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January 2002 Headlines 

01/30/02

FANTOMA ANNOUNCES TWO MASTERPIECES FROM JAPANESE NEW WAVE MASTER YASUZO MASUMURA...AFRAID TO DIE

Legendary/notorious Japanese novelist and cultural icon Yukio Mishima makes a rare screen appearance as Takeo, a young yakuza who reluctantly leaves prison to re-enter a dizzying world of kidnappings, attempted assassinations, attacks and retaliations. Torn by family duty, self-preservation, and his desire for his new-found love Yoshie (Ayako Wakao, Manji), Takeo blasts and bluffs his way through this treacherous maze, until he finds he can no longer outrun destiny. Japanese New Wave master Yasuzo Masumura propels this delirious fast paced yakuza satire with a jazzy score, eye-popping visuals, and a trademark sense of the absurd. Fantoma is proud to present Afraid To Die for the first time in the US, uncut and in its original DaieiScope aspect ratio.

 

MANJI

A dutiful, unhappy lawyer’s wife falls in love with a young, mysterious woman she encounters at an art class. Soon their affair involves her husband and the young woman's impotent lover and together the four slowly descend into web of desire, deceit, blackmail, blood oaths and suicide pacts. Featuring superb performances and director Yasuzo Masumura’s stunning visual precision, this exquisitely wrought tale of erotic obsession is a hothouse of tangled passions and over the top emotion. Fantoma is proud to present this landmark film for the first time in the US, uncut and in its original DaieiScope aspect ratio.

 

01/30/02

WORLD’S FIRST 360-DEGREE ADULT MOVIE BECOMES THE MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED DVD EVER "BUTTERBALLS MCFADDEN’S PANEROTICA 1" CREATES A NEW ENTERTAINMENT MEDIUM BY STRETCHING THE CAPABILITIES OF THE DVD.

Butterballs McFadden LLC, A Los Angeles based adult photography company may have just started the next trend of high-tech entertainment by introducing the world’s first 360-degree movie-an interactive DVD with an image that has no sides.

"Butterballs McFadden’s PANEROTICA 1" is the first movie that allows viewers to navigate through its video image by panning, tilting, and even zooming in to the most interesting areas.   The resulting experience is like sitting in the middle of a room in which a scene is taking place all around you, and being able to turn all the way around in your chair-360 degrees-to watch what you want to watch, when you want to watch it.  Essentially, you could watch the movie time and time again, each time seeing things you haven’t seen before.

Using a state of the art camera system that shoots video in every direction, BMP took on the daunting task of creating a consumer-friendly 360-degree product back in September of 2000. "Shooting and watching the movie was the easy part-if you had about $300,000 worth of rare high-powered equipment," says BMP president Brandon Elsey (a.k.a. Butterballs McFadden),"Making the whole thing viable for the consumer was a difficult 16 month process".  The final product-a two-disc DVD-Video and DVD-ROM set that gives viewers two ways to watch the movie.

Viewers with a PC-based DVD-Rom drive can enjoy all the bells and whistles-smooth, real-time panning, tilting and zooming through the seamless video image.  Plus DVD-Rom users can get Head Mounted Display glasses (HMD’s) that allow them to watch the movie hands-free just by turning their head in the direction they want to look.  While HMD’s are a bit costly, they do create an immersive 3-D experience that makes the old Virtual Reality look like Atari 2600.  Plus they make for an impressive conversation piece placed strategically on the coffee table right before your big Superbowl party.

The DVD-Video disc lets people who only have a normal DVD Video player to watch the movie by choosing from 6 overlapping angles, each with its own directional multi-channel audio.

"You think of a DVD as being this ‘limitless’ thing," Elsey says, "but our application was actually a little too advanced for the existing system-we had to invent ways of "tricking" the disc, not to mention your player, into performing some of the operations that it does."  Among the groundbreaking features on "PANEROTICA 1"; of course the DVD-ROM version is the first of its kind with a 360-degree image.  To make it work on a common PC, BMP had to put together its own Panerotica Player program, since no existing program could handle such an image.  The immersive audio tracks actually blend from one to another as the viewer moves around.  Whichever direction you are looking in, the sound from that direction is the most prominent; the sound from "behind" you is sent through your rear surround speakers.

The DVD-Video disc isn’t without its own firsts.  Viewers can choose their angle four different ways, including using the arrow keys on their remote previously only useable in menu navigation.  Watching the DVD-Video on a PC or Mac, viewers can even navigate by clicking on superimposed numbers that pop up on their screen when they move their mouse.  No other DVD has ever been equipped with such features.

While "PANEROTICA 1" is the first and only movie of its kind, BMP certainly realizes the possibilities of their new interactive medium, and have already considered expanding into mainstream 360-degree movies, video vacations, and live-video supergames for the general public.  Says Elsey, "Since the technology is now here, I’m excited to think of all the types of immersive media we can create with it........What am I saying......how do you top a 360-degree adult movie?"

Initially, "Butterballs McFadden’s PANEROTICA 1" will only be sold from BMP’s main website, www.Panerotica.com, which is also the only place, Butterballs boasts, to see his entire gallery of high-resolution web images, and other interactive adult content.  Retail price for the two-disc collector’s edition: $39.95.  $24.95 for Panerotica.com members. 

01/29/02

DRAWING FLIES THE EAGERLY AWAITED ‘LOST’ VIEW ASKEW FILM STARING JASON LEE, WAS FILMED BETWEEN "MALLRATS" AND "CHASING AMY" AND HAS ONLY RECENTLY BEEN COMPLETED BY FILMAKER OWNED INDIEDVD COMING TO DVD & VHS FEBRUARY 26

The ‘Lost’ View Askew film, DRAWING FLIES will be released by IndieDVD on DVD and VHS on February 26.

DRAWING FLIES stars Jason Lee who can be currently seen in Vanilla Sky and who was nominated by the screen actors guild for his performance in Almost Famous.  DRAWING FLIES also stars View Askew regulars Jason Mewes who plays one of the title characters in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Renee Humphrey who appears in Mallrats and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and Carmen Lee.

Directed by Malcolm Ingram and Matthew Gissing DRAWING FLIES was filmed in 1995, directly after Mallrats prompting Kevin Smith to negotiate a fund in his contract with Miramax, to support two undiscovered filmmakers per year. The fully completed DRAWING FLIES has never been available for viewing until now.

DRAWING FLIES Synopsis

Slackers in Vancouver B.C. lose their welfare checks and head for a cabin in the woods to save cash – or so they believe.   In actuality their guide Donner (Jason Lee) leads them further and further into the forest on a delusional pursuit of Bigfoot. It was Lee’s intensity in this film that prompted Kevin Smith to write Lee's challenging role in Chasing Amy and convinced Lee to move from professional Skateboarding to acting full-time.

"DRAWING FLIES is a great film that is the unsung gem of all of the View Askew productions…. It doesn’t get enough attention. DRAWING FLIES is the best film that we were ever involved with, that was shot in Canada, that wasn’t Good Will Hunting." --Kevin Smith, DRAWING FLIES introduction.  

The IndieDVD release of DRAWING FLIES includes these DVD Extras:

Price and availability:

 

HUSBANDS AND WIVES TO DEBUT ON DVD APRIL 16, 2002

HUSBAND AND WIVES, writer/director Woody Allen's hilarious game of marital musical chairs that has two New York City couples examining their marriages and wanting more, will debut on DVD April 16, 2002 from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.  Woody Allen heads an all-star cast that includes Judy Davis in an Academy Award®-nominated performance, Mia Farrow (Rosemary's Baby), Academy Award®-winner Sydney Pollack (Best Director, Out of Africa), Academy Award®-nominee Juliette Lewis (Cape Fear) and Lysette Anthony (Krull).

Synopsis

Woody Allen and Mia Farrow star as a long-married couple whose own relationship starts to crumble when their best friends (Pollack and Davis) announce they are separating.  They immediately pair up with younger, sexier paramours and once again enjoy the pleasures of fresh passion. But smoldering resentments and unexpected jealousies soon rise to the surface, erupting in savage humor and hilariously unpredictable reunions.

DVD:

 

NEW DRAGON TALES ADVENTURES DEBUT ON VIDEO AND DVD APRIL 2

Two new videos and two new DVDs from the hit PBS animated television series DRAGON TALES will debut April 2, 2002 from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment. The videos, DRAGON TALES: Let's Stick to It! and We're Special!, along with the DVDs, Yes, We Can! and It's Cool to be Me!, feature more new adventures of six- year-old Emmy, her four-year-old brother Max, and their fantastical dragon friends helping each other learn to persist at challenging tasks and accept differences in themselves and others. Each DVD contains five favorite adventures with four sing-along songs and is priced to own at $19.95

Co-produced by Sesame Workshop, the creators of "Sesame Street," and Sony Pictures Family Entertainment Group, Dragon Tales was the #1 children's program among kids ages 2 to 5 across all broadcast and cable networks for the 2000-2001 season, with ratings growing 26% over the premiere season (1999- 2000).  Recipient of the highly coveted Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award as well as the KIDS FIRST! seal of approval from the Coalition for Quality Children's Media, DRAGON TALES has also been nominated for a daytime Emmy Award. Just this month, the video DRAGON TALES:  Let's Be Friends was chosen to be one of the six finalists in its age category for Best Kid's Video of 2001.

Special features on the DRAGON TALES DVDs include four Sing-Alongs, a continuous play button, English and Spanish audio, English, French and Spanish subtitles, full screen presentations and digitally mastered audio and anamorphic video.

Synopses

DRAGON TALES: Yes, We Can! (Persisting at a challenging task)

 "Zak and The Beanstalk" -- The Do-Re-Mi birds are gone, and Zak and Wheezie are afraid something bad has happened to them!  A worried Sid Sycamore says that the birds have been kidnapped by Mungus the Giant.  When Emmy, Max, Zak and Wheezie sneak into Mungus' castle and confront him, he confesses that he's not mean at all.  He only took the birds because he loves their music. He agrees to let them go if the kids and dragons can teach him to make his own music.

"Whole Lotta Maracas Goin On" -- Quetzal loves to make music with maracas but his set is broken, so the gang decides to make him a new pair for Teacher's Day. Emmy joins Cassie in pursuit of tricky Stickleback Sticks for the handles.  Max teams up with Ord to get past some crabby pincher crabs to obtain beach gourds for the rattles.  But Zak and Wheezie have the hardest task of all - they must coax some seeds from a boy and girl Songflower team who hold them "captive."

"Up, Up and Away" -- The gang has a great time playing Pop the Bubbles until Ord accidentally flattens their bubble bucket.  Ord and Max decide they don't need a bucket and dump Zak's entire package of bubble powder into a nearby puddle, which instantly erupts into a bubble geyser.  Soon Ord is trapped inside a humongous bubble floating helplessly toward the sky!  The gang tries several ways to pop it, but when they can't they tie a rope around it and pull it to the School in the Sky.

"The Jumping Bean Express" -- Quetzal gives the gang some jumping beans to return safely to his brother.  But on the way they accidentally drop the carrying case.  When the cover opens, the hyperactive beans grab their suitcases, wave goodbye and make a mad dash for the forest.  The kids chase the beans everywhere -- under bridges, between tree trunks and over streams. Frustrated and exhausted, the kids consider giving up, but all vow to complete the task Quetzal has given them no matter how difficult.

"The Great White Cloud Whale" -- The kids and dragons spot Captain Scaliwag's pirate ship.  He's searching for the Great White Cloud Whale, who's swallowed his favorite ship.  When they see the whale swimming through the sky, they help Scaliwag use balloon bait to try to trap him between two mountain peaks.  But the whale grabs the bait and pulls their ship instead.  When the string snaps and he swims away, Emmy tells Scaliwag not to give up. The five adventures in Dragon Tales: Yes, We Can! are linked by four songs, "Stretch," "Hum," "Clap" and "Wiggle."

DRAGON TALES: It's Cool To Be Me! (Accepting and accommodating differences)

"Not Separated at Birth" -- Zak and Wheezie are bickering over what they'll build for the new playground - the xylophone slide or the drum trampolines. When they wish they had separate bodies, Quetzal gives them some magic crystals -- and their wish comes true!  But when Wheezie's slide collapses because she didn't follow directions, she misses Zak's patient input.  Zak makes the trampoline so loose and saggy that Cassie and Emmy can't jump on it.and he misses Wheezie, who always knows how to make things fun.

"The Greatest Show in Dragon Land" -- The kids and dragons are really excited about flying to Wonder World amusement park.  When they find out Zak and Wheezie have a broken wing and are unable to fly, however, they agree to accommodate their friends by walking there instead.

"A Tall Tale" -- Eunice the unicorn, who is terribly near-sighted, has lost her glasses, and Max and Emmy join the dragons to help her find them.  Max wants to steer Eunice so she can see where she's flying, but he's too small to climb up on her back.  And when they spot an object that looks like her glasses, he's too short to reach it.  Poor Max, who was already feeling frustrated about being too little to do the things he wants, feels even worse.

"Dragon Sails" -- The group sets sail for Rainbow Canyon in search of a special rainbow-colored crystal to complete Cassie's shimmering crystal set. When Ord's heavy weight rocks their little boat and they all fall into the water, he's sad because he fears they'll have to continue on their adventure without him.  He hates being so big!  The gang solves the dilemma by crafting a bigger, Ord-size boat and off they go again.

"Staying within the Lines" -- The Stickleback Mountains have lost their colors! They were washed away in a big rainstorm, so Quetzal puts the gang to work painting the scene.  Max, who is not worried about staying within the lines, gets carried away with the blue he's using for the stream.  As the river threatens to overflow, Emmy and Cassie finish off a boulder dam just in time. The five adventures in Dragon Tales: It's Cool to be Me! are linked by four songs, "Shake Your Dragon Tale," "Hello," "Zoo" and "Round & Round."

 

FIRST RUN FEATURES DVD ANNOUNCEMENTS

ABERDEEN 

DVD:

 

 COOL & CRAZY 

DVD:

 

01/25/02

LIONS GATE ENTERTAINMENT INTRODUCES SPECTACULAR TWO-DISC DELUXE EDITION DVD OF ITS BIGGEST BOX OFFICE HIT EVER "O"

Available On February 19, DVD Boasts Cast And Crew Interviews, Audio Commentaries, Deleted Scenes, The Classic Film Version of Othello With New Score, And Much More!

The Critically Acclaimed Film Features Riveting Performances From Super-Hot Talent Mekhi Phifer, Josh Hartnett, Julia -Stiles And Martin Sheen

With only a limited theatrical release, Lions Gate Entertainment's ground-breaking film "O" grossed more than $16 million at the box office, making it the company's highest-grossing independent feature ever. Now, the company will debut the critically acclaimed "O" as a two-disc Deluxe Edition DVD and for rental on VHS on February 19, 2002. Packed with extras including cast and crew interviews, audio commentaries and more, the two-disc Deluxe Edition DVD will be priced at just $24.99.

Directed by Tim Blake Nelson (The Grey Zone, Eye of God), this profound and stirring contemporary retelling of Shakespeare's Othello features unforgettable performances by Mekhi Phifer (Clockers, Soul Food), Josh Hartnett (Pearl Harbor, The Virgin Suicides), Julia Stiles (Save The Last Dance, 10 Things 1 Hate About You) and Martin Sheen (NBC's "The West Wing," Apocalypse Now). An emotionally charged film, "O" also includes an all-star supporting cast with Andrew Keegan (10 Things 1 Hale About You, "Party Of Five"), Rain Phoenix (To Die For, Even Cowgirls Get The Blues), Elden Henson (She's All That, Cast Away) and John Heard (Pollock, My Fellow Americans).

DVD FEATURES

Boasting an audio commentary by director Tim Blake Nelson and cinematographer Russell Lee Fine, disc one also includes both widescreen and full frame versions of the film. The bonus DVD features interviews with Julia Stiles, Mekhi Phifer, Josh Hartnett and Nelson, deleted scenes and the classic version of Othello with a newly re-mastered score.

"O" SYNOPSIS

Hot young stars, a hip soundtrack, plus a provocative tale of jealousy and betrayal combine to create this controversial modern-day version of Shakespeare's classic, Othello. "O" is Odin James (Mekhi Phifer), the school's star basketball player and future NBA hopeful. Even though he's the only black student at the elite Palmetto Grove Academy, he has the adoration of all, including the team's coach (Martin Sheen) and the Dean's beautiful daughter, Desi (Julia Stiles). Odin's troubled friend Hugo (Josh Hartnett), the coach's son, is deeply resentful of his father's preference of Odin on and off the court. When Hugo plots a diabolical scheme to sow the seeds of mistrust between O and Desi, it sets in motion a disturbing chain of events, which erupts into a firestorm of breathtaking intensity. "O" is a stunning tale that will stay with you long after its final, powerful frame.

"O"

 

LIFE AS A HOUSE POIGNANT, HUMOROUS DRAMA STARRING KEVIN KLINE AND GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINEE FOR BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR HAYDEN CHRISTENSEN, COMING TO PLATINUM SERIES DVD & VHS MARCH 26 FROM NEW LINE HOME ENTERTAINMENT

LIFE AS A HOUSE, the touching and comic journey of one man who decides to tear down his house and rebuild his world, will be released on Platinum Series DVD and VHS March 26 by New Line Home Entertainment.

LIFE AS A HOUSE stars Academy Award®-winner Kevin Kline, who’s getting strong advance buzz as a potential Academy Award nominee for his performance as architect George Monroe. Kline captured his previous Oscar® for his role in A Fish Called Wanda. Critics have also lauded the performance of Hayden Christensen, the young actor who also stars as Anakin Skywalker in the upcoming Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. LIFE AS A HOUSE will be available for rental on VHS and DVD, and for sale on Platinum Series DVD at the suggested retail price of $24.98.

In addition to Kline (Dave, In & Out), LIFE AS A HOUSE stars an ensemble cast of Kristin Scott Thomas (The English Patient), Hayden Christensen (The Virgin Suicides), Mary Steenburgen (Powder, Melvin and Howard), Jena Malone (Stepmom), Jamey Sheridan (The Ice Storm), Sam Robards (A.I.: Artificial Intelligence, American Beauty) and Scott Bakula (TV’s "Quantum Leap," American Beauty). Produced and directed by Irwin Winkler -- a filmmaker responsible for such movie classics as Rocky, GoodFellas, The Right Stuff, Raging Bull, Nickelodeon and New York, New York -- the film was written by Mark Andrus (co-writer of As Good As it Gets), with Vilmos Zsigmond (Close Encounters of the Third Kind) serving as Director of Photography and Mark Isham providing the original music.

DVD Extras Send Value Through the Roof

LIFE AS A HOUSE Synopsis

Divorced from a woman (Scott Thomas) he still loves, alienated from his troubled teenage son (Christensen), and bitter at the loss of a job he never enjoyed anyway, architect George Monroe (Kline) has hit rock-bottom when he decides that it’s now or never to tear down his dilapidated home and build a long-postponed dream house worthy of his spectacular ocean cliff property. He begins the project solely with the forced participation of his son in a last-ditch effort to salvage their relationship, but soon more and more people are drawn to his project -- from his next-door neighbor (Steenburgen) and her teenage daughter (Malone) to his ex-wife along with her kids by her current husband (Sheridan). What begins as George’s attempt to redeem his own bruised dream turns into something much bigger than he ever imagined -- and something far stronger than just a house.

LIFE AS A HOUSE BASICS

 

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF "MOULIN ROUGE" ON DVD FOR THE FIRST TIME, WITH BONUS FEATURES STRICTLY BALLROOM

10th Anniversary of Comic Gem

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the outrageously funny comedy STRICTLY BALLROOM comes to DVD for the first time on March 19, 2002, from Buena Vista Home Entertainment. A dazzling comedy about life, love and ballroom dancing, STRICTLY BALLROOM on DVD features a slate of bonus features, including audio commentary by director Baz Luhrmann, the acclaimed director of the hit film "Moulin Rouge." STRICTLY BALLROOM is priced to own at $29.99 (SRP.). Prebook is January 22, 2002.

STRICTLY BALLROOM was Baz Luhrmann’s first feature film, and the first in his "red curtain" trilogy, comprised of the hits STRICTLY BALLROOM, WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S ROMEO + JULIET and MOULIN ROUGE. One of the hottest directors in cinema today, Luhrmann contributes a special bonus audio commentary to the DVD version of STRICTLY BALLROOM. This fascinating feature allows viewers to listen in as Luhrmann explains the story behind the making of this landmark film. Other bonus programming includes a special DVD "Easter Egg" that leads viewers to a special deleted scene, cut from the Theatrical version of the film and unseen by audiences until this DVD. Film fans will also enjoy the "Samba to Slow Fox" dancing featurette, an entertaining documentary that actually inspired STRICTLY BALLROOM.

The DVD of STRICTLY BALLROOM includes the features a host of bonus programs:

Technical Specifications:

STRICTLY BALLROOM is the magical story of a championship ballroom dancer (Paul Mercurio, "Cosi") who, with his ugly duckling dancing partner (Tara Morice, "Moulin Rouge") breaks all the rules of ballroom dancing. Together they make their dreams come true, in a comedy that soars to hilarious heights of comedy. STRICTLY BALLROOM is rated "PG For Mild Language and Sensuality" and has a running time of approximately 94 minutes.

BOUDICCA TO RELEASE BOY MEETS GIRL AFTER 7 YEAR UK BAN

The UK controversial psychological horror cult classic "BOY MEETS GIRL" by Ray Brady has been finally granted an 18 certificate by the BBFC following a ban of 7 years on video. " BOY MEETS GIRL " is now available uncut and uncensored on Video and will be released on DVD in March by BOUDICCA. For more information please visit their website: www.boudiccafilms.com 

01/24/02

ON MARCH 12, THE WORLD'S FAVORITE CAT-AND-MOUSE DUO ARRIVE ON VHS AND DVD IN THE ALL-NEW MOVIE TOM AND JERRY: THE MAGIC RING

On March 12, Warner Home Video (WHV) brings the hilarious cat-and-mouse adventures of Tom and Jerry to life in the all-new movie TOM AND JERRY: THE MAGIC RING.  This fully-animated, theatrical quality release is sure to both cast a spell on fans of these timeless characters and to enchant a whole new generation of viewers.  Just in time for Easter, TOM AND JERRY: THE MAGIC RING is available exclusively on VHS for a low $14.95 SRP and on DVD for $19.98 SRP. 

Left in charge of a magical ring by his young wizard master, Tom is horrified when the magic ring gets stuck on Jerry's head - and the little mouse takes off into the big city!  Before you can say "abracadabra," the sorcerer's ring is spouting a torrent of mischievous magic, and Tom and Jerry are up to their ears in the most hilarious escapade of their lives!

Magical DVD features include:

Exciting special features on the Tom and Jerry: The Movie DVD (also available on March 12, 2002) include the following:

 

LEGENDARY JAPANESE ANIME COMIC METROPOLIS COMES TO LIFE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER ON DVD IN SPECIAL EDITION 2-DISC SET AVAILABLE MARCH 12, 2002

Directed by Rintaro ("X", "Galaxy Express 999") Screenplay by Katshuhiro Otomo ("Akira")

The acclaimed Japanese anime film Osamu Tezuka's METROPOLIS will be released as a Special Edition two-disc DVD set (featuring the first-ever "pocket DVD" of added value features) and on videocassette on March 12, 2002 by Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment. Following a national theatrical release, Osamu Tezuka's METROPOLIS will feature a newly subtitled version of the film on the videocassette and Special Edition DVD, along with the dubbed version featured on the DVD as well.

Based on the classic manga (comic) by Osamu Tezuka, the Godfather of anime and manga, Osamu Tezuka's METROPOLIS was brought to the screen by two of the most respected figures in Japanese animation today: screenwriter Katsuhiro Otomo ("Akira") and director Rintaro ("X," "Galaxy Express 999"). In the late 1940s, long before "Astro Boy" and "Kimba the White Lion" established Osamu Tezuka as one of the most influential animators of all time, the legendary illustrator created the classic manga "METROPOLIS."  More than fifty years since it was first imagined, Tezuka's vision of the inability of scientific progress to fulfill basic human needs -- in spite of its mechanizing even the most fundamental aspects of life -- confirms him as a prophet as well as a fabulist. Directed by Rintaro and written by Otomo, the retro-futurism of the story - as well as its precautionary tale -- is spectacularly rendered in its visual style, combining the best in Japanese cel animation with the latest in digital technology.

DVD:

Synopsis

Set in the future, METROPOLIS is a grand city-state populated by humans and robots, the cohabitants of a strictly segmented society.  Amidst the chaos created by anti- robot factions, detective Shunsaku Ban and his sidekick Ken-ichi are searching for rebel scientist Dr. Laughton.  But when they locate him, his secret laboratory is destroyed by fire under sinister circumstances, and instead Ken-ichi finds Tima, a beautiful young girl bereft of memory and speech, seemingly helpless at the site. Little does he know that Tima is a new top-of the-line android created to take over METROPOLIS, and that behind her creation lie the ambitions of a powerful man and his fierce desire to reclaim a tragic figure from his past.

DVD SPECS:

 

"VERTICAL LIMIT" AND "THE BIG HIT" JOIN SUPERBIT COLLECTION ON MARCH 19, 2002.

The Superbit Collection of titles has been hailed as a new benchmark in DVD. By reallocating space on the disc normally used for value-added content and multiple audio streams, Superbit DVDs can be encoded at approximately double their normal bit rate while offering full compatibility with the DVD Video format.   The result is picture quality that provides outstanding detail which complements the performance of the latest progressive DVD Video players. After the initial "test" phase, Superbit is considered a success having garnered praise from the media for the quality of its DVDs. CTHE will continued to release Superbit product each quarter throughout 2002 and will continue to support the brand on-line and in targeted print media.

VERTICAL LIMIT

An emotionally-charged, action adventure story, VERTICAL LIMIT is a high-adrenaline tale of a retired climber (Chris O'Donnell, Batman and Robin, Scent of a Woman) who must launch a treacherous and extraordinary rescue effort up K-2, a 28,250 foot mountain in Pakistan's Karakoram Range, to save his estranged sister (Robin Tunney, End of Days, The Craft) and her team in this race against time. Martin Campbell (The Mask of Zorro, Golden Eye) delivers high-voltage action and exhilarating suspense in a film that pits man against his own limitations and the awesome power of nature's uncontrollable elements. The special effects are jaw- dropping!

Rated: PG-13 for intense life/death situations and brief strong language. Running time: 124 minutes

The Superbit DVD includes:

 

THE BIG HIT

THE BIG HIT is a fast, funny, irreverent action-thriller starring Mark Wahlberg (Planet of the Apes, Boogie Nights),  Lou Diamond Phillips (Courage Under Fire), Christina Applegate (TV's Married with Children), Bokeem Woodbine (The Rock), Antonio Sabato, Jr. (High Voltage), Lela Rochon (Waiting to Exhale), Elliot Gould (Oceans Eleven) and Lanie Kazan (Beaches).

The film follows the professional and romantic misadventures of Mel (Wahlberg), a beleaguered hitman who is drawn along with his professional associates into a moonlighting gig that turns sour. As his professional and domestic woes collide, Mel finds himself dodging bullets while trying to impress his potential in-laws. Throw in an overzealous store clerk demanding the return of an overdue videocassette, and it's not long before Mel's carefully constructed life starts to unravel. Rated: R for violence, pervasive language and some sexuality Running Time: 91 minutes

The Superbit DVD includes:

 

01/23/02

SCREEN LEGEND GLENN FORD STARS IN 3:10 TO YUMA COMING TO DVD APRIL 2, 2002

On DVD April 2, 2002 Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will release on DVD 3:10 TO YUMA, the story of an Old West outlaw and the bad girl who loves him. Glenn Ford (Gilda) stars with Academy Award®- winner Van Heflin (Johnny Eager), Felicia Farr (Timetable) and Academy Award®-nominee Richard Jaeckel (Sometimes a Great Notion).

Synopsis

After a hold-up and a murder, outlaw Ben Wade (Ford) and his gang are captured.  Wade's men break out of jail and wait for a chance to rescue him.  The authorities suspect that a daring escape plan is underway, so they look for a guard to escort Wade by train to Yuma to stand trial.  The marshal offers a bounty and Dan Evans (Heflin), a poor rancher hit hard by a crippling drought, takes the job.  His wife pleads with him to save his own life by letting Wade go free, but for Evans, it's a matter of principle as well as money.  He takes Wade and begins the dangerous trek to the station.

DVD:

 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR HOME ENTERTAINMENT TO REPRICE SIX BEST-SELLING DVDS TO $14.95 ON APRIL 2, 2002

On April 2, 2002 Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will reprice the following six hit DVD titles to $14.95 SLP:

TITLE

DVD #

UPC CODE

BLUE STREAK SPECIAL EDITION

04011

0-43396-04011-?

THE DEEP

01689

0-43396-01689-?

LA BAMBA

08549

0-43396-08549-?

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

03933

0-43396-03933-?

SNIPER

70759

0-43396-70759-?

STEPMOM

02852

0-43396-02852-?

 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR HOME ENTERTAINMENT TO REPRICE EIGHT BEST-SELLING DVDS TO $19.95 SLP ON APRIL 2, 2002

On April 2, 2002 Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will reprice the following eight hit DVD titles to $19.95 SLP:

TITLE

DVD #

UPC CODE

CAT BALLOU SPECIAL EDITION

04864

0-43396-04864-5

JOHN CARPENTER'S GHOSTS OF MARS

06250

0-43396-06250-4

GIRLFIGHT

05668

0-43396-05668-8

JOE DIRT

06161

0-43396-06161-3

STAND BY ME SPECIAL EDITION

05517

0-43396-05517-9

STEEL MAGNOLIAS SPECIAL EDITION

70247

0-43396-70247-9

TOOTSIE

03747

0-43396-03747-2

THE TAILOR OF PANAMA SPECIAL EDITION

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0-43396-06395-2

 

A GLIMPSE OF HELL ARRIVING ON DVD FEBRUARY 26, 2002

On February 26, get ready for an explosive mix of action and adventure aboard a U.S. Navy Battleship as Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment presents the VHS and DVD debut of A GLIMPSE OF HELL. This gripping military suspense stars James Caan (Eraser, Misery) as a Navy Captain battling to uncover the truth behind a deadly blast that claims the lives of 47 sailors. Roberts Sean Leonard (Dead Poet s Society) co-stars as a Lieutenant who questions the Navy s position and risks his reputation - and his career - to find the truth. Absorbing and intelligent (Los Angeles Daily News) with top-notch performances (TV Guide), A GLIMPSE OF HELL is available on VHS (for rental) and on DVD for the suggested retail price of $34.99 US/$46.98 Canada. Pre-order date is January 30, 2002.

Synopsis:

The Battle for truth rages on in this true-life account of a deadly blast aboard a U.S. Navy battleship. James Caan (Eraser, Misery) and Robert Sean Leonard (Dead Poet’s Society) star in this powerful military action film that finds a Navy Lieutenant caught between the top Navy brass and the shocking reality.

A GLIMPSE OF HELL

 

ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED DVD RE-ISSUES IS ABOUT TO ARRIVE AS ELITE ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS THE CULT HORROR CLASSIC "RE-ANIMATOR"

Two-Disc "Millennium Edition" DVD Includes A Wide Array of Brand New Features

Available April 30'° for $29.95

***NOTE TO HORROR FANS FAR AND WIDE: THE WAIT IS OVER. It has been one of the most popular cult favorites since its initial theatrical release in 1985. Now, Elite Entertainment, as part of its specially designed Millennium Edition series, will release a brand new, two-disc set of "RE-ANIMATOR." Highlighted by an endless array of extras and special features-including THX certification, a brand new digital widescreen transfer and an isolated 5.1 Surround Sound music score-" RE-ANIMATOR " will be available on April 30'° at a suggested retail price of $29.95.

"This film has reached way beyond its cult status, becoming one of the few films of its genre to hit a mainstream audience, thanks to various mentions in the Academy Award winning film `American Beauty,"' said Vini Bancalari, President, Elite Entertainment. "For fans that have been waiting patiently, the anticipation will pay off, and in their wildest dreams, they never could have imagined the final product we have in store for them."

In addition to the THX certification, brand new digital widescreen transfer and isolated 5.1 Surround Sound music score, the Millennium Edition of "RE-ANIMATOR" will feature:

"RE-ANIMATOR" follows the story of scientist Herbert West and his obsession: he wants to bring the dead back to life. While experimenting with a glowing green liquid, he successfully reanimates dead tissue. Unfortunately, the tissue is uncontrollable and difficult to subdue. Enter Dr. Carl Hill, West's instructor, who is determined to steal the secret and reap the rewards.  But West isn't giving up so easily. What follows is a non-stop gore fest filled with wit and humor, as West does whatever is necessary to keep his discovery.... no matter what the consequences may be.  "RE-ANIMATOR" was written by Dennis Paoli, based on the short story Herbert West: The Re-animator by H.P. Lovecraft, produced by Brian Yuzna and directed by Stuart Gordon. The film has a running time of 86 minutes and is not rated.

RE-ANIMATOR Millennium Edition

 

GHOST WORLD ARRIVING ON DVD ON FEBRUARY 5

From the director of the critically acclaimed feature film Crumb, the "uproariously funny" Premiere) GHOST WORLD debuts on DVD and rental VHS on February 5, 2002 from MGM Home Entertainment. Based on the hit underground comic book of the same name, GHOST WORLD features the hot new talents of Thora Birch (American Beauty), Scarlett Johansson (The Horse Whisperer) and Brad Renfro (The Client), and includes veteran favorites Steve Buscemi (Fargo) and Illeana Douglas (Stir Of Echoes). A "whip-smart comedy" (People), GHOST WORLD is an outrageously wry coming-of-age satire about two social misfits who learn the hard way that life gets even weirder after graduating from high school.

Available for $26.98, the GHOST WORLD DVD boasts deleted and alternate scenes and a "Making-Of' Ghost World featurette, which features interviews from the cast and crew. In addition, the DVD includes a rare music video from Gumnaam, circa 1965, showcasing the music of Mohammed Rafi's "Jaan Pehechaan Ho."

While their classmates head for college, Enid (Birch) and Rebecca (Johansson) focus their energies on tormenting those around them! From a goofy convenience store clerk (Renfro) to an eccentric art teacher (Douglas), these two saboteurs wreak havoc on all who cross their paths. But when they zero in on an oddball loner (Buscemi) looking for Miss Right, their seemingly innocent meddling threatens to shatter one of their hearts ...not to mention their lifelong

friendship!

GHOST WORLD

 

01/22/02

THRILLS AND CHILLS ABOUND WITH THE ARRIVAL OF THIRTEEN GHOSTS ON DVD APRIL 2

Special Feature-Packed DVD Includes Behind-The-Scenes Documentary and Additional Scenes With Director Commentary

On April 2, hot, young newcomers Shannon Elizabeth (American Pie I and II, Scary Movie) and Matthew Lillard (this summer’s Scooby-Doo movie, Summer Catch) bring the classic horror film THIRTEEN GHOSTS back to life in a remake with a modern twist, available from Warner Home Video, on direct to sellthrough VHS and DVD, priced at $22.98 SRP for VHS and $24.98 SRP.

The family has moved in – but the ghosts aren’t moving out in this special-effects update of the classic 1960s shocker from hit-making producers Joel Silver (The Matrix, Swordfish) and Robert Zemeckis (Cast Away, What Lies Beneath) and starring Tony Shalhoub (Spy Kids, Galaxy Quest), Shannon Elizabeth, Matthew Lillard and F. Murray Abraham (Amadeus, Finding Forrester).

The THIRTEEN GHOSTS DVD is web-enabled and will be presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio and 16x9 full frame format. The DVD includes several outstanding features including "Ghost Files" produced especially for the DVD by Joel Silver:

THIRTEEN GHOSTS is rated "R" (horror violence/gore, nudity and some language) and has a running time of 91 minutes.

DRUNKEN MASTER DEBUTS ON DVD APRIL 2, 2002

On April 2, 2002, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will release on DVD and videocassette a comic martial arts classic DRUNKEN MASTER, starring international action comedy legend Jackie Chan (Rush Hour, Shanghai Noon). DRUNKEN MASTER was the second collaboration between director Yuen Woo Ping, fight choreographer for The Matrix and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Jackie Chan.  The film blends intricate martial arts moves with Jackie Chan's trademark slapstick comedy.  DRUNKEN MASTER ushered in a new genre of kung fu comedy and established Chan as its uncontested king.

Synopsis

Won Fei Hung (Jackie Chan) is the mischievous young son of a martial arts schoolmaster who is constantly clowning around when he should be learning kung fu. After his comic antics injure the son of a powerful local man, his father enlists the help of his sadistic uncle to teach his son a little self-discipline. This strange man, who has a reputation for crippling his students, tries to teach Fei Hung a bizarre style of kung fu.  At first, Fei Hung resists, but after losing a fight with a local assassin who has been hired to kill his father, he realizes he must master the special art of the "Drunken Boxer." Produced by Ng See Yuen.  Co-Produced by Chang Chuan.  Screenplay by Ng See Yuen and Hsiao Lung.  Directed by Yuen Woo Ping.

DVD:

 

THE NET SPECIAL EDITION DVD COMING ON APRIL 2, 2002

On April 2, 2002 Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will release a special edition DVD of THE NET, director Irwin Winkler's (Academy Award®-winner for Best Picture, Rocky) hit thriller about a computer expert whose life is erased by a computer conspiracy. Sandra Bullock (Miss Congeniality), Jeremy Northam (Gosford Park), Dennis Miller (Joe Dirt), Ken Howard (At First Sight) and Diane Baker (Mulholland Drive) star.

SYNOPSIS

Angela Bennett (Bullock) is a computer expert who is never far from a computer and modem. The only activity she has outside of computers is visiting her mother. A friend, whom she's only spoken to over the net and phone, Dale Hessman, sends her a program with a weird glitch for her to de-bug. However, he is killed in a plane crash the night he leaves to meet her. Angela discovers secret information on the disk, which she receives only hours before she leaves for her first vacation in years. Her life then turns into a nightmare, her records are erased from existence and she is given a new identity, one with a police record.  Angela is now in a race against time determine who is behind this plot and why.

DVD:

 

THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL DVD RELEASE OF 2002 IS COMING FROM SYNAPSE FILMS

From highly acclaimed director Radley Metzger, THE IMAGE (aka THE PUNISHMENT OF ANNE) is a fascinating study of the sadomasochistic relationship between a young girl and an older woman. Based on the classic novel "L’IMAGE" from Jean De Berg, this sexual masterpiece is hailed by critics as one of the best erotic films ever made. Beautifully photographed and loaded with highly charged sexual imagery and provocative situations, THE IMAGE is a cinematic masterpiece that brings the darker side of your deepest erotic fantasies to life.

Restored directly from the original 35mm camera negatives, this DVD of THE IMAGE is the definitive release of this erotic cinema classic. Presented uncut and uncensored for the first time on home video, THE IMAGE is a powerful, erotic film that will definitely be one of the most talked about and controversial DVD releases of the year!

THIS DVD SPECIAL EDITION CONTAINS:

THE IMAGE - DVD SPECIAL EDITION (aka THE PUNISHMENT OF ANNE)
FOR MATURE VIEWERS ONLY.THIS FILM IS UNRATED BUT CONTAINS SCENES OF EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT.

 

BREAD & TULIPS DEBUTS ON DVD MARCH 26, 2002

On March 26, 2002, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will release on DVD and videocassette the internationally acclaimed romantic comedy BREAD & TULIPS.  The story takes place in the beautiful setting of Venice, Italy and reminds you its never too late to bloom.  Directed and  co-written by Italy's acclaimed director Silvio Soldini (The Acrobats; A Soul Split in  Two; The Peaceful Air of the West).  BREAD & TULIPS stars Italy's acclaimed actress Licia Maglietta (Le Acrobate; Rumori di Fondo) and Bruno Ganz (Faraway, so Close! The Boys from Brazil).  The film also includes a stellar cast of award-winning Italian stars.

Synopsis

When Rosalba (Maglietta), a busy housewife is accidentally left behind while on vacation with her family, she decides to take a holiday on her own in ravishing Venice. Charmed by the city and her newfound freedom, she extends her stay, finding a job in a flowers hop, renting a room from a wistful waiter (Ganz), whom she befriends, and rediscovering her love of playing the accordion. But her solo sojourn does not sit well with her tyrannical husband (Antonio Catania), who recruits an amateur detective (Giuseppe Battiston) to bring his wife  back home. Will Rosalba return to her old life or embrace the exciting possibilities of a new one? BREAD & TULIPS was an Official Selection at Cannes Film Festival in the Directors' Fortnight category.  The film was also an Official Selection at the Toronto International Film Festival and the winner of the Best Screenplay at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival.

DVD:

 

01/21/02

STEAMY THRILLER ORIGINAL SIN COMES TO DVD

Antonio Banderas And Angelina Jolie Heat Up The Screen On March 26 In Never-Before-Seen. Un-Rated DVD Version From MGM Home Entertainment

Antonio Banderas and Angelina Jolie embark on a sensual journey to the depths of human nature in MGM Home Entertainment's erotic thriller ORIGINAL SIN. Including scenes deemed too racy for the theatrical release, the ORIGINAL SIN DVD features provocative never-before-seen footage in an un-rated version with two new scenes and an extended love scene available only on DVD. The un-rated DVD also features an audio commentary by director Michael Cristofer, a photo gallery, the "You Can't Walk Away From Love" music video by Gloria Estefan and the original theatrical trailer. The original, R-rated theatrical version also will be available on DVD and for rental on VHS on March 26. Both versions of the DVD are priced at $26.98.

Set against the sizzling backdrop of Cuba in the 1800's, ORIGINAL SIN captures the seething passion of the time through mesmerizing performances by Banderas and Jolie, exotic locales and a haunting musical score by Terence Blanchard. ORIGINAL SIN is a re-telling of the classic 1969 French film Mississippi Mermaid, starring Catherine Deneuve and Jean-Paul Belmondo.

Wealthy Cuban coffee merchant Luis Vargas (Banderas) only knows his bride-to-be through letters of love. And when he finally meets Julia (Jolie) on their wedding day, he is astounded and left breathless by her beauty and smoldering sexuality. But behind that beauty, a devious mind is at work and when he finds his business in ruin, his life in shambles and his new wife on the run, Luis begins a relentless pursuit for the woman who not only stole his money, but also his heart ...and he'll stop at nothing to get her back.

ORIGINAL SIN (theatrical version)

 

ORIGINAL SIN (un-rated version)

 

BRUCE WILLI$ I$ RIGHT ON THE MONEY IN MGM HOME ENTERTAINMENT'$ EXHILARATING ACTION-PACKED COMEDY BANDITS

Billy Bob Thornton And Cate Blanchett Score Best Actor And Best Actress Golden Globe Nominations For Their Winning Performances

Brimming with non-stop action and a cunning comedic performance by Bruce Willis, the clever heist action-comedy BANDITS debuts on Special Edition DVD and for rental on VHS on April 2, 2002 from MGM Home Entertainment. Touted as "Flat-out finny!" (USA Today), BANDITS was directed by Barry Levinson (Rain Man) and garnered more than $40 million at the box office. Billy Bob Thornton (A Simple Plan, Sling Blade) and Cate Blanchett (Academy Award® Nominee, Elizabeth) earned Best Actor and Best Actress Golden Globe nominations for their energetic performances in the fast-paced action-comedy. BANDITS features Willis, Thornton and Blanchett as they embark on a wickedly finny romp through the Northwest as fugitive bank robbers, leaving a trail of terrified bankers, bad wigs, and an adoring public in their wake.

Available for $26.98, the BANDITS Special Edition DVD is packed with extras, including an alternate ending and deleted scenes. Boasting two featurettes, including "Inside Scene 71," an in-depth look at h