Please see the release calendar for releases from countries outside the US.
Kevin Smith is living the dream. His first film, 'Clerks', which he both wrote and directed, was made for under $30,000, yet managed to make 100 times that at the box office. Since then, he continues to write and direct his own films, has seen relative box office success via a strong fan base, and gets to work with his family and longtime friends on a regular basis. Can it get much better than that?
Today, The Weinstein Company is releasing Smith's two most recent films on Blu-ray, and as a longtime fan of his work, I couldn't be happier. 'Clerks II' finds our two favorite disgruntled workers at Mooby's - a fictional fast food burger joint first seen in Smith's film 'Dogma'. While the story may be new, the attitudes and crude humor are just as memorable as the original, making for a nostalgic sequel that is so hilarious that it could have easily stood on its own.
'Zack and Miri Make a Porno' marks only the second time that Smith has left the comforts of the View Askewniverse, which may not seem like a big deal until you remember that the first time was 'Jersey Girl', and even this fan wants to forget that mess. Fortunately, this time around Smith plays off his now legendary writing ability to deliver yet another classic comedy that should come with a "don't forget to breathe" sticker pasted on the front.
Review Editor and fellow Kevin Smith fan Ben Williams had the opportunity to review both Blu-ray discs, and the results are very pleasing. In his review for 'Clerks II', he concludes, "The Weinstein Company continues their winning streak of quality releases by delivering a Blu-ray with accurate, if intentionally bland, picture quality and a nicely realized lossless audio track." That sentiment continues on his 'Zack and Miri' review, where is states, "[Zack and Miri Make a Porno] is a welcome addition to the Blu-ray lineup."
Horror fans get a rare treat, with today's Blu-ray release of 'Friday the 13th' in its uncut form. While overshadowed by today's grim standards, this is the film (along with 'A Nightmare on Elm Street') that defined a decade of horror films. Paramount is releasing this classic to coincide with the theatrical release of its remake, which hits theaters next Friday - the 13th (spooky).
20th Century Fox is delivering some huge catalog comedy hits today, including the cult classic 'Office Space', the box office hit 'Sideways', and indie hits 'Napoleon Dynamite' and 'Little Miss Sunshine'. And if you're up for some Bollywood comedy, you might want to give 'Heyy Babyy' a spin.
And of course, we can't forget classic film fans. Warner today brings the Peter Seller's 1979 comedy 'Being There' to Blu-ray. Newer titles are the obvious ammunition for the high definition format, but it is classics like these that can help round out any Blu-ray collection.
And finally, Disney is releasing the direct-to-video sequel 'Space Buddies' on Blu-ray today. Any parent reading this post already knows of the golden retriever film 'Air Bud' and the seven - count 'em - sequels it has generated, with 'Space Buddies' being the latest. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if you just cringed when you just read that, quickly realizing that not only will this new release go into an two-week endless loop on your HDTV, but also that you have purchased eight movies based on highly talented dogs. But you know the kiddies are going to love it, so go ahead and indulge them - its the first step of passing your Blu-ray addiction to the next generation.
Those looking for 'Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa' will have to wait until Friday. And yes, despite what the commercials would have you believe, it is coming to Blu-ray as well.
For a complete listing of all the Blu-ray titles released today, click here.
Giving Zack & Miri a rental (already see that Blockbuster has shipped it today). Cool.
Clerks II is a must have for me, but will wait for a better price. I'm working on my Blu discipline. In truth it's my empty wallet that's forcing me to do so.
Don;t forget the Canadian Blus out today: 21 Grams, 15 Minutes, DOA, Good Will Hunting, Cold Mountain & Butterfly Effect (all have no extras keep in mind.
Zack & Miri has been delayed in Canada until Feb. 17th.
great week for bluray buys i am about to go and get zack and miri make a porno, clerks 2, and nick and norahs infinate playlist and possibly friday the 13th!
Just finished watching Office Space on Blu-ray. I would have paid double for it. It's THAT good. You're gonna be blown away. WAY better than the DVD; an upgrade you should spring on without any hesitation. Seriously.
If a 30 year old film is a 'classic', does that mean movies with Brando or Bogart are 'fossil fuel'? 'Friday the !3' was released one year after 'Being There'. I you haven't seen 'Being There' you have treat in store, literally. Get it , rent it, anything, you'll love it; it's risky and still fresh. It's a pistol!
