It’s been a long time coming, for this DVD NEWS stuff…The plain fact is, kids, yer Ol’ Unkie Evil is a little pressed for time these days. The site gets busier and busier, we get more and more studios involved, more and more films come in for review, and pretty soon we don’t have time for the good stuff, like putting up the news for you good folks…So, once again, I’m putting out the call…We need your help!EYECRAVEDVD is now ‘hiring’ for reviewers, news correspondents and aspiring journalists and film freaks with ideas for features, stories and news items.If you like to own DVD’s without paying cash money for them, and you feel that you could be a productive and creative member of our DVD Ass kickin’ team, drop us a line with a little background and why you want to join the team. We’re not looking for Walter Cronkite here, just some DVD fans with passion and the time to watch some free flicks!Email Shane at shane@eyecrave.netEmail Axel at axelh@eyecrave.netOr by going to the CONTACT link on the top menu bar.Now, on to the DVD News show… Word has finally been approved on Universals John Hughes triad of SIXTEEN CANDLES, WEIRD SCIENCE and the inimitable THE BREAKFAST CLUB. All three flicks will be presented in remastered 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen (with Fullscreen included for those 2 people who prefer it), 5.1 DDS and DTS sound, but there will be no extras aside from trailers. It’s been a long wait for these so-called “Special Edition” reissues, and I daresay Hughes fans will not be happy with the lack of features… September 2 is the day of reckoning for these flicks, and they will be available separately or in a 3=pack “Brat Pack” box set.Also from Universal on September 2, in the same 80’s High School oeuvre, comes THREE O’CLOCK HIGH, also with a new AW transfer and 2.0 Surround. Uni also releases the newer teen dramedy WINTER BREAK starring Eddie Kaye Thomas of the AMERICAN PIE series.Speaking of AMERICAN PIE, the yet-to-be-released final installment AMERICAN WEDDING is already being slated for a December 30 DVD release. Universal/Dreamworks also have summer blockbusters THE HULK on October 28, SINBAD on November 18, BRUCE ALMIGHTY on November 25, and Summer stinker 2 FAST 2 FURIOUS on September 30.In more Universal news, CASPER will finally hit DVD on September 23 with separate Fullscreen and AW versions, each with DDS and DTS sound, filmographies, production notes, trailers and a never-before-seen documentary on the making of the kid-friendly hit.Uni also has reissues of the family faves BABE and BABE: PIG IN THE CITY scheduled for September 23. Available in Fullscreen or AW with DDS and DTS sound, these two gems will also be packaged as a BABE: THE COMPLETE ADVENTURES 2-fer.Finally, Universal has announced an October 21 release date for BATTLESTAR GALLACTICA: THE ORIGINAL FEATURE FILM and BATTLESTAR GALLACTICA: THE COMPLETE EPIC SERIES. The feature will most likely be the same as the previous release, with the addition of a sneak peek behind-the-scenes of the new Sci-Fi Channel remake. The Series set will present all 24 episodes of the original series, digitally remastered in the original Fullscreen ratio. Audio will be original 2.0 mono or new 5.1 DDS remix. Also include are rare behind-the-scenes footage and new interviews with producer Glen A. Larson and actors Richard Hatch, June Lockhart and others.Paramount has announced a September 23 release date for the long AWOL epic miniseries JAMES CLAVELL’S SHOGUN. The full 547-minute film is presented in its original Fullscreen ratio with a new 5.1 DDS audio mix. Extras include director commentary, a 13-part documentary, 3 historical featurettes and more.Other September releases from Paramount include CSI: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON and THE CORE on September 2. MILK MONEY, LOSING ISAIAH, REGARDING HENRY and NOBODY’S FOOL on the 16th, and in addition to the previously mentioned SHOGUN, LEAP OF FAITH, CAMPUS MAN, and the immensely underrated I.Q.. Then they wrap up the month with BETTER LUCK TOMORROW, NICKTOONS: CHRISTMAS and SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: CHRISTMAS… I’M READY!!Paramount’s October slate includes both the 1969 original and recent remake of THE ITALIAN JOB, THE ORIGINAL LATIN KINGS OF COMEDY, THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW, CAPTAIN KRONOS, VAMPIRE HUNTER, FRANKENSTEIN AND THE MONSTER FROM HELL, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: SEASON ONE and the loooooong awaited DVD debut of lost classic DRAGONSLAYER. No specific dates have been released, but we’ll keep you apprised… E! Entertainment will be making their debut on the DVD scene with THE ANNA NICOLE SHOW: SEASON ONE on November 4. It will be a 3-disc set, uncut and presented in original Fullscreen and 2.0 Stereo. The set will also include all-new terrifying footage of the behemoth that is Anna Nicole. Be afraid, be very afraid.20th Century Fox Home Video throws their hat in the ring for September with the next film in the FOX STUDIO CLASSICS line, the 1953 version of TITANIC with the usual Studio Classics extras. Also from Fox, be sure to check out John Malkovich’s critically acclaimed directorial debut THE DANCER UPSTAIRS on September 23, BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM on the 30th, and the charming Rock n’ Doris homage DOWN WITH LOVE on October 7.In other Fox news, September 23 will see the release of 24: SEASON TWO. The 7-discer will feature Anamorphic Widescreen transfers of all 24 episodes, along with 5.1 DDS sound, and a huge extras package. Extras include a whoppin’ 44 deleted scenes and alternate endings (also viewable through seamless branching), 3 production featurettes, 2 multi-angle sequence featurettes, and audio commentary on 6 of the episodes. Hoo-Ah!!Speaking of kick-ass TV shows on DVD…Beuna Vista Home Video as announced a September 30 release date for THE OSBOURNES: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON. No details on extras, but look for a set comparable to the endlessly entertaining First Season set.Also from BVHE, the neauveaux teen cult hit HOLES will hit DVD on September 23. This one will be THX certified in Anamorphic Widescreen and Fullscreen with 5.1 DDS sound. Extras will include 2 commentary tracks, deleted scenes, a music video, a making-of featurette, trailers and a gag reel.Anchor Bay has announced a new slate of DRIVE-IN DOUBLE FEATURES on August 5. These two-fer creature features will include CIRCUS OF HORRORS/THEATRE OF DEATH, ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK/TRANSYLVANIA 6-5000, HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD/RATS, A BLADE IN THE DARK/MACABRE, THE INITIATION/MOUNTAINTOP MOTEL MASSACRE, MOUNTAIN OF THE CANNIBAL GOD/CANNIBAL MAN, SOCIETY/SPONTANEOUS COMBSTION, FADE TO BLACK/HELL NIGHT, SHOCK/POSSESSION and the early George Clooney masterpieces RETURN OF THE KILLER TOMATOES/RETURN TO HORROR HIGH. Very very cool, baby!On to Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment…CTHE starts their long list of announcements with the September 16 release of the Adam Sandler/Jack Nicholson hit ANGER MANAGEMENT. Available in both Fullscreen and AW, with 5.1 DDS and extras including commentary, 2 featurettes, deleted scenes, trailers and bloopers. Also on the 16th, CTHE releases the teen flick ALL I WANT with Elijah Wood, Franka Potente and Mandy Moore, THE BABYSITTER’S CLUB, ROCKET GIBRALTAR, new “Special Editions” of WWII Code-breaker drama ENIGMA and the J.Lo revenge flick ENOUGH.And, at long last, the 16th brings us the hilarious and offbeat camp of SOAP: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON. Presented in original Fullscreen with 2.0 audio, the set has no extras aside from episode details, but who cares? It’s SOAP!!Also on the CTHE list for September are 3 new Superbit titles – HOOK, LAWRENCE OF ARABIA and the superior directors cut of Luc Besson’s LEON: THE PROFESSIONAL. CTHE will also be releasing a David Lean 3-pack that will include LAWRENCE, A PASSAGE TO INDIA and THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI, and an IDENTITY 3-pack with IDENTITY, TRAPPED and MEMENTO, to coincide with the September release of ID.On September 30, another nail in the coffin of Cuba Gooding Jr.’s once-promising career, BOAT TRIP will be released by Artisan Entertainment. Lion’s Gate Home Entertainment has a new collection of SNL discs on the way for August. On the 5th, check out SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE: 25 YEARS OF MUSIC, a 5-disc set of 60 musical skits and performances from the show’s 25 years. All the performances are presented in original Fullscreen with 2.0 and 5.1 DDS sound options. On August 12, LGHE presents three new entries in the BEST OF series with SNL:BEST OF WILL FERRELL, SNL: BEST OF MOLLY SHANNON and SNL: BEST OF ADAM SANDLER.Pioneer Entertainment has announced that they will release a DVD version of the classic The Who rockumentary THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT on September 30. There will be two versions of the DVD, a single-disc with new footage, interactive interviews and director commentary, and a two-disc Special Edition with 100+ minutes of additional footage and alternate angles, an intro by Roger Daltry, a 40 minute restoration documentary and comparisons, an isolated bass track, trivia track and an interactive video tour of London. Word has it that there is also an Easter egg featuring Who pal Ringo Starr… Teenage Wasteland, baby!!!Warner Home Video has a couple of supreme classic cinema announcements…First up is 1938’s THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD in it’s original Fullscreen ration but restored through Warner’s new Ultra Restoration Process (URP) for Technicolor 3-strip color prints. Assisted by a restored Dolby Digital mono soundtrack, this 2-disc set will include such extras as audio commentary from Film Historian Rudy Behlmer, an isolated score, a WARNER NIGHT AT THE MOVIES feature which will play out like an attractions reel from 1938 with shorts, newsreels and trailers, and an extensive gallery of Errol Flynn trailers. That’s all on the first disc! On disc two you can find the 65th Anniversary documentary WELCOME TO SHERWOOD, the full-length GLORIOUS TECHNICOLOR documentary, 2 short films, 2 Looney Tunes Robin Hood parodies, THE ROBIN HOOD RADIO SHOW, an additional making-of featurette, outtakes and bloopers, excerpts from the scoring sessions and numerous still galleries. Looks like WB have been paying attention to the success of Fox’s STUDIO CLASSICS line and Criterion’s renowned special edition packages.Accompanying the huge ROBIN HOOD set is the 2-disc TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE: SPECIAL EDITION. Accompanying the restored Fullscreen film and remastered Digital audio, Disc One will also hold commentary from Bogey biographer Eric Lax, the WARNER NIGHT AT THE MOVIES 1948 attractions featurette (including the Looney Tunes short HOT CROSS BUNNY) and a Bogart trailer gallery featuring 12 classic trailers. Disc Two features the full-length documentary JOHN HUSTON: THE MAN, THE MOVIES, THE MAVERICK, the new full-length documentary DISCOVERING TREASURE, another Looney Tunes short, scoring sessions, a LUX RADIO THEATRE version of the film and a wealth of galleries.Finally, September 30 also sees WB release the long-awaited YANKEE DOODLE DANDY: SPECIAL EDITION. This Jimmy Cagney classic is equally restored through the URP process, and accentuated with Digital audio. Disc One will also include commentary from Rudy Behlmer, WARNER NIGHT AT THE MOVIES 1942 and a Cagney trailer gallery. Disc Two features the Cagney tribute JAMES CAGNEY:TOP OF THE WORLD hosted by Michael J. Fox, the LET FREEDOM SING production documentary, an additional short and two Looney Tunes cartoons, outtake and rehearsal audio, the LADY ESTHER SCREEN GUILD THEATRE RADIO production of the musical, and the requisite galleries of stills, production items and promo materials.Warner follows up that earth shattering announcement with some equally intriguing titles, like the ER: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON box set. All 25 first season eps are included, as well as the 90-minute pilot. Extras will include notes by Michael Crichton, 2 new full-length documentaries, THE FIRST YEAR INTERN HANDBOOK with character profiles, patient histories and medical glossary, 2 additional featurettes, more commentaries than you can shake a scalpel at, outtakes, unreleased scenes, alternate takes and Easter eggs. August 26 can’t get here fast enough.August 12 sees the third season of B5 when WB releases BABYLON 5: THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON another tremendous entry in the epic Sci-Fi series, more than comparable to the previous two sets.In recent feature film release news, WB has announced my favorite Hollywood gore-flick in years, DREAMCATCHER for a September 30 release. Available in Fullscreen and Anamorphic Wide with 5.1 DDS sound. Extras include 3 featurettes, 4 deleted scenes, the original ending, trailers and Shiznit weasels galore!!!WB also release the latest Christopher Guest satirical opus A MIGHTY WIND on September 23. Anamorphic Widescreen with 5.1 DDS. Extras include the usual and, presumably hilarious, commentary from Guest and his stars, biographies and discographies for the fictional folksters featured in the film, 15 additional and alternate scenes, the full “live TV broadcast” of the climactic concert, additional TV appearances from the bands and much more fun and frivolity.Our new pals at Tempe Video have a few announcements to add…The classic titles HELL ASYLUM and DEAD AND ROTTING formerly part of the Full Moon library have been acquired by Tempe and will be released on Tempe SPECIAL EDITION DVD on September 16, just in time for All Hallows Eve. ASYLUM features Scream Queens Tanya Dempsey and Brinke Stevens along with the icon, Joe Estevez, in the story of a group of models on a reality show set inside a haunted mental hospital. Things get good and bloody, of course, and the set includes FX footage, commentary, behind-the-scenes footage, trailers and a music video.DEAD AND ROTTING stars your favorite, and mine, Debbie Rochon in a terrifying tale of backwater redneck murderers and the swamp witch after them for revenge. This one features a lengthy behind-the-scenes featurette and other tasty extras.Also on the Tempe calendar, fans of the patently ridiculous are already lining up for the goofball event of the new millennium, when Tempe Video releases the latest epic from video trash auteur Chris Seaver. Part of Tempe’s SPLATTER RAMPAGE series, QUEST FOR THE EGG SALAD is a rollicking parody of the LORD OF THE RINGS series, Low Budget Pictures style, complete with Teen Ape, Bonejack and the always tasty Scream Queen Tina Krause. This one hits September 16. The initial offering in the SPLATTER series is the double feature of Seaver “flicks” MULVA, ZOMBIE ASS KICKER and FILTHY MCNASTY… All of these flicks can be ordered for insanely low prices through Amazon or at the TEMPE DVD WEBSITE.This brings us, at last, to the good folks at MTI Home Video who have a few tasty nuggets for us throughout the coming months…August 19 will see the release of the Jason Priestley/Patsy Kensit thriller DARKSIDE.August 26 sees the release of THE KILLIMG ZONE, an urban thriller about a Harlem psychiatrist searching for the 11 year-old boy who shot his adoptive father, the man who saved him from a Nigerian refugee camp.Also on August 26 is the Angie Everhart/James Wilder erotic thriller HEART OF STONE about a despondent housewife who may have fallen into an affair with a serial killer who’s hunting co-ed’s, and her young daughter may be next on the list.September 2 brings the Indie horror hit THE 13th CHILD: LEGEND OF THE JERSEY DEVIL starring Cliff Robertson, Robert Guillaume and Christopher Atkins. This is the story of one of the oldest and most enduring legends of evil in North American culture.September 9 MTI releases the family friendly flick BUG OFF!, followed by the new Western remake/sequel BONANZA: THE NEXT GENERATION on September 16, the fantasy/horror film DARKEST KNIGHT 2 and finishes up with the Sci-Fi timebender action flick FEEDBACK on October 14.That’s all the news for today, but keep your eye on THE EYE for more.And, as always, feel free to give us a shout if you come across any news, or if you want to join our wild and crazy team!Big Evil riding into the sunset…
