It's a bird... It's a plane... It's another week filled with some super-awesome Blu-ray releases!
As you could probably tell, we're giving Man of Steel our Blu-ray spotlight for the week. Of course, it hasn't been that long since we've seen a Superman reboot. However, this one boasts some killer AV, as well as a super cast. It's also available in four different versions, which includes options for 3D and a giftable figurine.
If high-def superheroes aren't your thing, there are still plenty of interesting releases new for this week. The kids get an animated snail tale, adults get to see how Dexter ends, two classic dramas get "anniversary" editions, and much more.
Did we miss one of your favorites for the week? Have something to say about one of this week's new releases? Sound off in the comments below. Otherwise, all of these titles are out as of November 12, 2013, except where noted. Enjoy!
Man of Steel
Superman is getting another reboot, with a super cast and a director to match. Zack Snyder's (300) vision has Henry Cavill squeezing into the tights to save all of mankind. The all-star cast also has Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Michael Shannon taking on the evil Zod, Russell Crowe as Jor-El, and Laurence Fishburne playing Perry White. Oh, and just in case you don't feel old enough for remembering all of the previous Supermans, this one has Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Jonathan and Martha Kent, respectively.
Warner Bros. is giving this mega-blockbuster four different Blu-ray sets. There's a 3-disc Blu-ray set and a 4-disc Blu-ray 3D release, as well as two separate gift sets. All four have the movie with a 2.40:1 image and a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, as well as a standard-def DVD, a Digital Copy and an UltraViolet Digital Copy. The 3D set adds in a 3D disc, while the figurine pack has the 2D version of the Blu-ray packaged with two collectible action figures. The "Collector's Edition" is strictly for serious Superman fans, with the 3D version and a special metal "S" glyph with acrylic glass stand.
All of the sets also have several special features, including featurettes on the characters, the stunts, the special effects, and the "Planet Krypton." However, most impressive is the second Blu-ray, which includes the film in its entirety with all of the interviews and commentary mixed into the movie. It's cool, but it also has a 5.1 track as the only option. And finally, for some reason, there's a 3-minute Hobbit promo included. [Warner Bros.]
Turbo
This sweet story didn't go too far at the box office. It's probably because it was released during the summer of Monsters University and Despicable Me 2. Maybe it's just because kids don't find snails all that cuddly That said, it's a cute story of a snail whose racing dreams come true due to a freak accident. Also keep your ears open for the voices of Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Michael Peña, Bill Hader, Richard Jenkins, Ken Jeong, Michelle Rodriguez, Maya Rudolph, Samuel L. Jackson, and Snoop Dogg.
Despite the box office performance, DreamWorks is speeding Turbo onto Blu-ray with three separate releases. There are 2D and 3D options, as well as a special Blu-ray combo pack with a Turbo toy racer. Viewers should expect a colorful 2.39:1 image, a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, a standard-def DVD, a Digital Copy and an UltraViolet Digital Copy. The set also includes plenty of special features, including interviews, music videos, deleted scenes and storyboards, as well as an interactive tidbit known as the "Shell Creator." There's even a sneak peek on Turbo F.A.S.T., an upcoming animated series that will debut on Netflix next month. [DreamWorks Animation]
Dexter: The Complete Final Season
Showtime's insanely popular drama came to a screeching halt this year -- and it really went out with more of a whimper than a bang. Sure, Dexter (Michael C. Hall) is up to his old serial killer antics, hot on the trail of the "Brain Surgeon." The finale is probably the most shocking moment of the season, but not really in a good way. If you must watch, do it for Deb (Jennifer Carpenter).
The AV is decent as well, with a 1.78:1 image and an active Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track. Despite this being the last season, the special features are a major disappointment. Besides two episodes of Showtime's Ray Donovan, this 3-disc set has six super-short featurettes. The studio probably wanted to save the good stuff for one of the two "Complete Series" sets, which include all eight seasons, a slew of extras, and super-creepy packaging. [Showtime/Paramount]
JFK: 50-Year Commemorative Ultimate Collector's Edition
Later this month, the world will remember 50 years since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. What better time for a "Collector's Edition" Blu-ray? Although it's only been 12 years, Oliver Stone's controversial, critically acclaimed version of the story is getting a "50th Commemorative Ultimate Collector's Edition." Kevin Coster leads the all-star cast as Jim Garrison, an attorney trying to dissect the day's events. The rest of the lineup includes Kevin Bacon, Tommy Lee Jones, Gary Oldman, Joe Pesci, Laurie Metcalf, Michael Rooker, Sissy Spacek, Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Ed Asner, Donald Sutherland, John Candy, and Vincent D'Onofrio.
In addition to 17 extra minutes (not seen in theaters!), this 5-disc set has a 2.35:1 image, as well as options for Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks. However, the reason to buy this set isn't the AV or the acting, but for the crazy number of extras. The most impressive in that list are three documenaries: "Oliver Stone's JFK: To the Brink," "JFK Remembered: 50 Years Later," and "John F. Kennedy: Years of Lightning, Day of Drums." Rounding out the set are character cards, a book of quotes, and several reproduction photos, a poster and the inaugural address. [Warner Bros.]
All the President's Men
This year marks another unpleasant political milestone. It's the 40th anniversary of Watergate, people! Warner Bros. is marking the occasion with this 2-disc "Special Edition." Based on Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein's best-selling book, this film follows the duo (played by Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, respectively) as they uncover the scandal that rocked a nation. The drama snagged multiple Oscars, including one for Jason Robards. The stellar supporting cast also includes Jack Warden, Martin Balsam and Hal Holbrook.
This special 2-disc set includes a 1.85:1 image, a mono track, and a slew of special features. That lineup has Redford doing a solo commentary, a featurette about Deep Throat, a making-of documentary, a short on Woodward and Berstein, and more. However, that second disc is key here, since it includes a brand-new documentary titled, "All the President's Men Revisited." [Warner Bros.]
Prince Avalanche
Some may pay to watch Paul Rudd read the phonebook, but would you pay to watch him paint lines on the road? He does just that in this film, with Emile Hirsch in tow. However, it's not all about the paint. The pair also take in the landscape, while forming an unlikely friendship.
This little indie is getting a little Blu-ray release, with a 2.40:1 image and a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. The single-disc release does have an impressive set of extras, including interviews, promos, one deleted scene, shorts about the movie and its characters, and a commentary with director David Gordon Green, set production assistant Hugo Garza and talent driver Paul Logan. [Magnolia]
Ambushed
Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture and Vinnie Jones star in the same movie. Do you really need a plot? It's got drugs, cops, and crazy action sequences. Enjoy!
This 2-disc release has a 2.35:1 image, a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track, and a standard-def DVD for a little Ambushed almost anywhere. And if the film isn't disappointing enough, know that the release has just one 15-minute behind-the-scenes featurette. [Anchor Bay]
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