This Week on DVD and Blu-ray - October 20th, 2009

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Giant robots, loud noises, shiny things, and Megan Fox in skin-tight black leather straddling a motorcycle, that's what we've got for you this week. Without a doubt, the biggest release coming out this week is this summer's blockbuster sequel, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." Despite scathing reviews from critics, Michael Bay's latest actioner scored boffo box office, taking in over $800 million worldwide. As big, loud, and obnoxious as the original "Transformers" live-action film was, "Revenge of the Fallen" was bigger, louder, and even more obnoxious with many pivotal sequences shot in IMAX. Bay himself bragged that audiences for IMAX showings would get to see Optimus Prime in actual scale. While nobody would ever accuse "Transformers" of having a well-written, intricate story full of pathos and heart, it will be a movie that will be a feast for video and audiophiles.

"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" comes out on single-disc and double-disc DVD editions as well as a 2-disc Blu-Ray. FYE will have an exclusive version in steelbook packaging. Walmart will have an exclusive 2-disc "Big Screen Edition" Blu-Ray which will contain the IMAX version of the film. The framing of the IMAX sequences will open up much like "The Dark Knight." Again, this version will only be available at Walmart.

If "Revenge of the Fallen" doesn't satisfy your hunger for robots in disguise, then you'll be happy to hear Shout Factory's "Transformers: The Matrix of Leadership Edition" sees retail release this week. Originally only available online, this complete collection of the animated series will hit brick and mortar stores this week.

For more on "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," you can always check out my theatrical review.

Back in 2000, Production I.G. (the anime studio that produced "Ghost in the Shell") released "Blood: The Last Vampire," about a human/vampire hybrid named Saya who hunts down vampires on an American military base in Japan during World War II. This week, Sony will be releasing the new live-action version that was helmed by Chris Nahon ("Kiss of the Dragon") who took over directing duties from Ronny Yu ("Bride with White Hair"). So if you're at all interested in seeing a Japanese schoolgirl decapitating bloodsucking fiends with a pair of katanas, check out "Blood" on DVD and Blu-Ray.

From the mind of the late, great John Hughes, comes the classic 80's comedy, "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" in a new "Those Aren't Pillows!" Edition. This re-release contains a new making-of featurette and a tribute to one of the film's stars, John Candy.

Director Mira Nair was behind the camera for critically lauded films such as "Salaam Bombay," "Mississippi Masala," and "The Namesake." Perhaps her most renowned film is "Monsoon Wedding" which is being re-released in a new 2-disc edition on Blu-Ray and DVD courtesy of Criterion. "Monsoon Wedding" was previously released by Universal and that DVD contained a making of featurette and commentary track from Nair. The commentary track is ported over for the Criterion release along with interviews from the cast and crew. Top that off with a new remastered transfer and "Monsoon Wedding" looks like another stellar title from the Criterion Collection. Ranjan Pruthee calls the Blu-Ray one of this year's best releases in his review. Ranjan has also reviewed the 2-Disc Edition.

Two wildly divergent films hit Blu-Ray this week. There's Kevin Costner's infamously bloated action epic "Waterworld" (reviewed by our own Dean Winkelspecht) and, in my opinion, one of the greatest films ever made, "Easy Rider" starring Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda, and Jack Nicholson.

It's a huge day for TV releases with A&E and BBC Warner leading the charge. A&E will re-issue the Complete Series boxsets for "Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman" and "Homicide: Life on the Streets", both of which have been reviewed by Christopher Long. And I would also like to add that Jane Seymour still looks gorgeous after all these years.

Fans of British comedy will be excited by BBC Warner's offerings as "Fawlty Towers: The Complete Collection" and "Black Adder: The Ultimate Edition" hit shelves with newly remastered transfers. Also coming out this week: "The L Word: Final Season," "Hawaii 5-O: The Seventh Season," "Numbers: The Complete 5th Season," and "Plastic Man: The Complete Collection."

I'll be back within a week's time for a look at releases that include "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs," the horror flick "Orphan," and Woody Allen's "Whatever Works."

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

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