THE INCREDIBLE MR. LIMPET.
Combining live-action and 2D animation, THE INCREDIBLE MR. LIMPET tells the story of a man who longs to be a fish after he is classified by the Navy as an F4 - "too small and too weak to be a soldier." When his dream of being a fish becomes a reality, Henry uses his underwater prowess to become the navy's strongest secret weapon. The DVD features include: a new introduction by Don Knotts, an original behind-the-scenes featurette, "Henry Limpet's Fishtank" set-top game, "Operation Limpet" DVD-ROM, the original theatrical trailer and cast and crew biographies. Suggested retail price: $24.98 (DVD); $14.95 (VHS). Release date: October 1, 2002.
THE MUMMY: QUEST FOR THE LOST SCROLLS.
In this feature-length adaptation of the Kids WB! television series, eleven-year-old Alex O'Connell narrowly escapes one perilous situation after another after accidentally raising an evil Mummy from the dead. He then must race around the globe, hoping to find the lost scrolls that will unlock the powers of a magical manacle in order to defeat his resurrected enemy. DVD features include: games, bonus episode, interviews with the voice talent, character descriptions and DVD-ROM interactive activities. Suggested retail price: $24.98 (DVD); $14.98 (VHS). Release date: October 1, 2002.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: SPECIAL EDITION.
The latest in Disney's ongoing series of limited time "Platinum Edition" releases, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: SPECIAL EDITION features an all-new musical sequence and three versions of the film. Originally conceived for the film but never used, the new musical sequence "Human Again," which was newly-animated by the original animators, first debuted in the IMAX release of the film. The three versions available on DVD are the Special Edition, including the new song, the original version, and the work in progress edition, which was screened at the New York Film Festival in 1991. Other features in the DVD release include: digital presentation, audio commentary from the filmmakers, a karaoke/sing-along track and Maurice's Invention Workshop game. Suggested retail price: $29.99 (2-disc DVD); $24.99 (VHS). Release date: October 8, 2002.
E.T. LIMITED COLLECTOR'S EDITION (2-DISC).
Steven Spielberg's recent update of his classic film is now available on DVD. The two-disc set contains the 2002 theatrical version of the film featuring newly enhanced visual effects. DVD features include: two previously deleted scenes, "E.T. in the tub" and "E.T. drinks a Coke," enhanced CGI visual effects, re-mastered score in DTS & Dolby 5.1 Surround and a live performance of the score, a new interview with director Steven Spielberg, a reunion of the cast and crew, the evolution of the E.T. character and DVD-ROM features. Suggested retail price: $29.98 (DVD). Release date: October 22, 2002.
MYSTERIOUS ISLAND: RAY HARRYHAUSEN SIGNATURE DVD COLLECTION.
Considered the sequel to Jules Verne's 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA, MYSTERIOUS ISLAND pits Civil War POWs against mutant animals created by the crafty Captain Nemo of the submarine Nautilus. When the POWs escape a Confederate prison in a balloon, a raging storm pushes the aircraft to a remote Pacific Island. Along with two shipwrecked women, the soldiers fight gigantic crabs, bees and other beasts who Nemo has made to increase the island's food supply. But when a volcano on the island erupts, the group must pull together to survive a fiery death. DVD features include: the making of MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, "This Is Dynamation" featurette, photo gallery and theatrical trailer. Suggested retail price: $24.95 (DVD). Release date: October 29, 2002.
Ruth and Roger Whiter were lucky enough to meet Ray Harryhausen for tea and a chat about his career, the craft of stop-motion and the value of careful planning.
