Archives for February, 2008
New releases for February 26, 2008
The following Blu-ray movies are coming out February 26th: 30 Days of Night, Initial D, Justice League: The New Frontier, Led Zeppelin: The Song Remains the Same, Over America In High Definition, Over California In High Definition, and To Kill a King.
Via Engadget
Batman: Gotham Knight gets Blu-ray release
Warner Home Video has announced that Batman: Gotham Knight, will make its way into stores on DVD and Blu-ray on July 8, 2008.
Batman: Gotham Knight is a new entry into the Batman mythos created by award winning producers and acclaimed writers who weaved six interlocking stories that reveal Bruce Wayne’s journey to Dark Knight, each with art from some of the world’s most revered animators.
The production was divided among three renowned studios: Studio 4ºC, Production I.G and Madhouse, and included the visions of directors Shojiro Nishimi, Futoshi Higashide, Hiroshi Morioka, Yasuhiro Aoki and Toshiyuki Kubooka.
Stories were written by several of the most talented writers of film, comic books, and animation, including Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Josh Olson, David S. Goyer, Emmy-winner Alan Burnett, Jordan Goldberg and award-winning comics writers Greg Rucka and Brian Azzarello.
Hidalgo Blu-ray crosses finish line on April 1st
Viggo Mortensen and Omar Sharif star in the action-adventure film Hidalgo, coming to Blu-ray Disc on April 1, 2008.
Based on the true life story of Frank T. Hopkins, this legend comes to life when one of the greatest riders of the American West is pitted against the world’s finest Arabian horses and racers. A grueling sandstorm, a swarm of locusts and deadly traps are just a few of the obstacles Frank T. Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen) faces.
Hidalgo is written by John Fusco; Directed by Joe Johnston (Jurassic Park III, Jumanji) and is presented in 2.40:1 aspect ratio, 1080p and English 5.1 Uncompressed, English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby , Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital.
Shall We Dance? struts its stuff on Blu-ray
An all star cast including Golden Globe winner Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez, Susan Sarandon and Stanley Tucci come together in “Shall We Dance?” for the first time on Blu-ray Disc, May 6, 2008.
For longer than he can remember, a middle-aged workaholic named John Clark (Richard Gere) has led an incredibly dull existence - the mundane accounting job, the mind-numbing commute, etc. But one night he catches a glimpse of a beautiful dance instructor (Jennifer Lopez) in the window of a shabby ball room dancing school. When this painfully shy and awkward man finally muscles up the nerve to sign up for dance lessons, he is assigned to an eccentric group class taught by an older woman. Nevertheless, the seemingly predictable man sticks with his new hobby hoping to catch the attention of the young beauty.
Bonus features will include: Deleted Scenes with optional Director Commentary from Peter Chelsom, Behind the Scenes of Shall We Dance?, Beginner’s Ballroom, Audio Commentary by Director Peter Chelsom, The Music of Shall We Dance? and Pussycat Dolls “Sway” Music Video.
Shall We Dance? is presented in 1.85:1, Widescreen adapted for 16×9 televisions, 1080p, English 5.1 Uncompressed, English 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, 5.1 French Dolby Digital.
Coyote Ugly Blu-ray announced
From producer Jerry Bruckheimer comes the comedy, Coyote Ugly – The Double Shot, available on Blu-ray for the first time on April 1, 2008. The romantic comedy stars Piper Perabo, Maria Bello, John Goodman, Bridget Moynahan and Tyra Banks. This “Double Shot” Edition includes two versions of the movie, both the Theatrical version and the Unrated Extended Cut.
After moving to New York to pursue her dream of becoming a famous songwriter, Violet Sanford (Perabo) finds she is desperate and broke. But, through a twist of fate, the shy Violet lands a job as one of the barmaids at the hottest nightclub in New York City – Coyote Ugly.
Blu-ray Disc bonus features include audio commentary, additional scenes, theatrical trailer, music video featuring Leanne Rimes and many short featurettes.
The movie is presented in 2.35:1, Widescreen adapted for 16×9 televisions, 1080p and English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, English 5.1 Dolby, French 5. 1 Dolby, Spanish 2.0 Dub Ave Dolby.
Top selling high-def movies for the week ending Feb 17
Here are the top 10 high-def movies for the week ending February 17, 2008. Eight of ten are Blu-ray titles.
Microsoft says no to Xbox 360 Blu-Ray add-on
While speaking at this year’s Game Developers Conference, John Schappert of Microsoft had the following to say in regards to a Blu-Ray add-on for the Xbox 360:
“We have no plans to announce anything like that right now. But I’d also urge you to look at the attach rate for the HD-DVD drive. It was a 3% attach rate…”
With 18 million Xbox 360 units sold worldwide a 3% attach rate just isn’t worth it for Microsoft. So those wanting some Blu-Ray love will have to turn elsewhere… like a PlayStation 3.
Sublime gets Blu-ray release
Warner Premiere and Raw Feed have announced that their Blu-ray debut, Sublime, will ship on April 22nd, day-and-date with the DVD release. For those with HD DVD players, you’ll be glad to know that you won’t be left out — except you’ll have to wait until May 13th.
Sublime stars Tom Cavanaugh as an unsuspecting patient trapped in Mt. Abaddon Hospital. Bonus features will include commentary by director Tony Krantz and screenwriter Erik Jendresen, two making-of featurettes and the music video “Have No Fear” by Bird York.
Amazon jumps on the Blu-ray bandwagon
Not to be left out in the cold, Amazon has announced that Blu-ray will be supported as the high def format of choice for costumers. This means that Amazon will prominently promote Blu-ray movies and players throughout Amazon.com
Peter Faricy of Amazon.com commented, “The high-definition landscape is rapidly changing, and consumers are looking for guidance on how to make the best high-definition buying decisions. Our customers have clearly voiced their support for the Blu-ray format. Blu-ray titles have increased from just over half of our high-definition sales to over three-quarters of our high-definition sales since early January. In order to best serve our customers, Amazon is recommending Blu-ray as the preferred digital format and will continue to carry the ‘Earth’s Largest Selection’ of Blu-ray products.”
Via Blu-Ray.com
Paramount goes Blu too
Following in Universal’s footsteps, Paramount has also shifted focus to the Blu-Ray format:
“We are pleased that the industry is moving to a single high-definition format, as we believe it is in the best interest of the consumer. As we look to releasing our titles on Blu-ray, we will monitor consumer adoption and determine our release plans accordingly.”

