VIEW BEST ON BLU » Sin City Black and white on Blu – a match made in heaven. Jun 2009: Originally shot on High Definition Video, Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez’s Sin City is the perfect match for Blu-ray; and needless to say the level of detail in the HD transfer is astonishing. In fact, this ranks up there with Starship Troopers as one of the best looking films on Blu-ray that STACK has seen to date! The blacks are stygian and the frugal splashes of colour vivid throughout – this is truly an eye-poppingly awesome disc. Two versions of the film plus the ample extras amount to over 14 hours of content, making this two-disc set one of the best in terms of value for money. That’s a win-win situation all round. BLU BITS Theatrical and Recut Extended Version, Commentaries, Featurettes, Interactive comic book and more... Release date: Jun 10, 2009 Ghostbusters Who ya gonna call? Jun 2009: With a third Ghostbusters film now in the scripting stage and a new GB video game out this month, the time is right to revisit the 1984 comedy favourite in the High Def format. Not that you need an excuse, especially when the Stay Puft marshmallow man, the charmingly dated ‘80s special effects and the Ray Parker theme song is going to benefit considerably from a Blu-ray upgrade. The DVD re-release also fares well in a Ghostbusters 1 & 2 Gift Set, featuring Stay Puft figure, slime and trading cards. BLU BITS Picture-in-Picture Slimer mode, Commentary, Featurettes, Deleted scenes and more... Release date: Jun 17, 2009 Terminator 2 (Skynet Ed) Judgement Day - hasta la vista, DVD. Jun 2009: Terminator Salvation explodes into cinemas on June 4, so here’s your chance to refresh the night before with a new HD edition of T2; nicely packaged in a metal slipcase and featuring three branched versions: Theatrical Cut, Special Edition and Extended Special Edition.  STACK’s advance review copy frustratingly refused to load, so regrettably we can’t wax enthusiastic about the transfer and extras; but rest assured that this ‘Skynet Edition’ will be an essential upgrade over the previously released vanilla version. BLU BITS Metal slipcase packaging, Three branched versions, Commentaries, Interactive Picture-in- Picture mode, BD Live content and more... Release date: Jun 03, 2009 Wrong Turn / Cabin Fever Double dose of high def horror Jun 2009: This double dose of High Def horror on a single BD represents great value. Hostel director Eli Roth’s debut feature Cabin Fever depicts the effects of a flesh eating virus on a bunch of campers; while Wrong Turn pits inbred hillbillies against American youth. BLU BITS Features only. Release date: Mar 11, 2009 Brokeback Mountain Blu 'Mountain's scrubbed up all nice-like. Jun 2009: Heath Ledger may be gone but his Oscar nominated turn as gay cowboy Ennis Del Mar has now been immortalised in High Definition. The lush cinematography and stunning locations scrub up nicely here, complementing Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal’s affecting central performances. BLU BITS Interviews, Trailer, Featurettes Release date: Jun 04, 2009 Mad Men: Season 1 Titillating and sophisticated Jun 2009: A masterful critique of a marketable society and its changing values in an open market, Mad Men delivers a titillating and sophisticated experience that reveals the self-deceit at the core of the American dream and the collateral damage left behind in the wake of its pursuit. Jon Hamm inhabits Don Draper with magnetic brevity. BLU BITS 13 episodes, Commentaries on selected episodes, 3 x featurettes, picture gallery Release date: Jun 10, 2009 2010 The Year We Make Contact Jun 2009: ‘The Year We Make Contact’ is only one year away now! This HD release of the contentious 1984 sequel to sci-fi classic 2001: A Space Odyssey is something wonderful indeed. Worth the purchase price for the anamorphic transfer alone – and those Jupiter vistas and Helen Mirren as a sexy Soviet. BLU BITS Making-of featurette, Trailer Release date: Jun 03, 2009 X-Men Trilogy Mutating into high definition. May 2009: Before you see X-Men Origins: Wolverine, revisit where it all began for Marvel’s mutant superheroes in the movies. Borrowing signature baddie Mystique’s transformative powers, the X-Men trilogy has now morphed into a beautifully remastered, high definition showcase for the blue steel and chrome veneer of Bryan Singer’s X-Men and X2, with the aural chaos of Brett Ratner’s X-Men: The Last Stand coming through loud and clear in lossless HD 5.1 DTS audio. A 6–disc set – that’s an entire bonus disc for each film, brimming with extras. BLU BITS Filmmaker commentaries, deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes featurettes, Bonus View options Release date: May 06, 2009 Star Trek (Original Movie Collection) Where no standard transfer has gone before. May 2009: The first six movie voyages of the Starship Enterprise, featuring the original crew of Kirk, Spock, Scotty et al have never looked better. Fans really don’t need an excuse to revisit the threat of V’ger, Kirk’s anguished cries of “KHAN!” and “Klingon bastard”, the search for humpback whales, finding God, and David Bowie’s missus turning into William Shatner – especially when the incentive is newly remastered HD prints that are a thing of beauty. Available individually or as a boxed set. Now bring on the Next Generation and all the TV series! BLU BITS New commentaries, HD featurettes, Library Computer, BD Live: Star Trek IQ and more exclusive content Release date: Apr 30, 2009 Terminator 3 He’s back, on Blu-ray disc. May 2009: Terminator Salvation is coming soon, so brush up on your Skynet history in the interim with this high def version of the Rise of the Machines. Arnie’s swan song as the titular cyborg is a fitting send off, playing protector to Nick Stahl’s future saviour John Connor, who is being hunted by a sexy shapeshifter in red leather. The Blu-ray disc allows you to experience the film with “Terminator Vision” an allaccess pass to behind the scenes secrets from director Jonathan Mostow and his creative team. BLU BITS Exclusive Picture-in-Picture option, Interactive Cinechat feature Release date: May 27, 2009 The Da Vinci Code Code blu resurrection. May 2009: Dan Brown mania is about to begin again with the release of Angels & Demons in cinemas this month, so it’s only fitting that Professor Robert Langdon’s first investigation into the mysteries of Christianity is resurrected in High Def. The extended cut, plus new bonus features. BLU BITS 32 page booklet, 5 min scene from Angels & Demons and more. Release date: May 20, 2009 Ghosts Of Mars HD thrills like never before. May 2009: The films of John Carpenter continue to get good exposure on Blu-ray. This HD version of his polarising 2001 sci-fi thriller is a rocking, shocking, rollicking trip to the Red Planet where an unstoppable force has been unleashed. JC’s trademark scope photography and selfcomposed score fares well here. BLU BITS Commentary, Video Diary, SFX Deconstructions, Scoring Release date: Apr 15, 2009 Escape From New York More John Carpenter on Blu. May 2009: Fans are advised to pick up this HD transfer of his 1981 adventure, even if the enhanced picture quality does make those special effects look a bit dated. Kurt Russell’s gruff anti-hero Snake Plissken remains one of the actor’s most memorable and beloved screen characters. BLU BITS Alternate Opening, Commentary Release date: Apr 01, 2009 La Vie En Rose ... et en Bleu. May 2009: Marion Cotillard’s Oscarwinning transformation into French singer Edith Piaf is beautifully rendered on Blu-ray, with the voice of the “Little Sparrow” resonating in 5.1 DTS. As if her life wasn’t colourful enough, this HD transfer adds an extra edge to a tale of music and heartbreak. BLU BITS Featurettes, Documentary, Deleted Scenes Release date: May 01, 2009 8 Mile Unofficial Eminem biopic Apr 2009: The unofficial Eminem biopic, that charts the rapper’s rise from trailer park to hip-hop superstar, was beautifully shot in 2.35:1 widescreen by cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto and makes an impressive Blu-ray debut. HD audio enhancement pumps up the film’s music, including the 2003 Oscar winning song “Lose Yourself”. BLU BITS TBC Release date: Apr 01, 2009 Baraka A world beyond words, now in 8k Ultradigital HD. Apr 2009: Shot in 65mm, the film equivalent of Bluray in terms of detail and resolution, this environmentally inclined feature with its tribal sights and sounds is a natural choice for the High Definition format. Featuring a groundbreaking ‘8k scan’ from a fully restored version of the original 65mm print, Baraka transports the viewer into lush environs via the “Ultradigital HD” process, making it the perfect companion disc to Planet Earth. BLU BITS Over 80 minutes of Bonus Features – Baraka: A Closer Look, Baraka: Restoration. Release date: Apr 08, 2009 Evil Dead 2 The Deadites go Blu Apr 2009: Sam Raimi’s sublime sequel to his groundbreaking 1981 splatterfest bursts off the flat panel in a crimson welter of over the top gore and slapstick lunacy from the talented Bruce Campbell. Don’t expect it to look a million bucks on Blu-ray given the low budget involved, but it certainly hasn’t looked this good at home to date. BLU BITS TBC Release date: Apr 01, 2009 In Bruges It’s in High Definition. Apr 2009: Hitmen Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson may not be too crazy about the medieval Belgium city of Bruges, where they’re forced to hide out following a botched job, but the travelogue feel of the location shooting results in a vivid and enticing picture of the place when rendered on Blu-ray in 2.35:1 widescreen. The results are simply stunning and complement this smart and snappy new take on the Tarantino/Guy Ritchie gangster romp. Moreover, there’s a swag of bonus features exclusive to this release that didn’t appear on the rental version. BLU BITS Featurettes: When In Bruges, F**king Bruges, A Back Trip Around Bruges, Strange Bruges; Gag Reel, Deleted Scenes. Release date: Mar 11, 2009 Silence of the Lambs, The It puts the Blu-ray disc in the basket. Apr 2009: Although ultilising a MPEG-2 encode for the High Def version of this classic thriller rather than MPEG-4, this is still a major improvement on the DVD in terms of contrast and colour. Consequently, the murderous exploits of Hannibal Lecter and Buffalo Bill now boast all the added detail of an FBI dossier. The bonus material from the 2-disc DVD Collector’s Edition has been ported across to this release with the addition of a semi-interactive commentary option. And Howard Shore’s signature score is in DTS at last. Highly recommended. BLU BITS Featurettes: Inside the Labyrinth, From Page to Screen, Scoring the Silence, 1991 Making-of featurette; Deleted scenes, Outtakes, TV Spots, Anthony Hopkins Phone Message and more. Release date: Apr 15, 2009 The Doors Deluxe Edition Apr 2009: Oliver Stone’s film of the notorious ‘60s rockers and their bad boy frontman Jim Morrison (played by Val Kilmer) lends itself to Blu-ray thanks to some psychedelic imagery. And, of course, the all-important soundtrack of classic Doors tunes, reproduced here in 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio for the ultimate home concert experience. BLU BITS Commentary by Director Oliver Stone, Philippe Manoeuvre Ouvre Les Portes Des Doors, The Doors: Location Tour The Road to Excess, Behind-the-Scenes, Deleted Scenes, Original Featurette. Release date: Apr 15, 2009 The Notebook (Limited Edition Boxset) Story of boy meets girl, in high definition. Apr 2009: Set amidst sweeping period backdrops, and sepia toned lake sunsets, The Notebook is a romance perfect for the high definition experience. This Limited Edition gift set also rewards with special features galore, making it a date movie that keeps on giving. BLU BITS Filmmaker/novelist commentaries, Deleted scenes, making-of featurettes, Rachel McAdams screen-test, The Notebook scrapbook with images from the film plus scrapbooking accessories and pages, themed notecards, envelopes and bookmarks. Release date: Apr 02, 2009 King Kong The first Peter Jackson Blu-ray title. Mar 2009: While Blu-ray adopters wait with baited breath for Peter Jackson’s coveted Lord of the Rings trilogy in High Def, they can prepare to be wowed by his ambitious remake of the 1933 giant ape classic, as furnished with the best CG effects that a $207 million budget can buy. As expected, the transfer is nothing short of spectacular with the jungle locations, Depression-era New York City and T-Rex wrestling all rendered with eye-watering clarity. The Extended Cut is where you’ll find many of the extra features, together with bonus dinosaur footage. BLU BITS Theatrical and extended version, Commentary (on Ext. version), Picture in Picture feature, Art galleries, BD Live option Release date: Mar 04, 2009 Pinocchio 70th Anniversary Platinum Edition. Mar 2009: “When You Wish Upon a Star” make sure you wish for this newly remastered, High Definition version of one of Walt Disney’s most beloved animated classics. Has it really been 70 years since puppetmaster Geppetto created the wooden toy that wanted to be a boy? The animation remains a significant achievement for 1940, augmented now with 21st century technology to bring a new lustre to this family favourite. Eyepopping colours and exclusive features make this Blu-ray edition the best choice. BLU BITS BD Live option, Deleted scenes, Featurettes, Alternate ending, Music video, Puzzles game Release date: Mar 11, 2009 Planet Terror Grindhouse cinema shouldn’t look this good! Mar 2009: Given the nature of Robert Rodriguez’s throwback to the good old days of zombie cinema, presenting Planet Terror in High Definition kind of defeats the purpose. However, the scratched print does look damn good and the inclusion of a “clean version”, sans damage, from a “newly discovered negative” makes you appreciate the effort that went into making the film look like it had been through one too many dodgy projectors. Tarantino’s companion film Death Proof is also available as a separate release. BLU BITS 2-disc set, Extended Grindhouse version, Clean version, Featurettes, Trailer, International poster gallery Release date: Feb 05, 2009 Poltergeist They’re here... in High Definition. Mar 2009: This Steven Spielberg-produced house of horrors is the perfect title for Blu-ray, not least in its aural assault – now you can hear Carol Anne’s disembodied voice wailing from all corners of your loungeroom. The Freeling’s house may not be clean but Warner’s High Def transfer is sparkling. And for those who want to believe, there’s a documentary on the Real World of Poltergeists included. Just remember, stay away from the light! BLU BITS Documentary: The Real World of Poltergeists Release date: Mar 04, 2009 Quantum of Solace Bond's back in Blu. Mar 2009: Director Marc Forster’s relentless, rapid-edit approach to the new Bond film stands to benefit considerably from the enhanced audio and video elements of Blu-ray disc. Moreover, those who opt for the High Def edition will enjoy the added value of exclusive Blu-ray bonus features in HD, including a special 24 minute featurette: Bond on Location, behind-the scenes footage, interviews, crew files and more. Extras from the DVD are also ported over here, inc. “Another Way to Die” music video and theatrical trailer. BLU BITS Blu-ray exclusive features: Bond on Location, Start of Shooting, On Location, Olga Kurylenko and the Boat Chase, Director Marc Forster, The Music, Crew Files. Release date: Mar 18, 2009 The Ultimate Bourne Collection Get Bourne again in High Definition. Mar 2009: Robert Ludlum’s spy trilogy that turned Matt Damon into an unlikely action star has been collected for the first time in a High Definition package. STACK’s firm favourite remains the third installment: The Bourne Ultimatum, beautifully rendered here in High Def, however prior chapters The Bourne Identity and The Bourne Supremacy are equally well served with flawless transfers. There’s ample extras, too, in a trilogy boxed set to give your home theatre an ample workout, both aural and visually. Recommended. BLU BITS Commentaries, Deleted scenes, Featurettes (All), Alternate opening and ending (Bourne Identity), Music videos and interviews (Bourne Identity) Release date: Mar 04, 2009

Issue 66 (Mar'10)

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