Coming to Blu-ray this week, “A.I. Artificial Intelligence,” the highly anticipated collaboration between Steven Spielberg and Stanley Kubrick that left critics and audiences slightly disappointed.
“Babe,” meanwhile, is a children’s tale that easily won the hearts of kids and parents alike. Its clever use of state-of-the-art digital effects allowed live-action animals to move in unison as well as synch their lips with dialogue.
Nominated for six Oscars, “Fiddler on the Roof” was a beloved film in its time, with catchy numbers like “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” by Jerry Bock.
And while “Rocky” won the Best Picture Oscar in 1976, but there aren’t many who would place it over runner up, “Taxi Driver.”
Here's a look at four classic titles getting hi-def disc release this week:
“A.I. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE” BLU-RAY (2001) Paramount Home Ent.
Considered a disappointment by many, “A.I.” suffered from absurdly high expectations.
Conceived by Stanley Kubrick and executed by Steven Spielberg, many thought collaboration between these two giants of cinema would result in one of the finest films ever made.
It just goes to show how difficult it is to make a good movie, even when your name is Spielberg.
But in this case, “A.I.” is a good movie, just not a great one. A sci-fi adaptation of “Pinocchio,” the story focuses on a robot boy who longs to be a real boy. Wunderkind Haley Joel Osmentbrings a human touch to his character that burns brighter and brighter as the light of humanity dims around him. Jude Law creates one of the most memorable supporting characters of 2001 with Gigolo Joe.
Features include:
>> Creating “A.I.”
>> Acting “A.I.”
>> Designing “A.I.”
>> Lighting “A.I.”
>> “A.I.” F/X
>> The Robots of “A.I.”
>> Special Visual Effects and Animation: ILM
>> The Sound and Music of “A.I.”
>> “Closing: Steven Spielberg: Our Responsibility to Artificial Intelligence”
>> “A.I.” archives
>> Trailers
“BABE”BLU-RAY(1995) Universal Studios Home Ent.
A Best Picture nominee in 1995, “Babe” is that rare fairy tale that captures the imagination of children and parents alike. Babe is a friendly little piglet who lives on a farm.
He must quickly learn the ways of barnyard animals in order to survive.
A bigger threat is the farmer’s blade as one poor soul is slaughtered each year for the Christmas feast.
Babe learns to save himself by adapting and becoming what he chooses to be, not letting others define him. Full of charm, “Babe” is also rich in theme, exploring issues of individuality and mortality while always staying true to its intended audience. Extras include:
>> Commentary with writer/producer George Miller
>> George Miller on “Babe”
>> The Making of “Babe”
“FIDDLER ON THE ROOF” – 40th ANNIVERSARY EDITIONBLU-RAY (1971) MGM Home Ent.
