As you may have noticed, the DVD and Blu-ray reviews that have made DVD Bits such a success over the last 13 years can are now appearing right here on The Reel Bits. As this site grew from the humble origins of DVD Bits, it only seems fair. As such, we’re bringing back a tradition that dates back to the old DVD Bits Uncut columns for those of you with long memories or access to Google.
Region 1 (DVD) and A (Blu-ray)
In the US of A, the land of milk and honey, it’s never been explained why they get to have A and 1 for their region coding. They are getting some damn fine titles this week though. There’s the comedy surprise of the year, Bridesmaids from Universal (DVD/Blu-ray, 20 September). The DVD edition comes with an audio commentary, deleted/extended/outtake scenes, while the Blu-ray comes with a stack of Blu-ray only featurettes and bonuses. For anime fans, Bandai Visual is releasing The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, the feature length version of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and a cult favourite. We should note that Madman will be releasing this one in Australia in November. Disney is also putting out the Dumbo: 70th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray and DVD, something that we have had here in Australia since June! For once, we are one-up on the US. Packed with deleted scenes, and Disney’s PiP Cine-Explore, rertro and new documentaries and an audio commentary, this is a must-own.
Region 4 (DVD) and B (Blu-ray)
Closer to home, at least for us, an eclectic set of discs are emerging for hardened cinephiles and those with more mainstream leanings as well. By that, of course, we mean Something Borrowed comes out from Sony (DVD/Blu=-ray, 21 September).
There’s a strong selection of local films coming to DVD and Blu-ray this week from Madman including the controversial Snowtown (DVD/Blu-ray, 21 September). YOu’ll find an audio commentary, deleted scenes, music clips, casting footage and more. They are also putting out the documentary favourite Mrs. Carey’s Concert (DVD, 21 September). Blue Tongue Films’ Hesher (DVD/Blu-ray, 21 September), starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Natalie Portman, bypasses cinemas and goes straight to DVD and Blu-ray from Universal this week.
With Werner Herzog’s Cave of Forgotten Dreams out in cinemas this week as well, Umbrella Entertainment are putting out the little seen My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done (DVD, 21 September) on the round and shiny discs.
Star Wars fans, still buoyed by last week’s release of Star Wars – The Complete Saga on Blu-ray, can continue the fun as Fox puts out LEGO Star Wars: The Padawan Menace (DVD, 21 September). Could it be as much fun as playing the LEGO Star Wars video games though?
Stay tuned! Next week we’ve got Rio and Essential Killing in Australia.
