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2002 NEWS TIDBITS

February 2002 Headlines

02/28/02

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME VIDEO ANNOUNCES MULHOLLAND DRIVE

Hailed by over a 150 critics as one of the "Top 10 Best Films" of the year and an Academy Award nominee for "Best Director", the erotically-charged thriller, MULHOLLAND DRIVE, cruises onto DVD for $24.95 MAP.

MULHOLLAND DRIVE was also nominated for four Golden Globe Awards including "Best Picture - Drama", "Best Director," "Best Screenplay" and "Best Original Score" and voted "Best Picture" by the National Society of Film Critics, the New York Film Critics Circle, the Boston Society of Film Critics and the Broadcast Film Critics Association.

Other accolades include "Best Director" for the inimitable David Lynch by the Los Angeles Film Critics, the Chicago Film Critics Association, the Boston Society of Film Critics, the New York Film Critics Online, Screen International and at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival. Naomi Watt's star turn was also selected as "Breakthrough Performance of the Year" by the National Board of Review.

Written and directed by David Lynch, MULHOLLAND DRIVE features some of the year's freshest, most unpredictable performances by newcomers Watts, Justin Theroux (Zoolander), and Laura Elena-Harring (Little Nicky). Veteran stars Ann Miller, Robert Forster, and Lee Grant co-star, adding a touch of Hollywood mystique to one of the most original and unusual films of the year. Called "Hypnotic" by Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times, "A maniacal thrill!" by the New York Times and "Dangerous and addictive" by the L.A. Daily News, MULHOLLAND DRIVE has impressed film reviewers and audiences alike, becoming one of the most talked-about, sensual and controversial films of the year, filled with baffling surprises and unforgettable dreamlike images. As Peter Travers, Rolling Stone writes: "There's nothing like this baby anywhere! This sinful pleasure is a fresh triumph for Lynch, and one of the best films of the year. Visionary daring, swooning eroticism and colors that pop like a whore's lip gloss!"

Further information can be found at www.mulhollanddrive.com.

Synopsis

Along MULHOLLAND DRIVE, nothing is what it seems. In this complex tale of mystery and suspense, set in the unreal universe of Los Angeles, writer/director David Lynch explores the city's schizophrenic nature, an uneasy blend of innocence and corruption, love and loneliness, beauty and depravity, sensibility and sexuality. Lynch skillfully constructs a mesmerizing puzzle, propelling us through a mysterious labyrinth of sensual experiences until we arrive at the intersection where dreams and nightmares meet. 

CAST & FILMMAKERS

DVD

 

02/27/02

CELEBRATE THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEGENDARY CONCERT EVENT THAT PUT ROCK `N' ROLL ON THE BIG SCREEN-- THE LAST WALTZ

United Artists, MGM Home Entertainment, and Rhino Revisit Martin Scorsese's Groundbreaking Concert Film with Theatrical Release, Special Edition DVD, and 4-CD Boxed Set

Classic and Previously Unavailable Performances by The Band with Guests Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and Others

Spring 2002 marks the launch of a multifaceted campaign celebrating the 25 year anniversary of the concert event that topped all others and the motivation for Martin Scorsese's landmark concert film THE LAST WALTZ. United Artists, MGM Home Entertainment, and Rhino Entertainment respectively announce a theatrical release, Special Edition DVD, and audio boxed set honoring THE LAST WALTZ both as a legendary live event in rock history and as one of the most important concert films ever made.

On April 12`e, United Artists will launch a limited theatrical run of THE LAST WALTZ preceded by a star-studded premiere at New York's Ziegfeld Theater. On April 16`", Rhino will release the definitive four-CD boxed set including previously unreleased music, for a suggested retail price of $59.98. On May 7, MGM Home Entertainment will issue a Special Edition DVD featuring new interviews with Martin Scorsese and Robbie Robertson, for a suggested retail price of $24.98.

With full cooperation from Robertson and Scorsese, these anniversary projects feature newly edited, never-before-released elements from The Band's celebrated final performance with musical contemporaries Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Muddy Waters, Emmylou Harris, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Ronnie Hawkins, The Staples Singers, Ron Wood, Paul Butterfield, Mac "Dr. John" Rebennack, among others.

THE LAST WALTZ Theatrical Release

On April 12th, United Artists will launch a limited theatrical run of THE LAST WALTZ in San Francisco (where the concert took place in 1976), New York and Los Angeles followed by Seattle, San Diego, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Toronto and Washington DC on April 19. The new release prints will feature a digitally remixed and remastered soundtrack, personally supervised by Robertson. Additionally, the film will be heard for the first time in state-of-the-art 5.1 stereo surround sound and be shown with newly restored color corrected prints approved by Scorsese. A star-studded premiere of the restored film is scheduled at New York's Ziegfeld Theater on April 10th, the same venue that originally premiered the film 25 years ago.

THE LAST WALTZ Special Edition DVD

Offering a brand new, flawless 16X9 digital transfer of the film with the original stereo mix as well as a new digital mix in 5.1 surround sound supervised by Robertson, the technical improvements made for the DVD further enhance THE LAST WALTZ experience. The special edition DVD bonus material includes the "Revisiting THE LAST WALTZ" featurette; Robertson and Scorsese discuss their own experiences in attempting to accurately capture the historical live music event on film, including the necessity of expanding their respective music and film mentalities in order to work together creatively. The featurette also includes Scorsese's original storyboards, and artwork from production designer Boris Leven (West Side Story, Sound Of Music).

A never-before-seen "Jam Footage" segment has been edited by Scorsese and mixed by Robertson specifically for this DVD. This footage includes never-before-seen performances by The Band, as well as guests Dr. John, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Paul Butterfield, Ron Wood, Carl Radle, Stephen Stills and Neil Young.

Two full-length audio commentaries are also included on the DVD. In one, Robertson and Scorsese provide a shot-by-shot narrative of the film with detailed memories of all aspects of the production. In the second commentary, remaining `Band' members Levon Helm and Garth Hudson, musicians Ronnie Hawkins and Mavis Staples, and various production crew members and music journalists tell tall tales, dissect lyrics and recollect the making of the legendary concert event.

The DVD also features a photo gallery with nearly 100 rare images chronicling the legendary concert and film premiere. The original theatrical trailer and television advertisement are included on the special edition DVD, as well as a collectible booklet with introduction authored by Robertson.

THE LAST WALTZ Boxed Set

Newly remixed by Robbie Robertson from the original multitrack masters of pre-concert, concert, and post-concert material, THE LAST WALTZ boxed set is the most complete audio restoration ever available of this landmark event. With nearly all the original concert elements restored and additional performances available for the first time ever, THE LAST WALTZ collection realizes Robertson's musical vision for the project.

In addition to original concert performances, THE LAST WALTZ boxed set contains a stunning amount of previously unreleased material, such as performances by The Band with such luminaries as Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young; concert rehearsals of The Band with various guest stars; Robertson's personal demo of THE LAST WALTZ theme and the rehearsal of Robbie teaching the song to The Band; and two musical jams, one of which will be a bonus on the Special Edition DVD. Additional previously unissued rarities include performances by Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, and Dr. John.

The audio set will be packaged in a 6x12 Digi-Box, replicating the original album cover, with the gold and black embossed logo from THE LAST WALTZ. With liner notes penned by Rolling Stone's David Fricke, the 80-page CD booklet will include reproductions of poster art, plus rare and previously unseen photos, notes, and memorabilia from the personal collections of Robbie Robertson and Martin Scorsese.

On Thanksgiving Day in 1976, The Band (Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel) took the stage for the very last time at the Winterland Theatre in San Francisco. Produced by legendary rock promoter Bill Graham, the concert was billed as THE LAST WALTZ, perhaps to make the final statement on an era that is arguably unrivalled in rock history. The $25 ticket included a full turkey dinner, complete with trimmings. The Band composed the title song, written mostly the day before the show and rehearsed backstage during the only break they took in their five-hour performance. Joining The Band on stage throughout the evening were contemporaries Bob Dylan, Dr. John, Ronnie Hawkins, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Neil Diamond, Muddy Waters, Stephen Stills, Bobby Charles, Carl Radle and Eric Clapton. During the finale, Ringo Staff and Ron Wood joined in on "I Shall Be Released."

Days before the concert, The Band, along with filmmaker Martin Scorsese and producer Jon Taplin, put together a detailed, 300-page "script" for a concert documentary - the first to be shot with 35mm film. Seven cameras, 160,000 feet of stock and two years of editing later, THE LAST WALTZ premiered at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City, setting a new standard for feature-length concert films.

When THE LAST WALTZ appeared in theaters a quarter century ago, the film represented more than a collaboration between musician and filmmaker. Scorsese's only concert film not only documented the last appearance of the chart-topping rock group The Band, but also became the first of its kind to be shot in 35mm film, and the standard by which all future concert films would be measured. The critically acclaimed documentary is still widely regarded as the best concert movie of all time.

The Band's roots-inspired, earthy approach steered music away from the "flower power" sound; THE LAST WALTZ marked the end of an era (as punk was on the rise). In addition to their association with Dylan, a key factor in their continuing popularity and an important part of their legacy, is The Band's influence on many great rock artists, including Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and Counting Crows, to name just a few.

THE LAST WALTZ Special Edition DVD

THE LAST WALTZ CD Box Set

 

FROM THE CREATURE FEATURES COLLECTION COMES EARTH VS. THE SPIDER

A Chilling Horror Thriller Debuting On DVD May 7, 2002

On May 7, 2002, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will release on videocassette and DVD EARTH VS. THE SPIDER, a terrifying horror thriller starring Dan Aykroyd (Pearl Harbor), Theresa Russell (Wild Things), Devon Gummersall (Independence Day) and Amelia Heinle (The Limey).  This all-new Creature Features film delivers state-of-the-art special effects by four-time Academy Award winner Stan Winston (Jurassic Park III, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Aliens).  EARTH VS. THE SPIDER is the second of the five Creature Features to be released by Columbia

TriStar Home Entertainment this year.

Synopsis

Quentin (Gummersall) is a nerdy comic book fanatic who spends his days working as a security guard at a biotech research lab and his nights at home dreaming of superheroes. When thugs ambush the lab, his partner is killer in the shootout. Overcome by grief, he knowingly injects himself with a top-secret drug made from the blood of a laboratory spider. Slowly, the effects of the injection change his body - and as Quentin becomes more like a spider and less like a human, he develops a hunger that will not be ignored.  Detective Grillo (Aykroyd) is the only hope Quentin's girlfriend has before she becomes his next snack!

EARTH VS. THE SPIDER produced by Lou Arkoff, Stan Winston and Collen Camp.

Directed by Scott Ziehl from screenplay by Cary Solomon, Chuck Konzelman, Max Enscoe and Annie de Young from a story by Mark "Crash" McCreery, Cary Solomon and Chuck Konzelman.

DVD:

 

02/25/02

$185 MILLION MEGA HIT OCEAN’S ELEVEN ARRIVES MAY 7 ON DVD

Packed DVD Includes Feature-Length Commentary by Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Andy Garcia Plus a Separate Commentary by Director Steven Soderbergh and Two Behind-The-Scenes Documentaries

Ex-con Danny Ocean has put together a handpicked eleven-man crew to pull off the most daring heist in Las Vegas history. The result is Ocean's Eleven, the $185 million box-office sensation from Academy Award winning director STEVEN SODERBERGH (Erin Brockovich, Traffic, Out of Sight) and 2002’s first "must-have" mega-hit video, available May 7 from Warner Home Video (WHV) direct to sell-through, priced at $22.98 SRP for VHS and $26.98 SRP for DVD.

OCEAN’S ELEVEN boasts an unmatched, all-star cast that has collectively earned more than 4.5 billion dollars at the box-office.  Called "the coolest damned thing around" by Rolling Stone Magazine, OCEAN’S ELEVEN was one of 2001’s top grossing films, uniquely appealing to men and women of all ages.

This star-studded ensemble cast that is certain to make OCEAN’S ELEVEN a "must own" for every video collector includes:

GEORGE CLOONEY, Golden Globe winner (The Perfect Storm, O Brother, Where Art Thou?)

MATT DAMON, Academy Award and Golden Globe winner (The Talented Mr. Ripley, Good Will Hunting) ANDY GARCIA, Academy Award nominee (When a Man Loves a Woman, Godfather III)

BRAD PITT, Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner (Spy Game, Fight Club)

JULIA ROBERTS, Academy Award and Golden Globe winner (Erin Brockovich, America’s Sweethearts) CASEY AFFLECK (Soul Survivors, American Pie II), SCOTT CAAN (Novocaine, American Outlaws), ELLIOTT GOULD ("Friends," American History X), BERNIE MAC ("The Bernie Mac Show,") and CARL REINER (The Sid Caesar Collection, The Jerk ) also star in this pure fun heist movie that mixes witty dialogue, edge-of-your-seat excitement and even a bit of romance.

"No other title in recent years has this many of the top stars in one film," said Mike Saksa, WHV vice president, U.S. marketing.  "We expect this unparalleled star power and popular genre will be a ‘sure bet’ with consumers."

The OCEAN’S ELEVEN DVD is web-enabled, presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio and Dolby Surround 2.0 and will be available in a 16x9 widescreen version as well as a full-frame version. Both versions of the DVD include several outstanding special features:

OCEAN’S ELEVEN is rated PG-13 (language and sexual content) and has a running time of 116 minutes.

 

SILVERLINE AND SANCTUARY TO RELEASE 140 DVD-AUDIO TITLES

Joey Ramone, Bob Marley, Widespread Panic, Styx, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sex Pistols, Motorhead and more to be among new DVD-Audio titles

Silverline Records has entered into a long-term licensing deal with Sanctuary Records to release DVD-Audio titles, it was announced today by John Trickett, Chairman of the 5.1 Entertainment Group and Merck Mercuriadis, CEO of The Sanctuary Group Inc., the US arm of London based international media company The Sanctuary Group plc..

Under the terms of the agreement, Silverline Records has obtained exclusive license rights for all six-channel formats for 140 unique albums of Sanctuary repertoire including past and future releases.  Beginning in April 2002, Silverline Records will release multiple DVD-Audio titles per month by artists such as Bob Marley, Styx, The Kinks, Joey Ramone, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Widespread Panic, Sex Pistols and Megadeth to name a few.

Silverline was the first label to produce and release a DVD-Audio title, the Grammy-nominated "Swinging For The Fences" by Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band.  Silverline Records has maintained a leadership role in the development, production and marketing of DVD-Audio with 53 DVD-Audio titles released to date.

John Trickett said, "I am extremely pleased to announce our relationship with Sanctuary. Their catalog is deep and has a wide range of musical genres with albums from seminal artists. The release of such a large number of DVD Audio titles will very much benefit the format and we are excited to be releasing them."

Merck Mercuriadis said, "DVD-Audio is an exciting medium and 5.1 Entertainment are both the market leaders and innovators driving the growth of the format.  I look forward to our catalogue and artists benefiting from their expertise."

 

02/21/02

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME VIDEO ANNOUNCES SPY GAME FOR DVD WITH SPECIAL FEATURE: CLANDESTINE OPS

Over 10 Hours Of Explosive Entertainment Debuts On DVD And April 9

Universal Studios Home Video will release the riveting action adventure SPY GAME, headlined by screen giants Brad Pitt and Robert Redford, on DVD and VHS on April 9, 2002. The SPY GAME Collector's Edition DVD offers over 10 explosive hours of high-powered entertainment including a breakthrough special feature aptly named Clandestine OPS, a unique viewing experience that puts the viewer in control. For the first time, viewers can go behind the scenes and gain access to classified information about SPY GAME's filmmaking process while simultaneously watching the film. The DVD is priced at $19.95 MAP with a pre-order close date of March 5.

One of the most anticipated DVD releases of the year, the SPY GAME Collector's Edition DVD also includes: Alternate and deleted scenes, including an alternate ending, that were filmed but never shown in theaters; a script-to-storyboard featurette on director Tony Scott's unique filmmaking process; feature commentary with director Tony Scott; feature commentary with producers Marc Abraham and Douglas Wick; requirements for acceptance as a CIA operative; DVD Rom features including Universal Studios Total AxessÔ that provides an exclusive hotlink to more behind-the-scenes footage; production information; production notes and cast/filmmakers biographies.

A mind-blowing race against time filled with non-stop action, that was touted as "Gripping!" by Newsweek and "Outstanding!" by the Chicago Sun-Times, SPY GAME moves at a dazzling pace through some of the most exotic locations in the world and features dare devil sequences that belie several years of planning and months of principal photography. As for the dream teaming of Brad Pitt and Robert Redford, acclaimed director Tony Scott (Enemy of the State, Crimson Tide) gives his two stars the highest praise, "You couldn't have asked for two better guys for these roles."

SPY GAME will be backed by a multi-million dollar television advertising campaign including network, cable and spot TV as well as on over 200 national college campuses., exceeding the breakthrough national campaign behind the blockbuster success of The Fast & the Furious. A dedicated website, www.spygame.net, will provide the most current information for consumers, including exclusive never-before-seen deleted scenes.

In-store POP materials include posters, in-store reels showcasing the hot action, and specially-designed merchandisers available in 24, 48 and 96-piece configurations.

Synopsis

When a top-secret, unauthorized mission goes bad, CIA agent Tom Bishop (Brad Pitt) is captured — and sentenced to die. With just 24 hours to get him out alive, Bishop's former boss Nathan Muir (Robert Redford) must battle enemies abroad and the system inside the CIA to save his friend. Now the clock is ticking and the race is on…as the deadliest game of all explodes into a spectacular, adrenaline-fueled, edge-of the seat thrill ride that sizzles with suspense.

CAST & FILMMAKERS

DVD

 

02/20/02

DOUBLE OSCAR-NOMINATED 'ALI' DEBUTS APRIL 30 ON DVD

Best Actor Nominee Will Smith and Supporting Actor Nominee Jon Voight Star in Director Michael Mann's Epic

Best Actor Academy Award nominee Will Smith stars with Jon Voight, nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, in ALI director Michael Mann's emotional saga chronicling the life of Muhammad Ali which debuts April 30 on DVD and videocassette. Digitally mastered audio and a widescreen presentation mastered in high definition preserve the epic sweep of the film Newsweek's David Ansen hailed as "an honest, richly detailed, gorgeous movie" and Peter Travers of Rolling Stone called "extraordinary. One of the best films of the year." The DVD release of ALI is priced at $27.96. Smith (Men in Black, Men in Black II) and Voight (Pearl Harbor, Coming Home Best Actor, 1978) head an all-star cast that includes Jamie Foxx (Any Given Sunday), Jada Pinkett Smith (The Nutty Professor), Mario Van Peebles (New Jack City), Ron Silver (Timecop), Mykelti Williamson (Three Kings), Paul Rodriguez (Rat Race), Joe Morton (What Lies Beneath) and Michael Michelle (TV's ER).

In a performance that Joel Siegel of ABC News called "a transformation," Will Smith plays boxing legend Muhammad Ali in a visually stunning epic from Academy Award-nominated director Michael Mann (The Insider). Beginning with ALI's groundbreaking boxing victories in the 1960s and 1970s, ALI explores the physical and psychological battles experienced by the athlete who would come to be known as "The Greatest." Facing a tumultuous romantic life, deeply held religious beliefs, and the pressures of ever-increasing fame, Muhammad Ali's quick-witted personality and strong friendships helped him "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee." In addition to Smith's acclaimed performance, ALI features a revealing portrait of the boxer's close friend, sportscaster Howard Cosell, played by Oscar nominee Jon Voight.

ALI was directed by Michael Mann from a screenplay by Stephen J. Rivele & Christopher Wilkinson and Eric Roth & Michael Mann from a story by Gregory Allen Howard. The Columbia Pictures release was produced by Jon Peters, James Lassiter, Paul Ardaji, Michael Mann and A. Kitman Ho.

DVD :

 

02/15/02

FLIXMIX & UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME VIDEO UNLEASHES ULTIMATE FIGHTS FROM THE MOVIES

Knock-Out Collection Of Hollywood's Most Intense Fight Scenes Available For The First Time Ever In One Immersive DVD Entertainment Experience

Following on the heels of its incredibly successful first release, Boogeymen, FlixMix now brings together a total overload of extreme action with ULTIMATE FIGHTS, the most definitive collection of the wildest, bloodiest, rowdiest, action-packed, slam-bangin', white-knuckled, pulse-pounding, heart-racing, high-octane Hollywood fight scenes from the most popular action movies ever.

Available April 16, 2002, ULTIMATE FIGHTS is priced to own at the special suggested retail price of $19.98 for DVD; VHS will be priced at $14.98 SRP.  ULTIMATE FIGHTS will be distributed through Universal Studios Home Video. 

For the first time ever, ULTIMATE FIGHTS packs the punches to deliver a no-holds-barred collection of the most intense movie fights ever filmed - fistfights, swordfights, streetfights, gunfights, girlfights, gangfights, boxing fights and martial arts fights!  ULTIMATE FIGHTS features 16 incredible fights from hit movies such as Gladiator, Rumble in the Bronx, Blade, Scarface, Snatch, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, They Live!, First Blood, The Players Club, Fist of Legend, Legend of the Drunken Master and more!

Never before have you been able to get so many top Hollywood box-office action heroes - including Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Wesley Snipes, Russell Crowe, Sylvester Stallone, Brad Pitt, Chow Yun Fat and Al Pacino - all together in their most extreme fighting moments. 

" Our first release Boogeymen was a tremendous success and paved the way for ULTIMATE FIGHTS, the next title in the FlixMix line, which has even broader consumer appeal.  Boogeymen was one of the biggest direct-to-video releases of 2001, remaining in the Top 20 DVD sales charts for the entire month of October, and placing it in the top 1% sales for direct-to-video product of all time," said Gary Shenk, General Manager, FlixMix, Inc. "With its first two releases, FlixMix has ushered in a whole new category of home entertainment that melds the power of the movies with the interactive fun of video games."

ULTIMATE FIGHTS is a truly complete "action experience" for viewers - You don't just watch the action...you dive right in deeper than ever before! The ULTIMATE FIGHTS DVD was designed specifically to take advantage of the full interactive potential of the DVD format with over five romp-stomping hours of original special features, making it the ultimate interactive entertainment experience for any serious fight fan or just someone who enjoys some kick-ass action!  DVD special features include:

ULTIMATE FIGHTS TECHNICAL INFORMATION

 

JERRY MAGUIRE SPECIAL EDITION DVD ARRIVES APRIL 30, 2002 FROM COLUMBIA TRISTAR HOME ENTERTAINMENT

"JERRY MAGUIRE," the $150 million smash hit, comes to special edition DVD on April 30, 2002.  Directed by Academy Award-winner Cameron Crowe, the film garnered an impressive four Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor (Cruise), Best Screenplay (Crowe) and Best Editing, while Cuba Gooding, Jr. took home the coveted statuette for Best Supporting Actor. The impressive cast also includes Renee Zellweger (Bridgette Jones Diary), Kelly Preston (For Love of the Game), Jerry O'Connell (Tomcats), Jay Mohr (Pay It Forward), Bonnie Hunt (Jumanji), Regina King (Poetic Justice) and Jonathan Lipnicki (Stuart Little 2).

The JERRY MAGUIRE SPECIAL EDITION DVD is a two-disc set including the film in a widescreen presentation.  In addition, this release includes an exclusive documentary, an audio and video commentary with Cameron Crowe, Tom Cruise, Renee Zellweger and Cuba Gooding, Jr., rehearsal footage, exclusive DVD-ROM features and more.  Includes over 120 minutes of bonus footage.

JERRY MAGUIRE SPECIAL EDITION DVD SPECIFICATIONS:

DISC ONE (DVD-9)

DISC TWO - (DVD-9)

Synopsis

"Tom Cruise gives his best performance to date" (Neil Rosen, NY-1) as a sports agent who suddenly discovers his scruples - and  promptly loses his job. But with the help of one loyal colleague and one outrageous client, JERRY MAGUIRE learns that loving well is the best revenge. "A sweetheart of a romantic comedy" (Peter Travers, ROLLING STONE) co-starring Cuba Gooding, Jr., Renee Zellweger, Regina King and Bonnie Hunt.

JERRY MAGUIRE SPECIAL EDITION DVD ADDITIONAL SPECS

 

RACE THE SUN ON DVD APRIL 30, 2002

Halle Berry (Monster's Ball) stars in RACE THE SUN, the poignant story of a new teacher stuck with a group of hopeless high school misfits who lead her on an adventure she never imagined. RACE THE SUN will debut on DVD April 30, 2002.  The film also stars Jim Belushi (TV's According to Jim), Steve Zahn (upcoming Stuart Little 2), Eliza Dushku (Bring It On), Casey Affleck (Ocean's Eleven) and Kevin Tighe (TV's Rose Red).

Synopsis

RACE THE SUN is a fictionalized account of the exploits of an Hawaii high school (Konawaena Intermediate and High School on the Big Island of Hawaii) in the 1990 World Solar Challenge in Australia, an outdoor race featuring solar- powered vehicles.

DVD:

 

02/14/02

THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON OF AMERICA'S #1 COMEDY SERIES FRIENDS THRILLING FANS ON DVD APRIL 30

Includes Never-Before-Seen Footage in Each Episode

More than 36 million viewers can't be wrong, so Warner Home Video (WHV) is satisfying fans by releasing the complete first season of the comedy series, FRIENDS, on VHS and DVD April 30.  Responding to an unprecedented public demand, all 24 episodes -- nearly 10 full hours of programming -- featuring special guest stars George Clooney, Helen Hunt, Noah Wyle, Jon Lovitz, Jill Goodacre and more-will be available in extended versions, including previously unseen footage. FRIENDS: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON boxed-set is priced at $49.98 SRP VHS and $69.98 SRP DVD. 

With fans already celebrating the news that FRIENDS will return in September for its ninth and final season, the release of FRIENDS: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON caps a remarkable year for this popular show.  In fact, The New York Times recently praised the FRIENDS series as "a model for how to stay fresh by shaking up its characters' lives." 

With ratings up more than 18% from last year, the Emmy-winning FRIENDS-starring Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe), Courtney Cox-Arquette (Monica), Jennifer Aniston (Rachel), David Schwimmer (Ross), Matthew Perry (Chandler) and Matt LeBlanc (Joey)- was honored with this year's People Choice Awards for Favorite Television Comedy Series and Favorite Female Television Performer (Jennifer Aniston).  FRIENDS was nominated for Golden Globe awards for Best Television Comedy and Best Supporting Actress (Jennifer Aniston) and for SAG Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series (Jennifer Aniston) and Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.

The FRIENDS cast issued the following statement regarding their decision to do one more season:  "We are enormously pleased and excited to be returning for a ninth season. We could not ignore the outpouring of public support for the show and we are looking forward to creating one more season with the best writers, producers, directors and production people in television." The DVD version of FRIENDS: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON is loaded with special features, including an insightful commentary for the pilot episode with executive producers Kevin S. Bright, Marta Kauffman and David Crane;  A Peek At Central Perk, which takes viewers on an interactive tour of the set to discover inside secrets from the crew; Friends Of Friends, a video guide to season one's special guest appearances; How Well Do You Know Your Friends? video trivia challenge;  The One With The Trailer Of Season 2 and cast profiles.

EPISODE SYNOPSIS:

  1. The One Where It All Began: Monica's old high school friend, Rachel, decides to move in with her after leaving her fiancé at the altar. Meanwhile, Ross takes an apartment in Monica's building to be closer to his friends, Chandler and Joey.

  2. The One With The Sonogram At The End: Ross' ex-wife Carol tells him that she and her lover, Susan, plan to raise their baby together, but that he is invited to the sonogram.  Meanwhile Monica prepares for dinner with her parents.

  3. The One With The Thumb: Phoebe's bank mistakenly credits her account, but her attempts to fix the situation only bring her more money, as well as a soda with a thumb floating in it. Meanwhile, Chandler teaches Joey how to smoke.

  4. The One With George Stephanopoulos: Joey and Chandler invite Ross to a hockey game for his birthday, but his nose gets broken by a flying puck and the guys spend the night in the hospital.  Meanwhile, the girls discuss life and guys.

  5. The One With The East German Laundry Detergent: Monica and Joey try to break up Joey's ex-girlfriend Angela's current relationship, Chandler and Phoebe try to break up with their dates and Ross teaches Rachel how do to laundry.

  6. The One With The Butt: Chandler starts dating a beautiful woman, who is not only married, but also has another boyfriend, a situation which isn't as fun as he expects it to be.  Meanwhile, Joey is cast in a movie, as Al Pacino's "butt double."

  7. The One With The Blackout: During a blackout in New York City, Chandler is locked in an ATM with beautiful supermodel Jill Goodacre.  Meanwhile, the gang converges on Monica's apartment to tell scary stories and talk about sex.

  8. The One Where Nana Dies Twice: Ross and Monica help their parents (Elliott Gould and Christina Pickles) with their grandmother's funeral arrangements.  Meanwhile, a co-worker makes Chandler question his sexual orientation.

  9. The One Where Underdog Gets Away: Everyone's plans for Thanksgiving fall through one-by-one, culminated by the Underdog balloon escaping from the Macy's Parade.  Meanwhile, Ross petitions Carol for "belly time" so he can bond.

  10. The One With The Monkey: Ross gets a pet monkey with which he experiences the typical struggles of a new relationship.  Meanwhile, the gang throws a "dateless" New Year's Eve party, but end up bringing dates anyway.

  11. The One With Mrs. Bing: Monica and Phoebe cause a guy to have an accident and begin a "relationship" with him while he's in a coma. Meanwhile, Chandler's famous trash-novelist mom (Morgan Fairchild) comes for a visit.

  12. The One With The Dozen Lasagnas: Rachel's boyfriend Paolo comes on to Phoebe while she is giving him a massage, prompting Rachel to swear off all men, including Ross.  Meanwhile, Monica has made all these lasagnas...

  13. The One With The Boobies: Chandler accidentally sees Rachel's "boobies" and she decides to get even by seeing his "thing."  Meanwhile, Joey finds out his dad has been having an affair and Phoebe's shrink boyfriend drives everyone nuts.

  14. The One With The Candy Hearts: Joey and Chandler go on a double date, but to Chandler's horror, his date is his ex-girlfriend Janice. Meanwhile, Monica, Rachel and Phoebe have a "bad boyfriend cleansing ritual" which gets out of hand.

  15. The One With The Stoned Guy: One of Phoebe's clients (Jon Lovitz) auditions Monica for the new restaurant he wants to open, but shows up at her home stoned and is more interested in munchies than her gourmet appetizers.

  16. The One With Two Parts, Part 1: Chandler and Joey meet Phoebe's twin sister, Ursula.  Meanwhile Ross, Carol and Susan begin Lamaze classes and Rachel falls off the roof.  Helen Hunt and Leila Kenzle make guest appearances.

  17. The One With Two Parts, Part 2: After her accident, Monica takes Rachel to the hospital where they make a double date with two cute doctors (George Clooney and Noah Wyle).  Meanwhile, Phoebe has a confrontation with Ursula.

  18. The One With All The Poker: The girls convince the guys to teach them poker, but wind up losing big-time.  They demand a re-match, but lose that as well.  Meanwhile, Rachel is interviewed for her "dream job" as a buyer at Saks.

  19. The One Where The Monkey Gets Away: Rachel loses Ross' pet monkey and the gang go on an all-out search, but a run in with a woman she snubbed in high school, now working for Animal Control, turns the search into a fiasco.

  20. The One With The Evil Orthodontist: Rachel's visit to her ex-fiancé Barry leads to sex, and winds up breaking up his impending wedding with her ex-maid-of-honor, Mindy.  Meanwhile, Chandler has problems after a great first date.

  21. The One With Fake Monica: Monica finds the woman who has stolen her credit card number and winds up befriending her, because she loves her zest for life.  Meanwhile Ross has monkey problems and Joey searches for a stage name.

  22. The One With The Ick Factor: Monica gets involved with a guy she thinks is a college senior, only to find out he's a senior in high school. Meanwhile, Phoebe fills in as Chandler's assistant and finds out that none of his co-workers like him.

  23. The One With The Birth: Carol is in labor, but the childish competition between Ross and Susan forces her to throw them out. When they get locked in a janitor's closet with Phoebe, they fear they may miss the birth of their child.

  24. The One Where Rachel Finds Out: While Ross is away in China, Joey lets it slip that he is in love with Rachel, prompting her to re-evaluate how she feels, but when she goes to the airport to tell him, she is greeted with a surprise.

 

VICTOR/VICTORIA, THE GREAT RACE, S.O.B. AND SKIN DEEP RELEASED ON DVD FOR FIRST TIME EVER JUNE 4

New DVDs Celebrate Blake Edwards' Comic Genius with All-New Digital Transfers, Commentaries by Edwards, Julie Andrews and More!

On June 4, Warner Home Video (WHV) will release four of writer/director Blake Edwards' outstanding comedies -- VICTOR/VICTORIA, THE GREAT RACE, S.O.B. and SKIN DEEP -- for the first time on DVD.  The new widescreen format editions will be sold at the suggested retail price of $19.98 SRP each.

Blake Edwards, whose movie hits also include the "Pink Panther" comedies, will receive the Screen Laurel Award from the Writers Guild of America West on March 2nd.  Edwards' other honors include the 1993 WGAW/DGA Preston Sturges Award -- only given to two others: Richard Brooks and Billy Wilder. He has also received numerous Academy-Award® nominations and Career Achievement Awards from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and the American Comedy Awards, USA.

The Blake Edwards DVDs feature the following:

VICTOR/VICTORIA.  Blake Edwards' gender-bending comic musical about a down-on-her-luck singer who pretends to be a female impersonator and becomes the toast of the 1934 Paris cabaret scene.  Julie Andrews, James Garner and Robert Preston star and Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse provide a marvelous Academy Award®-winning score.

DVD Special Features:

 

THE GREAT RACE. This comedy extravaganza stars Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, Natalie Wood, Peter Falk and other drivers who wheel westward in wacky turn-of-the-century autos for a New York-to-Paris race.

DVD Special Features:   

 

S.O.B.  Edwards' blistering satirical sock to Hollywood's kisser stars William Holden as a director who attempts to turn an artsy flop into a racy, R-rated box-office hit by convincing his wife (Julie Andrews) to do a nude scene.  Called "an exemplar of a vanishing breed - the serious American comedy" by The Chicago Reader's Dave Kehr, S.O.B. also features Robert Preston, Larry Hagman and Shelley Winters.

DVD Special Features:   

 

SKIN DEEP.  Hedonistic Hollywood writer John Ritter can't keep his womanizing in check in Edwards' "smart, sensitive film" (The Chicago Sun-Times' Roger Ebert) sparked by wall-to-wall verbal and physical wit and a hysterical "glow-in-the-dark" sequence that became instantly legendary.

DVD Special Features:   

 

FUNNY GUY: BLAKE EDWARDS
STREET DATE: June 4, 2002

VICTOR/VICTORIA

THE GREAT RACE

S.O.B.

 

SKIN DEEP

 

02/13/02

JOY RIDE- THE EXCITING SHOCKER DEBUTS ON SPECIAL EDITION DVD FEATURING FOUR SPELLBINDING ALTERNATE ENDINGS ON MARCH 12, 2002

Put the pedal to the metal and hold on for the March 12 Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment VHS and DVD release of the hot-wired, white-knuckle thriller (San Francisco Examiner) JOY RIDE on VHS (for rent) and Special Edition DVD (for sale and rent). In this roller coaster of a movie (Los Angeles Times) Director John Dahl gives this thriller a mix of black humor and chills (People Magazine). Starring young sensations Steve Zahn (Riding In Cars With Boys, Saving Silverman), Paul Walker (The Fast and the Furious, The Skulls) and Leelee Sobieski (The Glass House, Here on Earth), JOY RIDE is full of nonstop suspense and leaves you on the edge of your seat. JOY RIDE is a genuine thriller (Newsday) for anyone looking for a scary movie and pitch-perfect performances by Zahn, Sobieski and Walker (New York Post). The JOY RIDE Special Edition DVD, which includes four alternate endings including a never-before-seen third act, will be available for $27.98 ($41.98 Canada).

JOY RIDE DVD

The JOY RIDE Special Edition DVD lets viewers continue the ride with four shocking alternate endings with optional commentary, including a 28-minute never-before-seen third act, commentary by Director John Dahl, Steve Zahn, Leelee Sobieski, and writers Clay Tarver and J.J Abrams, voice auditions for the film s creepy unseen villain with the More Than One Rusty Nail feature, a Making of featurette and deleted footage. The Special Edition DVD is presented in 5.1 Dolby Surround, English Dolby Surround sound and French Dolby Surround Sound, with subtitles in English and Spanish.

SYNOPSIS

Get ready for the thrill-ride of a lifetime! It’s all fun and games when two brothers, Lewis (Paul Walker) and Fuller (Steve Zahn), take off cross-country to bring home a pretty friend from college (Leelee Sobieski). But the jokes end when a prank backfires with horrifying results. Suddenly, the three young friends find themselves in a race for their lives on a desolate highway, stalked by a vengeful trucker who won’t give up the chase until somebody winds up dead. This "first-rate pure thriller" (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times) will leave you breathless!

JOY RIDE

 

THE SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH CONTINUES ON DVD WHEN FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT UNVEILS THE X-FILES SEASON FIVE DVD COLLECTION

Upcoming Season Finale Marks The Conclusion Of The Television Cult Phenomenon -- And X-FILES Fans Can Relive Each Episode on DVD Six-Disc Set Available May 14, 2002 - - Only On DVD

X-FILES fans everywhere were devastated by Chris Carter s January 16 announcement that the show s ninth season finale would mark the conclusion of the incredibly popular series, and although the cult hit is coming to an end on television, the show will live forever as part of Fox Home Entertainment s incredible X-FILES complete season DVD collections. On May 14, the studio keeps the search for the truth alive with the release of THE X-FILES SEASON FIVE DVD COLLECTION. This specially packaged six-disc set features all 20 episodes from the fifth season of the Emmy Award¤-winning hit series, and includes an all new 20-minute documentary entitled The Truth About Season Five, as well as exclusive bonus interviews, "behind the truth" segments, and a myriad of special features. A must-own for any X-FILES fan, THE X-FILES SEASON FIVE DVD COLLECTION will be available for the suggested retail price of $149.98 US/$179.98 Canada. Additionally, Fox Home Entertainment will continue to make available THE X-FILES Season 1, Season 2, Season 3 and Season 4 DVD sets at the suggested retail price of $149.98 US/$179.98 Canada, helping fans round out this incredible collection. Over the past eight years, agents Fox Mulder (Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Anderson) along with Assistant Director Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) have encountered unexplained phenomena, monsters and extraterrestrial life, from the bizarre to the terrifyingly commonplace, all while defining the science fiction genre like no other series before or since. Last season, Agent Scully and her new associate in the X-Files office, Agent John Doggett (Robert Patrick), investigated the mysterious alien abduction of Agent Mulder and successfully saved him from a fate that would have placed him under alien control.

This season, agents Scully and Doggett have been joined by agent Monica Reyes (Annabeth Gish) in their investigations, including a shocking government cover-up with possible ties to the FBI and Scully and Mulder s newborn son. THE X-FILES has won three Golden Globe Awards for Best Dramatic Series as well as Golden Globe Awards for David Duchovny for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Drama Series and Gillian Anderson for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Drama Series. It has garnered a total of 61 Emmy Award nominations since its inception, and has won numerous Emmy Awards including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Anderson, Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series, Outstanding Art Direction for a Series, Outstanding Makeup for a Drama Series, Outstanding Single- Camera Picture Editing and Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series. THE X-FILES also has received the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award for Excellence in Broadcasting.

All episodes from THE X-FILES fifth season are compiled on six dual-layered discs and for the first time are available in anamorphic widescreen (aspect ratio 1.78:1), a first for any of THE X-FILES DVD Collections. Each episode is presented with English and French Dolby Surround sound and English and Spanish subtitles. A host of other languages, including German, Japanese, Italian and Castilian Spanish are featured on various episode clips.

Detailed List of Disc Content Specifics

Disc One:

Disc Two:

Disc Three:

Disc Four:

Disc Five:

Disc Six:

THE X-FILES SEASON FIVE DVD COLLECTION

 

PARAMOUNT OFFERS EXCHANGE ON COPIES OF VAMPIRE IN BROOKLYN

Paramount is offering to exchange copies of VAMPIRE IN BROOKLYN that exhibit an audio problem that transposes a forward and a rear channel.  If you have a copy of VAMPIRE IN BROOKLYN that exhibits this audio problem in its 5.1 channel Dolby Digital soundtrack, please call 1-800-308-3633 to swap out your DVD for a corrected copy. 

02/12/02

NOT ANOTHER TEEN MOVIE DEBUTS ON SPECIAL EDITION DVD APRIL 30, 2002

On April 30, 2002 Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will release on DVD and videocassette NOT ANOTHER TEEN MOVIE, a riotously risqu' comedy from the writers of Scary Movie and producers of Urban Legend 1 & 2. NOT ANOTHER TEEN MOVIE is a big, fat, juicy spitball lobbed, with mostly dead-on aim, at the teen-smarm cliches that have accumulated like so much earwax over the last three years" says, Entertainment Weekly.  The Film stars Jaime Pressly (Joe Dirt), Randy Quaid (Independence Day), Chyler Leigh (Kickboxing Academy), Eric Jungman (Varsity Blue), and Mia Kirshner (New Best Friend).

Synopsis

NOT ANOTHER TEEN MOVIE, an irreverent comedy that shows no mercy as it skewers the conventions and cliches of the genre you hate to love. There's Janey Briggs (Leigh), an aspiring artist who is outcast by her classmates for wearing glasses, a ponytail and paint-covered overalls.  She lives in a house with her horny brother Mitch Briggs (McMains) and her unemployed drunken father (Quaid).  On the other hand there's Jake Wyler (Evans), an All-American football star who makes a foolish bet to turn Janey into a prom queen. But by the time they get to the dance, this over-the-top, outrageous comedy hysterically pays tribute to all of the classic teen movies and moments in the film history. Executive produced by Brad Luff and Michael Rachmil.  Written by Michael G. Bender, Adam Jay Epstein, Andrew Jacobson, Phil Beauman and Buddy Johnson. Produced by Neal H. Moritz.  Directed by Joel Gallen.

DVD:

 

02/11/02

SEXY BEAST ARRIVING ON DVD MARCH 12, 2002

On March 12, Fox Home Entertainment presents the VHS and DVD debut of the astonishing (Movieline), critically acclaimed masterpiece SEXY BEAST, featuring Oscar¤ winner Ben Kingsley in his Golden Globe ¤ nominated role. Delivering his best performance ever (Premiere Magazine) as the anti-Gandhi (The New Yorker ), Kingsley stars as gritty brass knuckled thug Don Logan, a flesh and blood Terminator ( Los Angeles Times) who must convince Gal (Ray Winstone), a retired gangster, to pull off one final heist. Named to the top 10 lists of over 60 respected film reviewers, SEXY BEAST was one of the most acclaimed films of the 2001. In its limited theatrical release, SEXY BEAST earned $7MM, making it the 2nd most successful independent film released last summer. Critically favored and brilliantly played, SEXY BEAST received four-star reviews from USA Today, The Chicago Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, The Denver Post, Philadelphia Inquirer and Rolling Stone, and was hailed as riveting and sexy ( New York Post) and stunning ( Premiere). SEXY BEAST is available on VHS (for rental) and on DVD for the suggested retail price of $29.98 US/$41.98 Canada.

SEXY BEAST DVD Features

Fox s SEXY BEAST DVD is presented in Anamorphic Widescreen transfer (Aspect Ratio 1.85:1) and contains English, English 5.1 Surround and English Dolby Digital sound options. The DVD is also loaded with exclusive special features including an intriguing commentary by Ben Kingsley and Producer Jeremy Thomas, and domestic and international theatrical trailers. Additionally, the DVD includes a fascinating featurette offering viewers a behind-the-scene look at the making of the film and an insight into Ben Kingsley s character development that garnered him an explosion of critical acclaim and a Golden Globe¤ nomination for Best Actor!

Synopsis:

Gal (Ray Winstone) has retired from the gangster life in London, and is sunning himself beside the pool at his villa in Spain when a boulder comes crashing by, barely missing him. Soon, he is being threatened by a human boulder, Don Logan (Ben Kingsley). Logan wants Gal for a high stakes vault break-in back in London and he will not take no for an answer. Nevertheless, that s exactly the answer Gal keeps giving him, even as Don gets more and more threatening.

SEXY BEAST

 

DONNIE DARKO- INTENSE TEEN THRILLER DEBUTS ON VHS AND DVD MARCH 19, 2002

Fox Home Entertainment launches one of the year s most creative and compelling young adult thrillers, DONNIE DARKO, on VHS (for rent) and DVD (for sale or rent) on March 19, 2002. Boasting an all-star cast led by Jake Gyllenhaal (October Sky, Bubble Boy), Drew Barrymore (Riding In Cars With Boys, Charlie s Angels), Jena Malone (Life As A House, For The Love Of The Game) and Noah Wyle ( ER ), DONNIE DARKO has been hailed as an engaging, time-tripping Holden Caufield by the New York Post. A dreamlike voyage into the mind of a troubled adolescent battling his inner demons, the film also features powerful performances by a strong supporting cast including Patrick Swayze (Dirty Dancing, Ghost) and Mary McDonnell (Mumford, Independence Day). The DVD is available for rent and purchase at the suggested retail price of $29.98 US/$46.98 Canada.

DONNIE DARKO DVD Features

Presented in English 5.1 Dolby Surround, English Dolby Surround and French Dolby Surround sound, in anamorphic widescreen (aspect ratio 2.35:1), the DONNIE DARKO DVD boasts a multitude of bonus features, including commentary by Director Richard Kelly and star Jake Gyllenhaal, as well as Drew Barrymore, Jena Malone and Mary McDonnell. Among the other bonus features are: deleted/extended scenes with optional director commentary; Cunning Visions (Patrick Swayze infomercials); The Philosophy of Time Travel (book excerpt); Mad World (music video); cast and crew bios; theatrical trailer and television spots; English and Spanish subtitles; a still gallery and a Web site gallery.

DONNIE DARKO Synopsis

In the tradition of Urban Legends and Final Destination, DONNIE DARKO is an edgy, psychological thriller about a suburban teen coming face-to-face with his dark destiny. Jake Gyllenhaal leads a star-filled cast as a delusional high-school student visited by a demonic rabbit with eerie visions of the past — and deadly predictions for the future.

DONNIE DARKO

 

BLACK KNIGHT- FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT BOWS THE $33 MILLION BOX OFFICE HIT ON DVD APRIL 16, 2002

Get ready for the most amusing fish-out-of-water story of the 14th century when Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and New Regency Enterprises debuts BLACK KNIGHT on VHS (for rent) and DVD (for sale and rent) on April 16. Starring comedic favorite Martin Lawrence (Big Momma s House, Blue Streak, Life), BLACK KNIGHT is a hilarious, off-the-wall comedy about a modern-day slacker who mysteriously winds up in Medieval Times, with the weight of saving an entire kingdom on his shoulders! Priced at $26.98 ($41.98 Canada), the BLACK KNIGHT DVD is loaded with side-splitting bonus material including director s commentary, scene-specific commentary by Martin Lawrence, deleted scenes, outtakes and much more.

BLACK KNIGHT DVD

The BLACK KNIGHT DVD gives a behind-the-scenes look at how producers made the 14th century clash with the 21st with bonus features including commentary by Director Gil Junger, scene-specific commentary with Martin Lawrence, three deleted scenes, outtakes, stunt scenes, background on the film s choreography with Paula Abdul, storyboard-to-scenes and the construction of sets. The DVD is presented in English 5.1 Digital audio, Spanish Dolby Surround Sound, and French Dolby Surround Sound.

SYNOPSIS

A fast-talking maintenance worker (Lawrence) wakes up in 14th century England after an unfortunate mishap at the Medieval World theme park. Now, armed with only his modern-day street smarts, he must deal with damsels in distress, an evil king – and really bad plumbing. The knight life has never been more hilarious!

BLACK KNIGHT

 

BEHIND ENEMY LINES- THE $57 MM, ADRENALINE-FUELED, BOX OFFICE HIT DEBUTS ON VHS AND ACTION-PACKED DVD APRIL 23, 2002

Now is the time for heroes. Prepare for the celebration of the American can-do spirit, (Newsweek) on April 23 when Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment releases the adrenaline-pumping action ( Philadelphia Inquirer) film BEHIND ENEMY LINES on VHS (for rent) and DVD (for sale and rent). Starring Academy Award winner Gene Hackman (The Royal Tenenbaums, Heist, The French Connection) and Owen Wilson (The Royal Tenenbaums, Zoolander, Meet the Parents), BEHIND ENEMY LINES is one great movie! (Larry King, CNN) that is a solid victory a ride worth taking (Time Magazine ). BEHIND ENEMY LINES DVD will be available for $27.98 ($41.98 Canada).

BEHIND ENEMY LINES DVD

The BEHIND ENEMY LINES DVD is packed with bonus features including a commentary by Director John Moore and Editor Martin Smith, an additional commentary by Producers John Davis and Wick Godfrey, a behind-the-scenes featurette, three extended Director s cut scenes, the original main title sequence and end credit sequence with optional commentary, and alternate take off montage with optional commentary, and a hidden Easter egg. The DVD is presented in English 5.1 Surround, English DTS, and Spanish Dolby Surround Sound and dubbed in English and Spanish.

SYNOPSIS

Navigator Chris Burnett (Owen Wilson) is bored with his reckon missions he has been flying, he wants out of the Navy. On Christmas day, he finds himself on a mission with co-pilot Stackhouse flying over war-torn Bosnia. Flying off course, the two are shot down over enemy territory and Burnett is soon alone while being ruthlessly pursued by a secret police enforcer and the opposing troops. Meanwhile commanding officer Reigert (Gene Hackman) goes against orders in an attempt to rescue him from behind enemy lines.

BEHIND ENEMY LINES

 

"DESTINATION FILMSTM" LABEL LAUNCHED BY COLUMBIA TRISTAR HOME ENTERTAINMENT.

Distinctive, hip and unique alternative programming will be the hallmarks of Destination FilmsTM", the DVD and video specialty label to be launched by Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.  The announcement was made by Benjamin S. Feingold, President of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group and Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

Scheduled to launch the Destination Films TM label will be the critically acclaimed anime feature film "Osamu Tezuka's METROPOLIS." Based on the classic "manga" (i.e. comic book) by the legendary Osamu Tezuka, this visually stunning film was hailed by Roger Ebert (The Chicago Sun Times) as "one of the best animated films I have ever seen" and by Elizabeth Weitzman (The New York Daily News) as "a visual masterpiece." The animated film was brought to the screen by two of the most respected figures in Japanese animation today - Katsuhiro Otomo (best known for the masterworks "Akira" and "Roujim Z") and Rintaro ("X: The Movie," "Galaxy Express 999"). The TriStar Pictures released film had a first week gross of over $130,000 on only 9 screens in the United States for a remarkable per screen average of over $14,500, making it the second biggest opening week for an anime in the United States ever behind only "Princess Mononoke." Its box-office cume after the second week was more than $210,000 after expanding onto three additional screens. "METROPOLIS" will continue to roll out theatrically in other cities

across the U.S. and will be released into the home entertainment market on the Destination FilmsTM label during the second quarter of 2002.

Destination FilmsTM  will release 1 - 2 titles on DVD and videocassette per month and will be targeted for specific audiences. Upcoming releases will include "BLACK MASK 2," the English language sequel to martial arts movie master Tsui Hark's "BLACK MASK;" Ringo Lam's action-packed "FULL CONTACT;" John Woo's "ONCE A THIEF;" and the much anticipated anime feature film, "COWBOY BEBOP: THE MOVIE." Prior to their release to the home entertainment market on the Destination FilmsTM label, many of the titles will be theatrically marketed and released through Sony Pictures Releasing entities (TriStar Pictures, Screen Gems). Others will be theatrically handled by third party distribution companies such as the hit Korean action film "SHIRI" from director Kang Je-Gyu which will be distributed through Samuel Goldwyn Films.  Finally, some titles like international superstar Jackie Chan's classic "DRUNKEN MASTER" will be released direct-to-video on this label. "An active and untapped market for hip, edgy, quality home entertainment product - especially on DVD - exists and these consumers are hungry for alternative programming," noted Mr. Feingold. "Destination FilmsTM quickly brands our line as the home for cutting-edge filmed product - both theatrical as well as non-theatrical - and will make the process of discovering outstanding, non-mainstream content an easier task for fans of avant garde films. Additionally, the insightful as well as entertaining value-added features on these DVDs will provide another dimension to these provocative releases."

"From a business perspective," added Mr. Feingold, "CTHE will support the Destination FilmsTM label with specialized marketing strategies integrated with our distribution network to insure the servicing of non-traditional outlets as well as mainstream venues."

 

CAV DISTRIBUTION PRESENTS 3 DVD LIMITED EDITION JET PACK FEATURING MARTIAL ARTS SUPERSTAR JET LI

BORN TO DEFENSE

Set at the end of WWII, a retired Chinese Army officer Jet Li came to Tsing Tao for a new life. The US Army was till stationed there. One night, an arrogant US officer was driving recklessly and hit a pedestrian. Li rushes to help the wounded but gets into a fight with a group of US officers. To survive, Li fights for his life demonstrating an incredible US boxing style.

THE SHAOLIN TEMPLE

This is box office Idol Jet Li’s film debut. LI is a renegade boy adopted and trained by the kung fu monks at Shaolin Temple. But Li never surrenders his rage to avenge his father’s tragic death. When his father's murder finally comes to Shaolin, a brutal fight is inevitable.

KIDS FROM SHAOLIN

A group of thrives came to a town, robbed and killed everyone in sight. Tian Lung, an expert in Shaolin, saved seven young boys lives and taught them Shaolin Kung Fu. Living next to Lung’s family, was the village chief who finally got the son he wanted. The thieves snuck into town and stole his son. Now it was time for Lung and the boys to fight back.

 

VCI CLARIFIES LONE RANGER, 1956 COPYRIGHT LICENSE

This information was forwarded to us by VCI:

We are contacting you regarding erroneous information disseminated in which, THE LONE RANGER (1956) is stated as being in the PUBLIC DOMAIN.  This statement places the rights of this film in question and in jeopardy. THE LONE RANGER (DVD Special Edition Item # 8252, DVD Standard Item #8304, Widescreen VHS Item # 8122, & Standard VHS Item # 1375) is currently licensed to VCI Entertainment and is protected under copyright laws. VCI Entertainment is the valid, exclusive licensee of the Lone Ranger. IT IS NOT IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. The film which is under the Library of Congress copyright protection has been properly registered and renewed as follows:

  • Lone Ranger, 1956

  • Registration # LP 7854 

  • Renewal # RE 218 281

This film was initially produced by the Wrather Corporation, then renewed by Golden Books Family Entertainment, the current owner of THE LONE RANGER, which granted VCI Entertainment its exclusive license. The picture was done in Warner Color and Warner Bros. initial role was as the theatrical distributor. The statement stating this film has fallen into Public Domain is erroneous and damaging to VCI and in turn, misleading and potentially damaging to readers who have relied on this source.

 

02/06/02

CACTUS FLOWER COMES TO DVD ON APRIL 23, 2002

CACTUS FLOWER, director Gene Saks' (The Odd Couple) delightful comedy sparked with crazy, mixed-up situations and a kooky, Academy Award®-winning debut performance by Goldie Hawn, will debut on DVD April 23, 2002. The film also stars Academy Award®-winner Walter Matthau (The Fortune Cookie) and three-time Academy Award®-winner Ingrid Bergman (Gaslight, Anastasia and Murder on the Orient Express).

Synopsis

Walter Matthau stars as Julian Winston, an easy-going bachelor dentist whose delicately balanced scheme crumbles under some unexpected circumstances. Winston is stringing along his dizzy blonde mistress, Toni (Hawn), by telling her he has a wife and children. When he learns that Toni has tried to commit suicide over him, however, he promises to marry her. Toni, refusing to be a homewrecker, insists on meeting Winston's wife. He convinces Stephanie (Bergman)-his starched, no-nonsense receptionist-to pose as his wife, and there are unforeseen twists and surprises for everyone.

DVD:

 

BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE DEBUTS ON DVD ON APRIL 23, 2002

BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE, a sensitive, touching comedy about a blind, young man determined to make a life for himself, will debut on DVD April 23, 2002.  The film stars Academy Award-winner Goldie Hawn (CACTUS FLOWER), Edward Albert (Midway), Eileen Heckart in an Academy Award®- winning performance and Paul Michael Glaser (TV's Starsky and Hutch).

Synopsis

All Don Baker (Albert) wants is a place of his own away from his over-protective mother (Heckart). Don's been blind since birth, but that doesn't stop him from moving into a San Francisco apartment and making the acquaintance of his off- the-wall, liberated, actress neighbor Jill (Hawn). Don learns the kind of things from Jill that his mother would never have taught him! And Jill learns from Don what growing up and being free is really all about.

DVD:

 

THE SURVIVORS ARRIVES ON DVD ON APRIL 23, 2002

THE SURVIVORS, director Michael Ritchie's (Fletch) humorous tale of two lovable losers pursued by a psychopathic killer, will debut on DVD April 23, 2002.  The film stars Academy Award®-winners Walter Matthau (The Fortune Cookie) and Robin Williams (Good Will Hunting) as well as Jerry Reed (Smokey and the Bandit).

Synopsis

Donald Quinelle (Williams), a rising sales executive, is sacked by his boss's pet parrot the same day that Sonny Paluso (Matthau) watches his gas station go up in flames.  Drowning their sorrows at a coffee shop, the two New Yorkers disarm a would-be bandit, Jack Locke (Reed) and briefly become media heroes, then quickly learn about the price and perils of survival in an insane world. Jack is freed by a bureaucratic slip-up and goes gunning for Sonny and Donald, who discover that their survival depends on their friendship at all costs. The unique blend of Williams' frenzied humor and Matthau's subtle wit makes THE SURVIVORS a memorable, hilarious social comedy.

DVD:

 

SHIRI DEBUTS ON DVD ON APRIL 9, 2002

On April 9, 2002, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will proudly present SHIRI "a tingling espionage tale" (The New York Times) on DVD and videocassette. A thriller that smashed the Korean attendance record set by James Cameron's Titanic.  SHIRI is the must successful picture in Korean box office history. Directed by award-winning director Je-gyu Kang.

Synopsis

A phantom sniper methodically assassinates key figures in a South Korean intelligence investigation.  Special agent Ryu and his partner Lee suspect North Korea's most lethal female operative Hee.  When a security breach prompts the theft of high-tech liquid explosive CTX from South Korean authorities, Ryu and Lee are certain there's a mole within their ranks. Produced by Kang JeGyu Films.  Written and directed by Je-gyu Kang.

DVD:

 

BARE WITNESS COMING ON DVD ON APRIL 23, 2002

On April 23, 2002 Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will release on videocassette and DVD BARE WITNESS, a sexy erotic thriller.  Starring the beautiful Angie Everhart (2000 Playboy Centerfold, "The Last Action Hero"), Catalina Larranaga ("Downward Angel") and Daniel Baldwin ("Vampires," "Mulholland Falls").

Synopsis

Julie Spencer (Larranaga) likes her work as an adult film actress and call girl.  She especially likes watching the videotapes she makes of herself and her clients.  When she turns up dead in an alley after her roommate Carly (Everhart) drives her  to the location of another film shoot, Carly first becomes a suspect and then an intended victim. As Julie's murderers search for her last videotape, which implicates a ruthless businessman and highly placed politician in a deadly plot reaching all the way to City Hall and the Mayor's Office.  Carly's only protection is Detective Killian (Baldwin), who has more than a professional interest in keeping her safe while he tries to unravel the web of murder and intrigue surrounding her and the mysterious missing tape. Executive produced by Angie Everhart, Daniel Baldwin and Marc Greenberg.   Produced by Marc Laurence, Ralph Portillo and Jamie Elliott.  Directed by Kelley Cauthen.

DVD:

 

HOME VISION ENTERTAINMENT GETS HIGH ON GRASS

Home Vision Entertainment, the premiere distributor of videos in North America gets high on GRASS Documentary.  HVe will release Ron Mann's controversial hit film GRASS in April on DVD in a groovy special edition set.  GRASS, narrated by Woody Harrelson and featuring Richard Nixon, stylishly documents the history of the American government's war on marijuana in the 20th century.  Stuffed with lots of stash like collectable poster and state-by-state marijuana laws, HVe's deluxe GRASS DVD is a far-out video high for the "happening" collector.

Other Documentaries that are creating a buzz include Ron Mann's TWIST and COMIC BOOK CONFIDENTIAL which street July 23rd.  TWIST, which documents the history of post-World War II popular dance up to the mid-sixties spotlighting the twist dance craze, includes flashy poster and liner notes by Village Voice music critic Gary Giddens.  A fascinating history of the comic book medium, COMIC BOOK CONFIDENTIAL features comic book gurus Frank Miller, Stan Lee and Will Eisner.   HVe's DVD includes poster, interactive menus and liner notes by DC's Hellblazer and 100 Bullets writer Brian Azzarello.

02/05/02

HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE COMES TO ON DVD MAY 28TH, 2002

  • 2-Disc DVD Set Will Take You To Places You've Never Been!

  • The Magic Continues With Hours Of Amazing Special Features.

  • Available in Both Fullscreen and Widescreen [16x9 2.35:1] Versions!

On May 28, bring the magic home as Warner Home Video (WHV) releases the $320 million box-office hit, HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE (the #4 film of all time, worldwide) for the first time on a spectacular DVD and VHS. Join Harry, Ron and Hermione in their enchanting adventure with a captivating two-disc DVD including additional scenes that have never been seen before, self-guided tours, interviews with the filmmakers and interactive features that will leave fans spellbound.

DISC 1

DISC 2

DVD ROM FEATURES:

Synopsis: In this enchanting film adaptation of J.K. Rowling's delightful bestseller, Harry Potter learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and posseses magical powers of his own. At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. He learns the high-flying sport Quidditch and plays a thrilling game with living chess pieces on his way to face a Dark Wizard bent on destroying him. For the most extraordinary adventure, see you on Platform 9 3/4!

Director: Chris Columbus

Actors: John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane, Richard Griffiths, Richard Harris (I), Ian Hart, Maggie Smith, Fiona Shaw, Daniel Radcliffe, Alan Rickman, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Zoe Wanamaker, Julie Walters, Warwick Davis, Verne Troyer, David Bradley, Devon Murray, Sean Biggerstaff, Tom Felton, John Hurt

Format

Catalog #

MSRP

MAP

UPC

ISBN

DVD Fullscreen

21331

$26.99

$19.95

0 85392 13312 3

0-7907-6734-1

DVD Widescreen

22467

$26.99

$19.95

0 85392 24672 4

0-7907-6735-X

 

PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY & MARCH DVD TITLES

Title

Street Date

Sound

Screen Format

Aspect Ratio

SRP

Rating

Year

BAD NEWS BEARS

02-12-2002

5.1

Letterbox, 16:9

1.85:1

$24.99

PG

1976

BAD NEWS BEARS GO TO JAPAN

02-12-2002

1.0

Letterbox, 16:9

1.85:1

$24.99

PG

1978

BAD NEWS BEARS IN BREAKING TRAINING

02-12-2002

1.0

Letterbox, 16:9

1.85:1

$24.99

PG

1977

HARDBALL (SPECIAL EDITION)

02-19-2002

5.1

Letterbox, 16:9

1.85:1

$29.99

PG-13

2001

HOT PURSUIT

02-19-2002

2.0

Letterbox, 16:9

1.78:1

$24.99

PG-13

1987

INTERSECTION

02-19-2002

5.1

Letterbox, 16:9

1.85:1

$24.99

R

1994

EDUCATION OF LITTLE TREE

03-12-2002

5.1

Letterbox, 16:9

1.78:1

$24.99

PG

1997

LASSIE (1994)

03-12-2002

5.1

Letterbox, 16:9

1.78:1

$24.99

PG

1994

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: NAUTICAL NONSENSE/ SPONGE BUDDIES

03-12-2002

Surround

4:3 Full Screen

1.33:1

$19.99

NR

1999

ZOOLANDER (SPECIAL EDITION)

03-12-2002

5.1

Letterbox, 16:9

2.35:1

$29.99

PG-13

2001

FOCUS

03-19-2002

5.1

Letterbox, 16:9

1.85:1

$29.99

PG-13

2001

ANDRE

03-26-2002

5.1

Letterbox, 16:9

2.35:1

$24.99

PG

1994

OUR LADY OF THE ASSASSINS

03-26-2002

5.1

Letterbox, 16:9

1.77:1

$29.99

R

2001

STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION: SEASON #1

03-26-2002

5.1

4:3 Full Screen

1.33:1

$134.95

NR

Various

 

MGM HOME ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY & MARCH DVD TITLES

Title

Street Date

Sound

Screen Format

Aspect Ratio

SRP

Rating

Year

AFTER THE FOX

02-05-2002

1.0

4:3 Pan And Scan, Letterbox, 16:9

2.35:1

$14.95

NR

1966

ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN 2/ THE SECRET OF N.I.M.H. 2 Back-To-Back 2-Pack

02-05-2002

2.0

4:3 Full Screen

1.33:1

$19.99

G

Various

BLACK STALLION/ THE BLACK STALLION RETURNS Back-To-Back 2-Pack

02-05-2002

2.0

4:3 Full Screen

1.33:1

$19.99

NR

Various

BLACK STALLION/ THE BLACK STALLION RETURNS Side-By-Side 2-Pack

02-05-2002

2.0

4:3 Full Screen

1.33:1

$19.99

NR

Various

CAST A GIANT SHADOW

02-05-2002

1.0

Letterbox, 16:9

2.35:1

$14.95

NR

1966

FLUKE/ NAPOLEON Back-To-Back 2-Pack

02-05-2002

2.0

4:3 Full Screen

1.33:1

$19.99

PG

Various

FLUKE/ NAPOLEON Side-By-Side 2-Pack

02-05-2002

2.0

4:3 Full Screen

1.33:1

$19.99

PG

Various

GHOST WORLD

02-05-2002

5.1

Letterbox, 16:9

1.85:1

$26.98

R

2001

GIRL WITH GREEN EYES

02-05-2002

1.0

Letterbox

1.66:1

$14.95

NR

1964

HALLELUJAH, I'M A BUM

02-05-2002

1.0

4:3 Full Screen

1.33:1

$14.95

NR

1933

KINGS GO FORTH

02-05-2002

1.0

4:3 Full Screen

1.33:1

$14.95

NR

1958

SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY MORNING

02-05-2002

1.0

Letterbox

1.66:1

$14.95

NR

1961

SMOKERS

02-05-2002

2.0

4:3 Pan And Scan, Letterbox, 16:9

1.85:1

$26.98

R

2000

TOWN WITHOUT PITY

02-05-2002

1.0

4:3 Full Screen

1.33:1

$14.95

NR

1961

ESCAPE TO GRIZZLY MOUNTAIN

02-19-2002

Surround

4:3 Full Screen

1.33:1

$14.95

G

1999

EAT DRINK MAN WOMAN

03-05-2002

Surround

Letterbox, 16:9

1.85:1

$19.98

NR

1994

ELECTRA

03-05-2002

1.0

Letterbox

1.66:1

$19.98

NR

1962

MADEMOISELLE

03-05-2002

1.0

Letterbox, 16:9

2.35:1

$19.98

NR

1966

TALE OF SPRINGTIME

03-05-2002

1.0

Letterbox

1.66:1

$19.98

PG

1989

ANGELS AND INSECTS

03-19-2002

Surround

Letterbox

1.85:1

$19.98

R

1995

BAR GIRLS

03-19-2002

Surround

Letterbox, 16:9

1.85:1

$19.98

R

1995

BOXCAR BERTHA

03-19-2002

1.0

Letterbox, 16:9

1.85:1

$19.98

R

1972

DE SADE

03-19-2002

1.0

Letterbox, 16:9

1.85:1

$19.98

NR

1969

IMPROMPTU

03-19-2002

Surround

Letterbox

1.66:1

$19.98

PG-13

1991

LOCUSTS

03-19-2002

Surround

Letterbox, 16:9

2.35:1

$19.98

R

1997

ROMEO IS BLEEDING

03-19-2002

Surround

Letterbox, 16:9

1.85:1

$19.98

R

1994

ORIGINAL SIN (R-Rated Version)

03-26-2002

Surround

Letterbox, 16:9

2.35:1

$26.98

R

2001

ORIGINAL SIN (Unrated Version)

03-26-2002

Surround

Letterbox, 16:9

2.35:1

$26.98

UR

2001

 

02/04/02

WORLD WAR III IS COMING FROM SYNAPSE FILMS INVASION USA – 50th ANNIVERSARY "ATOMIC" DVD SPECIAL EDITION

The exploitation masterpiece INVASION USA begins when a mysterious stranger (Academy Award® nominee Dan O’Herlihy) engages a diverse group of Manhattan bar patrons in a discussion on the best way to beat Communism. Suddenly, a real Red Alert is declared and enemy parachutists by the thousands begin landing on American soil! Soon atom bombs are dropping, skyscrapers are crumbling and fifth columnists are taking over key industries. Through it all, a suave, street-smart reporter (Gerald Mohr) and a beautiful debutante (Peggie Castle) desperately try to find time for romance amid the chaos.

The producers of INVASION USA -a motion picture made during the height of the Cold War-dared to show audiences what World War III might look like. By making ingenious use of stock footage, models and other special effects, the filmmakers created a film that makes for an indelible viewing experience. On DVD for the first time in a stunning transfer from a pristine 35mm print, this is pop culture history at its most explosive!

ALMOST 2 HOURS OF EXPLOSIVE SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL INCLUDING:

INVASION USA– 50th ANNIVERSARY "ATOMIC" DVD SPECIAL EDITION

 

FROM SPECIAL EFFECTS MASTER RAY HARRYHAUSEN COMES: THE 3 WORLDS OF GULLIVER TO DVD APRIL 16, 2002

Gulliver's spellbinding travels to the lands of great and small are captured in THE 3 WORLDS OF GULLIVER, which makes its debut on DVD April 16, 2002.  Based on the beloved classic by Jonathan Swift.

Synopsis

Kerwin Matthews stars as Gulliver, the swashbuckling doctor who sets sail for fame and fortune in the fabled East Indies, but finds adventure, romance and danger instead in Brobdingang and Lilliput, the famous lands of the great and small. One of the most complicated films of its time, THE 3 WORLDS OF GULLIVER is both an enchanting fantasy and a captivating visual treat.  Because the storyline calls for scenes that juxtapose forty-foot giants with six-inch-tall people, special effects wizard Ray Harryhausen perfected a state-of-the-art trick photography process

so innovative, they had to invent a new word for it: Superdynamation.

DVD:

February 2002 Headlines 

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