The Matrix 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray May 22nd

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has officially announced they will release The Matrix to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack on May 22, 2018. The 4K Blu-ray specs are set to be 2160p video in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio and a new Dolby Atmos audio track. Below are the official details:





Warner Bros. Home Entertainment announced today that 1999’s acclaimed sci-fi action classic The Matrix will be released on Ultra HD Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and Digital on May 22nd. Directed by the Wachowskis (The Matrix Trilogy, Cloud Atlas, Jupiter Ascending) and starring Keanu Reeves as Neo, Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus, and Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity, The Matrix is widely considered to be one of the most influential films in recent history.

Written and directed by the Wachowskis and produced by Joel Silver, The Matrix won four Academy Awards* and revolutionized the sci-fi action film genre. The Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures film was the first to sell more than one million DVDs, is included on multiple lists of the top sci-fi films of all time, and in 2012 was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant.

The Matrix 4K UHD release is from a new scan of the original camera negative and is the first remaster of the film in nearly 15 years. The 4K UHD remaster was supervised by the film’s director of photography, Bill Pope (The Matrix Trilogy, Spider-Man 2, Spider-Man 3, Baby Driver). A remastered Blu-ray disc from the new 4K scan is also included.

Ultra HD** showcases 4K resolution with High Dynamic Range (HDR) and a wider color spectrum, offering consumers brighter, deeper, more lifelike colors for a home entertainment viewing experience like never before.

The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc of The Matrix will feature Dolby VisionTM HDR that dramatically expands the color palette and contrast range and uses dynamic metadata to automatically optimize the picture for every screen — frame by frame.

Also, the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray discs of The Matrix will feature a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack remixed specifically for the home theater environment to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. To experience Dolby Atmos at home, a Dolby Atmos enabled AV receiver and additional speakers are required, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar. Dolby Atmos soundtracks are also fully backward compatible with traditional audio configurations and legacy home entertainment equipment.

The Matrix will be available on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack for $41.99 SRP and features an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc with the feature film in 4K with HDR and digitally remastered Blu-ray disc of the The Matrix. Fans can also own The Matrix in 4K Ultra HD via purchase from select digital retailers beginning on May 22, 2018. The 4K, Blu-ray and Digital versions of the film will include more than 3 hours of previously released extras. The 4K UHD disc and the digitally remastered Blu-ray will include the previously released written intro from the Wachowskis and four commentaries. The bonus disc will include the other previously released special features.


**SYNOPSIS**


Perception: Our day-in, day-out world is real.

Reality: That world is a hoax, an elaborate deception spun by all-powerful machines of artificial intelligence that control us.

Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne lead the fight to free humankind in the see-and-see-again cyberthriller written and directed by the Wachowskis, and winner of four Academy Awards.


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


The Matrix Ultra HD Blu-ray contains the following previously released special features:

* Written Introduction by the Wachowskis
* “Philosopher” Commentary by Dr. Cornel West and Ken Wilbur
* “Critics” Commentary by Todd McCarthy, John Powers and David Thomson
* “Cast & Crew” Commentary by Carrie-Anne Moss, Zach Staenberg and John Gaeta
* “Composer” Commentary by Don Davis with Music Only Track

The Matrix Blu-ray contains the following previously released special features:

* The Matrix Revisited
* Follow the White Rabbit
* Take the Red Pill
* Marilyn Manson “Rock is Dead” Music Video
* Teaser Trailer
* Theatrical Trailer
* TV Spots

Paddington 2 Blu-ray April 24th

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has officially announced they will release Paddington to Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on April 3, 2018. The Blu-ray specs are set to be 10800p video in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio and at least a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for audio. Below are the official details:





Bring home the critically-acclaimed family film when “Paddington 2” arrives on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital.

Following the worldwide hit “Paddington,” one of the most successful family films of all time, this much-anticipated sequel finds Paddington (Ben Whishaw) happily settled with the Brown family in London, where he has become a popular member of the local community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes.

Reuniting many of the original film’s cast while welcoming those in new roles, “Paddington 2” stars Golden Globe nominee Hugh Bonneville (“Downton Abbey”), Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins (“Blue Jasmine”), three-time Golden Globe nominee Brendan Gleeson (“The Guard,” “Into the Storm,” “In Bruges”), Oscar nominee Julie Walters (“Billy Elliot,” “Educating Rita”), Oscar winner Jim Broadbent (“Iris”), and Oscar winner Peter Capaldi (short, “Franz Kafka’s It’s a Wonderful Life”), with Golden Globe and BAFTA Award winner Hugh Grant (“Four Weddings and a Funeral”), and BAFTA winner Ben Whishaw (“The Hollow Crown”) as the voice of Paddington. The starring ensemble also includes Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, and Oscar nominee Imelda Staunton (“Vera Drake”) as the voice of Aunt Lucy.

The film was produced by multiple award-winning producer David Heyman (the “Harry Potter” films, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” Oscar nominee for “Gravity”). Serving as executive producers were Rosie Alison, Jeffrey Clifford, Alexandra Ferguson Derbyshire, Ron Halpern, and Didier Lupiter.

Paddington’s return to the big screen was again helmed by BAFTA-nominated director Paul King (“Paddington,” “Come Fly with Me,” “The Mighty Boosh”) from a script written by King and Simon Farnaby (Sky TV’s “Yonderland,” “Mindhorn”), based on the best-selling and internationally adored books by Michael Bond, creator of Paddington Bear.

A Warner Bros. Pictures and StudioCanal presentation, a Heyday Films Production in association with Anton Capital Entertainment S.C.A., “Paddington 2” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

“Paddington 2” will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99 and DVD for $28.98. The Blu-ray Combo Pack features a Blu-ray disc with the film in high definition and the special features in high definition, a DVD with the film in standard definition, and a Digital version of the movie.


**SYNOPSIS**


While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s hundredth birthday, Paddington sees a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. Hilarity and adventure ensue when the book is stolen and Paddington and the Browns must unmask the thief.


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


* Paddington: The Bear Truth
* How to Make A Marmalade Sandwich
* Music Video with Phoenix Buchanan
* The Magical Mystery of Paddington’s Pop-Up Book
* The Browns and Paddington: The Special Bond
* Knuckles: A Fistful of Marmalade
* The (Once) Famous Faces of Phoenix Buchanan
* Audio Commentary by Director/Co-Writer Paul King

12 Strong Blu-ray May 1st

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has officially announced they will release 12 Strong to Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on May 1, 2018. The Blu-ray specs are set to be 10800p video in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio and a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for audio. Below are the official details:





Uncover one of the greatest missions the world has never known when “12 Strong” arrives on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital.

Chris Hemsworth (“Thor”) and Oscar nominee Michael Shannon (“Nocturnal Animals,” “The Shape of Water”) star in “12 Strong,” a powerful new war drama from Alcon Entertainment, Black Label Media and Jerry Bruckheimer Films that tells the declassified true story of the first American soldiers sent into Afghanistan after 9/11.

Playing the “12 Strong” U.S. Special Forces team are Hemsworth, Shannon, Michael Peña (“The Martian, “Ant-Man”), Trevante Rhodes (“Moonlight”), Geoff Stults (“Only the Brave”), Thad Luckinbill (“Only the Brave”), Austin Stowell (“Bridge of Spies”), Ben O’Toole (“Hacksaw Ridge”), Austin Hébert (“Jack Reacher: Never Go Back”), Kenneth Miller (“Whiskey Tango Foxtrot”), Kenny Sheard (“13 Hours”) and Jack Kesy (TV’s “The Strain). The ensemble cast also includes Navid Negahban (“American Sniper,” TV’s “Homeland”), Elsa Pataky (the “Fast & Furious” films), William Fichtner (“Black Hawk Down,” “Armageddon”) and Rob Riggle (“The Hangover”).

Award-winning director Nicolai Fuglsig directed the film, which is produced by legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer (the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, “Black Hawk Down”), together with Molly Smith, Trent Luckinbill and Thad Luckinbill under their Black Label Media banner (“La La Land,” “Sicario”). Oscar winner Ted Tally (“The Silence of the Lambs”) and Peter Craig (“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Parts 1 & 2”) wrote the screenplay, based on the acclaimed book Horse Soldiers by author Doug Stanton. The executive producers are Oscar nominees and Alcon principals Andrew A. Kosove and Broderick Johnson (“The Blind Side”), together with Chad Oman, Mike Stenson, Ellen H. Schwartz, Garrett Grant, Yale Badik, Val Hill and Doug Stanton.

The behind-the-scenes team included director of photography Rasmus Videbaek (“A Royal Affair”), production designer Christopher Glass (“The Jungle Book”), editor Lisa Lassek (“The Avengers”), costume designer Dan Lester (asst. costume designer on “Zero Dark Thirty,” “The Hurt Locker”) and composer Lorne Balfe (“Geostorm”).

Alcon Entertainment, Black Label Media and Jerry Bruckheimer Films present, a Jerry Bruckheimer Production, a Black Label Media Production, in Association with Torridon Flms, “12 Strong.” “12 Strong” is distributed in North America by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, with Lionsgate handling international distribution.

“12 Strong” will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99 and DVD for $28.98. The Blu-ray Combo Pack features a Blu-ray disc with the film in high definition and the special features in high definition, a DVD with the film in standard definition, and a Digital version of the movie.


**SYNOPSIS**


“12 Strong” is set in the harrowing days following 9/11 when an elite U.S. Special Forces unit, led by their Captain, Mitch Nelson (Hemsworth), is chosen to be the first U.S. soldiers sent into Afghanistan for an extremely dangerous mission in response to the attacks. Leaving their families behind, the team is dropped into the remote, rugged landscape of northern Afghanistan, where they must convince General Rashid Dostum (Navid Negahban) to join forces with them to fight their common adversary: the Taliban and their Al Qaeda allies.

In addition to overcoming mutual distrust and a vast cultural divide, the Americans—accustomed to state-of-the-art warfare—must adopt the rudimentary tactics of the Afghan horse soldiers. Despite forming an uneasy bond and growing respect, the new allies face overwhelming odds: vastly outnumbered and outgunned by a ruthless enemy that does not take prisoners.


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


* 12 Strong: The Making of an Impossible Mission
* Monumental Effort: Building America’s Response Monument

Justice League 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

**SYNOPSIS**


Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.





**VIDEO QUALITY**


Justice League arrives on 4K UHD Blu-ray with a 2160p presentation in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. - The standard Blu-ray included is a visually pleasing presentation with good black levels and color reproduction. Details are excellent. 9/10 for Blu-ray.

The 4K Ultra HD disc has a surprisingly stunning presentation. Black levels have wonderful, inky depth. Shadow detail was a step up but does show a bit more grain. Depth and fine details in the image are breathtaking. The new Superman suit is beautiful to take time and see all the layers that went into as well as Batman's up graded suit in the final battle. Colors get a significant boost from HDR as do specular highlights on Cyborg's chrome or Wonder Woman's bracelets and lasso. For some folks who found the image a bit dim or underwhelming in theaters will be shocked by how vivid certain scenes look here. If there is one fault is that the image is so sharp that it makes the cgi look more noticeably fake than before. 10/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**


Audio is provided by a Dolby Atmos track. - Both the 4K and standard Blu-ray contain the Atmos track. This is a heroic track with wall rattling bass, brilliant use of the height channels and crystal clear dialogue. The score highlight is the little bit of Danny Elfman Batman theme music. Without a doubt one to add to your demo disc pile. 10/10


**BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES**


* The Return of Superman (HD, 02:04) - Bonus scenes not seen in theaters

* Road to Justice (HD, 14:10) - Journey alongside DC comic creators as they explore over fifty years of the Justice League, from comic books to animated adventures to their cinematic debut.

* Heart of Justice (HD, 11:52) - Discover the heart, soul and mind of the Justice League, as the cast and filmmakers share their admiration for DC’s iconic Trinity: Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman.

* Technology of the Justice League (HD, 08:14) - From Batman’s arsenal to Cyborg’s alien tech, interface with the Justice League database to learn their most advanced secrets.

* Justice League: The New Heroes (HD, 12:24) - Join Ray Fisher on a personal tour to meet the newest members of the Justice League: Aquaman, the Flash and Cyborg.

* Steppenwolf the Conqueror (HD, 03:03) - Join actor Ciarán Hinds and the filmmakers as they reveal the story behind mankind’s ancient enemy and the Justice League’s greatest challenge.

* Scene Studies (HD, Play All, 15:16)
- Revisiting the Amazons (HD, 03:32) - Take a closer look at the filmmaking process behind Justice League’s most visually exciting and action-packed sequences
- Wonder Woman’s Rescue (HD, 03:14) - Take a closer look at the filmmaking process behind Justice League’s most visually exciting and action-packed sequences
- Heroes Park (HD, 04:57) - Take a closer look at the filmmaking process behind Justice League’s most visually exciting and action-packed sequences
- The Tunnel Battle (HD, 03:32) - Take a closer look at the filmmaking process behind Justice League’s most visually exciting and action-packed sequences

Suit Up: The Look of the League (HD, 10:21) - Costume Designer Michael Wilkinson explores the innovation and artistry that goes into creating the costumes of DC’s iconic heroes.