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Today on Blu-ray - November 17th
Posted November 17, 2009 09:43 AM by Josh Dreuth
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When George Lucas announced that he would be directing three new Star Wars films, fans young and old built
a level of anticipation not seen since the original trilogy first graced theater
screens - at least until they met Jar Jar. So when Paramount announced
they would revisit Star Trek with Lost co-creator J. J. Abrams at the helm,
no one could blame Trekkies for being a tad apprehensive about what
direction he would take with their beloved space-based series. The results,
however, not only met fan's lofty expectations, but also those of film critics
and general moviegoers alike. Thanks to Abram's efforts, 'Star
Trek' was both a critical and commercial success and - with today's
Blu-ray release - is expected to be a home video success as well.
"With an impeccable cast; wonderful special effects; a dramatic, far-
reaching, and emotional story that doesn't rely on action but rather
integrates it perfectly into the film; infectious humor; and spot-on odes to
the original stories and characters that define the "Star Trek" universe,
2009's Star Trek is a passionate rebirth, a resurrection for the ages, and it
boldly and confidently goes where "Star Trek" must to endure,"
commented staff reviewer Martin Liebman in his review of the title. He
continues, "Featuring impeccable picture and sound quality, not to mention
a complete, thoroughly informative, and consistently entertaining
supplemental package, Star Trek receives my highest recommendation."
After 'Fight Club' was released, the immense popularity of the
film amongst teenagers (all at least 17 years of age or accompanied by an
adult, I'm sure) saw an alarming number of youths participating in their
own homegrown fight clubs. It is not a rare occurrence for viewers to be
deeply affected by a film - even today people are stockpiling rifles and
rations in response the release of '2012' - but these fight clubs are still popping up today, 10
years after the film's initial release. 'Fight Club' is not just a great film with
superb acting from stars Edward Norton and Brad Pitt, it is testament to
man's desire for freedom and individuality - in essence, a modern retelling
of the birth of America! That may be a tad audacious, but the popularity of
the film is no mistake. It is a must own Blu-ray title for any person who
refuses to be defined by their khakis.
As staff reviewer Casey Broadwater stated in his review, "Fans who like to
see a director's intentions honored will be knocked silly by this fantastic
1080p/AVC-encoded transfer, which proves to be an appreciable upgrade
from prior DVD releases, especially when it comes to overall clarity and
color depth." He continues, "Rounding out the A/V package is an absolutely
pulverizing DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that will kick your
home theater's ass and take its name... Highly recommended."
Celebrating the 70th anniversary of its initial release, Warner brings Blu-
ray fans 'Gone with the Wind: Ultimate Collector's Edition' today.
If the $45 price tag for the UCE is out of your range, you can find a
slimmed down version of the release at Target. Either way, you can't go
wrong by picking up this classic release.
Luc Besson is probably best known for 'The Fifth Element',
but arguably his best accomplishment is 'Leon: The
Professional', which gets released today on Blu-ray. The relationship
between Jean Reno and Natalie Portman is genuine, and Gary Oldman is
the ultimate bad guy. If the idea of a 12 year-old girl hitting on an older
man makes you cringe, be sure to stick with the US theatrical presentation
which was toned down for American audiences. The Blu-ray presentation
of this film is simply astounding. The picture is sharp and highly detailed,
and the soundtrack is sure to shake your system during the intense action
sequences. There are few things more exciting than watching Jean Reno
tear apart his enemies with a surgical-like skill in high definition. A must
own Blu-ray.
Sasha Cohen has successfully used his characters to comically explore the
insecurities and prejudices of the general public. When the olive-skinned
Cohen dressed and spoke like a stereotypical black man, he used people's
fear of racism and prejudice to exploit them for comedy's sake. I laughed.
When he grew out his mustache and pretended to be a reporter for a
foreign land, he again used people's insecurities against them. I laughed
even harder. When he strapped on a skin-tight pair of lederhosen and
acted obnoxious to the dismay of his victims, I didn't laugh so much. It
wasn't that I had some moral objection to what he was doing - far from it -
but it felt way too similar to Borat, a character that was so well developed
that anything short - such as Bruno - would be a disappointment. For the
Blu-ray release of 'Bruno', it once again feels a bit underdeveloped. I
understand the source is limited, but video and audio both feel a bit
restricted beyond what could have been present. Proceed with caution on
this release.
I am a huge fan of Kevin Smith. I love that his films are a series of
elongated conversations which lack the cuts typically used to combine
several takes. I love the relationships he creates in his films that show
deeper connection than what an actual couple could convey. And yes, I will
laugh at every fart joke that he writes, because they are genius. Today,
Disney brings us, what I believe to be, his best film 'Chasing Amy' along with the film that started it all 'Clerks'.
Both these low-budget films are presented beautifully in high definition
and audio, especially on 'Amy', is extremely detailed. My only reservation is
that the heavy grain on 'Clerks' may scare some people away, which is a
shame, because years of VHS and DVD viewing has skewed the preceived
look of the film into a softened mess. The only film now missing from the
collection is 'Mallrats' (true fans choose to ignore the existence of 'Jersey
Girl'), a film that Universal will hopefully soon release. In the mean time,
you can pick up 'Clerks: 15th Anniversary Edition' and 'Chasing Amy' today
on Blu-ray, or as a three-pack with the previously released 'Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back'.
Finally today, HBO is releasing 'Rome: The
Complete Series' on Blu-ray. The 10-disc set features all 22 episodes
of the show in stunning high definition that easily bests their original HD
broadcasts. The series itself is an epic retelling of a pivotal time in the
Roman Empire, with an abundance of sex, drama, and battles to keep
viewers' interests secured to the screen. Indeed, the wife and I found
ourselves watching five episodes straight this past weekend, only
stopping to sooth the rumbling of our stomachs. It is disappointing that
the series did not continue through the reign of Augustus, but to have the
entire series on Blu-ray for the first time today is a treat we shall not soon
forget.
For a complete listing of all the Blu-ray titles released today, click here.
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Source: Blu-ray.com |
Permalink
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Relevant for:
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tyz
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Nov 17, 2009
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Fight Club alone makes this a very special Blu-ray day for me. 
Then you factor in Star Trek, Léon, AND It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: A Very Sunny Christmas...I'm pumped! |
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NoQuestion
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Nov 17, 2009
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Star trek, fight club, my sister's keeper, Bruno, and Rome are def buys. Might pick up scrubs also |
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Scooby Blu
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Nov 17, 2009
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Just picked up Star Trek at Target. It is a gloomy day outside so the disk will be spinning today for sure!! |
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surfdude12
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Nov 17, 2009
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i liked fight club and will pick it up, but a retelling of the birth of america? that's beyond a stretch IMO. i thought this was news, not commentary? I liked it as an action thriller, the philosophy was too packaged and forced, and blatantly contradictory to the cult club they signed up to. Still, like I said, great action and performances by Norton and Pitt, will definitely be grabbing it! |
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BLURAYSONYES
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Nov 17, 2009
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Why didnt I see this "Today on Blu Ray" last week when Monsters Inc and UP was released? |
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ckenisell
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Nov 17, 2009
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Picked up Star Trek & Fight Club last night at midnight at Best Buy.
I am a bit dissappointed in the crushed blacks that Fincher used in Fight Club, but I understand that it's the source and not the BD mastering.
I haven't see Star Trek yet. Not at the theater and not at home. I'm going to wait for D-BOX to provide motion codes before watching this one. |
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bluskies
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Nov 17, 2009
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Sigh...Star Trek gets two large paragraphs. Fight Club gets two paragraphs. Leon, Rome, Kevin Smith and even Sacha Cohen get big notices. But Gone With the Wind, one of the greatest films of all time, gets a mere mention, with a part of that saying if people don't like the price of the UCE, look for it cheaper at Target. |
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Titanicfave
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Nov 17, 2009
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Not much that interests me this week. |
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zwoodz
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Nov 17, 2009
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A Very Sunny Christmas is out today also. |
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BluPat
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Nov 17, 2009
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My bf and I went to our local Wal-Mart at midnight last night and I got Star Trek on Blu. I also
preordered (3 months ago) him the Amazon Exclusive with the replica ship. It shipped today!!!
Star Trek is an AMAZING film. Buy it. He also wants to get Gone With The Wind on Blu of course. |
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phatrat1982
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Nov 17, 2009
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I haven't seen Star Trek yet, but I really want Chasing Amy more so if I buy anything it'll be Chasing Amy this week Star Trek latter when I goto buy the entire movie set. |
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Spanbauer
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Nov 17, 2009
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No mention of Galaxy Quest and no review from you guys either; methinks you completely overlooked that one. |
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Patrovita
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Nov 17, 2009
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I watched Star Trek last night, brilliant film, and I want to watch it again tonight... Great blu ray too, although I do need a bigger screen to fully appreciate it... |
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Chaotic
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Nov 17, 2009
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Picked up Fight Club at Target. |
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Brad1963
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Nov 17, 2009
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I picked up Gone With the Wind at Target (Movie only) today, Star Trek, Fight Club, Leon, Chasing Amy, Clerks. |
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TTC1984
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Nov 17, 2009
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Definitely getting Star Trek. Will get GWTW if there's a good enough deal on a non-collector's edition. I'll probably ask for the Kevin Smith box for X-Mas. |
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nathanp
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Nov 17, 2009
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Going on a hunt for Fight Club, Gone With The Wind, Star Trek, Clerks and Galaxy Quest at lunch today. Already have Sex, Lies and Videotape on the way from Amazon. |
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Wdm81
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Nov 17, 2009
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Star trek for sure, might pick up fight club, but that depends since i still have to pick up Monsters inc and up
what about Galaxy quest, wasn't that supposed to be out today too? |
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Josh
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Nov 17, 2009
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surfdude12 - Sure, its a stretch, but there are distinct similarities. Our founding fathers had a beer club, so to speak, where they would discuss their discontent with British rule. The Boston Tea Party was an act of mayhem against the British rulers. Eventually, all these acts led to the downfall of British rule.
BLURAYSONYES - Events outside this website overcame my schedule, and I was unable to complete the post in a reasonable time. I have made adjustments to ensure that won't be a problem again. |
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gavydizzle
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Nov 17, 2009
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Ordered Trek, and can't wait to watch it after reading the reviews for Pq and Aq. I wasn't expecting much when I saw it theatrically, but it ranks highly in my movies this year.
Ill be getting Fight Club and possibly Bruno down the line when I am not so broke.
I'd like to rent GWTW also, because I have never seen it and there's no better way to see it than on bella blu! |
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