Why So Blu?

The Wolfman Goes Unrated on Blu-ray…

The Wolfman did not exactly get the highest praise during its short theatrical release this winter and now I am presented with a dilemma.  Our own Gregg Senko reviewed the film here not so long ago and single-handedly convinced me not to see this.  However, now Universal is planning on serving up an Unrated cut this June.  What’s a boy to do?  I’m split.  I wasn’t going to give this one a chance, but what if the Unrated edition fixes all the mistakes that plagued the theatrical release?  I know I am probably getting my hopes up, but a boy can always dream.  Right?  Anyway, Universal has announced a June 1st Blu-ray release date for the Anthony Hopkins, Benicio Del Toro, Emily Blunt, and Hugo Weaving monster vehicle, The Wolfman. 

A digital copy will also accompany both the 119-minute extended edition and theatrical edition of The Wolfman.  Also, you will be able to view the original Universal 1941 Thriller The Wolf Man via Universal’s BD-Live, pocket BLU(TM) App & UniversalHiDef.com.

Special features include:

• U-Control
• Take Control: Special Makeup Artist Rick Baker, Visual Effects Producer Karen Murphy-Mundell and Director of Photography Shelly Johnson ASC take control of the viewing experience in this unique feature, offering a personal visual commentary by engaging with select scenes of the film to reveal details of the filmmaking process.
• Werewolf Legacy, Lore and Legend: This documentary gives viewers a visual tour through more than seventy years of Universal’s Wolf Man films and thousands of years of werewolf mythology.
• Two alternate endings not seen in theaters
• Deleted and extended scenes
• Featurettes:
  • Return of The Wolfman: This featurette will look at how the cast and crew behind this new retelling have tapped into the tragic roots of legend and cinematic lore to unleash a new terror for today’s audience.
  • The Beast Maker: A detailed look at how make-up wizard Rick Baker transformed a classic monster into a modern nightmare!
  • Transformation Secrets: Whether transforming werewolves, producing hallucinogenic nightmares or recreating the fog-covered streets of Victorian London, this featurette will look at how the visual effects team has created a haunting world of moonlit monsters and unsettling thrills.
  • The Wolfman Unleashed: The team behind the stunt and action units share the physical challenges of bringing the Wolfman to life and creating a series of intense and action-oriented set pieces.
• BD-Live™, pocket BLU™ app and UniversalHiDef.com:
  • The first ever online streaming of the original 1941 classic The Wolf Man
  • pocket BLU™ app: USHE’s groundbreaking pocket BLU™ app uses iPhone(TM), iPod® touch, Blackberry®, Android(TM), PC and Macintosh to work seamlessly with a network-connected Blu-ray(TM) player and offers advanced features such as:
    • Advanced Remote Control: A sleek, elegant new way to operate your Blu-ray(TM) player. Users can navigate through menus, playback and BD-Live(TM) functions with ease.
    • Video Timeline: Users can easily bring up the video timeline, allowing them to instantly access any point in the movie.
    • Mobile-To-Go: Users can unlock a selection of bonus content with their Blu-ray(TM) discs to save to their device or to stream from anywhere there’s a Wi-Fi network, enabling them to enjoy exclusive content on the go, anytime, anywhere.
    • Browse Titles: Users will have access to a complete list of pocket BLU(TM) app-enabled titles available and coming to Blu-ray(TM) Hi-Def. They can view free previews and see what additional content is available to unlock on their device.
    • Keyboard: Enter data into a Blu-ray(TM) player with your device’s easy and intuitive keyboard that will facilitate such Blu-ray(TM) features as chatting with friends and sending messages.
  • social BLU™: Connect with friends on your favorite social networks to share information about your favorite movies, enjoy Blu-ray(TM) community features and more!