Great Titles Release This Week On Blu-ray 3 June

A lot of new Blu-ray release this week. Check it out now and place your order.

Cloverfield (Blu-ray)

Paramount Home Entertainment / 2008 / Rated R
Street Date: June 03, 2008

Genres: Action, Horror, Science Fiction

Plot Synopsis: Five young New Yorkers throw their friend a going-away party the night that a monster the size of a skyscraper descends upon the city. Told from the point of view of their video camera, the film is a document of their attempt to survive the most surreal, horrifying event of their lives.

Disc Features:
• Audio Commentary by Director Matt Reeves
• Featurettes: "Document 01.18.08: The Making of Cloverfield," "Cloverfield Visual Effects," "I Saw It! It's Alive! It's Huge!", "Clover Fun"
• 4 Additional Scenes
• 2 Alternate Endings w/optional commentary
• 14 Easter Eggs

HD Exclusive Content:
• "Special Investigation Mode" picture-in-graphics track

There Will Be Blood (Blu-ray)

Paramount Home Entertainment / 2007 / Rated R
Street Date: June 03, 2008

Genres: Drama

Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano
Director: P.T. Anderson

Plot Synopsis: A sprawling epic of family faith power and oil THERE WILL BE BLOOD is set on the incendiary frontier of California s turn-of-the-century petroleum boom. The story chronicles the life and times of one Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) who transforms himself from a down-and-out silver miner raising a son on his own into a self-made oil tycoon. When Plainview gets a mysterious tip-off that there s a little town out West where an ocean of oil is oozing out of the ground he heads with his son H.W. (Dillon Freasier) to take their chances in dust-worn Little Boston. In this hardscrabble town where the main excitement centers around the holy roller church of charismatic preacher Eli Sunday (Paul Dano) Plainview and H.W. make their lucky strike. But even as the well raises all of their fortunes nothing will remain the same as conflicts escalate and every human value love hope community belief ambition and even the bond between father and son is imperiled by corruption deception and the flow of oil.

Disc Features:
• Featurette
• 4 Deleted Scenes
• 2 Theatrical Trailers

Semi-Pro (Blu-ray)

New Line Home Entertainment / 2008 / 99 Minutes / Unrated
Street Date: June 03, 2008

Genres: Comedy

Starring: Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Patti LaBelle

Plot Synopsis: Will Ferrell stars in Semi-Pro an outrageous comedy set in 1976 against the backdrop of the maverick ABA - a fast-paced wild and crazy basketball league that rivaled the NBA and made a name for itself with innovations like the three-point shot and slam dunk contest. Ferrell plays Jackie Moon a one-hit wonder who used the profits from the success of his chart-topping song "Love Me Sexy" to achieve his dream of owning a basketball team. But Moon's franchise the Flint Michigan Tropics is the worst team in the league and in danger of folding when the ABA announces its plans to merge with the NBA. If they want to survive Jackie and the Tropics must now do the seemingly impossible - win.

Disc Features:

• The Cutting Room (HD, 15 minutes) -- This dead-on-arrival collection of deleted scenes and alternate takes won’t appeal to anyone who didn’t already thoroughly enjoy the film itself. The deletions are fairly irrelevant to the plot, each extended take is an improvisational bore, and the plodding alternate ending falls flat on its face. The only notable merit of this feature is that the scenes are presented with DTS HD MA 7.1 surround sound.
• The Man Behind Semi-Pro (HD, 24 minutes) -- Unfortunately, the longest featurette on this release continues the trend and fails to establish any compelling behind-the-scenes momentum. We get a tired parade of cast and crew members that hop from one subject to the next, sometimes without providing a concise indicator that it’s ready to look into other aspects of the production. The entire featurette comes across as a sloppy mess that was cobbled together at the last minute. Even people who loved ‘Semi-Pro’ will find themselves yawning through its mediocre material.
• Four Days in Flint (HD, 5 minutes) -- This trivial featurette documents the cast and crew interactions with the town of Flint as they were shooting the film. It would have made for a decent chapter in the disc’s lengthier look behind-the-scenes, but as a standalone feature it feels bland and incomplete.
• Bill Walton Visits the Set (HD, 3 minutes) -- Here’s yet another aimless featurette that should have been lumped into a larger behind-the-scenes documentary. This one looks into basketball legend Bill Walton’s cameo in the film and his personal history with the ABA.
• A Short History of the ABA (HD, 7 minutes) -- Unlike the rest of the supplemental package, this featurette is actually worth watching. It explores the humble beginnings of the American Basketball Association and its influence on our modern NBA. It uses archive footage, interviews with former players, and comments from the film’s cast and crew to create a decidedly decent (albeit short) glimpse into the history behind ‘Semi-Pro.’
• Recreating the American Basketball Association (HD, 13 minutes) -- On the other hand, this behind-the-scenes featurette drags on for too long. While it’s a surprisingly deliberate mini-doc that focuses on the basketball training the actors underwent for their roles, it wore out its welcome after five minutes.
• Flint Tropics Hot Talk with Dick Pepperfield (SD, 2 minutes) -- This pair of in-character skits feature an aged Ferrell reflecting on his glory days in the ABA. Thankfully, both shorts are over in an instant.
• Love Me Sexy: The Story Behind the One-Hit Wonder (HD, 5 minutes) -- A semi-interesting (pardon the pun) look at the Will Ferrell song that Nile Rodgers transformed into an authentic sounding ‘70s tune. It was a fun but skippable addition to an the otherwise dry supplemental selection.
• Love Me Sexy: The Music Video (HD, 2 minutes) -- A music video with Will Ferrell featuring the aforementioned ‘70s-style song.
• Trailers (HD, 5 minutes) – Last but not least, ‘Semi-Pro’ packs in a trio of theatrical trailers that include a teaser, a mainstream preview, and a restricted, unrated trailer.

Meet the Spartans (Blu-ray)

Fox Home Entertainment / 2008 / 87 Minutes / Unrated
Street Date: June 03, 2008

Genres: Comedy

Starring: Ken Davitian, Sean Maguire, Carmen Electra
Directors: Aaron Seltzer, Jason Friedberg

Plot Synopsis: Prepare to fight... back tears of laughter watching this ferociously funny Unrated "Pit of Death" Special Edition of Meet The Spartans - with ruder, cruder, footage not shown in theaters and an army of hysterical, historical special features!

The battle begins when the heroic Leonidas, armed with nothing but leather underwear and a cape, leads a ragtag group of 13 - count'em, 13! - warriors to defend their homeland against the invading Persians, whose ranks include Ghost Rider, Rocky Balboa, the Transformers, and a hunchbacked Paris Hilton!

Disc Features:
• Audio commentary with the cast and crew
• 2 Featurettes: "Meet the Spartans: The Music," "Prepare for Thrusting")
• Interactive Game: "Know Your Spartans Pop Culture"
• Gag reel
• Tour of the set with Ike Barinholtz
• Theatrical trailers


Fearless Planet (Blu-ray)

Image Entertainment / 2005 / Unrated
Street Date: June 03, 2008

Genres: Documentary, Nature

Plot Synopsis: Join a unique team of outdoor adventurers and scientists in exploring the wonders of our planet in this visually stunning series. Prepare for an awe-inspiring experience as we rappel down the massive walls of the Grand Canyon, dive into the Great Barrier Reef, descend into the Venezuelan jungles and much more in this exciting exploration of the world's natural marvels. Through eye-popping CGI effects, learn how time and nature conspire to create these awesome spectacles and why some of these landmarks are destined to remain while others may be lost forever.

Includes: Grand Canyon, Earth Story, Great Barrier Reef, Sahara Desert, Hawaii, Alaska

Patton (Blu-ray)

Fox Home Entertainment / 1970 / 170 Minutes / Rated PG
Street Date: June 03, 2008

Overall Grade Highly recommended





Genres: Action, Military

Starring: George C. Scott, Karl Malden, Stephen Young
Director: Franklin J. Schaffner

Plot Synopsis: A critically acclaimed film that won a total of eight 1970 Academy Awards (Including Best Picture) Patton is a riveting portrait of one of the 20th century's greatest military geniuses. One of it's Oscars went to George Patton the only Allied general truly feared by the Nazis. Charismatic and Flamboyant Patton designed his own uniforms sported ivory-handled six-shooters and believed he was a warrior in past lives. He outmanuevered Rommel in Africa and after D-Day led his troops in an unstoppable campaign across Europe. But he was rebellious as well in sight and poignancy his own volatile personailty was one enemy he could never defeat.


The Longest Day (Blu-ray)

Fox Home Entertainment / 1962 / 178 Minutes / Rated G
Street Date: June 03, 2008

Genres: Drama, Military

Starring: John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Robert Mitchum
Directors: Ken Annakin, Bernhard Wicki, Andrew Marton

Plot Synopsis: The Longest Day is a vivid, hour-by-hour recreation of this historic event. Featuring a stellar international cast, and told from the perspectives of both sides, it is a fascinating look at the massive preparations, mistakes, and random events that determined the outcome of one of the biggest battles in history. Winner of two 1962 Oscars (Special Effects and Cinematography), The Longest Day ranks as one of Hollywood's truly great war films.


Battle of Britain (Blu-ray)

MGM Home Entertainment / 1969 / 132 Minutes / Rated G
Street Date: June 03, 2008

Starring: Michael Caine, Trevor Howard, Laurence Olivier

Plot Synopsis: Battle of Britain is a spectacular retelling of a true story that shows courage at its inspiring best. Few defining moments can change the outcome of war. But when the outnumbered Royal Air Force defied insurmountable odds in engaging the German Luftwaffe, it may well have altered the course of history!

The Sand Pebbles (Blu-ray)

Fox Home Entertainment / 1966 / 179 Minutes / Unrated
Street Date: June 03, 2008

Genres: Drama, Military

Starring: Richard Attenborough, Richard Crenna, Steve McQueen
Director: Robert Wise

Plot Synopsis: The Sand Pebbles tells many stories. It's the story of China, a slumbering giant that rouses itself to the cries of it's people - and of the Americans who are caught in its blood awakening. It's the story of Frenchy (Richard Attenborough), a crewman on the U.S.S. San Pablo who kidnaps his Chinese bride from the auction block. It's the story of Shirley (Candice Bergen), a teacher and her first unforgettable taste of love. It's the story of Captain Collins (Richard Crenna), ready to defy anyone for his country's defense. Most of all, it's the story of Jake Holman (Steve McQueen), a sailor who has given up trying to make peace with anything - including himself. McQueen gives what is probably the best performance of his career. It's not surprising that he, Mako and the movie were up for Oscars. Portraying a character with conflicting loyalties to friend and flag, McQueen expertly conveys the confusion that leads into his final line: "What the hell happened?" It's to his credit that we already know.


Dirty Harry: Ultimate Collection (Blu-ray)

Warner Home Entertainment / 1971 / Rated R
Street Date: June 03, 2008

Genres: Action, Drama, Thriller

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Sandra Locke, Andrew Robinson
Directors: Don Siegel, Ted Post, James Fargo, Clint Eastwood, Buddy Van Horn

Plot Synopsis: Contains all five Dirty Harry films: 'Dirty Harry,' 'The Enforcer,' 'Magnum Force,' 'Sudden Impact,' 'The Dead Pool'

Disc Features:
Dirty Harry
• Audio commentary by Richard Schickel
• Featurettes: "The Long Shadow of Dirty Harry," "Dirty Harry: The Original," "Dirty Harry's Way"
• Interview Gallery (includes interviews with Patricia Clarkson, Joel Cox, Clint Eastwood, Hal Holbrook, Evan Kim, John Milius, Ted Post, Andy Robinson, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Robert Urich)
• 1993 TV Special: "Clint Eastwood: The Man from Malpaso"
• Trailer gallery

Magnum Force
• Audio commentary by writer John Milius
• Featurette: "A Moral Right: The Politics of Dirty Harry"
• "The Hero Cop: Yesterday and Today"
• Trailer gallery

The Enforcer
• Audio commentary by director James Fargo
• Featurettes: "The Business End: Violence in Cinema," "Harry Callahan/Clint Eastwood: Something Special in Films"
• Trailer gallery

Sudden Impact
• Audio commentary by renowned film critic Richard Schickel
• Featurette: "The Evolution of Clint Eastwood"
• Trailer gallery

The Dead Pool
• Audio commentary by producer David Valdes and Cinematographer Jack N. Green
• Featurette: "The Craft of Dirty Harry"
• Trailer gallery

Box Set Exclusives (Bonus Disc)
• Bonus documentary: "Clint Eastwood: Out of the Shadows"
• 40+ page hardcover book
• Wallet w/metal badge and removable laminated I.D. card
• Five 5”x 7” Reproduction Lobby Poster Cards plus an exclusive UCE card
• Scorpio Portrait of a Killer Poster-Sized (19” x 27”) map of San Francisco detailing Harry's hunt for the killer
• Never-Before-Seen Production Correspondence




The Recruit (Blu-ray)

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment / 2003 / 115 Minutes / Rated PG-13
Street Date: June 03, 2008

Genres: Action, Thriller

Starring: Colin Farrell, Al Pacino, Bridget Moynahan
Director: Roger Donaldson

Plot Synopsis: Academy Award Winner Al Pacino (Scent of a Woman) and Colin Farrell (Minority Report) take you deeper into the CIA than you've ever been before in this action-packed psychological thriller. James Clayton (Farrell), one of the smartest graduates in the country, is just the person Walter Burke (Pacino) wants in the Agency. James quickly rises through the ranks and falls for Layla (Bridget Moynahan, The Sum of All Fears), one of his fellow recruits. But just when James starts to question his role and his cat-and-mouse relationship with his mentor, Burke taps him to root out a mole. As the suspense builds in a maze of gripping twists and turns, there are only two things James can count on-he can't trust anyone and nothing is as it seems. It's the ultimate CIA thriller with so many surprise plot twists, you'll want to watch it again and again.

Disc Features:
• Audio Commentary By Director Roger Donaldson And Actor Colin Farrell
• Featurette: "Spy School: Inside The CIA"
• Deleted Scenes


Signs (Blu-ray)

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment / 2002 / 106 Minutes / Rated PG-13
Street Date: June 03, 2008

Overall Grade Recommended





Starring: Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix
Director: M.Night Shymalan

Plot Synopsis: After captivating audiences with THE SIXTH SENSE and UNBREAKABLE writer/director M. Night Shyamalan created his next mind-blowing movie event: SIGNS -- now more tantalizing than ever on Blu-ray Disc(R)! SIGNS is the gripping story of an ordinary family as they encounter the possibility that Earth is being invaded by creatures from another planet. When Graham Hess (Mel Gibson) and his family awaken to find a 500-foot crop circle in their backyard they're told extraterrestrials are responsible. As they watch with growing dread news reports tell of similar "signs" suddenly appearing all over the world! Don't even blink as razor-sharp high definition transports you to a new dimension of awe and terror. Jump out of your skin as the spectacularly enhanced audio quality intensifies every gasp heartbeat and otherworldly echo.

Disc Features:

• Documentary: "Making Signs" (SD, 60 minutes) - This six-part making-of is quite comprehensive, if often as slow as the flick itself. M. Night Shyamalan allowed intimate access to the set, so there is an extensive amount of on-set footage and little dull plot recap etc. All of the main cast and crew (including Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix) offers interviews, and only the plodding pace detracts from an otherwise strong documentary. (The six parts of the doc are: "Looking for Signs," "Building Signs," "The Effects of Signs," "The Music of Signs," "Full Circle.")
• Deleted Scenes (SD, 14 minutes) - There are five scenes in all, most extended dialogue sequences, plus one excised moment involving an alien that's the best of the bunch. Oddly, there is no optional commentary or even text description, so no informatio is provided as to why this material was cut.
  Multi-Angle Storyboard (SD) - A comparison is provided for the alien encounter scene, allowing you to select three different views (storyboard, finished film, and split-screen) via the multi-angle function.
  
• Short Film (SD) - Lastly, an early short alien film by M. Night Shyamalan is included.

Weeds: Season Three (Blu-ray)

Lionsgate Home Entertainment / 2007 / 388 Minutes / Unrated
Street Date: June 03, 2008

Genres: Comedy, Drama

Starring: Kevin Nealon, Elizabeth Perkins, Mary-Louise Parker
Plot Synopsis: America's favorite pot-dealing soccer mom is more addictive than ever in the third season of Weeds, the highly acclaimed Showtime Original Series. Emmy and Golden Globe winner Mary-Louise Parker stars as Nancy Botwin, a single mom who resorts to dealing pot after her husband dies suddenly. But when an off beat way to make ends meet grows into a mini-empire, the mother of all dealers finds she may be in over her head - and on the verge of taking everyone else with her. Hilarious and subversive, Weeds is the hit that put the herb in suburb.

Disc Features:
• Audio commentary on eight episodes
• Pop-Up Trivia on seven episodes
• 3 Featurettes: "Good Morning, Agnostic!", "Uncle AWOL," "Little Boxes"
• Gag Reel
• Musical Montage • Mary-Kate Olsen Biography