Fox and MGM rerelease movie adaptations of literary classics
In a marketing scheme, Fox and MGM have rereleased dvds based on literary classics. Titles include “The Grapes of Wrath”, “Moby Dick”, “Of Mice and Men”, “Henry V”, and others made by the studios over the years. What you should know is that while these films are great, none of them were remastered or redone for this series. MGM/Fox has simply included a new laminated bookmark over the original packaging. Most disappointing for me was the “Moby Dick” release, which has never been released in its original aspect ratio and deserves better. A great cast led by Gregory Peck, Richard Baseheart and Orson Welles, directed by John Huston, with screenplay by Huston and Ray Bradbury, this 1956 release is the best adaptation of the Herman Melville classic. Other than a trailer, this disc is bare bones.
Also worth mentioning in this rerelease list is “The Grapes Of Wrath”, John Steinbeck’s accounting of one family during the Dust Bowl years with stellar performances from Henry Fonda and Jane Darwell, directed by John Ford and produced by Darryl F. Zanuck. This one has commentaries, newsreel footage and a restored picture. (It was restored for the original dvd release, not for this rerelease).
If you don’t have these two dvds in your collection, now is a good time to pick them up. Same low price (under $15 each) and heck, you get a free bookmark.
Added note by Nick:
As I have received the MGM DVD “Richard III” for review, I thought I would chime in with my two cents on this repackaging issue. Personally, I find these re-issues to be pointless because the titles are not in demand at all. Additionally, I have to wonder what’s the point in re-releasing catalogue titles such as this one with an exclusive bookmark? If MGM wanted to re-issue these titles, why not just add more extras, update the transfers, or in this case of this disc, get rid of the flipper disc and just have the option of playing the film in widescreen or fullscreen at the menu screen like most discs these days. Now, I’m not knocking the film itself. ‘Richard’ is an interesting spin on William Shakespeare’s classic play set during an alternate 1930’s period in Britain. Ian McKellen in particular gives a riveting, tour-de-force performance as the title character, but there’s also a great supporting cast featuring the likes of Robert Downey Jr. (Lord Rivers), Annette Bening (Queen Elizabeth), Jim Broadbent (Duke Of Buckingham), Kristin Scott Thomas (Queen Anne), and Maggie Smith (Duchess Of York). It’s a must see for Shakespeare fans, but if you already own it, there’s no need to double-dip here.
$10.00 off coupon link on “Alice In Wonderland”
Here’s a link for a $10.00 off coupon for Disney’s Alice In Wonderland, which was just released on June 1. Enjoy. Full review is coming very soon.
“Killer Cows” by D.M. Anderson
Normally we don’t plug books here at DVDCorner but we have to share this with you. One of our all time favorite writers and reviewers (from the old site) was Dave Anderson, who not only wrote for the Corner for years but is also a good friend and colleague of mine from our “other jobs”. He’s written a great book, aimed at young adults and it is available now in pdf format from Eschelon Press Publishing. For just $2.99 you are guaranteed a lot of humor and fun from this witty and talented writer. Click on the Eschelon Press link to order and download the book now. It will available in paperback in August. Buy it NOW!
Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call New Orleans giveaway
Hey, Cage and Herzog fans-We’ve got three copies of this dvd to giveaway. Leave a comment and let us know why you’d like to get the latest from Cage and director Werner Herzog. We’ll pick three winners from all the comments we receive. Thanks for coming to DVD Corner.
New Year Giveaway
To celebrate the New Year, DVDCorner is offering you one of two items for giveaway:
First, we’ve got a copy of Spongebob Squarepants-Season 6, Vol.1 to a lucky entrant.
Spongebob is still a great favorite for kids and kids at heart.
For those who want to be scared out of their wits, we have something to help while watching “Paranormal Activity”, from Paramount Home Entertainment. Its a “Paranormal Activity Scare Kit”, which includes the following items:
Paranormal Activity scare kit contains:
Baby Powder
Planchette
Ouija Board
Satin Sleep Mask
Barrel Sling Duffel bag
Please note: The Paranormal Scare Kit does not contain the dvd; you’ll still have to purchase that.
To enter for either of these items, just leave a comment with your preference of prize. We’ll notify the winners by email so make sure its a legit email. Thanks.
Hollywood loses two more
Brittany Murphy rocketed to fame in Clueless and got some major acting roles, especially her portrayal of a young psychic in “Don’t Say A Word”, and the amorous object of Mickey Roarke’s affection in “Sin City”. She used her voice talents in the 2006 “Happy Feet” CGI animated hit. Regardless of why she died, she was a very talented actress of her generation and leaves behind some great performances. She was only 32.
Gene Barry will be best remembered for his television roles as Bat Masterson and the suave millionaire Amos Burke of “Burke’s Law”, which won him a Golden Globe in 1965. Barry came to fame after his role in George Pal’s original science fiction classic “War Of The Worlds” and ironically, his last performance was in Spielberg’s remake. He also appeared in “Thunder Road” with Robert Mitchem. Barry went on to star in the television series ,”Name Of The Game” and reprised his Amos Burke character for a couple television movies in the 90’s. He also appeared as Bat Masterson, along with Hugh O’Brian as Wyatt Earp in two television movies. Gene Barry was 90 years old and died on December 10th.
Paranormal Activity Sweepstakes announced
Paramount Home Entertainment just announced a Paranormal Activity sweepstakes where you can enter for a chance to win a Red Carpet Screening – IN YOUR HOME! – PLUS a Home Theatre Entertainment System! On December 28th, Paramount will bring the red carpet and press to your house to watch the feature film with the alternate ending on your BRAND NEW Home Theatre System. The sweepstakes ends on December 18th, so you have to act fast if you want a chance at the prize. Enter here (http://bit.ly/paranormaldvd) to win. See rules and eligibility for details.
Paranormal Activity is coming to DVD, 2-Disc Blu-ray & Digital Download December 29th.
“Mental-Season One” giveaway
A summer replacement show, which has been compared to “House”, is now being offered to dvdcorner.net readers. We’ve got three copies of Season One available. Just write to David -webmaster@dvdcorner.net and he’ll put you in the drawing. Please be sure to include your real name and email address so you can be contacted if you win. The drawing is random and will be done by the end of this week. No spammers please and only one entry per household. Thanks.
Universal to introduce Blu-Ray flipper discs
From The Universal press release-“In a move that is poised to elevate the Blu-ray™ Hi-Def format and provide consumers with the ultimate in convenience and viewing flexibility, Universal Studios Home Entertainment (USHE) announced the introduction of groundbreaking dual-format discs containing both Blu-ray™ Hi-Def and DVD versions of some of Hollywood’s most iconic films. An industry first, the new “flipper” discs will launch on January 19, 2010 with the blockbuster superspy thrillers The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum, starring Matt Damon, premiering as individually packaged Blu-ray™ discs. Continue reading
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian celebrates its release in New York
FIRST-EVER NIGHT AT THE (WAX) MUSEUM SLEEPOVER WITH 50 PAJAMA-CLAD, SLEEPING BAG TOTING KIDS, AND UNVEILING OF A NEW EXHIBIT IN CELEBRATION OF THE ‘NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN’ BLU-RAY AND DVD RELEASE AT MADAME TUSSAUDS NEW YORK
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