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DVD News for March 21

DVD Update

Now that we have gotten the first shipment of DVDs from Lumivision, MGM, New Line and Warner Home Video, here are some details of interest from the packages.

Letterboxing

All of the Warner letterboxed discs add the line "Enhanced for 16:9 widescreen TVs." We are trying to find out exactly what this means.

All but one of the discs that contain two versions of the same film have the letterbox version on the A Side and the pan & scan version on the B Side. To play the letterbox version, the disc must be placed A Side up in the DVD player.

The one exception is Species--the only disc of the 29 in this first release that features the "dual-layer" format, where two sides worth of programming can be read by the DVD player from one side of the disc. When the Species disc is started, the viewer is first given an on-screen option to choose the widescreen or full-screen version.

Because of the large quantities of data stored on the disc for some of the longer films, a few discs contain only one version of the film, either letterbox or pan & scan. For instance, A Time to Kill is 150 minutes long, and the letterbox transfer is spread to both sides of the disc. This disc has to be flipped over--there are no DVD players (yet) that will automatically change sides--but very few films will require using both sides; most films up to approximately 2 hours 15 minutes or more will fit on one side of a DVD.

(Unlike laserdisc, which has a strict time limit per side of 60 minutes plus a few seconds, DVD discs are limited by the amount of data they can hold. On DVD, 120 minutes of fast action, spinning cameras and constantly changing visuals take up more disc space than 120 minutes of stationary cameras and very little on-screen movement.)

Four Warner titles are being released only in pan & scan format--Space Jam, The Bridges of Madison County, Bonnie & Clyde and The Bodyguard. All of these titles are letterboxed at 1.85:1 on laserdisc. Each DVD package states: "STANDARD VERSION: This film has been modified as follows from its original version: It has been formatted to fit your screen."

All four of these DVDs are single-sided discs; it appears that a widescreen version of each movie could have been placed on the other side of its disc. Why this was not done is not explained.

Two films, Singin' in the Rain and A Streetcar Named Desire, were shot at 1.33:1 and did not require letterboxing. The Streetcar disc makes no mention of aspect ratios on the packaging, but MGM's Singin' in the Rain package specifcally refers to it as "full-frame format."

The letterboxing on five of the first six MGM titles is more problematic. All of the films appear on-screen at the correct aspect ratios at which they were shot--but this aspect ratio does not always appear on the package.

Three films, The Birdcage, Get Shorty and Species, are listed as "Full-length feature in both Pan & Scan and 16 x 9 Widescreen formats." The "16 x 9" is a reference to 16:9 widescreen TV sets, but, as with the mention of 16:9 TVs on the Warner DVDs, we do not have an explanation of exactly what this means.

Additionally, while The Birdcage and Get Shorty are both 1.85:1 on-screen, Species is 2.35:1--yet all three are called "16 x 9" on the package. There is no way to know this without screening the discs.

We are contacting MGM to get a clearer explanation of this situation.

Multiple ratings

DVD announcements

Now that we finally have ALL the information on the first 29 Warner, MGM and New Line DVD titles, which street on 3/25/97, here are the complete synopses for these titles.

Birdcage (DVD/LBX/P&S;)
906033DVD MGMD $24.98
1996 119 MIN. R
UPC # 027616603395
Robin Williams, Gene Hackman, Nathan Lane, Dianne Wiest, Hank Azaria
Armand (Robin Williams) and Albert (Nathan Lane) have built the perfect life for themselves tending to their successful and gaudy drag nightclub on the Miami strip. But their pastel tranquility is suddenly shaken by the arrival of Armand's son, who's getting married to the daughter of ultra-conservative Senator Keeley (Gene Hackman). What's more, the Senator and his wife (Dianne Wiest) are on their way over for dinner and expecting to meet Mr.--and Mrs.--Family Values! It'll take a performance of extraordinary charisma to transform Armand and Albert into acceptable in-laws--in other words, to pull the chiffon over the Keeley's eyes. LTBX 1.85:1/ English:5.1 surround, French & Spanish:stereo/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

• Theatrical trailer
  

Blade Runner:Dir.Cut (DVD/LBX/P&S;)
12682DVD WEAD $24.98
1982 117 MIN. R
UPC # 085391268222
Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, Daryl Hannah
Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) prowls the steel-and-microchip jungle of 21st-century Los Angeles. He's a "blade runner" stalking genetically made criminal replicants. His assignment: kill them. Their crimes: wanting to be human. This is director Ridley Scott's own vision of his sci-fi classic. This new version omits Deckard's voiceover narration and removes the "uplifting" ending. The result is a heightened emotional impact--a great film made greater. LBX 2.35:1/ English:Stereo/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

Bodyguard (DVD/P&S;)
12591DVD WEAD $24.98
1992 130 MIN. R
UPC # 085391259121
Kevin Costner, Whitney Houston, Gary Kemp, Bill Cobbs, Ralph Waite
In her spectacular film debut, Houston plays Rachel Marron, a music/movie superstar at her peak. Fans want to see her, hear her, touch her. But one wants to kill her--and that's where security expert Frank Farmer (Kevin Costner) comes in. Farmer is a professional who never lets his guard down. Rachel's glamorous life often puts her at risk. Each expects to be in charge. What they don't expect is to fall in love. English:5.1 surround, French:stereo/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

Bonnie & Clyde (DVD/P&S;)
14423DVD WEAD $24.98
1967 112 MIN. NR
UPC # 085391442325
Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Michael J. Pollard, Gene Hackman, Estelle Parsons

Adrift in the Depression-era Southwest, Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker embark on a life of crime. They mean no harm. They crave adventure--and each other. Soon we start to love them too. But nothing in film history has prepared us for the cascading violence to follow. "Bonnie & Clyde" turns brutal. We learn that they can be hurt--and dread that they can be killed. Directed by Arthur Penn. English & French:Mono/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

Bridges Of Madison County (DVD/P&S;)
13772DVD WEAD $24.98
1995 135 MIN. PG13
UPC # 085391377221
Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep
World-traveling "National Geographic" photographer Robert Kincaid and Iowa housewife Francesca Johnson aren't looking to turn their lives upside down. Each is at a point in life where expectations are behind them. Yet four days after meeting, they won't want to lose the love they've found. Written by Richard LaGravenese (The Fisher King) from the bestselling novel by Robert James Waller, directed by Clint Eastwood. English:5.1 surround, French:stereo/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

Color Purple (DVD/LBX)
11534DVD WEAD $24.98
1985 154 MIN. PG13
UPC # 085391153429
Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Adolph Caesar, Margaret Avery, Rae Dawn Chong

Based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "The Color Purple" is the richly textured, decades-spanning story of Celie, and uneducated woman living in the rural American south. Forced to marry a brutal man she calls "Mr.," Celie turns inward and shares her grief only with God. But she is transformed by the friendship of two remarkable women, acquiring self-worth...and the strength to forgive. Directed by Steven Spielberg. LBX 1.85:1/ English:5.1 surround, French:stereo/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

• 2 theatrical trailers
  

Eraser (DVD/LBX/P&S;)
14202DVD WEAD $24.98
1996 115 MIN. R
UPC # 085391420224
Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Caan, Vanessa Williams, James Coburn, Robert Pastorelli
Arnold Schwarzenegger plays John Kruger, a U.S. Marshall who "erases" the lives and identities of people entering the Witness Protection Program. Kruger must protect an executive (Vanessa Williams) who's uncovered a deal to put a new superweapon in the wrong hands. LBX 2.35:1/ English & French:5.1 surround/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

• Theatrical trailer
  

Exorcist (DVD/LBX/P&S;)
1007DVD WEAD $24.98
1973 122 MIN. R
UPC # 012569100725
Ellen Burstyn, Max Von Sydow, Jason Miller, Linda Blair, Lee J. Cobb, Jack MacGowran
The belief in evil--and the belief that evil can be cast out. From these two strands of faith, author William Peter Blatty and director William Friedkin wove a frightening and realistic story of an innocent girl inhabited by a malevolent entity. LBX 1.85:1/ English:stereo, French:mono/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

• Theatrical trailer
  

Fugitive (DVD/LBX/P&S;/1993)
21000DVD WEAD $24.98
1993 131 MIN. PG13
UPC # 085392100026
Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward, Joe Pantoliano, Jeroen Krabbe
Harrison Ford is prison escapee Dr. Richard Kimble, a Chicago surgeon falsely convicted of killing his wife and determined to prove his innocence by leading his pursuers to the one-armed man who actually committed the crime. Tommy Lee Jones is Sam Gerard, an unrelenting bloodhound of a U.S. Marshal. They are hunter and hunted. And as directed by Andrew Davis (Under Siege), their nonstop chase has one exhilarating speed: all-out. LBX 1.85:1/ English:5.1 surround, French:stereo/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

• Get Shorty (DVD/LBX/P&S;)
  

• Theatrical trailer
  

Glimmer Man (DVD/LBX/P&S;)
14479DVD WEAD $24.98
1996 92 MIN. R
UPC # 085391447924
Steven Seagal, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Bob Gunton, Brian Cox, Michelle Johnson
The desperate hunt for a serial killer has just gotten rougher for LAPD homicide detectives Jack Cole (Steven Seagal) and Jim Campbell (Keenen Ivory Wayans). They've become partners. Wearing Buddhist prayer beads, relying on ancient potions and living by Eastern philosophies, ex-New Yorker Cole is unlike any partner the street-savvy Campbell has ever seen. The way Campbell sees it, secretive Cole is also something else: suspect #1 in their murder investigation! LTBX 1.85:1/ English & French:5.1 surround/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

• Theatrical trailer
  

Goodfellas (DVD/LBX)
12039DVD WEAD $24.98
1990 146 MIN. R
UPC # 085391203926
Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino
Robert De Niro received wide recognition for his performance as veteran criminal Jimmy "The Gent" Conway. And as the volatile Tommy DeVito, Joe Pesci walked off with the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Based on the true-life best seller "Wiseguy" by Nicholas Pileggi, and directed by Martin Scorsese, "Goodfellas" explores the criminal life like no other movie. LTBX 1.85:1/ English:5.1 surround, French:stereo/ Sub: English, French, Spanish.

• 2 theatrical trailers
  

Interview With The Vampire (DVD/LBX/P&S;)
13176DVD WEAD $24.98
1994 123 MIN. R
UPC # 085391317623
Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Antonio Banderas, Stephen Rea, Christian Slater
Tom Cruise stylishly plays the supremely evil and charismatic vampire Lestat. Brad Pitt is Louis, lured by Lestat into the immortality of the damned, then tormented by an unalterable fact of vampire life: to survive, he must kill. One lifetime alone offers plenty of opportunities for the savage revelries of the night--imagine what an eternity can bring. From Anne Rice's bestseller, directed by Neil Jordon (The Crying Game). LTBX 1.85:1/ English & French:5.1 surround/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

Lethal Weapon 1 (DVD/LBX/P&S;)
11709DVD WEAD $24.98
1987 110 MIN. R
UPC # 085391170921
Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey, Mitchell Ryan, Tom Atkins, Darlene Love

Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) is no ordinary cop. He's a Mad Max gone maniacal, a man whose killing expertise and suicidal recklessness make him a lethal weapon to anyone he works against--or with. Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) is an easygoing homicide detective with a loving family, a big house and a pension he doesn't want to lose. Imagine Murtaugh's shock when he learns his new partner is a guy with nothing left to lose: wild-eyed, burnt-out Martin Riggs. Directed by Richard Donner. LTBX 1.85:1/ English:5.1 surround, French:stereo/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

• Theatrical trailer
  

Mask: Spec.Ed (DVD/LBX/P&S;/1994)
N4011DVD NEWD $24.98
1995 101 MIN. PG13
UPC # 794043401121
Jim Carrey, Peter Riegert, Peter Greene, Amy Yasbeck, Richard Jeni, Cameron Diaz
Jim Carrey stars as mild-mannered bank clerk Stanley Ipkiss, who discovers a mysterious ancient mask that brings his inner most desires to wild, screaming life! Now, together with his sidekick Milo, this wise-cracking green tornado is taking Edge City over the top in this romantic-action-comedy that will leave you "S-s-s-s-smokin'!" LTBX 1.85:1/ English:5.1 surround, French:stereo/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

• Audio commentary by director Charles Russell
  
• Two deleted scenes: the "Viking" prologue and the death of Peggy
  
• Theatrical trailer
  

Midnight Cowboy (DVD/LBX/P&S;)
906038DVD MGMD $24.98
1969 113 MIN. R
UPC # 027616603890
Duston Hoffman, Jon Voight, Brenda Vaccaro, John McGiver, Ruth White, Sylvia Miles
As Ratso Rizzo, a scrounging, sleazy, small-time con man with big dreams, Dustin Hoffman gives one of the most unforgettable performances of his career. And as Joe Buck, the good-looking, naively charming Texas "cowboy" convinced that he is the salvation of many lonely, love-starved New York women, Jon Voight is magnificent. Living on the tattered fringe of society, an unlikely bond grows between these two outcasts that is both powerful and poignant. Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Best Director (John Schlesinger) and Best Screenplay (Waldo Salt). LTBX 1.85:1/ English:5.1 surround, French:mono/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

• Theatrical trailer
  

Mortal Kombat: The Movie (DVD/LBX/P&S;)
N4310DVD NEWD $24.98
1995 101 MIN. PG13
UPC # 794043431029
Christopher Lambert, Talisa Soto, Bridgette Wilson, Robin Shou
Summoned to a mysterious island, three martial arts warriors engage in the ultimate battle of good against evil--the supernatural tournament of Mortal Kombat. Strap yourself in for pulse-pounding action, star-powered adventure and cutting-edge special effects with awesome "morphing" sequences beyond your wildest dreams! LTBX 1.85:1/ English:5.1 surround, French:stereo/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

• Theatrical trailer
  

Road Warrior (DVD/LBX/P&S;)
11181DVD WEAD $24.98
1981 95 MIN. R
UPC # 085391118121
Mel Gibson, Bruce Spence, Vernon Wells, Mike Preston, Virginia Hey, Emil Minty

"The Road Warrior" is a full-throttle epic of speed and carnage that rockets you into a dreamlike landscape where the post-nuclear future meets the mythological past. Mad Max is a heroic loner who drives the roads of outback Australia in an unending search for gasoline. Arrayed against him and the other scraggly defenders of a fuel-depot encampment are the bizarre warriors commanded by The Humungus, notorious for never taking prisoners when they can pulverize them instead. LTBX 2.35/ English:5.1 surround, French:stereo/ Sub:English, Spanish.

• Theatrical trailer
  

Rocky 1 (DVD/LBX/P&S;)
906043DVD MGMD $24.98
1976 119 MIN. PG
UPC # 027616604392
Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith

Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) is a Philadelphia club fighter who seems to be going nowhere. But as fate would have it, world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) chooses him to be his next opponent. For Creed, the match is little mnore than an exhibition, but for Rocky it's a shot at the big time. Preparing for the bout under the watchful eye of his trainer (Burgess Meredith), Rocky romances Adrian (Talia Shire), a shy young woman who exposes the tenderness beneath his tough exterior. Their love blossoms as the fight approaches, giving Rocky even more strength and purpose to "go the distance" against his brutal adversary. Written by Sylvester Stallone. LTBX 1.85:1/ English:5.1 surround/ French & Spanish:mono/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

• Theatrical trailer
  

Seven (DVD/LBX)
N4381DVD NEWD $24.98
1995 127 MIN. R
UPC # 794043438127
Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, John C. McGinley, Kevin Spacey
Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman star in this searing psychological thriller about two detectives on the trail of a vicious serial killer who chooses his victims according to the seven deadly sins. Directed by David Fincher (Alien 3). LTBX 2.35:1/ English:5.1 surround, French:stereo/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

Singin' In The Rain (DVD)
906262DVD MGMD $24.98
1951 103 MIN. G
UPC # 027616626295
Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen, Millard Mitchell, Cyd Charisse
With fame, fortune and fans galore, silent screen idol Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) thought he had it all. But one look at aspiring actress Kathy Seldon (Debbie Reynolds), and he knew exactly what he was missing. Now he's swinging from lampposts, singing in the raindrops and ready for love. With talking pictures on the rise, Don sets out to make musicals with the woman of his dreams...but one thing stands in his way: his jealous co-star (Jean Hagen), who wants Don--and the leading role--all to herself! Written by Adolph Green & Betty Comden, directed by Gene Kelly & Stanley Donen. English, French & Spanish:mono/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

• Theatrical trailer
  
• Isolated music score
  

Space Jam (DVD/P&S;)
16400DVD WEAD $24.98
1996 88 MIN. PG
UPC # 085391640028
Bugs Bunny, Michael Jordan, Wayne Knight, Bill Murray, the voice of Danny DeVito
Michael Jordan slams, Bugs Bunny jams and the Looney Tunes stars hoop it up in this rim-rattlin' roundball romp that's an inspired blend of live-action comedy and cutting-edge animation. The Tune Squad takes on a goon squad of aliens, the Nerdlucks, in a hardcourt game to decide if the Looney Tunes stay on earth--or become attractions at an intergalactic theme park called Moron Mountain. The Nerdlucks have a monstrous secret weapon on their side--they've stolen the skills of top NBA stars like Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing and become the Monstars. But the Tune Squad has its own weapon--the finest player in this or any universe! English, French & Spanish:5.1 surround/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

• Theatrical trailer
  

Species (DVD/LBX/P&S;)
906034DVD MGMD $24.98
1995 108 MIN. R
UPC # 027616603494
Ben Kingsley, Michael Madsen, Alfred Molina, Forest Whitaker, Natasha Henstridge
When a creature genetically engineered through extraterrestrial intelligence escapes from observation, scientist Xavier Fitch (Ben Kingsley) assembles an elite team of experts to track it down. The crew--a government assassin, an "empath," a biologist and an anthropologist--combine their expertise and trace their prey to Los Angeles. There, in the form of a stunning young woman, the alien initiates a horrific plan: to mate with unsuspecting men and produce offspring that could destroy mankind. Dual-layer disc. LTBX 2.35:1/ English & French:5.1 surround, Spanish:stereo/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

• Theatrical trailer
  

Streetcar Named Desire: Dir.Cut (DVD)
36041DVD WEAD $24.98
1951 125 MIN. PG
UPC # 085393604127
Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, Kim Hunter, Karl Malden
An honored film. A milestone in movie acting. Winner of the Best Actress, Supporting Actress and Supporting Actor Academy Awards. "A Streetcar Named Desire: The Original Director's Version" is the Elia Kazan/Tennessee Williams film moviegoers would have seen had not Legion of Decency censorship occurred at the last minute. It features three minutes of previously excised footage underscoring, among other things, the sexual tension between Blanche Dubois (Vivien Leigh) and Stanley Kowalski (Marlon Brando), and Stella Kowalski's (Kim Hunter) passion for husband Stanley. English:mono/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

Time To Kill (DVD/LBX/1996)
14317DVD WEAD $24.98
1996 150 MIN. R
UPC # 085391431725
Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, Matthew McConaughey, Kevin Spacey, Brenda Fricker
A murder trial brings a small Mississippi town's racial tensions to the flashpoint. Amid a frenzy of activist marches, Klan terror, media clamor and brutal riots, an unseasoned but idealistic young attorney mounts a stirring courtroom battle for justice. From John Grisham's bestseller, directed by Joel Schumacher. LTBX 2.35:1/ English & French:5.1 surround/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

• Theatrical trailer
  

Twister (DVD/LBX/P&S;/THX/1996)
20100DVD WEAD $24.98
1996 113 MIN. PG13
UPC # 085392010028
Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, Jami Gertz, Cary Elwes
Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton play scientists pursuing the most destructive weatherfront to sweep through mid-America's Tornado Alley in 50 years. By launching electronic sensors into the funnel, the storm chasers hope to obtain enough data to create an improved warning system. But to do so, they must intercept the twisters' deadly path. LTBX 2.35:1/ English & French:5.1 surround/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

• Theatrical trailer
  

Unforgiven (DVD/LBX/P&S;/1992)
12531DVD WEAD $24.98
1992 127 MIN. R
UPC # 085391253129
Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris
Clint Eastwood's film "Unforgiven" is an exciting modern classic that rode off with four 1992 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Director (Eastwood). Eastwood and Morgan Freeman play retired, down-on-their-luck outlaws who pick up their guns one last time to collect a bounty offered by the vengeful prostitutes of the remote Wyoming town of Big Whiskey. Richard Harris is an ill-fated interloper, a colorful killer-for-hire called English Bob. And Best Supporting Actor Oscar-winner Gene Hackman is the sly and brutal local sheriff whose brand of law enforcement ranges from unconventional to ruthless. Big trouble is coming to Big Whisky. Written by David Webb Peoples (12 Monkeys). LTBX 2.35:1/ English:5.1 surround, French:stereo/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

Woodstock: Director's Cut (DVD/LBX)
13549DVD WEAD $24.98
1970 225 MIN. R
UPC # 085391354925
The Academy Award-winning "Woodstock," by wide consensus the best concert film ever made, has never looked or sounded better than in this director-approved edition, with its sights restored and its sounds revitalized. Best of all, 40 minutes of previously unseen footage has been incorporated into the film by director Michael Wadliegh. Seen in its ground-breaking widescreen multi-image format, it's a once-in-a-lifetime celebration that captured its era like no other movie before or since. Featuring performances by: Crosby Stills & Nash, Canned Heat, Richie Havens, Joan Baez, The Who, Sha-Na-Na, Joe Cocker & the Grease Band, Country Joe & the Fish, Arlo Guthrie, Ten Years After, Jefferson Airplane, John Sebastian, Santana, Sly & the Family Stone, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix. LBX varies from 1.33:1 to 2.35:1/ English:5.1 surround/ Sub:English, French, Spanish.

Last modified March 23, 1997
Copyright © 1997 US Laser Video Distributors