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Chuck: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray review
Among Warner's slew of TV show releases this week is Chuck: The Complete Third Season, and we took a quick look at the boxed set before it hit shelves. In case you're still unfamiliar with the NBC show, Chuck Bartowski was a regular employee at the Buy More electronics store before accidentally downloading a computer database into his head and becoming a secret agent -- all without telling his family, friends and co-workers. In the third season, Chuck makes steps towards becoming a full-fledged agent on his own and the show has a lot more action, but it still retains the comedy elements that have kept it going so far. In the Blu-ray box set the four discs contain all 19 episodes, plus a deleted scene or two from most of the episodes. The other extras available are a 20 minute behind the scenes featurette that's thankfully in HD and should be very entertaining for fans of the series, plus an incredibly detailed (and also HD) 10 minute Behind the Music-style documentary focusing on the band formed by two of Chuck's coworkers, Jefster. Otherwise, there's some lower-res gag reel footage and Warner's standard BD-Live hooks on the fourth disc, that allow users to mark the disc in their collection and view trailers and extras from upcoming releases like The Big Bang Theory. Unfortunately, there's no commentaries to be found here and there doesn't appear to be any extra downloads or streaming on the way. While the audio and video here are of good (though still grainy by choice) quality, some will be disappointed by the lack of a lossless audio soundtrack. While it crosses the line of fulfilling the standard expectations for a boxed set in 2010, it doesn't go too far beyond that. While we should probably just be glad the show is returning later this month for a fourth season it'd be nice to see even more of Blu-ray's technology put to use to bring the fans into the show -- Chuck community screening sponsored by Subway seems like an obvious choice to us.
Lost: The Complete Collection / Season Six Blu-ray review roundup
Compressing six seasons of twists and turns into one $280 set ($195 on Amazon) surely wasn't easy but ABC and Disney have somehow managed to bring Lost home one more time with a 36-disc package for the all-in-one shot, and a Sixth Season standalone for those just looking to complete their set. After checking out a number of reviews, there's no doubt that the picture and audio quality on this release are top notch, if you, like us, were drawn in by the beautiful scenery and surroundings you'll get the best look possible here, a noticeable upgrade over the original broadcasts, along with a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. TheHDRoom notes the complete collection also includes D-BOX Motion Code on each disc, while the Complete Collection packaging hides secrets including an episode guide, game of Senet, UV light and more for the fans. One nice extra is Disney's SeasonPlay feature, which Home Theater Forum mentions will keep track of which episodes you've already watched, and make a bookmark where you leave off. The Sixth Season has its own extras, including a new BD-Live connected Masters Program for Lost University attendees, New Man in Charge epilogue, commentaries and half hour featurette on the making of Lost's final season. Whether you found the series fantastic, infuriating or just skipped the whole phenomenon altogether, if you're not already mid-way through a Lost viewing party take a look at some of the reviews to see what you've been missing, or check out a few bonus clips embedded after the break..
Toy Story 10-disc box set pops up for preorder on Amazon
If you were worried that the upcoming four disc Blu-ray/DVD/digital copy release of Toy Story 3 (the highest grossing animated film of all time, btw) on November 2 just didn't have enough discs, a 10-disc set with all three Toy Story movies on Blu-ray, plus digital copies and DVD versions of all of them has appeared on Amazon. TheHDRoom pointed out the listing and that there's no official info, but right now $70 brings home the aforementioned discs plus one more that likely holds bonus features. We've gone back and forth on the value of these extra disc sets for various reasons, but this may just be pushing it too far.
HBO releasing Deadwood: The Complete Series on Blu-ray November 23
HBO and Warner have finally announced what Deadwood fans are waiting for -- no, not a movie or new season -- the complete series is coming to Blu-ray, with all 36 episodes in one boxed set. Getting all of the wild west into your Blu-ray player won't be cheap however, as it's carrying a $209.98 MSRP (currently on Amazon for $146.99), with no additional extras over what were already on the previous DVD releases. Still, seeing everything in 1080p with a DTS-HD MA soundtrack is what you're here for, and HBO claims this series is the most demanded on after only The Sopranos and Rome so there should be plenty of fans unwrapping these this holiday season.
Lost's bonus episode, New Man in Charge, preview clip (video)
Lost addicts craving a taste before diving back in with the full series and season 6 DVD/Blu-ray boxed sets later this month can check out a clip of the bonus episode, New Man in Charge, embedded after the break. Word is the full length version is already floating around the interwebs, but if you're trying to hold out until August 24, maybe just this little bump of Ben Linus will help you get by.
Fringe: Season One has some Blu-ray exclusives in store September 8
Warner Home Video has finally officially slated the Fringe: Season One Blu-ray set for September 8, and included a few details about what to expect on the 5 disc set. The audio tops out with a 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack, but there will be a special Fringe Pattern Analysis extra bringing in "experts" to dissect 6 select scenes with notes photos and diagrams aimed to fill the hearts of those dedicated enough to spot The Watcher Observer in each episode and decode the symbols that flashed before each one. Also included to go above and beyond the DVD experience are BD-Live powered treats with Media Center, My Commentary and a somewhat vague note about exclusive commentary on the season finale with creator JJ Abrams. Feel excited enough to drop the $79.98 MSRP ($55.99 on Amazon)? Check after the break for an animated .gif of the lenticular packaging if you need just a little (really little) more incentive.
Criterion Collection coming to Blu-ray in October
The Criterion Collection's long-awaited HD debut -- delayed by that annoying format war -- finally has a date, as well as a list of the first movies getting a definitive release in 1080p. If that wasn't enough, try this bit on for size: They won't charge viewers extra for the privilege. That's right, according to the e-mail that went out to subscribers today, all Blu-ray releases will feature HD picture and sound (no word on what codecs, although we expect nothing but the best considering the company has been mastering and restoring all releases in HD for years now), all the supplemental content and a matching (unspecified) price to their standard DVD editions. The complete email and list of a dozen movies follows after the break, along with a note that The Last Emperor will also be released in its original theatrical version on both formats for $39.95, while Walkabout will be an all-new edition.[Thanks, Erik]
Disney queues up "extended" boxed sets of strike-shortened TV shows
The strike is behind us and most shows are back on the air, but don't think you've felt the last of its effects, DVD and Blu-ray boxed sets for most of this season's TV shows will be a few episodes shorter than normal. Apparently the idea of charging a little less is just too outrageous, according to Video Business, Disney plans "extra" features like lengthened episodes and looks behind the scenes -- you know, exactly the kind of thing we've come to expect from our boxed sets. Still interested? Grey's Anatomy fans can look forward to the series Blu-ray debut September 9 (Lost hits December 9), part of a strategy to hit shelves closer to the upcoming seasons so fans might remember who McDreamy & McSteamy are. Mentions of possible Xbox Live debuts, or HD cases of Dirty Sexy Money and Ugly Betty were unfortunately missing.
Firefly Blu-ray box set on the way
From our friends at TV Squad comes word that a Firefly Blu-ray boxed set is in the works. The unfortunately short-lived series by Joss Whedon featured Jewel Staite as Kaylee, who recently let slip she was working on a special commentary track for the release. TVShowsonDVD confirmed with Fox a Blu-ray set is forthcoming (after the movie Serenity saw release on HD DVD from Universal), although it's apparently very early in development so we wouldn't start holding our breath just yet.[Via TV Squad]
Lost: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray price drops $30
Losties are left with limited options for their our HD fix until the series returns in February, but to make the wait a bit easier and cheaper, Disney has announced a drop in price for the third season Blu-ray boxed set. After rumors of prices as high as $200 per season for HD Lost, it originally carried a $124.99 MSRP for all seven discs but that has now been reduced to $96.99, and actually listed for as low as $67.85 (compared to $38.99 for the DVD version) on Amazon. We don't know what prompted the price drop, but along with a BD-J special feature, 1080p transfer and uncompressed 5.1 soundtrack when it is released December 11, we're not complaining.
Lost: The Complete Third Season headed to Blu-ray Dec. 11
According to Home Media Retailing Magazine, Disney representatives confirmed that one of our favorite HDTV shows, Lost, will make its Blu-ray debut day-and-date with the DVD set of season three December 11th. No word on possible HD special features or price, but we can expect more details soon.[Via MovieWeb]
Star Trek: The Original Series S1 HD DVD boxed set hits November 20
CBS and Paramount have lived up to their promise of more details on the Star Trek:The Original Series Season 1 HD DVD/DVD combo boxed set at Comic-Con, announcing the 10 disc set will debut November 20th. As seen in the HD broadcasts, the visuals have been updated, along with remastered audio with a Dolby TrueHD soundtrack. HD DVD exclusive special features include picture-in-picture video commentaries, an interactive tour of Enterprise, a documentary on the remastering process, rare home videos and additional information on seven of the episodes. All that Star Trek goodness that comes packaged in a "futuristic, clear case" with an SRP of $217.99, and still no word of a Blu-ray release.[Thanks, Cameron]
The Sopranos Season 6 hitting Blu-ray, HD DVD December 19th
We thought HBO and Warner might be up to something when they delayed the debut of The Sopranos Season 6: Part 1 from its original November launch date on HD DVD. We don't know if they were just waiting for the PlayStation 3, impressed by the improving quality of Blu-ray releases or what, but now the 4-disc, 12 episode boxed set is back and set to go on sale for both high definition formats December 19th. With a steep MSRP of $129.95 this could make an expensive Christmas gift for the well-connected HDTV owner in your life, but isn't The Family worth it?[Via MovieWeb]
Lost Season 1 hitting Blu-ray next summer?
Lost fansite The Tail Section is reporting that sources from ABCs marketing department have indicated Disney's home video arm, Buena Vista is close to announcing a series of HDTV shows coming to Blu-ray boxed sets next year. ABC's Lost would be the flagship of the lineup and include many extras not available on the already successful DVD release. Unfortunately, if you thought the $79 Smallville Season 5 boxed set was high priced you may want to sit down as the rumor pegs a single season of Lost at $200. Future plans would include releasing shows in in two-episode discs, for $20 each. Lost is still a wildly popular series, but $200 per season is just a bit much, no matter what the extras...but you do want to be able to catch every single detail right?
Smallville and The West Wing next TV shows to HD DVD?
Our friends at TheManRoom stumbled upon an interesting bit of information in their Invasion DVD boxed set, an advertisement for Smallville and The West Wing coming soon on HD DVD. Based on the box art displayed, one can assume that they plan on releasing current seasons of high-def shows on the new formats first, then working their way back through the older shows. Whether or not these will be day-and-date releases like The Sopranos remains to be seen, but we'll be keeping an eye out for Lost and 24 boxed sets.
