A Talk With the Directors of The Lion King
As the poster below says, “The King Has Returned” with The Lion King once again dominating the box office during it’s new re-release into the theaters. The fact that it’s beating several new movies that have just opened is a testament to it’s lasting popularity and power. I recently had the chance to participate in a round-table discussion with the two directors of The Lion King, Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers about the movie and it’s continuing appeal as well as their upcoming 3D Blu-ray that will be released on October 4th. Both men were very friendly and were happy to answer a ton of questions about the movie and it was evident that they both still had a lot of love and pride for the movie. Both men generously spent almost two hours answering questions and I thank them and Disney publicity for the opportunity. Read on for more… Continue reading ‘A Talk With the Directors of The Lion King’
Featuring twelve hit programs from the breathtaking aerial travel series, Visions of Europe is now available on Blu-ray from Acorn Media. The value-priced collection offers soaring views of the most spectacular sights in Europe, from sun-kissed Tuscany to the grand streets of Paris. Shot in high-definition from helicopter-mounted cameras, the programs include some of the most popular European Visions destinations including Italy, France, Greece, Germany and Austria, as well as Visions of the Great Cities of Europe. Offering the ultimate in armchair travel, the 6-Disc boxed set also includes more than three hours of bonus material not seen on public television, accompanied by informative narration and soundtracks of regional music. From one of the most popular series on public television, these stunning productions provide a view of Europe’s most beautiful sites in stunning, high-definition clarity. Take an emotional visit to your family’s homeland, revisit favorite sites, or take the trip of a lifetime without leaving home—whatever your inspiration, you’ll never have a better view. 
The universe is 13.7 billion years old. It spans 93 billion light years across and is filled with over 100 billion galaxies, each filled with hundreds of billions of stars. A place so unimaginably vast and complex, it is almost inconceivable that it could ever be understood. But for 2,500 years, humanity has tried to unlock its secrets. Taking science away from telescopes and labs, this series travels into the natural world and across the planet, from the scorched plains of Africa to the snow capped Canadian Rockies. These journeys, across the planet are combined with spectacular images of space. Inspired by the latest data and imagery captured from telescopes and using stunning high definition CGI, Wonders of the Universe offers views of giant supernova, gamma ray bursts and recently discovered galaxies, and sheds light on the furthest reaches of the universe, just moments after its creation. This groundbreaking four-part series explores some of the most profound questions we can ask about ourselves and the celestial world in which we live. 
A routine Jedi Academy field trip is turned into a rip-roaring comic adventure in LEGO Star Wars: The Padawan Menace. Tour guide Master Yoda leads a group of rambunctious Jedi younglings through Senate chambers when he senses a disturbance in the Force. Summoned to help save the Republic, he discovers that one of the Younglings secretly boarded his ship…and has a taste for adventure! Meanwhile, C-3PO and R2-D2 are put in charge of the boisterous group and find themselves in over their heads. As the evil Sith prepare to wreak havoc, it’s up to Yoda and the Droids to ensure that their young charges aren’t torn to bricks! The 22-minute original standalone special will feature the charm, action and irreverent humor that have become the signature style of LEGO Star Wars animation collaborations and will include five LEGO Star Wars shorts, as well as an exclusive, collectible mini-figure. Featuring situations, characters and locations from throughout the entire Star Wars Saga, the original adventure is written by Emmy Award winner Michael Price (The Simpsons) and produced by Oscar-winning Animal Logic, the production company behind Happy Feet. 
New York City, September 11, 2001. The morning everything changed. Ten years after the World Trade Center attacks, The History Channel presents the September 11th Memorial Edition, a collection of specials that document a day none of us will ever forget. Covering every aspect of 9/11 — from the events that led to the attacks, to profiles of key terrorists and political figures, to a minute-by-minute account of the attacks, to examinations of the aftermath, and the inspiring stories of the heroes that made the ultimate sacrifices — this commemorative set pays tribute to the many heroes who laid down their lives and brings sharp focus to the momentous, incomprehensible events surrounding this incomparable national tragedy. 
Released theatrically in 1941, Dumbo, Walt Disney’s fourth animated film, was an immediate success with audiences and critics alike. In addition to its Academy Award for Best Music, Dumbo was also Oscar-nominated for Best Song, for the haunting lullaby, “Baby Mine.” Additional songs from the film, written by renowned composer Frank Churchill and lyricist Ned Washington, have become popular standards. They include the infectious “When I See an Elephant Fly,” and “Pink Elephants on Parade,” which accompanies Dumbo’s feverish dream-sequence. The inspirational tale of Dumbo, the courageous baby elephant who uses his sensational ears to soar to fame with the help of his clever best friend Timothy Q. Mouse, will thrill and delight audiences of all ages. In celebration of this landmark film’s 70th anniversary, experience the daring adventures of the world’s only flying elephant with a dazzling all-new digital restoration with this new Blu-ray high-definition presentation of Walt Disney’s classic Dumbo!
Fed up with crushing rocks on a prison farm in Mississippi, the dapper, silver-tongued Ulysses Everett McGill (Clooney) busts loose…except that he’s still shackled to two misfits from his chain gang: bad tempered Pete (Turturro) and sweet, dimwitted Delmar (Tim Blake Nelsen). With nothing to lose and buried loot to regain, the three embark on a riotous odyssey filled with chases, close calls, near misses and betrayal. Experience every unpredictable moment as it plays out in the crystal-clear sound and breathtaking picture quality of Blu-ray. Populated with strange characters, including a blind prophet, sexy sirens and a one-eyed Bible salesman (John Goodman), O Brother, Where Art Thou is a very original and funny movie that you’ve got to see! 
The great halls of Asgard have fallen silent since a new king has overtaken the throne. His name is Loki, son of almighty Odin, brother to the Thunder God, Thor. Once a powerful trickster — the God of Mischief — Loki now rules the grand kingdom with little regard for its subjects. His only thoughts are focused inward, toward the origins of his own pain and suffering. To quell his torment and to gain the respect he feels he so rightfully deserves, Loki must now execute the prisoner chained deep within the dungeons of Asgard, the one man who has ever shown him love. His own brother. Inspired by the acclaimed graphic novel from Robert Rodi and Esad Ribic, Thor & Loki: Blood Brothers takes a look at Thor and of Loki, two adversarial brothers in the mystical land of Asgard and seemingly forever enemies. But just why does Loki hate his brother Thor? And could it be that this master of mischief isn’t really the villain he’s been branded? Loki’s insatiable lust for power and his feud with Thor take on new meaning in this tale for mature audiences.
Kate Miller (Angie Dickinson, “Police Woman”) is a sexually-repressed housewife who seeks treatment from Dr. Robert Elliott (two-time Academy Award-winner Michael Caine, Hannah and Her Sisters, The Cider House Rules). While secretly leaving a hotel after a one-night affair, Kate is mysteriously murdered by a tall blonde woman wearing sunglasses. The only witness is a high-priced call girl, Liz (Nancy Allen in a Golden Globe-nominated performance), who becomes the killer’s next target. With the help of Kate’s grown son, Peter (Keith Gordon, A Midnight Clear), Liz discovers that the murderer is connected to Dr. Elliott, and the pair come face-to-face with a shocking surprise. Written and directed by critically-acclaimed filmmaker Brian De Palma (Scarface, The Untouchables), Dressed To Kill is a dark, psychological crime thriller with twists and turns around every corner. 
After the Cartoon Network debut of their first-ever original television special, The LEGO Group and Lucasfilm will join forces once again to bring LEGO Star Wars: The Padawan Menace to Blu-ray Disc and DVD. Launching on September 16, the 22-minute original standalone special will feature the charm, action and irreverent humor that have become the signature style of LEGO Star Wars animation collaborations and will include five LEGO Star Wars shorts, as well as an exclusive, collectible minifigure. You’ve probably already bought the Star Wars Saga on Blu-ray so make sure you add this to your collection too! 
Re-live the story of one of America’s darkest moments through superb visuals and a double sided narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The classic film TORA! TORA! TORA! comes to Blu-ray from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment on December 6th. The winner of the 1970 Academy Award for Best Special Effects TORA! TORA! TORA! was nominated for four more Oscars including Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing and Best Sound. Experience TORA! TORA! TORA! through the superb visual quality of Blu-ray for the first time.
In the spring of 1980, the Mariel boatlift brought thousands of Cuban refugees to the sun-washed avenues of Miami in search of the American dream. From acclaimed director Brian DePalma, Scarface is the rags-to-riches story of Tony Montana (Al Pacino), who finds wealth, power and passion beyond his wildest dreams…at a price he never imagined. Tony Montana’s meteoric rise, lavish life and soul-destroying fall, are the elements of the film have that inspired a worldwide following and changed the fortunes of the movie from a mediocre box office under-performer into a phenomenon. The role of Tony Montana gave Pacino one of his most memorable roles as he blasts his way to the top of Miami’s drug underworld in a bravura performance. 
Not long ago, I had the chance to talk to with some very influential people in Disney about the restoration work done for the upcoming Dumbo Blu-ray. Those people included Sara Duran-Singer, the Senior Vice-President of Post-Production, Dave Bossert, the Creative Director of Walt Disney Studios Animation, and Joe Jiuliano, who is the Director of Film and Video Services The discussion yielded a lot of interesting information on how Disney restores and preserves their films as well as some interesting trivia such as the fact that legendary Warner Brothers animator Chuck Jones got his start working for Disney. We also found out that some of Disney’s classic live action films including (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Swiss Family Robinson, and Mary Poppins) have already been restored and will be coming to Blu-ray. Ostensibly, we were supposed to talk about the amazing restoration done on Dumbo, but I managed to sneak in a question about the legendary Song of the South which is still locked up in the vault, and I actually got an answer that might surprise you. Read on to find out more… 
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of director Joe Johnston’s (Captain America: The First Avenger) action-filled, witty The Rocketeer. Now with state-of-the-art digital restoration and enhanced high definition sound, experience it as it jets off for the first time on Disney Blu-ray. The discovery of a top-secret jetpack hurls test pilot Cliff Secord (Billy Campbell) into a daring adventure of mystery, suspense, and intrigue! Cliff encounters an assortment of ruthless villains, led by a Hollywood screen star (Timothy Dalton) who is a secret Nazi spy. With the help of his actress girlfriend (Jennifer Connelly) , the young pilot battles enormous odds to defeat his foes who are anxious to use the device in an evil plan to rule the world. This highly anticipated release is now available to pre-order! 
From the celebrated film-making team of Joel Coen and Ethan Coen (Fargo, Raising Arizona), comes this visually stunning tale of a double-cross—and murder—in a small town. When the owner of a backwoods bar hires a man to kill his cheating wife and her boyfriend, he opens a door into the criminal world that he’ll never be able to shut. Blood Simplemarked the debut of the Coen Brothers and also represented the big break for Frances McDormand, Dan Hedaya, and it gave M. Emmet Walsh the biggest role of his career. 
