Tag Archives: Al Pacino

Ocean’s Eleven 2001 remake and trilogy on 4K in April

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The remake of “Ocean’s Eleven” from 2001 and the rest of the films in the trilogy will officially be coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray on April 30th via Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment. The two other films are “Ocean’s Twelve” (2004) and “Ocean’s Thirteen” (2007) and it’s worth noting that there will be individual releases of the films each on 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook (pictured below). The films, all three directed by Steven Soderbergh, featured casts that included George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Julia Roberts, Al Pacino, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Elliott Gould, Ellen Barkin, and the late great Carl Reiner.

The entire trilogy has received a remaster as described below, taken from the press release:

“The 4K remasters of Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen were completed at Warner Bros. Discovery’s Motion Picture Imaging (MPI) with the participation of Soderbergh. The restored 5.1 digital audio mix was overseen by original re-recording sound mixer and sound editor Larry Blake.”

The tech specs for the releases of the films include a 2160p video presentation in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio with HDR10 form of high dynamic range and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless surround sound. An “Ocean’s Trilogy” 4K UHD Blu-ray (pictured at the top) will be available, now available for preorder at Amazon. “Ocean’s Eleven,“ “Ocean’s Twelve,“ and “Ocean’s Thirteen” each (individually pictured above) will get a 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook as previously mentioned, and they’re now available for preorder over at Amazon. You can also find those individual 4K UHD Blu-ray Steelbooks for preorder at retailer Walmart.

All of the previous Blu-ray bonus materials will be ported over for each film and included on the 4K disc for each film. Each film will receive a digital code (copy) of the film, compatible with Movies Anywhere. Further below, after the break, you can find the promo trailer for the 4K release(s), and the official word of the releases.

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The Godfather films individually on 4K in October

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“The Godfather” films, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, are getting individual 4K UHD Blu-ray releases in both standard (pictured above) and SteelBook forms on October 11th via Paramount Home Entertainment, according to retailers.  This includes “The Godfather“ (1972) and its sequels “The Godfather: Part II“ and “The Godfather: Coda – The Death of Michael Corleone“ (1990/2020).

The first film starred Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard S. Castellano, Robert Duvall, John Cazale, Sterling Hayden, John Marley, Diane Keaton, Abe Vigoda, Talia Shire, and Al Martino.  The second film starred Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, John Cazale, Talia Shire, Bruno Kirby, Gastone Moschin, Michael V. Gazzo, Lee Strasberg, Gianni Russo, Joe Spinell, and Abe Vigoda.  The third film, recut in 2020 from the original version of “The Godfather: Part III” (1990), starred Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Andy Garcia, Talia Shire, Sofia Coppola, Briget Fonda, George Hamilton, Eli Wallach, Joe Mantegna, and Raf Vallone.

You can find the standard and SteelBook versions of the films all available for preorder now over at Amazon.  For the standard versions, just click their titles further above.  You can find the SteelBooks below with their Amazon preorder links for each.

The releases will each come in the form of just the 4K UHD Blu-ray disc and a digital code (copy) of the film.  No Blu-ray Disc counterparts will be included.  I repeat, no Blu-rays will be included with these releases.  The bonus materials will be only those included on the 4K discs.  I’ll be updating this post later with a full rundown of those contents for each film [disc].

Finally, there will NOT be an individual 4K UHD Blu-ray release of “The Godfather: Part III” but you can find that, as a bonus disc, in the previously released trilogy sets on the format.

1995 Michael Mann film Heat on 4K in August

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The 1995 film “Heat“ will officially finally be coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray in a “Director’s Definite Edition” on August 9th via Fox (Disney).  The film, written & directed by Michael Mann, starred Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Tom Sizemore, Ashley Judd, Ted Levine, William Fichtner, and Natalie Portman.

The tech specs for the 4K UHD Blu-ray include a 2160p video presentation in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio with HDR10 form of high dynamic range and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless surround sound.  The release will come in the form of a “combo pack” with its Blu-ray Disc counterpart and a digital code (copy) of the film included.  You can find the standard 4K UHD Blu-ray now available for preorder over at Amazon.  It’s worth noting that there will be a 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook release, which appears to be exclusive to retailer Best Buy (pictured below), now available for preorder.

Bonus materials set to be included in the 3-disc set are listed below.

4K Ultra HD

  • Director’s Audio Commentary

Blu-ray Disc One

  • Heat In High Definition
  • Director’s Audio Commentary

Bonus Blu-ray Disc Two

  • Q&A With Michael Mann
  • Q&A With Christopher Nolan
  • 3-Part Making-Of Documentary
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Pacino and De Niro: The Conversation
  • Return To The Scene Of The Crime

Further below, after the break, you can find the full announcement about this release.

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The Godfather Trilogy officially comes to 4K in March

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Francis Ford Coppola‘s “The Godfather Trilogy” is officially coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray finally in both a standard release and a “Limited Collector’s Edition” on March 22nd via Paramount Home Entertainment.  This includes the following three films, making up the trilogy:

  • “The Godfather” (1972)
  • “The Godfather: Part II” (1974)
  • “The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone“ (1990)

UPDATED: The standard 4K and Limited Collector’s Edition will both come in a 5-disc set will four 4K discs and one Blu-ray, with two housing “bonus materials” — including the “Director’s Cut” and 1990 Theatrical versions of “The Godfather: Part III” (1990) in 4K.  Those two versions are EXCLUSIVE to the 4K sets. You do NOT get those versions with the standard Blu-ray set also being released.  Sorry for any confusion.  I just confirmed this via emailed with Paramount.  Each version will include “The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone” for the third film, the new edit done by Coppola and released in 2020.  That limited edition set (pictured below) will also include some physical extras that you’ll see below.  Those include:

“deluxe packaging and includes a hardcover coffee table book featuring stunning photographs, as well as portrait art prints on archival paper.”

The films all have received a new 4K restoration and remaster, as noted below.

“All three films in the epic trilogy have been meticulously restored under the direction of Coppola”

“Newly restored and remastered in Dolby Vision, all three films in the landmark trilogy will be released together with HDR-10 on 4K Ultra HD Digital and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray™ for the first time ever.”

The tech specs for the 4K UHD Blu-ray (both versions of the trilogy) include a 2160p video presentation in the original aspect ratios with HDR10 and Dolby Vision forms of high dynamic range and with lossless 5.1 surround sound.  UPDATE: The audio here will be presented in Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless surround sound as well as restored Mono and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround according to my source at the studio.

You can find the 4K UHD Blu-ray standard trilogy and the Ultimate Collector’s Edition on 4K both available for preorder over at Amazon.

The trilogy (in both versions on 4K) will come with digital codes (copies) of the film.  There also will be loads of new extras exclusive to this new 4K release of the trilogy.  Those are listed below.

“Both 4K Ultra HD sets include new bonus content including an introduction to The Godfather by Coppola, a featurette about the preservation process, photos by acclaimed photographer Steve Schapiro, home movie footage, and comparisons of the new restoration to earlier versions of the films.  A full list of new and legacy bonus content follows:”

NEW BONUS CONTENT:

  • Introduction to The Godfather by Francis Ford Coppola
  • Full Circle: Preserving The Godfather—Paramount Pictures archivists detail the incredible restoration process with archival footage showing the evolution of the film through various home entertainment incarnations as picture and audio technologies make quantum leaps over the decades.
  • Capturing the Corleones: Through the Lens of Photographer Steve Schapiro— In this reflective and frank discussion, special photographer Steve Schapiro shares his unique perspective and cherished memories as a witness to the making of this seminal film.  Commentary on curated archival images makes for a fascinating, never-before-seen addition to the production’s history.
  • The Godfather: Home Movies— An assortment of 8mm home movie footage shot in 1971 offers a candid glimpse into the production of The Godfather.  Shot on location at the Norton family estate on Staten Island’s Emerson Hill, this is the first time it’s been made available to the public.
  • Restoration Comparisons— Before and after highlights showcase extensive picture quality improvements to The Godfather.

LEGACY BONUS CONTENT:

  • The Masterpiece That Almost Wasn’t
  • Godfather World
  • Emulsional Rescue — Revealing The Godfather …when the shooting stopped
  • The Godfather on the Red Carpet
  • Four Short Films on The Godfather
    • The Godfather vs. The Godfather: Part II
    • Cannoli
    • Riffing on the Riffing
    • Clemenza
  • The Family Tree
  • Crime Organization Chart
  • Connie and Carlo’s Wedding Album
  • 2008 Credits
  • Behind the Scenes
    • A Look Inside
    • On Location
    • Francis Ford Coppola’s Notebook
    • Music of The Godfather
  • Nino Rota
  • Carmine Coppola
    • Coppola & Puzo on Screenwriting
    • Gordon Willis on Cinematography
    • Storyboards – The Godfather: Part II
    • Storyboards – The Godfather: Part III
    • The Godfather Behind the Scenes 1971
  • Additional Scenes
  • Galleries
  • Trailers
  • Acclaim & Response
  • Additional Material
  • The Filmmakers
  • The Godfather: Part III—newly remastered and restored versions of the original theatrical cut and Coppola’s 1991 cut (note: these are exclusive to the 4K Ultra HD Collections)

Further below, after the break, you can find the trailer for the upcoming 4K release and the full announcement — hot off the press!!
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Ridley Scott film House of Gucci on Blu-ray February

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The 2021 film “House of Gucci“ is coming to Blu-ray Disc on February 22nd via Universal Studios Home Entertainment, according to retailers.  The film, directed by Ridley Scott, stars Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Salma Hayek, Jack Huston, and Al Pacino.

The tech specs for the Blu-ray include a 1080p HD video presentation in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio and DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless surround sound on a BD-50 disc.  The release will come in the form of a “combo pack” meaning it will include its DVD counterpart as well as a digital code (copy) of the film.  You can now find the Blu-ray available for preorder over at Amazon and retailer Best Buy.  The bonus materials set to be included with the release are listed below.

  • The Rise of the House of Gucci: Making Of
  • The Lady of the House
  • Styling House of Gucci

Further below, after the break, you’ll find the trailer for the film.  This release has yet to be officially announced but stay tuned for an update once it has.

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1993 film Carlito’s Way with Al Pacino on 4K in October

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According to multiple retailers, the 1993 film “Carlito’s Way” is coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray on October 12th via Universal Studios Home Entertainment. The film, directed by Brian De Palma, starred Al Pacino, Sean Penn, Penelope Ann Miller, John Leguizamo, Ingrid Rogers, Luis Guzmán, and Viggo Mortensen.

There will be a standard 4K UHD Blu-ray release (pictured above) available everywhere and an exclusive 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook over at the retailer Best Buy (pictured below).

You can now find the standard 4K UHD Blu-ray available for preorder over at Amazon and the 4K SteelBook available for preorder over at retailer Best Buy. The tech specs for the 4K release include a 2160p video presentation in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio with HDR10 and HDR10+ forms of high dynamic range and DTS:X immersive lossless sound, on a BD-100 disc. The release will come in the form of a 2-disc “combo pack” meaning that the Blu-ray Disc counterpart will be included, along with a digital code (copy) of the film. The bonus materials set to be included with the release (according to the back of the packaging) are listed below.

  • Deleted Scenes
  • The Making of Carlito’s Way
  • Brian de Palma on Carlito’s Way
  • Original Promotional Featurette
  • Theatrical Trailer

NOTE: This title has not yet been officially announced by the studio (Universal), so stay tuned for an update that will hopefully be confirming this very soon.

The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone Blu-ray

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The 1990 film “The Godfather: Part III” has been re-edited by director Francis Ford Coppola as “Mario Puzo’s The Godfather, CODA: The Death of Michael Corleone“ which is officially coming to Blu-ray Disc on December 8th via Paramount. The film, based on Mario Puzo‘s novel and screenplay co-written by Coppola, starred Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Andy Garcia, Talia Shire, Eli Wallach, Joe Mantegna, George Hamilton, Bridget Fonda, and Sofia Coppola. The tech specs for the Blu-ray have not yet been fully detailed but it is known that the film has received a new 4K scan and was remastered. Below you can find details about this release’s video and audio presentations, taken from the press release.

“‘Mario Puzo’s THE GODFATHER, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone’ is an acknowledgment of Mario’s and my preferred title and our original intentions for what became ‘The Godfather: Part III,’” said Coppola. “For this version of the finale, I created a new beginning and ending, and rearranged some scenes, shots, and music cues. With these changes and the restored footage and sound, to me, it is a more appropriate conclusion to ‘The Godfather’ and ‘The Godfather: Part II’ and I’m thankful to Jim Gianopulos and Paramount for allowing me to revisit it.”

“Coppola and his production company American Zoetrope worked from a 4K scan of the original negative to undertake a painstaking, frame-by-frame restoration of both the new Mario Puzo’s THE GODFATHER, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone and the original The Godfather: Part III. In order to create the best presentation possible, Zoetrope and Paramount’s restoration team began by searching for over 50 original takes to replace lower resolution opticals in the original negative.  This process took more than six months and involved sifting through 300 cartons of negative.  American Zoetrope worked diligently to repair scratches, stains, and other anomalies that could not be addressed previously due to technology constraints, while enhancements were made to the original 5.1 audio mix.”

“The Blu-ray presentation will include the newly restored and re-edited film, an exclusive introduction by Coppola, and access to a Digital copy of the film.”

The is no indication if this will receive a physical 4K release anytime soon, but you’d think that it would be later and include the first time films to form the entire trilogy. Stat tuned for full details regarding the tech specs, as I’m expecting it to come in the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio with a lossless 5.1 surround mix (in either Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio). The release will come with a digital code (copy) of the film. Lastly, no info regarding bonus materials has been made aside from this including a new introduction by the director (Francis Ford Coppola).

UPDATE: This upcoming Blu-ray Disc release is now able to preorder over at Amazon.

Further below, after the break, you can find the complete announcement regarding this newly re-edited version of the third film in “The Godfather” trilogy.

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2019 Scorsese film The Irishman on Blu-ray November

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The 2019 “The Irishman“ film directed by Martin Scorsese is officially coming to Blu-ray Disc on November 24th via The Criterion Collection. The movie originally debuted both in theaters and streaming on Netflix, and it was nominated for 10 Academy Awards (“Oscars”). The Irishman starred Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, as well as co-starred Harvey Keitel, Ray Romano, Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin, and Stephen Graham. The Criterion Blu-ray will feature a “new 4K digital master, approved by director Martin Scorsese” in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio (presented in 1080p HD) with Dolby Atmos sound. Right now, you cannot yet find the Blu-ray available for preorder over at Amazon but stay tuned for an update on that. You can now however find the Blu-ray available for preorder directly from The Criterion Collection website. Details about the release and the bonus materials can be found listed below.

  • New 4K digital master, approved by director Martin Scorsese, with Dolby Atmos soundtrack on the Blu-ray
  • Newly edited roundtable conversation among Scorsese and actors Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, originally recorded in 2019
  • New documentary about the making of the film featuring Scorsese; the lead actors; producers Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Jane Rosenthal, and Irwin Winkler; director of photography Rodrigo Prieto; and others from the cast and crew
  • New video essay written and narrated by film critic Farran Smith Nehme about The Irishman’s synthesis of Scorsese’s singular formal style
  • The Evolution of Digital De-aging, a 2019 program on the visual effects created for the film
  • Archival interview excerpts with Frank “the Irishman” Sheeran and International Brotherhood of Teamsters trade union leader Jimmy Hoffa
  • Trailer and teaser
  • PLUS: An essay by critic Geoffrey O’Brien
  • New cover by Gregory Manchess

EDITORIAL NOTE: First off, yes, I know the movie itself actually aired in 4K Ultra HD with HDR (high dynamic range) on Netflix but we’re not receiving a 4K physical release here for yet another title from Criterion. That’s pretty much a sign that Criterion really has no plans for releasing to the 4K UHD Blu-ray format, at least anytime soon. I hate that, but it is still great to see this film getting a physical release, and from the folks at The Criterion Collection, nonetheless — even if it is only in 1080p, as it is. It is what it is. Yes, I just went there. I’ll end this by stating the obvious: it’s 2020 and I think that it’s about time that maybe Criterion got with the whole 4K UHD Blu-ray game.

“Glengarry Glen Ross” gets Collector’s Edition Blu-ray

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The 1992 film “Glengarry Glen Ross” directed by James Foley will officially be getting a Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Disc release on June 2nd via Shout Select (Shout! Factory). The film starred Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin, Kevin Spacey, and Jonathan Pryce. The tech specs and bonus materials for the release have not yet been detailed but stay tuned for an update later this year. It’s known that a set of new bonus materials are being created by Shout! Factory for this upcoming release which will be announced at a later date. You cannot yet find this Blu-ray available for preorder over at Amazon, but stay tuned for an update on that. However, you can now find the Blu-ray already available for preorder directly via Shout! Factory’s website.

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