The biggest new Blu-ray release this week (both physically and in terms of anticipation and high-profile) is the nine-disc “The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy” (Warner, $99.98).
It sounds strange to say but these are the Oscar-winning versions of the movies, not the much-extended versions that fans loved even more. One other note: the only actual Blu-ray discs here are the three containing the three movies themselves; three are digital copies and three are standard-def bonus feature discs.
Other notable releases this week:
- 1.) “The Natural” (Sony, $24.95) is one of the most inspirational, timeless and stylized films of our generation. A fallen potential superstar ballplayer of the 1920s seeks quiet redemption years later on the baseball field where he confronts and conquers his demons. This Blu-ray edition brings back the wonder of:
– the unforgettable rousing and goose-bump-evoking score by a somewhat surprising composer, Randy Newman– those special moments, not only of the grand home runs and pitches past Babe Ruth, but the heart-tugging moment when Robert Redford’s character asks his adoring batboy during a critical juncture of a game and his life to “Pick me out a winner, Bobby.”
– a film quality that is not as crisp and clean as you might expect but is perhaps intentionally grainy to reflect the era
And it is filled with terrific bonus features that enhance the impact of the movie:
– a lengthy perspective interview with Cal Ripken, Jr., on how the movie correlates to the real game of baseball and comparable moments in his life and career.
– multiple interviews and comments from baseball players, announcers, and historians, including Bob Costas, on their favorite moments from the movie.
– a mini-documentary about a real ballplayer of the pre-/post- World War II era, Eddie Waitkus, who was stalked and gunned down.
– many more behind-the-scenes extras
2.) “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (Warner, $24.98) is the original 1984 movie now with the pre-title billing of “A Film by Wes Craven,” along with these other notable factoids:
– “Introducing Johnny Depp” in the opening title credits, and lots of comment about his strong work ethic and lack of self-confidence in the bonus features.
– “Fred Krueger,” not Freddy yet.
– pop-up trivia and extras every few seconds, including many alternate and uncut scenes.
– multiple audio commentary tracks, making-of featurettes, and alternate endings.
— By Scott Hettrick