The BACK TO THE FUTURE trilogy and the three WALLACE & GROMIT shorts are now available separately on DVD, with the Blu-ray release of DONNIE DARKO and the DVD/Blu-ray release of MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA, plus DRAGON BALL Z and DEATH NOTE DVDs and more.
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE MYSTERY OF THE EASTER CHIPMUNK on DVD
Grab your bunny ears and hold on to your Easter Bonnets as Alvin and the Chipmunks find out who really delivers all of those Easter eggs. This Easter episode, plus four more fun-filled adventures will put laughter and fun into your Easter celebration from Paramount Home Ent.
BACK TO THE FUTURE Trilogy on DVD
It's a blast from the past, present and future -- three popular favorites available for the first time separately from Universal Studios Home Ent. on February 10, 2009: BACK TO THE FUTURE, BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II and BACK TO THE FUTURE PART III.
BACK TO THE FUTURE, the first in the series, is a special two-disc set that includes Back to the Future: The Ride for the first time ever on DVD in which fans can experience the complete Universal Studios theme park attraction including lobby monitor and pre-show footage. Also included is Looking Back to the Future, a brand-new 45-minute documentary featuring director Robert Zemeckis, making-of featurettes, deleted scenes and other bonus materials.
One of the most successful cinematic franchises created, with over $418 million in combined domestic box office grosses, the BACK TO THE FUTURE films -- all executive produced by Steven Spielberg, Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy, produced by Neil Canton, directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Bob Gale -- broke the mold of traditional adventure-comedy films and left an indelible mark on popular culture that still resonates among a huge fan base. The spectacular success of the original 1985 BACK TO THE FUTURE, which won the Academy Award for Best Sound Effects Editing and was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay, Best Sound and Best Song ("Power of Love"), catapulted the film careers of Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson.
The impact of the first film inevitably led to the futuristic 1989 BACK TO THE FUTURE Part II, featuring early roles in the then-budding careers of actors Elizabeth Shue, Billy Zane, Jason Scott Lee, and Elijah Wood; and the 1990 BACK TO THE FUTURE PART III, featuring Oscar-winning actress Mary Steenburgen and set in the Old West with an innovative mixture of sci-fi, western and romantic elements added to the familiar comedic adventure theme.
Special Features Include:
Disc 1:
-- The Making of BACK TO THE FUTURE
-- Making the Trilogy: Chapter One
-- Q&A with Director Robert Zemeckis and Producer Bob Gale
-- Enhanced Conversation with Michael J. Fox
-- Feature Commentary with Producers Bob Gale and Neil Canton
-- Deleted Scenes
-- Outtakes
-- Did You Know That? Universal Animated Anecdotes
-- Original Makeup Tests
-- Production Archives
-- Excerpts from the Original Screenplay
-- Theatrical Teaser Trailer
-- Cast & Filmmakers
-- Production Notes
-- Special Announcements
Disc 2:
-- Back to the Future: The Ride
-- Looking Back to the Future
-- Back to the Future Night
BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II: Brace yourself as the most spectacular time-travel adventure ever continues in BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II -- the sequel that proves that lightening can strike twice. Picking up precisely where they left off, Marty and Doc (Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd) launch themselves to the year 2015 to fine-tune the future and inadvertently disrupt the space-time continuum. Now, their only chance to fix the present is by going back to 1955 all over again before it is too late.
Special Features Include:
-- The Making of BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II
-- Making the Trilogy: Chapter Two
-- Q&A with Director Robert Zemeckis and Producer Bob Gale
-- Feature Commentary with Producers Bob Gale and Neil Canton
-- Deleted Scenes
-- Outtakes
-- Did You Know That? Universal Animated Anecdotes
-- Production Design
-- Storyboarding
-- Designing the DeLorean
-- Designing Time Travel
-- Hoverboard Test
-- Evolution of Visual Effects Shots
-- Production Archives
-- Huey Lewis & The News "Power of Love" Music Video
-- Theatrical Trailer
-- Cast & Filmmakers
-- Production Notes
BACK TO THE FUTURE PART III: The most popular time-traveling movie trilogy ever comes to a rousing conclusion in BACK TO THE FUTURE PART III. Stranded in 1955 after a freak accident, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) discovers he must travel back to 1885 to rescue Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) before he becomes smitten with schoolteacher Clara Clayton (Mary Steenburgen). Now, it's up to Marty to keep Doc out of trouble, get the DeLorean running, and put the past, present and future on track so they can all get back to where -- and when -- they belong.
Special Features Include:
-- The Making of BACK TO THE FUTURE PART III
-- Making the Trilogy: Chapter Three
-- Q&A with Director Robert Zemeckis and Producer Bob Gale
-- Feature Commentary with Producers Bob Gale and Neil Canton
-- Deleted Scene
-- Outtakes
-- Did You Know That? Universal Animated Anecdotes
-- Designing the Town of Hill Valley
-- Designing the Campaign
-- Production Archives
-- The Secrets of the BACK TO THE FUTURE Trilogy
-- FAQ's About the Trilogy
-- ZZ Top "Doubleback" Music Video
-- Theatrical Trailer
-- Cast & Filmmakers
-- Production Notes
DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME on DVD
VIZ Media has released the DVD of DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME, based on the hit supernatural action mystery manga (graphic novel) and animated series. The DVD will feature both the original Japanese dialogue with English subtitles and the English dubbed version by the outstanding voice cast of the animated series. The Red Hot Chili Peppers again contribute the theme song. Bonus features include a special segment, "Making of DEATH NOTE II" and the original Japanese theatrical trailer. The DVD will carry a suggested retail price of $24.92 and will be distributed in North America by VIZ Media.
DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME is the sequel to the phenomenal hit live-action movie DEATH NOTE, based on the hit manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. The DEATH NOTE live-action DVD, released in September 2008, was ranked as #1 in Japanese Films in North America and #34 in the Live-Action category. As the sequel of DEATH NOTE and once again directed by the renowned monster filmmaker Shusuke Kaneko, DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME concludes the titanic battle between the two geniuses Light and L.
The story picks up with Light Yagami (Tatsuya Fujiwara) joining the investigation team in pursuit of the serial killer known as Kira. While L (Kenichi Matsuyama) still strongly suspects that Light is 'Kira', Light continues to seek out the real name of L so that he can kill him with his Death Note. Making things even more unpredictable is the "Eyes of Death" that the second Kira possesses, enabling the owner to know the true identity and lifespan of any person. Light Yagami soon learns the identity of the other Kira and wants to join forces to get rid of L. Will L be able to catch "Kira" before he gets killed? Who will be the last name written in the Death Note?
VIZ Pictures has also announced two special giveaway promotions to coincide with the DVD release. Fans are encouraged to go to
www.viz-pictures.com and answer the quick survey before February 28. Ten random winners will be selected to receive a special DEATH NOTE II poster.
DONNIE DARKO on Blu-ray
Donnie Darko is a disturbed adolescent from a dysfunctional upper middle class family who narrowly escapes death when a jet engine crashes in his bedroom. He has visions of a giant rabbit, Frank, who instructs him to make violent acts and informs him that the world will end in 28 days.
Now on Blu-ray from 20th Century Fox Home Ent., this 2001 theatrical release features vfx from Amalgamated Pixels, The Effects Group and SSI Advanced.
Special Features Include:
-- Commentary with Writer/Director Richard Kelly and Jake Gyllenhaal (Theatrical Version)
-- Commentary with Cast and Crew (Theatrical)
-- Commentary with Writer/Director Richard Kelly and Kevin Smith (Director’s Cut)
-- D-Box
DRAGONBALL Z: SUPER ANDROID 13/BOJACK UNBOUND on DVD
From Funimation Productions, this DVD set contains two classic DRAGON BALL Z movies: ANDROID ASSAULT and BOJACK UNBOUND.
ANDROID ASSAULT: When the quiet peace of a routine day is interrupted by violent explosions it seems like the entire world is under siege! But Goku quickly realizes that he is the target of the sudden attack! Who are these strange assassins? When Goku discovers that despite their great power, the culprits are not emitting an energy signal, it can only mean one thing: Androids! With Doctor Gero dead, just who is responsible for master-minding this new wave of Androids that are stronger, faster, and ten times more deadly than before?
BOJACK UNBOUND: The infamous millionaire X.S. Cash is funding the most amazing martial arts tournament the Universe has ever seen! The four finalists must do battle with warriors representing the four corners of the galaxy in a decisive battle to see who gains the right to challenge The Champ for the ultimate championship! But a ragged band of criminals have a scheme of their own: take over the tournament and conquer the Universe in the process! Their leader is the incredibly powerful Bojack, an evil menace who has broken free of his stellar confines! With Goku incapable of helping eradicate the planet’s latest threat and Earth’s greatest heroes falling one by one, the young Gohan must look deep within himself to find the power to destroy the wicked invaders.
DRAGON BALL Z: Season Eight on DVD
The forces of good and evil have converged upon the planet Earth, and the fate of the universe hangs in the balance! The evil wizard Babidi has traveled across the galaxy on a quest for revenge, hoping to fulfill his father’s thwarted dreams of universal domination. Meanwhile, the Supreme Kai has come to enlist the aid of the Z-Fighters in an effort to prevent Babidi from completing his plans and awakening a monster of unimaginable terror -- Majin Buu!
As Goku and the Z-Fighters descend into Babidi’s lair, they are confronted by an army of powerful minions, led by the Demon King Dabura himself! Can our heroes resist the wizard’s dark magic and battle their way through this host of villains before time runs out? With each passing second, more energy is gathered for the sleeping Majin Buu. And should this creature of pure evil be awakened, all life -- everywhere -- will be extinguished!
From Funimation Productions, season eight contains the complete Babidi and Majin Buu sagas.
HIT FAVORITES: HERE COMES SPRING on DVD
HIT FAVORITES: HERE COMES SPRING features a colorful collection of six cheery, spring-themed episodes starring favorite preschool characters. Barney, Bob the Builder, Thomas & Friends and Fifi have come to celebrate during this special time of year. Jump into the fun and enjoy the outdoors with Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam, or create magnificent gardens with Barney and Fifi, all from Lionsgate And HIT Ent.
-- THOMAS & FRIENDS -- In "Thomas Sets Sail," Thomas is asked to collect the mayor's new sailboat and deliver it to the harbor. But strong winds send the affable engine on a wild and disastrous ride around the island.
-- BARNEY AND FRIENDS -- In "The Big Garden," Barney teaches his friends how to grow fruits and vegetables in a garden.
-- FIFI AND THE FLOWERTOTS -- In "Flowertot Rainbow," Fifi's plan to wow Violet with a colorful display that goes awry when she forgets to water her flowers. What is she going to give Violet now?
-- BOB THE BUILDER -- In "Roley's Flat Garden," Mr. Bentley is designing a new botanical garden. Join Bob and Roley as they work together to get the job done.
-- FIREMAN SAM -- In "Fit for Nothing," The firefighters are training hard to appear in the Wales Fittest Firefighters calendar. It's a competition to see just who is the fittest.
-- KIPPER -- In "The Butterfly," Kipper finds a butterfly who loves the color purple. He traps it in a jam jar but realizes that it shouldn't be kept captive and eventually sets it free.
DVD Special Features:
-- "Roary Sees Red," a bonus episode of the all-new TV series ROARY THE RACING CAR from the creators of Bob the Builder and Fifi and the Flowertots.
MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA on DVD and Blu-ray
Acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee presents an explosive look at the lives of four African American soldiers trapped behind enemy lines during World War II in MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA coming to DVD and Blu-ray on February 10, 2009 from Touchstone Home Ent. An epic tale depicting the indomitable human spirit in the face of shocking devastation, this stirring story is even more revealing with exclusive Blu-ray bonus features that take viewers deeper into the world of these unsung heroes with a fascinating documentary featuring WWII vets and Spike Lee that illuminate the untold story of America’s “Buffalo Soldiers,” the U.S. Army’s all-black regiment.
MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA comes from the true story of four African American soldiers stationed in German-occupied Italy during World War II. Separated from their unit and trapped behind Nazi lines, ranking officer Aubrey Stamps (Derek Luke), hot-headed Bishop Cummings (Michael Ealy), radioman Hector Negron (Laz Alonso) and gentle giant Sam Train (Omar Benson Miller) survive a shocking massacre, rescuing a young Italian boy in the process. The five make their way to the nearest village, where they join forces with the local opposition, risking their lives and gathering intelligence for a nation that considers them second-class citizens.
Blu-ray Special Features Include:
-- Deeds Not Words -- Pull up a chair with Director Spike Lee and World War II veterans at the historic Harlem Veterans’ Club as they share their intimate experiences from the Great War and discuss how their service to their country is remembered and immortalized in the annals of history and in the films of Hollywood.
-- The Buffalo Soldier Experience -- Trace the history of the Buffalo Soldier with historians, Director Spike Lee and the cast, and hear rare firsthand accounts of the deep personal bond that was forged between the soldiers and the Italian citizens during World War II.
-- Deleted Scenes
PHINEAS AND FERB; Vol. 2: The Daze of Summer on DVD
Summer fun lasts forever when you hang with Phineas and Ferb, so pull up a beach chair and get ready to laugh with five hilarious episodes from the smash-hit Disney Channel Original Series, now on DVD from Walt Disney Studios Home Ent.
Viewers can get in on the fun and can create their own experiments! Super-smart and seriously funny stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb come up with unusually exciting ways to spend the lazy, crazy "daze" of summer -- like searching for pirate's treasure, traveling to Mars, building Greek chariots and hosting a Medieval jousting tournament! While the guys are cramming each long day with cool friends, awesome adventures and totally rocking music, their pet platypus, Perry (aka Agent P), continues to protect the world from the evil Dr. Doofenschmirtz. And, of course, their big sis, Candace, keeps busy texting her friends and trying to bust the bros.
SHAUN THE SHEEP: BACK IN THE BA-A-ATH on DVD
Shaun the Sheep and his flock are ba-a-a--ck in this new collection of hilarious episodes! From the Academy Award-winning creators of WALLACE & GROMIT come more wild and wooly adventures from your favorite barnyard animals. With Shaun, Bitzer the sheepdog and the Naughty Pigs next door, there's no telling what bizarre escapades will happen next. Sometimes it's shear madness, but it's always fleecy fun.
Five-minute shorts of the series also currently air in the U.S. on the Disney Channel and rank in the top five animated shorts on the network. However, the complete episodes are only available on DVD, now out from Lyons/HIT Ent. As the U.S. fan base continues to grow, a SHAUN THE SHEEP Nintendo DS video game is now available this fall at retail.
The SHAUN THE SHEEP: BACK IN THE BA-A-ATH DVD features eight episodes starring Shaun and all his barnyard buddies:
-- "Shape Up With Shaun" -- Shaun puts Shirley the Sheep, on an exercise regime.
-- "Bathtime" -- Shaun and the flock go on a mission to try and get hot water for their sheep dip.
-- "Fetching" -- Bitzer, distracted by a fetching female dog, misses the flock's rampage through the farmhouse, so it's up to Shaun to intervene.
-- "Take Away" -- The sheep go on a mission to the local pizzeria disguised as a human being.
-- "Still Life" -- The Farmer takes up oil painting but during a break, the flock investigates.
-- "Scrumping" -- The flock begs for apples from the Naughty Pigs' yard, but after several failed attempts, a war breaks out.
-- "Stick With Me" -- Bitzer glues the Farmer's broken glasses back together, but when the flock gets its hooves on the tube of glue, things get very sticky!
-- "The Kite" -- A kite blows into the field and gets stuck in a tree, so it's up to Shaun and the flock to get it down.
Special Features Include:
-- "Sing-a-long with Shaun"
VEGGIETALES: ABE AND THE AMAZING PROMISE on DVD
VEGGIETALES: ABE AND THE AMAZING PROMISE, the new faith-based adventure from Big Idea, Inc., an Entertainment Rights group company, releases on DVD February 10, 2009. The DVD is supported by a far-reaching marketing and promotions campaign, including a VeggieTales "Values To Grow By" re-issue of several best-selling DVDs.
ABE AND THE AMAZING PROMISE is a Veggie-spun Bible classic that tells the story of Abraham and Sarah and their wait for a promised child. Featuring a universal lesson in patience, the DVD showcases nationally syndicated radio host "Delilah" as the voice of Sarah. Including a new Silly Song with Larry entitled "Sneeze If You Need To!," the musical "misadventures" of BLUNDERS IN BOO-BOO-VILLE, and family-friendly bonus features, this title is available nationwide on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 through Genius Products.
In BLUNDERS IN BOO-BOO-VILLE, where Jacques (Larry the Cucumber) attempts to invent a way to bring back the boo-boo birds and discovers that taking time to do things the right way is the best way.
Special Features Include:
-- Music and Video: New Silly Song Sing-Along "Sneeze If You Need To"
-- Behind the Scenes: How Did We Make A Lesson In Patience? Art Gallery and Commentary
-- Video Trivia, Interactive Storybook, Discussion Guide
-- Interactive Game, How to Draw Abraham, and a Boo-Boo Bird
WALLACE & GROMIT 20th Anniversary Collection on DVD
Eccentric inventor Wallace, and his faithful, four-legged friend Gromit, star in three hilarious award-winning films now available on DVD as part of WALLACE & GROMIT's 20TH Anniversary Collection in 2009. Previously released as WALLACE & GROMIT: THREE AMAZING ADVENTURES, which sold more than 750,000 units to date, these three favorites are now available on separate DVDs for the first time. A GRAND DAY OUT, THE WRONG TROUSERS and A CLOSE SHAVE will be available February 10, 2009, complete with special features from Lionsgate and HIT Ent.
A GRAND DAY OUT (Academy Award Nominee for Best Animated Short and Winner of the BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film in 1990)
Climb onboard for a space rocket adventure with Wallace and Gromit! There's no more cheddar in the house, and Wallace is determined to go where there's plenty of cheese -- to the moon! With Gromit by his side, Wallace hammers together a space rocket, and they take off for a carefree moon-side picnic. Along the way, they encounter mouth-watering cheeses and a neurotic moon machine! Tingle your taste buds and tickle your funny bone in this exciting quest for cheese.
DVD Special Features:
-- Audio commentary with creator Nick Park
-- "Amazing Adventures of Wallace & Gromit" featurette
-- Four Cracking Contraptions
A CLOSE SHAVE (Academy Award Winner for Best Animated Short and BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film in 1996)
Wallace and Gromit knit up trouble in another wacky adventure. Just when Wallace falls in love with the enigmatic Wendolene, owner of the local knitting shop, the intertwined pair get wrapped up in an underground sheep-rustling scheme. Sheep run rampant, and Gromit is framed and sent to jail! Get ready for motorcycle chases, prison breaks and dog food danger as Wallace and his new-found flock rush to save Gromit and his true love. It's a close call and a quick shave as they rustle up a sheep-load of fun
DVD Special Features:
-- Audio commentary with creator Nick Park
-- "How It Was Done" featurette
-- Three Cracking Contraptions
THE WRONG TROUSERS (Academy Award Winner for Best Animated Short and BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film in 1994)
Join Wallace and Gromit for an Academy Award-winning stroll down the alleys of mischief and mayhem! When Wallace creates a pair of walking Techno-Trousers for Gromit, things turn topsy-turvy as their fishy penguin roommate hijacks the pants and the sleeping Wallace for an off-the-wall diamond caper. It's up to Gromit to prove that he wears the pants in the family, stop the penguin from hatching the sinister plan and rescue Wallace from a fate worse than running out of cheese.
DVD Special Features:
-- Audio commentary with creator Nick Park
-- "Inside the Wrong Trousers" featurette
-- Three Cracking Contraptions
