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John Doe wrote:The Black Stallion - 3/18

YES! Should look beautiful. The old DVD is terrible.

captveg wrote:

John Doe wrote:The Black Stallion - 3/18

YES! Should look beautiful. The old DVD is terrible.

FYI, Caleb Deschanel supervised the HD master.

Excellent

Is the remastered blu of Robocop really just the R-rated cut? Is this as bad as I think it sounds?

Jean-Luc Garbo wrote:Is the remastered blu of Robocop really just the R-rated cut? Is this as bad as I think it sounds?

Where have you heard this? It is definitely the uncut version.

I think the problem is that the R-rated cut is missing, for anyone who might care.

I can also confirm the new Blu-ray is definitely the uncut version. The R-rated cut is completely absent as far as I can see.

But isn't the commentary, which I suppose is the old Criterion one, synched to an R-rated cut of the film?

Criterion's DVD also featured the uncut version so its commentary is for that cut. MGM recorded an all-new track, which was a group track (Criterion's recorded everyone separately) but was specific for the R-rated cut if I recall. The Blu-ray reuses the MGM track. But since there is less than, what, 30-seconds difference I don't think it would be too big a deal.

cdnchris wrote:I can also confirm the new Blu-ray is definitely the uncut version. The R-rated cut is completely absent as far as I can see.

The Amazon listing says "Bonus Features: **Remastered Theatrical Feature Blu-ray," which I presumed meant the R-rated cut was presented as a bonus feature, but maybe not?

It's not there as far as I can see, as any sort of option.

cdnchris wrote:It's not there as far as I can see, as any sort of option.

OK, thanks.

METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER CELEBRATES 90 YEARS OF EXTRAORDINARY FILMMAKING


Los Angeles, CA (January 22, 2014) – Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) announced today a yearlong global campaign to honor the studio’s storied 90-year legacy. Founded in 1924 when theater magnate Marcus Loew bought and merged Metro Pictures Corp. with Goldwyn Pictures and Louis B. Mayer Productions, MGM and its legendary roaring lion logo signify the golden era of Hollywood to film lovers around the world. Since its inception, the company has led the industry in creating some of Hollywood’s greatest stars and is home to over 175 Academy Award®-winning films, including 14 Best Pictures.


“What a supreme honor it is to preside over a company with such an unparalleled legacy. It’s remarkable to have this opportunity to reflect on MGM’s amazing achievements in film history while also looking ahead to MGM’s bright and promising future,” said Gary Barber, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.


The celebration of 90 extraordinary years kicks off today, as the MGM icon, Leo the Lion, is immortalized with a paw print ceremony at the world famous TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, cementing his place in Hollywood history. Sylvester Stallone, writer and star of Rocky (1976), one of MGM’s most iconic and enduring characters, is also on hand to commemorate the special occasion, along with Barber. The event will be live streamed on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dC02qz6Gqg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Embed code:


MGM is debuting a special 90th anniversary trailer which will play in theaters, on MGM channels – including MGM’s 24/7 movie network, MGM HD; its action-themed VOD channel, Impact; and its premiere multicast programming service dedicated to movies, THIS TV – as well as on DVD products and across social media. The trailer includes a tapestry of iconic images and scenes from films in MGM’s library, evoking a deep emotional connection and celebrating the company’s extensive contributions to the entertainment world. A link to the trailer can be found here: http://youtu.be/AybnnAQH-Wc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Additionally, several of MGM’s signature films including Rocky, Rain Man, Fargo, RoboCop and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, have been meticulously restored in 4K resolution (four times the clarity of HD) and will be presented on Blu-ray™ for a beautiful, high-definition home viewing experience. These re-releases will be issued through MGM’s home entertainment partner, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, and are now available for pre-order on Amazon.


Other initiatives to mark the company’s 90th anniversary include:


● MGM will complement its already vast collection of films currently available on Blu-ray™ by releasing new titles across all genres throughout the year. Upcoming titles for release include In the Heat of the Night, A Chorus Line,and The Birdcage.

● MGM has created a one-of-a-kind collector’s book and bonus video disc companion commemorating 90 amazing years, featuring interviews from award-winning filmmakers, directors, and actors discussing the significance of their contributions to MGM’s legacy. The book and video highlight the evolution and history of the legendary studio and provide an extensive look into the studio's golden years, classics, iconic franchises and much more. Interviews include Sylvester Stallone on Rocky, Clint Eastwood on The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis on Thelma and Louise, and Walter Mirisch on The Pink Panther. The bonus disc will also be available accompanying select DVD offerings.

So, that press release revealed plans for The Birdcage, but everything else was generally known.

It does put to bed speculation that Criterion would be releasing The Good, The Bad and The Ugly or the whole Man with No Name trilogy. It would have been nice for Criterion to be able to revisit their Robocop release (if they were even still interested), but I don't mind having paid only $8 for the new Blu-ray.

I'm hoping that with It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World and Midnight Cowboy in the works that MGM lets Criterion have Spinal Tap. It's the films 30th Anniversary this year and MGM already put up a new HD version for streaming.

Matt wrote:It does put to bed speculation that Criterion would be releasing The Good, The Bad and The Ugly or the whole Man with No Name trilogy. It would have been nice for Criterion to be able to revisit their Robocop release (if they were even still interested), but I don't mind having paid only $8 for the new Blu-ray.

It's already listed on Amazon. It's a similar package to Rocky where it's being bundled with the 2 other Eastwood films but it's only the "lead" film that gets a new 4k master. Which is fine; since these have been quite fairly priced.

Can you post that link, ianungstad?

ianungstad wrote:

Matt wrote:It does put to bed speculation that Criterion would be releasing The Good, The Bad and The Ugly or the whole Man with No Name trilogy. It would have been nice for Criterion to be able to revisit their Robocop release (if they were even still interested), but I don't mind having paid only $8 for the new Blu-ray.

It's already listed on Amazon. It's a similar package to Rocky where it's being bundled with the 2 other Eastwood films but it's only the "lead" film that gets a new 4k master. Which is fine; since these have been quite fairly priced.

I wish I didn't have to rebuy un-remastered Blu-rays of the other two films, but if priced fairly I won't cry over it as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is probably in my Top 5 favorite films ever made.

Remastered Fargo up for pre-order, no release date yet but probably in April.

warren oates wrote:Can you post that link, ianungstad?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/With-T ... B00HZN8TBC" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

$27 bucks for the set.

eerik wrote:Remastered Fargo up for pre-order, no release date yet but probably in April.

I'd have to look at it again, but I watched the old Blu-Ray about a year ago, and I remember thinking that the transfer had held up pretty well, so it'll be interesting to see how much this one improves on the old one.

It would be nice if they finally put out Duck, You Sucker! on blu, but it looks like they didn't bother.

EddieLarkin wrote:

Jean-Luc Garbo wrote:Is the remastered blu of Robocop really just the R-rated cut? Is this as bad as I think it sounds?

Where have you heard this? It is definitely the uncut version.

This was mentioned in one of Matt Prigge's columns at Metro. It was strange news to read, but I'm glad it's not the case after all.