We're off to see The Wizard this week. However, you're going to need to choose whether you want to take that journey in 2D or 3D. Disney's made it so you can't do both!
Despite releasing a 3D version without a 2D Blu-ray of the film or any extras, we're still giving this week's spotlight to Oz the Great and Powerful. After all, he is a whiz of a wiz, if ever a wiz there was -- and Sam Raimi's vision is one feast for the eyeballs.
Otherwise, we've got the freshman season of two acclaimed dramas, The Rock cooking up some action, and a peek at a fractured fairytale gone completely badass.
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 June 11, 2013, except where noted. Enjoy!
Oz the Great and Powerful
Director Sam Raimi (Spider-Man) is the true wizard here. He was able to turn this Wizard of Oz prequel into an entertaining, creative viewing experience. James Franco stars as the title character -- well, pre-title. First, he needs to encounter a tornado and a trio of witches (Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams), as well as save the sparkly Land of Oz.
If you're a 3D fan, you're in luck -- sort of. Disney released a feast for the eyeballs, with a 2.40:1 image (it starts in 1:33.1) and a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track. However, the only extra in the 3D set is a Digital Copy of the film. If you're wanting special features, opt for the 2D set, which includes a second-screen option and shorts covering the location, Franco, composer Danny Elfman, the history of Oz, and more. [Disney]
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters
It's not as magical as the merry old land of Oz. Instead, Hansel (Jeremy Renner) and Gretel (Gemma Arterton) are introduced as a pair of badasses hell-bent on burning, blowing up, and blowing away witches. Famke Janssen and Peter Stormare also star.
The content may not be the greatest, but this release has plenty of eye candy in both 2D and 3D. Expect a sharp 2.35:1 image and a very active Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track. The 3D version includes a 2D Blu-ray, with an unrated version of the film and a trio of shorts. The 3-disc set also has a standard-def DVD, a Digital Copy and the UltraViolet Digital Copy. The 2-disc 2D set just drops the 3D disc. [Paramount]
Snitch
Can you smell what The Rock is cooking? It's another notch is his acting resume. Dwayne Johnson stars as a man looking to take down the Mexican cartel. If he can't do it, no one in Hollywood can! After all, he's convincing enough to get Barry Pepper, Susan Sarandon, Benjamin Bratt to also star in this action flick.
The Rock glistens in this 2.40:1 transfer, which also has a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track. It's a single-disc set, but includes a 50-minute making-of short, deleted scenes, and an audio commentary with director Ric Roman Waugh and editor Jonathan Chibnall. There's also the option for a Digital Copy and an UltraViolet Digital Copy. [Summit Entertainment]
The Newsroom: The Complete First Season
It's the HBO show that people love to hate. No, it's not Girls, people. Instead, it's Aaron Sorkin's behind-the-scenes peek at the fictional Atlantis Cable News (ACN) channel. Jeff Daniels is at the top of a lengthy cast roster, which includes Emily Mortimer, John Gallagher, Jr., Alison Pill, Dev Patel, Olivia Munn, and Sam Waterston.
The second season kicks off next month, giving you plenty of opportunity to cram this season's 10 episodes. Expect each episode to include a 1.78:1 image and a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. The 6-disc set has two standard-def DVDs with the season's episodes, as well as options for a Digital Copy and an UltraViolet Digital Copy. The four Blu-rays also include audio commentary on four episodes, deleted scenes, a 25-minute roundtable, and a 5-minute peek behind the scenes. [HBO]
House of Cards: The Complete First Season
Before the revival of Arrested Development, Netflix created some major buzz with this original drama series. That's probably because it involves a lot of drama, politics and overall mayhem. However, it also doesn't hurt that it has an A-list cast, which includes Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright and Kate Mara.
If you have Netflix, it's hard to imagine that you'd need a physical copy of this season. The fact that there are absolutely no extras doesn't exactly sell the 4-disc set, either. That said, viewers can expect a 1.78:1 image, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, the Digital Copy and an UltraViolet Digital Copy. [Sony]
Enter the Dragon: 40th Anniversary
After 40 years, this classic is finally getting a Blu-ray. It's certainly deserving, seeing that it was the last time that Bruce Lee ever appeared on film. It was released theatrically just six days after his accidental death, in 1973. Lee stars as a monk in a brutal martial arts tournament. Guess how all of that turns out?
It's even better than you'd expect -- especially on Blu-ray. This single-disc has a 2.40:1 image, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, and a slew of interesting extras. That lineup includes three brand new featurettes and a few pick-ups, such as a doc with George Takai, a behind-the-scenes short, interviews with Lee, and much more. [Warner Bros.]
Also New This Week:
