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REVIEW: Batman Forever and Batman & Robin

REVIEW: Batman Forever and Batman & Robin

With the box office less than hoped for, Warner Bros. decided it was time to entice parents and the children who stayed away from the darker Batman Returns. Despite the comic book source material of the late 1980s being grim and gritty, Warner saw the dollar signs after the success of Batman the Animated Series and wanted those younger viewers.

Batman Forever and Batman & Robin are out this week in newly restored 4k UHD editions, part of Warner Home Entertainment’s 30th anniversary salute to Burton’s Batman. That and Batman Returns were reviewed yesterday.

Forever is transitional, keeping a lot of the menace from the previous films and replicating the two villains are better than one formula.

Desiring to go younger, the execs turned from Tim Burton to another visual stylist, Joel Schumacher. He was ordered to lighten things up and finally bring in Robin. Burton, star Michael Keaton, and composer Danny Elfman were out. Schumacher’s two films are therefore considered lesser works, colorful but vapid, wasting some good performances.

What hurt was that the original script by Lee Batchler and Janet Scott Batchler focused heavily on the Riddler and then Two-Face was added and the entire story was revised by Akiva Goldsman. As a result, Two-Face, teased with the introduction of Billy Dee Williams in 1989, is now wasted with an inconsistent performance by Tommy Lee Jones. On the other hand, the addition of Nicole Kidman’s Dr. Chase Meridien was nice, giving the new Bruce Wayne, Val Kilmer, someone to relate with. I always liked Kilmer’s work here and it holds up. Chris O’Donnell’s Dick Grayson, though, was a bit too old and there is a distinct lack of chemistry between the Dynamic Duo. The potential for a much stronger film was there as noted by the many deleted sequences but style won out over substance.

This trend accelerated with 1997’s Batman & Robin, which derailed the franchise for decades and spoiled more comics from being adapted for the screen. Schumacher and Goldsman were back and now the director wanted to pay homage to the ABC series and the work of artist Dick Sprang. The problem is, the audiences of that time, didn’t want that approach and their critical word of mouth, coupled with scathing reviews, made the film reviled. George Clooney, replacing Kilmer, continues to apologize for his charismatic-less performance.

And if two villains were good, three would have to be better, right? Not with the horrible work of Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze. Vying with him for screen time in this overstuffed production was Uma Thurman’s Poison Ivy, which was at least an interesting approach to the character. Totally wasted was Bane (Jeep Swenson), reduced to thoughtless body guard rather than the brilliant tactician as created in the comics. Then you have Alicia Silverstone being shoved into the story as Alfred’s niece so a Batgirl can be added for balance.

None of this is good or works and made the DC staff groan out loud long before the audiences got to see this embarrassment.

Whereas the 2160 high definition upgrade perfectly caught the darker tones on Burton’s films, here, we nicely capture the brilliant colors applied to these films. You might need sunglasses at times, as Schumacher went for brilliance (much as the ABC series did, but that was designed to sell color TVs). On the few occasions when things grew dark, the details are never lost, letting you appreciate this aspect of the production design.

The high-quality care extends to the Dolby Atmos soundtrack, which nicely captures Elliot Goldenthal’s brand new score, ordered to avoid Elfman’s more somber sounds. Like his predecessor, he included pop tracks which sound just lovely.

Both films are released as combo packs with newly restored Blu-ray discs and Digital HD codes.  A box-set of all four will be out in September if you want to consider Christmas gift-giving. All the previous special features are replicated and there are no new pieces, which is a shame.

Batman Forever offers up Audio Commentary: Director Joel Schumacher; Riddle Me This? Why is Batman Forever?; Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight Pt. 5 – Reinventing a Hero; Batman Forever: The Heroes; Batman Forever: The Villains; Beyond Batman; Deleted Scenes; “Kiss From a Rose” by Seal; and Theatrical Trailer.

Batman & Robin contains Audio Commentary: Director Joel Schumacher; Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight pt. 6 – Batman Unbound; Batman & Robin: The Heroes; Batman & Robin: The Villains; Beyond Batman; Deleted Scene: Alfred’s Lost Love; Music Videos: “The End is the Beginning is the End” by The Smashing Pumpkins, “Look Into My Eyes” by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and “Foolish Games” by Jewel;  and Theatrical Trailer.

REVIEW: Batman and Batman Returns

REVIEW: Batman and Batman Returns

Suddenly thirty years ago doesn’t seem that long back, especially as so much from that era is being resurrected, repurposed, and remembered. This month we celebrate the anniversary of Tim Burton’s Batman and Warner Home Entertainment is offering up all four films from that period in spiffy new 4K UHD editions (a box set collection will be out in September). We will look at those DVDs divided in half, the two Burton films now and tomorrow the pair from director Joel Schumacher.

It’s been argued that this film made super-heroes palatable to Hollywood once more, although it can be said it took until 2008 before that became a reality. What we did get was this film coming after mainstream media began recognizing comic books had “grown up”. In 1989, we already had Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight, Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons’ The Watchmen, etc. set the table and get people to pay attention.

The first Batman feature film languished in production hell since the rights were granted to producers Mike Uslan and Benjamin Melniker in 1980. It took Miller and the press to get Hollywood off their collective asses to get the film made. The brilliant stroke was turning it over to visual stylist Burton, coming off the visually spectacular Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure and Beetlejuice. He, in turn, brought on Anton Furst to make certain Gotham City was as much a character as the guy in the cape and cowl.

Casting was the final element with Burton recognizing that Michael Keaton could bring the gravitas to Bruce Wayne and his alter ego. Pairing him against Jack Nicholson’s Joker made certain we’d be sitting up and paying attention.

It was super-hero noir in the best possible way as Danny Elfman’s haunting score reminded us that this was a dark world that needed a hero. The Sam Hamm script was serviceable with only a few questionable plot points but it was secondary to the visual feast.

With this smash success, Burton was quickly resigned for a sequel and here he upped both the ante and weirdness factor. Danny DeVito’s Penguin was malicious, grotesque, and a far cry from the Joker while Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman was a wonder. Unfortunately, the script made a lot less sense and callbacks to plot points from the ABC television series marred the effort. Had it been a Bat and Cat story, it would probably have been stronger.

The box office was good, but not as great as expected. The darker tone, in the wake of the billions earned in bat-licensing since 1989, scared Warner Brothers. As a result, they turned the franchise over to Schumacher with directions to lighten things up. The results speak for themselves.

As with other rereleases, Warner has done a superb job with the new edition. The 2160 high definition images are excellent, well matched with the Dolby Atmos soundtrack. Each film is released in a combo pack with a restored Blu-ray edition, making it superior to the 2009 Anthology Collection. Unfortunately, there are zero new extras just imported ones from that previous boxset. If you want the upgraded picture and sound, then these are for you.

Here, the upgraded images allow you to revel in Gotham’s darkness, with the colors popping for emphasis. Yes, it’s a dark place matching a dark story featuring a guy in mostly black so here, we can see the details with a clarity that makes you appreciate Furst’s designs and Cinematographer Roger Pratt’s work all the more. Similarly, when we get to the Joker and his colorful takeover of Gotham in the latter half, the colors pop in dazzling detail.

Cinematographer Stefan Czapsky has even more darkness to work with in the sequel since so much of the Penguin’s antics occur at night plus Catwoman being in the shadows as well. Again, the restoration is superior and you pick up on the grit, grim, and ghoulish aspects of the city and its protector. When we do go into the light, such as the scenes between Keaton and Pfeiffer in Wayne Manor, the color is warm and saturated.

Again, the Dolby Atmos soundtrack brilliantly captures every sound effect and musical note with crisp clarity.

The special features ported over from the last Batman Blu-ray include Audio Commentary: Director Tim Burton; On the Set with Bob Kane; Legends of the Dark Knight: The History of Batman; Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight; Batman: The Heroes; Batman: The Villains; Beyond Batman; Batman: The Complete Robin Storyboard Sequence; Music Videos; and Theatrical Trailer.

The Batman Returns special features include Audio Commentary: Director Tim Burton; The Bat, the Cat, and the Penguin; Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight Pt. 4 – Dark Side of the Knight; Batman Returns: The Heroes; Batman Returns: The Villains; Beyond Batman; “Face to Face” by Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Theatrical Trailer.

Captain Marvel Unveils Concept Art

Captain Marvel is now available on Digital HD and arrives on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™, and DVD June 11th. In anticipation of the eagerly-awaited home video release, Marvel has released a variety of concept art featuring Captain Marvel costume designs and fight sequences from Director of Visual Development Andy Park, along with new film stills and bonus feature clips featuring Brie Larson, Kevin Feige, and more.

 

 

New Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Clip

Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a feature-length animated film from Warner Bros. Animation, DC, Nickelodeon and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is now available on Digital with the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack and Blu-ray Combo Pack arriving Tuesday. 

Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles finds Gotham City reaching new levels of danger when Shredder joins forces with Ra’s al Ghul to enact a nefarious plan – leading to the team-up of the Dark Knight and the Turtles to combat the combined might of the Foot Clan and League of Assassins!

The clip shows Ra’s al Ghul and Shredder on a walking tour of Arkham Asylum and its Rogues Gallery of Gotham villains in all their caged glory. The voices include Cas Anvar (Ra’s al Ghul), Shredder (Andrew Kishino), Carlos Alazraqui (Bane), Tara Strong (Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy), Two-Face (Keith Ferguson) and Jim Meskimen (Scarecrow). Joker doesn’t speak in the clip, but he is voiced by Troy Baker.

Penultimate Arrow Season 7 hits Home Video 8/20

BURBANK, CA (May 22, 2018) – Get ready for nonstop action from start to finish when Warner Bros. Home Entertainment releases Arrow: The Complete Seventh Season on Blu-ray and DVD August 20, 2019. Both sets contain all 22 action-packed episodes from the seventh season, plus the show’s 2018 Comic-Con Panel, a crossover featurette, deleted scenes, a gag reel and more! All three DC Crossover: Elseworlds episodes will be available only for fans who purchase the Blu-ray set. The Complete Seventh Season is priced to own at $39.99 SRP for the DVD ($51.99 in Canada) and $44.98 SRP for the Blu-ray ($52.99 in Canada), which includes a Digital Copy (U.S. only). Arrow: The Complete Seventh Season is also available to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers.

Following Oliver Queen’s shocking decision to turn himself over the FBI and reveal his identity as the Green Arrow to the public, Oliver has spent the past five months in prison while his team was left behind to protect Star City. In the wake of Ricardo Diaz’s escape, Oliver has yet again turned into someone else inside Slabside Maximum Security Prison. Determined to keep a low profile to shorten his sentence for the sake of his family, Oliver’s limits will be tested when he and Team Arrow are pitted against the most ruthless villains they have yet to face.

“Arrow has struck a chord with audiences over the years through its incredible action and impressive special effects,” said Rosemary Markson, WBHEG Senior Vice President, TV Marketing. “As Arrow enters its eighth and final season on The CW, fans will be eager to add the most recent season to their collection and enjoy the two hours of bonus content included on Blu-ray and DVD.”

With Blu-ray’s unsurpassed picture and sound, Arrow: The Complete Seventh Season Blu-ray release will include 1080p Full HD Video with DTS-HD Master Audio for English 5.1. In addition to featuring all 22 episodes from the seventh season in high-definition, as well as a digital copy of the season (available in the U.S. only), the 4-disc Blu-ray will also include all three crossover episodes, a tremendous value and collectors’ opportunity.

Arrow stars Stephen Amell (Private Practice, Heartland), Katie Cassidy (A Nightmare on Elm Street), David Ramsey (Dexter), Emily Bett Rickards (Brooklyn), Echo Kellum (Sean Saves The World), Rick Gonzalez (Reaper), Juliana Harkavy (Dolphin Tale, The Walking Dead), Colton Haynes (Teen Wolf, The Gates), Kirk Acevedo (Fringe, 12 Monkeys) and Sea Shimooka (Happy New Years). Based on the characters from DC, Arrow is produced by Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Greg Berlanti (The Flash, Supergirl, Riverdale, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow), Beth Schwartz (DC’s Legends of Tomorrow) and Sarah Schechter (The Flash, Supergirl, Blindspot, Black Lightning).

BLU-RAY & DVD FEATURES

  • The Best of DC TV’s Comic-Con Panel San Diego 2018
  • Inside the Crossover: Elseworlds
  • Villains: Modes of Persuasion
  • Gag Reel
  • Deleted Scenes

DVD: 22 ONE-HOUR EPISODES

  1. Inmate 4587
  2. Longbow Hunters
  3. Crossing Lines
  4. Level Two
  5. The Demon
  6. Due Process
  7. The Slabside Redemption
  8. Unmasked
  9. Elseworlds: Hour Two
  10. My Name is Emiko Queen
  11. Past Sins
  12. Emerald Archer
  13. Star City Slayer
  14. Brothers & Sisters
  15. Training Day
  16. Star City 2040
  17. Inheritance
  18. Lost Canary
  19. Spartan
  20. Confessions
  21. Living Proof
  22. You Have Saved This City

BLU-RAY: 22 ONE-HOUR EPISODES + 2 FULL CROSSOVER EPISODES

  1. Inmate 4587
  2. Longbow Hunters
  3. Crossing Lines
  4. Level Two
  5. The Demon
  6. Due Process
  7. The Slabside Redemption
  8. Unmasked
  9. Elseworlds: Hour One
  10. Elseworlds: Hour Two
  11. Elseworlds: Hour Three
  12. My Name is Emiko Queen
  13. Past Sins
  14. Emerald Archer
  15. Star City Slayer
  16. Brothers & Sisters
  17. Training Day
  18. Star City 2040
  19. Inheritance
  20. Lost Canary
  21. Spartan
  22. Confessions
  23. Living Proof
  24. You Have Saved This City

DIGITAL

The seventh season of Arrow is also currently available to own on Digital. Digital allows consumers to instantly stream and download all episodes to watch anywhere and anytime on their favorite devices. Digital is available from various retailers including iTunes, Amazon Video, Google Play, Vudu, PlayStation, Xbox and others. A Digital Copy is also included in the U.S. with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs for redemption and cloud storage.

BASICS

Street Date: August 20, 2019

BD and DVD Presented in 16×9 widescreen format

Running Time: Feature: Approx 990 min

Enhanced Content: Approx 115 min

 

UNITED STATES

DVD

Price: $39.99 SRP

5 DVD-9s

Audio – English (5.1)

Subtitles – English

BLU-RAY

Price: $44.98 SRP

4-Disc Elite

BD Audio –DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 – English

Subtitles – English

CANADA

DVD

Price: $51.99 SRP

5 DVD-9s

Audio – English (5.1)

Subtitles – English

BLU-RAY

Price: $52.99 SRP

4-Disc Elite

BD Audio –DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 – English

Subtitles – English

Flash Season Five Zips onto Disc 8/27

BURBANK, CA (May 22, 2019) – Just in time for the sixth season premiere of the highest-rated series on The CW, you will be bolting into stores to pick up The Flash: The Complete Fifth Season as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment releases the Blu-ray and DVD on August 27, 2019. Fans will be able to speed-watch all 22 electrifying episodes from the fifth season, plus the show’s 2018 Comic-Con Panel, three featurettes, deleted scenes, a gag reel and more! All three DC Crossover: Elseworlds episodes will be available only for fans who purchase the Blu-ray set. The Flash: The Complete Fifth Season is priced to own at $39.99 SRP for the DVD ($51.99 in Canada) and $44.98 SRP for the Blu-ray ($52.99 in Canada), which includes a Digital Copy (available in the U.S.). The Flash: The Complete Fifth Season is also available to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers.

Shortly after defeating The Thinker, Barry Allen/The Flash and his wife, Iris, were stunned by the arrival of their already grown, speedster daughter from the future, Nora (Jessica Parker Kennedy). However, acclimating to their lives as parents won’t be the only challenge they face, as Season Five pits Team Flash against Central City’s latest scourge – the DC Super-Villain Cicada (Chris Klein).

The Flash is currently The CW’s highest-rated series, and after five strong seasons, The Flash remains a fan favorite,” said Rosemary Markson, WBHE Senior Vice President, Television Marketing. “In addition to the 22 Season 5 episodes, fans can enjoy over 2.5 hours of special features plus 2 bonus Crossover episodes from Arrow and Supergirl on the Blu-ray release.”

With Blu-ray’s unsurpassed picture and sound, The Flash: The Complete Fifth Season Blu-ray release will include 1080p Full HD Video with DTS-HD Master Audio for English 5.1. In addition to featuring all 22 episodes from the fifth season in high-definition, as well as a digital copy of the season (available in the U.S.), the 4-disc Blu-ray will also include all three crossover episodes, a tremendous value and collectors’ opportunity.

The Flash stars Grant Gustin (Arrow, Glee), Candice Patton (The Game), Danielle Panabaker (Sky High, Friday the 13th), Carlos Valdes (Arrow, Once), Hartley Sawyer (Caper, Glory Daze), Danielle Nicolet (Central Intelligence), Jessica Parker Kennedy (The Secret Circle, Black Sails), and Chris Klein (American Pie movies), with Tom Cavanagh (Ed, The Following) and Jesse L. Martin (Law & Order). Based on the characters from DC, The Flash is produced by Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Greg Berlanti (Arrow, Supergirl, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Riverdale), Todd Helbing (Spartacus, Black Sails), Eric Wallace (Teen Wolf, Z Nation) and Sarah Schechter (Arrow, Riverdale, Black Lightning, Supergirl).

BLU-RAY & DVD FEATURES

  • The Best of DC TV’s Comic-Con Panel San Diego 2018
  • The Evolution of Killer Frost
  • Inside the Crossover: Elseworlds
  • Villains: Modes of Persuasion
  • Gag Reel
  • Deleted Scenes

DVD: 22 ONE-HOUR EPISODES

  1. Nora
  2. Blocked
  3. The Death of Vibe
  4. News Flash
  5. All Doll’d Up
  6. The Icicle Cometh
  7. O Come, All Ye Thankful
  8. What’s Past Is Prologue
  9. Elseworlds: Hour One
  10. The Flash & The Furious
  11. Seeing Red
  12. Memorabilia
  13. Goldfaced
  14. Cause and XS
  15. King Shark VS Gorilla Grodd
  16. Failure Is an Orphan
  17. Time Bomb
  18. Godspeed
  19. Snow Pack
  20. Gone Rogue
  21. The Girl with the Red Lightning
  22. Legacy

BLU-RAY: 22 ONE-HOUR EPISODES + 2 FULL CROSSOVER EPISODES

  1. Nora
  2. Blocked
  3. The Death of Vibe
  4. News Flash
  5. All Doll’d Up
  6. The Icicle Cometh
  7. O Come, All Ye Thankful
  8. What’s Past Is Prologue
  9. Elseworlds: Hour One
  10. Elseworlds: Hour Two
  11. Elseworlds: Hour Three
  12. The Flash & The Furious
  13. Seeing Red
  14. Memorabilia
  15. Goldfaced
  16. Cause and XS
  17. King Shark VS Gorilla Grodd
  18. Failure Is an Orphan
  19. Time Bomb
  20. Godspeed
  21. Snow Pack
  22. Gone Rogue
  23. The Girl with the Red Lightning
  24. Legacy

DIGITAL

The fifth season of The Flash is also currently available to own on Digital. Digital allows consumers to instantly stream and download all episodes to watch anywhere and anytime on their favorite devices.  Digital is available from various retailers including iTunes, Amazon Video, PlayStation, Vudu, Xbox and others. A Digital Copy is also included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs (available in the U.S.) for redemption and cloud storage.

BASICS

Street Date: August 27, 2019

Order Due Date: July 23, 2019

BD and DVD Presented in 16×9 widescreen format

Running Time: Feature: Approx 990 min

Enhanced Content: Approx 156 min

UNITED STATES

DVD

Price: $39.99 SRP

5 DVD-9s

Audio – English (5.1)

Subtitles – English

BLU-RAY

Price: $44.98 SRP

4-Disc Elite

BD Audio –DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 – English

Subtitles – English

CANADA

DVD

Price: $51.99 SRP

5 DVD-9s

Audio – English (5.1)

Subtitles – English

BLU-RAY

Price: $52.99 SRP

4-Disc Elite

BD Audio –DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 – English

Subtitles – English

Pet Sematary Remake hits Home Video this Summer

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.  – Called “the stuff of nightmares” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone) and “flat out terrifying” (Erik Davis, Fandango), the chilling new adaptation PET SEMATARY comes home on Digital June 25, 2019, and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD, and Video-On-Demand July 9 from Paramount Home Entertainment.

The Digital*, 4K Ultra HD, and Blu-ray releases are packed with over 90 minutes of special features, including hair-raising deleted and extended scenes, a chilling alternate ending, a look at the main characters, behind-the-scenes footage, cast interviews and more.  A must-own for every Stephen King fan, PET SEMATARY is a “twisted and bone-chilling” (Meagan Navarro, Bloody Disgusting) thrill ride.

The film also boasts a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead**.  In addition, both the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Combo Packs include access to a Digital copy of the film.

Synopsis

After the Creed family relocates from Boston to rural Maine, they soon discover an ancient burial ground hidden deep in the woods near their new home. When tragedy strikes, the grief-stricken father is driven by the cemetery’s sinister power, setting off a perilous chain of events that unleashes an unfathomable evil with horrific consequences.  Some secrets are best left buried in this twisted thriller.

BONUS FEATURES ON 4K ULTRA HD COMBO, BLU-RAY COMBO & DIGITAL*

  • Alternate Ending
  • Deleted and Extended Scenes
  • Night Terrors – Family Haunting Visions
    • Louis
    • Rachel
    • Ellie
  • The Tale of Timmy Baterman
  • Beyond the Deadfall
    • Chapter One: Resurrection – Directors, screenwriters and cast discuss bringing this classic back to life
    • Chapter Two: The Final Resting Place—A deeper look into finding the right location for the terror to unfold
    • Chapter Three: The Road to Sorrow— Inside the film’s tragic themes and creating the iconic cat “Church”
    • Chapter Four: Death Comes home—Unearth the creepy elements behind the climax and final scenes of the film
          

The PET SEMATARY DVD includes the feature film in standard definition.

PET SEMATARY

Street Date:                June 25, 2019 (Digital)

July 9, 2019 (4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD, Video on Demand)

U.S. Rating: R for horror violence, bloody images, and some language

Canadian Rating: 14A – Gory Scenes, Disturbing Content

Supervized Super-Hero Spoof in July

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Real heroes never retire in Supervized, arriving on Digital and On Demand July 19 from Lionsgate. The film will also be in select theaters from Freestyle on July 19. Academy Award® nominee Tom Berenger (1986, Best Supporting Actor, Platoon) and Golden Globe® winner Beau Bridges (1994, Best Supporting Actor, The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom) lead this charming comedy about a group of senior superheroes who gather for one last mission at their nursing home. Also starring Oscar® winner Louis Gossett, Jr. (1982, Best Supporting Actor, An Officer and a Gentleman) and Primetime Emmy® winner Fionnula Flanagan (1976, Best Supporting Actress, Rich Man, Poor Man), the film was directed and produced by Primetime Emmy® nominee Steve Barron (1998, Best Directing, Merlin). Supervized will be available on Digital in both HD and SD for the suggested retail price of $12.99.

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

Real superheroes get better with age. Tom Berenger and Beau Bridges lead this delightful comedy centered around a group of senior superheroes spending their twilight years in a nursing home in Ireland. When Ray (Berenger) suspects foul play at the nursing home, he reassembles his old team for one last mission, proving that saving the world never gets old.

CAST

Tom Berenger Platoon, Inception, Major League

Beau Bridges Max Payne, The Descendants, Masters of Sex and Bloodline

Louis Gossett, Jr. An Officer and a Gentleman, Jaws 3-D, Roots

and Fionnula Flanagan The Others, Four Brothers, Rich Man, Poor Man

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Year of Production: 2018

Title Copyright: Supervized © 2017 Piguant Pictures Limited. All Rights Reserved. Artwork & Supplementary Materials © 2019 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Type: Theatrical Release

Rating: R for language and some crude sexual material.

Genre: Comedy

Closed-Captioned: N/A

Subtitles: N/A

Feature Run Time: 88 Minutes

Format: 16×9 (2.39:1) Presentation

Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio, English 2.0 Dolby Digital Audio

Alita: Battle Angel goes from Manga to Film to Home Video

From Academy Award winners James Cameron & Jon Landau, and visionary filmmaker Robert Rodriguez comes ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL, an epic adventure of hope and empowerment. When Alita (Rosa Salazar) awakens with no memory of who she is in a future world she does not recognize, she is taken in by Ido (Christoph Waltz), a compassionate doctor who realizes that somewhere in this discarded cyborg shell is the heart and soul of a young woman with an extraordinary past. When deadly and corrupt forces come after Alita, she discovers a clue to her past – she has unique fighting abilities that those in power will stop at nothing to control. If she can stay out of their grasp, she could be the key to saving her friends, her family and the world she’s grown to love.
 
The action-packed film, also starring Jennifer Connelly, Mahershala Ali, Ed Skrein, Jackie Earle Haley, and Keenan Johnson has scored $405 million at the global box-office. 
 
Now with hours of extensive special features the home entertainment release takes you behind-the-scenes with James Cameron and Robert Rodriguez to see the journey from Manga to Screen and what it took to bring Alita to life.  Plus, go deeper into the universe of ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL, where you’ll learn about the past, the characters of the present, and the thrilling sport of Motorball.

Alita: Battle Angel Blu-ray™ Special Features

  • Alita’s World – get a deeper look into the world of Alita: Battle Angel with these dynamic motion comics.
    • The Fall – a look back at the terrible war that almost destroyed two planets and set the stage for the cyborg warrior Alita’s return 300 years later.
    • Iron City – Hugo gives a guided tour of the Iron City he knows, showing off its dark corners and broken-down neighborhoods. 
    • What it Means to be a Cyborg – hunter-warrior Zapan tracks his mark across Iron City while musing about what it means to be a cyborg.
    • Rules of the Game – A high-octane “crash course” in Motorball, introducing the rules, game-play, and the top-ranked players and their arsenal of weapons.
  • From Manga to Screen – a behind-the-scenes look into the origins of Yukito Kishiro’s beloved manga, “Gunnm,” and the long road to bring it to life on the big screen.
  • Evolution of Alita – how Alita was brought to life, from the casting of Rosa Salazar, to performance capture, and final VFX by WETA Digital.
  • Motorball – go inside Iron City’s favorite pastime, from the origins and evolution of the sport, to rules on how the game is played.
  • James Cameron, Robert Rodriguez and cast Q&A moderated by Jon Landau.
  • Robert Rodriguez’s 10 Minute Cooking School: Chocolate – a cooking lesson on how to make delicious chocolate like that seen in the movie.
  • 2005 Art Compilation (2019) – James Cameron’s original compilation of concept art for the then-titled “Battle Angel: Alita,” presented with new voiceover and music.
  • Scene Deconstruction – view three different stages of the production – the original live action performance capture, the animation stage, and the final Weta VFX from four different scenes
    • I Don’t Even Know My Own Name
    • Just an Insignificant Girl
    • I’m a Warrior Aren’t I?
    • Kansas Bar

Alita: Battle Angel DVD Special Features

  • Alita’s World – get a deeper look into the world of Alita: Battle Angel with these dynamic motion comics.
    • The Fall – a look back at the terrible war that almost destroyed two planets and set the stage for the cyborg warrior Alita’s return 300 years later.
    • Iron City – Hugo gives a guided tour of the Iron City he knows, showing off its dark corners and broken-down neighborhoods. 
    • What it Means to be a Cyborg – hunter-warrior Zapan tracks his mark across Iron City while musing about what it means to be a cyborg.
    • Rules of the Game – A high-octane “crash course” in Motorball, introducing the rules, game-play, and the top-ranked players and their arsenal of weapons.

 
Alita: Battle Angel DVD Special Features – continued

  • From Manga to Screen – a behind-the-scenes look into the origins of Yukito Kishiro’s beloved manga, “Gunnm,” and the long road to bring it to life on the big screen.

 
Alita: Battle Angel Digital Special Features

  • Alita’s World – get a deeper look into the world of Alita: Battle Angel with these dynamic motion comics.
    • The Fall – a look back at the terrible war that almost destroyed two planets and set the stage for the cyborg warrior Alita’s return 300 years later.
    • Iron City – Hugo gives a guided tour of the Iron City he knows, showing off its dark corners and broken-down neighborhoods. 
    • What it Means to be a Cyborg – hunter-warrior Zapan tracks his mark across Iron City while musing about what it means to be a cyborg.
    • Rules of the Game – A high-octane “crash course” in Motorball, introducing the rules, game-play, and the top-ranked players and their arsenal of weapons.
  • From Manga to Screen – a behind-the-scenes look into the origins of Yukito Kishiro’s beloved manga, “Gunnm,” and the long road to bring it to life on the big screen.
  • Evolution of Alita – how Alita was brought to life, from the casting of Rosa Salazar, to performance capture, and final VFX by WETA Digital.
  • Motorball – go inside Iron City’s favorite pastime, from the origins and evolution of the sport, to rules on how the game is played.
  • Musical Themes – Composer Tom Holkenborg (aka Junkie XL) offers an in-depth examination of the key musical themes of his Alita: Battle Angel score.
  • Robert Rodriguez’s 10 Minute Cooking School: Chocolate – a cooking lesson on how to make delicious chocolate like that seen in the movie.
  • Streets of Iron City – Director Robert Rodriguez gives a set tour of Iron City, with cast and crew insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s creation.
    • Iron City
    • Scrapyard
    • Ido’s Clinic
    • Cathedral
    • Ambush Alley
    • Vector’s Office and the Factory
    • Kansas Bar
  • Allies and Adversaries – meet the allies and adversaries that Alita encounters in Iron City.
    • Zapan
    • Dr. Dyson Ido
    • Grewishka
    • Nyssiana
    • Romo
    • McTeague
    • Vector
    • Chiren
    • Hugo
  • James Cameron, Robert Rodriguez and cast Q&A, moderated by producer Jon Landau.
  • Production Materials – explore the initial vision for the movie with art reels from 2005 and 2016.
    • 2005 Art Compilation (2019) – James Cameron’s original compilation of concept art for the then-titled “Battle Angel: Alita,” presented with new voiceover and music.
    • 2016 Art Reel – Lightstorm Entertainment and Robert Rodriguez’s 2016 compilation of concept art reflecting the design of the final film.
  • Scene Deconstruction – view three different stages of the production – the original live action performance capture, the animation stage, and the final Weta VFX cut from four different scenes
    • I Don’t Even Know My Own Name
    • Just an Insignificant Girl
    • I’m a Warrior Aren’t I?
    • Kansas Bar
  • Theatrical Trailers
    • Alita – Official Trailer
    • Alita – Battle Ready Trailer


Alita: Battle Angel 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray™ 3D Specifications
Street Date: July 16, 2019
Screen Format:  16:9 (2.39:1)
HDR Formats for 4K UHD:  Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10
Audio for 4K UHD: English Dolby Atmos, English DTS-HD MA 2.0, English Descriptive Audio  5.1,   Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French DTS 5.1
Subtitles for 4K UHD:  English SDH, Spanish, French
Audio for Blu-ray 3D: English DTS-HD-MA 7.1, English Dolby Digital 2.0, English Descriptive Audio  5.1,  Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French DTS 5.1
Subtitles for Blu-ray 3D:  English SDH, Spanish, French
Total Run Time:  Approximately 122 minutes
U.S. Rating: PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and some language
 
Alita: Battle Angel Blu-ray™ Specifications
Street Date: July 16, 2019
Screen Format: 16:9 (2.39:1)
Audio:   English DTS-HD-MA 7.1, English Dolby Digital 2.0, English Descriptive Audio 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Total Run Time:   Approximately 122 minutes
U.S. Rating:  PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and some language
 
Alita: Battle Angel DVD Specifications
Street Date: July 16, 2019
Screen Format:  16:9 (2.39:1)
Audio:   English Dolby Digital 5.1, English Dolby Digital 2.0, English Descriptive Audio 5.1,   Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0, French Dolby Digital 2.0
Subtitles:   English SDH, Spanish, French
Total Run Time:  Approximately 122 minutes
U.S. Rating: PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and some language