"Donnie Darko
Richard Kelly's first film, strange and wonderful in its 2001 theatrical version, returned in a "Donnie Darko" director's cut DVD in 2004. The Blu-ray edition packs in both versions, along with the extras from each of those DVD releases.
Great move. The films are discrete experiences, although I prefer the newer version. The first-time director has likened the new cut to a remixed record, one that plays 20 minutes longer. In the digital age, "There can hopefully be two versions of a film that exist," he said. And so there are, in one HD package.
The DVD extras and three commentaries appear to be the same as on the original DVD releases. (These extras are all in standard definition on the Blu-ray.) They are quite good, especially the British documentary that examines the "Rocky Horror"-like cult gathered around this tale of alienated teen Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) and his strange friend, a man in a 6-foot bunny suit.
The commentary with Kelly and "Clerks" director Kevin Smith is a real hoot. (DTS-HD Master Audio.)
," who knows what high definition will do with the bizarre themed color scheme that has clouded this high-spirited musical over a half century. Fox's "50th Anniversary Collector's Edition" of Rodgers & Hammerstein's love-it-or-hate-it musical comes in standard and extended roadshow versions, as did the DVD of 2006. Release date is March 31.
The Blu-ray features a new feature-length HD documentary, "Passion, Prejudice and South Pacific: Creating an American Masterpiece." Mitzy Gaynor's screen test returns from the DVD, but this time in high def. Cool. Lots of ported-over extras as well. 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio.
More upcoming Blu-rays:
The Robe
-- Arising March 17 on a Fox Blu-ray. Richard Burton, Victor Mature and Michael Rennie star in this tale of the Christ and the soldier who made off with his garments. The 1953 epic was a pioneer of CinemaScope and was directed by Henry Koster ("Harvey"). Complete set of extras on the Blu-ray version only. They examine the film as well as the 'Scope format. 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio.
-- Arising March 17 on a Fox Blu-ray. Richard Burton, Victor Mature and Michael Rennie star in this tale of the Christ and the soldier who made off with his garments. The 1953 epic was a pioneer of CinemaScope and was directed by Henry Koster ("Harvey"). Complete set of extras on the Blu-ray version only. They examine the film as well as the 'Scope format. 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio.The Passion of the Christ
according to Mel Gibson gets a Fox Blu-ray release Feb. 17. Includes the bloody original and a toned-down version. Extras are repeats from the "Definitive Version" DVD.
according to Mel Gibson gets a Fox Blu-ray release Feb. 17. Includes the bloody original and a toned-down version. Extras are repeats from the "Definitive Version" DVD. Raging Bull
-- Martin Scorsese's dissection of prize fighter Jake LaMotta joins the select group of black-and-white classics released on Blu-ray, as of Feb. 10. Extras on MGM's disc all appear ported over, but they're terrific. Can't wait to revisit the work of cinematographer Michael Chapman and editor Thelma Schoonmaker in high def.
-- Martin Scorsese's dissection of prize fighter Jake LaMotta joins the select group of black-and-white classics released on Blu-ray, as of Feb. 10. Extras on MGM's disc all appear ported over, but they're terrific. Can't wait to revisit the work of cinematographer Michael Chapman and editor Thelma Schoonmaker in high def. Gandhi
-- Spinning onto Blu-ray on Feb. 18 via Sony Pictures. Ben Kingsley stars and Richard Attenborough directs this Oscar-gobbling movie about the man who kicked Britain out of India, nicely. Dolby TrueHD 5.1.
-- Spinning onto Blu-ray on Feb. 18 via Sony Pictures. Ben Kingsley stars and Richard Attenborough directs this Oscar-gobbling movie about the man who kicked Britain out of India, nicely. Dolby TrueHD 5.1.
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