Tag Archives: MVD Entertainment Group
1988 film Rain Man comes to 4K in February
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The 1988 MGM film “Rain Man” is officially coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray on February 21st, 2023 via MVD Marquee Collection [MVD Entertainment Group]. The film, winner of 4 Academy Awards (“Oscars”), was directed by Barry Levinson and starred Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Jack Murdock, Michael D. Roberts, Gerald R. Molen, Valeria Golino, Bonnie Hunt, and Beth Grant.
The movie has received a “master created and provided by MGM was scanned in 4K from the original camera negative and was approved by director Barry Levinson,” according to the press materials. Tech specs for the release include a 2160p video presentation in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, apparently without any form of HDR (high dynamic range), with lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound. This release will come in the form of a “combo pack” meaning that it will include a Blu-ray Disc counterpart in 1080p HD from the same master, also with lossless 5.1 surround sound.
You can find the 4K UHD Blu-ray available for preorder now over at online retailer DiabolikDVD. Stay tuned for an update when it becomes available over at Best Buy. NOTE: Only the first pressings will include a slipcover. The bonus materials set to be included with the release are listed below according to each disc.
DISC ONE: 4K ULTRA HD DISC
- Audio Commentary by Director Barry Levinson
- Audio Commentary by Writer Barry Morrow
- Audio Commentary by Writer Ronald Bass
- Original Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:13)
DISC TWO: BLU-RAY DISC
- Audio Commentary by Director Barry Levinson
- Audio Commentary by Writer Barry Morrow
- Audio Commentary by Writer Ronald Bass
- ‘The Journey of Rain Man’ featurette (SD, 22:07)
- ‘Lifting the Fog: A Look at the Mysteries of Autism’ featurette (SD, 20:13)
- Deleted Scene (SD, 2:10)
- Original Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:13)
1985 Dario Argento film Phenomena gets a 4K in March
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The 1985 Dario Argento film “Phenomena“ starring Jennifer Connelly is officially coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray on March 8th, 2022 via Synapse Films, in conjunction with Arrow Video. The film, co-written, produced, and directed by Dario Argento, co-starred Daria Nicolodi, Fiore Argento, Fiorenza Tessari, Dalila Di Lazzaro, Patrick Bauchau, and Donald Pleasence. MAJOR NOTE: This will be a limited edition set and only 6000 will be produced.
The movie has received a new 4K restoration for “all three versions of Phenomena, including the original Italian version (116 mins.), the International cut (100 mins.), and the U.S. “Creepers” cut (83 mins.).”
The tech specs for the release include a 2160p 4K video presentation in the 1.66:1 (matted) aspect ratio spanning across a 2-disc set. The first 4K UHD Blu-ray disc will contain the Italian version of the film, and the second 4K UHD Blu-ray disc will contain the International and “Creepers” versions. Now, the audio here for the 3 different versions of the film is going to have a lot of options, including multiple English and the Italian language mixes in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 Stereo configurations as well as PCM 1.0 Mono in a few instances. As it gets a bit complex, I’ve noted all of the audio mixes included for all 3 different versions below with the subtitles offered as well.
- Lossless Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and PCM 2.0 stereo soundtracks, derived from the original 4-channel Dolby Stereo elements
- Lossless “hybrid” English/Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack
- Lossless English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and PCM 2.0 stereo soundtracks on the international version, derived from the original 4-channel Dolby Stereo elements
- Lossless English PCM 1.0 mono soundtrack on Creepers, mastered from the original 3 track DME magnetic mix
- Rare alternate 2.0 stereo mix on the international version, featuring different sound effects and music cues
- Lossless English PCM soundtracks on Creepers, mastered from the original 3 track DME magnetic mix and presented in two variants: 1.0 mono and an alternate 2.0 mix with stereo music
- English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack
- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the hybrid soundtrack
- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
You can now find the 4K UHD Blu-ray available for preorder over at Amazon. And you can expect that price to drop some, as it’s the MSRP (list price). Remember, Amazon offers a preorder price guarantee. In fact, you can also find the 4K UHD Blu-ray available for preorder over at online retailer DiabolikDVD for a considerable bit cheaper. That said, I’d expect Amazon will drop to that price or be forced to match it.
The release will come only with the 4K UHD Blu-ray, and bonus materials will be included on it, which are listed further below along with physical extras (pictured first below).
- Limited edition slipcase packaging designed by artist Wes Benscoter
- Reversible sleeve artwork
- Collector’s booklet featuring liner notes from Mikel J. Koven, Rachael Nisbet and Leonard Jacobs
- Fold-out poster
- A set of lobby card reproduction artcards
- Audio commentary by Troy Howarth, author of Murder by Design: The Unsane Cinema of Dario Argento (on Italian Version)
- Of Flies and Maggots, a feature-length 2017 documentary produced by Arrow Films, including interviews with co-writer/producer/director Dario Argento, actors Fiore Argento, Davide Marotta, Daria Nicolodi and others…
- U.S. theatrical trailer and radio spots for ‘Creepers’
- Original Italian and international theatrical trailers
- “Jennifer” music video, directed by Dario Argento
- Japanese pressbook gallery
- Audio commentary on the international version by Argento scholar and author Derek Botelho and film historian, journalist and radio/television commentator David Del Valle
- The Three Sarcophagi, a visual essay by Arrow producer Michael Mackenzie comparing the different cuts of Phenomena
The Toolbox Murders is coming to 4K in January
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The 1978 horror film “The Toolbox Murders“ is officially coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray on January 18th, 2022 via Blue Underground. The film, directed by Dennis Donnelly, starred Cameron Mitchell, Pamelyn Ferdin, Wesley Eure, Nicolas Beauvy, Aneta Corsaut, and Marianne Walter.
The movie has received a new 16-bit 4K restoration from the original uncut negative. The tech specs for the 4K UHD Blu-ray include a 2160p video presentation in the 1.66:1 aspect ratio with HDR10 and Dolby Vision forms of high dynamic range and Dolby Atmos sound as well as the original DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 Mono and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless surround sound mixes. The release will come in the form of a “combo pack” meaning that the Blu-ray Disc counterpart (in HD) will be included.
UPDATE: you can now find the 4K UHD Blu-ray available for preorder over at Amazon.
The bonus materials set to be included with the set are listed below.
Disc 1 (4K UHD Blu-ray) Feature Film + Extras:
- Audio Commentary #1 with Producer Tony DiDio, Director of Photography Gary Graver and Star Pamelyn Ferdin
- NEW! Audio Commentary #2 with Film Historians Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson
- Theatrical Trailer
- TV Spot
- Radio Spots
Disc 2 (Blu-ray) Feature Film + Extras:
- Audio Commentary #1 with Producer Tony DiDio, Director of Photography Gary Graver and Star Pamelyn Ferdin
- NEW! Audio Commentary #2 with Film Historians Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson
- NEW! Drill Sergeant – Interview with Director Dennis Donnelly
- NEW! Tools Of The Trade – Interview with Star Wesley Eure
- NEW! Flesh And Blood – Interview with Actress Kelly Nichols
- I Got Nailed In THE TOOLBOX MURDERS – Interview with Actress Marianne Walter
- NEW! Slashback Memories – David Del Valle Remembers Cameron Mitchell
- NEW! “They Know I Have Been Sad” – Video Essay by Film Historian Amanda Reyes and Filmmaker Chris O’Neill
- Theatrical Trailer
- TV Spot
- Radio Spots
- NEW! Poster & Still Gallery
- Limited Edition embossed slipcover (First Pressing Only)
Further below, after the break, you can find the restored trailer and the full details about the upcoming 4K release.
1991 film Drop Dead Fred comes to Blu-ray in September
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The 1991 film “Drop Dead Fred“ is officially coming to Blu-ray Disc on September 28th via Severin Films, distributed by MVD Entertainment Group. The film, directed by Ate de Jong, starred Phoebe Cates, Rik Mayall, Marsha Mason, Tim Matheson, and Carrie Fisher. The tech specs for the release include a 1080p HD video presentation in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio from a new 2K scan (as quoted below) and Stereo sound, likely in a lossless format.
“… now scanned in 2K with all-new Special Features for the first time ever in America.”
You can now find the Blu-ray available for preorder over at Amazon. A rather extensive set of bonus materials set to be included with this release of the film are listed below.
- Booklet With New Text Interview With Actress Phoebe Cates
- Audio Commentary With Director Ate De Jong
- A Conversation With Director Ate De Jong And Producer Paul Webster
- Imaginary Friends – Interviews With Co-Writers / Executive Producers Anthony Fingleton & Carlos Davis
- The Mega Beast Speaks Out – Interview With Actress Marsha Mason
- Drop Dead Look – Interview With Director Of Photography Peter Deming
- Mischief Makers – Interviews With Visual FX Artists Doug Beswick, Peter Kuran, Kevin Kutchaver, Paul Gentry And Makeup FX Artist Christopher Johnson
- I’m Your Fella, Annabella – Interview With Actor Tim Matheson
- Memories Of Snot Face – Interview With Actress Ashley Peldon
- Deleted Scenes And Outtakes
- Theatrical Trailer
Romero and Argento film Two Evil Eyes on 4K in August
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The 1990 film “Two Evil Eyes” co-directed by George A. Romero and Dario Argento is getting a 4K UHD Blu-ray release on August 24th via Blue Underground. The film featured a cast of Adrienne Barbeau, Harvey Keitel, Martin Balsam, E.G. Marshall, John Amos, and Tom Atkins. Tech specs for the release include a 2160p video presentation in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio from a new 4K restoration in both Dolby Vision and HDR10 forms of high dynamic range and Dolby Atmos sound, as well as DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono sound. The new 4K restoration here came from the uncensored original camera negative.
UPDATE #2: You can now find that the 4K UHD Blu-ray is now available for preorder over at Amazon, as well as over at DiabolikDVD. Bonus materials set to be included with this new 2-disc 4K UHD Blu-ray Blu-ray are listed below.
Disc 1 (4K UHD Blu-ray) Feature Film + Extras:
- Audio Commentary with Troy Howarth, Author of Murder By Design: The Unsane Cinema of Dario Argento
- Theatrical Trailer
- Poster & Still Gallery
Disc 2 (Blu-ray) Extras:
- Two Masters’ Eyes – Interviews with Directors Dario Argento & George Romero, Special Make-Up Effects
- Supervisor Tom Savini, Executive Producer Claudio Argento, and Asia Argento
- Savini’s EFX – A Behind-the-Scenes look at the film’s Special Make-Up Effects
- At Home With Tom Savini – A personal tour of Tom Savini&’s home
- Adrienne Barbeau on George Romero
- Before I Wake – Interview with Star Ramy Zada
- Behind The Wall – Interview with Star Madeleine Potter
- One Maestro And Two Masters – Interview with Composer Pino Donaggio
- Rewriting Poe – Interview with Co-Writer Franco Ferrini
- The Cat Who Wouldn’t Die – Interview with Assistant Director Luigi Cozzi
- Two Evil Brothers – Interview with Special Make-Up Assistant Everett Burrell
- Working With George – Interview with Costume Designer Barbara Anderson
Further below, after the break, you can find the trailer for the film, the sales sheet for the 4K UHD Blu-ray release, and the full details about the release.
1982 film The House on Sorority Row on Blu-ray in July
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The 1982 horror film “The House on Sorority Row” will be getting a Blu-ray Disc release on July 6th via MVD Entertainment Group, as part of the MVD Rewind Collection. The film, directed and co-written by Mark Rosman, starred Kathryn McNeil (AKA Kate McNeil) and Eileen Davidson. The tech specs for this Blu-ray release of the film include a 1080p HD video presentation in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio with Uncompressed LPCM (Linear PCM) 2.0 Stereo sound. There also will be a “second, alternate version of the film with director approved pre-credit sequence with mono audio” according to promotional material.
You can now find the Blu-ray of the MVD Rewind Collection version of the film now available for preorder over at Amazon. The full tech info about this release of the film on Blu-ray and the list of bonus materials set to be included are listed below.
- High Definition (1080p) presentation of the main feature in 1.78:1 aspect ratio with LPCM 2.0 stereo sound plus a second, alternate version of the film with director approved pre-credit sequence with mono audio
- Optional English Subtitles on main feature
- Audio Commentary with director Mark Rosman
- Audio commentary with director Mark Rosman and stars Eileen Davidson and Kathryn McNeil
- Interviews with cast and crew including: Director Mark Rosman, stars Harley Jane Kozak, Eileen Davidson and Kathryn McNeil, Composer Richard Band and Producer Igo Kantor
- Original Pre-Credit Sequence
- Alternate ending storyboards
- TV Spots
- Theatrical Trailer
- Reversible Artwork
- Collectible Mini-Poster
It’s certainly worth noting that the film has been previously released on the Blu-ray format stateside back in 2014 but has since been OOP (out of print), and it even apparently received a UK Blu-ray release that is also seemingly OOP. So, this new release on Blu-ray will be welcomed by those who never got the chance to own those previously mentioned versions of this cult-classic.
1981 cult-classic horror Dead & Buried on 4K in July
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The 1981 cult-classic horror film “Dead & Buried” is officially coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray on July 20th via Blue Underground, distributed by MVD Entertainment Group. The film, now celebrating its 40th anniversary, was directed by Gary Sherman and was co-written by Dan O’Bannon, and it starred James Farentino, Melody Anderson, Lisa Blount, Jack Albertson, and Robert Englund. The movie has received a new 4K restoration “from the 35mm IP approved by Director of Photography Steven Poster, ASC” — according to the press release. The tech specs for the 4K release include a 2160p presentation in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio with HDR10 and Dolby Vision forms of high dynamic range as well as English Dolby Atmos sound. In addition to the new Atmos mix, this release on 4K will also contain English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 1.0 Mono mixes as well
The release will come in the form of a 3-disc set with its Blu-ray Disc counterpart as well as a CD (compact disc) of the original motion picture Soundtrack. As of now, there’s no preorder listing yet available over at Amazon but stay tuned for an update on that. It’s certainly worth noting that Blue Underground has worked hard on bringing you a total choice of three different lenticular slipcovers for this release and the two others are pictured individually below. UPDATE: You can now find the 3 different lenticular cover options available for preorder on 4K UHD Blu-ray (individually) over at Amazon as well as online retailer DiabolikDVD. Here are the links for each version: Cover A / Cover B / Cover C.
The bonus materials set to be included on this release, in addition to those physical extras aforementioned, will come with a Collectible Booklet with a new essay written by Michael Gingold. Further below, after the break, you can find the trailer for this upcoming release of the film and a full list of bonus materials set to be included on the release.
The Day of the Beast (1995) – 4K UHD Blu-ray Screenshots
Rutger Hauer in “Split Second” on Blu-ray August
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The 1992 film “Split Second“ starring the late Rutger Hauer is officially getting a Collector’s Edition Blu-ray release on August 11th, via MVD Rewind Collection — as spine number 24. The film, directed by Tony Maylam, co-starred Kim Cattrall, Alastair Duncan, Michael J. Pollard, Alun Armstrong, and Pete Postlethwaite. Tech specs for the Blu-ray include 1080p HD video in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio from a newly scanned 4K master from the 35mm internegative, which has been restored and color graded, along with Linear PCM (LPCM) Stereo 2.0 lossless sound. The Blu-ray is now available for preorder over at Amazon. Bonus materials set to be included on the release, along with some details regarding it, can be found listed below.
- NEW! Audio Commentary by action film historian Mike Leeder and filmmaker Arne Venema
- NEW! “Great Big Bloody Guns!” Producer Laura Gregory & Actor Alastair (Neil) Duncan on Split Second (HD, 27:25)
- NEW! “Call Me Mr. Snips!” An Interview with Composer Stephen W. Parsons (HD, 22:21)
- NEW! “Stay In Line!” An Interview with Line Producer Laurie Borg (HD, 23:02)
- NEW! “More Blood!” An Interview with Creature Effects Designer Cliff Wallace (HD, 32:03)
- NEW! “Shoot Everything!” An Interview with Cinematographer Clive Tickner (HD, 18:57)
- Original 1992 Split Second “Making of” featurette that includes interviews with stars Rutger Hauer, Kim Cattrall, Alastair (Neil) Duncan, Michael J. Pollard, Writer Gary Scott Thompson and more! (SD, 6:26)
- Original 1992 behind the scenes featurette with effects creator Stephen Norrington, cast and crew (SD, 3:41)
- Split Second Japanese Cut, full frame with burnt-in Japanese subtitles (SD, 95:00)
- Deleted Scenes from the Japanese Cut (English, burnt-in Japanese subtitles) (SD, 4:42)
- 7 Promotional TV Clips (SD)
- U.S. VHS Home Video Promo (SD, 2:34)
- Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2:15)
Physical bonus material on the release are listed below:
- MVD EXCLUSIVE: Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by The Dude Designs created exclusively for this release
- Collectible Mini-Poster featuring original VHS style artwork
Below, after the break, you can find the full info regarding this upcoming release.
“Laurel & Hardy” Restorations on Blu-ray June
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Some of their shorts and feature-length films have been restored as “Laurel & Hardy: The Definitive Restorations“ on Blu-ray Disc which coming on June 16th, via Kit Parker Films (distributed by MVD Entertainment Group). The comedy duo featured the late legends Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy and this set chronicles their careers with 17 short films, 2 feature-length films, and eight hours worth of bonus materials – for a 511 minutes total runtime. All of these have been restored in 2K and 4K from the original 35mm film nitrate. The tech specs for the 4-disc set have not yet been fully detailed but stay tuned for an update. You can find the Blu-ray Disc set is listed for preorder over at Amazon. Details regarding the set and their restorations, a list of the films featured in the set, as well as a list of bonus materials, are listed below.
The comedy films of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy have been beloved around the world since they were first released between 1927 and 1940. So beloved that many of the available copies are blurred dupes printed from worn-out negatives. Now, the best of their short comedies and two of their finest features have been fully restored. They look and sound as spectacular as when they were first released…
- NEW! 2K and 4K transfers from the finest original 35mm materials in the world.
- WORLD PREMIERES! Laurel and Hardy’s legendary 1927 silent “pie fight” film THE BATTLE OF THE CENTURY makes its video debut after being “lost” for 90 years! The only reel of L&H bloopers and out-takes, THAT’S THAT!
- Classic short comedies BERTH MARKS, BRATS, HOG WILD, COME CLEAN, ONE GOOD TURN, HELPMATES, THE MUSIC BOX (the legendary Academy Award-winning “piano moving” short), THE CHIMP, COUNTY HOSPITAL, SCRAM!, THEIR FIRST MISTAKE, TOWED IN A HOLE, TWICE TWO, ME AND MY PAL, THE MIDNIGHT PATROL, and BUSY BODIES in addition to the feature films SONS OF THE DESERT and WAY OUT WEST (which includes the team’s famous soft shoe dance routine).
- EIGHT HOURS of EXCLUSIVE extras – 2,500 rare photos and studio documents, audio and film interviews with L&H co-workers, original music tracks and trailers plus a full restoration of their one surviving color film, THE TREE IN A TEST TUBE.
- Commentaries by L&H historians Randy Skretvedt and Richard W. Bann
- Restorations provided by Jeff Joseph/SabuCat in conjunction with UCLA Film & Television Archive and Library of Congress.
Further below, after the break, you can find some YouTube video clips of these restorations with side-by-side comparisons, as well as an even further list of the details about the release.
