish & French subtitles.
