Continuing their never-ending crusade to occupy the majority of your Blu-ray rack, Warner Home Video is issuing more "Ultimate Collector's Edition" Blu-ray box sets this fall. First up, while not necessarily a "Collector's Edition", the upcoming Blu-ray release of 'Band of Brothers' will come in a case identical to that of the previous DVD release. As one of the best designed DVD cases ever (up there with 'Lord of the Rings Extended Edition' sets), no one should be disappointed with that news. Next, the upcoming Blu-ray release of 'JFK' will come via Warner's infamous digibook "coffee table" packaging. No word if the massive DVD set will also come in Blu. 'Casablanc' also gets the "Ultimate Collector's Edition" treatment on Blu-ray, with 40 minutes of special features, 2 feature-length commentaries, branded travel-related collectibles, and a photo book. No word if the film will also see a digibook release, but I'm guessing that it will. Even though it was just released on Blu-ray, 'I am Legend' will also get the box set boost featuring a ton of collectible items in fancy packaging. As this title is already available on Blu-ray, don't expect another single-disc release like the previously mentioned films. Those who do throw down the cash will get all new special features including a new filmmaker commentary and deleted scenes. Another recent film get the "Ultimate Collector's Edition" treatment in '300', but not this year. Warner is working on the BD-Live version of this film and it won't be ready until 2009. But, when it does arrive, expect to be treated with all the previous extras and two new documentaries ("Recreating the Spartan Era" and "300: Legend Filtered Through History, Graphic Novel and Film"). Finally, 'A Christmas Story' will get the box set treatment, packaged in a cookie-tin of all things. Again, this title has already been released on Blu-ray, so don't expect another single-disc release. None of these titles has been officially announced yet, so expect full specs and details to be released soon.
Sunday, July 6, 2008