THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR and MAMMA MIA! make their DVD/Blu-ray debut, plus two volumes of POWER RANGERS JUNGLE FURY, TRANSFORMERS ENERGON Ultimate Collection on DVD and DEATH PROOF and PLANET TERROR on Blu-ray.
THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR On DVD And Blu-ray
THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR hits store shelves in a Deluxe Two-Disc Edition on DVD and Blu-ray from Universal Studios Home Ent. The latest chapter in one of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time, THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR includes riveting action, non-stop suspense, epic battle scenes, cinematic pyrotechnics and an international all-star cast. Directed by Rob Cohen and the largest production to ever shoot in China, the film's breathtakingly epic panorama includes such diverse locales as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the mysterious Himalayas.
Brendan Fraser returns as explorer Rick O'Connell in an epic adventure that races from the catacombs of ancient China high into the frigid Himalayas. Along with his son Alex (Luke Ford), wife Evelyn (Maria Bello) and her brother Jonathan (John Hannah), he must stop a mummy awakened from a 2,000-year-old curse from enslaving the world. Doomed by a double-crossing sorceress (Michelle Yeoh) to spend eternity in suspended animation, China's ruthless Dragon Emperor (Jet Li) and his 10,000 warriors have lain forgotten for eons, entombed in clay as a vast, silent terra cotta army. When dashing adventurer Alex O'Connell is tricked into awakening the ruler from eternal slumber, he turns to the only people he can think of with the skill and knowledge to combat the undead: his parents. But the Emperor's quest for world domination has only intensified during his imprisonment and, with unimaginable supernatural powers and a legion of Terra Cotta Warriors at his command, the Emperor Mummy could be an unstoppable force-unless the O'Connells can vanquish him first.
VFX Supervisors Joel Hynek and Matthew Butler of Digital Domain had previously worked together on XXX with director Rob Cohen, who takes over
this installment of the franchise from Stephen Sommers. Additional vfx was done by Gentle Giant Studios, Giant Studios, CIS Hollywood, CIS London, Rhythm and Hues and Special Effects Atlantic.
The first major challenge the film posed, according to Hynek, was to figure out how the terracotta warriors were going to look and move. Cohen's original idea was to create a look that Hynek described as "a liquid solid," and Digital Domain set about figuring out a way to make that happen.
"With the Dragon Emperor himself, he needs to be able to be animated to the level of seeing him deliver dialogue," adds Butler. That led to an investigation of facial movements that involved studying ways to make the face move like that of a human but also to still look like stone. The idea soon evolved to one in which the terracotta surface would crack as the warriors moved, and then be reformed in some manner.
THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR is available as a Two-Disc Deluxe Edition DVD and a Two-Disc Blu-ray version, featuring hours of bonus material including exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, outtakes and deleted scenes, as well as a digital copy of the film; and in a single disc DVD version. Also available for fans is a six-disc THE MUMMY Trilogy Collection on DVD or four-disc Blu-ray, containing THE MUMMY Deluxe Edition, THE MUMMY RETURNS Deluxe Edition and THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR Deluxe Edition.
Deluxe Edition DVD and Blu-ray Special Features Include:
-- Deleted scenes and extended scenes
-- "Preparing For Battle with Brendan Fraser And Jet Li": Watch as Brendan Fraser, Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh, Maria Bello and Luke Ford prepare for and shoot their respective fight scenes in the film, including the epic clashes at the Emperor's tomb, the museum, Shangri-La and the climactic battle sequence.
-- "The Making Of The Mummy: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR": Director Rob Cohen and producers Bob Ducsay, Sean Daniel and James Jacks lead us through the making of THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR, from scouting in China through the film's completion.
-- "Jet Li: Crafting The Emperor Mummy": The legendary special effects artists at Rhythm & Hues Studios and Digital Domain discuss making Jet Li a digital warrior.
-- "From City To Desert": Follow director Rob Cohen and producers Bob Ducsay, Sean Daniel and James Jacks as they lead the cast and crew through the film's amazing locations in both Montreal and China.
-- "Legacy Of The Terra Cotta": Rob Cohen discusses what is historically accurate in THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR.
-- "Creating New And Supernatural Worlds": From Montreal to Shanghai, we speak with the team of art directors and set decorators responsible for creating the lavish sets.
-- "A Call To Action: The Casting Process": An inside look at the preparation for the film, including table reads with the cast and production meetings with director Rob Cohen and producers Bob Ducsay, Sean Daniel and James Jacks.
-- Feature commentary with Director Rob Cohen
-- Digital copy of THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR
Blu-ray Special Features Also Include:
-- U Control: Universal's exclusive signature feature, U Control puts viewers one click away from delving deeper into the making of the film without ever interrupting the movie.
-- "Know Your Mummy": While watching the movie, dig deeper into THE MUMMY franchise and discover facts, graphics, and more mysterious connections to the first two movies.
-- Scene Explorer: View scenes from the film in its various progressions from storyboards and early renderings of the visual effects to the final version.
-- Picture-in-Picture: Access interactive cast and crew interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, all without interrupting the movie experience.
-- "The Dragon Emperor's Challenge": In this interactive game, players are asked to determine whether or not an event, character, object or location are fact or fiction.
-- Visual Commentary with Director Rob Cohen
-- BD-Live Features: Blu-ray and PlayStation 3 players with an Internet connection can access exclusive interactive applications that allow viewers to communicate with friends and family while watching the film:
* My Scenes Sharing -- Share favorite clips with your friends through the BD Live Internet connection.
* Exclusive Content -- Download exclusive clips, trailers, and more via the Universal BD-Live Download Center.
TRANSFORMERS ENERGON : The Ultimate Collection On DVD
From Paramount Home Ent., ten years after the epic Unicron battle there is finally an unsettling peace between the Autobots and Decepticons. Working together they form a secret alliance with human kind to find the rare and precious substance Energon which they soon discover on Earth. Lurking in the distance are mysterious forces that have honed in on this discovery and will stop at nothing to gain control of the Energon at all costs and only an elite team of Autobots empowered to combine their robotic forms and strengths into an ultra force can save the planet from total destruction.
MAMMA MIA! On DVD And Blu-ray
Two-time Oscar winner Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan lead an all-star cast in the most infectiously fun movie of the year, MAMMA MIA!, coming to DVD and Blu-ray on December 16, 2008 from Universal Studios Home Ent. For a limited time only, the worldwide movie phenomenon is available in Two-Disc Special Edition Widescreen DVD and Two-Disc Blu-ray with digital copy. Both versions are packed with bonus materials including a deleted musical number and a bonus feature which provides onscreen lyrics so that viewers can sing along to the film's 19 iconic songs. Additionally, only on Blu-ray, fans can experience the film in perfect picture and purest digital sound, and via BD Live, create their own video, audio or text track to watch with the movie and share with friends.
To date, it is the most successful movie musical of all time worldwide. An independent, single mother who owns a small hotel on an idyllic Greek island, Donna (Meryl Streep) is about to let go of Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), the spirited daughter she's raised alone. For Sophie's wedding, Donna has invited her two lifelong best girlfriends -- practical and no-nonsense Rosie (Julie Walters) and wealthy, multi-divorcee Tanya (Christine Baranski) -- from her one-time backing band, Donna and the Dynamos. But Sophie has secretly invited three guests of her own. On a quest to find the identity of her father to walk her down the aisle, she brings back three men from Donna's past to the Mediterranean paradise they visited 20 years earlier. Over 24 chaotic, magical hours, new love will bloom and old romances will be rekindled on this lush island full of possibilities. Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA's hit songs from "Dancing Queen" and "S.O.S." to "Money, Money, Money" and "Take a Chance on Me," MAMMA MIA! is a celebration of mothers and daughters, old friends and new family found.
Framestore worked on over 960 shots for
MAMMA MIA! , though the strictures of editing, previewing and testing led to an eventual delivered shot count of 752.
Special Features on the Single Disc, Two-Disc Special Edition DVD and Blu-ray Include:
-- Sing Along: Watch the film and sing along to the lyrics displayed at the bottom of the screen with 22 ABBA songs
-- All-New Musical Number: "The Name Of The Game"
-- Feature Commentary with Director Phyllida Lloyd
Two-Disc Special Edition DVD and Blu-ray Versions Also Include:
-- Deleted Scenes
-- Outtakes
-- The Making of MAMMA MIA!: Executive producers Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson join director Phyllida Lloyd, writer Catherine Johnson and producers Judy Craymer and Gary Goetzman, to give viewers an in-depth look into the creation of MAMMA MIA!
-- Anatomy of a Musical Number: "Lay All Your Love on Me": This featurette includes footage of Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper as they create one of the movie's most unforgettable scenes
-- "Becoming a Singer": Go in-studio with the cast of MAMMA MIA!
-- Behind the Scenes with Amanda: Amanda Seyfried shares with viewers life on the set of the movie.
-- On Location in Greece: Take a trip to Greece with the filmmakers to see how the movie was made.
-- A Look Inside MAMMA MIA!
-- "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" Music Video
-- Digital Copy for iPod, Mac or PC (for a limited time only)
Exclusive Blu-ray Content:
-- BD-Live: Download even more exclusive content, the latest trailers and more through your Internet connected player
-- My Commentary: Join the celebration and create your own video, audio or text track to watch with the movie and send to your friends
-- My Scenes Sharing: Show your friends your favorite scenes via BD-Live.
-- Downloadable Content: Gain exclusive access to never-before-seen bonus content and new trailers via BD-Live
-- Exclusive U-Control: Universal's exclusive signature feature U-Control allows viewers to delve into the making of the film with the click of the remote without ever leaving the movie
-- Picture-in-Picture: Learn more about the making of this film, while watching the movie
-- Behind The Hits: This graphics-only feature allows fans to learn more about the film's iconic songs
GOLDILOCKS AND THE 3 BEARS On DVD
This classic fairytale gets a modern makeover in the upcoming release of the CGI animation, GOLDILOCKS AND THE 3 BEARS. Once again, the Jim Henson Company, Prana Animation Studios and Flame Ventures, produce another hilarious addition for the charming "Unstable Fables" collection. Brought to you by Genius Products and The Weinstein Company, this revamped children's classic will be debuting on DVD December 16.
GOLDILOCKS AND THE 3 BEARS meets up with the famous porridge-lover as a spoiled television star. In order to bump up her career, she and the Bears agree to star in a reality television show which puts them live in front of the world 24/7 as they live in a house together. The house faces struggles as they have to find a way to peacefully co-exist in order to boost ratings and get Goldilocks' career back on track. Featuring the voices of Golden Globe nominee Brooke Shields, Tom Arnold and Jamie Lynn Spears.
Special Features Include:
-- A Lesson On How To Draw A Character -- Special tutorial on how to draw a character from the movie
-- Making GOLDILOCKS AND THE 3 BEARS -- Exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the animation process, voice recordings and more.
THE LITTLE MERMAID: RETURN TO THE SEA SPECIAL EDITION ON DVD
Disney's under the sea classic continues in this new Special Edition of THE LITTLE MERMAID: RETURN TO THE SEA, the magical sequel to one of the most celebrated animated films of all time, on DVD December 16 from Walt Disney Studios Home Ent.
Ariel, Sebastian, Flounder and all your favorite characters from the original movie splash into a wonderful adventure overflowing with more unforgettable characters, fin-tapping songs and an exciting, action-packed story. Ariel and Eric must hide their precious daughter Melody's mermaid heritage to protect her from Ursula's revengeful sister Morgana. But when the lure of the sea proves too strong for Melody, they call upon King Triton and all the good creatures on land and under the waves to help rescue their daughter and restore harmony to the seas. Dive in for more fun with the all-new Mer-Venture Challenge Game, trivia and more.
Special Features Include:
-- New THE LITTLE MERMAID II -- Underwater Mer-Venture Challenge Game
-- THE LITTLE MERMAID II DVD Storybook -- Narrated By Jodi Benson -- The Voice Of Ariel
-- "What Am I?" Sea Creature Game
-- Deleted Song -- "Gonna Get My Wish"
POWER RANGERS JUNGLE FURY: Into The Jungle (Vol. 1) On DVD
Get ready for a seriously wild ride as the fury of an ancient evil is unleashed, calling for three new teenage heroes to rise up and defend the world, now on DVD from Buena Vista Home Ent. The valiant skills of the Order Of the Claw have kept a 10,000-year-old spirit completely caged -- until now. Dai Shi has escaped and three new warriors must find and destroy him. The Earth's only hope against being taken over by an army of villainous animal spirits is a trio of courageous Power Rangers who still have a lot to learn about teamwork.
POWER RANGERS JUNGLE FURY: Way Of The Master (Vol. 2) On DVD
Adventure runs wild in this action-packed volume as the Power Rangers team up against an unimaginable family of foes, now on DVD from Buena Vista Home Ent. The evil Dai Shi forces grow stronger while the Five Fingers of Poison wreak more havoc and the Bracelets of the Overlords are discovered and deployed. Beastly threats are all too real as the Power Rangers are joined and trained in the ways of the master by members of the Kung Fu clan. But can they learn new weapons, work closely as a team, and harness their jungle pride in time to defeat the fury of ferocious spirit beasts?
DEATH PROOF On Blu-ray
In Quentin Tarantino's DEATH PROOF, Austin's hottest DJ, Jungle Julia, sets out into the night to unwind with her two friends Shanna and Arlene. Covertly tracking their moves is Stuntman Mike, a scarred rebel leering from behind the wheel of his muscle car, revving just feet away.
From The Weinstein Co., the film's vfx were by K.N.B. Effects Group, The Orphanage, Matchframe Video and Frantic Films.
Special Features Include:
-- Stunts on Wheels: The Legendary Drivers of DEATH PROOF
-- Introducing Zoe Bell
-- Kurt Russell as Stuntman Mike
-- Finding Quentin's Gals
-- The Guys of DEATH PROOF
-- Quentin's Greatest Collaborator - Editor Sally Menke
-- Uncut "Baby, It's You" by Mary Elizabeth Winstead
-- Double Dare Trailer
-- DEATH PROOF International Trailer
-- International Poster Gallery
-- Extended Movie Cues
-- BD Live
PLANET TERROR On Blu-ray
In the visual effects-filled
PLANET TERROR segment from director Robert Rodriguez, a small town has to deal with an outbreak of dangerous infected people called Sickos, now on Blu-ray from The Weinstein Co.
As on most of his movies, Rodriguez acted as vfx supervisor, splitting the shots between his own Troublemaker digital unit (320 shots) and The Orphanage (106 shots). Ten shots were shared by the two companies. The Orphanage also handled 35 shots for Quentin Tarantino's DEATH PROOF segment. Troublemaker Digital (TMD) comprises of four key artists: Rod Brunet, Chris Olivia, Alex Toader and Drew Dela Cruz. "We are generalists with experience in 3D and all things 2D, including compositing final shots," Brunet says. "In preproduction, we focus on different sequences of Robert's script. Sometimes, that means concept art and storyboarding, but it always evolves into the 3D realm and grows from there. GRINDHOUSE was the first Rodriguez project on which we completed so many final shots."
Compared to Rodriguez's previous vfx projects, GRINDHOUSE required very little greenscreen work. Most of the plates were shot on real sets, providing TMD with a new challenge. "In the SPY KIDS series, you accepted the exaggerated designs because they were part of an overall stylized look," Toader observes. "In SIN CITY, nearly all the backgrounds were CG, which made it easier for us to art direct and create. On GRINDHOUSE, we had to do a lot of reverse engineering on the lighting set up and camera work. Everything we did had to match the live-action plate. So, there was less room for artistic license, if you will. It was far more challenging than creating a whole computer-generated shot, which made this project different for all of us."
Special Features Include:
-- Commentary with Robert Rodriguez
-- Scratch-Free Version
-- Audience Reaction Track
-- 10-Minute Film School
-- The Badass Babes and Tough Guys of PLANET TERROR
-- Casting Rebel
-- Sickos, Bullets and Explosions: The Stunts
-- The Friend, the Doctor and the Real Estate Agent
