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It has been quite a while since I last did an update to the DVDAnswers software (the back end stuff that does all the hard work). So this weekend I spent most of the time arranging the mirroring of the two biggest DVD FAQ pages on the 'net. At this point I should thank John Willis and Jim Taylor for giving DVDAnswers permission to officially mirror these two great FAQ pages. Jim's FAQ is from the rec.video.dvd newsgroup (and others) and is considered one of the most comprehensive DVD FAQ pages anywhere. While John's FAQ is based on the uk.media.dvd newsgroup which although less comprehensive, provides a valuable insight for all our viewers in the UK.
Both of these FAQ pages will be updated automatically on a weekly basis, so they'll never become out of date. As time goes on and I find more time to work on this, the appearance of these pages should improve. To visit either of these pages go to: rec.video.dvd FAQ or uk.media.dvd FAQ. Be warned, they are big and if you aren't on broadband they could take 20 or 30 seconds to appear. |
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| Pulp Fiction: Collector's Edition (Region 2) at 14.28 on 13/07/02 |
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Coming this September from Buena Vista Home Entertainment is the long-awaited Collector's Edition of Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. As you can see, this two-disc set is jam-packed with bonus material, and I�ve no doubt this title will be at the top of many a shopping list.
In a flurry of cool music, stylish editing and quick-fire one-liners, Pulp Fiction shook the filmmaking world when it burst onto our screens in 1994. Pop culture has never been the same again. Still fresh, still vibrant � Pulp Fiction�s long anticipated arrival on an astounding two disc collector�s DVD assures the film�s place in the pantheon of all-time greatest movies. This is the ultimate Pulp Fiction experience. Re-authored on DVD and packed with unmissable extras, Tarantino�s controversial and critically acclaimed gem is a must-own for every film-lover and DVD enthusiast.
Nominated for no less than seven Academy Awards and featuring the stellar cast of John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, Harvey Keitel, Christopher Walken, Tim Roth, Eric Stolz and Ving Rhames, Pulp Fiction is full of excellent performances, unforgettable dialogue and a soundtrack that was an instant classic. Its fascinating and entertaining DVD bonus disc is what Tarantino fans have been waiting years for, allowing them to experience all aspects of a unique film phenomenon - behind the scenes footage with the stars of the film, exclusive documentaries, outtakes introduced by the director and even Tarantino�s acceptance speech at Cannes Film Festival -this DVD has it all.
Disc details:
Anamorphic 2.35:1 transfer
Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 audio
Deleted Scenes w/ Quentin Intros (apx. 24:14 min)
- The Drug Deal Monologue
- Mia Interviewing Vincent
- The Esmerelda Cab Scene
- Monster Joe's Truck and Tow
- Extended Jack Rabbit Slim's Scene
Theatrical Trailers (11:03)
- US Theatrical Trailer
- UK Theatrical Trailer
- French Theatrical Trailer
- German Theatrical Trailer
- Japanese Theatrical Trailer
TV Spots (13 spots) (5:13)
Production Design Featurette (6:21)
Pulp Fiction Still Gallery
- Pulp Fiction Posters (48 pgs)
- Behind-The-Scenes (170 pgs)
- Special Photo Shoots (42 pgs)
- Production Stills (78 pgs)
- Academy Award Campaign and Trade Ads (48 pgs)
- Location Scouting and Set Construction (27 pgs)
- Production Design and Logos (15 pgs)
- Props and Memorabilia (71 pgs)
Siskel & Ebert "At The Movies" "The Tarantino Generation" (15:50)
Independent Spirit Awards - Michael Moore interviews Quentin,
Lawrence and Sam (11:27)
Cannes Film Festival - Palme d'Or Award Ceremony, acceptance
speech (5:16)
Charlie Rose Show (55:22)
"Tarantino Fiction" - Original Documentary (30:28)
Behind The Scenes Montages (10:46)
- Jack Rabbit Slim's
- Butch Hits Marsellus
DVD ROM Bonus
- Enhanced Playback Track
- Synchronized Trivia Game
- Screenplay Viewer
- Open Mic Commentary
Pulp Fiction is set for release on 30th September, but there are no details on price as of yet. |
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| Michael Caine Double Bill (Region 2) at 10.20 on 12/07/02 |
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Michael Caine fans will be delighted by the news that Paramount Home Entertainment are releasing two of his movies on region two DVD. First up is the crime comedy caper - The Italian Job. The film is renowned for its use of minis and has gone on to inspire many adverts and music videos. Here is a little extract from the press release:
CAINE is Charlie Crocker. A swaggering small time cockney thief just out of jail and already on to his next job. It�s one he can�t refuse. It�s more gold bullion than you can shake a stick at and all he has to do is drive through the world�s biggest traffic jam in Turin!
A gang of charming, but motley villains band together, led by the incarcerated self styled Mr Big played by the great NOEL COWARD (AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS, BLITHE SPIRIT) in his last film appearance. Even BENNY HILL (CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG) makes an appearance as the intelligent part of the operation with a penchant for larger ladies.
The Italian Job DVD release will include the following:
Anamorphic widescreen 2.35:1 transfer
Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack
Commentary from Producer Michael Deeley and Matthew Field
Three exclusive documentaries
Deleted Scene
Theatrical trailers
Also starring Michael Caine, and released this summer is Alfie. This was Michael Caine's first movie, and he was only offered the role after his flatmate turned it down. Caine went on to become a worldwide star. Talk about luck! Here's some information about the movie:
Directed by LEWIS GILBERT (Educating Rita, Before You Go) ALFIE stars some of the most familiar female faces from 60�s film culture; SHELLEY WINTERS (The Poseidon Adventure), MILLICENT MARTIN (Stop The World I Want To Get Off), JANE ASHER (Look Back In Anger) SHIRLEY ANNE FIELD (Doctor In Clover), and JULIA FOSTER(Half A Sixpence).
CAINE is Alfie � the free living and free speaking charmer who has an overwhelming desire for the opposite sex, the �birds�. In fact birds are just irresistible and he�s not saying no � anything is fair game. The Cockney casanova glides through swinging London making one conquest after another.
Extras for this release are a little disappointing. The release will get a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, as well an anamorphic widescreen 2.35:1 transfer. The only extra is a trailer.
Both releases will be in the shops from 26th August, and will retail for around �19.99. |
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| Latest region one news (Region 1) at 10.26 on 11/07/02 |
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We have been a little slack with region one news lately so here is an update. Paramount have just announced the release of two Eddie Murphy movies. First up is the 80's comedy Trading Places starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd. The disc will received a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, as well as English 5.1 and 2.0 soundtracks. Extras are a little disappointing with only an interview and a trailer included.
Boomerang is also being released with an anamorphic widescreen and 5.1 soundtrack. The disc will include an audio commentary by director Reginald Hudlin as well as extended and deleted scenes. Both Trading Places and Boomerang are released on 24th September and will retail for $24.95.
This September Warner are also releasing a comedy movie on region one, Death to Smoochy. The film is directed by Danny Devito and has an all star cast including Edward Norton and Robin Williams. Here is a brief description of the movie:
"Fired in disgrace, kids show host Randolph Smiley finds himself out on the street, while his replacement Sheldon Mopes, finds himself on the fast track to success with a new hit show as the proud purple rhino Smoochy. But things take a turn for the worst when Sheldon finds out that some of the people that he works with, and some he doesn't know he's working for, are all in it for the money. Meanwhile, Randolph is slowly turning insane with his only thoughts focusing on killing Smoochy and getting back to his life of luxury."
The disc features an impressive list of extras which include:
Audio commentary by director Danny DeVito
Making-of featurette
11 deleted scenes
"Interactive Ice Show" Outtakes
Storyboards
Still gallery
Trailer
The DVD will be available in separate pan & scan and anamorphic widescreen version. Death to Smoochy will be released on 17th September and should retail for $26.95.
Thank you to dvdfile for the above information. |
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| Willow: Special Edition review (Region 2) at 03.32 on 11/07/02 |
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Chris Gould has reviewed the fantasy-action film Willow. The film, starring Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Warwick Davis, Jean Marsh and Patricia Hayes, is released on 5th August 2002 by 20th Century Fox. Here�s an extract from the review.
'Warwick Davis. It�s not name many are familiar with, but if you were to say Wicket the Ewok suddenly everyone would nod in recognition. It can�t be easy for guys like Davis, who spend their careers dressed up as giant teddy bears, Leprechauns or other such fantasy creatures. 1998s Willow (from director Ron Howard and producer George Lucas no less) allowed Davis to escape the makeup and tackle the starring role in a major fantasy-adventure, alongside such actors as Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley...'
To read the full review of Willow: Special Edition simply click here.
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| Starship Troopers Chronicles (Region 2) at 03.07 on 11/07/02 |
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Coming next month from Columbia Tri-Star are series three and four of the Emmy-nominated animated series Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles.
In the Hydora Campaign, Lieutenant Razak's fearless Troopers land on the aquatic Hydora planet hoping to find - and extinguish - the enemy Bug's home base. But soon, they're trapped inside a cave and attacked by swarms of gigantic, vicious mosquitoes. And when they find the terrifying Mother insect who controls the Bug universe, they realize its only intention is to kill off the entire human race. Now, the Troopers have found the source of the problem - but can they even hope to control it?
In the Tophet Campaign, young journalist Higgins, fearless war hero Rico, and courageous female Trooper Flores land with their fellow soldiers on a desert planet. They meet a group of humanoid Skinnies who make them feel strangely at home until gigantic killer bugs appear. Lieutenant Razak accepts help from a newly designed Trooper robot, who quickly saves the team from an intense ambush of massive crawlers. But the Skinnies have more than one surprise in store for the Troopers, proving again that the universe-wide bug war is far from over.
Here�s a closer look at what you can expect from both titles:
1.33:1 Full frame transfer
Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby 2.0 Surround audio
Filmmakers' commentary
Technical commentary
Filmographies
Photo gallery
Trailer
You can expect both titles to retail for around �12.99 when they are released on 19th August. |
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| The Terminator "rot" update (Region 2) at 14.12 on 10/07/02 |
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| Following on from our earlier stories, MGM have announced the freephone number for owners of faulty copies of The Terminator. If you believe your copy to be faulty you should call this number, where you will be advised as to how to receive a replacement copy at no cost. The number is - 0800 3898 384. |
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| Thief of Hearts (Region 2) at 12.44 on 10/07/02 |
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Paramount Home Entertainment have just announced the region two release of Thief of Hearts. Here is a little information from the press release:
Directed by DOUGLAS DAY STEWART (An Officer and a Gentleman), THIEF OF HEARTS sees STEVEN BAUER (Traffic), as petty criminal Scott Muller, use his cunning and seductive ways to trick bored wife Mickey Davis, played by BARBARA WILLIAMS (Perfect Pie) into a loving affair. The affair sees Mickey�s husband, JOHN GETZ (Born on the 4th of July) pushed aside in the pair�s pursuit to be together, whilst Scott�s partner in crime, Buddy Calamara, played by DAVID CARUSO, refuses to accept that his budding career with Scott is over because of a woman.
Mickey Davis feels trapped in her marriage, when handsome businessman Scott Muller arrives on the scene, it doesn�t take much to woo her and gain her affections. Scott always seems to be one step ahead, knowing how and what she is thinking and Mickey soon becomes convinced she has met her perfect man. Little does Mickey know that the businessman act is actually a cover-up for a much more sinister reality.
Further information about the release is not available at the moment, but the DVD will be in shops from 26th August and will retail for �19.99. We will keep you updated with any additional information as we get it. |
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| Columbia TriStar : New Releases (Region 2) at 09.58 on 09/07/02 |
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Columbia TriStar have just announced two high profile releases for later on this year. First up is the Sandra Bullock computer thriller The Net. Sandra Bullock plays a freelance computer systems analyst, who is plunged into a web of corruption and murder when she stumbles onto a program she was never meant to see. This release will get the collector's edition treatment. Rumoured extras include two commentaries and several featurettes. Exact details are still to be confirmed. The Net is scheduled to be released on 9th September, and should retail for �19.99.
Also just announced for release on region two is Panic Room. All we have at the moment for the DVD is a release date. The movie stars Jodie Foster, Jared Leto and Forest Whitaker. For anyone not familiar with the movie here is a brief description:
"Trapped in their New York apartment's "panic room", a hidden chamber built as a sanctuary in the event of break-ins, a newly-divorced woman, Meg Altman, and her young daughter, Sarah, play a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with 3 intruders during a brutal home invasion. What do you do when your hiding place is their destination?
Hopefully full specs for this release should be available soon. Panic Room will be released on 28th October. |
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| The Lord of the Rings - Region 2 details (Region 2) at 15.04 on 08/07/02 |
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Now I know many of you will already be aware of the forthcoming release of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, but we�ve just had the official press release through from Entertainment in Video, so here it is:
In a time before history, in a place called Middle-earth, a dark and powerful lord has brought together the forces of evil to enslave all life caught in his path. Sauron�s time has come and he needs only one small object � a Ring that has been lost for centuries � to snuff out the light of civilisation and cover the world in darkness.
Although he has put all his power into the search for the Ring, fate has put it in the hands of one � a young hobbit named Frodo Baggins. With the help of a loyal fellowship comprised of hobbits Sam, Merry and Pippin, Gimli the dwarf and humans Aragorn and Boromir and with the guidance of the wizard Ganadalf and elves Arwen, Galadriel and Elrond, Frodo must journey to the Mount of Doom to destroy the Ring. If he cannot find a way, no one will.
This two-disc DVD version of The Lord of the Rings will contain the 178-minute theatrical cut, along with an impressive array of extras including:
Houghton Mifflin Welcomes You To Middle-Earth
Quest for the Ring: Fox Network TV Special
The Path to Middle-Earth: Sci-Fi channel TV special
Eight internet documentary shorts
Three theatrical trailers
Six TV spots
Enya�s �Let It Be� music video
EA video game preview
Preview of �The Two Towers�
Preview of The Lord of the Rings Extended DVD version presented by Peter Jackson
The Lord of the Rings will be available to own on DVD from 6th August, with the extended cut of the film to follow in November. |
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