Synopsis Daniel Craig returns as James Bond in this thrilling, action-packed adventure which starts shortly after Casino Royale ends. Betrayed by the woman he loved, 007 fights the urge to make his latest mission personal. On a nonstop quest for justice that crisscrosses the globe, Bond meets the beautiful but feisty Camille (Olga Kurylenko), who leads him to Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), a ruthless businessman and major force within the mysterious “Quantum” organization. When Bond uncovers a conspiracy to take control of one of the world’s most important natural resources, he must navigate a minefield of treachery, deception and murder to neutralize “Quantum” before it’s too late!
A worldwide box office phenomenon, QUANTUM OF SOLACE has broken countless records and scored among the top 20 film openings of all time in 67 international territories. Bond… James Bond remains one of the world’s largest and most successful film franchises with 22 films to date.
Starting shortly after Casino Royale ends, Daniel Craig returns as James Bond, betrayed by the woman he loved and determined to find those responsible for her death. His pursuit and determination lead him deeper into the criminal organization known as “Quantum” and into the company of Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), an environmentalist using his wealth and power to help overthrow a government in exchange for a barren piece of desert land that will allow him to control the country’s water supply. Forced to work without the help of MI6, Bond partners with Camille (Olga Kurylenko), a young woman on her own quest for justice, and together they travel across the globe in order to stop Greene and seek retribution.
Two-Disc Special Edition DVD Special Features: Includes all of the above single-disc content plus additional bonus features: Bond on Location” 24-minute special feature Start of Shooting On Location Olga Kurylenko and the Boat Chase Director Marc Forster The Music Crew Files
Blu-ray DVD Special Features: Includes all of the above two-disc special edition content in spectacular hi-definition.
The Blu-ray of Quantum of Solace is one beautiful-looking and sounding disc. The 1080p/AVC/MPEG-4 encode offers rock solid black and contrast levels, the varying color scheme and flesh tones that are presented just right, while picture detail is razor-sharp. Film grain is present throughout, but is never overwhelming. If there is any video noise, DNR, artifacts or edge enhancement to be had, wasn’t too noticeable. In fact, the only complaint about the picture is that one or two nighttime scenes display the slightest bit of black crush.
This is the first animated film to come out of Walt Disney Animation Studios with superb story and animation quality reflecting those of a Pixar Animation film. The story follows a dog named Bolt (voiced by John Travolta) who is the crime fighting superhero star of a hit television show along with his child owner named Penny (voiced by Miley Cyrus). The problem is that Bolt doesn’t know he is on a show and believes the world the studio has created. So when he is accidentally shipped in a package across country and begins a long journey home. Along the way Bolt meets a group of pigeons, a cat named Mittens (voiced by Susie Essman) and a show-stealing hamster named Rhino (voiced Mark Walton). They all help Bolt on his journey home and his journey of self-discovery as a dog.
The high definition Blu-ray video looks perfect. The colors are vibrant and some scenes looks photo realistic. Audio quality is great, though it’s only in 5.1 instead of a 7.1 mix, which would have had fantastic use in the first fifteen-minute action sequence of the film. Still, you can really feel the music, effects, and dialogue.
The bonus features are presented in high definition. A funny featurette is a short film called “Super Rhino” focusing on the hamster character from the film. There are two deleted scenes from the film with an intro by directors Chris Williams and Bryon Howard. There is a short, but fun video game called “Bolt’s Be-Awesome Mission.” There are a few more behind-the-scenes featurettes about the first-time directors, the voices behind the film, and creating the world of the film. Also, you receive a digital copy as well as a SD copy of the film when you purchase it on Blu-ray.
The Two-Disc Special Editions of two glorious Best Picture Oscar®-winning 1950s classics from the crown jewel collection of M-G-M’s Golden Age of Musicals, is now available on Blu-ray Hi-Def.
An American in Paris and Gigi were meticulously remastered and released on standard DVD by Warner Home Video last September and were an instant success. George Feltenstein, WHV’s Senior Vice President, Theatrical Catalog Marketing said, “Warner Home Video is truly proud to be able to release these two magnificent films as special editions on Blu Ray disc. Our talented colleagues at Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging put a great deal of effort into creating the newly restored masters of both films, and the amazing technical capabilities offered by Blu Ray technology truly transforms the viewing experience to a whole new level of entertainment.”
The films won a total of 15 Academy Awards®, including Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best director, were produced by Arthur Freed and helmed by Vincente Minnelli. Alan Jay Lerner was the screenwriter on both.
An American in Paris, originally photographed in Technicolor, is the latest recipient of Warner Bros.’ proprietary Ultra-Resolution process, which takes the original Technicolor negatives and carefully combines them to yield a stunning picture with sharpness and depth of field never seen before.
Concerto of a Commentary hosted by Patricia Ward Kelly and featuring rare, often previously unheard interviews with Gene Kelly, Vincente Minnelli, Arthur Freed, Alan Jay Lerner, Johnny Green, Saul Chaplin, Michael Feinstein, Preston Ames and Irene Sharaff and new observations by Leslie Caron and Nina Foch
1938 MGM short: Paris on Parade
1951 MGM cartoon: Symphony in Slang
Theatrical trailer
2002 American Masters Documentary: Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer
‘S Wonderful: The Making of An American in Paris, an all new documentary, produced especially for this release. A dynamic history of the making of the film, which reveals how George and Ira Gershwin’s classic songs, the dazzling art of the French impressionists and the ultimate teamwork of MGM’s legendary “Freed Unit” came together to create a musical masterpiece. Featuring ten new interviews, including co-stars Leslie Caron and Nina Foch
Outtakes: Georges Guetary performing Love Walked In and Gene Kelly performing I Got a Crush on You (audio only)
Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron promotional radio interview with Dick Simmons
Gigi was produced after the demise of the original Technicolor system, photographed in the industry-standardized Eastmancolor process. For this new DVD release, Gigi has been photo-chemically restored from its original camera negative and safety separations to produce a much sharper and colorful image than has been seen in decades. It also contains a 5.1 audio mix created from the original multi-track source elements.
Extras include:
New Commentary with Leslie Caron and Film Historian Jeanine Basinger
The Million Dollar Nickel [1952 MGM short]
The Vanishing Duck [1958 MGM cartoon]
Theatrical Trailer
Thank Heaven! The Making of Gigi – The story of how 1958’s Best Picture winner (the last of the classic MGM musicals) survived a turbulent production that included censorship battles over its daring sexual content and creative struggles between a studio in turmoil and a demanding, visionary director. Featuring an all-new interview with star Leslie Caron, and a rare interview with Oscar-winning director Minnelli (in HD)
Original 1949 Nonmusical version of Gigi starring Daniele Delorme in the title role and directed by Jacqueline Audry (in French Mono with English subtitles)
On March 18, about 1,400 third shift Cast Members from around the Disneyland Resort were celebrated during a sports-themed breakfast in the early hours of the morning. These Cast Members are instrumental in gearing up the Resort for its guests – doing everything from pruning trees to cleaning streets and keeping the hotels moving throughout the night. This group normally works behind the scenes while most people are sleeping, however their efforts are clearly visible and highly important to the Resort’s daily operation. During the breakfast, the Cast Members were acknowledged and thanked by their leaders and Disneyland Resort President Ed Grier. Grier and other executives were on-hand to assist with the event to show their appreciation for the work that is done by these dedicated Cast Members in the early hours of the day. They enjoyed a hearty breakfast, fun games, an opportunity prize drawing and a thank you gift.
The latest sign of expansion and “re-Imagineering” in Disney’s California Adventure park is the new illuminated “Paradise Pier” sign on the “California Screamin'” roller coaster. Installed overnight between Thursday and Friday, March 12 and 13, the sign reflects the “vintage Disney” themeing that is part of the Disney’s California Adventure expansion. It was designed in the style of beachfront amusement park signs from the 1920s and ’30s, the era when Walt Disney first arrived in Hollywood and begin producing animated cartoons. As the “re-Imagineering” continues at Disney’s California Adventure this spring, the ferris wheel attraction will reopen as “Mickey’s Fun Wheel” and the Games of the Boardwalk will reopen in completely new versions featuring Disney characters.
Synopsis: A high-profile slaying becomes the case of an ambitious attorney’s career in this legal thriller based on the novel by William Diehl. Richard Gere stars as Martin Vail, a famed defense lawyer who volunteers his services to Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton), a Kentucky teenager charged with the murder of a Chicago archbishop. Covered with blood, Aaron was captured after a foot chase broadcast live on TV, making a gleeful Vail certain that he could raise his profile by defending the obviously guilty suspect. Assigned to prosecute is Assistant District Attorney Janet Venable (Laura Linney), who is Vail’s ex-girlfriend. Vail’s case becomes more complicated than he expected when a psychologist, Dr. Molly Arrington (Frances McDormand) concludes that Stampler suffers from multiple personality disorder. Vail also uncovers evidence that the archbishop was involved in a corrupt land scheme and may have molested young parishioners. Now the cynical, opportunistic attorney is faced with a daunting prospect, a client who may actually deserve his best defense. Its shocking, twist ending made Primal Fear (1996) a big box office hit and earned Norton, in his screen debut, an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Paramount Home Entertainment has finally decided to release this 1996 hit on Blu-ray. It features an amazing performance by the young Edward Norton in his breakout debut. The story is about a media-seeking lawyer Martain Vail (Richard Gere) trying to represent the main suspect (Edward Norton) placed at the scene of a murdered Catholic archbishop. Laura Linney and Francis McDormand round out the fantastic cast.
The transfer print is as good as you can expect for a print that comes from 1996. Sound design does a great job immersing the audience in the world of the film. Bonus extras include some audio commentaries from director Gregory Hoblit, writer Ann Biderman, producer Gary Lucchest, executive producer Hawk Koch, and casting director Deborah Aquila. There is also a few featurettes on the legal aspect of the film, the casting of the film, and the psychology behind it. If you enjoy the series Law & Order, you’ll enjoy this film with its brilliant performances.
Runtime: 2 Hr. 10 Min. Sec.
Languages: English SDH Subtitled, English Subtitled, French Dubbed & Subtitled, Portuguese Subtitled, Spanish D
Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital, 5.1 Dolby TrueHD
US Rating: R – For brief grisly violence, pervasive strong language and a sex scene.
DVD Features:
• Commentary: – Commentary by Director Gregory Hoblit, Writer Ann Biderman, Producer Gary Lucchesi, Executive Producer Hawk Koch, and Casting Director Deborah Aquila
• Other: – Primal Fear: The Final Verdict
• Other: – Primal Fear: Star Witness
• Other: – Psychology of Guilt
• Trailers: – Theatrical Trailer (previously used on 1998 release)
Disney today announced the launch of D23 (www.Disney.com/D23), the first official community for Disney fans in the Company’s 85-year history. Through D23, fans will go backstage and behind closed doors to get the inside scoop from every part of Disney, while experiencing the nostalgia, adventure and fantasy of Disney as never before.
“We have a fantastic legacy that started in 1923 and is based on timeless stories, beloved characters and unforgettable experiences, but it’s our fans that keep the spirit of Disney alive year after year, generation after generation,” said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger at the Company’s annual shareholder’s meeting. “D23 is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and celebrating our fans, who bring the magic of Disney to life every day in every corner of the world.”
As a part of this new Disney fan experience, today also marks the launch of D23’s new quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; the all-new D23 Web site at Disney.com/D23; and a new collectibles line, The Walt Disney Archives Collection, which was created specifically with D23 members in mind. D23 also will host special events for its members throughout the year, highlighted by the organization’s signature event, the D23 Expo, which will be held in Anaheim this September 10-13.
A one-year D23 membership ($74.99) includes:
Disney twenty-three quarterly publication: A one-year subscription (four issues) to D23’s new collectible magazine filled with stunning photography, dazzling illustrations and the ultimate Disney insider perspective. This advertising-free keepsake is the all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney’s past, present and future.
Membership Certificate and Card: The D23 membership card and suitable-for-framing member certificate — both specially created for D23’s Charter Year — feature many of Disney’s most beloved characters.
Surprise Collectible Gift and Member Merchandise: Each member who joins D23 will receive an exclusive collectible gift from the new Walt Disney Archives Collection. This merchandise line was created specifically with D23 members in mind, and each piece is authorized by the Walt Disney Archives. D23 members will have exclusive or early access to a wide assortment of Walt Disney Archives Collection pieces.
D23 Expo and Member Special Events: The D23 Expo — to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center from September 10-13, 2009 — will be “The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience,” featuring incredible speakers, celebrity appearances, breathtaking exhibitions, interactive experiences, sneak peeks, film screenings, one-of-a-kind merchandise, and much more. All Disney fans are welcome, but D23 members will receive a discount on Expo admissions and early access to the show daily. D23 also offers unique members-only special event opportunities throughout the year.
Disney.com/D23: All fans can stay connected to Disney every day through D23’s new Web site, featuring up-to-the-minute Disney news, feature stories, event info and more, but only D23 members will receive regular email updates on special event and merchandise opportunities exclusive to them.
Disney twenty-three quarterly publication
Disney today launches its new quarterly publication Disney twenty-three, a hybrid entertainment and lifestyle magazine that is the all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney’s past, present and future. Its name pays homage to 1923, the year The Walt Disney Company was founded.
The premiere issue of Disney twenty-three includes exclusive features such as:
Interviews with Tim Burton, Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens
Inside look at the new Disney/Pixar animated film Up, featuring interviews with Director Pete Docter and Producer Jonas Rivera, concept and production art, and a look at the new animated short Partly Cloudy.
A rare look inside Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California. Meet the Pixar team and learn the secrets behind the success of their films.
The doors open for two of the most exclusive, magical suites in the world: the Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Dream Suite overlooking New Orleans Square and the Rivers of America at the Disneyland Resort.
Disney twenty-three‘s regular featured departments include:
A Walk with Walt: A look back at the trials and triumphs of the man who made dreams come true and whose imagination started it all.
D Society: From gala movie premieres and grand openings to candid Disney moments and memories, D Society takes readers backstage and onto the red carpet.
PHOTOfiles: The legendary Walt Disney Archives Photo Library houses millions of Disney’s most cherished photographic memories, and the Archives team shares its Top 100, five in every issue. Let the countdown begin!
Where in D?: Try to identify where in the world of Disney each issue’s mystery photo was taken.
The Funny Pages: For the first time in decades, enjoy the vintage newspaper comic strips that helped make many of Disney’s most popular characters famous.
Making Magic: Crafts for children of all ages, inspired by Disney’s favorite stories and experiences.
Recipes from Disney’s most popular restaurants and eateries, past and present.
Disney twenty-three subscriptions are available only by becoming a member of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans. Individual issues of Disney twenty-three retail for $15.95 and are available exclusively at all U.S. Barnes & Noble booksellers, all domestic Disney Stores, Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, and Disneyshopping.com.
DISNEY.COM/D23
The D23 site on Disney.com will serve as the premier online destination for Disney fans, highlighted by breaking Disney news, exclusive feature stories, blogs, historical retrospectives, a collectibles boutique, special event information, and other content. The D23 online experience includes News & Features, Walt Disney Archives, Disney twenty-three, Expo & Events, and Boutique23. Highlights include:
NEWS & FEATURES
Late-breaking news, press releases, and photos of interest to fans from every part of Disney.
“Twilight Bark” — inspired by the Disney animated feature 101 Dalmatians — offers up the latest tidbits and news “bites” from all around the world of Disney.
Feature articles and interviews on current Disney topics from theme parks and animation to television and motion pictures, as well as historical retrospectives.
Official Disney Bloggers — Get regular updates on films in production at Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, current Walt Disney Imagineering projects, and the Walt Disney Archives.
WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES
“This Day in Disney” — A daily walk down memory lane.
“What’s Old Is News” — Go back in time and enjoy rare, vintage and classic articles, stories, interviews, press materials and other highlights from deep within the Disney Archives.
“Ask Dave” — Disney Legend and Chief Archivist Dave Smith answers your questions about Disney history.
“Archives Library” — helpful Disney reference tools including biographies, filmographies, award chronologies, Disney A to Z updates, historical profiles and other archival information.
DISNEY TWENTY-THREE
The online home of Disney twenty-three, D23’s quarterly publication.
“The Funny Page: Daily Edition” — a delightful daily dose of vintage Disney comics that haven’t been seen outside the Disney Archives in decades.
“Making Magic” — An archive of the unique crafts featured in Disney twenty-three.
“Disney Dish” — Always be able to find your favorite recipes from Disney twenty-three.
EXPO & EVENTS
“D23 Expo” — The official Web site for everything you need to know about “The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience” September 10-13, at the Anaheim Convention Center, including programming, show hours, celebrity appearances, keynote speakers, ticket information, vacation packages, and more.
“D23 Member Special Events” — Throughout the year, D23 hosts special events created just for its members. Members can find out which ones they want to attend and how to register.
BOUTIQUE 23
D23 merchandise and collectibles, including D23 member-only offerings from the Walt Disney Archives Collection
D23 membership is not required to visit Disney.com/D23, but some merchandise and special event opportunities are exclusive to D23 members.
Fans can join D23 at www.Disney.com/D23, all Disney Store locations within the United States, select shops at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, and www.DisneyShopping.com/D23.
About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. Through the years, Disney has captured the imagination of millions around the world, and, as requested by Disney fans everywhere, D23 gives them a greater, richer connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic.
A lonely clockmaker named Gepetto carves a wooden boy and names him Pinocchio because he longs for the family he never had. A Blue Rairy hears his longing when he wishes on a star and brings the wooden Pinocchio to life. She also promises that he has the opportunity to become a real boy if he tries to be good – a message most parents will appreciate. She gives Pinocchio (Dickie Jones) a conscience in the form of Jiminy Cricket (Cliff Edwards). Almost as soon as he enters the world, he gets into mischief, ultimately ending up at Pleasure Island where bad boys makes asses of themselves-literally turning into donkeys. After escaping, he learns that Gepetto has gone missing while searching for him and now he sets out with Jiminy Cricket to locate his father who has been swallowed by the giant whale named Monstro. The heartwarming ending will live in the heart of anyone who has ever wished upon a star.
The video transfer to Blu-ray is in its original 4:3 aspect ratio. Compared to its former DVD release, the color transfer is quite impressive. In some of scenes, such as the opening shot of Gepetto’s village, it’s possible to see distant detail that was hard to see in earlier prints. The audio transfer is clean, though its original audio mix is front-heavy with occasional sound effects from the rear.
There is a bundle of bonus features presented in high definition, including the “No Strings Attached” making-of featurette, an audio commentary with film critic Leonard Maltin, a music jukebox featuring music from the film, Pinocchio fun facts that appear as you watch the film, art galleries, deleted scenes, and more. There is also a DVD version of the film.
Many fans and film critics over the last 20 years have referred to Alan Moore’s fascinating 400-page graphic novel as the unfilmable superhero movie. This turns out to be anything, but true. Director Zack Snyder (who brought us the equally visually stunning “300”) stays faithful to the tale, it’s shadowy visual style, and any small changes are for the better.
The story takes place in 1985 as America faces the fear of engaging in nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Masked vigilante superheroes have been banned by the government for years. Since then some have chosen to capitalize on their former crime-fighting days, which others try to live a normal life, and others yearn to relive their former days of glory.
A mystery unfolds as someone appears to be killing these former masked crimefighters. It starts when The Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), a former thug who wrecked havoc in Vietnam for the Nixon administration, is thrown out his skyscraper window. Then a hit man narrowly fails to kill Ozymandias, considered to be the smartest (and probably richest) man in the world. The crazy, but wildly entertaining superhero named Rorschach (another amazing performance by Jackie Earle Haley) recruits former colleagues Nite Owl (Patrick Wilson), Silk Spectre (Malin Akerman), and her blue lover Dr. Manhattan (a superhero with real powers) to uncover the mystery, which is linked to the imminent nuclear war.
The technical crew for this film will be nominated for Oscars. Every frame is gorgeous and keeps this lengthy film (nearly 3 hours) moving and engaging. The environment of this world in chaos is full of detail, whether it’s Dr. Manhattan walking across the planet Mars, Nixon’s war room (in a funny homage to “Dr. Strangelove”), or the incluion of a rusted sign outside an auto junkyard that reads: “obsolete models a speciality” (a joke on our aging superheroes). The amount of brilliant detail make this film worth watching on IMAX.
Fans should love almost everything about this film. Those in the audience that are unfamiliar with the source material may need a second viewing to grasp everything complex that is happening. The film brings new life to the superhero genre by exploring their politics, their sexuality, and their philosophy. It is like the “Moby Dick” of comic book stories, but this adaptation to the big screen is far more successful and a joy to experience.
Synopsis: The Smurfs are a group of over 100 bluish, three-apple tall creatures who live in the mushroom homes of Smurf Village. They are led by 543-year-old Papa Smurf (who doesn’t look a day over 530). Their lives would be perfect were it not for the villainous Gargamel, a wizard who spends his days trying to capture them to eat, turn into gold, or for other evil reason. Gargamel’s cat Azrael adds to the menace, always looking for a smurfalicious snack.. Its Season Two, Vol. 1 of Smurf Adventures, the Emmy-winning animated series [Outstanding Childrens Entertainment Series 1982-83] that delighted Saturday morning cartoon fans for nearly a decade.
Edition Description
• Released in English • Originally in English • NTSC (Canada and USA) • Runtime: 92 minutes • Color
A longtime favorite of Disneyland guests will return as “The Disneyland Story, featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” an enhanced version of the show which appeared, in various forms, in the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland park from 1966 through 2004 . The attraction will reopen later this year in celebration of the 200th anniversary year of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.
The current Opera House presentation, “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years,” will go on hiatus beginning Monday, March 16, in preparation for the new “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” show. When the updated “Disneyland Story, featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” opens later this year, “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years” will be presented as part of the “Disneyland Story” display of art, models and mementoes in the Opera House lobby.
Also planned for fall 2009 is a prominent new home on Main Street, U.S.A., for The Disney Gallery. Formerly located above Pirates of the Caribbean in New Orleans Square, The Disney Gallery houses treasured Disney artwork and collectibles representing creative efforts from throughout The Walt Disney Company. A frequently changing exhibit area often includes never-before-displayed art. The Disney Gallery’s new home will be in the Bank of Main Street building, located next door to the Main Street Opera House and currently serving as the headquarters for Disneyland Resort Annual Passport processing. The Bank will continue to operate as an Annual Passport center until mid-summer 2009. After that, Annual Passport processing will move to the Plaza Pavilion, near the entrance to Adventureland.
The original “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” was created by Walt Disney and his Imagineers for the State of Illinois Pavilion at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and featured the world’s first fully animated human Audio-Animatronics figure, built by Walt Disney Imagineering. The show, made its Disneyland debut in the Main Street Opera House on July 18, 1965.
Jonny and his pal Hadji are once again headed for action-packed fun and excitement in The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest: Season 1, Volume 1, available for the first time on DVD from Warner Home Video on February 17, 2009. A remake of the classic science-fiction/adventure animated television series Jonny Quest, The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest: Season 1, Volume 1 chronicles the all new adventures of our hero and his friends Hadji and Jessie in 13 episodes guaranteed to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
“Jonny Quest is truly a classic character beloved by kids of all ages,” said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President of Family, Animation & Sports Marketing. “We are very happy to add The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest: Season 1, Volume 1 to our library of animated offerings for kids, their parents and fans of animation.”
