Big Picture Big Sound

Paramount has given dates to three of its most anticipated titles on Blu-ray Disc. Braveheart, Gladiator and Forrest Gump will all get the high-def treatment this fall, under the studio's new "Sapphire Series" line.

What makes the Sapphire Series any different is unknown, except that each of its releases are Oscar winners. Aside from the magic of Blu-ray, expect each one to include two discs, as well as never-before-seen special features.

"I'm delighted that Forrest Gump is going to be a part of Paramount's Sapphire Series so that fans can enjoy it at home with pristine picture and sound along with a wealth of special features to give the film context," said director Robert Zemeckis. "It's wonderful that Paramount is taking the time to produce exceptional Blu-ray presentations of these classic films."

Five-time Oscar winner Braveheart will be presented with a 1080p picture and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 sound. The release will also feature over two hours of extras, including:

• Interactive Timelines—Three distinct timelines featuring a combination of video, images, text and audio that can be accessed linearly or randomly.
• Production: A comprehensive chronology of the motion picture from conception through theatrical release, from a behind-the-scenes point of view.
• Historical: Chronological modules feature Scotland's greatest patriot, along with historical places, figures and events surrounding his life and struggle.
• Fiction: A comprehensive timeline identifying the chronological events of the film.
• Braveheart: A Look Back— Features new interviews with members of the cast and crew reminiscing about their experiences making the film and its enduring impact on cinema.
• Smithfield: Medieval Killing Fields—Relates the remarkable history of Smithfield, which for centuries was regularly filled with the roars of crowds, regal fanfares and rowdy games. Smithfield is also known as the site of
• William Wallace's execution, along with other terrifying spectacles when heretics, rebels and criminals were put to death.
• Battlefields of the Scottish Rebellion— Two major Scottish battlefields, Falkirk and Bannockburn, will be presented as 3D models that can be explored for further investigation into the military strategies and timetables employed in each. Topography, weapons, troop movements, and leadership data can also be accessed. An alternate playing mode will allow the story of each battle to unfold in an "automated" fashion, much like the interactive dioramas displayed at historical site museums around the world.
  

If you're ready to do more battle, five-time Oscar winner Gladiator will also include a 1080p picture, but with 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. The release will feature over four hours of extras, including:

• Audio Commentary—Two separate commentaries accompany the original theatrical version and extended version of the film.
• The Scrolls of Knowledge—The original trivia track has been newly enhanced with focus points allowing viewers to access a series of new behind-the-scenes featurettes exploring key scenes and how they relate to the historical accuracy depicted in the film. The extended version of the film also includes a deleted scene marker.
• Visions From Elysium: Topic Marker—Viewers can tag moments of interest throughout either version of the film, allowing them to create "shopping lists" of topics to learn more about. Thanks to the Blu-ray player's memory, the topics will automatically be loaded when Disc 2 is inserted, giving viewers immediate access to featurettes and galleries of interest.
• Strength And Honor: Creating The World of Gladiator—The definitive documentary on the origin, production and impact of the Oscar-winning classic. The documentary includes an all-new Enhanced Viewing Mode allowing viewers access to additional interviews and behind-the-scenes material.
• The Making of Gladiator—HBO First Look special.
• Gladiator Games: The Roman Bloodsport—Learning Channel special.
• Hans Zimmer: Scoring Gladiator—An exploration of the rousing soundtrack.
• My Gladiator Journal—Personal diary of the young actor who played Lucius.
• Image & Design—Featurettes and galleries covering the production design, storyboards, costumes and more.
• Abandoned Sequences & Deleted Scenes
• VFX Explorations: Germania & Rome—Shot deconstruction with the visual effects artists.
  

Both Braveheart and Gladiator should hit shelves on September 1. Forrest Gump is coming shortly after on November 3. Paramount hasn't released details on Gump yet, except to say that the 15th anniversary set will feature new material, including a brand new roundtable discussion.  I guess it's as Gump himself said, quoting his own dear mamma, "you never know what you're gonna get."

Where to Buy:

• Braveheart on Blu-ray (Amazon.com)
• Gladiator on Blu-ray (Amazon.com)
• Forrest Gump on Blu-ray (Amazon.com)