Over the past 70 years, Batman's adventures on the screen have fascinated people of all ages. From Lewis Wilson to Christian Bale, seven men have worn the cape and cowl of the famous detective as created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger in the 1930's. Many writers and directors have put their stamp on the world of Gotham City on the big screen and on television. 

John Williams's pulsing dum, dum, dum, dum, dum... the unmistakable sound of a shark swimming towards a tasty lunch in Amity.

Out August 14 by Universal and on Blu-ray for the first time, Jaws remains one of the best thrillers ever made. This, despite the fact the production was filled with troubles. Or, perhaps, because of the malfunction of the mechanical shark and the complexity of filming on the ocean, the movie benefited from the problems. Thirty-seven years after its initial theatrical release, Jaws has been beautifully restored on Blu-ray looking even better than what audiences saw in 1975. 

Earlier this year, when Shout! Factory announced the launch of a new line of horror Blu-rays and DVDs called (what else?) Scream Factory, that loud thud you heard was horror fans everywhere collectively dropping to their knees to give thanks. Shout! Factory has deservedly earned a reputation for high quality catalog titles with their impressive Roger Corman’s Cult Classics line, music releases, and television series. So even though this year’s Hell Plaza Oktoberfest is still a few weeks away, I thought we should get a jump on the season by taking a look at Scream Factory’s highly anticipated inaugural releases. Rest assured, horror fans were fully justified in their excitement. If you love the genre, don’t hesitate in adding these discs to your collection.

Here are my reviews...

• Halloween II: 2-Disc Collector’s Edition
• Halloween III: Season of the Witch - Collector’s Edition

- Dr. Adam Jahnke

Battleship features a big leap in computer water effects. Out August 28 by Universal, the movie is entertaining, over-the-top and filled with action sequences.

In an exclusive for The Digital Bits, I visited Industrial Light & magic (ILM) in San Francisco to get a glimpse at the talented wizards who up the ante in special effects for Battleship.

All right, we've got a quick early update for you today with some major breaking release news...

You may recall that, back on 9/18, we reported on a leaked WHV promotional video on YouTube that teased the home video release of The Dark Knight Rises with the text "Own it on Blu-ray Combo Pack or Digital Download 12/3." Well, now Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Warner has confirmed to them that the film will arrive on Blu-ray Combo, DVD and digital on 12/4. There will also be a limited and numbered box set edition of the BD Combo that comes packaged with a replica of Batman's cowl. According to their information, the discs will include a documentary on the history of the Batmobile, the 17-part Ending the Knight documentary, The Journey of Bruce Wayne featurette, trailers, galleries and more. Watch for official details shortly. 

Also today, for those of you Bond fans who have the EPIX channel on your cable or satellite system, they'll be showing a documentary on the Bond franchise called Everything or Nothing: The Untold Story of 007. Directed by Steven Ridley, it focuses "on Bond producer Albert R. Broccoli, Harry Saltzman, and author Ian Fleming as they discuss the inception and durability of the longest running film franchise in cinema history." The documentary will debut on Friday, October 5th at 8:00pm ET. Here's the film's listing on the EPIX website.

Stay tuned...

- Bill Hunt

Afternoon, folks!

Warner Home Video has officially announced the Blu-ray Combo and DVD release of The Campaign on 10/30 (SRP $35.99 and $28.98). The Blu-ray will include Line-O-Rama, deleted scenes and a gag reel. The film will be an extended cut with 11 minutes of scenes not seen in theatres.

Warner Bros will also release Dallas: The Complete First Season on DVD only on 1/8 (SRP $39.98). You'll get all 10 episodes, plus 6 featurettes, commentary on the pilot and deleted scenes. 

Look for a Chuck: The Complete Series - Collector Set on Blu-ray and DVD from Warner as well on 10/30 (SRP $179.98 and $149.98). We don't know if these sets will include the 3D version of the Chuck Versus the Third Dimension episode (that was a Best Buy BD exclusive), but we'll try to find out.

And Warner has set Steven Spielberg Presents Tiny Toon Adventures: Volume 3 for DVD only release on 1/8/2013.

Meanwhile Lionsgate has a Francis Ford Coppola 5-Film Collection coming to Blu-ray on 12/4 (SRP $39.99). It will include Apocalypse Now, Apocalypse Now Redux, Tetro, The Conversation and One from the Heart. We believe this is the first time that final film will be available in high-def. (One suspects it will be released separately on Blu-ray next year.)

Drafthouse Films has set The Ambassador for release on Blu-ray and DVD on 10/23.

Paramount is releasing the classic "western comedy" Something Big on DVD only on 10/9 (SRP $19.99). The film stars Dean Martin and Brian Keith.

Danger After Dark will release the Japanese horror (or "J-horror") film X-Game on DVD only on 11/13. SRP is $17.99.

Shout! Factory will release Simon & Simon: Season Seven on DVD only on 10/16 (SRP $29.99). All 16 episodes from the season will be included.

Any of you guys remember the Nickelodeon classic You Can't Do That on Television? Shout! is also releasing a feature-length documentary on the series, You Can't Do That on Film, on DVD only on 10/16. The disc will include a rare interview with show creator Roger Price, extended cast and crew interviews, recaps of the SlimeCon and SlimeCon 2004 fan conventions and cast reunions, outtakes, behind-the-scenes footage from The Official Reunion Episode Titled Project 131 and more.

Image Entertainment has set the documentary The Clintons: An American Odyssey for DVD only release on 10/2.

The Cinema Guild has the indie film Natural Selection coming on Blu-ray and DVD on 11/13 (SRP $29.95 and $24.95). The discs will include interviews with the cast and crew and the film's theatrical trailer.

First Run Features has set Chely Wright: Wish Me Away and Nobody Else But You for DVD only release on 10/16.

Wolfe Video has Funkytown coming to DVD on 10/2.

And Anchor Bay and Starz has Magic City: The Complete First Season coming to Blu-ray and DVD on 10/3.

Finally, we've got a couple title updates for you. First, we've learned that Network doesn't currently have the U.K. release rights to Gerry Andersons' UFO and Thunderbirds so they can't release Blu-ray versions there. A&E does have the U.S. rights to both series and is considering releasing them on BD. However it's very early in the process so there's nothing concrete to report yet.

Also, for those of you who are interested in the Target-exclusive version of Warner's Harry Potter: Year 7 - Ultimate Edition, here's what you need to know. It's a Blu-ray/DVD Combo, but only the movies are included on DVD. All the extras are on the Blu-rays. Also, it only includes the 8th book - Growing Up. It's in many Target stores now, but initial shipment quantities were low so many stores have just 1-3 copies until they restock. Some stores aren't getting their copies of the set in until next week. We strongly suspect that when the Target exclusive ends and Warner puts the set into wide release, you'll get at least two different SKUs - separate Blu-ray and DVD versions - to match the ones they've released thus far. It may also be that the wide release versions will be split into separate boxes for the two films, like the U.K. versions. So if you only want Blu-ray and you're dying to get the set now, Target's the place. But if you want the DVD version or want to wait until it's two separate boxes for each film so you get the two different books, all the character cards, etc, hang tight until early next year.

All right, one last note about upcoming reviews. We do have the Bond 50 Blu-ray Disc set on hand. I will be doing a full review, but it's going to take a couple weeks to really get into it all and cover it properly as I only just got my hands on it and there's a LOT of material to go over. Also, Dr. Jahnke will shortly have the Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection Blu-ray set in his hands which means you can definitely expect it to be one of the titles he reviews when we launch his annual Hell Plaza Oktoberfest next week! I know a lot of you have been looking for reviews on those titles, so just know they're coming.

We'll leave you with a look at the Blu-ray Disc cover art for Lionsgate's Francis Ford Coppola 5-Film Collection, Warner's Chuck: The Complete Series and PBS' Downton Abbey: Seasons 1 & 2 (due on 10/2)...

Stay tuned!

- Bill Hunt

Okay... we've got a couple more little bits of information for you today...

First, here at the site today, we've kicked off a new Giveaway giving each of you the chance to win one of FIVE copies of Fringe: The Complete Fourth Season on Blu-ray Disc thanks to our friends at Warner Home Video. Entries will be accepted until Noon (Pacific) on Sunday, October 7th. Click on the link for instructions on how to enter and good luck!

Speaking of Warner, Warner Home Video has set LEGO Ninjago Masters of Spinjitzu: Rise of the Green Ninja for DVD release on 11/27.

Vanguard Entertainment has set Behold the Lamb, The Last Soul on a Summer Night, Flood Streets and Mama Sweetie for DVD release on 11/27.

And Lionsgate will release Bro' on DVD on 12/18.

Back to Warner again for a moment, there are rumors that Target stores have (or will soon have) a retail-exclusive version of a Harry Potter: Year 7 - Ultimate Edition on Blu-ray and DVD. This is obviously the very box set that many of you (who've purchased all the previous UE sets) have been waiting for. We asked WHV for confirmation and have been told that they're not commenting. Which suggests that it's true. However, there's no such set listed on Target.com. We're trying to get to the bottom of this, so if any of you spot the set at your local Target store be sure to let us know. Meanwhile, we've asked Warner if they can at least tell us when and if the set will be available widely for all their loyal customers who, as I noted, have already purchased all the other UE sets. When and if they get back to us on this we'll let you know. We certainly hope they do, because judging by your e-mails many of you are getting understandably impatient about this.

[UPDATE - Target DOES INDEED have a retail exclusive on the long awaited Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Parts 1 and 2 - Year 7 Ultimate Edition, with both movies included in one box set. That explains why the studio isn't commenting. It's available starting today in stores. A sticker on the front of the box indicates that it's a Target exclusive until 1/6/13, and it's a 6-disc set that DOESN'T include the 3D versions - just 2D. SRP is $49.99. Presumably after 1/6 it will go into wide release. Thanks to the many Bits readers who e-mailed with this information.]

Also today, we've yet to hear back from our contacts at Network and A&E about the BD release status of UFO and Thunderbirds, but Bits reader Robert H. did send us a link to a trailer for the Japanese UFO BD release on YouTube. Keep in mind, given that the U.K. and U.S. rights are owned by other companies, so I wouldn't expect this Japanese release to be all-region. Again, anything we hear from our official contacts we'll post as soon as it comes in.

Finally this morning, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the passing over the weekend of filmmaker Steve Sabol, who was the president and co-founder of NFL Films (along with his father, Ed). If you love football like I do, you need no explanation as to just how much impact Sabol has had on the game of pro football over his career. Week in and week out, season after season, Steve and his camera teams captured every scrap of the drama, the history and the humanity of the game. Like any good filmmaker, he was a storyteller and he was a damn good one. Steve died of complications of a brain tumor at the age of 69. He will be missed. Be sure to check out the NFL's tribute film here.

Stay tuned...

- Bill Hunt

[Editor's Note: You can meet Mark Altman (along with Bits editor Bill Hunt and contributing editor Dr. Adam Jahnke) this weekend at WonderCon in Anaheim where he will be moderating several panels and autographing at the Femme Fatales booth with cast and crew from the hit Cinemax TV series.]

Another year, another column...

Sorry I've been away so long, but I'm thrilled to be back compiling the bits to render judgment on another year of home entertainment. Unfortunately, the biggest takeaway from 2011 and the flaming out of the home video juggernaut that kept the studios awash in big bucks for decades is the fact that the studio's just aren't spending the money to create new bonus features for their discs. The days of being awed by hours of in-depth and eye-opening supplements are clearly over and even the best of this year's Blu-ray featured largely re-purposed content from previous editions. Even when Universal would re-cycle their old laserdisc docs on DVD, it wasn't totally disappointing because the bonus features on those old CAV laser sets were incredible. Jaws, anyone?

All right, we've got some good new announcement news for you today.

First though, you may have noticed that I missed a couple daily posts last week. No worries - all is well here. We've just got some good stuff going on here at The Bits. Personally, I've been helping my mother prepare for a move to a new retirement home. And behind-the-scenes here we're also working on a couple really cool things for you guys, one of which is Dr. Jahnke's Hell Plaza Oktoberfest! Look for that to kick off on 10/1. The other thing you'll learn about soon enough, so I'll come back to that in a week or so. Anyway, I appreciate your patience as we get it all completed so thank you.

Now then... Liongate has announced their December Blu-ray and DVD slate, including Bob the Builder: Teamwork Time, Fred 3: Camp Fred, a Fred 3-Movie Collection, Titanic: Blood & Steel (Blu-ray and DVD) and A Vampire's Tale on 12/4, followed by Bigfoot County and Thomas & Friends: Sticky Situations on 12/11. The studio will release Step-up Revolution on Blu-ray and DVD on 11/27. Lionsgate has also set Power Rangers Samurai: Christmas Together, Friends Forever for DVD only release on 10/16.

Warner Home Video will release Thunderstruck on Blu-ray/DVD Combo on 1/1/2013 (SRP $24.97).

Sony Pictures has just announced the Blu-ray 3D Combo, Blu-ray Combo and DVD release of the CG-animated Arthur Christmas on 11/6. Extras will include 2 featurettes (including Un-wrapping Arthur Christmas and Elf Recruitment Video) and 5 Progression Reels (Arthur Christmas Unwrapped, Arthur's Office, Grand Santa, Invasion and Trelaw).

Sony has also announced a slate of new MOD DVD-R titles for release on 11/6, including Arizona (1940), The Tall T, Assignment K and The Houston Story.

Disney has set Army Wives: Season Six, Part Two for DVD only release on 12/18.

20th Century Fox has set individual season sets of Stargate Atlantis for release on Blu-ray Disc on 11/27 (SRP $39.99 each).

Synapse Films has announced The Definitive Document of the Dead documentary for release on DVD and limited edition Blu-ray Disc on 11/13 (SRP $19.95 each). Just 1500 copies of the Blu-ray will be available. The Blu-ray will include the 102-minute documentary on DVD, plus a BD of the 66-minute version from 1979. Extras on both will include all-new audio commentary by writer, producer and director Roy Frumkes.

PBS Distribution has announced a Masterpiece Classic: Downton Abbey - Seasons 1 & 2 box set for release on Blu-ray and DVD on 10/2 (SRP $64.99 and $59.99). The DVD is a 6-disc set while the BD set is a 5-disc set.

Anchor Bay Entertainment will release The Trouble with Bliss on DVD only on 1/1/2013.

Well Go USA Entertainment will release Painted Skin: The Resurrection on Blu-ray and DVD on 11/13.

Shout! Factory will release Kaijudo: Rise of the Duel Masters - Creatures Unleashed on DVD only on 12/4 (SRP $14.97).

CBS and Paramount have set Perry Mason: The Seventh Season - Volume Two for DVD only release on 10/23 (SRP $55.98), followed by The Streets of San Francisco: Season Five, Volume One and Volume Two on DVD on 10/30 (SRP $45.98 each) and Perry Mason: The Eighth Season - Volume One on DVD on 11/27 (SRP $55.98).

Paramount has also set Hot in Cleveland: Season Three for DVD only release on 11/27.

For you music fans, Eagle Rock Entertainment has set Paul McCartney: Live Kisses for DVD and Blu-ray release on 11/13.

And Image Entertainment has set Suddenly, the 1954 film noir classic starring Frank Sinatra, for Blu-ray Disc release on 12/4 (SRP $19.98).

In other news today, for those of you up in Canada who are having problems with Warner's Harry Potter Wizards Collection box set, we've got an e-mail you can use to report problems and see about getting them resolved. Contact Warner's Heather Borg at this address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We're working on getting a similar e-mail address for you U.K. readers too, so check back over the next couple days.

Also today, Amazon is suggesting that Universal's Ted will street on Blu-ray Combo and DVD on 12/11 (SRP $34.98 and $29.98).

Amazon.co.uk has also suggested a new street date for Warner's Empire of the Sun - 11/13 in the U.K. according to the site. Sources at Warner have informed us that a new official street is soon to be announced, so be sure to check back. We'll post it as soon as it's available.

And while we're talking about Amazon... Amazon.co.jp has revealed the Japanese Blu-ray Disc release of Gerry Anderson's UFO on 12/5 and Thunderbirds on 2/6/2013 respectively. Looks like lots of great content. One suspects they're coming in the U.S. and the U.K. as well - likely handled by Network and A&E/New Video. Fingers crossed we'll see official announcements soon. We're working to confirm. Thanks to several Bits readers who sent this in today.

We'll leave you with a look at the Blu-ray cover art for Synapse's Document of the Dead and Warner's The Postman Always Rings Twice (due 11/13) and Guys and Dolls (11/6)...

Stay tuned...

- Bill Hunt

Welcome to 2011, everyone. I trust you all had a wonderful and relaxing holiday season and are fully reinvigorated, ready to take on the new year and whatever it may bring. Yeah, neither am I really, but I guess we don’t have a whole lot of choice in the matter. But before 2011 builds up too much steam, let’s take yet another look back at 2010.