And another hi-def hello to our fellow blu-ray geeks. Welcome to the weekly look at our most wanted titles coming to blu-ray and/or 4K Ultra HD for the week of February 26, 2019.
What a fantastic offering of titles we have this week! In addition to two new-to-home-video releases, a Disney 30th anniversary Steel Book Edition, and a Marvel Best Buy Exclusive release, we are blessed with not one, not two, but three new releases from from Vinegar Syndrome. It's going to be fun so lets just dive right in.
First up is Disney's release of the 3D computer-animated comedy Ralph Breaks the Internet which is getting an Ultimate Collector's Edition / 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital HD as well as a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD edition, a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook / 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital Copy, and a Target Exclusive with Filmmaker Gallery & Storybook / 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital HD. {googleads}
Next, the Mouse House is also hitting us with a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook / 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital HD edition of Captain America: The First Avenger. We also get a 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital HD of the film.
The historical drama Mary Queen of Scots is coming out with a 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital HD and a Blu-ray + Digital HD edition.
The BBC gets our attention again this week with its 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray treatment of the nature documentary series Dyanasties which covers five vulnerable or endangered species. Nature documentaries are always great subject matter to show off hi-def goodness and BBC always gets it right. This should be absolutely spectacular in hi-def.
Shout Factory is hitting us up again this week with three catalog title releases in the form of 1980's Robert Zemeckis-directed comedy called Used Cars that stars Kurt Russell and Jack Warden and features a new interview in its packet of bonus features. The company is also giving us a blu-ray release of the 2003 horror/thriller Willard that comes with a new 2K remaster of the film in addition to new commentaries, new interviews, and a new behind-the-scenes featurette.
But wait! Shout Factory isn't done. They are also releasing a blu-ray edition of the 1956 creature feature The Mole People which will feature a 1.85:1 presentation of the film as well as a 2.00:1 presentation. The release comes with a new audio commentary and a new featurette in addition to the pre-existing features that will be ported over.
Severin Films gets in on the hi-def action this week in a big way with a new blu-ray transfer of Ed Adlum's Invasion of the Blood Farmers. The release comes in a retro-looking clamshell case that reminds of those golden VHS years.
Our good friends over at Vinegar Syndrome have been busy little beavers of late as they are putting out fully restored updates of three classic catalog titles. First up is 1986's Battle for the Lost Planet that gets a brand new 2K restoration from the 35mm negative, followed by a new 4K restoration of the 1988 William Webb thriller Party Line. And last is the brand new 4K restoration from the 35mm camera negative of the 9182 Joe Don Baker comedy Wacko. Do yourself a favor and head over to the Vinegar Syndrome website and order these three classic before they are long gone.
Our Most Wanted Release for This Week
It's hard to believe but this year marks the 30th anniversary of the classic animated Disney film, The Little Mermaid. And to celebrate the occasion, the company is hitting us up with a basket-full of editions. First is the 30th Anniversary Signature Collection Edition / Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD, followed by a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook / The Signature Collection / 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital HD edition, The Signature Collection / 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital HD version, and a Target Exclusive DigiBook / 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital Copy release. Then there's the Disney Movie Club Exclusive / 3-Disc Special Edition | 2-Movie Collection / Blu-ray + Digital HD edition of The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning and The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea that should complete your Little Mermaid collection.
Here is what is coming out on blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD This week
Ralph Breaks the Internet (Ultimate Collector's Edition / 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital HD)
Disney / Buena Vista
Street Date: February 26, 2019
Ralph Breaks the Internet leaves Litwak's video arcade behind, venturing into the uncharted, expansive, and thrilling world of the internet—which may or may not survive Ralph's wrecking. Video game bad guy Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) and fellow misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) must risk it all by traveling to the world wide web in search of a replacement part to save Vanellope's video game, Sugar Rush. In way over their heads, Ralph and Vanellope rely on the citizens of the internet—the Netizens—to help navigate their way, including Yesss (voice of Taraji P. Henson), who is the head algorithm and the heart and soul of the trend-making site "BuzzzTube", and Shank (voice of Gal Gadot), a tough-as-nails driver from a gritty online auto-racing game called Slaughter Race.
Blu-ray Details:
- How We Broke the Internet
- Surfing for Easter Eggs
- The Music of Ralph Breaks the Internet
- Deleted Scenes
- BuzzzTube Cats
- Music Videos
- Baby Drivers
Captain America: The First Avenger (Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook / 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital HD)
Disney / Buena Vista
Street Date: February 26, 2019
Born during the Great Depression, Steve Rogers grew up a frail youth in a poor family. Horrified by the newsreel footage of the Nazis in Europe, Rogers was inspired to enlist in the army. However, because of his frailty and sickness, he was rejected. Overhearing the boy’s earnest plea, General Chester Phillips offered Rogers the opportunity to take part in a special experiment... Operation: Rebirth. After weeks of tests, Rogers was at last administered the Super-Solider Serum and bombarded by "vita-rays". Steve Rogers emerged from the treatment with a body as perfect as a body can be and still be human. Rogers was then put through an intensive physical and tactical training program. Three months later, he was given his first assignment as Captain America. Armed with his indestructible shield and battle savvy, Captain America has continued his war against evil both as a sentinel of liberty and as leader of the Avengers.
Blu-ray Details:
Mary Queen of Scots (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital HD)
Universal Studios
Street Date: February 26, 2019
Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18, Mary Stuart defies pressure to remarry. Instead, she returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. However, Scotland and England fall under the rule of the compelling Elizabeth I. Each young Queen beholds her sister in fear and fascination. Rivals in power and in love, and female regents in a masculine world, the two must decide how to play the game of marriage versus independence.
Special Features:
- Feature Commentary with Director Josie Rourke and Composer Max Richter
- An Epic Confrontation - Fetaurette
- Tudor Feminism - Featurette
- Something About Marys - Featurette
Dynasties (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray)
BBC
Street Date: February 26, 2019
Five extraordinary animals, each in a heroic struggle against rivals and against the forces of nature, fighting for their own survival and for the future of their dynasties.
Special Features:
{googleads}
Used Cars (Blu-ray)
Shout Factory
Street Date: February 26, 2019
Rudy Russo (Kurt Russell, Escape from New York) has what it takes to be top salesman on Luke Fuchs' (Jack Warden) car lot — he's the most charming man who'll ever lie to you. Caught up in a feud between Luke and his brother/rival Roy L. Fuchs (also played by Warden), Rudy gears up for an all-out war. Employing his gifts of gab and grift — along with increasingly outlandish sales tactics — Rudy shifts the battle for sales supremacy into overdrive, turning the lot into a high-octane free-for-all!
Special Features:
- New Interview With Producer/Co-Writer Bob Gale
- Audio Commentary By Director/Co-Writer Robert Zemeckis, Producer/Co-Writer Bob Gale, And Actor Kurt Russell
- Outtakes
- Radio Interviews And Spots
- Theatrical Trailer
- Alternate Trailer
- TV Spot
- Photo Galleries
Party Line (Blu-ray)
Vinegar Syndrome
Street Date: February 26, 2019
This special limited edition embossed slipcover (designed by Earl Kessler Jr.) is limited to 2,000 units and is only available here at VinegarSyndrome.com!
Brother and sister Seth and Angelina live a secluded life in their family’s beautiful Beverly Hills mansion. But these upper class siblings share a dark and violent hobby of using sexually driven ‘party lines’ to meet and lure lustful strangers into a deadly ménage à trois, the climax of which is a razor slash to the throat! With the victim count steadily rising, Detective Dan is under the gun to crack the case, but when his girlfriend falls prey to the maniacal duo, Dan goes rogue, taking his own violent measures to dispense justice.
Special Features:
Region A Blu-ray/DVD combo
• Newly scanned & restored in 4k from its 35mm original camera negative
• “Party Line Fever” – interview with screenwriter Richard Brandes
• Original theatrical trailer
• Reversible cover artwork
• English SDH subtitles
Wacko (Blu-ray)
Vinegar Syndrome
Street Date: February 26, 2019
Thirteen years ago, at the Halloween Pumpkin Prom, the infamous Lawnmower Killer went on a brutal rampage, murdering several high school students, including Mary Graves’ older sister, traumatizing her for life. Now, after the unexpected escape of a prisoner from the state mental hospital, who may or may not be the killer, it’s up to hard-nosed gumshoe Dick Harbinger to solve the case before the Lawnmower Killer seeks out a new slew of victims at the upcoming Pumpkin Prom, that is if anyone is able to survive the hilarious horror hijinks leading up to it!
Special Features:
Region A Blu-ray/DVD combo
• Newly scanned & restored in 4k from its 35mm original camera negative
• Brand new commentary track with director Greydon Clark
• “Die Laughing” – an interview with cinematographer Nicholas von Sternberg
• Never before seen outtakes
• Trailer
• Reversible cover artwork
• English SDH subtitles
Battle for the Lost Planet (Blu-ray)
Vinegar Syndrome
Street Date: February 26, 2019
In BATTLE FOR THE LOST PLANET rogue master thief Harry Trent (Matt Mitler) who, in an attempt to steal military secrets, found himself stranded alone in space for years, finally returns to earth only to discover that the planet has been taken over by vicious gangs of alien mutants. Finding himself forced into a fight for his life, Harry is soon discovered and taken in by a beautiful warrior (Denise Coward) and her resistance group who hope to outwit the extra terrestrial invaders and reclaim the planet.
Special features:
Region Free Blu-ray/DVD combo
• Newly scanned & restored in 2k from 16mm and 35mm camera negatives
• “Battle for the Lost Film” – an interview with writer/director Brett Piper
• Director’s introduction for both films
• Original trailer for Mutant War
• Reversible cover artwork
• English SDH subtitles
Willard (Blu-ray)
Shout Factory
Street Date: February 26, 2019
Synopsis:
For years, Willard Stiles (Crispin Glover, The Wizard of Gore) has been trapped in a dead-end job with no friends and no future. Willard's life seems hopeless until he makes an eerie discovery: he shares a powerful bond with the rats that dwell in his basement. Now a guy who has been trampled in the rat race his entire life is suddenly ready to tear up the competition ... beginning with his boss.
Special Features:
- New 2K Scan Of The Original Film Elements
- New Audio Commentary With Writer/Director Glen Morgan And Director Of Photography Robert McLachlan
- New Audio Commentary With Animal Trainers Mark Harden And David Allsberry Of Animals For Hollywood
- New The Road To Willard – An Interview With Writer/Director Glen Morgan
- New Destination Willard – An Interview With Director Of Photography Robert McLachlan
- New The Rat Trainer’s Notebook – Behind-The-Scenes Footage From Animals For Hollywood
- Audio Commentary With Writer/Director Glen Morgan, Producer James Wong, Actors Crispin Glover And R. Lee Ermey
- The Year Of The Rat – A Documentary On The Making Of Willard
- Rat People: Friends Or Foes? – A Real Rat Documentary
- Deleted/Alternate Scenes With Optional Commentary
- Music Video Ben By Crispin Hellion Glover With Optional Commentary
- Behind-The-Scenes Footage And Interviews From The Electronic Press Kit
- Theatrical Trailer
- TV Spots
The Mole People (Blu-ray - 3,000 copies)
Shout Factory
Street Date: February 26, 2019
John Agar (Attack Of The Puppet People), Hugh Beaumont (Leave It To Beaver) and Nestor Paiva (Creature From The Black Lagoon) star as three archaeologists who come upon an unusual race of albino beings who shun all forms of light and have mutant mole men as their slaves.
Because of their "magical cylinders of fire" (what we know as flashlights), these archaeologists are treated like gods – until they try to liberate the mole people. Can the archaeologists escape this hallowed mountain in Asia ... or will they be destroyed in a strange underground world?
Special Features:
- The Film Presented In Two Aspect Ratios – 1.85:1 and 2.00:1
- New Audio Commentary With Film Historians Tom Weaver And David Schecter
- New Of Mushrooms And Madmen: The Making Of The Mole People
- Mystery Science Theater 3000 Episode “The Mole People” (2/15/97) In Standard Definition
- Still Galleries – Movie Stills, Posters And Lobby Cards
- Theatrical Trailer
Invasion of the Blood Farmers (Blu-ray)
Severin Films
Street Date: February 26, 2019
In 1972, a team of New York City exploitation outlaws that included Ed Adlum (SHRIEK OF THE MUTILATED), Ed Kelleher (PRIME EVIL) and Michael & Roberta Findlay (THE TOUCH OF HER FLESH, SNUFF) – along with first-time assistant cameraman and future award-winning cinematographer Frederick Elmes (ERASERHEAD, BLUE VELVET) – descended on bucolic Westchester County with 8½ bottles of stage blood to make a movie about a Druid cult seeking to resurrect their dead queen. The budget was $24,000. The cast was paid in beer. And the result remains one of the greatest achievements in schlock/shock cinema history.
Special Features:
- Audio Commentary with Director Ed Adlum and Actress Ortrum Tippel, Moderated by Kier-La Janisse, Author of House of Psychotic Women
- Nothing You’d Show Your Mom: Eddie Adlum’s Journey through Exploitation, Coin-Op & Rock n’ Roll
- Harvesting the Dead: Interview with Actor Jack Neubeck
- Painful Memories: An Interview with Cinematographer Frederick Elmes
- Trailer
And now for our MOST WANTED ON BLU-RAY AND 4K for the week of February 26, 2019
The Little Mermaid (30th Anniversary Signature Collection Edition / Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD)
Disney / Buena Vista
Street Date: February 26, 2019
Ariel, a fun-loving and mischievous mermaid, is off on the adventure of a lifetime with her best friend, the adorable Flounder, and the reggae-singing Caribbean crab Sebastian at her side. But it will take all of her courage and determination to make her dreams come true—and save her father's beloved kingdom from the sneaky sea witch Ursula!
Special Features:
- Sing-Along Mode
- Alan Menken & the Leading Ladies Song
- "What I Want From You…Is YOUR VOICE"
- Stories From Walt's Office
- TreasuresUntold
- DCapella "Part of Your World" Music Video
- Classic Bonus Features
- Deleted Character: Harold The Merman
- Under The Scene: The Art Of Live Action Reference
- Howard's Lecture
- Audio Commentary With Ron Clements, John Musker and Alan Menken
