STACK NZ Jul #75

BLU-RAY NEWS

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BATMAN v SUPERMAN ULTIMATE EDITION Y ou may have noticed that bonus features appear to be disappearing from DVDs of late. Blu-ray is now

where it's at if you want audio commentaries, deleted scenes, alternate endings, behind-the- scenes featurettes and other goodies. Moreover, many of the special and limited editions released are not just exclusive to JB Hi-Fi – they're exclusive to Blu-ray. It's not just the High-Def image quality that makes the format so desirable and collectable. The release of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice this month is a prime example of the value added material you'll only find on Blu-ray. Moviegoers and reviewers who criticised the superhero showdown for being far too busy and lacking narrative coherency – even at 151 minutes – will find an extended cut of the film on the Blu-ray edition, running a whopping 182 minutes, that promises to deliver a more satisfying experience. Director Zack Snyder had already announced that a longer "R-rated" cut was being prepped for the home entertainment market while the film was still in cinemas – referring to an America R (the equivalent of an MA15+ here). The extended version on the Ultimate Edition retains an M-rating, with "coarse language" added to the consumer advice, suggesting

appear in the theatrical version). There's also a rumour that the film will now feature a subtle connection to the upcoming Suicide Squad , further binding it to the expanding DC universe. As well as the extended and theatrical cuts, the Batman v Superman Blu-ray editions will feature up to two hours of special features, and JB customers will have the choice of four Blu-ray editions to choose from. There's a standard 2-disc version if you just want the movie and extras, as well as a 3D option, but collectors are well catered for with several more lavish editions. A Limited Edition Steelbook and a Deluxe Edition , the latter featuring a 144-page hardcover graphic novel titled Batman vs Superman: The Greatest Battles, are exclusive to JB Hi-Fi stores while stocks last.

the focus will be on storytelling additions – and swearing! – rather than violence. Early reports hint that the pacing has indeed been improved, more attention given to the scenes in Africa, some additional and extended action sequences, extra Jimmy Olsen, and a glimpse of Jena Malone's character (who doesn't

BLU-RAY

BLU-RAY ROUND-UP

With all the new releases reviewed elsewhere in the magazine, this column will focus on all things Blu-related – the bonus bits, the transfers, the deleted scenes, the limited edition JB exclusives, notable catalogue titles that are new to Blu, and other exciting aspects of HD home entertainment. Words: John Ferguson

I f you haven't already grabbed a copy of Tarantino's The Hateful Eight , don't wait too much longer or you'll miss out on JB's exclusive Limited Edition. The disc is housed in a slipcase featuring alternate artwork (which to this eye is more aesthetically pleasing than the red cover variant) and includes

you can't fault the dedication to bonus content on the Zoolander 2: Magnum Edition , which is exclusive to JB while stocks last. Like its namesake look, this set is fully loaded with an exclusive bonus disc that collects the World Tour promotional footage – which includes a Paris Walk Off

scenes clock in at 19 minutes and include a significant sequence that Miller (who provides an optional commentary track) calls the 'Cancer World Tour', in which Wade takes a trip to Mexico in search of a cure. July’s reissue of

Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979). Captain Kirk's enraged cry of "Khaaaan!" surely ranks as one of William Shatner's finest moments, while Ricardo Montalban delivered a career-

defining performance as the genetically enhanced villain of the title. The digitally remastered Blu-ray release of Star Trek II will feature both Nicholas Meyer's Director's Cut and the original theatrical version, as well as an all-new

the month has to be the 50th anniversary edition of Star Trek II: TheWrath of Khan . Not only did The Wrath of Khan officially establish the 23rd century as the period the Enterprise was

with Cara Delevingne and the London Abbey Road photoshoot, plus extra featurettes. Don’t forget, too, that the recent Blu-ray edition of Deadpool

a glossy 30-page collector's booklet with liner notes and

production insights from Tarantino. Needless to say the transfer looks

fantastic, preserving the 70mm frame in the Ultra Panavision widescreen ratio of 2.76 – just don't watch it on a small screen. Whatever you thought of Ben Stiller's belated Zoolander sequel,

also comes fully loaded with some great bonus features. A 5-part documentary feature covers all aspects of the production in the same irreverent tone as the film. The deleted

launched on its voyages, it also set the template for the high stakes intergalactic action that Trekkies have come to expect from the film franchise, following its rather inauspicious debut with

documentary covering the making and legacy of this classic Trek film. Specially illustrated cover art will also set this Blu-ray edition apart from previous Star Trek releases.

JULY 2016

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