“It has the personality not of a particular movie but of a product, of something arrived at by corporate decision.” — Vincent Canby, The New York Times

Blockbuster. Juggernaut. Game Changer.

The event, or tentpole, film was taken to new heights during the summer of 1989, and the industry hasn’t been the same since. Sure, there were hits — and megahits — before, but everything this did was new, unorthodox or amplified: mass-saturation marketing, title-less posters, narration-less trailers, loads of tie-in merchandise, dual soundtrack release, one-day-early sneak-preview screenings, anti-piracy electronic-coded release prints, shattered box-office records, home-video release while still in theaters, franchise. [Read on here…]

All right, let’s get the new week started off right, shall we?

I believe I promised you a new column from our own Michael Coate, so here it is. Today being the official 25th anniversary of the original theatrical release of Tim Burton’s Batman, Michael has delivered the latest installment of History, Legacy & Showmanship column: Wings of Change: Remembering Tim Burton's Batman on its 25th Anniversary. It’s well worth a read, as Michael’s column always are, delivering not one but two fine interviews and a wealth of detail. So be sure to check it out today.

And now for that surprise title announcement we mentioned on Friday: Paramount is finally making good on the Star Trek Into Darkness Blu-ray debacle with the 9/9 release of the 4-disc Star Trek: The Compendium Blu-ray box set (SRP $39.99)!  [Read on here…]

We’re closing out the week today with a few more major title announcements.

First though, a quick note: We invite you all to check back here at The Bits bright and early on Monday morning, because we’re going to have a couple fun things for you. The first is a new column from our own Michael Coate, looking back at Tim Burton’s Batman on the occasion of the film’s 25th anniversary. The other is a surprise bit of announcement news. So be sure to check back then. [Read on here…]

All right, there was no update yesterday because I was up in L.A. checking out Robert Harris’ recent restoration tests of The Alamo with my own two eyes. Despite what MGM has claimed officially, let me assure you, having now seen the tests firsthand – which the studio has apparently not done yet for some strange reason (and how weird is that?) – this film is in serious need of restoration. The good news, however, is that I’ve also seen tests of how good the film could look like if given a restoration. The result would easily be worth theatrical presentation and a solid Blu-ray release. So keep spreading the word and keep the pressure on the studio. Fingers crossed. [Read on here…]

We’re kicking things off today with Todd’s latest Doogan’s Queue installment, covering the best of this week’s new Blu-ray and DVD titles. Some fine releases this week – House of Cards: Season 2, new Wes Anderson and more – so don’t miss it.

The good Dr. Jahnke has also delivered this week’s Burnt Offerings: MOD DVD, running down the latest in small batch catalog DVDs from the Warner Archive. Be sure to check that out too. [Read on here…]

Warner Archive puts the emphasis on mystery and intrigue in this week’s selection of Manufactured On Demand rarities. Let’s give ‘em a gander, eh? And don’t forget, these spiffy banners are your gateways to commerce. Pick out a few discs and help support The Bits. Thanks in advance. [Read on here...]

Week three of June 2014 is dominated by one movie, so we’re going to kick off the week with that movie.

Can you guess what movie that movie is? It’s... [Read on here…]

More announcement news today...

Lionsgate has announced the Blu-ray release of the remastered Like Water for Chocolate on 8/19. Lionsgate has also set Angriest Man in Brooklyn for Blu-ray, DVD and digital release on 7/22, along with Mumfie’s Quest: The Movie for DVD only. In August, look for Deadbeat on DVD on 8/26. And in September, Words and Pictures will arrive on Blu-ray, DVD and digital on 9/9. [Read on here…]

Our own Dr. Adam Jahnke has turned in a new installment of his An Honor to Be Nominated looking back at Erin Brockovich. You’ll find that in today’s Jahnke’s Electric Theatre update, so don’t miss it!

Now then, here’s a few more new title announcements to close out the week...

The first bit of big news today is that StarVista Entertainment and Time Life have officially announced The Wonder Years: The Complete Series on DVD. The 26-disc set will come packaged in a replica of a high school locker and will include a specially-designed yearbook, magnets, cast and crew liner notes and more. You can see what the package looks like at the left there. More details on the extras and the street date will be revealed over the coming weeks at WonderYearsDVDs.com. Here’s what the package looks like... [Read on here...]

Just a quick one today with a few more new title announcements. First though, it looks like more media outlets have picked up our Warner/Amazon story today, including Wired. Fascinating how this is going viral.

Now then... in announcement news today, 20th Century Fox has set Dom Hemingway (starring Jude Law) for Blu-ray and DVD release on 7/22.

Kino Lorber has announced new catalog Blu-rays for August, including Mr. Majestyk (1974), The Children’s Hour (1961), The Unforgiven (1960), and Breakheart Pass (1975) on 8/12, and The Party (1968), Cast a Giant Shadow (1966), On the Beach (1959), and What’s New Pussycat? (1965) on 8/26. [Read on here...]