E.T. The Extra Terrestrial coming to Blu-ray Fall 2012

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has released some new artwork and a preview trailer for what is one of the most sought after Blu-ray titles to arrive on the format. This Fall, Director Steven Spielberg's beloved film E.T. The Extra Terrestrial will make it's High Def debut as a Blu-ray+DVD+Digital Copy+Ultraviolet Combo Pack. The release will be filled with hours of bonus features (specifics yet to be announced), a newly struck transfer from the 35mm film elements source, and a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track. Below is the official preview trailer.

The Walking Dead: The Complete Second Season coming to Blu-ray August 28th

Anchor Bay Home Entertainment have confirmed plans for the highly anticipated release of The Walking Dead: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray August 28, 2012. The release will be have plenty of bonus features. Audio will be provided by a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track. There will also be a limited edition version with a zombie head case designed by the fine folks at McFarlane. Below is the official press announcement.

 

"ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT BRINGS BACK THE DEAD WITH “THE WALKING DEAD: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON” ON BLU-RAY™ AND DVD AUGUST 28, 2012 

A LIMITED EDITION ZOMBIE HEAD DESIGNED BY MCFARLANE TOYS ALSO AVAILABLE "



 BEVERLY HILLS, CA – The series Variety called "creepy from the first frame" gets a release on Blu-ray™ and DVD that will make the dead rise! Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly releases the AMC original series THE WALKING DEAD: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON on August 28th, with an SRP of $69.99 for the Blu-ray™, and $59.98 for the DVD. A truly unique and very limited edition zombie head case created and designed by McFarlane Toys will also be available as Blu-ray™ only for a SRP of $99.99. Pre-book is August 1st. The 4-Disc sets will contain all 13 episodes of the second season and will be loaded with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, featurettes and audio commentaries.  


THE WALKING DEAD: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON is the much anticipated next chapter to the acclaimed post zombie apocalypse series. When we last left the “The Walking Dead,” the characters were in the midst of a high-intensity struggle to survive, fleeing the CDC as it burst into flames. In Season 2, they are still fighting zombies, and each other, facing more threats and obstacles than ever before.


 Based on the hugely successful and popular comic books, written by Robert Kirkman, AMC’s “The Walking Dead” captures the ongoing human drama after a zombie apocalypse. The series follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln (Love Actually), who are traveling in search of a safe and secure home. However, instead of the zombies, it’s the living who still remain that may be the biggest threat. Jon Bernthal (Rampart) plays Shane Walsh, Rick's sheriff's department partner before the apocalypse, and Sarah Wayne Callies (“Prison Break”), is Rick's wife, Lori. THE WALKING DEAD: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON cast also includes Laurie Holden (Fantastic Four), Steven Yeun (My Name is Jerry), Norman Reedus (The Boondock Saints), Jeffrey DeMunn (The Shawshank Redemption), Chandler Riggs (Get Low), Iron E. Singleton (Seeking Justice) and Melissa McBride (The Mist). Guest stars for the second season include Lauren Cohan (“Chuck”), Scott Wilson (Monster) and Pruitt Taylor Vince (Constantine).


“The Walking Dead” is a hit with both audiences and critics. The first season won the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Miniseries, Movie or Special and was nominated for Emmys® in Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series and Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Series. Season 1 also garnered a Golden Globe® nomination for Best Television Series - Drama, and was named to the American Film Institute’s (AFI) Top 10 Programs of the Year (2010), among other accolades. Season 3 of “The Walking Dead” premieres on AMC in October.

Highlights of the 2012 Masters Tournament - DVD Review

***SYNOPSIS***

When the 76th Masters Tournament ended on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff, it was a 33-year-old Floridian named Bubba Watson who triumphed, shedding tears of joy in the warm embrace of his mother on the 10th green at Augusta National Golf Club.

Heading into the weekend, Fred Couples was the surprise leader as world number one Luke Donald and four-time winner Tiger Woods struggled to find their rhythm. On 'moving day' it was three-time winner Phil Mickelson who lit up Augusta National with a sensational second nine that left him one shot behind Tournament leader Peter Hanson going into Sunday.

But it was Watson and South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen who would emerge from a diverse and volatile leader board the final day. At 10-under-par 278, Watson ended regulation tied with Oosthuizen, who earlier in the day had recorded the only double eagle on the par-5 second hole in the Tournament's history. At the end, the defining shot wasn't Oosthuizen's. Rather, it was Watson's high, hooking - and improbable - wedge shot from 164 yards through the overhanging trees to the right of the 10th fairway that safely finished 15 feet from the hole. Two putts later, Watson was the 2012 Masters champion.

Said Watson after winning the Green Jacket: "I never made it this far in my dreams." This finale was a moment to enjoy for sports fans around the world and this DVD provides the official story of how the Masters was decided in such dramatic fashion.



***VIDEO QUALITY***

2012Masters arrives on DVD with a 480i transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The footage was originally filmed in HD and the transfer to DVD is consistently good. The bold primary colors of the gofers wardrobe to the lush greens of Augusta provided a pleasing image. Fine detail was strong with blades of grass and the outlandish polo shorts coming across the best. Contrast was perfectly balanced.8/10



***AUDIO QUALITY***

Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 track. Commentary and music was crisp and clean. Sounds from the green and the Augusta crowd came across well. A good listen overall. 8/10



***SPECIAL FEATURES***

* Outdoor green jacket ceremony

* Champion's press conference

* Unedited honorary starters

* Press conference with golf greats Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus

American Pickers: Volume Three - DVD Review

  ***SYNOPSIS***
HISTORY’s ratings record-breaker is back for a third installment! In small towns, and along America’s back roads, treasures are waiting to be uncovered— valuable relics from our history that are hidden in junk piles, buried in barns and stacked in garages. It takes experts to find them – and turn rust to riches. AMERICAN PICKERS follows two of the most skilled “pickers”— Mike Wolfe, owner of Antique Archaeology, and his business partner, Frank Fritz— as they hunt down objects with historical, collectible and pop culture value that have been long forgotten by their owners. Along the way, they meet people whose own stories open a window into American lives and history. In AMERICAN PICKERS: VOLUME 3 Mike and Frank explore a century-old amusement park, pick their way through a geodesic dome and after years of begging, finally allow Danielle to get in on the action.  

DISC ONE - Hobo Jack / Laurel and Hardy / Frank Flips / Mike’s Breakdown  

DISC TWO - Pint-Sized Picker / A Banner Pick / Danielle Goes Picking / What’s In The Box?




***VIDEO QUALITY***

American Pickers arrives on DVD with a 480p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. I was pleased overall with the image on display here. Colors consist mostly of earth tones and browns due to the old dusty locations that Mike and Frank rummage through all day. Detail was quite good and helps in showing the items that Mike and Frankie are looking at with some nice close-ups. Black levels were consistent inky. Nice overall viewing.7.5/10






***AUDIO QUALITY***

Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 track. The on location dialogue is crisp and clean. The theme music is upbeat with a nice country twang. Bass was subtle when the music kicked in. This audio presentation was fine. 7/10