Sony’s new HiDef Blu-ray edition of Harryhausen’s 1963 classic “Jason and the Argonauts” ($24.95) — the story of a fearless sailor who returns to his kingdom to recover the Golden Fleece and claim his place on the throne with the help of the Queen of the Gods Hera (Honour Blackman, who was then co-star on TV’s “The Avengers” and would portray Pussy Galore in the James Bond movie “Goldfinger” a year later) not only showcases the film in its best light ever, it also offers several bonus features in which filmmakers pay tribute to the impact Harryhausen had on their careers.

This is the movie best remembered for Jason’s fight against the seven-headed Hydra snake-like creature and the groundbreaking battle between the title characters and sword-wielding skeletons, the latter of which doesn’t happen until the final six minutes of the movie. (What’s not remembered as often is that the score is by legendary composer Bernard Herrmann — “North by Northwest,” “Psycho,” “Citizen Kane,” etc.)

The new HiDef transfer offers a very clean and vivid image and colors, though, as with all movies of the era, there is no way to completely mask the obvious superimposed effects shots, the affected color of some models and sets, or the cheesey shots of the gods looking down on their human puppets through a smoke-rimmed reflecting pool. Of course the techniques employed and perfected by Harryhausen — stop-motion animation and rear-screen projection — appear very primitive to audiences raised on CGI and green screen photography, as do all pre-CGI movies. And many of the relatively low-budget productions of everything from “20 Million Miles to Earth” in 1957 and “The 7th Voyage of Sinbad” in 1958 to “Clash of the Titans” in 1981, even featured obvious stock footage in some scenes as a cost-saving strategy.

Nonetheless, these films were often the introduction to the wonderous potential of moviemaking as well as Greek mythology to imaginative young boys such as John Landis and Peter Jackson, who made repeated visits to their local movie complexes in Los Angeles and New Zealand to wallow in these cinematic presentations of magic.

In an interview from some years ago, Landis (”Animal House,” “Thriller,” “The Blues Brothers,” “An American Werewolf in London”) spends aout 10-minutes talking to Harryhausen, who turned 90 last month, about “Jason,” his craft and career. Although the production seems somewhat clunky and amateurish, what comes through is the awe of Landis for Harryhausen, who heaps praise on the legend not only for the effects but also for the casting and acting in “Jason,” including what he feels was the best portrayal of Hercules (it’s not clear just how much control Harryhausen had on any of these decisions as compared with director Don Chaffey).

In his audio commentary with visual effects artists Randall William Cook (”The Thing,” “Lord of the Rings”), Peter Jackson (”King Kong,” “Lord of the Rings”) points out intricate techniques Harryhausen used to accomplish tasks such as the wires and frame-by-frame matching coordination needed to pull off scenes such as animated flying creatures attacking and unrolling the cloak of a live actor as he rolled on the ground.

Harryhausen offers his own description of such scenes on a separate audio track with film historian Tony Dalton, the latter of whom points out Harryhausen going the extra step in scenes such as as the skeleton battle when he took pains to show a skeleton jumping over a fallen human body rather than taking the easier route in having the skeleton walk around the body. Harryhausen offers fascinating anecdotes such as noting a scene that was deleted in which the beheaded skeleton was shown looking for his head (it interrupted the flow of the scene).

Between the commentaries and the bonus interviews, there are many more revelations, such as the reason an actor was used to play Neptune instead of a model (water is too difficult to use with tiny models since the drops seem enormous, in addition to the lack of control) and the reason that actor was chosen as Neptune — his arms were long enough to reach over the model of the argonauts’ boat. Harryhausen also defends criticism of the jerky movements of the giant bronze statue with the vulnerable heel, which he says was by design because the statue was supposed to have difficulty moving his creaky metal body parts.

As is mentioned in tributes, one of Harryhausen’s gifts and skills was in bringing a real sense of emotion to these animated characters who had limited or non-existent facial expressions — his careful and specific movements of their appendages and bodies amazingly conveyed pain, anger, sorrow, and much more.

Another new featurette, “The Harryhausen Legacy,” and a terrific 1997 Richard Schickel hourlong TV profile marrated by Leonard Nimoy,” offer more interviews with the likes of George Lucas and in-depth summaries of the work and influence of Harryhausen.

– By Scott Hettrick

Before you even push “play,” the 60-second highlight promo loop on the opening menu screen will knock your socks off. A fun new branding logo after the closing credits of the movie assures us that the Blu-ray transfer won the important THX seal of quality approval. (A seemingly inadvertent disclaimer for audio commentaries and interviews that follows the THX logo suggests those may be elements on a special edition that producer Jon Landau says is coming in November).

This edition is as stripped down as you can get — a menu for scenes is all you get; not even a trailer or promo of any kind.

But for many of the fans that helped the movie become the top-grossing film of all-time, the movie will be plenty, especially when it looks this good. The inherent brightness of your video display counters the image seen in theaters through dark polarized glasses. It’s particularly dazzling in the luminescent flora of the Pandora planet of blue people called Na’vi, as well as the flights atop the giant flying creatures.

And while you may miss the extra depth provided by the 3D in a few scenes, for the most part the lack of 3D is not noticeable since the 3D effect in the movie was kept to such a minimum that it was often not even perceptible.

Also improving on the theatrical presentation in many theaters, the Blu-ray is presented in a 1.78:1 (16×9) aspect ratio, which adds more height to the 2.35:1 image seen in most theaters other than IMAX. This also really adds more impact to the flying scenes, especially when they fly vertically down the mountains, and is the screen size dimension that Cameron said he came to love in IMAX and on Blu-ray.

I didn’t love “Avatar” in terms of story and especially in terms of the characters — even in a 3D movie these are as one-dimensional as you can get — neither did I dislike it as much as others. I was disappointed in the subtlety of the 3D and bored with the half-hour final battle that seemed as though it came to an ending about three times before finally wrapping up after 2-hours and 40-minutes.

Having said that, I was blown away by the seamless blend of CGI, motion-capture and live-action like never before. Unlike almost every other movie where I am immediately taken out of the film as soon as there is a CGI character or effect that is obviously CGI, this was the first movie — a milestone in filmmaking — where I felt like the CGI/Mo-cap characters felt as real as the live-action characters.

Because of the unprecedented visuals (discounting the 3D) and the impeccable transfer in this full 1080p Blu-ray version that uses the top quality AVC MPEG-4 codec on the maximum 50 gigabyte dual-layered Blu-ray Disc, this “Avatar” edition has instantly become my new demonstration disc to show off Hi-Def Blu-ray to visitors.

– By Scott Hettrick

Criterion’s long-awaited Blu-ray release of Terrence Malick’s stunning 90-minute cinematic painting about an early 1900s Chicago steel worker who accidentally kills his supervisor and then flees with his young sister and his girlfriend to become a field worker in Texas, where they devise a dangerous con against the wealthy young owner of the ranch, comes two years after the company’s 2007 DVD version. It features all the same terrific bonus features which are worth revisiting (see below).

Never has a film had such impact and told such a powerful story of a bygone era with such a scarcity of dialogue. You are drawn in immediately and deeply by the rendition of Camille Saint-Saëns’ ethereal and strangely simultaneously haunting “Carnival of the Animals – The Aquarium” under the opening title sequence. From there, the matter-of-fact observations heard in a raspy and innocent voice-over of the young actress played by Linda Manz, clearly already impacted by the rough challenges of her few years of life, captivates and engages the viewer and never lets go.

But the real treat here are the images that are more vivid and impeccable than ever before. And that is most rewarding since there is nary a frame of film that could not be removed and displayed in an art gallery, particularly the early scenes of migrant workers riding atop a freight train, amongst dozens of others.

The bonus features produced for the 2007 DVD that are re-produced here:

* An audio interview with star Richard Gere and video interview with co-star Sam Shepard during which they describe how the movie was written and shot with a typical amount of dialogue, most of which was later cut during a two-year editing process.

* A fascinating anecdote-filled audio commentary includes a note by casting director Dianne Crittenden that Mallick’s first choice for Gere’s role was John Travolta, then starring in the TV series “Welcome Back, Kotter.”

* A video interview with then-camera operator John Bailey offers fascinating background on the filming process, such as the need to move production from the Texas panhandle to Canada, Malick’s penchant for being distracted from a set-up with actors to turn the cameras towards birds flying by or to catch a pretty sunset, and including fun tidbits such as how a scene showing hundreds of thousands of locusts flying up from the wheat fields was filmed by reversing film of peanuts being dropped from an airplane.

* A 42-page color booklet featuring a five-page recent essay by Adrian Martin and a 17-page reprint from the 1984 autobiography of cinematographer Nestor Alemendros’s engaging description of his experience on “Days of Heaven,” for which he won an Academy Award, including details about being forced to hand his job over to Oscar-winning cinematographer Haskell Wexler for the final 19 days of the 72-day shoot.

By the way, that other visually astounding film ranked alongside “Days of Heaven?” Stanley Kubrick’s 1975 masterpiece “Barry Lyndon,” for which I am patiently waiting for a Blu-ray edition from Warner Home Video. (Interestingly, “Barry Lyndon” also starred a young pretty boy actor — Ryan O’Neal — who, like Richard Gere, would not have been cast by another director to carry such a heavy drama.)

– By Scott Hettrick

The Blu-ray of “Under the Sea” has something IMAX did not, five featurettes that explore even deeper the production at the Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, South Australia, and Milne Bay and New Britain in Indonesia. A mini-documentary on the challenges and breathtaking rewards of shooting with a giant IMAX camera is enormously fascinating.

As good as it was in theaters, especially on IMAX screens, the total experience is notably enhanced on Blu-ray disc with even more insightful behind-the-scenes footage, including a powerful 10-minute dancer audition bonus feature, a riveting two-part 40-minute “Staging the Show” that serves as a quite gratifying extension of the movie itself, and an inspirational and exhilarating 16-minute “Memories of Michael” piece that offers illuminating and heart-tugging comments about Jackson from those involved with the planned theater production. There are several other bonus features as well, including a look at the costuming for the show, a making of “Smooth Criminal” featurette, and Blu-ray exclusive full presentations of the dynamic filmed vignettes for “Smooth Criminal” and “Thriller,” both newly produced for the stage production and shown extensively in “This is It.”

Sheets of cardboard 3D glasses being given away free at Target stores Jan. 24 -31 to view "Earth Song" segment during the Grammy Awards.

The only thing missing from the theatrical and Blu-ray versions is the 3D film footage shot for the stage show. One of those — the 3D footage shot for a dramatic interpretation of the protection of the environment called “Earth Song” — will be featured during Sunday’s (Jan. 31) Grammy Awards program. Alas, it’s a few months too early for the new-and-improved 3D TV format but here’s hoping Sony will add that and the other 3D footage to a subsequent Blu-ray edition of this movie later this year.

What might have been perhaps the most jaw-dropping 3D element of this show or any show that we will never see is described in detail in “Staging the Show” with some visual references: a 100-foot wide by 30-foot tall screen (it was actually set up at Staples Center in Los Angeles during rehearsals) that would have shown a giant jet — “MJ Air,” of course — appearing to taxi onto the stage with a long wing seeming to extend out over the audience. A door and ramp would unfold from the screen/jet and Micheal would ascend the ramp into the jet, which would then taxi away from the audience, turn 180-degrees and take off a few feet over the heads of the audience for possibly the most dramatic exit ever staged.

Now, when I say this was the best movie of 2009, I’m not just talking about a documentary or a concert movie; I mean the best movie of any category. It’s extraordinary but “This is It” has all the elements you expect in a scripted film:

• Fantastic soundtrack, of course — including a wonderful original new soulful and “simmering” intro to “The Way You Make Me Feel.”
• Courageous and engaging lead performance by Jackson – it’s stunning to watch him perform and interact/give direction to his crew, even moreseo in light of his death that we now know was just days after these scenes in the film.
• 

  Australian guitarist extraordinaire Orianthi was hand-picked by Michael Jackson to handle live on-stage versions of famous guitar riffs in his songs such as "Beat It" and "Black or White."

  Terrific characters and supporting performances by show producer Kenny Ortega and pleasantly surprising charismatic and unlikely on-camera newcomers including Travis Payne (choreographer, associate producer), Michael Beardon (musical director), among others, and a scene-stealing performance by smokin’ good young Aussie female guitarist Orianthi.

• Emotion-evoking scenes — to the filmmakers’ credit, not related to Jackson’s death — in which dancers are genuinely overcome with the realization of being chosen to perform by and with someone who has had such a life-altering impact on their lives. All of which is all the more revealing to the viewer to see that level of adoration, respect, and emotion even before Jackson’s death, and all the more melancholy knowing that the lives of those dancers are about to be shattered just days before the first public performance was scheduled in London.

All of this, including the dancer interviews, was captured informally by various camera people thinking they were simply taping random stuff for Michael’s personal collection. In fact, the rehearsal performance footage expertly woven together by director Kenny Ortega is a hodgepodge of widescreen HiDef and standard frame format of varying degrees of quality. And yet, the raw and unpolished appearance somehow only adds to the power of the experience.

It’s hard to imagine that even if Michael Jackson had lived, that a pre-conceived and completely planned-out official concert movie of “This is It,” even if directed by the likes of Martin Scorsese or Jonathan Demme, would have turned out any better or more impactful than what Ortega delivered to theaters in just a few months time last year.

While this may all sound like a gushing review, it’s important to know that although I really liked a handful of Jackon’s hits and usually enjoyed his music videos, I was never a diehard fan – I only have one of his greatest hits albums.

And therein lies the brilliance and uniqueness of this film. Without offering any sort of filmed retrospective or documentary footage of his life or even showing any of the masses of mourners and hoopla surrounding his death, the movie provides such a flattering and inspirational portrait of Jackson that it’s difficult to imagine even the most jaded or uninformed viewers coming away with anything less than a tremendous new respect for Jackson’s artistry, and the global and yet personal impact he had and continues to have on music, dance, videos, and several generations of admirers.

– By Scott Hettrick

With the Ultimate editions, once again the studio has introduced such a high-class and enticing new collector’s version of a franchise that has already been released in multiple iterations that consumers will gladly go buy the same movie yet again for themselves or as a gift, and be completely happy to have done so. (See also “Gone with the Wind.”) You’ll find further comment on the Ultimate editions below.

The newest release, “Half-Blood Prince” ($35.99) showcases tons of typically great Potter bonus features on the two-disc set (third disc is DVD version of movie):

* First glimpse of “The Deathly Hallows,” seventh movie coming to cinemas November 2010 (the final chapter will be in theaters July 2011). The 110-second clip shows 60-seconds from the set and then a 50-second video montage of scenes, including Hermione running frightened amongst muggles on a crowded modern city street.

* Preview of Harry Potter theme park opening 2010. Eleven-minute discussion and models of the sprawling area at Universal Studios Florida’s Islands of Adventure, featuring full-scale Hogwarts and familiar settings, dragon rollercoasters, and new movie footage exclusive to the attraction.

* Terrific user-friendly “Maximum Movie Mode” offers optional interactive pop-up picture-in-picture elements such as scene-specific comments, storyboards, etc., integrated into the movie. Simply click right arrow on remote control to skip to next optional feature.

* “Live Community Screening” Saturday Dec. 13 at 12 noon PT (3 p.m. ET) of “Half-Blood” in London with star Daniel Radcliffe and director David Yates answering questions via Blu-ray-connected BD Live players.

* J.K. Rowling TV documentary — the fascinating and intimately personal program following the creator of Harry Potter back to her childhood and up to her finishing touches on the final book.

* Cast member videos — actors ask their co-stars fun questions.

I have to say that while I thoroughly enjoy the cinematic presentations of Harry Potter” — I diligently go to see each movie when they premiere in theaters — they feel more like amusement park rides to me (the theme park in Orlando is a brilliant and long overdue natural tie-in), which is perhaps why I try to see them on a giant IMAX screen, and with 3D scenes, when offered. Although I am continually impressed by how faithful the movies are to the novels – perhaps more exact page-by-page translations than any cinematic adaptation — they disappear from my mind as I leave the theater and tend to blur together when I try to recall any specific installment. I find that I have little interest in re-watching them when they are broadcast on TV networks.

But the Blu-ray experience rekindles and deepens my appreciation of each of them by providing such a pristine image and so many back-stories about the productions and the cast and crew that I find myself far more engaged in each episode.

The new ultimate edition volumes of the first two Harry Potter movies out today, December 8 – Year 1: “The Sorcerer’s Stone,” and Year 2: “The Chamber of Secrets” ($49.99 each) – are very impressive in every way:

* An extended version of each movie — more than six extra minutes in “Sorcerer’s Stone.”
* New fun and informative picture-in-picture comments during specific scenes of the movie by director Chris Columbus and storyboard comparisons, etc. (only on the theatrical version)
* Best-yet access of PiP extras — just click the right arrow of remote to skip to the next integrated piece.
* New 1-hour retrospective program from top-rate New Wave Entertainment under exec producer Michael Meadows featuring recent fascinating interviews with cast and crew and introduction by Daniel Radcliffe.
* Packaging that looks and feels like bound school textbooks (Year 1 is blue; Year 2 is red)
* collector’s 48-page color hardbound booklet of photos
* pamphlet filled with character Tarot-type cards and a digital disc copy of the movie
* Four-fold jacket with three discs
* An entire DVD of previous extensive bonus features.
– By Scott Hettrick

Official details below following trailer video:

Warner Home Video
Street Date: 12/8/09
MSRP:  $49.99

3-Disc Set Includes:

Creating the World of Harry Potter Part 1: The Magic Begins

For the First Time Ever … Uncover the intimate details of the search to cast Harry Potter and his friends • See Daniel, Rupert and Emma’s never-before-seen audition tapes • Be there with stars and filmmakers walking onto the set of the exciting first day of shooting • Learn about Chris Columbus’ critical, step-by-step decisions behind the creation of Harry Potter’s world on screen • Look back on an amazing decade’s worth of movies with Daniel, Rupert and Emma in new and vintage interviews never seen before. Plus: Exclusive Introduction by Daniel Radcliffe.

DISC 1: • Theatrical Version including In-Movie Experience with Director Chris Columbus • Extended Version with 7 Minutes of Footage Not Shown in Theatres • BD-Live

DISC 2: • Introduction by Daniel Radcliffe • Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 1: The Magic Begins – Discover the story of how one vision for the Harry Potter films came together out of limitless possibilities to create the visual world we have come to know and love. • A Glimpse Into the World of Harry Potter 2001 International TV Special • Deleted Scenes • Trailers

DISC 3: • Diagon Alley • Tour the Gryffindor Common Room, Harry’s Room and the Great Hall – Welcome to the self-guided tour of Hogwarts, home of witches and wizards in training, and take in the sights. • Classrooms: Defense Against the Dark Arts; Spells and Charms; Potions; Transfiguration; • Third Floor Corridor; Deleted Scenes. • Sorting Hat • Library: Gallery of Art & Architecture; Hogwarts Yearbook; Guide to Ghosts – Discover the many marvelous and mysterious ghosts of Hogwarts. • Hogwarts Grounds: Quaffle and Bludger – Get a lesson from Oliver Wood on how to play Quidditch; Tour Hagrid’s Hut – Welcome to the self-guided tour of Hagrid’s Hut, home of Rubeus Hagrid, the keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts, and his faithful companion, Fang. • Extra Credit • Interview – Capturing the Stone: A Conversation with the Filmmakers – Director Chris Columbus, Producer David Heyman, Screenwriter Steve Kloves and Production Designer Stuart Craig talk about casting and bringing the novel to life.

Disc Configuration:  BD – 25, BD – 50, DVD 5
Run Time: 500

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Blu-ray+DVD+Digital Copy Combo Pack)

Synopsis:  Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort’s defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Even as the decisive showdown looms, romance blossoms for Harry, Ron, Hermione and their classmates. Love is in the air, but danger lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same.

Street Date: 12/8/09
MSRP:  $35.99
Studio/Label: Warner Bros.
Disc Configuration:  BD – 25, BD – 50
Genre(s):     Drama, Romance, Fantasy Adventure, Mystery
Rating:      movie PG; Blu-ray PG-13
Director:  David Yates
Producer: David Heyman, David Barron
Screenplay: Steve Kloves
Actors:  Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Julie Walters, Tom Felton, Evanna Lynch, Bonnie Wright, Jim Broadbent, Helen Mccrory, Jessie Cave, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Frank Dillane

The Ultimate Collector's Edition ($84.99), beginning with the red velvet-like box, is the most elegant and stunning package yet, and is filled with incredible and fun goodies, including a reproduction of the original theater program, fascinating copies of personal telegrams and inter-office memos (recommending casting Erol Flynn as Rhett Butler) from the likes of David O. Selznick , and a gorgeous 40-page hardbound booklet filled with amazing photos, drawings, and information.

Let me answer your first two questions first about Warner’s new 70th anniversary edition Blu-ray in stores Nov. 17:

* Yes, there is plenty of distinctive qualities and elements here to justify yet another purchase of this classic movie:
– the Blu-ray HiDef presentation is stunning and spectacular.
That’s reason enough, but there is much more, detailed in media release below.

*  No, it is not presented in widescreen because the movie was not produced in widescreen in 1939.
A stretched theatrical rerelease resulted in the loss of some of the image at the top and bottom.

Once again the release of this epic in a new home format gives us all a reason to revisit the masterpiece and I’ve never heard of anyone being disappointed.

The UCE red velvet box containing all of the elements shown above right, and many more.

In fact, I continue to discover and further appreciate different small elements. In this case, the clarity of the image made me more closely examine the closing shot of Scarlett in silhouette and Tara in the background that so meticulously matches the shot of Scarlett with her father early in the movie.

I could go on until the next iteration comes out in a few years, but all that needs to be said is that, if you haven’t already made the plunge, this Blu-ray HiDef transfer of “Gone with the Wind” justifies the purchase of a Blu-ray player and HDTV.
- Scott Hettrick

Complete media release:

This Country’s #1 Movie of All Time1 Arrives in Spectacular New Blu-ray Version!

GONE WITH THE WIND
70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition from Warner Home Video November 17

With More than Eight Hours of Enhanced Content, Two of Which Are Brand New
Includes New Documentaries and Nostalgic Collectibles in Limited, Numbered Velvet Keepsake Box, Perfect for Gift Giving

Burbank, Calif. August 10, 2009 – Winner of 10 Academy Awards® including Best Picture, and still history’s all time domestic box-office champion  ($1.5 billion1), Gone with the Wind has long been considered the most celebrated motion picture of all time.  On November 17, Warner Home Video (WHV) will honor the romantic epic with a stunningly restored and remastered version, available for the first time on Blu-ray™.  Gone with the Wind 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collectors Edition is sure to be a “must-have” for collectors of classic films, available both in Blu-ray as well as on DVD.

The highlight of this new Blu-ray version of Gone with the Wind is how it looks and sounds. As they’ve done with The Wizard of Oz, Warner Home Video continues to maximize what the Blu-ray format can do in terms of picture and sound.  With six times higher resolution than standard DVD along with the sonic excellence of Dolby TruHD, the film will be at its absolute pristine best.

“You’re going to see, hear and experience so much more with this Blu-ray edition,” said Jeff Baker, WHV Executive Vice President and General Manager, Theatrical Catalog.  Viewing Gone with the Wind again on Blu-ray is like seeing it for the first time. You’re brought into the saga of the war torn Tara so intensely, you feel as if all the characters literally come alive. At times, I felt as if I was on the set standing next to the camera watching Gable and Leigh as the whole scene unfolded.”

Brand new to these editions is a bonus disc with three new outstanding documentaries:

•    1939: Hollywood’s Greatest Year is a fascinating tribute to a year considered to be one of Hollywood’s greatest. This documentary, narrated by Kenneth Branagh, had its on-air premiere in July as part of TCM’s month-long festival saluting that year’s ‘bumper-crop’ of films.
•    Gone with the Wind: The Legend Lives On is an exploration of the legacy of this most beloved film through illuminating interviews, footage and visits to historical sites, events and museums.
•    Moviola: The Scarlett O’Hara Wars — a 1980 WBTV Special, never before seen on home video.

This historic 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition,  limited and numbered, will be further enhanced with unique nostalgic premiums – a 40-page hardcover book with photos, production notes and more; a reproduction of the 1939 original program; eight 5” x 7” frameable art prints, and a CD soundtrack sampler.  The UCEs will be available in Blu-ray for $84.99 and DVD for $69.92 SRP.

A Two Disc Special Edition will also be offered with the film and commentary for $24.98 SRP.  The documentary The Making of a Legend will also be available as a stand alone for $14.97 SRP.

About the Movie
Gone with the Wind is the grandest, most ambitious and spectacular piece of filmmaking in cinematic history. With more than 50 speaking roles and 2400 extras, the film is the quintessential Hollywood epic – considered a “must have” for collectors, and one that can be watched again and again for generations to come.

Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Leslie Howard and Olivia de Havilland star in Gone with the Wind, which for more than a half century has thrilled audiences with its eternal love affair, set in the South against the backdrop of the Civil War, between handsome Rhett Butler (Gable) and his sassy, headstrong heroine Scarlett O’Hara (Leigh). With each new generation, Gone with the Wind continues to grow in popularity as new audiences discover and embrace the David O. Selznick production of Margaret Mitchell’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

TWO DISC DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
Disc 1 The Movie, Part 1
•    Remastered feature with Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio
•    Commentary by historian Rudy Behlmer

DISC 2 The Movie, Part 2
•    Remastered feature
•    Commentary by historian Rudy Behlmer
•    Offer for a numbered Limited Edition copy of the Original 1939 Poster

DVD & BLU-RAY ULTIMATE COLLECTOR’S EDITIONS
Includes everything listed in the Two Disc SE as well as the following:

Disc 3
About The Movie
•     The Making of a Legend documentary (1989 TV Special) (Narrated by Christopher Plummer)
•    Restoring a Legend – Chronicles the film/video restoration process
•    Dixie Hails Gone with the Wind -1939 Premiere newsreel
•    1940 MGM historical short – The Old South
•    Atlanta Civil War Centennial 1961 premiere newsreel
•    International prologue
•    Foreign language version sample scenes
•    Theatrical Trailers

Disc 4
About The Cast
•    Melanie Remembers: Reflections by Olivia de Havilland – Exclusive 2004 Documentary
•    Cast profile – Gable: The King Remembered
•    Cast profile – Vivien Leigh: Scarlett and Beyond
•    The Supporting Players – Cameo portraits of an unforgettable ensemble
o    At Tara
    The O’Hara Plantation in Georgia
    Thomas Mitchell as Gerald O’Hara
    Barbara O’Neill as Ellen, his wife
o    Their Daughters
    Evelyn Keyes as Suellen
    Ann Rutherford as Carreen
o    The house servants
    Hattie McDaniel as Mammy
    Oscar Polk as Pork
    Butterfly McQueen as Prissy
o    At Twelve Oaks
    Leslie Howard as Ashley Wilkes
    Rand Brooks as Charles Hamilton, her brother
    Carroll Nye as Frank Kennedy, a guest
o    In Atlanta
    Laura Hope Crews as Aunt Pittypat Hamilton
    Eddie Anderson as Uncle Peter, her coachman
    Harry Davenport as Dr. Meade
    Jane Darwell as Mrs. Merriwether
    Ona Munson as Belle Watling
    Cammie King as Bonnie Blue Butler

Disc 5
New Bonus Disc
•    Warner Bros. Home Entertainment presents 1939: Hollywood’s Greatest Year –
New documentary about Hollywood’s watershed year narrated by Kenneth Branagh
•    Gone with the Wind: The Legend Lives On –  Exploring the legacy of the most beloved film through illuminating interviews, footage and visits to historical sites, events and museums
•    Moviola: The Scarlett O’Hara Wars 1980 WBTV Special never before on home video
•    Trailers

(Blu-ray Hi-Def will have all discs above combined onto 2 discs)

Also included are unique premiums housed in a beautiful velvet keepsake box, limited and numbered:

EXCLUSIVE TO THE DVD and BLU-RAY HI-DEF RAY ULTIMATE COLLECTOR’S EDITIONS
•    20-page reproduction of the original and complete 1939 Souvenir Program
•    40-page Production History Book with photos and production notes
•    Eight Frameable 5×7 Art Prints
•    CD soundtrack sampler featuring eight tracks
o    Main Title
o    Tara
o    The Barbecue
o    Escape From Atlanta
o    I’ll Never Be Hungry Again!
o    Paddock Scene 5:27
o    Scarlett In The Mist/Rhett Leaves
o    Flashback/Finale

EXCLUSIVE TO BLU-RAY ULTIMATE COLLECTOR’S EDITIONS:
•    MGM: When The Lion Roars Documentary

Marketing Support
Marketing Campaign:
GWTW 70th Anniversary release will be supported with a national marketing campaign spanning TV, Online, Print, Promotions, and Publicity.

Both WHV and TCM will be supporting partners in a 70th Anniversary celebratory weekend to take place in Marietta, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta and home of the “Marietta Gone with the Wind” Museum, Scarlett on the Square.  The weekend – November 13-14 – is sure to draw fans far and wide, and will consist of a gala re-premiere screening at the historic, newly refurbished Strand theatre, hosted by TCM’s Robert Osborne and complete with red carpet, replica of the original theatre facade, vintage cars from the ‘30s, and more. In addition, there will be a”Belles and Beaus” costume ball and “Gone with the Wind” authors forum.

TCM will also be supporting the release with Print, TV, and Online (details to be confirmed).

Gone with the Wind 70th Anniversary Edition
Street Date: November 17, 2009
Order Due Date: October 13, 2009

Blu-ray Ultimate Collector’s Edition
$84.99 SRP
Catalog # 1000043133
Ultimate Collector’s Edition (SD)
$69.92 SRP
Catalog # 1000042988

Two-Disc Special Edition
$24.98 SRP
Catalog #: 1000089173

* One of the most clever concepts about a city of monsters who get their power from kids’ screams.
* Extremely funny and witty writing.
* Terrific voice-acting led by the incomparable Billy Crystal.
* The most infectious child voice and giggle: little girl called Boo.
* Exhilarating action scenes, especially chasing the moving doors.

The DVD release was among the best.

* Oscar-nominated original DVD short “Mike’s New Car.”
* DVD Exclusive Award-winning menus.
* Oscar-winning short “For the Birds”
* Extensive making-of and Pixar Studios tour featurettes.

And now the new Blu-ray elevates the movie and the bonus features to even higher levels by including all of the above, plus:

* Incredible hi-def video and audio experience.
* Highly engaging an informative “Filmakers roundtable” reflection on the making of the movie, complete with hilarious anecdotes and a rare glimpse of the 2 1/2-year-old Pasadena girl (Mary Gibbs) who played Boo and had to be chased around the room to get all the giggles they needed.
* A fascinating in-depth look at the creation of the impressive new Monstropolis attraction/ride only at Tokyo Disneyland.
* A fun new interactive “Roz’s 100-Door Challenge Game.”

- Scott Hettrick

The latest is the 50th anniversary edition of “North by Northwest” ($34.99) on Nov. 3.

Though “Psycho” and “The Birds” get the most popular attention of Hitchcock’s movies, “North by Northwest” and “Rear Window” are far more accomplished films and stand in total contrast with each other — “Rear Window” generating fear from its claustrophic environment and the physical limitation of wheelchair-bound James Stewart; “North by Northwest” creating thrilling tension in wide-open spaces from the cornfield highway intersection of the title to the carved rocks of Mount Rushmore.

Highlights of this edition:

* Incrediblly pristine HiDef image and Bernard Herrmann score (the 2000 DVD was very good, but this is even better). In this new restoration from the original VistaVision elements remastered in full 1080p HD widescreen, you can see every thread in the stylish suits of the dapper Cary Grant, and the overall colors is richer and more pronounced.

* Two fun new documentaries by Gary Leva featuring modern-day filmmakers such as Guillermo del Toro, William Friedkin, Curtis Hanson, and other cinema craftsmen offering their perspective of the movie and Hitchock’s brilliance and influence, peppered with remarkable behind-the-scenes footage: the one-hour “The Master’s Touch: Hitchock’s Signature Style,” and the half-hour “North by Northwest: One for the Ages.”

* The terrific and revealing feature-length 2004 Turner Classic Movies documentary “Cary Grant: A Class Apart,” by Robert Trachtenberg.

* The best bonus features of the 2000 DVD release, including screenwriter Ernest Lehman’s amusing and informative audio commentary filled with fascinating and sometimes self-serving anecdotes about how much credit he deserves over Hitchcock, except for the final image of the train penetrating the tunnel, which he admits he cannot take credit for — “Dammit,” he says jokingly.
He also complains about the plane shooting bullets at Cary Grant since the premise was to have his death look like an accident, and about Hitchcock not making it convincing that the plane could not have avoide flying into the fuel truck.

The other good carryover is the terrific 40-minute retrospective hosted by Eve Marie Saint, “Destination Hitchcock: The Making of North by Northwest.”

* A 44-page color built-in booklet about the movie, stars, and Hitchcock.

Special features worth noting:
• Hyperion Studios: Really innovative, fun, and easy-to-navigate exploration of Walt Disney’s original studios in Silver Lake
• Historical featurettes: Enormously fascinating and engaging; well produced
• Audio commentary by John Canemaker: quite informative and interesting
• DisneyView: Thematically related background paintings interesting option to cover the black vertical bars on sides of widescreen display but more distracting to me than the black bars.
• Tiffany Thornton music video “Someday My Prince Will Come” – nice, fun.
• Interactivities: Three fun new games that are easy to play
• Classic bonus features: all good; glad to see them included

Click image below to play an 85-second video from the Snow White panel hosted by Don Hahn of Disney and animation historians and the original human model for Snow White prior to a digital screening of the movie at the D23 Expo on Sept. 12: