BABYLON A.D., BANGKOK DANGEROUS and PINEAPPLE EXPRESS hit DVD and Blu-ray, along with season 4.0 of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, seasons three and four of cult animated series DUCKMAN and season two of [adult swim]'s FRISKY DINGO and TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED.
BABYLON A.D. on DVD and Blu-ray
On January 6 the gripping sci-fi thriller BABYLON A.D., bursts onto DVD and Blu-ray from Fox Home Ent. Starring Vin Diesel as Toorop, a veteran-turned-mercenary hired to protect the young and innocent Aurora, played by French actress Melanie Thierry and her guardian, portrayed by martial arts star Michelle Yeoh. In the style of BLADE RUNNER, this futuristic tale follows this brave group of heroes as they fight to stay alive on a journey that could very well determine the fate of humanity.
Co-starring Gerard Depardieau, BABYLON A.D. will be available in a dual single-disc DVD, Special Edition DVD with Digital Copy includes five brand new featurettes as well as a graphic novel prequel and the Blu-ray version with Digital Copy with featurettes, exclusive picture-in-picture behind-the-scenes footage, cast and crew interviews and more.
In the darkly futuristic world of BABYLON A.D., the rules are simple: kill or be killed. Hard-hitting action superstar Diesel stars as Toorop, a ruthless mercenary hired to smuggle a mysterious young woman from the post-apocalyptic confines of Eastern Europe to the glittering megalopolis of New York City. Hunted at every turn, Toorop spirits his charge across a nightmarish wasteland only to uncover a shocking secret that will bring the entire world to its knees. Eye-popping action and mind-blowing science fiction clash head-on in this hard-edged thriller, where the only rule is survival.
The movie was the director's first large-scale vfx project ever. Very early on, even before the script was completed, Mathieu Kassovitz consulted with French digital effects powerhouse Buf Compagnie. Many concepts and ideas were discussed with Founder and Manager Pierre Buffin and his team. "At that time, I think he hadn't even started to write the script," Buffin remembers. "Our discussions were based on the book itself. It was the first time that we worked with Mathieu. We found that he knew what he wanted, but at the same time, he proved to be very open to solutions and suggestions. During the following months, we managed to establish a trustful relationship and to install a fruitful and creative dialogue. The movie ended up being quite complex, not exactly in terms of technical challenges, but in terms of the variety of effects that we had to achieve. It required a great deal of highly qualified artists and a huge amount of visual research. Most of the real challenges involved creating the final battle sequence on the plaza."
Additional vfx were by Artem, Dansk Speciel Effekt Service, FB-FX and Tinsley Transfers.
DVD Special Features include:
-- "Babylon Babies" -- How author Maurice G. Dantec's novel went from page to screen-- "Arctic Escape" -- An inside look at the snow mobile chase-- An inside look at BEHIND ENEMY LINES: COLOMBIA
Special Edition DVD Special Features include:
-- "Babylon Babies" -- How author Maurice G. Dantec's novel went from page to screen-- "Arctic Escape" -- An inside look at the snow mobile chase-- "Fit For The Screen" -- A featurette about the martial arts and stunts of the film-- "Flight of the Hummers" -- The exciting Humvee chase is dissected-- "Genesis of Aurora" -- A graphic novel prequel to BABYLON A.D.-- Still gallery
Blu-ray Disc Special Features Include:Bonus Features include all of the featurettes included on the standard definition two-disc DVD as well as:
-- Interactive "Scene Evolution" in BonusVIEW Mode: Exterior Housing Project, Toorop's Apartment (With Explosion), Gorsky's Armored Convoy, Gaz Limo on Magnet, The Convent, The Marketplace, Trans-Siberian Train Interior, Night Club: The Hackers, Night Club: Fight Scene, Night Club: Cage Fight, The Stampede to the Russian Sub, Russian Sub Interior, Snowmobile Chase, Snowmobile Explosion: Toorop is Hit, Harlem Square Shootout, Darquandier's Laboratory and Darquandier's Laboratory: Memory Machine
BANGKOK DANGEROUS on DVD and Blu-ray
As a hired assassin, Joe (Nicolas Cage) is the best in the business, but the years of stone-cold murder have taken their toll. Joe's plan to make this current assignment in Bangkok his last takes a wild turn when he violates one of the most important rules of the game. Now the hunter is the hunted in this hard-driving, action-packed thriller from Lionsgate Home Ent.
BANGKOK DANGEROUS is the remake of a 1999 Thai movie directed by Danny and Oxide Pang. The remake was helmed by the Pang brothers themselves -- their second American effort after THE MESSENGERS. The two movies share the same Visual Effects Supervisor, Bruce Jones, whose career dates back to STAR TREK -- THE NEXT GENERATION in the 1980s. "I worked with Danny and Oxide on THE MESSENGERS, so we had already developed a pretty fair form of communication utilizing pictures, references and sketches I would often mock up for feedback. And, of course, it helps that they both speak English fairly well. Also, every shot in the film was storyboarded, and they were very open to my suggestions as we proceeded through preparation.
"When I got involved, they were planning for about 40 vfx shots only. That's one of the reasons we did not assign an effects producer to the show originally. Later on, I regretted not having a producer as the shot count continued to grow... we ended up with over 200 shots. But once we were into principal photography, the train had already left the station... So, I handled the vfx producing myself, with the help from my assistant, Ekarat Srathana."
The various sequences were assigned to four key vendors: Cinesoup, Michael Kaelin & Associates, Curv Studios and Reality Check.
Single Disc DVD Special Features Include:
-- Theatrical trailer
2-Disc Special Edition DVD Special Features Include:
-- Alternate Ending-- "From Hong Kong to Bangkok: A Look at Hong Kong Cinema" featurette-- "BANGKOK DANGEROUS: The Execution of the Film" featurette-- Theatrical trailer-- Digital Copy of the theatrical feature film
Blu-ray Special Features Include:
-- Alternate Ending-- "From Hong Kong to Bangkok: A Look at Hong Kong Cinema" featurette-- "BANGKOK DANGEROUS: The Execution of the Film" featurette-- MoLog is the first BD Live application that allows users to insert and animate shapes, text, audio and other graphics right into the film to create "blogs" to share with other MoLog users-- Theatrical trailer-- Standard Definition Copy of the feature film
PINEAPPLE EXPRESS on DVD and Blu-ray
Ride high on the PINEAPPLE EXPRESS, the outrageously hysterical blockbuster from Judd Apatow, the director and screenwriter of KNOCKED UP. A lazy stoner (Seth Rogen) is the sole witness to a murder by an evil drug lord (Gary Cole) and the corrupt cop (Rosie Perez). Marked for death, he runs for his life, dragging his dazed dealer (James Franco) and his supplier (Danny McBride) with him on a hilarious smokin' adventure. Directed by David Gordon Green. Screenplay by Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg.
Available on Single Disc Theatrical DVD, Single Disc Unrated DVD, 2-Disc Unrated DVD, Unrated Blu-ray and PSP from Sony Home Ent., PINEAPPLE EXPRESS had vfx from Almost Human, Yard VFX, Pacific Vision Productions, Pacific Title and Art Studio and Zoic Studio.
Single-Disc Theatrical DVD Special Features Include:
-- Extended and Alternate Scenes-- Gag Reel-- "The Making of PINEAPPLE EXPRESS" Featurette-- Commentary with Filmmakers and Cast
Single-Disc Unrated DVD Special Features also include both the Theatrical and Extended film versions.
2-Disc Unrated DVD Special Features Include:
-- Includes both Theatrical and Extended film versions-- Digital copy for PC, PSP, Mac or iPod-- Extended and Alternate scenes-- Gag Reel-- Line-O-Rama-- Commentary with Filmmakers and Cast-- The Action of PINEAPPLE EXPRESS-- The Making of PINEAPPLE EXPRESS-- Raw Footage
Unrated Blu-ray Special Features Include:Blu-ray includes the special features from the 2-Disc DVD, plus...
-- "Ride the Express" Game
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA Season 4.0 on DVD
They've traveled millions of miles and defied relentless attackers, but nothing will prepare the human race for what lies ahead as BATTLESTAR GALACTICA 4.0 arrives on DVD from Universal Studios Home Ent. In ten gripping episodes, relive each pivotal moment as the civil war amongst the Cylons escalates and the quest for Earth continues. Loaded with bonus features, the 4-Disc set includes the unrated, extended versions of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: RAZOR that never aired on television. RAZOR was the franchise's only two-hour movie event since the initial miniseries that launched the re-invented series back in 2003.
Season 4 continues starting January 16 on Sci Fi Channel.
After three seasons of intricate political machinations, subterfuge from the Cylons, more religious and moral quandaries than you can shake a stick at, and winning a Peabody Award, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA is winding down for its fourth and final season. Gary Hutzel, the visual effects supervisor for the entire run of the series and the new TV movie, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: RAZOR, has been responsible for bringing this new breed of sci-fi drama to the screen. In our third chat with Hutzel in as many years, he tells VFXWorld the changes that have happened in the BSG vfx pipeline and his plans to for this last season to raise their already remarkably high visual effects bar one more notch. Zoic Studios, Atmosphere Visual Effects and Enigma Animation Productions all contributed to the vfx for the show.
With BSG always embracing change as a motivator for story and plot arcs, Hutzel details that season four follows suit. "This year we are brightening it up a little bit. The tone is a little bit harsher, with faster cuts and more violent action. I think that's fine for this season because the storyline lends itself to that and the writers are embracing that approach. The visual effects are being used a little bit more for structure. The writers are saying: 'We need an exciting little bit. What should we do?'"
Hutzel also explains that all of the visual effects are being done in-house now, which opens up the process for creativity and experimenting. "It's exciting for us because we don't have the tether of having to deal with it being too expensive. We can move in and elbow the live-action a little bit, to open up a sequence. It's a balance. [Exec Producer] Ron Moore and I have talked a lot about this and he's expressed his concern about traveling too far away from [season] three, as far as visual effects are concerned. We are working together to make sure that he stays in a comfortable place and the show doesn't get too flashy. There are sequences where it's handy to have vfx open it up, but there are other scenes where Ron knows we must remain understated. We are staying in touch making sure that I don't take sequences so far, but at the same time he is more than happy to see more smash and bash," Hutzel laughs.
Special Features Include:
-- Deleted Scenes-- The Journey-- Cylons: The Twelve-- Season 4.5: The Untold Story -- Untold-- The Music of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA-- "Sine Qua Non" Commentary with Exec Producer Ronald D. Moore and Writer Michael Taylor-- Ronald Moore's Podcast Commentaries
DISASTER MOVIE on DVD and Blu-ray
Prepare for earthshaking hilarity as the raunchy and outrageous team behind DATE MOVIE, EPIC MOVIE and MEET THE SPARTANS puts the world's very survival in the hands of three buxom non-brainiacs. This twisted send-up pulverizes everyone's favorite disaster flicks, pop culture icons and public figures with no-holds-barred humor that will have you quaking with laughter. From Lionsgate Home Ent., the film features vfx by At The Post, LOOK! Effects and Screaming Death Monkey.
DVD Special Features Include:
-- Cast and Crew Commentary-- "Girl Fight" Featurette-- "High School Musical Sing-along" Featurette-- "I'm F**king Matt Damon Sing-along" Featurette-- "Sitting Down With a Stand-Up Featurette-- "G-Thang's Tour" Featurette-- "Straight From the Ladies" Featurette-- "Who's Spoofing Who" Featurette-- "This Is How We Do It" Featurette
Blu-ray Special Features Include:Bonus Features include all of the featurettes included on DVD as well as:
-- Unrated Edition-- BonusView Picture-in-Pictures Cast and Crew Commentary-- MoLog is the first BD Live application that allows users to insert and animate shapes, text, audio and other graphics right into the film to create "blogs" to share with other MoLog users
DUCKMAN: Seasons Three and Four on DVD
The final seasons of the critically-acclaimed, off-the-wall animated television series DUCKMAN, starring Jason Alexander, hatch onto DVD as a collectible three disc set on January 6 from CBS Home Ent. and Paramount Home Ent.
A dark, thrice Emmy nominated and CableAce Award winning series, DUCKMAN features the voice talent of Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Jason Alexander (SEINFELD) as a crude, booze-swilling private detective duck who moves in with his family in the wake of his wife's untimely death.
Created by Everett Peck from his heralded Dark Horse comic book of the same name, Duckman isn't your average suave, sophisticated private eye. In fact, he's rude, ignorant, slovenly and hasn't had a date in years. With the help of his infinitely more capable sidekick, Cornfed, Duckman manages to solve enough cases to cover his alimony payments and cable TV bills. Dweezil Zappa co-stars as Duckman's young son, Ajax.
Special Features Include:-- A look at storyboards and pencil tests-- Video from the original unaired pilot
Episodes Include:
Season Three:
"Noir Gang""Forbidden Fruit""Grandma-ma's Flatulent Adventure""Color of Naught""Sperms of Endearment""A Room with a Bellevue""Apocalypse Not""Clear and Presidente Danger""The Girls of Route Canal""The Mallardian Candidate""Pig Amok""The Once and Future Duck""The One with Lisa Kudrow in a Small Role""Aged Heat""The Craved Duckman's Brain!""The Road to Dendron""Exile in Guyville""The Longest Weekend""The Amazing Colossal Duckman""Cock Tales for Four"
Season Four:
"Dammit, Hollywood""Coolio Runnings""Aged Heat 2: Women in Heat""All About Elliott""From Brad to Worse""Bonfire of the Panties""Role with It""Ajax and Ajaxer""With Friends Like These""A Trophied Duck""A Star is Abhorred""Bev Takes a Holiday""Love! Anger! Kvetching!""Duckman and Cornfed in 'Haunted Society Plumbers'""Ebony, Baby""Vuuck, as in Duck""Crime, Punishment, War, Peace and the Idiot""Kidney, Popsicle and Nuts""The Tami Show""My Feral Lady""Westward, No!""Short, Plush and Deadly""How to Suck in Business Without Really Trying""You've Come a Wrong Way, Baby""Hamlet 2: This Time It's Personal""Das Sub""Where No Duckman Has Gone Before""Four Weddings Inconceivable"
FRISKY DINGO Season 2 on DVD
Season Two of [adult swim]'s FRISKY DINGO (Warner Home Video) takes a political turn as Killface and Xander Crews (Awesome-X) battle for the nation's top office. Killface claims to have cured global warming and teams up with rap megastar Taqu'il to spread the good news. Xander proves he puts his hot pants on, one leg at a time, just like you and I. Simon and his rocket launcher come out of the closet and Baby Lamont is adorable. Take that America!
TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED: Season Two on DVD
In Season Two of TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED, now on DVD from Paramount Home Ent., the story continues after the rise of Megatron and the battle that cost the Autobots the Key. Now the Autobots find themselves in a big mess, not only do they have to clean up the city, they must also restore their good image and the faith of the citizens of Detroit. Meanwhile the Autobot Elite Guard arrive for the ALLSPARK only to find out that it's been blown to pieces and the quest for those pieces begins.
With earth-bound villains and Decepticons constantly trying to gain power for world domination the Autobots are struggling to live up to their oath to protect earth and their home planet Cybertron.
Special Features Include:
-- Audio Commentary-- Three Animated Shorts-- Photo Gallery
