Fall brings veritable boatload of family DVD titles
A couple of months ago, I mentioned that summertime is the slow time
of the year for home video releases. Most studios focus on their big theatrical
releases, and most folks are not spending a lot of time at home. Plus,
this gives the home video divisions time to prepare their pre-holiday
titles for a Fall introduction. As you will see in a bit, this Fall brings
with it a veritable boatload of family DVD titles ranging from classic
’70s live action movies to high-tech animated blockbusters.
As a convenient starting point, here is a list of upcoming DVD releases.
Click on the link to scroll down to the associated press release or information.
August
Tuesday, 26th
September
Tuesday, 2nd
- Kim Possible: The Secret Files
- The Apple Dumpling Gang Special Edition
(2-discs) - Escape to Witch Mountain Special Edition
(2-discs) - Return from Witch Mountain Special Edition
(2-discs) - The Absent-Minded Professor (B&W)
- The Brave Little Toaster
- The Brave Little Toaster Goes To Mars
- The Brave Little Toaster To The Rescue
Tuesday, 9th
- Sleeping Beauty Special Edition
Tuesday, 16th
Tuesday, 23rd
October
Tuesday, 7th
- The Lion King Platinum Edition (2-discs)
- A Christmas Story Special Edition
(2-discs)
Tuesday, 28
- Looney Tunes Golden Collection
(4-discs) - Looney Tunes Premiere Collection
(2-discs) - Looney Tunes Reality Check!
- Looney Tunes Stranger Than Fiction!
- Space Jam Special Edition
November
Tuesday, 4
- Finding Nemo Collector’s Edition (2-discs)
Tuesday, 11
- The Music Man (TV Edition)
Tuesday, 18
December
Tuesday, 2
- Walt Disney Treasures: The Chronological
Donald, Mickey Mouse in Living Color: Volume 2, Walt Disney on the Front
Lines, and Walt Disney’s Tomorrowland
THE STAR OF DISNEY’S ‘LILO &
STITCH’ RETURNS IN
STITCH! THE MOVIE
Premiering Only On DVD and VHS On August 26
ORIGINAL VOICE CAST, GREAT NEW CHARACTERS
IN AN ALL-NEW ANIMATED ADVENTURE!
BURBANK, Calif. – From one of Disney’s most popular and beloved
animated films, the high spirited adventure of Disney’s “Lilo &
Stitch” continues in the ALL-NEW STITCH! THE MOVIE, premiering
only on Disney DVD and video on August 26. STITCH! THE MOVIE follows
the fun-filled, heartwarming antics of the lovable, troublemaking little
alien who splashes down to earth and touches the lives of Lilo and her
extended family. STITCH! THE MOVIE features the original voices
and characters from “Lilo & Stitch,” together with a host
of exciting and fun new stars.
Stitch was Experiment 626 … and now the other 625 alien experiments
are landing on earth and it’s up to Lilo and Stitch to rescue these outrageous
cousins before they’re captured by evil captain Gantu. You’ll meet such
fun new experiments as Experiment 254 “Mr. Stenchy,” Experiment
625, a lazy little Stitch look-alike who makes great sandwiches, and the
outrageous Dr. Hamsterviel. On DVD, STITCH! THE MOVIE has such
bonus features as a fun trivia challenge, family friendly game, a music
video and more. Plus there’s a free “Alien Experiment Guide”
mini-poster inside every DVD and video, while supplies last. STITCH!
THE MOVIE debuts for $22.99 (S.R.P.) on VHS and $29.99 (S.R.P.) on
DVD from Walt Disney Home Entertainment.
STITCH! THE MOVIE features the returning voice cast of Daveigh
Chase (Spirited Away) as Lilo, the little girl who plays Elvis
Presley records and causes mischief for her older sister and guardian,
Nani, played by Tia Carrere (”Wayne’s World,” TV’s Relic
Hunter). Ving Rhames (Mission: Impossible) is back as the tough
but tender social worker Cobra Bubbles, and David Ogden Stiers (Disney’s
Beauty And The Beast) returns as the whacky alien scientist Jumba.
Kevin McDonald (TV’s That ’70s Show) is back as the hapless alien
Pleakley, and Chris Sanders, co-writer/director on Lilo & Stitch,
returns as the voice of Stitch.
On DVD, STITCH! THE MOVIE features:
- Stitch’s Menu Fun -Stitch guides you through his islands as only he
can - Dr. Hamsterviel’s Trivia Challenge For Trivial Earthlings – Take the
evil Dr. Hamsterviel’s Trivia Pop Quiz, plus see his hilarious production
of “The Making of Stitch.” - Dr. Jumba’s Experiment Finder Game – Help Lilo and Stitch find those
infernal experiments on Hawaii - Experiment Gallery – Meet more aliens and discover their powers
- Music Video “Aloha, E Komo Mai” – Performed by the hot group
Jump5
Street date: August 26
Suggested retail price: $29.99 (DVD); $22.99 (VHS)
DVD aspect ratio: Family friendly 1.66:1, enhanced for 16×9 televisions
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
DTS 5.1 Digital Surround Sound
Feature run time: Approximately 64 minutes
Rating: Not yet rated
Spanish language track
French language track
A vehicle floats in midair… a coat rack comes to life and attacks
a sheriff… and wild animals are putty in the hands of Tony and Tia
Malone in Disney’s thrilling fantasy adventure about the psychic powers
of two young orphans. Their clairvoyance prompts evil millionaire Aristotle
Bolt (Ray Milland) to lure them to his mansion to exploit their powers.
While escaping, they meet a friendly camper (Eddie Albert) and begin to
unravel the mystery of their origin. Soon, all three are fleeing townspeople
who have branded the children witches. But then IT happens! Someone with
even greater powers takes over and leads the children—and the audience—into
a dazzling and unexpected experience… one that is truly out of this
world!
Bonus Feature(s):
- Audio Commentary With Ike Eisenmann, John Hough, And Kim Richards
- Cartoon—”Pluto’s Deram House”
- Making The Escape
- 1975 Studio Album
- Conversations With John Hough
- Disney Sci-Fi
- Disney Effects—Something Special
Technical Specifications:
- Color
- 1.75:1 Aspect Ratio
- Closed Captioned
- Region 1
- Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, THX-Certified
In this thrilling sequel to Disney’s ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN,
automobiles mysteriously fly and humans float in thin air as sinister
masterminds Christopher Lee and Bette Davis unleash a diabolical plan.
The entire city of Los Angeles teeters on the brink of nuclear disaster
when the greedy criminals manipulate a young boy’s supernatural powers
for their own devious gain. But the youth’s sister and a streetwise band
of truants join forces in a desperate attempt to save the city from destruction.
Bonus Feature(s):
- Audio Commentary With Ike Eisenmann, John Hough, And Kim Richards
- Cartoon—”The Eyes Have It”
- Making The Return Trip
- 1978 Disney Studio Album
- Lost Treasure: Christopher Lee, The Lost Interview
- Disney Kids With Powers
- The Gang’s Back In Town
- Theatrical Trailer (Hidden Easter Egg)
Technical Specifications:
- Color
- 1.75:1 Aspect Ratio
- Closed Captioned
- Region 1
- Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, THX-Certified
Head for cover! Don Knotts and Tim Conway are Wild West outlaws who can’t
hit the broad side of a barn—but never miss when it comes to rounding
up laughs! The hilarity begins when a roving bachelor (Bill Bixby) inherits
three young orphans and a wealth of problems. When the youngsters stumble
upon a huge golden nugget, they must fend off the greedy townspeople.
So the kids join forces with the bumbling outlaws to stage a robbery of
the gold. Little do they know a surly gang of sharpshooters plans to beat
them to the draw! If you’re aiming for fun, saddle up and head out with
THE APPLE DUMPLING GANG!
Bonus Feature(s):
- Audio Commentary With Susan Clark, Tim Conway, Don Knotts, And Brad
Savage - Cartoon—”Two Gun Goofy”
- A Look Back With The Gang
- Conversations With Tim Conway
- Disney’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Cowboy Heroes
- Lost Treasures: The Disney Back Lot
- 1975 Disney Studio Album
- Production Stills
- Biographies: Bill Bixby, Brad Savage, Clay O’Brien, Don Knotts, Harry
Morgan, Norman Tokar, Slim Pickens, Stacy Manning, Susan Clark, Tim
Conway - Advertising: Lobby Cards, Posters, Publicity, Comic Book
Technical Specifications:
- Color
- 1.75:1 Aspect Ratio
- Closed Captioned
- Region 1
- Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, THX-Certified
A BRAVE NEW HERO WILL SHINE
ON SEPTEMBER 16
BIONICLE: MASK OF LIGHT
AN ALL NEW MOVIE PREMIERING ON DVD AND VIDEO
BURBANK, Calif. – The biggest boys franchise is coming to life as BIONICLE:
MASK OF LIGHT (BIONICLEMmovie.COM) premieres only on DVD and video
on September 16. An epic thrill ride filled with good and evil, darkness
and light, heroes and villains, BIONICLE: MASK OF LIGHT features
action-packed adventure in an all-new, full-length CGI animated film.
Presented by the LEGO Company and Miramax Films and distributed by Buena
Vista Home Entertainment. Available for $29.99 (S.R.P.) for DVD; $19.99
(S.R.P.) for VHS.
On the DVD, BIONICLE: MASK OF LIGHT includes a host of exciting
bonus features that give both fans and audiences new to BIONICLE an opportunity
to explore this film’s unique biomechanical universe. (Please see attached
for a list of DVD bonus features.)
”BIONICLE may have captured the hearts and minds of millions of
12 year-old boys in the US and abroad but I still count myself among the
brand’s biggest fans,” says Jeff Tahler, Miramax Films vice president
of acquisitions. “We can’t wait to see the reaction from all our
fans to this film,” adds Bob Thompson, Create TV and Film, Executive
Producer on behalf of the LEGO Company. “All I can say is that viewers
are in for an unbelievable experience.”
BIONICLE: MASK OF LIGHT DVD BONUS FEATURES
- Making of BIONICLE: MASK OF LIGHT – This documentary features
information fans will want to know about the BIONICLE universe and how
the filmmakers brought it to life. - Mata Nui Explorer – Players can use their DVD remote to explore the
paradise island of Mata Nui. Here they will learn about its various
diverse villages and the characters that live there. - Wall Of History – In this mode, viewers will be able to watch the
movie and get brief backstory information whenever the BIONICLE historical
icon pops up on the screen. - Commentary – The filmmakers comment on the making of the movie and
provide inside information about the characters and the story. - Sneak Peek At The 2004 Storyline – Introduces the new BIONICLE story
and characters. - Storyboard-To-Film Comparison – A sequence of the movie is shown through
storyboards synchronized with the film.
Street Date: September 16
Feature running time: Approximately 70 minutes
Rating: Not yet rated
DVD aspect ratio: Family friendly widescreen 1.66:1 – enhanced for 16×9
televisions
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
BIONICLE BACKSTORY AND MASK OF LIGHT SYNOPSIS
In the time before time, the great spirit Mata Nui brought the Matoran
tribes to inhabit his island paradise. The Matoran thrived under his protection
and even named the island in his honor.
But a shadow soon fell over the land. The dark spirit Makuta grew jealous
of what his brother, Mata Nui, had created. And so he cast a spell that
caused Mata Nui to fall into a deep sleep. Makuta’s power soon dominated
the land yet all hope was not lost. Legends spoke of six mighty heroes,
the Toa, who would arrive to save Mata Nui from Makuta. Events would reveal
these myths to be true – for the Toa did appear to defend the islanders
from the darkness.
Each Toa has an elemental power: fire, water, air, ice, earth, and stone.
And together they shared one destiny: to find the great masks of power
in order to defeat Makuta and save Mata Nui.
In MASK OF LIGHT, they face their greatest challenge yet: to help a reluctant
Matoran, named Takua, and his brave companion, Jaller, find the legendary
Seventh Toa. This Toa of Light is destined to end the threat of Makuta,
but to find him Takua, Jaller and the six Toa will have to overcome dangerous
creatures called the Rahkshi and face Makuta himself.
THE BEGINNINGS OF BIONICLE
BIONICLE-the confluence of “biological” and “chronicle”-was
created by a team of talented designers and storytellers who work (and
play) at the celebrated, Denmark-based LEGO Company. Inspired by the folklore
of many exotic cultures, the team designed a rich and complex universe
of mystery and mythology, which continues to enthrall millions of fans
around the world.
BIONICLE came into existence in December 2000, first as an interactive
website and a series of comic books-and shortly thereafter in 27 different
but interconnecting additional media platforms, including an innovative
new line of toys from the LEGO Company. Adventures, characters and clues
revealed on one platform enhanced the experience on another.
Available September 23 On Disney
DVD And VHS
Walt Disney Pictures Presents
In Association With Walden Media
HOLES
The Critically Acclaimed Box-Office Hit Starring
Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight, Patricia Arquette,
Tim Blake Nelson and Shia LaBeouf
BURBANK, Calif. – Walt Disney Home Entertainment presents, in association
with Walden Media, Disney’s HOLES, the $62M box office hit, on
Disney DVD and VHS on September 23. A fun, stirring adventure and poignant
family film, HOLES is based on the best-selling, Newberry award-winning
book by Louis Sachar. Directed by Andrew Davis, from a screenplay by Louis
Sachar. Produced by Mike Medavoy, Andrew Davis, Teresa Tucker-Davies and
Lowell Blank. Executive produced by Marty Ewing and Louis Phillips.
On Disney DVD, HOLES will include a gag reel, deleted scenes,
cast and filmmaker commentaries, music video, special “behind-the-scenes”
features and more. HOLES is available on DVD for $29.99 (S.R.P.) and on
VHS for $22.99 (S.R.P.).
Stanley Yelnats (Shia LaBeouf, Disney Channel’s “Even Stevens”)
is an unusual young hero dogged by bad luck stemming from an ancient family
curse. Stanley has little clue that he’s in for the adventure of his life
when sent to Camp Green Lake, where he and his campmates – Squid, Armpit,
ZigZag, Magnet, X-Ray, and Zero – are forced by the camp’s director, known
only as “The Warden” (Sigourney Weaver, “Tadpole,”
“Galaxy Quest”), and her right-hand men Mr. Sir (Jon Voight,
“Ali,” “Midnight Cowboy”) and Dr. Pendanski (Tim Blake
Nelson, “O Brother Where Art Thou”), to dig holes in order “to
build character.” Through it all, Stanley and his campmates must
stick together as they attempt to discover what’s really hidden in the
desert.
Already hailed as a classic, Louis Sachar’s novel Holes has been
published in nearly 30 countries spanning North and South America, Europe,
Asia and the Middle East, and has received over 25 accolades, most notably
the 1999 Newbery Medal for Best Children’s and Young Adult Fiction, the
Boston Globe Horn Book Award, and the 1998 National Book Award for Young
People’s Literature. In a recent poll by Read magazine of the most popular
books among children, Holes ranked #1 – beating even Harry Potter and
the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Street Date: September 23
Suggested Retail Price: $29.99 (DVD), $22.99 (VHS)
Feature Running Time: Approximately 117 minutes
Rated: “PG” For Violence, Mild Language And Some Thematic Elements
Bonus DVD features unrated and information subject to change
DVD Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 (4×3 presentation size) AND 1.85:1 (enhanced
for 16×9 televisions)
Sound: Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
THX Certified
French Language Track
Spanish Language Track
Get Ready to Unwrap the
#1 All-Time Favorite Holiday Comedy
A Christmas Story Celebrates Its
20th Anniversary with a Widescreen
DVD Debut October 7
Two-Disc Special Edition Remastered DVD Loaded with
Bonus Features Including Documentaries, Commentaries, Featurettes and
More
Burbank, Calif. – Just in time for gift-giving, the holiday favorite
A Christmas Story—listed as the #1 favorite holiday movie
of all time by E! Online—is being released by Warner Home Video (WHV)
for the first time in a two-disc widescreen Special Edition DVD October
7. Fill your stockings with this classic tale of Ralphie Parker in his
quest to fulfill his Christmas wish, presented in a Special 20th Anniversary
Edition DVD bursting with special features! Available in an all-new digital
transfer, including remastered picture and sound, A Christmas Story
will be offered in both widescreen and full frame format on this double-disc
DVD for $26.99 SRP.
The 20th Anniversary Special Edition DVD includes the following festive
bonus features:
- Another Christmas Story, an all-new 20th Anniversary making-of documentary
narrated by Peter Billingsley that shows how the beloved Yule stories
got from page to screen - Feature-length commentary with cast members and director Bob Clark
- A History of The Daisy Red Ryder: A look at this nostalgic air rifle,
its origin and why it is still popular today - Get a Leg Up: A Shining Light of Freedom: A humorous peak at the making
of the leg lamp - Triple Dog Dare interactive trivia
- Decoder match challenge
- Jean Shepherd Radio Program: The beloved author and narrator of A
Christmas Story reads the holiday stories from his In God We Trust,
All Others Pay Cash that served as the basis for the movie - Hidden Easter eggs
A Christmas Story – Humorist Jean Shepherd’s nostalgic view of
Christmastime in Indiana during the 1940s stars Peter Billingsley as a
nine-year-old named Ralphie who has only one thing on his Christmas list:
a Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Air Rifle. With his parents unwilling
to buy him the gun because he might “shoot his eye out,” Ralphie
decides to mount a full-scale, hint-dropping, Santa-begging campaign.
He also endures a slew of calamities from snowsuit paralysis to the dreaded
tongue-on-a-frozen-flagpole gambit. The New York Times calls A Christmas
Story, “maybe the best Christmas movie ever.”
TOON IN THIS FALL AS
THE LOONEY TUNES
JUMP BACK INTO ACTION
ON DVD OCTOBER 28
DVD Debuts Include THE LOONEY TUNES GOLDEN COLLECTION,
THE LOONEY TUNES PREMIERE COLLECTION, LOONEY TUNES REALITY CHECK!, LOONEY
TUNES STRANGER THAN FICTION! and a Special Edition of SPACE JAM
BURBANK, CA – On October 28, Warner Home Video (WHV) invites audiences
of all ages to take part in the ultimate animated experience with an all-new
collection of Looney Tunes classic cartoons, available on digitally re-mastered
DVDs and packed with special features. From the crown jewel boxed set
The Looney Tunes Golden Collection and the double-disc The Looney Tunes
Premiere Collection, to short films with contemporary twists such as Looney
Tunes Reality Check! and Looney Tunes Stranger than Fiction!, to a special
edition of Space Jam, there is something for every Looney Tunes fan in
this momentous home video event.
To celebrate the timeless appeal of the Looney Tunes characters, WHV
offers the ultimate collector The Looney Tunes Golden Collection, a four-DVD
boxed set containing 56 restored, remastered, uncut shorts. The Best of
Bugs, The Best of Daffy and Porky and two discs of classic shorts feature
an all-star collection of Looney Tunes treasured characters in some of
their most memorable appearances. Loaded with “14-carrot” special
features, including never-before-seen cartoons, commentaries by animation
experts, documentaries and featurettes, the DVD boxed set is available
for $64.92 SRP.
For the more nostalgic, light collector, WHV presents favorite characters
Henery Hawk, Road Runner, Pepe Le Pew, Sylvester, Elmer Fudd and more
in The Looney Tunes Premiere Collection, available for $26.99 SRP ($19.95
MAP) on DVD.
WHV provides fans with a look at the classic characters in pop culture
situations with two all-new compilations that include recently produced
shorts on: Looney Tunes Reality Check! and Looney Tunes Stranger Than
Fiction!. Looney Tunes Reality Check! includes spoofs on hit reality shows
such as Survivor, Judge Judy, Junkyard Wars, Fear Factor and Iron Chef.
Looney Tunes Stranger Than Fiction! spoofs mysterious phenomena such as
the Loch Ness Monster and the Bermuda Triangle, as well as movie classics
like Planet of the Apes. Both releases are packed with special features
including an exclusive Electronic Arts (EA) mini-game provided on DVD-ROM
only, and are available for $19.98 SRP ($14.95 MAP) on DVD and $14.94
SRP ($9.95 MAP) on VHS.
In addition, fans will score big with a new widescreen DVD version of
the $225 million box office hit Space Jam, entitled Space Jam: Special
Edition. The two-disc DVD is loaded with special features, including an
hour of new-to-DVD digitally re-mastered shorts, and is now available
at a new low price of $26.99 SRP ($19.95 MAP).
”For more than 70 years, the Looney Tunes have entertained audiences
of all ages,” said Mike Saksa, WHV Senior Vice President, U.S. Marketing.
“WHV specifically tailored this DVD collection to each type of collector
by incorporating a range of special features, such as footage from the
Warner Bros. vault, to give enthusiasts more depth into the iconic Looney
Tunes characters and something extra for their collections.”
LOONEY TUNES: BACK IN ACTION
In addition to the DVD debuts of the Looney Tunes releases, fans will
have a wild and wacky fall when the highly anticipated live-action theatrical
movie, Looney Tunes: Back in Action, releases in theaters November 14.
Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck team up with Brendan Fraser as “Bobby Delmont,”
Jenna Elfman as “Kate Houghton” and the rest of the Looney Tunes
gang as they travel from Vegas to Hollywood to Africa in search of a mythical
Blue Diamond.
”LOONEY” PROMOTIONAL OFFERS
Consumers will go “looney” over special promotional offers,
including a Free Child’s Movie Pass to see the Looney Tunes: Back in Action
movie, a $6.50 value, available in all new Looney Tunes DVD and VHS titles,
merchandisers, and advertising releasing this October. In addition, exclusive-to-WHV
mini-games, inspired by the Looney Tunes: Back in Action video game, will
be included on DVD-ROM as part of the Looney Tunes Reality Check! and
Looney Tunes Stranger Than Fiction! DVDs. WHV and Coinstar will offer
a $5 rebate by mail offer good towards the purchase of any Looney Tunes
home video release when $5 in coins is exchanged at Coinstar booths nationally.
All promotion details are subject to change.
SYNOPSES
The Looney Tunes Golden Collection
They’re the clown princes of animation. They’re the international ambassadors
of cartoon comedy. They’re the fabulously funny friends you grew up with!
And now, 56 of the very best animated shorts starring the wackiest Warner
Bros. cartoon characters have been rounded up on DVD for the first time
ever in The Looney Tunes Golden Collection! Just barely contained in four
special edition discs, each specially selected short has been brilliantly
restored and re-mastered to its original, uncut, anvil-dropping laughter-inducing
glory! Featuring ground-breaking on-screen appearances of many all-time
Looney Tunes favorites, it’s an unprecedented celebration for cartoon-lovers
eager to re-live the heady, hilarious, golden age of Warner Bros. animation!
Sparkling with one unforgettable, landmark animated marvel after another,
there’s the wise-cracking comedy of Bugs Bunny in such carrot-crunching
classics as Hair-Raising Hare and Rabbit of Seville. Wile E. Coyote and
Roadrunner racing the cartoon immortality in Fast and Furryous. And the
permanently flustered Daffy Duck in such glorious spoofs as Duck Dodgers
in the 24 ½ Century and The Scarlet Pumpernickel. Featuring a dazzling
array of totally looney DVD bonus features, this is the ultimate animated
experience for anyone who’s ever thrilled to the timeless query: “Ehh…what’s
up, Doc?”
Hare-raising DVD special features include:
- Introductions by animation experts and actors.
- Commentaries by film historians, Michael Barrier and Jerry Beck, filmmaker
Greg Ford and actor, Stan Freberg. - Music only programs.
- Behind the Tunes – Featurettes paying tribute to the characters and
the creators. - Irreverent Imagination: The Golden Age of Looney Tunes.
- From the Vaults – Never-before-seen recording sessions, pencil tests,
bridging sequences and cartoons. - “How to draw your favorite Looney Tunes” featurette.
- Trailer gallery.
- Stills galleries.
The Looney Tunes Premiere Collection
And now, 28 of the very best animated shorts – pulled from The Looney
Tunes Golden Collection – starring the very wackiest Warner Bros. cartoon
characters have been rounded up on DVD for the first time ever in The
Looney Tunes Premiere Collection! In these two special edition discs,
each specially selected short has been brilliantly restored and re-mastered
to its original anvil-dropping, laughter-inducing glory! Featuring ground-breaking
on-screen appearances of many all-time Looney Tunes favorites with all-new
special features, it’s an unprecedented animation celebration for cartoon-lovers
eager to re-live the heady, hilarious, golden age of Warner Bros. animation!
Sparkling with one unforgettable, landmark cartoon classic after another,
there’s Bugs Bunny’s monstrously merry encounter with the tennis-shoe
clad creature of Hair-Raising Hare. Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner racing
to cartoon immortality in Fast and Furryous. Oscar®-winning animated
gems, scenery-chewing Tasmanian Devils and much more!
A dazzling array of totally “looney” DVD bonus features include:
- Fully playable, multi-level Flash mini-game inspired by the Looney
Tunes: Back in Action video game. - Behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Looney Tunes: Back in
Action video game. - Looney Tunes: Back in Action sneak peak.
Looney Tunes Reality Check!
Hold on tight! Because all your favorite Looney Tunes characters are
zooming into a head-on collision with the world’s most popular reality
TV shows! It’s time for a Looney Tunes Reality Check! Overflowing with
outrageous Warner-style comic mayhem, these All-New Toons spoof TV like
it’s never been spoofed before! Plus, you’ll get a load of exclusive added
gotta-have-’em DVD bonus features that are positively looney!
In this hilarity-jam-packed volume: Porky and Tweety give you the score
and more in Sports Blab. Granny makes Sylvester, Daffy and Yosemite Sam
cry uncle in Tear Factor. Then, Bugs, Porky, Daffy, Taz and the rest of
the gang are outcast, outclassed and out-to-lunch in a kooky quest to
become the lone survivor in the spectacular zany Toon Marooned! And there’s
more wackiness on the schedule with reality show send-ups from Aluminum
Chef to Judge Granny!
Looney-licious DVD special features include:
- Toon Marooned outtakes.
- Toon Marooned interviews with Porky and Taz.
- Spots such as Judge Granny and Toon Marooned.
- Trailers from family favorites including Tom and Jerry Favorites,
Mucha Lucha! and Scooby-Doo and the Monster of Mexico. - ”Commercials Done Looney” motion menus.
DVD-ROM special features include:
- Exclusive Mini-Game – fully playable, multi-level Flash mini-game
inspired by the Looney Tunes: Back in Action video game. - Behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Looney Tunes: Back in
Action video game.
Looney Tunes Stranger Than Fiction!
It’s spooky. It’s wacky. It’s Looney Tunes Stranger Than Fiction! Exploding
with sheer cartoon craziness, these All-New Toons star your favorite Looney
Tunes characters making big-time fun of everything from mysteriously goofy
TV shows to sci-fi movie blockbusters! Plus, you’ll also be treated to
an irresistible assortment of must-see, new-and-improved-deluxe-extra-special
Looney Tunes DVD bonus features!
In this eerily-entertaining volume: Porky and Yosemite Sam go creature-hunting
and end up in a Loch Ness Mess. Daffy hosts a preposterous paranormal
TV show featuring everything from the fearsome “Mexican goat-sucker”
to crazy crop circles and a Shakespeare-spouting Taz! Then, Porky and
Daffy land on the very odd Planet of the Taz – and discover some even
stranger sequel-planets! Plus, more looney spoofs and shorts full of weirdly
wonderful Warner-riffic fun!
DVD special features include:
- Toon Marooned outtakes.
- Toon Marooned interviews with Porky and Taz.
- Webisodes Spots including Mysterious Phenomena of the Unexplained,
Twick or Tweety, Royal Mallard and Planet of the Taz. - Trailers from family favorites including Tom and Jerry
- Favorites, Mucha Lucha! and Scooby-Doo and the Monster of Mexico.
- ”Commercials Done Looney” motion menus.
DVD-ROM special features include:
- Exclusive Mini-Game – fully playable, multi-level Flash mini-game
inspired by the Looney Tunes: Back in Action video game. - Behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Looney Tunes: Back in
Action video game.
Space Jam Special Edition
His Airness and His Hareness – what a team! Michael Jordan slams, Bugs
Bunny jams and a cavalcade of Looney Tunes and NBA stars hoop it up in
the rim-rattlin’, out-of-this-world, roundball romp: Space Jam.
Slam-dunk DVD special features include:
- Featurette – Jammin’ with Bugs Bunny and Michael Jordan.
- An hour of new-to-DVD shorts, including Another Froggy Evening, Invasion
of the Bunny Snatchers, Night of the Living Duck, The Duxorcist and
Bugs vs. Daffy Battle of the Music Video Stars! - Music videos including Seal’s “Fly Like an Eagle” and Monstars’
anthem “Hit ‘Em High.” - Looney Tunes: Back in Action sneak peak.
- Trailer.
DVD-ROM special features include:
- Fully playable, multi-level Flash mini-game inspired by the Looney
Tunes: Back in Action video game. - Behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Looney Tunes: Back in
Action video game.
THE #1 FILM OF THE YEAR BECOMES
THE #1 DVD ON NOV 4!
Walt Disney Pictures Presentation Of A Pixar Animation Studios Film
FINDING NEMO
Dive Into A 2-Disc Collector’s Edition DVD
Loaded With Bonus Materials
From The Oscar-Winning Creators of
TOY STORY and MONSTERS, INC.
BURBANK, Calif., July 28, 2003 – Go ‘beyond the sea’ with the #1 film
of the year, FINDING NEMO, coming to DVD in a 2-disc Collector’s Edition
and to VHS on November 4 from Walt Disney Home Entertainment and Pixar
Animation Studios (Nasdaq: PIXR). The fantastic Collector’s Edition DVD
plunges the viewer deep into the world of FINDING NEMO, with a new, original
short film, exciting, never-seen-before scenes, a humorous Pixar studio
tour, a fun interactive game, virtual aquariums, an exclusive ‘making
of’ documentary, and much more (see attached). Presented with pristine
digital picture and sound, a stellar cast and eye-popping computer-animation
magic, FINDING NEMO on DVD includes both ‘widescreen’ and ‘full-frame’
viewing options. This tidal wave of laughs, adventure and cinematic wizardry
is available on a 2-disc DVD for $29.99 (S.R.P.) and on VHS for $24.99
(S.R.P.).
DISC 1: SUBMERGES THE DVD ENTHUSIAST
- Widescreen Viewing Presentation – 1.78:1 Enhanced for 16 x 9 Televisions.
Digitally Mastered from Pixar’s original source. - Filmmakers’ Visual Commentary – Including Deleted Scenes And Recording
Sessions – Take a trip through the evolution of Finding Nemo as Pixar’s
Writer/Director Andrew Stanton, Co-Director Lee Unkrich and Co-Writer
Bob Peterson provide revealing commentary on the film’s challenges,
wrong turns, and unexpected surprises. - Making Nemo: A Special Documentary – A documentary filmmaker worked
alongside Pixar Executive Producer John Lasseter, Writer/Director Andrew
Stanton and the Pixar team to reveal the making of Finding Nemo. Go
inside the studio and meet the people at Pixar who brought Finding Nemo
to life. Learn about the challenges they faced designing and animating
characters without arms and legs, how they created a believable underwater
experience, and struggled to build a world as vast as the ocean itself.
With a little mariachi music, an “Ugly Contest” and a lot
of determination, see how the team finally brought Finding Nemo to the
big screen. - Review The Art Of Nemo – Narrated By The Artists Themselves. Listen
in as Pixar artists guide you through a collection of the stunning pre-production
artwork that inspired Finding Nemo’s final computer-generated imagery. - Virtual Aquariums – Let the world of Finding Nemo come to life, as
you turn your TV into your own aquarium of beautiful, animated environments
from the movie.
DISC 2: A VOYAGE OF FAMILY FUN
- Fullscreen Viewing Presentation – 1.33:1 Standard TV digital source
specifically reframed 5.1 digitally mastered from Pixar’s original source
and specially reframed by the filmmakers themselves. - Exploring The Reef With Jean-Michel Cousteau – a New Original Short
Film! – In this original short film, created exclusively for the DVD,
world-renowned undersea explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau takes us on a
dive into Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the real-life setting for
Finding Nemo. All he wants to do is finish his documentary, but things
get complicated by the surprise appearance of Dory, Marlin, and Nemo. - Learning Fun Encyclopedia – Nemo’s very own teacher guides you through
an encyclopedia that comes to life! Learn all about the real fish that
inspired the characters of Finding Nemo. - Discover The Classic Pixar Animation Studios Short Film Knick Knack
– Imagine being a snowman trapped in a snow-globe. Now imagine you’re
surrounded by knick-knacks from “Sunny Miami,” “Sunny
Palm Springs” and even “Sunny Death Valley.” You’d want
out, but how to do it? Watch this hilarious story of frustration created
by the Pixar team with early CGI technology. As a bonus feature, learn
about the first days of computer animation with commentary from Director
John Lasseter and Technical Director Eben Ostby. - Play “Fisharades” – Crush hosts a game of underwater charades
with your favorite school of fish. As they form shapes, it’s your chance
to guess what they are before they finish. This game lets you play alone,
or with another player! - Grab The Kids for Storytime – Enjoy an all-new, read-along adventure
with Nemo. Meet all his fun teachers as he spends a day at school. - Pixar Animation Studios – Made especially for “future animators,”
and hosted by the voice of Nemo, Alexander Gould, this hilarious behind-the-scenes
tour journeys from story department to screening room and everywhere
in-between! - Virtual Aquariums – Wish you had a fish tank like the dentist? Well
stop wishing! Turn your TV into an aquarium populated by Gill, Bloat,
Peach, Nemo and the rest of the tank gang. - And Much More!
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Choice Of Digitally Mastered Viewing Presentations. Mastered Directly
From Pixar’s Digital Source.
Fullscreen Version Of The Film (1.33:1)
– Specially Reframed For Standard Televisions
Widescreen Version Of The Film (1.78:1)
– Enhanced For 16×9 Televisions - English, French And Spanish Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround EX
- THX-Certified, Including THX Optimizer
In FINDING NEMO, the Academy Award®-winning creators of “Toy
Story,” “A Bug’s Life,” and “Monsters, Inc.”
dive into a whole new world of computer-animated fun, fantasy, and heartfelt
emotion with this splashy underwater adventure. The film follows the comedic
and eventful journeys of two fish – Marlin (Albert Brooks, “The In-Laws”)
and his son Nemo (Alexander Gould) – who become separated in the Great
Barrier Reef. Buoyed by the companionship of a friendly-but-forgetful
fish named Dory (Ellen DeGeneres (TV’s “The Ellen Show”), the
overly cautious father embarks on a dangerous trek and finds himself the
unlikely hero of an epic journey to rescue his son – who hatches a few
daring plans of his own to return safely home.
The top-notch voice cast of FINDING NEMO includes:
- Willem Dafoe (”Spider-Man”) as Gill, the mysterious Moorish
idol and leader of the Tank Gang. - Geoffrey Rush (”Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black
Pearl”) as the gossipy pelican Nigel. - Barry Humphries (stage star “Dame Edna”) as Bruce, the Great
White shark who enlists in fish-eaters rehab. - Austin Pendleton (”A Beautiful Mind”) as Tank Gang member
Gurgle. - John Ratzenberger (TV’s “Cheers”) as the Moonfish
- Allison Janney (TV’s “The West Wing”) as Peach the Starfish.
- Stephen Root (TV’s “NewsRadio”) as Bubbles the yellow tang.
- Brad Garret (TV’s “Everybody Loves Raymond”) as Bloat the
temperamental puffer fish. - Vicki Lewis (TV’s “NewsRadio”) as Deb/Flo the damselfish.
- Bruce Spence (”Inspector Gadget 2”) as Chum the hyperactive
mako shark. - Eric Bana (”Hulk”) as Anchor the anti-dolphin hammerhead
shark. - Bob Peterson (Finding Nemo screenwriter) as the nursery manta.
- Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo director) as Crush, the surfer-dude sea
turtle. - Nicholas Bird as Squirt, the surfer-dude sea turtle in training.
- Joe Ranft (Pixar Story Department Head) as Jacques the over-eager
cleaner shrimp.
Written and directed by Pixar’s Oscar® nominated Andrew Stanton,
(nominated Best Animated Feature, “Monsters, Inc.” 2001 and
Best Screenplay, “Toy Story” 1995) co-director of Disney/Pixar’s
1998 hit “A Bug’s Life” and co-writer of all four previous Disney/Pixar
films, FINDING NEMO sets a new “high water mark” for the art
and technology of computer animation.
- Street Date: November 4
- Rated: “G”
- Bonus material unrated and subject to change.
- Feature Run Time: Approximately 100 minutes
- DVD aspect ratio: Widescreen Version Of The Film (1.78:1)
– Enhanced For 16×9 Televisions - Full Frame Version Of The Film (1.33:1)
– Specially Reframed For Standard Televisions - Sound: Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround EX
- THX-Certified, Including THX Optimizer
- French Language Track
- Spanish Language Track
INDIANA JONES,
World’s Favorite Action-Adventure Hero, Comes to DVD for the First Time
in
Four-Disc Set Premiering Worldwide Nov. 4
The Adventures of Indiana Jones – The Complete DVD
Movie Collection
Offers Digitally Restored and Re-Mastered Versions of
All Three Films and Hours of Bonus Materials
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Indiana Jones is back. His name alone is enough to
conjure up exciting images of daring, exotic adventures. He is the ultimate
hero. And on Nov. 4, he’s coming to the ultimate home-entertainment format.
Two of the world’s most acclaimed filmmakers, Steven Spielberg and George
Lucas, and one of the most popular movie stars of all time, Harrison Ford,
have worked with Paramount Home Entertainment and Lucasfilm Ltd. to create
an unprecedented DVD event. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost
Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Indiana Jones and the Last
Crusade are among the most-requested DVD titles in history, and with the
release THE ADVENTURES OF INDIANA JONES – THE COMPLETE DVD MOVIE COLLECTION
on Nov. 4, movie lovers can relive all of the excitement, romance, danger
and spectacle of this unforgettable trilogy. Each film has had its image
meticulously restored with THX digital remastering and sports a new Dolby
Digital 5.1 soundtrack. Available in both widescreen and full-screen versions,
there is no suggested retail price but the collection is anticipated to
be available for approximately $49.95 in the U.S. (international prices
will vary).
But the fun doesn’t stop when the films are over – because Paramount
and Lucasfilm have teamed up to create a spectacular bonus disc loaded
with special features produced especially for this DVD collection. It
includes newly produced, exclusive documentaries that explore the making
of these memorable films, including brand-new interviews with the cast
and crew – including Spielberg, Ford and Lucas – plus scores of other
surprises from all three films.
”Paramount and Lucasfilm have joined forces to create the ultimate
Indiana Jones experience for the millions of fans who have made Indiana
Jones such an indelible part of movie history for more than two decades,”
said Thomas Lesinski, Worldwide President of Paramount Home Entertainment.
“During the development of this terrific DVD collection, we discovered
that the appeal of the Indiana Jones property has never been stronger
around the world, and that the Indiana Jones boxed set is the most highly
anticipated DVD release of the year.”
Paramount and Lucasfilm also scoured their archives to find just the
right material to add to the DVD. “We knew we had to deliver the
goods Indy fans wanted with a quality beyond anything they expected,”
said Jim Ward, Vice President of Marketing for Lucasfilm. “In addition
to the films themselves, of course, this collection explores every facet
of how the films were made – from stunts to visual effects to the music
and sound. We take viewers around the world to explore the history behind
the Indiana Jones legends. It’s been great to work with Steven and George
on a project that means so much to them, and having them involved on the
DVD collection really makes it special.”
Including the films, THE ADVENTURES OF INDIANA JONES – THE COMPLETE
DVD MOVIE COLLECTION offers more than 10 hours of entertainment.
Each of the three films in THE ADVENTURES OF INDIANA JONES – THE COMPLETE
DVD MOVIE COLLECTION was painstakingly restored by Lowry Digital Images
– the film industry’s most noted preservationists – whose work has included
such classics as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Sunset
Boulevard.
Disc 1 offers the completely remastered Indiana Jones and the Raiders
of the Lost Ark. On Disc 2 is Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,
while Disc 3 offers Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Disc 4,
which holds the bonus material, sports brand-new artwork by renowned movie-poster
designer Drew Struzan.
The three Indiana Jones films, which will be available only as a collection,
also feature Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround. All three films are closed-captioned
and subtitled in English, French and Spanish in the U.S. (Sound and subtitling
specifications vary internationally by territory.)
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) has a running
time of 115 minutes and an MPAA rating of PG. Indiana Jones and the
Temple of Doom (1984) has a running time of 118 minutes and an MPAA
rating of PG. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) has a running
time of 126 minutes and an MPAA rating of PG-13.
From An Executive Producer of
“Chicago” Comes An
All-American Classic
THE MUSIC MAN
Tony Award-Winner Matthew Broderick Stars In Fresh
Interpretation Of The Broadway Favorite – On DVD and VHS November 11
BURBANK, Calif. – There’s “trouble in River City” and lots
of fun as THE MUSIC MAN comes to town! Just in time for the holiday season,
Buena Vista Home Entertainment presents THE MUSIC MAN, the fresh new interpretation
of the classic Broadway musical in the tradition of “Annie”,
“Cinderella” and “Chicago,” on DVD and VHS on November
11. Starring Tony Award-winner Matthew Broderick (”Inspector Gadget”)
as Harold Hill, this sparkling, irresistible film includes some of the
best-loved songs in American musical history, including “Gary, Indiana,”
“Ya Got Trouble,” “76 Trombones,” “Marian The
Librarian” and many more. THE MUSIC MAN features a top-notch
cast that includes Tony Award-winner Victor Garber (TV’s “Alias”)
and Emmy-nominee Molly Shannon (TV’s “Saturday Night Live”).
Executive produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, two of the executive
producers of Miramax’s smash musical film “Chicago.” Directed
by Jeff Bleckner, from the acclaimed musical by Meredith Willson. Available
for $24.99 (S.R.P.) on DVD and $19.99 (S.R.P.) on VHS.
On DVD, THE MUSIC MAN includes the bonus features:
- Behind-The-Scenes Making Of The Musical
- Special Exclusive Performance Of “Til There Was You”
Bonus DVD material subject to change.
In THE MUSIC MAN, con artist Harold Hill (Matthew Broderick) arrives
in River City with a smooth scheme to bilk the town and get out fast.
Harold’s going to pretend to lead a marching band but leave with his pay
before he has to do any work. Things get mixed up, however, when Harold
gets interested in local librarian Marian (Kristin Chenoweth). Through
a set of comical circumstances and great songs, Harold’s plans provide
the townspeople with a joyous musical celebration.
- Street date: November 11
- Suggested retail price: $24.99 (DVD); $19.99 (VHS)
- Direct prebook: September 16
- Distributor prebook: September 30
- Rating: TV-G
- Bonus DVD features not rated and subject to change
- Feature Run Time: Approximately 133 minutes
- DVD aspect ratio: 1.33:1, formatted for 4×3 screens
- Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
THE BIGGEST HOLIDAY FRANCHISE
THROWS ITS WEIGHT ONTO DISNEY DVD and VIDEO
SANTA CLAUSE 2
THE LAUGH-OUT-LOUD COMEDY STARRING TIM ALLEN On Disney
DVD and Video November 18
BURBANK, Calif. – The high spirited fun of Disney’s “The Santa Clause”
continues in SANTA CLAUSE 2, the $140 million box office hit, debuting
on Disney DVD and video on November 18. Tim Allen (”The Santa Clause”)
returns in the hilarious, heartwarming sequel to one of Disney’s most
outstanding family films, perfect for the holiday season. On DVD, SANTA
CLAUSE 2 will include a blizzard of bonus features that will please
everyone in the family. There will be two versions of the DVD offered
– Full-Frame and Widescreen. SANTA CLAUSE 2 will be available for
$22.99 (S.R.P.) on VHS and $29.99 (S.R.P.) on DVD from Walt Disney Home
Entertainment.
- Street date: November 18
- Suggested retail price: $29.99 (DVD); $22.99 (VHS)
- Rated: “G”
- Bonus DVD features unrated
- DVD aspect ratio: Family Friendly (1.33:1)
- Widescreen (1.85:1) Original Theatrical Aspect Ratio
- Enhanced for 16X9 Televisions
- Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
- THX certified
- French language track
- Spanish language track
- Spanish subtitles
On DVD, SANTA CLAUSE 2 will include:
- ”Naughty And Nice” set-top game
- North Pole Commentary with Tim Allen and Spencer Breslin
- Tour Of The North Pole – Curtis gives a behind-the-scenes tour, showing
how Santa and his elves make magic in the movies - ”Legendary Figures” – interviews with the Tooth Fairy, Mother
Nature, Father Time and the Easter Bunny - Special Effects Featurette
- Deleted Scenes/Gag Reel
- Hilary Duff Music Video (also on the VHS)
- E-cards
ALL BONUS FEATURES UNRATED AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
In SANTA CLAUSE 2, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) has his world turned
upside down when he’s dealt a double whammy: not only has his son Charlie
landed on this year’s “naughty” list, but Scott/Santa also discovers
a new “clause” – the Mrs. Clause. If he doesn’t marry by Christmas
Eve, he’ll stop being Santa forever.
Contrary to some early reports (even by myself…), it appears that there
will be four Walt Disney Treasures sets in Wave 3! Disney has not issued
a press release for these discs yet, but here are the set summaries from
the BVHE Holiday 2003 press information packet:
The Chronological Donald
Celebrating the career of the most prolific of Walt’s classic characters,
this high-spirited collection presents all of Donald Duck’s starring shorts
from “Donald and Pluto” in 1936 to “Chef Donald” in
1941 (36 shorts).
Mickey Mouse In Living Color: Volume 2
Celebrating Mickey Mouse’s career in film, this volume covers Mickey’s
films from 1939 to 1995 including some of his most loved performances
in “Society Dog Show,” “Tugboat Mickey,” “Mickey
and the Seal,” “Pluto’s Party” and many more (21 shorts).
Walt Disney on the Front Lines
During World War II the Disney Studios lent its talents to the patriotic
cause of winning the war. This fascinating collection showcases the training,
propaganda and educational films, as well as hundreds of insignia designs,
which the Studio delivered to the war effort (32 shorts).
Walt Disney’s Tomorrowland
Walt Disney’s vision of space exploration comes alive in this compilation
of “Disneyland” TV shows about outer space and the opportunities
and challenges of space travel (6 programs).
Whew! That is all for now, but keep checking back for additional information,
as things tend to spring up all the time.
