March 2004 Headlines

03/31/04

On June 29, Warner Home Video (WHV) will commemorate the three-decade birthday of the great comedy classic, BLAZING SADDLES, by releasing a new 30th Anniversary Special Edition DVD featuring additional scenes and 5.1 audio. The unforgettable Mel Brooks comedy, Warner Bros.' most successful ever, is listed as #6 on American Film Institute's (AFI) list of the best comedies of all time-"AFI's 100 Years...100 Laughs." Also on June 29, WHV will debut a second Mel Brooks film on DVD, DRACULA: DEAD AND LOVING IT.

The new BLAZING SADDLES DVD will also include Brooks' commentary, a Madeline Kahn featurette, cast reunion documentary, and will feature "Black Bart," the 1975 television pilot inspired by the movie. Both titles will be available for $19.97 SRP.

BLAZING SADDLES, first released in 1974, grossed nearly $120 million at the domestic box office and has gone on to sell more than 3 million videos and DVDs. The Western film genre spoof is one of Brooks' top commercially successful films, along with Young Frankenstein, also released that same year. Brooks' other film highlights include The Producers, High Anxiety, Silent Movie, History of the World: Part I and To Be or Not to Be.

BLAZING SADDLES stars Cleavon Little as an unlikely sheriff in the town of Rock Ridge, Harvey Korman as the villain, Madeline Kahn as a Marlene Dietrich-style chanteuse, Gene Wilder as the wacko Waco Kid and Brooks himself as a dimwitted politico. Once the lunatic film gets started, logic is lost in a blizzard of gags, jokes, quips, puns and outrageous assaults upon good taste or any taste at all. The film was nominated for three

Also on June 29, WHV will debut Mel Brooks' DRACULA: DEAD AND LOVING IT - a comic reinvention of the Bela Lugosi classic about a Transylvanian vampire who works his evil spell on a perplexed group of Londoners. Directed and co-written by Brooks, who has a starring role as well, the film also features Harvey Korman, Leslie Nielsen, Peter MacNicol, Steven Weber and Amy Yasbeck. There is also a cameo appearance by Brooks' wife, Anne Bancroft.

The bandages come off June 15 to reveal one of television’s most popular and critically acclaimed new drama series’, NIP/TUCK, debut on DVD. Warner Home Video (WHV) will release the highly-anticipated series on DVD with several eye-opening special features, including outtakes, deleted scenes, a sneak peek at the show’s second season and much more.

NIP/TUCK, which premiered on FX last year as the network’s "newest and boldest risk taker to date" (TV Guide), quickly established a solid and loyal audience of patients while further building FX’s brand in the television landscape as a leading source of groundbreaking, original programming. The cutting edge series, which received rave reviews from press ranging from The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Associated Press to The New York Times, Los Angeles Times and People Magazine, to name a few, stars Dylan Walsh and Julian McMahon as Miami plastic surgeons who find themselves in full-blown midlife crises in confronting career, family and romance problems. In its first season, NIP/TUCK, which also stars Joely Richardson, was the number one series in its Tuesday 10:00pm timeslot among all basic cable television shows, maintaining strong ratings in key adult demographics, including Adults 25-49.

NIP/TUCK received two Golden Globe Award nominations during its premier season, including Best Television Series – Drama and Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series (Richardson). In addition, it was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award in the Outstanding Drama Series category and was named one of the "10 Best Shows on Television in 2003" by the American Film Institute. Based on its performance, accolades and fervent demand from viewers and critics alike, FX renewed the series for a second season of 16 original episodes.

Regarding the announcement, Christine Martinez, WHV Vice President, Non-theatrical Franchise Marketing said, "In order to fast track a series into the DVD market, the program must elicit a strong and loyal audience, as well as exhibit qualities that will ensure continued popularity. NIP/TUCK clearly is one of those titles. Based on the critical praise and viewing levels it received throughout its first season last year, we decided to bring NIP/TUCK to DVD to satisfy the demands of the growing fan base the program enjoys."

Special features to be included on NIP/TUCK: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON include:

• "Giving Melodrama a Facelift" – An exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of the program, featuring in-depth cast and crew interviews

• "Realistic Expectations: The Practice of Plastic Surgery" – Los Angeles’ top plastic surgeons reveal the secrets behind their profession

• "Are Those Real or Fake?" – An in depth look at the make-up effects used on NIP/TUCK

• "Severed Parts" – A gag reel featuring outtakes from the series

• "Cutting Room Floor" – Over 30 minutes of deleted scenes removed during post-production operations

• A "sneak peak" at NIP/TUCK’s second season

Over the course of the past two decades, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds have seduced fans and critics alike with bittersweet, dressed-in-black vignettes about life, lust and death. "I've always been interested in making the ordinary extraordinary," the legendary Cave once said. Spend an evening with songs like "Red Right Hand," "Straight To You" and "Into My Arms" and you'll find that he succeeded. Twenty years after the release of the band's debut album From Her To Eternity, Rhino has compiled NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS-THE VIDEOS, the group's first-ever DVD collection of classic music clips. The single disc spotlights 20 videos in all, including the rarely seen "Stagger Lee" and "Wanted Man," along with fan favorites such as "The Mercy Seat," "The Ship Song" and "Where the Wild Roses Grow" (featuring Kylie Minogue).

NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS-THE VIDEOS will be available May 4 at all retail outlets and at www.rhino.com for a suggested retail price of $14.99.

NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS-THE VIDEOS tells the band's story through stark images and sounds. It's a must-have for Cave completists and great starting point for the uninitiated. The track listing is as follows:

03/29/04

HBO VIDEO PRESENTS THE EPIC MOVIE EVENT: ANGELS IN AMERICA- EXCLUSIVELY ON DVD, SEPTEMBER 14, 2004

Winner Of Five 2003 Golden Globe Awards, Including Best Miniseries/Motion Picture Made For Television

Academy Award® Winner MIKE NICHOLS Directs TONY KUSHNER’S Adaptation of his Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play with an All Star Cast Including AL PACINO, MERYL STREEP and EMMA THOMPSON along with MARY-LOUISE PARKER, JEFFREY WRIGHT, JUSTIN KIRK, BEN SHENKMAN, PATRICK WILSON and JAMES CROMWELL, with Featured Performances by MICHAEL GAMBON and SIMON CALLOW

On September 14, HBO Video will bring the critically-acclaimed, celebrated film from Mike Nichols, ANGELS IN AMERICA, to DVD. Adapted by Tony Kushner from his own Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning play, the epic two-part, six-hour movie event will be featured in a two-disc DVD set including: Part 1, “Millennium Approaches,” and Part 2, “Perestroika.” Lauded as “not only the best television of the year, but hands down, the best movie, period” (New York Magazine) and “the most powerful screen adaptation of a major American play since Elia Kazan’s “Streetcar Named Desire” more than a half-century ago” (Frank Rich, New York Times), ANGELS IN AMERICA features an extraordinary cast including Academy Awardâ winning actors, Al Pacino, Meryl Streep and Emma Thompson along with Mary-Louise Parker, Jeffrey Wright, Justin Kirk, Ben Shenkman, Patrick Wilson and James Cromwell with performances by Michael Gambon and Simon Callow.

Critical Acclaim

In January, ANGELS IN AMERICA brought home five Golden Globe Awards, leading all winners and winning in every category in which it was nominated. The wins included the award for Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television; Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television (Meryl Streep); Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television (Al Pacino); Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Mary-Louise Parker); and Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Jeffrey Wright).

ANGELS IN AMERICA also captured the National Board of Review Award for Best Film Made for Cable Television and the Director’s Guild Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television. Featured as the #1 pick on many critics top ten films of the year lists, including USA Today, the film has been praised by reviewers nationwide receiving four-star reviews in USA Today, the New York Post, the New York Daily News, and the Boston Herald among others. “Dazzling,” (Washington Post) and “magnificent” (TV Guide), ANGELS IN AMERICA is “brutal, hilarious and deeply moving, the movie is like a bonfire that never stops giving off heat and light,”(Newsweek).

Synopsis

Based on Tony Kushner's Pulitzer Prize winning plays, ANGELS IN AMERICA is a sweeping film event, both epic and intimate, which explores the politics, morality and search for hope in the story of six interconnected characters and an Angel in the complex and turbulent world of New York in the late 1980's. 

The film tells the story of a gay man (Louis Ironson) struggling with his compassion and fidelity as his partner (Prior Walter) faces the specter of AIDS and dreamlike visitations by a prophet seeking Angel.  Louis becomes involved with a N.Y. Supreme Court Clerk (Joe Pitt) who wrestles with his career and sexual repression as his marriage to his Valium-addicted wife (Harper Pitt) unravels. Motivated to help her son, the clerk's Mormon mother (Hannah Pitt) comes from Salt Lake to the intimidating world of New York, while a controversial and legendary lawyer, Roy Cohn (a fictional re-creation of the infamous American conservative ideologue who died of AIDS in 1986), attempts to enlist the clerk in his defense as he is ravaged by a hidden disease and the demons of his own hypocrisy.

Spanning the extremes of comedy and tragedy, love and betrayal, and life and death, ANGELS IN AMERICA is a journey through the landscape of despair and hope that defines America at the end of the 20th Century.

Program Information

ANGELS IN AMERICA was executive produced by Mike Nichols and Cary Brokaw, president and CEO of Avenue Entertainment Group (who teamed with Nichols for the Emmy®-winning HBO Films production “Wit”); produced by Celia Costas; and co-executive produced by Michael Haley. Stephen Goldblatt was the director of photography; Stuart Wurtzel, production designer; John Bloom, editor; with music by Thomas Newman.  Kary Antholis, vice president, HBO Films, was the executive in charge of the production.  ANGELS IN AMERICA is an Avenue Pictures production.

ANGELS IN AMERICA is presented in the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio and includes English 5.1, English 2.0 and Spanish 2.0 sound as well as English, French and Spanish subtitles.          

ANGELS IN AMERICA DVD

• Street Date: September 14, 2004
• Rating: Not Rated
• Runtime: 375 minutes
• Price: $39.98 suggested retail price

THE COMPANY PREMIERING JUNE 1 ON DVD

Iconic Director Robert Altman Takes an Elegant, Beautiful and Breathtaking Look at the World of Dance

Starring Neve Campbell, Malcolm McDowell and James Franco

Robert Altman follows up on the stunning success of the Academy Award winning film Gosford Park with THE COMPANY, a breathtaking look at the world of ballet as only Altman could envision it bringing his fluid and masterful camera work to the world of dance.  The authenticity and richness of THE COMPANY is rooted in the unprecedented way in which Altman shot the film: with the complete cooperation of the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago.  Joffrey dancers constitute the core of Altman's ensemble and screenwriter Barbara Turner (Pollack, Georgia) spent over two years on and off with the Joffrey, observing and writing.  Altman's vision for the film was an extremely intimate one: to show the difficult daily work, the intense pressures of performance, the richly textured behaviors of the dancers - whose professional and personal lives grow impossibly close - and of course the sheer beauty of dance: exhilarating, kinetic and thrillingly observed.  THE COMPANY will debut on DVD and videocassette on June 1 from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

THE COMPANY stars Neve Campbell (Scream, Three to Tango, TV's "Party of Five"), the only actor who worked as part of the Joffrey corps, as a gifted company member on the verge of a principal dancer at a fictional Chicago troupe.  Campbell, an accomplished dancer, does all of her own dancing in the film and worked intensively with the Joffrey to prepare for her role.

Sony Pictures Classics present THE COMPANY starring Neve Campbell, Malcolm McDowell (I Spy, Gangster No. 1, A Clockwork Orange) and the Golden Globe Winner James Franco (Spider-Man 2, TV's "James Dean").  THE COMPANY is directed by Robert Altman. The screenplay is by Barbara Turner.

THE COMPANY will be available as a single disc DVD in its original theatrical PG-13 rated version.  The DVD special feature will include Extended Dance Sequences, "The Passion of Dance" Featurette, a "Making of" Featurette and Director and Cast Commentary.  See below

for a complete listing of the DVD features.

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Extended Dance Sequences will give viewers the option to watch just the dance sequences from the film:
• -Suite Saint-Saens
• -Vivandiere
• -White Widow
• -Strange Prisoners
• "The Passion of Dance" Featurette about the passion of the dancers to their art, and of the filmmakers to the film.
• "The Making The Company" featurette
• Director Robert Altman and Neve Campbell Commentary
• Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation
• Bonus Trailers

Basics

• Rated "PG-13" for Brief Strong Language, Some Nudity and Sexual Content
• Color
• Closed Captioned
• Running Time: 112 Minutes
• DVD Catalog # 01322 / UPC Code: 0-43396-01322-3
• SLP: $26.96 DVD; VHS priced for rental

MIKE JUDGE AND DON HERTZFELDT PRESENT: THE ANIMATION SHOW

The tour successfully launched in Fall 2003 and has been in every major and some not so major markets in North American. THE ANIMATION SHOW is a collection of acclaimed animated short films from around the world, personally programmed by co-producers Mike Judge (BEAVIS & BUTT-HEAD, KING OF THE HILL, OFFICE SPACE) and Academy Award-nominated animator Don Hertzfeldt.

The DVD contains many special features and most of the films included in the theatre tour. The selection of films spans eight countries and features everything from forgotten classics, to the very latest in computer animation.  Six recent Academy Award-nominees are also included: "Mt. Head," "Das Rad," "The Cathedral," and "Fifty Percent Grey."  In addition, festival programmers Mike Judge and Don Hertzfeldt premiered their own new works at the festival to great acclaim.  The special features include audio commentary from Bill Plympton as well as deleted pencil test by Mike Judge and galleries of art and concepts for some of the award-winning shorts. The animated short film continues to be undervalued and underexposed in American cinema, despite widespread appreciation throughout the rest of the world.  On rare occasions, popular animated shorts may see some manner of very limited theatrical play, however, all too often they are relegated to only being found in chopped-up form on television, or worse, are only exhibited on the internet.

Every year, THE ANIMATION SHOW promises to put animated short films into more theaters than any other animation festival in American history. The aim is to finally give these filmmakers the wide exposure their work deserves and to share these short masterpieces on the big screen, where they belong.

MIKE JUDGE AND DON HERTZFELDT PRESENT: THE ANIMATION SHOW

• Category:  Animation Shorts
• Rating:  Unrated
• Running time:  101 minutes
• Street Date:  April 27
• SRP:  $24.95
• Format:  DVD only

DVD Premium:  Over an hour of special feature material, including a

hidden feature

• Audio commentaries by animators Bill Plympton and Corky Quakenbush
• Deleted pencil test by Mike Judge
• Special effects commentary and production art galleries by Don Hertzfeldt
• "Mt. Head" galleries of concept art and character design
• "The Cathedral" motion testes, animatics and production art
• "The Rocks" production photo album
• "La Course A L'Abime" storyboard to scene comparison

THE BERENSTAIN BEARS: BEARS GET A BABYSITTER PREMIERING JUNE 1 ON DVD

Welcome back to Bear Country with the lovable furry friends from THE BERENSTAIN BEARS in an all-new series collection debuting June 1, 2004 from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment from the top-rated preschool children's PBS program.  Helping children learn not to be afraid when the babysitter arrives plus teaching other important and entertaining universal life-lessons, THE BERENSTAIN BEARS: BEARS GET A BABYSITTER will debut on VHS with four enjoyable episodes at $12.95 SLP. The title will also be available on DVD with six "around-the-house" adventures priced at $19.95 SLP with a special kid-friendly "QuickStart" feature that makes it easy for young viewers to play the DVD and watch all six episodes continuously and uninterrupted. Based on the cherished and contemporary classic children's book series from Stan and Jan Berenstain trusted by parents and delighted by children for decades, THE BERENSTAIN BEARS are the biggest selling children's book series in history with over 240 titles in print spanning forty years with 260 million copies sold.  Premiering last year on PBS Kids, THE BERENSTAIN BEARS has become an instant hit with kids and parents alike, ranking in the Top 10 for its core demographic of children 2-5 on PBS.

Set in the rolling hills of Bear Country, this animated preschool series stars a fun loving family of honey Bears whose love, loyalty and humor allow them to overcome any obstacle that finds its way down to their sunny dirt road.  The funny adventures and familiar experiences of THE BERENSTAIN BEARS instill timeless life lessons and reflect the traditional community values of country life and working together.

The Sitter

Brother and Sister do some damage in Ms. Grizzle's flowerbed while retrieving their baseball. Instead of stepping forward to apologize, the cubs get nervous and run home. As fate would have it, Mama arranges for Ms. Grizzle to babysit the cubs that very night. Brother and Sister anticipate a very stern talking to, but are surprised by Ms. Grizzle's kindhearted manner.

Trouble with Grown Ups

In order to convey that it's tough being a cub, Brother and Sister put on a play, which comically depicts their parents as overbearing tyrants. The cubs are pleased when Mama and Papa agree they see the cubs' point. However when Mama and Papa offer to switch places with Brother and Sister and let them be the parents, the cubs readily agree. It's only after the cubs realize they're responsible for doing the dishes, making the meals and keeping the house in order that they come to the conclusion, and see Mama and Papa's point, that sometimes it's just as tough being a parent as it is being a cub.

Family Get Together

The Bears are hosting a family reunion, but the cubs doubt they'll enjoy spending time with relatives they've never met. The cubs' first impression of their two cousins only confirms their opinion: Sylvester and Penelope are just too different to consider getting acquainted with. However, as the day unfolds, Brother and Sister get to know them better and discover they've not only met new cousins, they've made new friends too.

The Birthday Boy

With Mama and Papa too busy setting up Brother's birthday party, Sister reluctantly decides to do her 'Tell Us About A Family Member' school assignment on Brother. However, videotaping him for her project not only allows her to see a side of him she never saw before, it helps her realize just how much her big brother really means to her. Ultimately not only is Sister's Birthday Boy video an A+ project, it also doubles as Brother's best birthday gift ever.

THE BERENSTAIN BEARS - BEARS GET A BABYSITTER DVD

Will feature the above four episodes plus two additional shows including:

The Baby Chipmunk

When she adopts a baby chipmunk, Sister learns the hard way about trying to keep a non-domes iced animal as a house pet.  All the baby chipmunk does is eat and sleep. However, the bigger it grows the more active it gets and the more mess it makes and the more trouble it causes. Of course none of it's intentional. That's just the creature's nature. But when it accidentally bites Papa, Sister finally realizes that if she really loves Little Brown Eyes, she'll do what's best for the chipmunk and return him to the outdoors where he belongs.

Count Their Blessings

Brother and Sister often complain that their friends have more things than they do. Mama and Papa tell them they should be thankful for all the things they do have. When a big thunderstorm rages outside and the power goes out, the cubs are reminded of how fortunate they are to have loving parents and a cozy home to live in. It's a good time to count their blessings.

• Not Rated
• Color / Close Captioned
• DVD Running Time:  Approx. 75 mins.
• DVD Cat #    / UPC Code: 0-43396-02228-7
• SLP: $12.95 VHS; $19.95 DVD

03/24/04

It's romance on the run in CHASING LIBERTY, debuting on an all-new DVD and VHS from Warner Home Video (WHV) on May 4. The romantic comedy from director Andy Cadiff stars pop star sensation Mandy Moore (A Walk To Remember, How To Deal), Matthew Goode (Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister), Jeremy Piven (Old School, Runaway Jury), Annabelle Sciorra (The Sopranos), Caroline Goodall (The Princess Diaries, Schindler's List) and Golden Globe-nominee Mark Harmon (Freaky Friday, Summer School). With a "Love Parade" of special features including a stunts featurette, additional scenes, music videos and more, CHASING LIBERTY embodies the American teenage dream in this tale of life, Liberty and the pursuit of the president's daughter.

CHASING LIBERTY will be available for sell-through pricing at $27.95 SRP on both widescreen and full frame DVD formats. Contact your WHV representative or distributor for VHS pricing.

The DVD release of CHASING LIBERTY will include the following special features:

Clark Kent lives in Smallville, but in many ways he's out of this world - and so is the spectacular SMALLVILLE: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON DVD flying into homes everywhere from Warner Home Video on May 18, 2004. Presented in 16 X 9 Widescreen format with Dolby-Digital sound, the six-disc DVD collector's set contains all 23 episodes from the second season, plus bonus materials worthy of a superhero. Among the episode highlights: Clark Kent grapples with his true calling. Is he on Earth to serve humanity or perhaps destroy it? Lex gets married - twice! Lana Lang moves in with Chloe, adding a new dynamic to their Clark dilemma. Lionel pulls devious strings. And Pete becomes a keeper of the Clark secret. SMALLVILLE: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON DVD is priced at $59.98 SRP.

This deluxe DVD collection of SMALLVILLE: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON contains super special features including Christopher Reeve: Man of Steel featurette, Faster Than a Speeding Bullet - The Visual FX of Smallville, The Chloe Chronicle - webisode investigation/documentaries of the bizarre Smallville events that make Chloe's "Wall of Weird," audio commentaries by the show's producers Alfred Gough, Miles Millar and Greg Beeman, director James Marshall and stars Tom Welling, Kristin Kruek and Michael Rosenbaum on two episodes. Additional special features include deleted scenes from season two, gag reel, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles, and a DVD-ROM link to the smallville.net website.

Warner Home Video (WHV) is proud to present some of the greatest moments and legends of the NFL on DVD with the release of SUPER BOWL XI-XX: Collector's Set on June 1, 2004. The brand new five-disc set highlights every Super Bowl from 1977 - 1986 and is the perfect gift for Father's Day. NFL SUPER BOWL COLLECTION: SUPER BOWL XI-XX is available for $64.92 SRP. Order due date is April 20, 2004.

NFL FILMS SUPER BOWL COLLECTION: SUPER BOWL XI-XX

03/22/04

The alien bugs are back and the interstellar assault rages on with the premiere of STARSHIP TROOPERS 2: HERO OF THE FEDERATION, the much-anticipated sequel to Paul Verhoeven's cult-classic 1997 hit STARSHIP TROOPERS. Marking the directorial debut of Academy Award®-winning visual effects supervisor Phil Tippett (who worked on VFX for the original STARSHIP TROOPERS in addition to other high-profile films such as Return of the Jedi and Jurassic Park) with a screenplay by the first film's writer Ed Neumeier, STARSHIP TROOPERS 2: HERO OF THE FEDERATION will debut June 1 from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment on Special Edition DVD and VHS (rental).

Starring a sexy cast of talented young stars including Kelly Carlson (TVs "Nip/Tuck"), Ed Lauter (Seabiscut, Leaving Las Vegas), Richard Burgi (TVs "24") and Sandrine Holt (Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever), STARSHIP TROOPERS 2: HERO OF THE FEDERATION is loaded with state-of-the-art CGI creature effects, high-octane futuristic battle sequences and the infamous man-eating killer alien bugs!

STARSHIP TROOPERS 2: HERO OF THE FEDERATION picks up where the original film left off, right back to the frontline of battle against the arachnid warrior bugs at a desolated outpost on Zulu Angel, a storm swept planet where the first film's arachnids gained a murderous grip over humanity. A small group of mobile infantry Troopers lead by General Shepherd (Ed Lauter) find themselves taking refuge in an abandoned Federation outpost where they discover the last remaining soldier Captain Dax (Richard Burgi), who helps them fight off the encroaching arachnids. Isolated from the outside threat, the rag-tag band of fighters discover a much graver danger is actually infiltrating their unit and a terrifying new breed of enemy is hunting them down from within.

In addition, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will also release the original STARSHIP TROOPERS and STARSHIP TROOPERS 2 together in a special two-pack DVD set, available at the low price of $36.95 SLP.

STARSHIP TROOPERS 2: HERO OF THE FEDERATION SPECIAL EDITION DVD:

03/21/04

UNDERWORLD, the dark, sexy and action- packed story of the eternal battle between vampires and their mortal enemies, the werewolves, stars Kate Beckinsale (Pearl Harbor) and Scott Speedman (TV's Felicity) and has become a cult-film hit of gothic proportions. Now, on May 25, 2004, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will satisfy the bloodlust even further with the release of director and creator Len Wiseman's original vision for the film - the UNDERWORLD UNRATED EXTENDED CUT, available as a two-disc DVD set for $34.95 SLP.

Certain to fulfill the most ardent fan, the UNDERWORLD UNRATED EXTENDED CUT feature film includes 12 minutes of additional footage, plus 11 minutes of footage that replace existing scenes with different angles and takes. Not only that, but this new two-disc DVD set, packaged in a unique translucent cover, boasts all new bonus features including audio commentary by director Len Wiseman and leading cast members Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman; a 45-minute documentary examining the history of vampires and werewolves; a cinematography featurette; a special effects featurette, a production design featurette; and an outtake reel. As an added bonus, each DVD comes packaged with a collectible production sketch notebook and a mini Underworld comic book.

In addition to the extensive, all new special features listed above, the UNDERWORLD UNRATED EXTENDED CUT offers special features from the previously released theatrical version DVD: director and writer commentary, technical commentary, and several featurettes including "The Sights and Sounds of Underworld," "Creature Effects," "Stunts" and a "Making of" featurette.

In the UNDERWORLD, Vampires are a secret clan of modern aristocratic sophisticates whose mortal enemies are the Lycans (werewolves), a shrewd gang of street thugs who prowl the city's underbelly. No one knows the origin of their bitter blood feud, but the balance of power between them turns even bloodier when a beautiful young Vampire warrior and a newly-turned Lycan with a mysterious past fall in love. Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman star in this modern-day, action-packed tale of ruthless intrigue and forbidden passion ­ all set against the dazzling backdrop of a timeless, Gothic metropolis.

UNDERWORLD UNRATED EXTENDED CUT ALL NEW DVD:

On May 25, 2004, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will release on DVD the classic 1943 musical, YOU WERE NEVER LOVELIER, starring the incomparable Rita Hayworth (Gilda, Down to Earth) and the great Fred Astaire (Top Hat, Easter Parade). YOU WERE NEVER LOVELIER earned three Academy Award® nominations for "Best Score," "Best Sound Recording" as well as "Best Song," for the Jerome Kern (music) and Johnny Mercer (lyrics) tune "Dearly Beloved".

In addition to the Oscar®-nominated "Dearly Beloved," two other well-loved Kern- Mercer standards, "YOU WERE NEVER LOVELIER" and "I'm Old Fashioned," originated in the film. Directed by William A. Seiter (director of the great Laurel & Hardy film, Sons of the Desert, a touchstone of classic American comedies), YOU WERE NEVER LOVELIER was produced as a follow-up to the highly popular 1941 film, You'll Never Get Rich, which paired Astaire and Hayworth together for the first time. It was based on the original screenplay, "The Gay Senorita." The film includes a cameo appearance and musical performance by Xavier Cugat and his orchestra.

YOU WERE NEVER LOVELIER DVD:

Three malicious college students compete in a winner-take-all game of seduction and revenge in CRUEL INTENTIONS 3, starring Kerr Smith (The Forsaken), Kristina Anapau (Cursed) and Nathan Wetherington (The It Factor). Inspired by Choderlos De Laclos' controversial 1782 novel, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, the third installment of this highly successful series debuts on DVD and videocassette on May 25, 2004, from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment.

Directed by Scott Ziehl (Three Way, Proximity) and written by Rhett Rheese (creator of "The Joe Schmo Show"), CRUEL INTENTIONS 3 was produced by Neal H. Mortiz, one of the most successful filmmakers in the world. Among his many hit movies are Torque, S.W.A.T., Sweet Home Alabama, Not Another Teen Movie, The Fast and the Furious, Cruel Intentions, Urban Legends, Volcano and I Know What You Did Last Summer. Also prolific in television, he received a 1999 Emmy nomination for "The Rat Pack" (Outstanding Made for Television Movie).

CRUEL INTENTIONS 3 will be available as a single disc widescreen DVD for the SLP of $24.96.

CRUEL INTENTIONS 3 DVD:

03/17/04

25 YEARS LATER GREAT SONDHEIM MUSICAL IS STILL A CUT ABOVE SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET  DEBUTS ON DVD APRIL 20

Acclaimed Video Presentation of Multi-Award Winning Broadway Smash Starring Angela Lansbury and George Hearn Joined by First-Time DVD Release of “THE LAST OF SHEILA”

“This production of ‘SWEENEY TODD’ beautifully captures the complete show and ranks as a landmark in the history of preserving musical theatre...”
Ken Mandelbaum, Broadway.com

On April 20, to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Stephen Sondheim and Harold Prince’s acclaimed Tony®-Award winning Broadway musical SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET, Warner Home Video (WHV) will introduce to DVD the groundbreaking 1982 television version, which starred Angela Lansbury and George Hearn and won three Emmys® and three Cable Ace Awards®.  

Long noted as the first TV production to accurately translate the Broadway musical theatre-going experience onto the small screen, SWEENEY TODD's original videotape and audio masters have now been restored and remixed (respectively), and the DVD will be presented in the original videotaped aspect ratio (1.37:1) with new Dolby® 5.1 audio.  George Feltenstein, WHV’s Senior Vice President Classic Catalog, notes, “It was the multiple camera work and direction in this TV version that created the ground-breaking sense of intimacy and fluid movement.  The genius of Sondheim’s score, Harold Prince’s phenomenal stage direction, and the amazing performances of Angela Lansbury and George Hearn are beautifully preserved in this outstanding production.”

Also making its DVD debut on April 20 is THE LAST OF SHEILA -- a complex Hollywood thriller written by Sondheim and actor Anthony Perkins (Psycho).  It includes commentary from stars Richard Benjamin, Dyan Cannon and Raquel Welch.  SWEENEY TODD will sell for $24.98 SRP and THE LAST OF SHEILA will be available for $19.97 SRP.

Stephen Sondheim has earned national acclaim during his five-decade career.  Not only has he won seven Tony Awards® for his songwriting, he’s been awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Sunday in the Park with George and received both Kennedy Center Honors and the National Medal of Arts from the National Endowment for the Arts.  Known for skewed harmonies and densely literate lyrics, he’s considered one of the most versatile artists of the theatre.  Sondheim hit his stride in the ’70s, forming an artistic partnership with producer/director Hal Prince (Company, Follies, A Little Night Music); together they were credited with reinventing the Broadway musical. 

Continued Feltenstein, “When it comes to musical theater of the last 40 years, there's Sondheim and then there's everyone else.  His scores are true masterworks and SWEENEY TODD…may well be his greatest achievement.  While sadly, some original productions of his other hits -- like Company, Follies, and A Little Night Music -- are lost to the memories of those lucky enough to have seen them, we’re fortunate that the producers of SWEENEY TODD… had the foresight to preserve it for the ages.  The WHV restoration from the original antiquated videotape masters makes SWEENEY TODD…look and sound better than ever.  Even people familiar with this production from earlier VHS and broadcast incarnations will be awed by the great improvement in picture and sound.”

SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET

Starring Ms. Lansbury (Manchurian Candidate, Murder She Wrote), who won one of the original’s eight Tony Awards®, and Mr. Hearn (Broadway’s La Cage Aux Folles, Sunset Boulevard), this production was taped before a live audience at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles in 1982 and was later shown on SHOWTIME and PBS.  The original was the sensation of the 1979 Broadway season, winning its Tony® for Best Musical, Score, Book, Direction, Actor, Actress, Scenic Design and Costumes, along with nine New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and seven Drama Desk Awards. 

Synopsis:

This macabre tale tells the story of Sweeney Todd (Hearn), a man unjustly imprisoned, who returns to London in 1846, determined to seek revenge on those who have destroyed his life.  He acquires an ally in Nellie Lovett (Lansbury), a lusty woman who bakes some unexpected ingredients into the meat pies she sells.

THE LAST OF SHEILA

A Hollywood “who dunnit” in the style of Agatha Christie, THE LAST OF SHEILA was a collaboration of Mr. Sondheim and actor Anthony Perkins, winning them the Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best Mystery Film the year of its release.  Directed by Herbert Ross (Steel Magnolias, The Goodbye Girl), the movie stars James Coburn (Magnificent Seven, Our Man Flint), James Mason (A Star is Born, The Verdict), Raquel Welch (Legally Blonde, Tortilla Soup), Dyan Cannon (Drop-Dead, Out to Sea, TV’s Ally McBeal) and Richard Benjamin (My Favorite Year, Portnoy’s Complaint, Goodbye Columbus).  This witty complex thriller is an elaborate murder game which takes place on a Mediterranean cruise.  What unfolds is a cleverly plotted mystery, where even the title is a clue!

Synopsis:

A year after his wife Sheila was killed by a hit-and-run driver, Hollywood kingpin Clinton Green (Coburn) hosts a cruise aboard his yacht for a group of friends who may know more about Sheila’s death than they’re letting on.  He stages an elaborate murder mystery game with clues planted at each port-of-call along the way.

Special Features include:

• Commentary by Richard Benjamin, Dyan Cannon and Raquel Welch
• Theatrical trailer
• Subtitles in English, French and Spanish

DVD Details

Street Date: April 20, 2004

THE LAST OF SHEILA

• $19.97 SRP
• Rating: PG
• Run Time: 119 Minutes

SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET

• $24.98 SRP
• Rating: n/a
• Run Time: 139 Minutes

TORQUE RACES ON TO DVD MAY 18

This High Speed Adventure Stars Ice Cube, Monet Mazur, Martin Henderson and Jay Hernandez from FAST & FURIOUS Producer Neal H. Moritz

Two Cool Commentaries: The Cast, Director Joseph Kahn And The Creative Team

Take the ride of your life on May 18, rack up miles and rule the road with TORQUE, debuting on an all-new DVD and VHS from Warner Home Video (WHV).  This extreme action adventure film, from Village Roadshow Pictures and producer Neal H. Moritz

(The Fast and the Furious, XXX and S.W.A.T.), takes extreme motorcycling “to the max” and stars Ice Cube (Barbershop, Three Kings, Anaconda), Martin Henderson (The Ring), Monet Mazur

(40 Days, 40 Nights, Just Married) and Jay Hernandez (Crazy Beautiful).  With fast-paced special features TORQUE brings you to a place where everything moves so fast, if you slow down, you’re gone.

TORQUE will be available for sell-through pricing at $27.95 SRP on both widescreen and full frame DVD formats.  For VHS pricing please contact your WHV sales representative. 

SYNOPSIS

Biker Cary Ford lives to ride. Now he’s riding to live. The Reapers biker gang wants him for a murder he did not commit. The leader of the Hellions wants to get his hands on his neck and on the contraband he thinks Ford ripped off. And the FBI wants to have a little chat. Nice to be wanted – right?

No rules. No limits. A young cast (with Ice Cube of Barbershop 1 & 2 as the Reapers’ leader and The Ring’s Martin Henderson as Ford) is runnin’ hot and stylin’ cool in this roadfest from the producer of The Fast and the Furious, S.W.A.T and XXX. So kick, pop and hang on for some of the meanest meetings of man and machine around, including a wild bike-chase atop and through a moving commuter train!

DVD ELEMENTS

Rev up with the following high-riding special features:

• Two commentaries: one with the cast and director Joseph Kahn and a second commentary   with the creative team.
• Behind-the-scenes sneak peek: follow the racing and the train-chase sequences from     animatic rendering through the final edit
• Music video “Lean Low” by Youngbloodz.
• Theatrical trailer.
• Search for an Easter egg.

THERE CAN STILL BE ONLY ONE! HIGHLANDER*: THE SERIES - SEASON FOUR AVAILABLE APRIL 13 FROM ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT  & DAVIS/ANDERSON MERCHANDISING CORP

Immortal Collector's DVD Set Featuring 22 Digitally Remastered Original Episodes

Packed Solid with Hours of All-New Sensational Extras Continue Duncan MacLeod's epic journey through the ages with the HIGHLANDER*: THE SERIES - SEASON FOUR DVD collection from Anchor Bay Entertainment and Davis?Anderson Merchandising Corp.  Providing fans again with the ultimate viewing experience, the SEASON FOUR DVD release will feature all 22 exciting and dramatic episodes from the long-running sci-fi/fantasy TV series HIGHLANDER* starring Adrian Paul, presented in state-of-the-art digitally re-mastered 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound.  Available April 13th in a remarkable nine-disc collector's DVD set priced to own at $89.98 SRP, HIGHLANDER: THE SERIES - SEASON FOUR features hours of fascinating bonus materials including recently discovered deleted scenes, all-new season-specific interviews with cast and crew, blooper/outtakes reel and much more!

A must-have release to complete the essential HIGHLANDER DVD collection, HIGHLANDER: THE SERIES - SEASON FOUR is highlighted by Adrian Paul's critically acclaimed directorial efforts on the episodes "Homeland" and "Methuselah's Gift."  The series' trademark use of detailed historical flashbacks and authentic sword duels provides the framework for a mix of intriguing storylines that ultimately afford Duncan the opportunity to avenge the deaths of both his father and his beloved, Tessa.

The HIGHLANDER: SEASON FOUR DVD release is highlighted by the following action-packed bonus materials:

• Vast library of never-before-seen footage including deleted, alternate and recently discovered scenes
• Interviews with the actors, producers, editors, writers, set and costume designers including:  David Abramowitz, Roger Bellon, Jim Byrnes, Elizabeth Gracen, Ken Gord, Gillian Horvath, Stan Kirsch,  F. Braun McAsh, Bill Panzer, Adrian Paul, David Tynan, Peter Wingfield, Steve Geaghan and others
• Audio commentaries from Jim Byrnes, Anthony Delongis, Peter Ellis, Gillian Horvath, Stan Kirsch, Don Paonessa and Adrian Paul
• Watcher Chronicles - Discover the lives of the Immortals and those they encountered as recorded by the Watchers
• Photo gallery
• Bloopers and outtakes
• Original production designs and sketches
• CD-ROM features including:
• All 22 shooting scripts
• Actor, director and writer biographies
• Series trivia, fight scripts, production notes and shooting schedules

Based on the popular HIGHLANDER film series starring Sean Connery and Christopher Lambert, HIGHLANDER the television series follows the amazing journeys of the Immortal Duncan MacLeod played by Adrian Paul. The six seasons of the TV show follow the action of the Immortal's age-old struggle for dominion - Good vs. Evil. Through it all the mystery of the HIGHLANDER unfolds and deepens as his incredible story leaps time and emotions to bring us further into the tortured world of the Immortals.

HIGHLANDER*: THE SERIES - SEASON FOUR

• Street Date:  April 13, 2004
• Pre-Book: March 16, 2004
• Catalog #: DV12619
• UPC:  01313 126199 8
• Run Time: 1,060 Minutes
• Rating: Not Rated
• SRP:  $89.98

03/15/04

The journey’s end has finally arrived with the much-anticipated DVD release of BABYLON 5: THE COMPLETE FIFTH SEASON, featuring all 22 episodes from the acclaimed sci-fi adventure series’ final season. Debuting April 13, 2004 from Warner Home Video (WHV) on a must-own six-disc collector’s set, BABYLON 5: THE COMPLETE FIFTH SEASON is priced at $99.98 SRP.

With over 17 hours of content, the BABYLON 5: THE COMPLETE FIFTH SEASON DVD has been newly remastered with a digital widescreen transfer and is loaded with special features including a making-of featurette about the series state-of-the-art special effects, another featurette about the show’s dedicated fan base, in-depth audio commentaries on various episodes from cast members and the series creator, deleted/extended scenes, a gag reel and much more!

"As one of the most exciting and cutting-edge sci-fi TV series in recent years, BABYLON 5 has developed an extremely loyal and cult fan following," said Christine Martinez, WHV Vice President, Non-theatrical Franchise Marketing. "Fans will now be anxious to complete their DVD collection with this in-demand final set of the remarkable sci-fi action series."

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.

• The fully-loaded BABYLON 5: THE COMPLETE FIFTH SEASON DVD will include the following bonus materials:

• Introduction to The Wheel of Fire – the fifth and final season of BABYLON 5

• Two audio commentaries by series creator J. Michael Straczynski

• Audio commentary on one episode (Movements of Fire and Shadow) by cast members Bruce Boxleitner, Peter Jurasik, Patricia Tallman and Tracy Scoggins

• Digital Tomorrow – a featurette about making the special effects for the series

• Beyond BABYLON 5 – a featurette focusing on the fans, their reactions to the show and available BABYLON 5 merchandise

• The Universe of Babylon 5

  • Data Files

  • Personnel Files

  • Gag Reel

• Episode Previews

• Easter Egg – Marcus Cole: Dead or Frozen

• Extended and Deleted Scenes

• All-New Digital Widescreen Transfers (16:9, 1.77 aspect ratio)

• Soundtrack Remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1

In the mid-'70s, British glam rock legends Slade took a break from their unprecedented winning streak (12 top-5 singles in succession), and did what every other major rock band was doing at the time. they made a movie. Band members Noddy Holder, Dave Hill, Jim Lea and Don Powell play fictional characters in the film which risked the truth and offered the world a gritty, realistic expose of what had become wildly mythologized band life. Available March 23rd, Shout! Factory releases SLADE IN FLAME, which "arrives on DVD with its reputation still intact as one of the best and bleakest rock films yet made." (The London Times) Featuring the Slade hits "How Does It Feel" and "Far Far Away," SLADE IN FLAME tells the story of a rock band's uphill struggle to stardom, their brief moment of success and their subsequent break-up. Unlike A Hard Day's Night or Help!, this harsh narrative not only portrays the glamour side of the music business, but also depicts the internal conflicts and external pressures that so often torment successful rock bands. The SLADE IN FLAME DVD also includes an in-depth interview with Noddy Holder, Slade's lead singer and guitarist, providing fascinating insight into both the fictional characters in the film, and the colorful real-life characters that made up this glam-era super group.

SLADE IN FLAME DVD Specs

03/10/04

A TRIO OF "TARZANS" SWING ONTO DVD JUNE 8

The Quintessential Tarzan and Jane -- Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O'Sullivan -- Arrive for the first time on DVD in a Deluxe Four-Disc DVD Set Containing all Six of their MGM Tarzan Adventure Classics plus a New Feature Documentary GREYSTOKE: THE LEGEND OF TARZAN, LORD OF THE APES, Hugh Hudson's Lavish Epic, Celebrates 20th Anniversary with All-New Digital Transfer TARZAN THE APE MAN Provocative 1981 Version Starring Bo Derek and Miles O'Keeffe Adds Jane's POV to DVD Collection

Warner Home Video (WHV) is bringing three very different portrayals of Edgar Rice Burroughs' famed "Lord of the Apes" to DVD on June 8. The most beloved "classic" Tarzan adventures are found in a four-disc set featuring all six Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O'Sullivan films on three discs, with a fourth disc of extra content, including the new documentary Silver Screen: King of the Jungle. The "modern epic" Tarzan arrives in a 20th Anniversary all-new digital transfer DVD with GREYSTOKE: THE LEGEND OF TARZAN, LORD OF THE APES starring Christopher Lambert and Andie MacDowell. The last of the trio is the "erotic" Tarzan -- the 1981 remake of TARZAN THE APE MAN, featuring Bo Derek and Miles O'Keeffe. THE TARZAN COLLECTION starring Johnny Weissmuller will sell for $59.92 SRP; GREYSTOKE: THE LEGEND OF TARZAN, LORD OF THE APES and TARZAN THE APE MAN will be priced at $19.97 SRP.

TARZAN: THE COMPLETE WEISSMULLER/O'SULLIVAN CLASSICS All six of their M-G-M movies are being offered on this four-disc set which will arrive just in time to commemorate the anniversary of Johnny Weissmuller's 100th Birthday. The six features are presented on three discs, with a fourth disc exclusively devoted to the bonus features.

Disc One

TARZAN THE APE MAN - In their first film, Tarzan meets Jane when she arrives in Africa to join her father's ivory hunting expedition. Smitten, Tarzan kidnaps Jane. After she manages to escape she can't stop thinking about the "Lord of the Apes." When a tribe of pygmies traps the expedition, Jane sends Cheetah to bring Tarzan, who rescues them with the help of his elephants. This time he captures her heart and as the film ends, she chooses to stay. TARZAN AND HIS MATE - Recently inducted by the Library of Congress into the National Film Registry, TARZAN AND HIS MATE is considered one of the few Hollywood sequels that surpassed the original. In this adventure, Jane's father returns to Africa to continue his search for the elephant burial grounds, hoping that Tarzan will help him. When Tarzan refuses, Jane's father decides to continue anyway and the members of the expedition soon find themselves in grave peril. The popular crocodile battle sequence is used here for the first time and many fans of Tarzan agree this is the best film ever made about the "Lord of the Jungle." The DVD release contains the original uncensored "pre-code" version of the film, containing the notorious nude swimming scene which was deleted prior to theatrical release.

Disc Two

TARZAN ESCAPES - Jane's cousins try to convince her to claim a fortune bequeathed to her back in England. The action accelerates when their unscrupulous guide attempts to capture Tarzan and turn him into a sideshow attraction to entertain the public. TARZAN FINDS A SON! - Cheetah finds an infant left alone after his parents die in a plane crash and brings the baby home to Tarzan and Jane. They are delighted to take him in and raise him. Five years later a search party comes looking for "Boy" who happens to be an heir to a multi-million dollar fortune. The tree h