Written and compiled by The Film Nest guest contributor “FightinIrish” (peep him in the Comments section)
Over the past few months, studios have struck exclusive Blu-ray deals with retailers. It’s somewhat of an annoying phase, but luckily patience pays eventually. Two of those formerly exclusive title are available everywhere this week, both being classics in their own right. Guy Ritchie’s first two gangster masterpieces make their 1080p way to you this week, as well as a couple of May blockbusters from earlier this year. Of course there are a few more titles, all of which only work to enhance your collection for the better.
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For those who have yet to pick this up when it was released exclusively at Target in October, now’s your chance at a classic film that somehow manages to mix Christmas, Horror and comedy into one piece of awesomeness. Written by Chris Columbus (does this guy know holidays films or what?), directed by Joe Dante, produced by Steve Spielberg and starring the uber-cute, yet almost old enough to be my mother, Phoebe Cates, this film is a classic that must be viewed by all. My main beef is with Warner and their need to include audio and subtitles in more than 7 different languages. Again, how about using some of that space for more features?
Supplements: Commentary with director Joe Dante, producer Michael Finnelli and special effects master Chris Walas, Commentary with Dante and cast members Phoebe Cates, Zach Galligan, Dick Miller and Howie Mandel, Behind the Scenes Featurette, Additional Scenes, Trailers, Theatrical trailer
Much like Gremlins, this film has already been released exclusively at one retailer over a month ago, Best Buy, but now’s your chance to snag it through Amazon at the best price. The film that introduced us to both Michael Clark Duncan (kind of fallen off) and Sam Rockwell (need more of his work), this film is a classic in many aspects. Great acting by Tom Hanks, no doubt, but it was Duncan that stole the show, playing the gentle giant who had to die for a crime he did not commit. Also, surprising to me at the time, that this was a Stephen King based film, yet if you’ve seen The Shawshank Redemption, you’re probably not that surprised. A must own and a favorite among one member here I know. Again, Warner decided to load it with multiple audio and subtitle options, let’s hope that this didn’t cause some decent features to go by the wayside.
Supplements: Commentary by writer/director Frank Darabont, Additional scenes, Walking the Mile: The Making of the Green Mile Documentary, Miracles and Mystery: creating the Green Mile Featurette Gallery, Tom Hanks Make-Up Tests, Michael Clarke Duncan Screen Test, The Teaser Trailer: A Case Study, Theatrical Trailers
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
The first film by Guy Ritchie and a favorite, as well. Very fresh at the time and fun to see how everything all wrapped up in the end. A film I could, and have, watched time and time again, it never gets old. And keep an eye out for a now older Young Sherlock Holmes as one of the “growers”.
Supplements: One Smoking Camera, Lock, Stock, and Two F**king Barrels, BD-Live, Ticker, D-Box, My Scenes
The perfect follow up to Two Smoking Barrels. This film is bigger, funnier and has a greater cast. Endlessly quotable, if you can pull of the Pikish accent, and we all want to be able to fight like Pitt. Any man who has yet to see this film, Two Smoking Barrels or RockNRolla needs their man-card checked and/or confiscated. A must-watch and a must-own.
Supplements: Commentary with writer/director Guy Ritchie and producer Matthew Vaughn, The Snatch Cutting Room, Making Snatch: featurette, Deleted scenes with optional commentary, Video photo gallery, Pikey subtitles, Snatch TV spots & trailers, Easter egg, movieIQ
The big release of the week for the masses. Missed this in the theaters as our review states, I didn’t miss much. My love of everything Terminator will force me to buy it and hope that if a 5th film comes out it will be closer to 1, 2 & 3 than #4.
Supplements: WB Maximum Movie Mode, Focus Points, Re-Forging the Future, The Moto-Terminator, BD-Live, “Resist or Be Terminated” Video Archive, Terminator Salvation Prequel Digital Comic #1, My commentary, Live Community Screening
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
The second biggest release of the week for the masses is the follow-up to the surprisingly huge Night at the Museum. This one didn’t seem to have the same following or support as the original, but $250 million is always hard to follow. Definitely a film for family night as it’s no doubt a hit with its target audience.
Supplements: Audio commentaries, Featurettes, Deleted scenes, Alternate ending, Gag reel, Trailers, Deleted scenes, Museum Scavenger Hunt Game, Featurettes, BD-Live
A heartwarming film, but nothing special beyond that. The last time I’ve heard from or seen H.J.O. He, like many others, went the way of the cute child actor who grows up into a not so cute adult male. Enjoy this and pour out a 40 oz. for him will ya?
Supplements: Three Featurettes, Director commentary, Deleted scenes, Visual effects comparisons
A very forgettable film, save for Catherine Zeta-Jones. Somehow this warranted a sequel, but if that’s any good I couldn’t tell you. This available on BD for $16, so if you like it no better time than now to get it.
Supplements: Director’s Commentary, Unmasking Zorro, Deleted scenes, The Legend of Zorro Behind-the-Scenes Sneak Peek, Exclusive Scene from “The Legend of Zorro”, movieIQ
