Bryan here…

A meant to have this column up earlier today, but I am a tad late , but never the less, I am getting this to you now.  I hope you all have your Halloween costumes by now and that you have been getting into the Halloween spirit by watching loads and loads of scary movies.  I know I have.  Any who, some pretty spectacular releases this week.  Some of the ultimate geek movies are released this week.  Like Always, you will get the title and of the movie plus a mini review and info about the releases plus the extra features.  And a link/picture to purchase the title over at amazing for a cheap cheap price where as when you purchase, we get a small percent donation over here at Boomstick to help keep this site going.  Thank you and ENJOY.

Alien Anthology Box Set (bluray)

Finally, we get the entire Alien Movie Set in Hi-def.    You know you are getting this, but here is the rundown on each disc.

Disc 1: ALIEN **1979 Theatrical Version
**2003 Director’s Cut with Ridley Scott Introduction
**Audio Commentary by Director Ridley Scott, Writer Dan O’Bannon, Executive Producer Ronald Shusett, Editor Terry Rawlings, Actors Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton and John Hurt
**Audio Commentary (for Theatrical Cut only) by Ridley Scott
**Final Theatrical Isolated Score by Jerry Goldsmith
**Composer’s Original Isolated Score by Jerry Goldsmith
**Deleted and Extended Scenes
**MU-TH-UR Mode Interactive Experience with Weyland-Yutani Datastream

Disc 2: ALIENS **1986 Theatrical Version
**1991 Special Edition with James Cameron Introduction
**Audio Commentary by Director James Cameron, Producer Gale Anne Hurd, Alien Effects Creator Stan Winston, Visual Effects Supervisors Robert Skotak and Dennis Skotak, Miniature Effects Supervisor Pat McClung, Actors Michael Biehn, Bill Paxton, Lance Henriksen, Jenette Goldstein, Carrie Henn and Christopher Henn
**Final Theatrical Isolated Score by James Horner
**Composer’s Original Isolated Score by James Horner
**Deleted and Extended Scenes
**MU-TH-UR Mode Interactive Experience with Weyland-Yutani Datastream

Disc 3: ALIEN 3 **1992 Theatrical Version
**2003 Special Edition (Restored Workprint Version)
**Audio Commentary by Cinematographer Alex Thomson, B.S.C., Editor Terry Rawlings, Alien Effects Designers Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr., Visual Effects Producer Richard Edlund, A.S.C., Actors Paul McGann and Lance Henriksen
**Final Theatrical Isolated Score by Elliot Goldenthal
**Deleted and Extended Scenes
**MU-TH-UR Mode Interactive Experience with Weyland-Yutani Datastream

Disc 4: ALIEN Resurrection

**1997 Theatrical Version
**2003 Special Edition with Jean-Pierre Jeunet Introduction 
**Audio Commentary by Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Editor Hervé Schneid, A.C.E., Alien Effects Creators Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr., Visual Effects Supervisor Pitof, Conceptual Artist Sylvain Despretz, Actors Ron Perlman, Dominique Pinon and Leland Orser
**Final Theatrical Isolated Score by John Frizzell
**Deleted and Extended Scenes
**MU-TH-UR Mode Interactive Experience with Weyland-Yutani Datastream

Disc 5: Making the Anthology

The Beast Within: Making ALIEN

**Star Beast: Developing the Story
**The Visualists: Direction and Design
**Truckers in Space: Casting
**Fear of the Unknown: Shepperton Studios, 1978
**The Darkest Reaches: Nostromo and Alien Planet
**The Eighth Passenger: Creature Design
**Future Tense: Editing and Music
**Outward Bound: Visual Effects
**A Nightmare Fulfilled: Reaction to the Film
**Enhancement Pods

Superior Firepower: Making ALIENS

**57 Years Later: Continuing the Story
**Building Better Worlds: From Concept to Construction
**Preparing for Battle: Casting and Characterization
**This Time It’s War: Pinewood Studios, 1985
**The Risk Always Lives: Weapons and Action
**Bug Hunt: Creature Design
**Beauty and the Bitch: Power Loader vs. Queen Alien
**Two Orphans: Sigourney Weaver and Carrie Henn
**The Final Countdown: Music, Editing and Sound
**The Power of Real Tech: Visual Effects
**Aliens Unleashed: Reaction to the Film
**Enhancement Pods

Wreckage and Rage: Making ALIEN3

**Development Hell: Concluding the Story
**Tales of the Wooden Planet: Vincent Ward’s Vision
**Stasis Interrupted: David Fincher’s Vision
**Xeno-Erotic: H.R. Giger’s Redesign
**The Color of Blood: Pinewood Studios, 1991
**Adaptive Organism: Creature Design
**The Downward Spiral: Creative Differences
**Where the Sun Burns Cold: Fox Studios, L.A. 1992
**Optical Fury: Visual Effects
**Requiem for a Scream: Music, Editing and Sound
**Post-Mortem: Reaction to the Film
**Enhancement Pods

One Step Beyond: Making ALIEN RESURRECTION

**From the Ashes: Reviving the Story
**French Twist: Direction and Design
**Under the Skin: Casting and Characterization
**Death from Below: Fox Studios, Los Angeles, 1996
**In the Zone: The Basketball Scene
**Unnatural Mutation: Creature Design
**Genetic Composition: Music
**Virtual Aliens: Computer Generated Imagery
**A Matter of Scale: Miniature Photography
**Critical Juncture: Reaction to the Film
**Enhancement Pods 

**MU-TH-UR Mode Interactive Experience to Access and Control Enhancement Pods

Disc 6: The Anthology Archives

ALIEN

Pre-Production

**First Draft Screenplay by Dan O’Bannon
**Ridleygrams: Original Thumbnails and Notes
**Storyboard Archive
**The Art of Alien: Conceptual Art Portfolio
**Sigourney Weaver Screen Tests with Select Director Commentary
**Cast Portrait Gallery

Production

**The Chestbuster: Multi-Angle Sequence with Commentary
**Video Graphics Gallery
**Production Image Galleries
**Continuity Polaroids
**The Sets of Alien
**H.R. Giger’s Workshop Gallery

Post-Production and Aftermath

**Additional Deleted Scenes
**Image & Poster Galleries
**Experience in Terror
**Special Collector’s Edition LaserDisc Archive
**The Alien Legacy
**American Cinematheque: Ridley Scott Q&A
**Trailers & TV Spots

ALIENS

Pre-Production

**Original Treatment by James Cameron
**Pre-Visualizations: Multi-Angle Videomatics with Commentary
**Storyboard Archive
**The Art of Aliens: Image Galleries
**Cast Portrait Gallery

Production

**Production Image Galleries
**Continuity Polaroids
**Weapons and Vehicles
**Stan Winston’s Workshop
**Colonial Marine Helmet Cameras
**Video Graphics Gallery
**Weyland-Yutani Inquest: Nostromo Dossiers

Post-Production and Aftermath

**Deleted Scene: Burke Cocooned
**Deleted Scene Montage
**Image Galleries
**Special Collector’s Edition LaserDisc Archive
**Main Title Exploration
**Aliens: Ride at the Speed of Fright
**Trailers & TV Spots

ALIEN 3

Pre-Production

**Storyboard Archive
**The Art of Arceon
**The Art of Fiorina

Production

**Furnace Construction: Time-Lapse Sequence
**EEV Bioscan: Multi-Angle Vignette with Commentary
**Production Image Galleries
**A.D.I.’s Workshop

Post-Production and Aftermath

**Visual Effects Gallery
**Special Shoot: Promotional Photo Archive
**Alien 3 Advance Featurette
**The Making of Alien 3 Promotional Featurette
**Trailers & TV Spots

ALIEN RESURRECTION

Pre-Production

**First Draft Screenplay by Joss Whedon
**Test Footage: A.D.I. Creature Shop with Commentary
**Test Footage: Costumes, Hair and Makeup
**Pre-Visualizations: Multi-Angle Rehearsals
**Storyboard Archive
**The Marc Caro Portfolio: Character Designs
**The Art of Resurrection: Image Galleries

Production

**Production Image Galleries
**A.D.I.’s Workshop

Post-Production and Aftermath

**Visual Effects Gallery
**Special Shoot: Promotional Photo Archive
**HBO First Look: The Making of Alien Resurrection
**Alien Resurrection Promotional Featurette
**Trailers & TV Spots

ANTHOLOGY

**Two Versions of Alien Evolution
**The Alien Saga
**Patches and Logos Gallery
**Aliens3D Attraction Scripts and Gallery
**Aliens in the Basement: The Bob Burns Collection
**Parodies
**Dark Horse Cover Gallery
**Patches and Logos Gallery
**MU-TH-UR Mode Interactive Experience

WOW.  Tons of stuff on this release.  I have never met a person who has not liked the Alien films…well at least the first two.  This is the set to get and watch in glorious high definition.  This will be watched at least once a year all in a row.

Altitude (Bluray)

So  I have not seen this or heard of this yet, but by looking at the box art….HOLY SHIT…. I see a plane high up in the air with somebody hanging out on the wing holding on for dear life, while giant tentacles are reaching up to grab the plane.  They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.  Well I aM judging this book by its cover.  How could you not.  This looks like it is going to be so bad it will be soooo good.  Cannot wait to watch it.

Plot Synopsis: Altitude follows a group of teens on a weekend getaway aboard a small plane that suddenly turns deadly for the rookie pilot (Lowndes) and four young friends: Julianna Guill (Friday the 13th, “90210”), Ryan Donowho (Bandslam, “The O.C.”), Landon Liboiron (“Degrassi: The Next Generation”) and Jake Weary (“As the World Turns”). Minutes after the group takes-off, an unexplained malfunction sends the aircraft climbing out of control into the heart of a mysterious storm. Unable to get their bearings or contact the ground, the survivors gradually realize they are locked in combat with a terrifying supernatural force.

Supplements

• Director’s commentary
• Altitude: Behind The Scenes
• Green Storm featurette
• Original Concepts Gallery

Back to the future 25th anniversary trilogy (bluray)

Again, here with another staple in geek movies.  Back to the Future is on bluray.   I can see all the futuristic cars and johnny b. good sequence in hi-def.  i AM SO EXCITED.    Some of the greatest moments in cinema history are in these movies.

Tons of extras including:

Blu-ray Exclusives
U-Control
Setups & Payoffs: Note key scenes and see how they play out as you watch the movies
Storyboard Comparison: Compare key scenes in the movie with the original storyboards.
Trivia Track: Get inside trivia and facts while you watch the movies.
Pocket BLU: Experience Blu-ray in an exciting new way with the app for iPhone, iPod touch, BlackBerry, Android and more
BD-Live: Access the BD-Live Center through your Internet-connected player and download even more bonus content, the latest trailers and more
My Scenes: Bookmark your favorite scenes from the movies

Bonus Features
“Tales from the Future:” 6-part retrospective documentary featuring all-new interviews with Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Director Robert Zemeckis, Producers Bob Gale and Neil Canton plus Executive Producer Steven Spielberg
“In the Beginning…”
Time to Go
Keeping Time
Time Flies
Third Times the Charm
The Test of Time
The Physics of Back to the Future
16 Deleted Scenes
Michael J. Fox Q&A
Archival Featurettes
The Making of Back to the Future Parts I, II & III
Making The Trilogy: Chapters One, Two & Three
Back to the Future Night
The Secrets of the Back to the Future Trilogy
Behind-the-Scenes
Outtakes
Original Makeup Tests
Nuclear Test Side Ending Storyboard Sequence
Outtakes
Production Design
Storyboarding
Designing the DeLeorean
Designing Time Travel
Hoverboard Test
Designing Hill Valley
Designing the Campaign
Photo Galleries Including Production Art, Additional Storyboards, Behind-the-Scenes Photographs, Marketing Materials and Character Portraits Music Videos
“The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and the News
“Doubleback” by ZZ Top
Back to the Future: The Ride
Q&A Commentaries with Director Robert Zemeckis and Producer Bob Gale Feature Commentaries with Producers Bob Gale and Neil Canton

House (1977 Criterion Bluray)

I scary ass crazy Japanese film about a Haunted House.  Basically 7 japanese girls go to a house and start to get fucked up and eaten by strange forces in the house.  This is a must own for any fan of horror movies.  nobody will ever match this movie.  ever.  it is a one of  a kind.  perfect film to show on halloween.

extras include:

Supplements

• Constructing a House, a new video piece featuring interviews with director Nobuhiko Obayashi, story scenarist and daughter of the director Chigumi Obayashi, and screenwriter Chiho Katsura
• Emotion, a 1966 experimental film by Obayashi
• New video appreciation by director Ti West (House of the Devil)
• Theatrical trailer
• An essay by Chuck Stephens

Maniac (1980)

Now I owned this movie on DVD when it was packaged in the TIN.  I think that is worth some money today.  Any who, this great gem of a film from the 80’s is finally on bluray which you kind of have to celebrate that movies like this are getting released in hi-def.  The gory slasher movies of the 80’s are what my childhood was all about.  That sounds weird yes, but i remember growing up and watching these and just falling love with the movie making and make up effects.  Tom Savini is a master.  It is a pleasure to have this again on bluray.

extras include:

Supplements

• Audio commentary: Co-producer/director William Lustig and co-producer Andrew W. Garroni
• Maniac Publicity
• Maniac Controversy
• Audio commentary: William Lustig, special make-up effects artist Tom Savini, editor Lorenzo Marinelli, and Joe Spinell’s assistant Luke Walter
• Anna and the Killer: interview with Star Caroline Munro
• The Death Dealer: interview with special make-up effects artist Tom Savini
• Dark Notes: interview with composer Jay Chattaway
• Maniac Men: interview with songwriters Michael Sembello and Dennis Matkosky
• Theatrical trailers, TV spots, Radio spots
• The Joe Spinell Story

stanley kubrick’s paths of glory (criterion collection bluray)

Kubrick is my favorite director.   All of his films are made perfectly.  He had total control over most of his films, which is why they are the way they are.  PERFECT. When you see the name Kubrick you know that means to purchase quickly and cherish forever.  This movie was one of Kubrick’s first films and is what made the world take notice of this LOOK magazine photographer and say, “Hey this kid has talent.”  I think this is one f the most powerful anti-war films ever made.    It is very tense and dramatic in every frame up until the ravaging climax.  A Must have.

extras include:

Supplements

• New audio commentary by critic Gary Giddins
• Television interview from 1979 with star Kirk Douglas
• New video interviews with Kubrick’s longtime executive producer Jan Harlan, Paths of Glory producer James B. Harris, and actress Christiane Kubrick
• Excerpt from a French television program about real-life World War I executions similar to the events dramatized in Paths of Glory
• Theatrical trailer
• An essay by Kubrick scholar James Naremore

Sadly no Kubrick interview, but Kubrick was a recluse and rarely interviewed.  But I will take what i can get.

So that is it for this week.  Enjoy your Halloween and look forward to next week for some good releases.