American Hustle on Blu-ray March 18th

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be releasing the Oscar Nominated film American Hustle to Blu-ray on March 18, 2014. The David O. Russell film features an all-star cast including Bradley Cooper, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence and Jeremy Renner. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Audio will be provided by a DTS-HD Master 5.1 track. Below are the official details:





***SYNOPSIS***


A fictional film set in the alluring world of one of the most stunning scandals to rock our nation, AMERICAN HUSTLE tells the story of brilliant con man Irving Rosenfeld (Bale), who along with his equally cunning and seductive British partner Sydney Prosser (Adams) is forced to work for a wild FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Cooper). DiMaso pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia that's as dangerous as it is enchanting. Renner plays Carmine Polito, the passionate, volatile, New Jersey political operator caught between the con-artists and Feds. Irving's unpredictable wife Rosalyn (Lawrence) could be the one to pull the thread that brings the entire world crashing down. Like David O. Russell's previous films (The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook), AMERICAN HUSTLE defies genre, hinging on raw emotion, and life and death stakes.

AMERICAN HUSTLE is directed by David O. Russell from a screenplay by Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russell. Charles Roven, Richard Suckle, Megan Ellison and Jonathan Gordon produced, with Matthew Budman, Bradley Cooper, Eric Warren Singer and George Parra serving as executive producers.


**Blu-ray Special Features**

* “The Making of American Hustle” featurette
* Deleted and Extended Scenes

Walking With Dinosaurs The Movie on Blu-ray and DVD March 25

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be bringing home the CG animated film Walking With Dinosaurs The Movie to Blu-ray 3D Deluxe Edition, Blu-ray 2D Combo and DVD on March 25, 2014. The film features the voices of Justin Long and John Leguizamo. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Audio will be provided by a DTS-HD Master 1.0 track. Below are the official details:


LOS ANGELES (February 6, 2014) – Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and BBC Earth Films invite you to bring home Walking with Dinosaurs The Movie, an awe-inspiring adventure 70 million years in the making, now stomping in just in time for Easter.

Satisfy your omnivorous appetite with tons of interactive bonus content including:
● “The Ultimate Dino Guide” where hatchlings of all ages will be immersed in their own personal journey to uncover the greatest secrets about their favorite dinos.

● Test your skill by learning a whole new language with “Match the Call,” and hear how Dinos communicated with their friends and foes.

● “Interactive Map” takes the viewer on an interactive tour of where dinos roamed the earth, uncovering the same places people live today.

● Become a dino expert as you watch the movie and follow along with the pop-up “Brainosaur Trivia Track”

Filmed with the latest in cutting edge 3D technology, Walking With Dinosaurs The Movie taps the masterminds behind visual hits like Avatar, using Cameron Pace Fusion 3D technology to fully immerse viewers while recruiting animation house, Animal Logic (The Matrix Trilogy, 300), to bring digital dino magic to life by creating photorealistic dinosaurs based on paleontological research from world experts retained by the BBC.






***SYNOPSIS***

The gigantic voice talents of Justin Long (Alvin and the Chipmunks franchise) and John Leguizamo (Ice Age franchise) take you on a thrilling prehistoric journey the whole family will enjoy! In a time when dinosaurs rule the Earth, the smallest of the pack — a playful Pachyrhinosaurus named Patchi — embarks on the biggest adventure of his life. As he tries to find his place in a spectacular world filled with fun-loving friends and a few dangerous foes, Patchi will discover the courage he needs to become the leader of the herd...and a hero for the ages.


**Deluxe Edition 3D Blu-ray Special Features**

* Feature film in high definition, standard definition and 3D
* Ultimate Dino Guide
* Interactive Map
* Match the Call game
* Brainosaur Trivia Track
* Cretaceous Cut (the movie in its “natural” version)
* Nickelodeon Orange Carpet Dino Rap

**Blu-ray Special Features**

* Feature film in high definition and standard definition
* Ultimate Dino Guide
* Interactive Map
* Match the Call game
* Brainosaur Trivia Track
* Nickelodeon Orange Carpet Dino Rap

The Swimmer on Blu-ray March 11th

Grindhouse Releasing has officially announced they will be bringing the cult classic film The Swimmer to Blu-ray on March 11, 2014. The film was directed by Frank Perry and stars Burt Lancaster, Tony Bickley, Janice Rule and Janet Landgard. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Audio will be provided by a Dolby Digital Stereo track. Below are the official details:


***SYNOPSIS***


Grindhouse Releasing is proud to present the ultimate late-60s studio-produced cult film, THE SWIMMER. In his finest performance, Burt Lancaster stars as Ned Merrill, a man who confronts his destiny by swimming home, pool by pool, through the suburban nightmare of upper-class East Coast society. Based on the acclaimed short story by John Cheever, and directed by Frank Perry (DIARY OF A MAD HOUSEWIFE, MOMMIE DEAREST), THE SWIMMER is a film like no other, a feature-length TWILIGHT ZONE episode by way of THE NEW YORKER.





**Blu-ray Special Features**
* 2 DISC SET - Deluxe dual layer Blu-ray Edition + DVD combo
* Spectacular new digital restoration created from 4K scans for optimal picture quality
* The Story of THE SWIMMER - Brand new, five-part, two and one half hour documentary by Oscar-winner Chris Innis featuring in-depth interviews with stars Janet Landgard, Joan Rivers and Marge Champion, composer Marvin Hamlisch, film editor Sidney Katz, assistant directors Michael Hertzberg and Ted Zachary, UCLA Olympic swim coach Bob Horn, and Joanna Lancaster
* The original NEW YORKER short story read by author John Cheever
* 12 page booklet with liner notes by legendary director Stuart Gordon (RE-ANIMATOR)
* Rare production stills from the lost alternate scenes
* Extensive still galleries, trailers and TV spots
* AND OTHER SURPRISES!

Free Birds Blu-ray Review

**SYNOPSIS**


From the Academy Award Winning producer of Shrek comes a hilarious animated adventure about two turkeys from opposite sides of the tracks who travel back in time in order to keep their species off the Thanksgiving menu. Featuring an all-star voice cast, including Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson and Amy Poehler, Free Birds is loaded with laughs and stuffed with fun for the whole family!





**MOVIE REVIEW**


A cute but cliched and predictable animated film that will please any little ones in the family but won't grab anybody too much past 5 or so. The voice acting is strong enough with some fun work done by Woody Harrelson and Amy Poehler. Owen Wilson is the lead turkey and does a good job overall with the dialogue he is given. It has a few moments that were fun but I would primarily stick to running this one for smaller children. 7/10


**VIDEO QUALITY**


Free Birds arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.85:1. - Bright and bold primaries pop with some beautiful balanced saturation. Black levels were solid. Fine detail shows off the designs of the turkeys and some really sharp outdoor nature scenery. There was an issue with banding in a few scenes but nothing to mar this overall eye pleasing transfer. 9/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**


Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - Dialogue from the voice actors was crisp and clean throughout the movie's 91 minute running time. Surround activity is excellent with well placed environmental effects leading to an engaging listen. LFE was a strong performer with clean, rich bass notes accompanying the score by Dominic Lewis. There were no pops, cracks or hisses. 9/10


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


* Birds Flipping History (HD, 1min27sec) - Here is a short clip of children doing a Thanksgiving gig.

* Animating Free Birds: The Main Course (HD, 4min36sec) - A cute scene from the film is given a brief behind the scenes view with insight from the animators that brought it to life.

* Winging It: Animators in Action (HD, 4min32sec) - The animators get silly to prepare for animating the movie.

* Talking Turkey with Composer Dominic Lewis (HD, 6min23sec) - The composer discusses the work what went into creating music for the film.

* Shake a Tail Feather (HD, 24sec)

* Theatrical Trailer (HD, 1min51sec)

Justice League: War Blu-ray Review

**SYNOPSIS**


In Gotham City’s shadows lurks a mysterious figure, a silent guardian known only as the Batman. While battling crime and an ever-growing public distrust, he faces the injustices of the night alone. During a criminal pursuit, the Batman crosses paths with the arrogant intergalactic cop Green Lantern, and the unlikely duo uncovers an impending threat bigger and more deadly than anything the Earth has faced before. For the Earth to have a chance to survive, it will b a race to forge an uneasy alliance of its greatest super powers, including the Kryptonian alien, Superman; the Amazonian envoy, Wonder Woman; and the Scarlet Speedster, the Flash. Along with newcomers Cyborg and teen super hero Shazam, this awesome assembly of the world’s finest are prepared to meet evil head-on and offer mankind its only hope, if they don’t self-destruct first!





**VIDEO QUALITY**


Justice League: War arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.78:1. - A solid presentation with one minor quibble. Colors are well saturated with bold primaries pooping of the superheros and their elaborate costumes. Black levels were inky throughout. Fine detail was excellent and shows off Jim Lee's artistry. There is some noticeable banding in certain scenes that hope they can remedy in future. 8.5/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**


Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - Your ears will be treated to a "Super" sonic presentation. Dialogue was placed front and center remaining crisp and clear through the movie's 79 minute running time. Surrounds are heavily engaged with the action on screen feeling like it's taking place right in the listening space. LFE response was massive and powerful. Deep bass rumbles the floor and kicks you in the rear end without breaking a sweat. Warner has dine a fine job with this one. 10/10


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


* Creating Heroes: The Life and Art of Jim Lee (HD, 37min18sec) - This retrospective of Jim Lee's legendary career and is a must watch for fans of the artist and the DC universe. Lee is interviewed along with others and they take a look back from his beginnings to present day.

* Justice League: War Act D - From Animatic to Pencil Test (HD, 23min45sec) - A collection of animatics with insight from the director Jay Olivia.

* From the DC Comics Vault - 4 Vintage Cartoons - Included are 1 episode of Justice League:Unlimited, 1 episodes of Batman: The Brave And The Bold, and 1 episode of 2 episodes of Young Justice

* Deconstructing War with Jay Oliva and Jim Lee (HD, 21min26sec) -

* Sneak Peak for Son of Batman

The King of Comedy, The 30th Anniversary on Blu-ray March 25th

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be bringing the Martin Scorsese directed classic The King of Comedy to Blu-ray on March 25, 2014 as a 30th Anniversary edition. The film stars Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis and Sandra Bernhard. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Audio will be provided by a DTS-HD Master 1.0 track. Below are the official details:


***SYNOPSIS***


Academy Award® Winner Robert De Niro*, Jerry Lewis and Sandra Bernhard give mesmerizing performances in this “chilling black comedy” (TV Guide’s Movie Guide) that explores the painfully high and often hilarious price of fame. Desperate to be a star, struggling stand-up comedian Rupert Pupkin (De Niro) enlists the aid of his fanatical friend Masha (Bernhard) to kidnap talk show host Jerry Langford (Lewis). The ransom? A guest spot for Pupkin. The results? Outrageous! The King of Comedy stands as Scorsese’s prophetic masterpiece which confronts a celebrity culture that “looks more disturbingly current with each passing year” (Lucia Bozzola, All Movie Guide).

*Actor, Raging Bull, 1980; Supporting Actor, The Godfather Part II, 1974.


**Blu-ray Special Features**

* Tribeca Film Festival: A Conversation with Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, and Jerry Lewis
* A Shot to the Top: The Making of The King of Comedy
* Deleted And Extended Scenes
* Theatrical Trailer and TV Spot

Golden Globe Winner 12 Years A Slave on Blu-ray and DVD March 4th

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be bringing the Golden Globe Best Drama Winner and Oscar Nominated film 12 Years A Slave to Blu-ray and DVD on March 4, 2014. The film was directed by Steve McQueen and stars Chitewel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alfre Woodward and Lupita Nyong’o . The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Audio will be provided by a DTS-HD Master 5.1 track. Below are the official details:





***SYNOPSIS***


Bring home the 2014 Golden Globes winner 12 YEARS A SLAVE on Digital HD™ February 18 and Blu-ray™ and DVD March 4. Director Steve McQueen’s cinematic masterpiece has been hailed by critics as “a game-changing movie event,"(Peter Travers, Rolling Stone) receiving top honors from critics, outstanding reactions from audiences and a coveted “A” CinemaScore.

Now, go even deeper into Solomon Northrup’s journey with exclusive, never-before-seen features on the Blu-ray™ and DVD including the documentary “A Historical Portrait” that explores director Steve McQueen’s unique artistry in bringing this remarkable story to life with readings from the book by actor Chiwetel Ejiofor that brings authenticity and dimension to the real story of Solomon; “The Team” which profiles the creative minds assembled by McQueen to bring Solomon Northup’s journey to life; and “The Score” that follows film composer Hans Zimmer as he creates his dramatic score.

One of the most-celebrated films of the year, 12 YEARS A SLAVE has already nabbed 97 wins, including the Golden Globe award for “Best Motion Picture: Drama,” and more than 130 nominations from esteemed groups, such as The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (nominated for nine Oscars, including Best Picture), The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (nominated for seven Golden Globes, including Best Picture), Screen Actors Guild (nominated for four SAG Awards, including Best Ensemble), FILM Independent (Nominated for seven Spirit Awards, including Best Feature), and has earned numerous Critics Groups accolades, including Best Picture nods from Washington DC Area Film Critics and New York Film Critics Online. 12 YEARS A SLAVE has been named to over 250 “Top 10 Lists” from critics across the country.

Directed by Steve McQueen (Hunger) and written by John Ridley, 12 YEARS A SLAVE features stand-out performances from a first-rate ensemble, including: Chiwetel Ejiofor (Salt, American Gangster), Michael Fassbender (X-Men First Class, Prometheus), Lupita Nyong’o in a breakout role, Alfre Woodard (“True Blood”), Brad Pitt (World War Z) Benedict Cumberbatch (Star Trek Into Darkness), Paul Dano (Prisoners), and Paul Giamatti (The Amazing Spider-Man 2), as well as defining musical performances from prolific composer Hans Zimmer.

It is 1841, and Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor in a gripping performance), an accomplished, free citizen of New York, is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Stripped of his identity and deprived of all dignity, Northup is ultimately purchased by ruthless plantation owner Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender) and must find the strength within to survive. Filled with powerful performances by an astonishing cast that includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Brad Pitt and newcomer Lupita Nyong’o, 12 YEARS A SLAVE is both an unflinching account of slavery in American history and a celebration of the indomitable power of hope.


**Blu-ray Special Features**
* A Historical Portrait (Blu-ray only)
* The Team
* The Score

Out of the Furnace on Blu-ray and DVD March 11th

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be bringing the powerful film Out of the Furnace to Blu-ray and DVD on March 11, 2014. The film stars Christian Bale, Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck, Forest Whitaker, Willem Dafoe and Zoe Saldana. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Audio will be provided by a DTS-HD Master 5.1 track. Below are the official details:





***SYNOPSIS***


From Scott Cooper, the critically acclaimed writer and director of Crazy Heart, comes a gripping and powerful drama about family, fate, circumstance and justice. Russell Baze (Oscar Winner Christian Bale) leads a dead-end life – he works a meaningless steel mill job all day, and cares for his terminally ill father at night. When Russell’s brother Rodney (Casey Affleck) returns home from Iraq, he is lured into one of the Northeast’s most ruthless crime rings and mysteriously disappears. When the police fail to solve the case, Russell puts his life at risk in order to seek justice for his brother. This absorbing film features a knockout cast that includes Woody Harrelson, Forest Whitaker, Willem Dafoe, Zoe Saldana and Sam Shepard.


**Blu-ray Special Features**
* Inspiration
* Scott Cooper
* Crafting the Fight Scenes
* The Music of Out of the Furnace