Paramount Scares Collection: Volume 2 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Disc Box Set Review.

Click on the photo above for a companion video 

to this review. Thank you.

Paramount Home Entertainment’s Paramount Scares Collection: Volume 2 is an excellent limited edition box set containing four thriller/horror films in both 4K Ultra HD and 1080p Full HD Blu-ray Discs and some collectible extras. To better explain what the set includes I made a video that you can watch above at GenreOnline.net’s companion YouTube channel, GenreOnlinenet. Same spelling. Just drop the dot between Online and net and you’re all set. 

Anyway, within the high quality cardboard box one gets access to both 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs and 1080p Full HD Blu-ray Discs of the films Friday The Thirteenth Part 2, Breakdown, World War Z and Orphan First Kill. The highly collectible set places the black amaray BD cases within exclusive cardboard slipcovers that look fantastic whether you leave them within the box or place them in your library with the spines fitting perfectly with the rest of one’s collection. In addition there are four unique iron-on patches, a glow-in the-dark enamel pin, a domed sticker and a poster designed by Orlando Arcena. My favorite extra is the curated issue of Fangoria, with articles from their vault and new content too. i’Tunes Digital Copies of all four films are also included and is just like icing on the cake for this awesome set. I cannot stress enough how much I love this both set and wish I knew about the first volume last year. 

Two of the film presentations are fantastic English DTS-HD MA Soundtracks on both discs coupled with English Descriptive Audio, English Subtitles for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired. Dolby TrueHD Soundtracks are provided for Friday The Thirteenth Part 2 and Breakdown while World War Z features a 7.1 DTS HD-MA Soundrack too. 

Extra value features include for Breakdown an Audio Commentary by Director John Moscow and Kurt Russell, featurettes with Kathleen Quinlan, Martha De Laurentis and Johnathan Moscow. Friday The Thirteenth Part 2 has Inside “Camp Crystal Lake Memories,” Friday's Legacy: Horror Conventions, Lost Tales of Camp Blood - Part II, Jason Forever and the original theatrical trailer. Meanwhile World War Z is presented in it’s Unrated Cut with more intense footage as well as behind-the-scenes featurettes.

I cannot praise this box set enough. Paramount Scares Collection Volume 2 is available now at retailers on and offline courtesy of Paramount Home Entertainment. Stay scared and Happy Halloween.

(C) Copyright 2024 By Mark A. Rivera

All Rights Reserved.

HBO Original Drama Series DUNE: PROPHECY Debuts November 17 Official Trailer Released At New York Comic Con.

 

         Click on the One-Sheet Above to view the final trailer.

• HBO released the official trailer for the original drama series DUNE: PROPHECY during a panel at New York Comic Con. Co-produced with Legendary Television, the six-episode season debuts SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. New episodes will debut subsequent Sundays.
   
• Logline: From the expansive universe of Dune, created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, DUNE: PROPHECY follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. DUNE: PROPHECY is inspired by the novel SISTERHOOD OF DUNE, written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.
   
• Cast: Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Camilla Beeput, Jihae, Tabu, Charithra Chandran, Jessica Barden, Emma Canning, and Yerin Ha. 
   
• Credits: Alison Schapker serves as showrunner and executive producer. Diane Ademu-John co-developed the series and serves as executive producer. Anna Foerster executive produced and directed multiple episodes including the first. Jordan Goldberg, Mark Tobey, John Cameron, Matthew King, Scott Z. Burns, and Jon Spaihts executive produce with New York Times bestselling author Brian Herbert, along with Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert as executive producers for the Frank Herbert estate. New York Times bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson serves as co-producer. The series is co-produced by HBO and Legendary Television with Legendary also producing the film franchise that has released two installments to critical acclaim, the first of which garnered six Academy Awards^®.

Caligula: The Ultimate Cut Blu-ray Disc Review.

Caligula: The Ultimate Cut is a restored and in some ways almost completely different version of the film. Whether or not this truly represents Gore Vidal’s original screenplay and the original Director Tinto Brass’ original vision is not truly knowable because two years after production wrapped, Bob Guccione shot some pornographic scenes with Penthouse Pets to fulfill his vision of creating a high budget adult film and upon learning of his actions, many of the creative people behind the scenes and in front of the camera divorces themselves from the project and the film was critically panned in it’s original 1980 theatrical release. 

Yet for better or for worse, Caligula was a box office success earring more than 100 million dollars during it’s theatrical release and ushering the idea of the adult themed, but non pornographic drama film like 1981’s Excalibur, which is arguably still one of the best adaptation of Mallory ever produced for the big screen. In fact Actress Helen Mirren is featured in both Caligula and Excalibur. Could we have had Game of Thrones on HBO, which introduced adult themes into televised fantasy drama, without Caligula. Probably, but I do think Caligula is highly influential and has been worthy of reappraisal for decades. In 2007 the Imperial Cut presented a restored longer edit of the film, but never has someone taken an existing film and using alternate takes, adding more than thirty minutes of recently discovered never before seen footage and either recreated or composed a new score to create an Ultimate Cut of Caligula that is in many ways it’s own separate feature film. 

The results is something kind of eerie. The new music combined with this new edit provides a surreal quality that takes the viewer into what could be an alien world when one considers the practices and decadence of the Roman Empire as well as their exotic rituals. Imagine everyone speaking in Latin, Greek and perhaps Aramaic and I think the average 21st century time traveller would feel lost and alienated. They certainly would appear alien to the Romans just by the fact of our health practices would make one look uncannily healthy in comparison.

The music in particular works fantasticly when we see the island of Capri, where Tiberius has lived outside of Rome in decadence. However, other times I feel that the score actually hindered certain parts of the film, and thus I found myself wishing I could mix and match musical cues and certain pacing from the previous version and intermixing it with this new edit because in some ways, this new version is actually way too long and at times around the middle can become extremely boring.

Well, I do not think most of the sex scenes ever did anything to forward the story in any meaningful way they did at times work well in the original editing such as in the orgy scene where the Romans marched by this barge, and in the original cut despite however, tasteless someone might find it, the manner by which the film was edited and paced combined with the original music works better than this new version in this Ultimate Cut. 

There are two feature-length audio commentaries with the films, editor, producer and reconstructionist as well as one with an author and producer talking about the new version of the film. However, I found it difficult to sit through because quite honestly, I think that the new version is simply too long.

On the second disco containing the 2007 version of the film there is a comparison that shows the original 1980 theatrical version that is restored with the new version from 2007 which was also restored along with the ultimate cut and one can appreciate the work that has been done as a result when you compare it side-by-side.

The film also stars Malcolm McDowell in the title role as well as Peter O’Toole as Tiberius and sir John Gielgud. Both versions are presented in their original theatrical aspect ratios and while both look good in 1080p full HD, the new version looks better. It would appear any debris or deficiencies in the 2007 version were not fully restored. An atmospheric English DTS-HD MA 5.1 Surround Soundtrack is provided for the Ultimate Cut while an English DTS Stereo Soundtrack is available for the 2007 Immortal Edition. English Subtitles for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired are provided as an option for both versions. None of the extra value features that were found in the 2007 release are included in this one.

Caligula: The Ultimate Cut is available now at retailers on and offline courtesy of Unobstructed View.

(C) Copyright 2024 By Mark A. Rivera

All Rights Reserved.

Unobstructed View to Release Caligula: The Ultimate Cut The Ultimate Cut and 4K Restoration in a Limited Edition Numbered UHD Boxed Set, a Two-Disc Blu-ray Set, a DVD Set and on Streaming Platforms Blu-Ray/DVD Available September 17, 2024 VOD release: October 18, 2024 4K Set: October 22

For Immediate Release 

Canadian based distributor Unobstructed Viewhas acquired the North American disc rights and all Canadian rights to Caligula: The Ultimate Cut,which premiered at Cannes last year as a completely new edit of the infamous 1980 original produced by Penthouse’s Bob Guccione.

The only place to experience The Ultimate Cut and a 4K restoration of the original 1980 theatrical version will be on a limited edition numbered UHD Boxed Set available on Unobstructed View's company’s e-commerce site. U.S. based customers will have the added option to purchase from a small allotment on Diabolik.com.

Releasing concurrently will be an additional Two-Disc Blu-ray set which includes the restored original. and a DVD version.

The street dates for  Caligula: The Ultimate Cut are
Blu Ray/DVD Street Date: September 17, 2024
VOD: October 18, 2024
4K Box Set: October 22, 2024

Caligula: The Ultimate Cut is a scene-by-scene reconfiguration of Tinto Brass’ controversial somewhat raunchy epic chronicling the Roman Empire’s most debauched emperor, starring Malcolm McDowell, Peter O’Toole and Helen Mirren.

The four-disc UHD set is loaded with bonus features and includes a CD of The Ultimate Cut’s soundtrack and a commentary from Ultimate Cut producer Thomas Negovan and editor Aaron Shaps. 

Toronto-based Unobstructed View celebrated their 30th year in business last year. Their noteworthy history of US disc releases includes the Portlandia TV series, the Richard Lewis retrospective Bundle Of Nerves and the sports docs Facing Nolan and Rowdy.

“We have been waiting for the right vehicle with which to amp up our US game and this film is it - notorious, rare and collectible,” says UV’s founder and President Jonathan Gross, who licensed UV’s rights from Drafthouse Films. 

UV recently added former Kino Lorber Senior VP of Sales Alan Fergurson as a consultant to further help consolidate and grow UV’s US business. Says Gross, “Alan brings a lot to the table. We are honored to have a first ballot home entertainment hall-of-famer with us.”

Synopsis:

Tormented by the murder of his family, the young, wary Caligula (Malcolm McDowell) eliminates his devious adoptive grandfather Tiberius (Peter O'Toole) and seizes control of the declining Roman Empire as it descends into a spiral of depravity, destruction and madness. Restoring the complete performances of McDowell and O'Toole along with fellow film legends Helen Mirren and John Gielgud, this extensive reconstruction of the notorious 1980 spectacle, based on the original narrative as conceived by writer Gore Vidal, had its world premiere at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Showcasing the sumptuous costume designs of two-time Oscar winner Danilo Donati (Fellini's Cassanova; Romeo & Juliet), CALIGULA: THE ULTIMATE CUT features an entirely new score by Troy Sterling Nies, as well as a new animated title sequence by graphic artist Dave McKean (Arkham Asylum, The Sandman).

Extras/Pricing/UPC Codes:

CALIGULA THE ULTIMATE CUT 4 DISC COLLection (2 UHD +1 BD + 1 CD) LIMITED NUMBERED EDITION

SRP: 59.98.     

UPC: 778854240896

Disc 1: The Ultimate Cut

Caligula: The Ultimate Cut
Cannes 2023 Teaser
English Closed Captions
French Canadian Subtitles
Audio Commentary with editor Aaron Shaps and producer and reconstructionist Thomas Negovan
Audio Commentary with author Grant Morrison and producer and reconstructionist Thomas Negovan

Disc 2: 1980 Theatrical Version

Caligula: Restored Original 1980 Theatrical Version
Restored Original Theatrical Trailer
English Closed Captions

Disc 3: Caligula: The Bonus Materials [Blu-ray]

"The Orgy of Power" interview with Tinto Brass
The Making of Caligula
The Guccione Scandal

Disc 4: Audio Soundtrack [CD]
Caligula: The Ultimate Cut Soundtrack
 

CALIGULA THE ULTIMATE CUT BLURAY 2 DISC COLLECTION

Disc 1: The Ultimate Cut

Caligula: The Ultimate Cut
Cannes 2023 Teaser
English Closed Captions
French Canadian Subtitles
Audio Commentary with editor Aaron Shaps and producer and reconstructionist Thomas Negovan
Audio Commentary with author Grant Morrison and producer and reconstructionist Thomas Negovan

Disc 2: 1980 Theatrical Version

Caligula: Restored Original 1980 Theatrical Version
Restored Original Theatrical Trailer
English Closed Captions
The Guccione Scandal

CALIGULA THE ULTIMATE CUT DVD

Caligula: The Ultimate Cut Cannes 2023 Teaser English Closed Captions French Canadian Subtitles Audio Commentary with editor Aaron Shaps and producer and reconstructionist Thomas Negovan Audio Commentary with author Grant Morrison and producer and reconstructionist Thomas Negovan

ALIEN: ROMULUS Is Now Available on Digital, and on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD 12/3

 

BURBANK, CA (September 26, 2024) – The legendary Alien franchise gives birth to an all-new terrifying sci-fi horror thriller when 20^thCentury Studios’ Alien: Romulus arrives to digital retailers (Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home) on October 15 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on December 3.
 
Director Fede Alvarez takes the phenomenally successful Alien franchise back to its iconic roots in the next jaw-dropping installment heralded by critics as “sheer terror” (Brian Truitt, USA Today) and “utterly breathtaking” (Andrew J. Salazar, Discussing Film). Alien: Romulus is Certified-Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes™ and has already thrilled audiences at the box office, becoming the second highest grossing film in the Alien franchise globally.
 
Alien: Romulus is the start of a new chapter with a brand-new story unlike any other Alien movie that came before it, featuring all-new creatures and characters that are “tense enough to grab you by the throat” (Owen Gleiberman, Variety). Fans can delve deeper into the Alien franchise with all-new exclusive bonus features, including featurettes with filmmakers Fede Alvarez and Ridley Scott, behind the scenes content, and alternate and extended scenes. The 4K UHD will be available in a collectible limited edition SteelBook® with custom artwork and packaging.

The original 1979 sci-fi thriller, Alien, is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. Fan can experience the terror in a 2-Movie Collection digital bundle (Alien & Alien: Romulus) on October 15 in 4K UHD, HD and SD.

Film Synopsis

This truly terrifying sci-fi horror-thriller takes the phenomenally successful Alien franchise back to its iconic roots. While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young colonizers come face-to-face with the most relentless and deadly life form in the universe. Starring Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn and Aileen Wu, Alien: Romulus is directed by horror master Fede Alvarez from a screenplay by Alvarez and frequent collaborator Rodo Sayagues based on characters created by Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett. Ridley Scott — who directed the original Alien and the series entries Prometheus and Alien: Covenant— produces with Michael Pruss and Walter Hill.
 
Bonus Features*
Return to Horror: Crafting Alien: Romulus

• The Director’s Vision – Discover how one of today’s greatest horror directors, Fede Alvarez, collaborated with master filmmaker Ridley Scott to craft a new, heart-pounding chapter in the Alien franchise.

• Creating the Story – Learn what inspired the story of Alien: Romulus and see the many easter eggs from previous Alien installments that you may have missed.

• Casting the Faces – Meet the stars of Alien: Romulus as they take us inside the hearts and minds of their characters. Explore the parallels between Rain and the iconic franchise heroine, Ripley, and learn how filmmakers brought back a face from the past.

• Constructing the World – Explore the massive, practical sets of Alien: Romulusthat hearken back to the futuristic style established in the '80s and get up close and personal with a hoard of practically built facehuggers, chestbursters, and xenomorphs.

Inside the Xenomorph Showdown – Experience the film’s climactic zero-gravity sequence from every angle as filmmakers break down what it took to make the moment spectacular. From sets and performances, to wirework, stunts, and VFX, see how it all came together.
 
Alien: A Conversation – A special conversation with Ridley Scott and Fede Alvarez for the Alien 45th Anniversary theatrical re-release.
 
Alternate / Extended Scenes – Check out scenes that didn't make the final cut.
 
*Bonus features may vary by product and retailer
 
Cast
Cailee Spaeny as Rain
David Jonsson as Andy
Archie Renaux as Tyler
Isabela Merced as Kay
Spike Fearn as Bjorn
Aileen Wu as Navarro
 
Produced by
Ridley Scott
Michael Pruss
Walter Hill
 
Executive Producers
Fede Alvarez
Elizabeth Cantillon
Tom Moran
Brent O’Connor
 
Based on Characters Created by
Dan O’Bannon
Ronald Shusett
Ridley Scott
 
Written by
Fede Alvarez
Rodo Sayagues
 
Directed by
Fede Alvarez
 
Product Specifications
Release Date
Digital: October 15
Physical: December 3
 
Product SKUs
Digital: 4K UHD, HD, SD
Digital Bundle: Alien & Alien: Romulus 2-Movie Collection (4K UHD, HD, SD)
Physical: 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital, Limited-Edition Collectible SteelBook (4K UHD, Blu-ray, Digital with SteelBook Packaging), Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD+ Digital), & DVD
 
Feature Run Time
Approx. 119 minutes
 
Rating
U.S.: Rated R for bloody violent content and language.
 
Disc Size
4K UHD: 66GB
Blu-ray: 50GB
DVD: 8.5GB
 
Aspect Ratio 
Digital: 2.39:1
Physical: 2:39:1
 
Audio 
4K: English Dolby Atmos, English AD 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Japanese 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus
Blu-ray: English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, English AD 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital
DVD: Dolby English 5.1, English AD 2.0 Dolby, Spanish 5.1 and French 5.1 
Digital: English Dolby Atmos. Dolby English, Spanish and French 7.1, Dolby English, Spanish and French 5.1, Dolby English, Spanish and French 2.0 and English 2.0 Audio Description
 
Subtitles 
4K: English SDH, Japanese S, Spanish, French
Blu-ray: English SDH, Spanish, French
DVD: English Line 21, English SDH, Spanish, French
Digital: English Closed Captioning, Full Subtitles and Hard of Hearing (SDH/HOH), French Closed Captioning, Forced Narratives, Full Subtitles, and Hard of Hearing (SDH/HOH). Spanish Closed Captioning, Forced Narratives and Full Subtitles