The Lion King 3D Smashing Expectations To Rule The No.1 Spot For Box Office Sept.16 - 18

          Last weekend, just as it did 17 years ago when the original version first hit theaters, the new updated conversion The Lion King 3D opened in first place ruling the North American box office. Doubling industry expectations, the Disney smash grossed much more than the weekend's three other new films combined. The action drama Drive generated a moderate debut in third while the thriller Straw Dogs and the comedy I Don't Know How She Does It both failed to excite moviegoing audiences.
          Families charged into theaters and had no problem paying higher ticket prices driving The Lion King 3D to number one with $30.2M, accordng to final studio figures, making it the fourth best September debut of all time. Averaging a spectacular $12,941 from only 2,330 theaters, the G-rated upgrade of the highest-grossing hand-drawn toon of all time sparked nostalgia in parents allowing Disney to reach a whole new generation. The two-week-only run precedes the October 4 release of the film on Blu-ray 3D but plenty of people were willing to go out and experience the new version on the big screen. Studio research showed that King played to an audience that was 56% female and 59% 25 and under. The opening weekend average beat out those for recent 3D kidpics like Kung Fu Panda 2, Rio, and The Smurfs.
          Simba and pals outdid the $12.5M opening of Disney's 3D upgrade on the double feature of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 which opened in October 2009 ahead of the following summer's third installment in 3D which became the top-grossing movie of 2010. Despite home video availability, the Mouse House has found success in giving 3D upgrades to top animated films in its library and releasing them as special theatrical events. With a first class brand and no major competition for kids, Lion King connected with its target audience and generated true excitement which helped the numbers soar. The original film bowed to $40.9M in June 1994 (the largest opening that year) when the average ticket price was only $4.17.
         The virus thriller Contagion enjoyed a solid second weekend grossing $14.5M falling just 35% in its sophomore frame. The Warner Bros. release has taken in $44.3M in its first ten days and looks headed for a $80M finish.
          Ryan Gosling's critically acclaimed crime drama Drive opened in third place with $11.3M from an aggressive 2,886 theater launch for a mild $3,929 average. While critics fell in love with the violent R-rated pic, paying audiences on Friday were unhappy with what they saw giving it a disturbing C- CinemaScore grade. FilmDistrict marketed Drive with trailers and TV spots that promised a fast-paced high octane thrill ride. But ticket buyers were surprised when what they got was a slow-paced drama with few car chases. The road ahead is uncertain as word-of-mouth will spread from two opposing camps - those disappointed that they didn't get what they expected and those who enjoy daring cinema with slower European sensibilities.       Danish helmer Nicolas Winding Refn won the best director prize at this year's Cannes Film Festival for Drive.
          Sleeper sensation The Help followed in fourth with $6.5M, down 27%, for a $147.4M cume. The Disney release will break through the $150M barrier in the next week as it continues to display strong legs now becoming the only film in 2011 to spend six weekends in the Top 5.
          The weekend's two other new releases were rejected by moviegoers. The James Marsden-Kate Bosworth thriller Straw Dogs debuted to $5.1M from 2,408 locations for a wimpy $2,128 average for Sony. Females made up 51% of the audience while 54% were 25 or older. Sarah Jessica Parker's new comedy I Don't Know How She Does It failed to pull in fans of the book with $4.4M bow from 2,476 theaters resulting in a pathetic $1,778 average for The Weinstein Co. Critics panned both films.
         Dropping 38% to $2.9M was The Debt which has grossed $26.6M to date for Focus. The well-reviewed action drama Warrior collected an estimated $2.9M, off 45%, for a disappointing $10M ten-day sum for Lionsgate. Fox's Rise of the Planet of the Apes fared well again dipping 32% to $2.7M while Sony's Colombiana declined by 41% to $2.3M. Totals stand at $171.7M and $33.4M.

#	Title	Sep 16 - 18				Weeks		Cumulative	Distributor
1	The Lion King 3D	$ 30,151,614				1		$ 30,151,614	Disney
2	Contagion	14,548,433				2		44,260,524	Warner Bros.
3	Drive	11,340,461				1		11,340,461	FilmDistrict
4	The Help	6,513,039				6		147,439,793	Disney
5	Straw Dogs	5,123,760				1		5,123,760	Sony
6	I Don't Know How She Does It	4,402,201				1		4,402,201	Weinstein Co.
7	The Debt	2,942,631				3		26,564,431	Focus
8	Warrior	2,860,325				2		10,002,625	Lionsgate
9	Rise of the Planet of the Apes	2,658,131				7		171,651,537	Fox
10	Colombiana	2,330,291				4		33,377,523	Sony
11	Shark Night 3D	1,801,701				3		17,310,402	Relativity
12	Spy Kids: All the Time in the World	1,590,367				5		36,107,734	Weinstein Co.
13	Crazy, Stupid, Love	1,566,182				7		80,736,273	Warner Bros.
14	Our Idiot Brother	1,294,791				4		23,672,210	Weinstein Co.
15	The Smurfs	1,243,268				8		137,593,881	Sony
16	Kevin Hart: Laugh At My Pain	1,190,756				2		3,598,262	Code Black
17	Don't Be Afraid of the Dark	1,124,591				4		22,783,502	FilmDistrict
18	Apollo 18	1,097,433				3		16,885,842	Weinstein Co.
19	Harry Potter / Deathly Hallows Part 2	700,498				9		378,180,621	Warner Bros.
20	Captain America	563,946				8		174,301,520	Paramount

Blu-ray 13th & 16th September Release

Thor (Three-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy)

Paramount / 2011 / 114 Minutes / Rated PG-13
Street Date: September 13, 2011

Genres: Super-hero, action, futuristic
Starring: Kenneth Branagh

Director:  Kenneth Branagh

Plot Synopsis: Of all the folks in long underwear to be tapped for superhero films, Thor would seem to be the most problematic to properly pull off. (Hypothetical Hollywood conversation: "A guy in a tricked-out, easily merchandisable metal suit? Great! An Asgardian God of Thunder who says stuff like thee and thou? Um, is Moon Knight available?") Thankfully, the resulting film does its source material rather proud, via a committed cast and an approach that doesn't shy away from the over-the-top superheroics. When you're dealing with a flying guy wielding a huge hammer, gritty realism can be overrated, really. Blending elements from the celebrated comic arcs by Walter Simonson and J. Michael Straczynski, the story follows the headstrong Thunder God (Chris Hemsworth) as he is banished to Earth and stripped of his powers by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) after inadvertently starting a war with a planet of ticked-off Frost Giants. As his traitorous brother Loki (the terrific Tom Hiddleston) schemes in the wings, Thor must redeem himself and save the universe, with the aid of a beautiful scientist (Natalie Portman). Although director Kenneth Branagh certainly doesn't skimp on the in-jokes and fan-pleasing continuity references (be prepared to stick around after the credits, Marvel fans), his film distinguishes itself by adopting a larger-than-life cosmic Shakespearean air that sets itself apart from both the cerebral, grounded style made fashionable by The Dark Knight and the loose-limbed Rat Packish vibe of the Iron Man series. Glorying in the absolute unreality of its premise, Branagh's film is a swooping, Jack Kirby-inspired saga that brings the big-budget grins on a consistent basis, as well as tying in with the superhero battle royale The Avengers.

Disc Features:

• Audio Commentary - With Kenneth Branagh.
  
• Marvel One-Shot: The Consultant (HD, 4 min) - Tony Stark and General Ross! A fun little short that is a bit more Hulk related than it is Thor, but ah well, it's still welcome.
  
• Featurettes (HD) - Seven high def featurettes, with no play all option. Really, play all options are necessities on this type of thing! From Asgard to Earth (20 min), Our Fearless Leader (3 min), Assembling the Troupe (5 min) , Hammer Time (6 min),  Creating Laufey (5 min) , Music of the Gods (2 min), A Conversation (2 min) features Stan Lee. Stan Lee.
  
• Road to the Avengers (HD, 3 min)
  
• Deleted Scenes (HD, 24 min)
  
• Trailers (HD, 5 min) - Teaser and Theatrical trailers

Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Episodes I-VI) [Blu-ray]

20th Century Fox / 1977 / 805 Minutes / Rated PG
Street Date: September 16, 2011

Genres: Sci-fi, futuristic action thriller
Starring: Mark Hamill, Hayden Christensen and Harrison Ford
Director:  Georger Lucas

Plot Synopsis: 
Star Wars: The Complete Blu-ray Saga will feature all six live-action Star Wars feature films utilizing the highest possible picture and audio presentation.
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
(32 Years Before Episode IV) Stranded on the desert planet Tatooine after rescuing young Queen Amidala from the impending invasion of Naboo, Jedi apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Jedi Master discover nine-year-old Anakin Skywalker, a young slave unusually strong in the Force. Anakin wins a thrilling Podrace and with it his freedom as he leaves his home to be trained as a Jedi. The heroes return to Naboo where Anakin and the Queen face massive invasion forces while the two Jedi contend with a deadly foe named Darth Maul. Only then do they realize the invasion is merely the first step in a sinister scheme by the re-emergent forces of darkness known as the Sith.
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
(22 Years Before Episode IV) Ten years after the events of the Battle of Naboo, not only has the galaxy undergone significant change, but so have Obi-Wan Kenobi, Padmé Amidala, and Anakin Skywalker as they are thrown together again for the first time since the Trade Federation invasion of Naboo. Anakin has grown into the accomplished Jedi apprentice of Obi-Wan, who himself has transitioned from student to teacher. The two Jedi are assigned to protect Padmé whose life is threatened by a faction of political separatists. As relationships form and powerful forces collide, these heroes face choices that will impact not only their own fates, but the destiny of the Republic.
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
(19 Years before Episode IV) Three years after the onset of the Clone Wars, the noble Jedi Knights have been leading a massive clone army into a galaxy-wide battle against the Separatists. When the sinister Sith unveil a thousand-year-old plot to rule the galaxy, the Republic crumbles and from its ashes rises the evil Galactic Empire. Jedi hero Anakin Skywalker is seduced by the dark side of the Force to become the Emperor's new apprentice--Darth Vader. The Jedi are decimated, as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Jedi Master Yoda are forced into hiding. The only hope for the galaxy are Anakin's own offspring.
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Nineteen years after the formation of the Empire, Luke Skywalker is thrust into the struggle of the Rebel Alliance when he meets Obi-Wan Kenobi, who has lived for years in seclusion on the desert planet of Tatooine. Obi-Wan begins Luke's Jedi training as Luke joins him on a daring mission to rescue the beautiful Rebel leader Princess Leia from the clutches of the evil Empire.
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Luke Skywalker and his friends have set up a new base on the ice planet of Hoth, but it is not long before their secret location is discovered by the evil Empire. After narrowly escaping, Luke splits off from his friends to seek out a Jedi Master called Yoda. Meanwhile, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, and C-3PO seek sanctuary at a city in the Clouds run by Lando Calrissian, an old friend of Han’s. But little do they realize that Darth Vader already awaits them.
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
(4 years after Episode IV) In the epic conclusion of the saga, the Empire prepares to crush the Rebellion with a more powerful Death Star while the Rebel fleet mounts a massive attack on the space station. Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader in a final climactic duel before the evil Emperor.

Disc Features:

Bonus Disc 1
'Episode I: The Phantom Menace'
Play All feature is included. Total time of behind the scene featurettes and interviews on this disc is 5 hours and 1 minute.
Naboo

• Interviews (HD, 7 min.) – "Overview" (5 min.) a promo extra with behind the scenes footage as VFX supervisor Dennis Muren talks about creating the movie with real locations, but CG characters.
  "Liam Neeson Interview" (HD, 2 min.) is a promotional interview with Neeson as he talks about how "extraordinary" the movie and the script were.
• Deleted/Extended Scenes (SD) – Three scenes are inlcuded here: "Trash-Talking Droids," (30 sec.) "The Battle is Over," (30 sec.) and "Anakin's Return" (30 sec.). Each of these scenes contains unfinished animation and not that much substance. Definitely not enough to warrant even watching them. Why would you want more young Anakin? Each scene is given some basic introduction text at the beginning.
• The Collection (HD) – This is a collection of different concept art and costumes. This interactive feature allows you to explore spaceships, monsters, and characters from the movie. The sections contained are "Naboo Starfighter Concept Model," "Sando Aqua Monster Marquette," "Darth Maul Costume," "Palpatine's Shuttle Model," "Jar Jar Marquette," "Trade Federation Battleship Concept Model," "Republic Cruiser," "Queen Amidala Throne Room Costume," and "Full Sized Battle Droid." When you select each of these sections you are greeted with a number of options. You can perform a 360 degree rotation, get specific details of each part of the model or character by selecting Detail, view a Video Commentary that has behind-the-scenes footage explaining the work that went into creating what you're looking at.
• Concept Art Gallery (HD) – This is a still gallery that contains 34 separate pieces of concept art ranging from sketches, to diagrams, to spaceship blueprints. Basic text is given at the bottom to explain the drawing you're looking at.

Tatooine

• Interviews (HD, 7 min.) – "Overview" (4 min.) is a talk about the basics of creating Tatooine. Design director Doug Chiang gives us some insight into what they went through to create Tatooine. Filming in Tunisia is also covered.
"Rick McCallum Interview: Podracers" (1 min.) is a talk with the producer who talks briefly about creating the podrace and how long it took to actually build all the pod engines. McCallum has another interview after that about "Filming in Tunisia" (2 min.) where he talks about filming on location and how there weren't accurate records kept of shooting locations from 'A New Hope.'
• Deleted/Extended Scenes (SD) – Only two deleted scenes here. "Battle on the Boarding Ramp" (30 sec.) and "Extended Podrace Wager" (2 min.).
• The Collection (HD) – More concept art collections here. There are seven pieces to explore here. "Queen's Royal Starship Concept Model," "Eopie With Anakin Maquette," "Watto Maquette," "Sebulba Maquette," "Dud Bolt Puppet," "Anakin's Podracer 'Tabletop' Model," and "Sith Speeder Model."
• Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Thirty more concept photos are displayed here. Everything from early sketchings of C3PO and what Watto's different variations looked like.

Coruscant

• Interviews (HD, 7 min.) – "Overview" (4 min.) has Chaing giving us an introduction of the city planet. Also, VFX designer John Knoll gives us some insight about creating the huge city located on the planet.
"George Lucas on Preparing to Write Episode 1 - 1994" (3 min.) - is a short interview with the man himself talking about how he sat down and wrote 'Phantom Menace.'
• Deleted/Extended Scene (SD, 30 sec.) – Only one deleted scene is included here. "Bail Organa of Alderaan," shows Bail Organa seconding the vote of "no confidence."
• The Collection (HD) – Only four items to pick from in this collection: "Coruscant Air Taxi Model," "Queen Amidala Senate Costume," "Queen Amidala Pre-Senate Address Costume," and "Senate Guard Costume."
• Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Fifteen separate pieces of concept art, most of them having to do with the different costumes worn by Queen Amidala.

'Episode II: Attack of the Clones'
Coruscant

• Interviews (HD, 5 min.) – "Overview" (4 min.) is another look, with the VFX advisors, about how they created the different traffic levels and the street level of the city.
"Ewan McGregor Interview (1 min.) is another promotional interview this time with McGregor who talks about the first movie he saw in the theater could have been 'Star Wars,' and how his uncle was one of the Rebel pilots in the movie.
• Deleted/Extended Scene (SD) – Two scenes included here: "Extended Speeder Chase" (1 min.) and "The Lost Twenty" (1 min.). "The Lost Twenty" is kind of interesting because the librarian in the movie dicusses Count Dooku's departure from the Jedi.
• The Collection (HD) – Four collection pieces to pick from here. They are, "Dexter Jettster Maquette," "Zam Wesell Speeder Concept Model," "Youngling Outfit & Helmet Costume," and "Zam Wesell Costume."
• Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Sixteen pictures and sketches in all. Many having to do with Wesell's costuming and the design of Dex.

Naboo

• Overview (HD, 3 min.) – Chiang talks about creating the other places of Naboo and how they used the land around them to help create love scenes.
• Deleted/Extended Scene (SD) – "Anakin's Nightmares" (1 min.) and "Anakin and Ruwee" (1 min.). Anakin actually visits and talks to Padme's father in the short deleted scene with Ruwee.
• The Collection (HD) – Five collection pieces here. They are, "Shaak Maquette," "Anakin Outland Peasant Costume (With Cloak)," "Anakin Outland Peasant Costume (Without Cloak)," "Padme Outland Peasant Costume (With Cloak)," and "Padme Outland Peasant Costume (Without Cloak)."
• Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Eleven conept photos located here. They cover the concept art for Anakin's costumes, Padme's costumes, and the Shaaks.

Tatooine

• Overview (HD, 3 min.) – Lucas, and his other crew, talk about revisiting the land of Tatooine after Anakin has grown and making it look just a little older and worn.
• The Collection (HD) – There are three pieces to pick from here. "C-3PO Costume," "Tusken Raider Woman Costume," and "Tusken Raider Child Costume."
• Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Eleven photos contained here covering the men, women and children from the Tusken Raider costumes along with more Amidala outfits.

Geonois

• Interviews (HD, 9 min.) – "Overview" (4 min.) information about how to create a world of factories that were creating the droid armies.They talk about taking inspiration for the factories from automobile factories. Lots of BTS footage showing Natalie Portman acting against a blue screen.
"Hayden Christensen Interview" (1 min.) is an interview with Christensen where he talks about how "cool" the action is. "Blue Screen Acting" (4 min.) has interviews with Christopher Lee, Christensen, McGregor, Portman, and Neeson talking about working on a blue screen without the effects actually being there.
• Deleted/Extended Scene (SD, 4 min.) – "Raid on the Droid Control Ship and Extended Arena Fight" is one of the more lengthy deleted scenes. Jedi Knights Ki-Adi-Mundi and Plo Koon get more face time here trying to deactivate a droid ship.
• The Collection (HD) – Ten different collection pieces here. "Geonosian Maquette," "Acklay Maquette," "Nexu Maquette," "Reek Maquette," "Padme Trip to Geonosis Costume (With Unused Headdress)," "Jango Fett Costume," "Super Battle Droid Maquette," "Geonosis Arena Maquette," "Republic Gunship Model," and "Clone Trooper Maquette."
• Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Forty different photos located here containing artwork for a variety of characters like Count Dooku and Obi-Wan's hairstyles.

'Episode III: Revenge of the Sith'
Coruscant

• Interviews (HD, 8 min.) – "Overview" (5 min.) they talk about having the opening battle in the upper atmosphere rather than out in space so they could do different things like smoke and trails behind missiles. Filming inside the cockpits of the fighters is discussed. We get to see George Lucas putting on blue makeup so he can stand outside Palpatine's opera box in cameo.
"Samuel L. Jackson Interview" (3 min.) is where Jackson talks about actually getting Lucas to give him a purple lightsaber.
• Deleted/Extended Scene (SD, 4 min.) – "Elevator Antics," (2 min.) "Escape Through the Hangar," (3 min.) and "Changes to the Constitution" (2 min.).
• The Collection (HD) – Six collection pieces included here. They are, "Separatist Cruiser Concept Model," "Arc-170 Starfighter Concept Model," "Jedi Starfighter Concept Model," "Count Dooku Lightsaber," "Palpatine Gray Trade Federation Costume," and "Anakin Costume and Headset."
• Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Twenty-four pieces of concept art, mostly artwork of different spacecraft in the movie.

Utapau

• Overview (HD, 5 min.) – Knoll talks about how Utapau was hardly any built sets. Mostly miniatures and CG work to create the overall look of the place.
• Deleted/Extended Scene (SD, 9 min.) – "Utapau Chase Animatics" is an early version of the chase that was created with the help of Steven Spielberg. Actually, pretty interesting to watch, even if it is unfinished.
• The Collection (HD) – Five separate pieces are located here: "Boga with Obi-Wan Maquette," "Utapau Sinkhole Maquette," "Utapau Landing Platform Maquette," "General Grievous Maquette," and "Tion Medon Costume."
• Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Nineteen pieces of artwork here detailing the different looks and variations of Grievous, among other characters.

Mustafar

• Interviews (HD, 6 min.) – "Overview" (4 min.) is a look with concept design supervisor Ryan Church and others talk about Mustafar, the lava planet and how they created the look for the planet.
"Natalie Portman Interview" (2 min.) has Portman talking about her character and how she only reacts to what Anakin does instead of making her own decisions.
• Deleted/Extended Scenes (SD)– "Mustafar Duel Animatics" (4 min.) and "Mustafar Duel/Lava River Animatics."
• The Collection (HD) – Four objects to pick from here. Learn more about "Obi-Wan's Lightsaber," "Anakin's Lightsaber," "Mustafar Landscape Maquette," and "Burnt Anakin Head."
• Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Ten photos in all are located here.

Kashyyyk & Order 66

• Overview (HD, 6 min.) – George wanted ten different distinct planets for "the war" that was going on. Kind of hilarious that they went back and used the 'Star Wars Christmas Special' for inspiration.
• Deleted/Extended Scenes (SD)– "Kashyyyk Attack and Order 66 Animatic," (7 min.) "Anakin Kills Shaak Ti," (30 sec.) "Jedi Imposters at the Temple," (1 min.) Senate Duel Animatic," (6 min.) and "Yoda Communes with Qui-Gon" (1 min.).
• The Collection (HD) – Six pieces of the collection here. "Wookie Tree Maquette," "Felucia Maquettes," "Chewbacca Costume," "Darth Vader Costume," "Imperial Officer Costume (With Coat)," and "Imperial Officer Costume (Without Coat).
• Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Twenty-two concept art photos here most of them having to do with the looks of the Wookies and Clone Troopers.

Bonus Disc 2
'Episode IV: A New Hope'
Play All feature is included. If selected it indicates the amount of featurettes included on this disc total 4 hours and 32 minutes.
Tatooine

• Interviews (HD, 7 min.) – "Overview" (4 min.) has some of the older FX advisors talking about creating the world of Tatooine and how the movie was supposed to look.
"Mark Hamill Interview (2 min.) is a chat with older Mark Hamill talking about his time filming the movie and shooting the movie with George Lucas. "Anthony Daniels Interview" (1 min.) is a brief talk with the guy inside C-3PO's suit.
• Deleted/Extended Scenes (SD)– "Tosche Station," (5 min.) "Old Woman on Tatooine," (30 sec.) "Aunt Beru's Blue Milk," (30 sec.) "The Search for R2 -D2," (1 min.) "Catina Rough Cut," (7 min.) and "StormTrooper Search" (1 min.). I really like these older deleted scenes, even if they are as dirty as hell. It's interesting to watch them because they aren't just unfinished animation like the prequels. I like the "Tosche Station" scene because it's actually inculded in an audio book I listened to once. It was cool to see it filmed here. The black and white rough cut of Luke entering the Cantina is also pretty cool to watch.
• The Collection (HD) – Seven collection pieces are here. "Landspeeder Prototype Model," "Millennium Falcon Prototype Model," "R2-D2," "Tatooine from Orbit Matte Painting," "Jawa Costume," "Tusken Raider Mask," and "Ketwol Mask."
• Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Thirty great, old drawings are indlucded here so we can see the early artwork for Luke, Han, Jawas, and the weapons they carry.

Aboard the Death Star

• Interviews (HD, 8 min.) – "Overview" (6 min.) is where we hear from Ben Burtt talking about the variety of sounds that they used on the Death Star. They talk about how massive an undertaking creating the Death Star was.
"Carrie Fisher Interview" (2 min.) is where an older Carrie Fisher talks about her time interviewing for the part and how Lucas hardly ever talked to her.
• Deleted/Extended Scene (SD, 30 sec.)– Darth Vader walks down the hallway with an Imperial General in this deleted scene.
• The Collection (HD) – Four collection pieces here. "Death Star Prototype Model," "Holo-Chess Set," "Bridge Power Trench Matte Painting," and "Luke's Stormtrooper Torso."
• Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Twenty-four concept pictures included here. Some of them are rather crude drawings, but it's interesting to see how different the artwork is. A lot of spaceship blueprints along with some really cool, colorized visualizations of the sets.

The Battle of Yavin

• Overview (HD, 4 min.) – Lots of talks about the models used in the movie with Dennis Muren. X-Wing battle inspiration taken from airplane dogfights.
• Deleted/Extended Scene (SD, 30 sec.)– "Alternate Biggs and Luke Reunion" is included here, but it's not much different from the one used in the movie.
• The Collection (HD) – Ten different collection pieces here. "X-Wing Fighter Model (Prototype)," "X-Wing Fighter Model (Final)," "Y-Wing Fighter Model (Prototype)," "Y-Wing Fighter Model (Final)," "Tie Fighter Model (Prototype)," "Tie Fighter Model (Final)," "Darth Vader's Tie Fighter Model," "X-Wing Pilot Costume With Helmet," "Death Star Laser Tower Model," and "Yavin 4 Matte Painting."
• Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Sixteen separate pictures here, mostly blueprints for the myriad of spaceships in the movie.

'Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back'
Hoth

• Interviews (HD, 9 min.) – In the "Overview" (3 min.) we're joined by effects director of photography Dennis Muren talking about how they filmed on the snow planet of Hoth. By using minatures and painted backdrops.
"George Lucas - On Editing 'The Empire Strikes Back' - 1979" (3 min.) is where we see Lucas in the editing room talking about how he decided to edit the movie and what editing does in the grand scheme of things. "Irvin Kershner Interview" (3 min.) is a discussion with the movie's director where he talks extensively about his actors and how much he loved them.
• Deleted/Extended Scenes (SD)– Five deleted scenes in all here. "Han and Leia: Extended Echo Base Argument," (2 min.) "Luke's Recovery," (1 min.) "Luke and Leia: Medical Center," (2 min.) "Deleted Wampa Scenes," (3 min.) and "The Fate of General Veers" (30 sec.). Just got to say that the deleted Wampa scenes are great having the Wampa cause havoc in the base.
• The Collection (HD) – Seven collection pieces here. "At-At Walker Fallen Model," "Snowspeeder Model," "Tauntaun Maquette," "Rebel Transport Model," "Hoth Landscape Matte Painting," "Leia Hoth Costume," and "Han Solo Interior Hoth COstume."
• Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Thirty-eight concept photos are included here.

Dagobah

• Interviews (HD, 9 min.) – The "Overview" (4 min.) features behind the scenes footage from the movie with Muren talking about creating the look for Yoda's swampy home.
"George Lucas - On the Force - 2010" (5 min.) is where Lucas sits down to discuss the idea of The Force in a roundtable meeting with the 'Clone Wars' writers.
• Deleted/Extended Scene (SD, 1 min.)– A brief extended scene of "Yoda's Test" is included here.
• The Collection (HD) – Five separate collection pieces. "Yoda Model," "Luke's Severed Hand," "Dagobah Bog Matte Painting," "Dagobah Matte Painting," and "Luke's Tan Costume."
• Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Sixteen photos here. I'm SO glad they didn't go with Garden Gnome Yoda. Those drawings are hideous. Glad he evolved into what we know Yoda as today.

Pursued by the Imperial Fleet

• Overview (HD, 3 min.) – Muren talks about how the Millenium Falcon pursuit was created with all the different asteroids used and the miniatures that were filmed.
• Deleted/Extended Scenes (SD)– Two scenes are included here. "Alternate Han and Leia Kiss" (2 min.) and "Hiding in the Asteroid" (1 min.).
• The Collection (HD) – Nine collection pieces are included here. "Star Destroyer Model," "Millenium Falcon Model," "Space Slug," "Darth Vader's Star Destroyer Model," "Star Destroyer Hull Model," "Executor Bridge Matte Painting," "Boba Fett Prototype Costume," "Imperial Officer Costume," and "Rebel Cruiser Model."
• Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Sixteen more concept photos included here.

Cloud City

• Overview (HD, 3 min.) – A discussion of Cloud City and its look with Muren. Some great concept art is seen here along with some wonderful pictures of the miniatures that were used.
• Deleted/Extended Scenes (SD)– "Lobot's Capture" (1 min.) and "Leia Tends to Luke" (1 min.) are the only two scenes included here.
• The Collection (HD) – Eight different sections to choose from here. "Twin-Pod Cloud Car Model," "Cloud City Models," "Cloud City Matte Painting," "Cloud City Landing Platform Matte Painting," "Cloud City Core Vane Matte Painting," "Cloud City Core Vane Platform Matte Painting," "Lando Bespin Costume," and "Cloud City Slave I Matte Painting."
• Concept Art Gallery (HD) – Ten artistic concept photos all depicting the way Cloud City should look.

'Episode VI: Return of the Jedi'
Tatooine

• Overview (HD, 4 min.) – Muren talks about the different look of Tatooine where we get to actually see Jabba's Palace which we haven't seen yet. We get to see the evolution of the Sarlacc pit scene how it was storyboarded and then how it was filmed.
• Deleted/Extended Scenes (SD)– "Vader's Arrival and Reaching Out to Luke" (3 min.) and "Tatooine Sandstorm" (2 min.) are the scenes located here. I like the sandstorm scene just because we get to see a lot of our favorite characters all together.
• The Collection (HD) – Ten different collection pieces are here. "Rancor Marquette," "EV- 9D9," "Salacious B. Crumb," "C-3PO's Head with Eye Poked Out," "Jabba's Palace, Road Creature Matte Painting," "Sarlacc Pit Matte Painting," "Leia Boushh Costume," "Slave Leia Costume," "Lando Skiff Guard Costume," and "Jabba's Radio-Controlled Eyes."
• Concept Art Gallery (HD)

Other releases/ Back catalog releases:

Contagion Opens At No.1 In A Sluggish Frame Box Office Sept.9 - 11

• Release Date:September 9th, 2011
• Starring:
  • Gwyneth Paltrow
  • Tien You Chui
  • Josie Ho
  • Daria Strokous
  • Matt Damon
• Director:Steven Soderbergh
• Writer:Scott Z. Burns
• Studio:Warner Bros. Pictures
• Genre:Action, Thriller, 3D
• Official Site:contagionmovie.warnerbros.com/index.html
• Rating: PG-13 for disturbing content and some language.

          Last weekend, grossing as much as the rest of the top five combined, the virus thriller Contagion opened at number one topping a sluggish frame that saw ticket sales slump to a new low for the year. The Warner Bros. drama scored an estimated $23.1M bow from 3,222 theaters (including 257 higher-priced IMAX screens) for a sturdy $7,180 average playing to a mature adult crowd. The PG-13 film starring Matt Damon, Gwenyth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, and Marion Cotillard benefited from an intriguing end-of-world disaster plot, a well-respected cast led by six Oscar winners and nominees, strong reviews, weak competition, and a solid marketing push. Academy Award winner Steven Soderbergh directed.
It was the fifth biggest opening ever in the first half of September which is typically among the slowest periods of the entire year at the box office. Contagion also infected six other markets this weekend with a modest roll out. The international gross was an estimated $2.1M from 544 screens including $705,000 from Italy, $531,000 in Singapore, and $392,000 from Hong Kong where the film's story begins. Unlike the disease, the movie will take some time to spread to the rest of the world with most major markets opening in October.
          After becoming the only film of 2011 to remain number one for three weekends, The Help dropped to the runner-up spot with an estimated $8.7M but still held up well slipping only 41% from the holiday frame. The Disney release has now taken in a remarkable $137.1M on its way to $160M+. It was a notable weekend for Participant Media which co-financed both films in the top two spots.
         Great reviews and buzz-building sneak previews failed to get young men out to the multiplexes for the Mixed Martial Arts film Warrior which debuted in third with an estimated $5.6M. Lacking major starpower, the Lionsgate release about two brothers who face off in a championship match averaged a weak $3,000 from 1,869 theaters. Warrior's performance has underscored how increasingly difficult it has become to pull males away from football during the fall season with college and NFL games dominating the TV airwaves on Saturday and Sunday. Teens and young adults in general have become elusive except for when top movie brands roll out.
         The rest of the top ten was filled with leftovers which fell into a tight range between $2.5M and $5M a piece. Focus witnessed a 51% decline for its espionage thriller The Debt which no doubt took a hit from Contagion and collected an estimated $4.9M. Falling 46% to an estimated $4M was the younger-skewing actioner Colombiana for Sony. Totals are $22M and $29.8M, respectively.
Vicious animals followed as Rise of the Planet of the Apes grossed an estimated $3.9M, down 51%, while Shark Night 3D tumbled 58% to an estimated $3.5M. Fox has banked a stellar $167.8M while Relativity Media has collected $14.8M.
         Rounding out the top ten was The Weinstein Co. with a trio of end-of-summer releases still lingering on the charts. After a soft debut followed by instantly negative buzz, the fake moon thriller Apollo 18 collapsed in its second weekend falling 67% to an estimated $2.9M for a $15M total. The Paul Rudd comedy Our Idiot Brother declined by 49% to an estimated $2.8M while the 4D kidpic Spy Kids: All the Time in the World took in an estimated $2.5M, off 48%. Cumes stand at $21.4M and $34.2M, respectively.
Other new films opening outside of the top ten saw some highs and lows. The stand-up comedy concert pic Kevin Hart: Laugh At My Pain was rock solid with an estimated $2M from only 97 locations for a potent $20,619 average for CodeBlack Entertainment.
         Not delivering any laughs was the Nick Swardson comedy Bucky Larson: Born To Be A Star which had an aggressive 1,500-theater launch from Sony but came up with only $1.5M, according to estimates, for an embarrassing $967 average. The fact that it even had this wide of a release speaks to the clout that producer Adam Sandler has in Hollywood. Bubble Distribution did not release an estimate for its campy horror film Creature but sources put the three-day figure in the vicinity of $300,000 from an amazingly large 1,657 theaters in the U.S. and Canada for an abysmal $181 average. That equates to less than two tickets sold per showtime.

#	Title	Sep 9 - 11				Weeks		Cumulative	Distributor
1	Contagion	$ 22,403,596				1		$ 22,403,596	Warner Bros.
2	The Help	8,926,142				5		137,327,800	Disney
3	Warrior	5,242,107				1		5,242,107	Lionsgate
4	The Debt	4,772,045				2		21,869,001	Focus
5	Colombiana	3,947,582				3		29,726,288	Sony
6	Rise of the Planet of the Apes	3,886,285				6		167,847,116	Fox
7	Shark Night 3D	3,408,413				2		14,672,592	Relativity
8	Apollo 18	2,851,349				2		14,939,303	Weinstein Co.
9	Our Idiot Brother	2,650,538				3		21,309,547	Weinstein Co.
10	Spy Kids: All the Time in the World	2,501,432				4		34,223,018	Weinstein Co.
11	Crazy, Stupid, Love	2,261,572				6		78,510,633	Warner Bros.
12	Don't Be Afraid of the Dark	2,166,846				3		21,000,604	FilmDistrict
13	Kevin Hart: Laugh At My Pain	1,908,420				1		1,908,420	Code Black
14	The Smurfs	1,800,432				7		136,009,277	Sony
15	Bucky Larson	1,415,023				1		1,415,023	Sony
16	Harry Potter / Deathy Hallows Part 2	1,001,583				8		377,104,684	Warner Bros.
17	Captain America	845,653				7		173,459,663	Paramount
18	Cowboys & Aliens	827,955				6		98,041,821	Universal
19	Horrible Bosses	585,868				10		115,795,823	Warner Bros.
20	Final Destination 5	555,303				4		41,756,473	Warner Bros.

Blu-ray 6th & 9th September Release

X-Men: First Class (+Digital Copy) [Blu-ray]

20th Century Fox / 2011 / 132 Minutes / Rated PG-13
Street Date: September 09, 2011

Overall Grade Highly recommended




Genres: Action, superhero based
Starring: James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender

Director:  Mattew Vaughn

Plot Synopsis: When Bryan Singer​ brought Marvel's X-Men to the big screen, Magneto and Professor X were elder statesmen, but Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass) travels back in time to present an origin story--and an alternate version of history. While Charles Xavier​ (Laurence Belcher) grows up privileged in New York, Erik Lehnsherr​ (Bill Milner) grows up underprivileged in Poland. As children, the mind-reading Charles finds a friend in the shape-shifting Raven (Jennifer Lawrence​) and Erik finds an enemy in Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon​), an energy-absorbing Nazi scientist who treats the metal-bending lad like a lab rat. By 1962, Charles (James McAvoy) has become a swaggering genetics professor and Erik (Michael Fassbender​, McAvoy's Band of Brothers costar) has become a brooding agent of revenge. CIA agent Moira (Rose Byrne​) brings the two together to work for Division X. With the help of MIB (Oliver Platt) and Hank (A Single Man's Nicholas Hoult​), they seek out other mutants, while fending off Shaw and Emma Frost (Mad Men's January Jones), who try to recruit them for more nefarious ends, leading to a showdown in Cuba between the United States and the Soviet Union, the good and bad mutants, and Charles and Erik, whose goals have begun to diverge. Throughout, Vaughn crisscrosses the globe, piles on the visual effects, and juices the action with a rousing score, but it's the actors who make the biggest impression as McAvoy and Fassbender prove themselves worthy successors to Patrick Stewart​ and Ian McKellen. The movie comes alive whenever they take center stage, and dies a little when they don't. For the most part, though, Vaughn does right by playing up the James Bond parallels and acknowledging the debt to producer Bryan Singer through a couple of clever cameos.
Disc Features:

• Cerebro Mutant Tracker (HD) – This is a game of sorts where you're tasked with finding mutants as Cerebro whizzes by them.
• Children of the Atom (HD, 69 min.) – This is an extensive seven-part documentary that covers quiet a lot of the movie and never ventures into promotional territory. This is the nuts and bolts of the filming and getting the movie made. It's a must watch.
"Second Genesis" – The first part of the documentary talks about how the idea of 'First Class' came into being during 'X-2' and how they thought that they were going to do a more "high school" approach with young kids. Thank heavens they didn't go through with that. They also talk about how the idea developed to be a period piece in the 60s and how Vaughn finally tied the whole story in with the real-life missile crisis. "Band of Brothers" – This part talks about how the mutants for the movie were picked and how they really wanted to showcase new mutants and new powers. They talk about how Havoc is really Cyclops' younger brother in the comics, but in the movies the movies follow a different continuity than the comics. If only they could have discussed how dumb Angel really is and how they regretted putting her in this movie. "Transformation" – This is the make-up featurette that discusses the transformations of the actors who played Beast (Nicholas Hoult), Mystique (Lawrence), and Azazel (Jason Flemyng). Lawrence went through six to seven hours of grueling make-up application where she had to be standing the whole time. Pretty eye-opening actually. "Suiting Up" – This is the costume portion of the documentary. They spend most of the time talking about how they dressed the characters for the time period and how they took a lot of inspiration from older 'Bond' films. "New Frontier: A Dose of Style" – This is mostly about the production design and how they built all of their sets because they just couldn't find practical locations for them. More 'Bond' influence going on here too. "Pulling off the Impossible" – This is the visual effects featurette where we learn how instrumental legendary effects man John Dykstra was in getting this film made. In Vaughn's own words he would not have been able to make this film without him. Much of it talks about how the actors had a tough time acting when the effects weren't yet present. There's some great behind-the-scenes footage of Dykstra giving direction to the actors telling them how to play the scene as if the effects were actually happening. The CG effects are also discussed. You'll learn about how they did Emma Frost's diamond look, how Mystique transforms, how they actually ended up doing the flying battle (helicopters), and how they made Shaw look when he was absorbing energy. "Sound and Fury" – The last part of the documentary has to do with Jackman's score. He's funny to listen to and it's interesting to hear him talk about how Vaughn was deeply integrated in the film's score and how he created Magneto's music from a simple bassline. Vaughn and Jackman discuss that it's the score that makes the movie a bit more modern, which is true.
• Deleted Scenes (HD, 14 min.) – There are 13 deleted scenes in all.
• X-Marks the Spot (HD) – A cumbersome set of trivia facts that pops up every now and then during each episode.
• "Dogfight" Stunt Piece (HD)

Hanna [Blu-ray]

Universal / 2011 / 111 Minutes / Rated PG-13
Street Date: September 06, 2011

Overall Grade






Genres: Action, espionage
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, Cate Blanchett and Tom Hollander

Director:  Joe Wright

Plot Synopsis: Raised by her father (Eric Bana), an ex-CIA agent, in the wilds of Finland, Hanna's upbringing and training have been one and the same, all geared to making her the perfect assassin. The turning point in her adolescence is a sharp one. Sent into the world by her father on a mission, Hanna journeys stealthily across Europe, eluding agents dispatched after her by a ruthless intelligence operative with secrets of her own (Cate Blanchett). As she nears her ultimate target, Hanna faces startling revelations about her existence.

Disc Features:

• Audio Commentary 
• Anatomy of a Scene: The Escape from Camp G (HD, 3 min) — Wright narrates this closer look and breakdown of Hanna's escape with clips from the movie, storyboard comparisons and a few behind-the-scenes glimpses.
• Alternate Ending (HD) — Definitely worth a watch for fans of the movie as it tacks on another minute to the story's official conclusion.
• Deleted Scenes (HD) — Three scenes salvaged from the cutting room floor and presented here.
• Trailer (HD) 

• Adapt or Die (HD, 13 min)

• Central Intelligence Allegory (HD, 9 min)
• Chemical Reaction (HD, 6 min)
• The Wide World of Hanna (HD, 2 min)

Scarface Limited Edition Steelbook [Blu-ray + Digital Copy]

Universal / 1983 / 170 Minutes / Rated R
Street Date: September 06, 2011

Overall Grade Highly recommended




Genres: Thriller, mafia, action-drama
Starring: Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer

Director:  Brian De Palma

Plot Synopsis: Starring Academy Award winner Al Pacino (The Godfather) in an unforgettable performance as one of the most ruthless gangsters ever depicted on film and co-starring Academy Award nominee Michelle Pfeiffer (The Fabulous Baker Boys), Scarface is the rags-to-riches story of Cuban immigrant Tony "Scarface" Montana, who finds wealth, power and passion beyond his wildest dreams...at a price he never imagined. From acclaimed director Brian De Palma (Carlito's Way) and Oscar-winning writer Oliver Stone (Born on the Fourth of July), this action-packed Blu-ray features an all-new eye-popping remastered picture, explosive 7.1 audio track and never-before-seen bonus features. One of the most influential gangster epics of all time, the Scarface Limited Edition Blu-ray also includes collectible SteelBook packaging, a digital copy of the film, a DVD of the 1932 version of Scarface plus 10 original art cards for a limited time only.

Disc Features:

• Scarface Scorecard 
• The World of Tony Montana (SD, 12 min) — A brief conversation with interviews of law enforcement officials and magazine owners on the drug trafficking culture.
• The Rebirth (SD, 10) — The first of a three-part series discusses the origins of the script with producer Martin Bregman, Brian De Palma, Al Pacino and Oliver Stone offering their thoughts and comparisons to the original film.
• The Acting (SD, 15 min)
• The Creating (SD, 30 min) — The third and final piece moves its attention obviously to the filming and shooting locations.
• The TV Version (SD, 3 min)
• The Making of Scarface: The Video Game (SD, 12 min) — Interviews with actors and creators focuses mostly on creating the story as an imaginary "what-if" sequel, character motivations and developing the graphics.
• Deleted Scenes (SD, 22 min)
• Scarface (1932) (SD, 93 min)

Other releases/ Back catalog releases: