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October 2003 Headlines 

10/28/03

ON THE EDGE OF SPACE. ON THE FRONTIERS OF TOMORROW. NO SURRENDER, NO RETREAT. BABYLON 5: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON

Collectible Six-Disc DVD Set Featuring All 22 Episodes Fully-Loaded with New Bonus Materials Remastered in Widescreen and Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio Available January 6 from Warner Home Video

The future begins - or ends - here and now. Here is the huge space station Babylon 5. Now is the fateful year 2261. Commander John Sheridan has already declared the station free, breaking the ties between it and Earth Alliance. It was perhaps only a matter of time before he would have to fight to remain free. That time has come on January 6, 2004 with the complete 22-episode fourth season adventure of the acclaimed Babylon 5 sci-fi series from Warner Home Video (WHV). Presented on a must-have six-disc collector's set, BABYLON 5: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON is priced to own at $99.98 SRP.

Packed with out-of-this-world DVD bonus materials including a featurette about the series composer and the making of the series' music, an original music suite composed exclusively for the DVD release, in-depth audio commentaries from cast members and the series creator, personnel files and a gag reel.

Babylon 5 has won two Emmy Awards for Groundbreaking Visual Effects and Makeup as well as the 1998 Science Fiction Writers of America Ray Bradbury Award. It also earned the 1999 Saturn Award for Best Genre Cable/Syndicated Series from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films. Currently, Babylon 5 continues to be seen by legions of fans with episodes syndicated on the Sci-Fi Channel.

DVD ELEMENTS

The special BABYLON 5: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON six-disc DVD collection will include the following bonus materials:

BASICS

EPISODES FEATURED

  1. The Hour of the Wolf

  2. Whatever Happened to Mr. Garibaldi?

  3. The Summoning

  4. Falling Towards Apotheosis

  5. The Long Night

  6. Into the Fire

  7. Epiphanies

  8. The Illusion of Truth

  9. Atonement

  10. Racing Mars

  11. Lines of Communication

  12. Conflicts of Interest

  13. Rumors, Bargains and Lies

  14. Moments of Transition

  15. No Surrender, No Retreat

  16. The Exercise of Vital Powers

  17. The Face of the Enemy

  18. Intersections in Real Time

  19. Between the Darkness and the Light

  20. Endgame

  21. Rising Star

  22. The Deconstruction of Falling Stars

 

THE SHERLOCK HOLMES COLLECTION VOLUME TWO STARRING BASIL RATHBONE AND NIGEL BRUCE ON DVD NOVEMBER 25, 2003

Restored by the UCLA Film and Television Archive in 35MM And Digitally Remastered!

The game is afoot! THE SHERLOCK HOLMES COLLECTION VOLUME TWO starring Basil Rathbone, as the masterful detective and Nigel Bruce as his faithful cohort, will be released on November 25, 2003. The films in the Sherlock Holmes series underwent a long and painstaking restoration process by the UCLA Film and Television Archive to bring them back to their original 35 mm theatrical condition.

THE SHERLOCK HOLMES COLLECTION VOLUME TWO includes: SHERLOCK HOLMES IN THE PEARL OF DEATH (1944), SHERLOCK HOLMES THE SCARLET CLAW (1944), SHERLOCK HOLMES IN THE SPIDERWOMAN (1944) and SHERLOCK HOLMES THE HOUSE OF FEAR (1945). The four classic films will also be available individually on DVD and VHS.

DVD Extras are included on THE SHERLOCK HOLMES COLLECTION VOLUME TWO DVD Collection only. They include an audio commentary track (over Scarlet Claw) from renowned British author David Stuart Davies, an exclusive featurette with Robert Gitt, Preservation Officer at the UCLA Film and Television Archive, and a vintage photo gallery with original movie posters.

While the films have long been staples on television, and more recently on VHS, they have usually been seen in 16 mm prints. Grainy and washed out, these versions gave only a faint approximation of the pictorial beauty the films possessed in 35 mm. In restoring the series, UCLA had to weave together the best surviving original nitrate film elements with later acetate film copies, creating new preservation masters that duplicate the look and sound of the original films as closely as current technology permits. These restored versions include war bond tags and Universal Pictures logos that were removed from the original printing elements when Universal sold the series to an independent distributor in the 1950s.

 

THE DARK CRYSTAL COLLECTOR’S EDITION BOX SET MUST-HAVE LIMITED DVD BOX SET RELEASE AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 25

Highlighted by Exclusive Collectible Premiums

Enter The Fantastical and Imaginative Mind of Jim Henson With the Cult Favorite Fantasy Adventure Featuring Some of the Most Remarkable Puppet Creations Ever In the epic and mythical style of The Lord of the Rings is the classic storybook fantasy adventure film THE DARK CRYSTAL from the remarkable world of puppet master Jim Henson, now presented in a stunning COLLECTOR'S EDITION BOX SET. This new edition includes the newly re-mastered DVD with Henson's sketches and his original treatment of the film. In addition, the box set offers collectible premium items: a limited edition film frame Senitype® reproduction, a copy of director Jim Henson's never- before-seen original handwritten production notes and a special forward to the edition written by Cheryl Henson, Jim Henson's daughter. Available for a limited time only in this unique gift set packaging, THE DARK CRYSTAL COLLECTOR’S EDITION BOX SET will debut November 25 at the price of $49.95 SLP.

Directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz and produced by Gary Kurtz (Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back), THE DARK CRYSTAL brilliantly weaves a timeless myth of good versus evil. In another time, THE DARK CRYSTAL - a source of balance and truth in the Universe is shattered, dividing the world into two factions: the wicked Skeksis and the peaceful Mystics. Now, as the convergence of the three suns approaches, the Crystal must be healed, or darkness will reign forevermore. It's up to Jen the last of his race to fulfill the prophecy that a Gelfling will return the missing shard to the Crystal and destroy the Skeksis' evil empire. But will young Jen's courage be any match for the unknown dangers that await him?

A masterful, elaborate and mesmerizing fantasy creation that has captivated generations, THE DARK CRYSTAL takes viewers on an engrossing experience into another world and another time from the limitless imagination of the legendary Jim Henson.

COLLECTOR'S EDITION BONUS FEATURES DVD FEATURES NEW TO THIS EDITION:

OTHER DVD FEATURES:

EXCLUSIVE COLLECTIBLE ITEMS

 

IN HELL PREMIERING ON DVD NOVEMBER 25 

International Martial Arts Superstar Jean-Claude Van Damme Fights for Survival in the Holds-No-Punches Thriller Directed By Renowned Hong Kong Action Filmmaker Ringo Lam

The ultimate "Van Dammage" is about to be unleashed! World-renowned box office action superstar Jean-Claude Van Damme (Universal Soldier, Timecop) delivers a knock-out performance as a man who must survive a deadly prison where hardened criminals battle to the death in the intense, action-packed thriller IN HELL. The thriller is directed by Ringo Lam (Replicant, Double Dragon), debuts exclusively on DVD and videocassette November 25 from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

Inside the most corrupt prison in Europe's Eastern Block, the warden pits prisoners against each other in fights to the death for profit. The brutality transforms the inmates into dreaded monsters. The newest contender is Kyle LeBlanc (Jean-Claude Van Damme), who is sentenced to life for killing his wife's murderer. Inside the prison, Kyle is forced to participate in a perverse sport where inmates fight each other, sometimes to the death, for the sadistic warden's own entertainment and profit. As Kyle begins a steady decline towards becoming one of the violent criminals he despises, he struggles to fight for his humanity - but his unbridled rage catapults him to the victor's circle. Kyle's descent into a "living hell" is part of a powerful journey to come to grips and overcome the enemy we all battle within ourselves.

IN HELL DVD:

 

THE THREE STOOGES IN ORBIT-- NEW TO DVD ON NOVEMBER 25

The Wacky Slapstick Comedy of Larry, Moe and Curly is Out of This World in the Hilarious Full-Length Feature Film

Blast off for outrageous humor and zany antics with the slaphappy astro-nuts The Three Stooges in the wildly funny full-length feature film THE THREE STOOGES IN ORBIT (1962), premiering on DVD November 25 from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

A riotous romp through outer space and beyond to intergalactic laughs, THE THREE STOOGES IN ORBIT stars the madcap trio in a science-fiction farce in which a pair of Martians tries to steal an all-powerful military weapon. It's up to our lovable funnymen to stop these extraterrestrial invaders. Struggling to make it as television stars after being evicted from their apartment, Moe, Larry and Curly Joe answer an ad for roommates and find themselves in a gloomy mansion run by an eccentric scientist, who has invented a rocket-like contraption that is being sought after by Martians planning to destroy the Earth. When the Stooges accidentally launch the scientist's new invention, they come face-to-face with the Martian invaders and all hilarity breaks loose. As the Martians are flying away with the weapon, the Stooges hang on and force it to crash-land in a television studio. Fortunately, their wacky adventures provide the trio with the material they need to keep their show on the air.

THE THREE STOOGES IN ORBIT DVD:

 

SHIP OF FOOLS-- NEW TO DVD ON DECEMBER 2

Academy Award®-Winner Vivien Leigh Headlines a Stellar Ensemble Cast in the Acclaimed Drama About German Exiles Nominated for Eight Academy Awards® Including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Actor and Best Screenplay Adaptation

Based on the acclaimed novel by Katherine Anne Porter (which became a national best-seller within days of its publication), SHIP OF FOOLS (1965) stars Vivian Leigh in only her third American film, following her Oscar®- winning roles in Gone with the Wind and A Streetcar Named Desire, plus an incredible ensemble cast in this thought-provoking and powerful character-driven drama that won two Academy Awards®, premiering on DVD December 2 from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

Set in 1933 aboard a luxury ocean liner bound from Mexico to Germany during the Nazi regime, the ship is a hot bed of disillusionment, prejudice and delusions of grandeur as it is divided into two sections - in the high class are several well-to-do people, while below deck are a horde of sugar field workers returning to Spain after a season of work in Cuba.

Among the many passengers are new divorcee Mary Treadwell (Leigh), desperate for love and lost youth. Also starring are Simone Signoret (Diabolique) as a Spanish Noblewoman being deported as a political prisoner; Lee Marvin (The Dirty Dozen) as an aging, alcoholic ballplayer, and Jose Ferrer (Cyrano de Bergerac) as a budding Nazi whose brutishness foreshadows the holocaust to come. Their separate but interlocking stories, beautifully observed by director Stanley Kramer (Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?, The Defiant Ones) serve as a brilliant microcosm of a world on the verge of war.

SHIP OF FOOLS DVD:

 

THERE’S A GIRL IN MY SOUP-- DEBUTING ON DVD DECEMBER 2 .

Sexy Swingin' Sixties British Comedy and Clever Romantic Satire Featuring the Unique Comic Talents of Peter Sellers and Goldie Hawn

Academy Award®-nominee Peter Sellers (Being There, Dr. Strangelove: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb) and Academy Award®-winner Goldie Hawn (Cactus Flower, The Banger Sisters) join forces in a saucy romance about an amorous gourmet whose goose is cooked when he falls for a giddy young temptress. The sexy comedy THERE’S A GIRL IN MY SOUP, premieres on DVD December 2 from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

Set in the swinging London of the late 1960s, Robert Danvers (Sellers), an exceeding vane TV cooking expert who moonlights as a self-styled Casanova, runs into cheerfully amoral Marion (Hawn), whose boyfriend has ejected her from their flat. After Robert installs Marion in his London love nest, he pursues her with complete incompetence and gets more than he bargained for as she refuses his romantic advances. This not-so-dumb blonde outrages his palate and shatters his macho veneer. When Marion's boyfriend begs her to come back, Robert has a choice - sharing Marion or losing her. Sellers' stylish humor added to Hawn's zaniness makes a perfect recipe for one delicious comedy, based on the play by Terence Frisby.

THERE’S A GIRL IN MY SOUP DVD:

 

THE LOOKING GLASS WAR-- NEW TO DVD ON DECEMBER 9

Academy Award®-Winner Anthony Hopkins Captivates Audiences in the Gripping and Intelligent Cold War Espionage Thriller

Academy Award®-winning Best Actor Anthony Hopkins (The Silence of the Lambs, Legends of the Fall) stars in the adaptation of best- selling novelist and master espionage writer John Le Carre's (The Russia House) intriguing novel in which a Polish defector is promised political asylum if he will go back behind the Iron Curtain in THE LOOKING GLASS WAR, premiering on DVD December 9 from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

When a Polish sailor jumps ship in Britain, a couple of British intelligence operatives keep him under surveillance. In exchange for political asylum, defector Leiser (Christopher Jones - Ryan's Daughter) agrees to return behind the Iron Curtain to infiltrate a missile installation and confirm the suspicion of the British Security Chief that East Germany is building a rocket in violation of the disarmament pact. Aided by British officer Avery (Hopkins) to cross into East Berlin, Leiser evades German troops and eventually falls in love with a beautiful young girl. The couple radio the vital information back to England and then decide to flee the espionage experts - both East and West - to start a new life together - but they soon find themselves pawns in a brutal game where the stakes are human lives.

Starring in one of his first movie roles, Anthony Hopkins co-stars along with Academy Award®-nominee Ralph Richardson (Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes) in the unforgettable thriller THE LOOKING GLASS WAR, a suspenseful historical action epic directed by Frank Pierson (A StarIs Born, Citizen Cohn).

THE LOOKING GLASS WAR DVD:

 

JURY DUTY-- NEW TO DVD ON DECEMBER 9 .

Funnyman Pauly Shore Takes on the Courts in The Uproarious Judicial Comedy Co-Starring Stanley Tucci and Sexy Tia Carrere

For truth, for justice, for five bucks a day. Stand-up comic Pauly Shore (Encino Man, Son in Law) turns the legal system upside down in a riotous comedy of disorder in the court as a freeloader who gets appointed to a sensational murder trial in JURY DUTY, debuting on DVD December 9 from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

Shore stars as Tommy Collins, a jobless slacker who is supported by his clueless mother (Academy Award®-winner Shelley Winters - The Poseidon Adventure). In desperate need of shelter and money, he comes up with a novel solution to his problem: become a juror, with its $5.00 a day salary and the possibility of getting sequestered in a plush hotel. Unfortunately, Tommy is assigned to an open-and-shut case with the high-profile murder trial for the "Drive-Thru Killer" and will now have to rely on his wits to keep the deliberations going as long as possible. Pulling obnoxious pranks with the fellow jurors, making unwanted advances on a beautiful jury member (Tia Carrere - True Lies, TVs "Relic Hunter") and sneaking into the judge's sidebar conferences, Tommy will stop at nothing to prolong his freeloading experience - that is unless his wacky antics get him thrown out of court! Also co-starring Stanley Tucci (Maid in Manhattan) and Abe Vigoda (The Godfather), JURY DUTY is a hilarious spoof of the U.S judicial system as the wheels of justice spin out of control!

JURY DUTY DVD:

 

THE POWER OF SUGGESTION A GRUESOME CURE ON DVD JANUARY 6, 2004

Home Vision Entertainment, know for publishing cult and contemporary genre movies on DVD, is releasing Kiyoshi Kurosawa's haunting masterpiece CURE. Winner of the 1997 Tokyo International Film Festival for Best Actor-Koji Yakusha. Director, Kurosawa (not related to Akira) is an up and coming master of Japanese Cinema. His latest film BRIGHT FUTURE is gaining praise at Cannes. Home Vision Entertainment is in negotiations to acquire his version of SÉANCE ON A WET AFTERNOON simply titled SÉANCE later in the year-TBS. Kiyoshi Kurosawa is famous for using Spartan methods to convey feelings of horror and suspense, using minimalist jump stop techniques as opposed to over the top Computer Generated Images.

A wave of gruesome murders is sweeping Tokyo. The only connection is a bloody "X" carved into the neck of each of the victims. In each case the murderer is found near the victim and remembers nothing of the crime. Detective Takabe and psychiatrist Sakuma are called in to figure out the connection but their investigation goes nowhere. An odd, young man is arrested near the scene of the latest murder, who has a strange effect on everyone who comes into contact with him. Detective Takabe starts a series of interrogations to determine the man's connection with the killings.

10/21/03

IT'S ALL ABOUT ACTION WHEN SAMUEL L. JACKSON, COLIN FARRELL, LL COOL J, OLIVIER MARTINEZ AND MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ HIT THE SCREEN IN S.W.A.T.-- ARRIVING ON SPECIAL EDITION DVD ON DECEMBER 30, 2003

Adrenaline Packed Action Film Grossed More Than $116 Million at the Box Office

S.W.A.T., the hit summer film, which grossed more than $116 million at the box office and was based on the popular T.V. series, will be released on special edition DVD in both widescreen and full screen versions and VHS on Tuesday, December 30, 2003, from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment (CTHE). This high energy crime thriller stars Samuel L. Jackson (Star Wars Episode I, Pulp Fiction) and Colin Farrell (Phone Booth, Minority Report) and is produced by Neal H. Moritz (Fast and the Furious 1 & 2) and directed by Clark Johnson ("The Shield," "The West Wing"). With explosive action scenes, mesmerizing stunts, unexpected twists and volatile weaponry, even a ransom offer won't distract from this wall-to-wall action film.

The elite S.W.A.T. force features some of Hollywood's hottest recruits including Michelle Rodriguez, LL Cool J, Brian Van Holt, Jeremy Renner, Josh Charles and Olivier Martinez. The team is pushed to their limits in this highly-rigorous, physically demanding adventure.

S.W.A.T. is available on Special Edition DVD in its original theatrical PG-13 version. The DVD will be loaded with features including cast and crew commentary, deleted scenes, an interactive feature that details the sound design for various gun battles, bloopers, a featurette on the anatomy of a shootout, the starring casts' talent files, and much more. See below for a complete listing of the DVD features.

S.W.A.T. SPECIAL EDITION DVD:

S.W.A.T.

When things get too tough for the cops, the cops call S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons and Tactics). Oscar nominee Samuel L. Jackson (1995, Best Actor in a Supporting Role "Pulp Fiction") and superstar Colin Farrell join forces as two wisecracking, battle hardened veterans, who team up with a pair of street-smart rookies (Michelle Rodriquez and LL Cool J) to form the most freewheeling - but effective -- S.W.A.T. team ever. Their first assignment: transport an international drug kingpin to federal custody - after he's offered $100 million to anyone who will free him! Now the best of L.A.'s finest are about to take it to the city's worst criminals in this pulse-pounding, high-octane, action/adventure.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

 

IT'S ALL ABOUT ACTION ON STILETTOS IN THE ULTRA-SEXY, ULTRA-MARTIAL ARTS THRILLER SO CLOSE-- DVD PREMIERE DECEMBER 30

Starring Asia's Hottest Actresses Zhao Wei, Shu Qi and Karen Mok And Director By Renowned Action Choreographer Cory Yeun

Combining the kick-ass female action from Charlie's Angels with the martial arts spectacle of The Matrix, SO CLOSE is the fast-paced and sleek Hong Kong action-on-stilettos thriller from legendary action filmmaker Cory Yuen (The Transporter, Bodyguard from Beijing) starring a trio of Asia's most alluring and talented young actresses, debuting December 30 on DVD and videocassette from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

Renowned for his spectacular and stylized stunt choregraphy, director Yuen has worked on several projects with international superstar Jet Li including directing the action sequences of Lethal Weapon 4, Romeo Must Die, Kiss of the Dragon and The One.

SO CLOSE is the pulse-pounding action tale of two professional assassin sisters, played by Zhao Wei (Shaolin Soccer) and Shu Qi (The Transporter), with breathtaking skills in kung fu and high-tech weaponry, who become locked in a ruthless battle with a powerful computer mogul named Chow who thinks he can manipulate them to further his corporate needs. Fearing exposure by the equally beautiful and lethal female undercover cop Kong Yat Hong (Karen Mok - Black Mask) who has been tracking the sisters, Chow has the older sister killed and implicates Hong in the murder. Now the two high-kicking adversaries must put aside their differences to form an alliance and bring down the man who double-crossed them both.

SO CLOSE DVD:

 

HBO VIDEO PRESENTS THE MOST HOTLY DEBATED FILM OF 2003: CAPTURING THE FRIEDMANS-- ARRIVES ON DVD, JANUARY 27,2004

WINNER OF THE 2003 SUNDANCE GRAND JURY PRIZE

Additional DVD Disc Features Over Two Hours of Never-Before-Seen Extras Including Unseen Home Movies from the Friedman House after the Police Arrived, New Witnesses and Details of the Criminal Investigation, An Altercation at the Film's Premiere, and Much More

The most riveting, critically acclaimed, and hotly debated film of 2003 is making its way to DVD on January 27 when CAPTURING THE FRIEDMANS hits stores across the country from HBO Video. Hailed by Frank Rich in The New York Times as "the most compelling American movie I've seen in ages and one of the most astonishing debut features ever," CAPTURING THE FRIEDMANS is the non-fiction feature film debut from Andrew Jarecki that captivated viewers with its exploration of one of the strangest criminal cases in American history and the family at its center. David Denby of The New Yorker wrote: "Extraordinary, stunning, remarkable-a masterpiece...one of the most heartbreaking films ever made about an American family." Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly called it "Grade A -- An extraordinary film." And Peter Travers of Rolling Stone said "This movie will pin you to your seat."

After the movie's premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, where it nabbed the coveted Grand Jury Prize, CAPTURING THE FRIEDMANS became one of the most talked about films of the year. Now, the film that captured the attention of movie audiences and critics nationwide in 2003 is set to become the most anticipated DVD release of 2004, with an unprecedented slate of extra features.

Exclusive DVD Features

To accompany the DVD release, the filmmakers have put together an extraordinary collection of special features, a year in the making. This enhanced content is featured on a separate disc with over two hours of material exclusive to the DVD release, including never-before-seen home movies from the Friedman house. Some examples of the special features are:

The DVD also includes a commentary by director Andrew Jarecki and editor Richard Hankin on Disc One and DVD-ROM features including original documents from police case files and the Friedman archives. The film is presented in the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio and includes English 5.1 and English Dolby Surround Sound as well as English, French and Spanish subtitles.

Synopsis

CAPTURING THE FRIEDMANS explores the elusive nature of truth through the prism of one of the strangest criminal cases in American history.

Despite their tendency to ham it up in front of home-movie cameras, the Friedmans are a seemingly normal middle-class family living in the affluent New York suburb of Great Neck. One Thanksgiving, as the family gathers at home for a quiet holiday dinner, their front door explodes, splintered by a police battering ram. Officers rush into the house, accusing Arnold Friedman and his youngest son Jesse of hundreds of shocking crimes. As a convoluted investigation unfolds and the family vehemently declares its innocence, the Great Neck community is in an uproar, and the Friedmans are the target of their rage.

The film follows their story from the public's perspective and, most remarkably, through unique footage of the family in crisis, shot contemporaneously by family members inside the Friedman house. As the police pursue the investigation, and the community reacts, the fabric of the family begins to disintegrate, revealing disturbing questions about justice, community, family, and ultimately truth.

CAPTURING THE FRIEDMANS DVD

 

10/14/03

LEGENDARY MARTIAL ARTS EXPERT JACKIE CHAN'S TRADEMARK MIX OF PHYSICAL COMEDY AND HIGHLY CHOREOGRAPHED STUNTS KICK INTO HIGH GEAR FOR THE ACTION-PACKED SUPERHERO FANTASY THE MEDALLION-- DEBUTING ON DVD DECEMBER 23

Co-Starring Sexy Claire Forlani and Julian Sands.

Combining the martial arts prowess and flawless stunt physicality of world renowned action superstar Jackie Chan (Shanghai Knights, Rush Hour, The Tuxedo) with dazzling state-of-the-art special effects, THE MEDALLION is a high-kicking, fast-punching fantasy action comedy that will blow audiences away, premiering on DVD and videocassette December 23 from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

Chan stars as Eddie Yang, a resolute Hong Kong detective who suffers a near fatal accident while investigating a case involving a mysterious medallion. Eddie soon discovers that with the powerful medallion in his possession he is transformed into a Highbinder - an immortal warrior with superhuman speed, strength and skills - taking his martial arts abilities to a whole new level. Enlisting the help of British Interpol agent and former girlfriend Nicole James (Claire Forlani - Antitrust, Meet Joe Black) and bumbling agent Watson (Lee Evans - There's Something About Mary, Mouse Hunt), Eddie is determined to learn the secret of the medallion and face down the evil crime lord Snakehead (Julian Sands - Warlock, Boxing Helena) who wants to use its awesome powers for his own destructive plans.

In addition, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will also present THE MEDALLION in the following special Jackie Chan two-pack DVD collections - THE MEDALLION/The Art of Action (Catalog #02249) and THE MEDALLION/Jackie Chan's Who Am I? (Catalog #02247), available at the low price of $38.95 SLP each.

THE MEDALLION DVD:

 

I CAPTURE THE CASTLE-- DEBUTING ON DVD DECEMBER 23

Featuring a remarkable ensemble cast of rising young talent, set in 1930s England, I CAPTURE THE CASTLE is the bittersweet romantic comedy about the agonies and ecstasies of love and coming-of-age. Based on the beloved novel by Dodie Smith "101 Dalmations," premieres on DVD and videocassette December 23 from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

Marking the feature film debut of award-winning British TV director Tim Fywell (Madame Bovary, Norma Jean & Marilyn) and produced by Oscar®-winner David Parfitt (Shakespeare in Love), I CAPTURE THE CASTLE delighted audiences and critics alike receiving rave reviews nationwide during its limited theatrical release, including "wonderfully appealing, made with humor and intelligence" (Los Angeles Times), "entirely grossing and intoxicating" (Boston Herald), "frightfully romantic and terribly funny" (San Francisco Chronicle), and "I loved I CAPTURE THE CASTLE!" (Roger Ebert, Ebert & Roeper).

The film follows 17-year-old Cassandra Mortmain (Romola Garai - Nicholas Nickleby, Dirty Dancing 2), and the fortunes of her eccentric family, struggling to survive in a decaying English castle. Her father (Bill Nighy - Underworld) is desperate to repeat the spectacular success of his first novel, but hasn't written a word for 12 years; her exquisite sister Rose (Rose Byrne - Star Wars: Episode II) can only rail against their fate, and their bohemian step-mother Topaz (Tara Fitzgerald - Troy, Brassed Off) is a nudist and no help at all. Salvation comes in the form of their American landlord Simon Cotton (Henry Thomas - Gangs of New York, Legends of the Fall) and his brother Neil (Marc Blucas - We Were Soldiers). Although initially repelled by Simon, Rose is determined to make him fall in love with her and succeeds. But events spiral out of control, and before the summer ends there will be frustrated desire, first love, and broken hearts.

I CAPTURE THE CASTLE DVD:

 

BEN AFFLECK AND JENNIFER LOPEZ STAR IN GIGLI-- AVAILABLE DECEMBER 9 ON DVD

GIGLI, starring Oscar® winner Ben Affleck and Golden Globe nominee Jennifer Lopez, will be released on DVD and videocassette on December 9. The comedy, which features cameos by Academy Award® winners Christopher Walken and Al Pacino, was directed by Martin Brest (Scent of a Woman, Midnight Run), and will be released by Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment and Revolution Studios.

SYNOPSIS: Small-time, dim-witted street thug Larry Gigli (Affleck) has a reputation for big time screw-ups. When orders arrive for Gigli to kidnap and safeguard the brother of a federal prosecutor, he finally has the opportunity to repair his damaged street-cred. To assure that Gigli doesn't make a mess out of his assignment, the boss pairs him up with tough and gorgeous gal gangster, Ricki (Lopez). Not one to take orders from a woman, Gigli tries to seduce Ricki but the more decidedly unavailable she becomes, the more he finds himself needing to win her true affection. When the job slips out of their control, they find themselves in over their heads and must finally learn to work together to save both of their hides.

The film was written and directed by Martin Brest and produced by Casey Silver and Martin Brest. Executive producer is John Hardy.

 

GIGLI DVD:

 

GOLDEN GLOBE AND EMMY®-WINNING COMEDY SERIES CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM DEBUTS ON DVD ON JANUARY 13, 2004 FROM HBO VIDEO

Bonus Materials Include An Interview with Larry David Conducted by Bob Costas, the One-Hour HBO Comedy Special "Larry David: CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM" and an Audio Commentary with the Cast and Crew

Larry David has it all. A loving wife, good friends, a successful career, a great home. So, what could possibly go wrong for the co-creator of "Seinfeld?" Find out for yourself when the first season of the HBO comedy series "CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM" arrives on HBO Video and follows the minutiae of David's life in a cinema verité format. Available on DVD and VHS, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON will go on sale on January 13, 2004 for $39.98 SRP on DVD and $39.92 SRP on VHS. (Order Date: 12/16/03, Runtime: approx. 390 minutes, Not Rated)

Larry David stars as himself in this hilarious, unsparing depiction of his life. Featuring real-life celebrities playing themselves, the show is unscripted and the actors improvise dialogue in each episode based on storylines by David. "CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM" also stars Cheryl Hines as David's wife Cheryl and Jeff Garlin as David's manager Jeff. Among the guest stars in the first season are Richard Lewis, Kathy Griffin, Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

Additional Content

Featuring ten half-hour episodes on 2 DVD discs and 3 VHS tapes, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON also includes Larry David's critically-acclaimed 1999 HBO comedy special, "Larry David: CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM." Additional bonus features on the DVD set include an exclusive, rare interview with Larry David conducted by Bob Costas and an audio commentary given by the cast and crew including Larry David, Jeff Garlin, Cheryl Hines and Emmy®-winning director, Bob Weide.

Critical Acclaim

Winner of the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series-Musical or Comedy and the 2003 Emmy® Award for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (Robert B. Weide), "CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM" has been called "almost unbelievably funny" by the New Yorker. The New York Times called the series, "snarkier, subtler and even more tour de force than Seinfeld." The Los Angeles Daily News agrees, calling "CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM" "inspired and hilarious."

10/12/03

DAWSON’S CREEK: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME ON DVD DECEMBER 16

Entire 22 Episodes Featured on Four-Disc Set

Be there once again for all the good times, the heartbreaks, and all the happenings in-between as Dawson, Joey, Pacey, Jennifer and Jack, a close-knit group of high school students in the little coastal town of Capeside, find their place in the world on Dawson's Creek, the seminal coming-of-age drama series that set the standard for the teen/young adult television genre. Featuring the entire season of 22 episodes, DAWSON’S CREEK: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON will debut December 16 on a must-have four- disc DVD set, available at the collectible price of $49.95 SLP from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

A poignant, fresh and realistic portrayal of the passage from adolescence to young adulthood featuring intelligent storylines, compelling characters and captivating new music, Dawson’s Creek quickly became a cultural phenomenon. From writer/creator Kevin Williamson (Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer), Dawson's Creek chronicled with wry humor the undeniably intense period of awakening known as the teenage years.

DAWSON’S CREEK: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON continues the unforgettable journey that explores the agony and the ecstasy of teenage life, while developing the budding and troubled romantic relationship between Dawson (James Van Der Beek - Varsity Blues) and Joey (Katie Holmes - Abandon) along with pals Pacey (Joshua Jackson - The Skulls) and Jennifer (Michelle Williams - Me Without You). The show added two additional cast members during this season including Kerr Smith (Final Destination, The Forsaken) as Jack McPhee, praised for his role as a young man struggling to comes to terms with his homosexuality, and his emotionally disturbed sister Andie (Meredith Monroe - Dangerous Minds) who becomes romantically involved with Pacey. Meanwhile, Jenn fights to deal with the unexpected death of her best friend Abby (Monica Keena - Freddy vs. Jason).

After just completing its emotional sixth and final season and now currently airing in syndication on TBS Superstation, Dawson's Creek was consistently one of the top-rated programs on The WB Network and became a critical favorite over the years. The series was also honored with the GLAAD Media Award for "Outstanding Dramatic TV Series," nominated for a TV Guide Award for "Favorite Teen Show" and garnered three wins at the 2001 Teen Choice Awards.

DAWSON’S CREEK: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON DVD:

 

BONJOUR TRISTESSE-- NEW TO DVD DECEMBER 16 .

Academy Award®-Nominated Filmmaker Otto Preminger's Stylish Melodrama Based on the Best-Selling Novel Starring Deborah Kerr, David Niven and Jean Seberg

Based on the remarkable worldwide bestseller written by French teenager Françoise Sagan, BONJOUR TRISTESSE (1958) tells the emotional and dark coming-of-age story of a decadent young girl who lives with her rich playboy father but feels threatened by his love affair with another woman. From Oscar® and Golden Globe-nominated auteur Otto Preminger (Laura, Anatomy of a Murder), BONJOUR TRISTESSE will be available December 16 for the first time on DVD from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

One of Preminger's most understated and beautifully filmed features throughout his illustrious career, BONJOUR TRISTESSE stars Golden Globe nominee Jean Seberg (Saint Joan, Breathless) as Cecile, a spoiled teenager who acts with a high-society sophistication beyond her years. They're spending the summer on the gorgeous French Riveria with her bored, dapper father Raymond (Academy Award®-winner David Niven - Casino Royale, The Pink Panther), where mature fashion designer and former love interest Anne (Oscar®- nominated Deborah Kerr - An Affair to Remember, The King and I) enters their lives and wins Raymond's heart. Seeing an end to her comfortable lifestyle, Cecile jealously plots an end to the relationship with equal parts of conniving and juvenile ruthlessness, too self-absorbed and shallow to even consider the brutal results of her actions and the unexpected consequences.

BONJOUR TRISTESSE DVD:

 

HENRY FOOL NEW TO DVD ON DECEMBER 16 .

Winner - Best Screenplay, Cannes Film Festival .

Critically-acclaimed and award-winning indie writer/director Hal Hartley (Flirt, Amateur) brings his most unique and compelling collection of characters to the screen with HENRY FOOL, a Faustian black comedy that will leave audiences screaming with laughter at its wild mix of vulgarity, antic humor and deeply-felt emotion, debuting on DVD December 16 from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

Socially inept young garbage man Simon Grim (James Urbaniak - American Splendor, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind) sulks through a sexless, humiliating lower-class existence. He shares a house in Queens, NY with his clinically depressed mother Mary (Maria Porter - Hard Rock Zombies) and sarcastic, promiscuous sister Fay (Parker Posey - A Mighty Wind, Personal Velocity).

Into their mundane existence enters mysterious stranger HENRY FOOL (Thomas Jay Ryan - Dischord, Noon Blue Apples), a freewheeling egomaniac and depraved faux-intellectual writer, who inspires the repressed Simon to come out of his shell by writing a book-length poem. Fool also begins an affair with Fay, and the two make love at the most awkwardly inappropriate moments. At Henry's goading, Simon timidly peddles his manuscript to an unscrupulous publisher, setting in motion an unforeseen chain of events both tragic and hilarious.

Full of Hartley's signature over-the-top characters and ultra witty dialogue, HENRY FOOL is "brutally funny" raves Peter Travers, (Rolling Stone).

HENRY FOOL DVD:

 

10/05/03

MARTIN LAWRENCE AND WILL SMITH JUICE UP THE HOLIDAYS IN THE ADRENALINE PUMPING, THRILL-PACKED BAD BOYS II

Director Michael Bay and Producer Jerry Bruckheimer Redefine Action in this $137 (domestic) million Blockbuster Scheduled for Release on 2-Disc Special Edition DVD on December 9

BAD BOYS II, the mega-action packed summer comedy, which grossed more than $137 million, will be released on DVD and VHS on Tuesday, December 9, from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment (CTHE). The thrills never stop in this caper, which stars superstar Martin Lawrence (National Security, Big Momma's House, BAD BOYS) and Will Smith (Men In Black, BAD BOYS), produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Michael Bay. With its continuous, mind- blowing special effects, hip soundtrack and breathtaking car chases, this worldwide box- office smash opened number one at the box office, the perfect successor to the wildly successful BAD BOYS.

Lawrence and Smith team up once again to prove that their dynamic chemistry is undeniably charismatic, and the in-your-face action scenes keep the film's danger quotient at an all time high. This must-have summer blockbuster, co-starring Gabrielle Union (Bring It On, Cradle to the Grave) and Joe Pantoliano (The Sopranos, The Matrix), is sure to keep audiences laughing while at the edge of their seats.

BAD BOYS II is available on a 2-disc Special Edition DVD in its original theatrical R-rated version. The DVD will be loaded with features including director, cast and filmmakers' commentaries, production diaries, visual effects featurettes, stunt work featurettes, music videos and deleted scenes. See below for a complete listing of the DVD features.

Also available on DVD will be a two-pack featuring Special Edition DVD versions of BAD BOYS and BAD BOYS II.

BAD BOYS II SPECIAL EDITION DVD:

Disc One

Disc Two

BAD BOYS II

The boys are back and badder than ever.

Martin Lawrence and Will Smith reunite with producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Michael Bay for another exhilarating and high-intensity action adventure BAD BOYS II. The danger quotient is heightened and so are the laughs in this new installment as Miami narcotics detectives Marcus Burnett (Lawrence) and Mike Lowrey (Smith) become part of a high-tech task force assigned to stem the flood of designer ecstasy into Miami. They unwittingly uncover a deadly conspiracy involving a ruthless drug lord, played by Jordi Molla, who is determined to expand his empire and take control of the city's burgeoning narcotics trade, killing anyone who stands in his way.

To make matters worse, Marcus' beautiful sister Syd (Gabrielle Union), an undercover DEA agent, gets caught in the crossfire, forcing our heroes to the edge of the law. The assignment takes on further complications when romantic sparks start to fly between Mike and Syd, driving her overly protective brother completely around the bend.

But Marcus and Mike must overcome their difference to bring down Tapia. And when Syd's cover is jeopardized, it's up to the BAD BOYS to rescue her.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

2 DISC DVD

DVD TWO-PACK (SPECIAL EDITION BAD BOYS AND BAD BOYS II)

 

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER DVD TWO-PACK FEATURING THE LAST ACTION HERO AND THE 6TH DAY-- SPECIALLY PRICED TOGETHER ON OCTOBER 28

The votes are in and Schwarzenegger wins - with the exciting new two-pack DVD release featuring a double dose of the international superstar's action-packed films, THE LAST ACTION HERO and THE 6TH DAY Special Edition. Available October 28 for the first time together in a specially priced two-pack for only $28.95 SLP from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

THE LAST ACTION HERO

Schwarzenegger bursts through the screen as a bigger-than-life movie hero in this non-stop over-the-top adventure. The film follows the adventures of 11-year-old Danny (Austin O'Brien), whose magic ticket blasts him out of his theater seat and into an action movie starring his favorite screen idol Jack Slater (Schwarzenegger). There he teams up with Slater, living his wildest fantasies in a celluloid world where anything is possible.

 

THE 6TH DAY SPECIAL EDITION

Prepare for a high tech sci-fi blast with twice the Arnold and twice the action in THE 6TH DAY from the director of Tomorrow Never Dies. Schwarzenegger stars as Adam, an ace pilot in the very near future who is having a serious identity crisis. An evil corporation illegally cloned him, and now they're trying to kill him to hide the evidence. Torn from his family and faced with a shocking exact duplicate of himself, Adam races against time to reclaim his life and save the world from the underground cloning movement. The film also stars powerhouse actors Robert Duvall (Gone in 60 Seconds, Deep Impact) and Michael Rapaport (Deep Blue Sea, Cop Land).

TWO-PACK SPECS

 

PLATINUM BLONDE NEW TO DVD ON NOVEMBER 4

Hollywood Legend Jean Harlow Lights Up the Screen in the Classic Romantic Comedy From Academy Award®-Winning Director Frank Capra

Hollywood's Golden Age screen siren Jean Harlow (Red-Headed Woman, Dinner at Eight) stars in PLATINUM BLONDE (1931), the must- see romantic comedy that made her a star from the one and only Academy Award®-winning director Frank Capra (It's a Wonderful Life, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town), premiering on DVD November 4 from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

Harlow shines as wealthy but ditsy socialite Ann Schuyler, a junior-leaguing heiress willing to go head-to-head with grounded female reporter Gallagher (Best Actress Academy Award®-winner Loretta Young - The Farmer's Daughter) to win the attentions of hard-nosed tabloid hound "Stew" Smith (Robert Williams). Schuyler schemes to lure the frustrated playwright into marriage, then "civilize" him from a ruffian newsman into a convincing gentleman so he can function in the social milieu she inhabits. Knowing nothing of her Pygmalion purposes, Stew is soon installed in the east wing, but his street-smart roots don't mix well with high society. And as the gilded cage is no place for this speakeasy bird, when midnight tolls for "Cinderella man" his best pal Gallagher is waiting stoically in the sidelines ready to trade in her press pass for romantic license to take on the PLATINUM BLONDE.

PLATINUM BLONDE DVD:

 

RAGE AND HONOR & RAGE AND HONOR II: HOSTILE TAKEOVER NEW TO DVD ON OCTOBER 28

Sexy Martial Arts Champion Cynthia Rothrock Unleashes Her Killer Instincts in the War on Crime with the Action-Packed Knockout Crime Film Series

Black Belt Hall-of-Famer and five-time undefeated World Karate Champion Cynthia Rothrock (Angel of Fury, Lady Dragon) stars in the adrenaline-charged films RAGE AND HONOR and RAGE AND HONOR II: HOSTILE TAKEOVER, an electrifying mix of hard-hitting fury and high-kicking suspense that is no-holds- barred action at its best! Both films will be released October 28 on DVD for the first time from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment at the must-own price of $19.95 SLP.

RAGE AND HONOR

Torn between loyalty and revenge, a martial arts champion is pitted against her own brother in this action-adventure. Rothrock stars as Kris Fairfield, an inner city high school teacher with a sideline in killer karate. While training a group of police officers, Kris meets an Australian cop (renowned martial arts expert Richard Norton - License to Kill), sent to the U.S. to observe their style of law enforcement. But it's hard to remain an impartial observer when the cops in question are dealing crack and killing Kris' students. Together, the feisty American and the wonder from Down Under team up to take back the streets. But their war on crime leads home again, as Kris learns that the mastermind behind the police cocaine ring is her own brother.

RAGE AND HONOR II: HOSTILE TAKEOVER

Rothrock returns for another action-packed adventure as Kris Farfield - LAPD copy turned CIA operative. Fresh from training, Kris is dispatched to Jakarta, where a powerful banker is laundering millions in drug money and where former Australian police officer Preston Michaels (Richard Norton) is hiding out from false murder charges. Their chance meeting lures Kris into the crossfire of a battle for a diamond fortune, but Kris refuses Preston's help until they learn his star martial arts student is the banker's son, Tommy Andrews (Patrick Muldoon - Starship Troopers). Against high-powered gunplay and high-kicking thugs, the trio proves invincible as they follow a trail of extortion and murder that leads right back to Tommy and a cold-blooded scheme to overthrow his own father. RAGE AND HONOR II: HOSTILE TAKEOVER holds no punches as the struggle escalates to a dangling climax and brings this intense action sequel to a jaw-busting finish.

 

RAGE AND HONOR and RAGE AND HONOR II: HOSTILE TAKEOVER DVD:

RAGE AND HONOR

RAGE AND HONOR II: HOSTILE TAKEOVER

 

MICKI & MAUDE-- NEW TO DVD ON NOVEMBER 4

Hollywood Comedy Legend Dudley Moore Stars in the Side-Splitting Romantic Romp from Director Blake Edwards Co-starring Amy Irving and Ann Reinking

Nominated for two Golden Globe Awards Including Best Picture, Comedy/Musical

Dudley Moore (Arthur, Unfaithfully Yours) is at his comedic best when he reunites with director Blake Edwards (The Pink Panther, Victor/Victoria) in MICKI & MAUDE, the laugh-packed sex farce about a lovable bigomist, their sophomore film together since the infamous comedy 10. MICKI & MAUDE premieres on DVD November 4 from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

TV reporter Rob Sallinger (Moore) longs for a baby. But his career-minded wife, Micki (Ann Reinking - All That Jazz, Annie) is too busy for motherhood. A romantic fling with a seductive cellist, Maude (Amy Irving - Tuck Everlasting) leads to pregnancy. Rob receives another shock when Micki announces that she's also expecting! In love with both women, he secretly marries Maude and starts leading a double life full of complicated and riotous situations. MICKI & MAUDE reaches the heights of hilarity when both women are delivering babies in adjoining rooms while Moore serves double duty as the frantic father-to- be!

Classic Blake Edwards humor combined with Moore's trademark physical comedy style delivers big laughs with MICKI & MAUDE, which earned Moore a Best Actor Golden Globe Award for his comedic tour-de-force role.

MICKI & MAUDE DVD:

 

AMATEUR NEW TO DVD ON NOVEMBER 11

Martin Donovan and Beautiful Isabelle Huppert Star in the Smart and Witty Character-Driven Thriller From Award-Winning Writer/Director Hal Hartley

Accountancy. Murder. Amnesia. Torture. Ecstasy. Understanding. Redemption. These are the quirky ingredients that make up AMATEUR, the off-beat crime thriller from respected and award-winning indie filmmaker Hal Hartley (Trust, The Unbelievable Truth, Henry Fool) starring Martin Donovan (The Opposite of Sex, Agent Cody Banks) and Isabelle Huppert (8 Women, The Bedroom Window), premiering November 11 on DVD from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

Hailed by Peter Travers, Rolling Stone, as "a sharp witted thriller, the extraordinary cast brings snap and surprising heart to Hartley's riffs on sex, lies and exploitation," AMATEUR is "Hal Hartley's most ambitious view of the world yet" (Caryn James, The New York Times). Isabelle (Huppert), a crackpot ex-nun who believes that God has an as yet unspecified mission set aside for her, keeps herself fed by writing short stories for a pornographic magazine. One day she meets Thomas (Donovan), a confused but insightful amnesiac wandering the streets of New York City. When they set out to discover Thomas' past, Isabelle suspects that its somehow linked with a vengeful young porn actress, Sofia (Elina Löwensohn - Schindler's List, Basquiat). Before long, they are being pursued by brutal corporate assassins, who desperately want to kill Thomas. Unable to remember his own unsavory criminal past, Thomas commits himself to saving Sofia and, of course, Isabelle with whom he is now in love. One thing is certain, they are all AMATEURs when it comes to affairs of the heart.

AMATEUR DVD: