This Week on DVD and Blu-ray - June 16th, 2009

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Greetings once again, DVDTOWN.com citizens. Your host and party master is back with another rundown of this week's releases.

If you're looking for brand new releases straight from the multiplex, you may be a little disappointed. However, there are plenty of re-releases and Blu-Ray upgrades to quench your thirst for good movies.

The hockey mask-wearing slasher, Jason Vorhees returns in New Line's remake of "Friday the 13th." The cast of disposable, good-looking young victims are lead by Jared Padalecki (from "Supernatural") and the lovely Amanda Righetti ("The Mentalist"). The original spawned numerous sequels, a television series, and even a NES video game, but it remains to be seen if this new version will have the same longevity. The remake comes out on Blu-Ray and on DVD in both a theatrical cut and a Killer Cut Extended Edition. John J. Puccio has his review of the latter online. Parts 2 and 3 of the original series make the jump to Blu-Ray while new Deluxe Editions of Parts 4 through 6 arrive on standard DVD.

Bergman-amania is running wild this week as the Criterion Collection release a brand-new 2-disc edition of the Swedish director's seminal film, "The Seventh Seal." The re-release features a new high definition transfer as well as the usual wealth of extras that Criterion is known for. Not familiar with the film? Then get your education on by reading Christopher Long's reviews for the Blu-Ray and the DVD. "The Seventh Seal" comes with the documentary "Bergman Island" which is also being released by Criterion as a separate DVD.

It is going be an expensive Tuesday for Blu-Ray owners, but a trip to the store will certainly land you a plentiful bounty. One of the greatest films of all time hits Blu-Ray in Stanley Kubrick's classic black comedy, "Dr. Strangelove." Who can forget Peter Sellers in one of his best performances or should I say in three of his best performances? Sellers does triple duty as the titular Dr. Strangelove, President Merkin Muffley, and RAF Captain Lionel Mandrake. Sellers was originally set to play Maj. Kong until he broke his leg on set. Luckily, Slim Pickens stepped in and the rest is history. How awesome will it be to watch Pickens' unforgettable riding of the A-bomb in high definition? Just remember, there's no fighting in the war room. The special features included on the previous DVD editions are present for the Blu-Ray along with an exclusive picture-in-picture trivia track. For more on "Dr. Strangelove," check out the review by Jim Plath.

When there's something strange in the neighborhood, who you gonna call? "Ghostbusters" finally makes its long-awaited debut on Blu-Ray. Bustin' seemed to make Jim feel good, according to his review. I remember watching the film when I was a kid and now as an adult, "Ghostbusters" hasn't diminished in quality. In fact, I've come to appreciate it more and more as time goes on. There's Bill Murray in his prime, rifling off one-liners right and left, special effects that still look pretty darn good, and some of the most quotable dialogue ever. "When someone asks if you're a god, you say YES!" The franchise seems to be making something of a comeback as a video game (featuring the voices of the original cast) is coming soon and a third film is in development. However, nothing will come close to the original.

Disappointed that the first two seasons of "Lost" haven't been released on Blu-Ray yet? Well, fret no longer. Buena Vista brings you both season 1 and season 2. It's the perfect chance to catch up with the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 as the series gears up for its final season this fall.

HBO's award-winning mini-series, "John Adams," finds its way to Blu-Ray. The series stars Paul Giamatti as America's first Vice-President along with Laura Linney as his wife, Abigail. Backing them up is an A-list supporting cast that includes Danny Huston, Tom Wilkinson, Rufus Sewell, and David Morse as George Washington.

As a child of the 80's, the biggest and most exciting release for me is Shout! Factory's 25th anniversary release of the original "Transformers" animated series. Season One hits stores this Tuesday featuring all-new improved transfers and extras a-plenty. The previous editions from Rhino have been out of print for several years so fans that missed out should definitely pick these up. Those of you who want the entire show in one fell swoop will be interested to know that Shout is taking pre-orders for the complete series boxset on their website. Who needs you, Michael Bay? "Autobots! Transform and roll out!"

Other TV releases this week include; "Family Guy: Vol. 7" (featuring an hilarious episode with Peter becoming obsessed with the song, "Surfin' Bird") along with the second seasons of "Burn Notice," "Saving Grace," and the ABC Family soap "The Secret Life of the American Teenager."

I'll be back next week with an eclectic list of releases. Until then, keep your DVD players clean.

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Please Note - More details:
Be sure to check out the full details under related releases.

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