Why So Blu?

Dances With Wolves to Arrive on Blu-ray

It was only a few months ago when I was wondering if and when one of my most favorite films of all time was coming to Blu-ray.  For fans of the Oscar-winning Dances With Wolves, we can all rest easy now as the western frontier film will be dancing on Blu-ray this January.  Arguably Kevin Costner’s greatest work, the multi-award-winning production makes its high def debut 20 years after it graced theater screens around the world.  Read MGM’s press release to find out what we can expect from the 3-disc set:

Experience The Academy-Award® Winning Film Like Never Before On Blu-ray for the First Time January 11, 2011

Los Angeles, CA (November 22, 2010) – Hailed as a cinematic triumph, DANCES WITH WOLVES arrives January 11 for the first time on Blu-ray from MGM Home Entertainment.  A stunning film that influenced audiences worldwide, the special 20th anniversary edition Blu-ray features an extended edition of Kevin Costner’s monumental directorial debut, newly restored and with a new 7.1 Master Audio track that creates the ultimate listening and viewing experience.

Directed by and starring Kevin Costner (Bull Durham; Mr. Brooks; The Untouchables), DANCES WITH WOLVES is considered one of the best films of the 1990s and is credited with reviving the Western film genre in Hollywood.  The film received critical acclaim, winning seven Academy Awards® in 1990 including Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Sound and Best Picture.

DANCES WITH WOLVES tells the story of Lieutenant John Dunbar (Kevin Costner) who chooses a posting on the American Frontier and is soon accepted into a local Sioux tribe.  The tribe names him “Dances with Wolves” and as time passes he falls in love with the beautiful “Stands with a Fist” (played by Mary McDonnell), a white woman adopted by the Sioux when her family was killed.  John’s blissful new life is soon disrupted, however, when American soldiers advance on the frontier threatening the Sioux people.  John is forced to make a decision that will not only affect him, but also the lives of those he now calls his people.

Dances with Wolves 2-Disc Blu-ray
Disc 1:
? 7.1 DTS HD Master Audio Track
? Extended cut of film includes over 50 minutes of extra footage
? Commentary by Kevin Costner and Producer Jim Wilson
? Commentary by Director of Photography Dean Semler and Editor Neil Travis
? New Interactive Special Features:
? Military Rank and Social Hierarchy Guide (interactive)
? Real History or Movie Make Believe (interactive)

Disc 2:
? A Day In The Life On The Frontier Featurette (*new*)
? The Creation of an Epic Retrospective Documentary
? Original Making-Of Featurette
? Original Music Video
? Dances Photo Montage with Introduction by Ben Glass
? Poster Gallery
? TV Spots

Dances with Wolves 1-Disc DVD
? Widescreen Theatrical Cut