Written and compiled by The Film Nest guest contributor “FightinIrish” (peep him in the Comments section)
As a Blu-ray fan, there’s two ways you know the holiday season is upon you without glancing at the calendar. Way number one is the plethora of holiday-themed releases. There’s aren’t many this week. Way number two is when must-own titled upon must-own titled is unleashed at once. This week falls into the latter category. Classics both old and new come at you in one fell swoop. It’s up to you to either succumb or await Santa’s arrival down your chimney.
Please know anything you buy through use of the attached links goes toward supporting us at The Film Nest. Thanks in advance.
By far the biggest and loudest release of this week. The film that really started off the true summer blockbuster season and was, to many, the surprise hit of the summer. Never doubt J.J. Abrams. The guy can both direct and produce quality work (where’s Mission Impossible 4?). A film that also doesn’t require you to be a Trekky nerd. I know I misspelled that, so I guess I’m not one. Great visuals, sound and features make this a must own. Check our Trekkie nerd review.
Supplements: Audio commentary, Featurettes, 9 Deleted Scenes, Gag Reel, Trailers, Digital Copy (WMV & iTunes), Starfleet Vessel Simulator, NASA News RSS Feed (BD-Live)
The eagerly anticipated follow up to the smash hit Borat, this film didn’t seem to have the same staying power as its predecessor. I didn’t catch it in theaters, and if you’re like me, now’s your chance to get in on it. Hopefully the humor still holds up when it’s just you and some friends and not a packed theater. Check our review.
Supplements: An hour of alternative, deleted and extended scenes not shown in theaters, Enhanced commentary — Hear in depth stories for selected scenes from Sacha Baron Cohen and director Larry Charles, An interview with Hollywood agent Lloyd Robinson — Get the story behind Bruno’s real Hollywood agent, Extra deleted/extended scenes, BD-Live, My Scenes, My Chat
Easily the second must-own disc of the week. This was my first experience with a Fincher film and I was impressed and a bit confused at the same time. His films are, traditionally, far from ordinary, especially during this time period. He’s a master of direction and storytelling and you can see in this film why he’s a favorite among those who really enjoy cinema. Pitt is beyond Pitt in this film and Norton does what any of us who’s had a crappy job wants to do. Great work and a great disc. Everyone will love the menus as well.
Supplements: Four Audio Commentaries, Featurettes, Edward Norton Interview, Deleted Scenes, Trailers, TV and Internet Spots, Public Service Announcements, Music Video, Promotional and Art Galleries, Insomniac Mode: I Am Jack’s Search Index, A Hit In The Ear: Ren Klyce and the Sound Design of Fight Club
This is a cash grab right here. Even the director says so on this very disc. Clerks is exactly what Blu-ray is not. Clerks is shot in cheap, low budget, black and white with basically a glorified mono track and yet Blu-ray is supposed to push the visual and audio capabilities of your home theater to its breaking point. As well, the special features are all from the 10th anniversary DVD, even though this is a 15th anniversary edition. If you already own the 10th anniversary DVD, you have a serious decision to make. If you don’t, by all means get this disc. A classic movie nonetheless.
Supplements: Classic Commentary, Clerks Restoration, Original Auditions, Snowball Effect (with outtakes), Mae Day: The Crumbling Of A Documentary With Intro By Kevin Smith And Scott Mosier, Enhanced Playback Track, Intro To The First Cut 2004 Commentary, 2004 Commentary (with New Authoring), Clerks Lost Scene – Animated Short, The Flying Car, MTV Spots With Jay & Silent Bob, 10th Anniversary Q & A, Soul Asylum’s “Can’t Even Tell” Music Video, Introduction By Kevin Smith, “Oh, What A Lovely Tea Party: The Making Of Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back”
Kevin Smith’s first film is by far my favorite of his, but Chasing Amy runs a very close second. The other three films he made in the original New Jersey series are all favorites of mine, but of the mainstream Hollywood grain, whereas Clerks and Chasing Amy go low budget and rely heavily on Smiths’ story, which can’t be beat. All I want to know is “What’s a Nubian?”
Supplements: Deleted scenes, Outtakes, Theatrical trailer, Commentary with Kevin Smith and producer Scott Mosier, Tracing Amy: The Chasing Amy, Was It Something I Said?: A conversation with Kevin and Joey, 10 Years Later Q&A with Kevin and the cast
Interesting how the same day that the new Star Trek drops on disc we also get our hands at Galaxy Quest in Blu-ray. This is to Star Trek what Shaun of the Dead is to George Romero’s classic. It’s a comedy, but not in the traditional sense. If you haven’t seen it, check it out, especially now that it comes in glorious HD.
Supplements: Historical Documents: The Story of Galaxy Quest, Never Give Up. Never Surrender: The Intrepid Crew of the NSEA Protector, By Grabthar’s Hammer, What Amazing Effects, Alien School – Creating the Thermian Race, Actors in Space, Sigourney Weaver Raps, Deleted Scenes, Thermian Audio Track, Theatrical Trailer (HD), Galactopedia
Over the last few weeks, Warner has been giving us some of the great classic films of theirs on Blu-ray. North by Northwest, The Wizard of Oz and this week they drop the granddaddy of them all, Gone with the Wind. This is the highest grossing film of all time, adjusted for inflation, which is an amazing feat considering how few theaters there were in 1939 and the length of this film. This is the epic period piece film that sets the bar that, in many people’s eyes, has yet to be surpassed. And damn it if they didn’t throw in a swear word as well. This will surely be the best this film has looked and sounded ever. A contender for classic HD release of the year, this edition is loaded with special features and collectors material that make it a must own.
Supplements: Commentary by historian Rudy Behlmer, Offer for a numbered limited edition copy of the original 1939 poster, About the Movie, About the Cast, 1939: Hollywood’s Greatest Year: new documentary about Hollywood’s watershed year narrated by Kenneth Branagh, Gone with the Wind: The Legend Lives On: exploring the legacy of the most beloved film through illuminating interviews, footage and visits to historical sites, events and museums, Moviola: The Scarlett O’Hara Wars: 1980 WBTV Special never before on home video, MGM: When the Lion Roars, Limited and numbered in a velvet keepsake box, 20-page reproduction of the original and complete 1939 souvenir program, 40-page production history book with photos and production notes, Eight frameable 5×7 art prints, CD soundtrack sampler
The debut hit film by that other director with the initials of S.S. Check out what was said in our “First Features” section about the film.
Supplements: Commentary with writer/director Steven Soderbergh and Neil LaBute, Deleted scene (with director commentary), 20-year reunion at the Sundance Film Festival, Steven Soderbergh on the trailers, Steven Soderbergh on Sex, Lies and Videotape, Original trailer, Miramax trailer, Notes on remastering and restoration
A film set around a 10-year-old boy who lives in his parents-run retirement home. Michael Caine plays a retired magician and a bond is struck between the two.
Supplements: TBA
This film seemed to me to be too reliant on pulling heartstrings, when in reality it’s not worthy of your tears. At least, that’s what I felt when I saw all the trailers for it, which I admit is never a good way to judge a film. Since this film did squat at the box office and is being rushed to disc, it doesn’t take much to see that there’s probably not much here. If I’m wrong, let me know.
Supplements: Additional scenes, From Picoult to Screen, Behind the scenes
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia : A Very Sunny Christmas
The cult hit show brings us a holiday-themed version. Basically the only holiday disc to drop this week and if you’re a fan of either the Christmas holidays, humor, or this show, by all means check this disc out.
Supplements: “Young Charlie & Young Mac” Deleted Scenes, Behind-the-Scenes/Making-of featurette, Sunny Sing-a-Long
