Sony discusses ‘Taxi Driver’ Blu-ray Restoration

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‘You talkin’ to me?’ is undoubtedly one of the greatest lines in movie history, proudly charting at 10 in AFI’s Top 100 Movie Quotes.

So it’s fantastic news for fans of Martin Scorsese’s ‘Taxi Driver’ that they’ll soon be able to watch Robert De Niro utter the infamous words in high definition as Sony Pictures Entertainment revealed the film is  undergoing a meticulous restoration process on it’s journey to Blu-ray Disc.

In a recent interview with The Digital Bits, Senior Vice president for Film Restoration Grover Crisp discussed at length why so much care is being taken to preserve the spirit of the original. Crisp chatted about Scorsese’s personal involvement in the project alongside original cinematographer Michael Chapman and the technical challenges they faced including damage to the original and lost frames.

‘Scorsese insisted that the restoration should look like “a product of the time and place in which it was made,” with no attempt to modernize the look or the color palette, with special mention of the shooting scene at the end of the film.’

When questioned on the idea that overly processed films often look artificial, Crisp agreed and talked about the need to keep fans of the original happy by not pursuing that kind of result.

‘People are entitled to their opinion on this subject, and lots of people have opinions on this, but we try to take a fairly authentic and neutral approach to every title – and they all differ in certain ways – so that each title looks, feels, sounds, like a product of its time and place, while trying to make them look their absolute best on Blu-ray.’

To read the full article visit Blu-ray.com.

The Little Fockers are coming to Blu-ray

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First we met the parents, then we met the Fockers, and soon you can meet the Little Fockers as the latest installment in the comedy trilogy prepares to land on Blu-ray Disc.

Available to pre-order now, Little Fockers reunites us with Greg (Ben Stiller) and Pam (Teri Polo) as they embark on the everyday challenges of Focker family life, and will be available in the UK and Europe from April 18th.

Balancing the perils of retired CIA agent Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) as a father in law, his own eccentric dad Bernie Focker (Dustin Hoffman), Pam’s lovelorn ex Kevin (Owen Wilson), and two young twins of his own, Greg Focker has his work cut out again in this hilarious family film.

With extras including a gag reel, deleted scenes, and alternate opening and ending sequences, alongside features, ‘The Making of the Godfocker’, ‘Bob and Ben’ and ‘Ben and Owen’ this Blu-ray is a must for any self respecting comedy collection.

Check out Blu-ray.com for more info in Little Fockers on Blu-ray.

Blu-ray Monday Giveaway: Raging Bull vs Charlie St. Cloud

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Love is in the air, so for this week’s Blu-ray Monday we’re offering a Valentine’s giveaway with a difference… Catering for those who love or loathe the most romantic day of the year, this week’s winner can choose between two very different Blu-rays, tender teen drama, ‘Charlie St. Cloud’ or boxing biopic, ‘Raging Bull’.

‘Charlie St. Cloud’ sees Zac Efron take on his first emotionally charged role as aspiring sailor Charlie, a young man who survives an accident enabling him see the world in a unique way. If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, hopefully ‘Raging Bull’ will get your juices going as Robert De Niro delivers the performance of his career as Jake La Motta, a deeply troubled boxer who’s complexities erupt into violence both in and out of the ring.

As usual with Blu-ray Monday, you have two chances to win. For your first entry, simply retweet the following post on Twitter: Tweet this

Then for a second entry, leave a comment on this post to the following question:

What would be your ultimate Valentine’s Day movie experience and why? Maybe it’s a home cooked meal followed by your favourite film? Or perhaps a trip to the cinema after a glass of champagne? Or do you prefer visiting romantic places featured in your favourite movies? Let us know!

To make it easier for us to contact you, leave your Twitter details with your comment. We look forward to your suggestions!

Universal announces a Blu-ray double for early 2011

Universal will kick start 2011 in style by releasing two catalogue titles on Blu-ray Disc on January 4th.

To mark its 20th anniversary, Backdraft: The Anniversary Edition will debut on Blu-ray. Starring Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Donald Sutherland and Robert De Niro, this acclaimed suspense story has some of the most awe-inspiring fire sequences ever filmed, making it perfect for an HD picture.

Including a Ron Howard Introduction, deleted scenes, as well as features entitled ‘Igniting the story’,’ The Explosive Stunts’, ‘Creating the Villain: The Fire’, and ‘Real-Life Firemen, Real Life Stories’, this anniversary release is packed with Blu-ray extras.

For many, a new year means a brand new look, and Lost in Translation is no exception. The 2003 Oscar winner, starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, will appear on Blu-ray Disc for the first time.

Extras include ‘A conversation with Bill Murray and Sofia Coppola’, ‘Lost on Location’, Kevin Shield’s music video for ‘City Girl’ as well as the theatrical trailer and the deleted scenes.

Blu-ray.com has the full story.

Blu-ray Monday Giveaway: The Godfather Trilogy

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This week, we’re making you an offer you can’t refuse: the chance to win not one, but three of the best mafia movies ever created, The Godfather Trilogy.

With outstanding performances from legendary actors like Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and Andy Garcia, the epic saga of the Corleone family is regarded as one of cinema’s all-time great trilogies.

Now restored on Blu-ray Disc, the films can be relived like never before.

As ever with Blu-ray Monday, you have two chances to win. For your first entry, simply retweet the following post on Twitter: Tweet this

Then for a second entry, leave a comment on this post answering the following question:

The success of Francis Ford Coppola’s Godfather trilogy is in large part due to the incredible performances of its cast.  But if you were to make your own mafia movie, which actors would you choose to take the key roles in the family?

To make it easier for us to contact you, leave your Twitter details with your comment.  Look forward to your suggestions!