And here’s something interesting: The Disney Movie Club has just revealed new “Blu-ray + DVD + Digital” editions of the classic animated Peter Pan (1953) and The Sword and the Stone (1963). The former is branded as a 70th Anniversary Edition while the latter is a 60th Anniversary Edition. The covers for each are based upon the original theatrical poster artwork. And Peter Pan will apparently have a disc-based special feature that’s exclusive to the DMC release only, which is entitled In Walt’s Words: Peter Pan. Street date is apparently 6/13.
Now… in the wake of DMC’s recent Cinderella 4K release (see our review here)—which is expected to appear widely in stores in August—these two titles open up some interesting possibilities. First, while it’s not yet confirmed, it’s possible that these could eventually be released widely too. Second, if they’re newly remastered like Cinderella was in 4K (and we know that Sword in the Stone is now available for streaming in 4K on Disney+), it’s possible that they’ll include grain and other fine image detail that’s been sorely lacking in previous Blu-ray editions. And third, it’s possible—but again not confirmed—that they could eventually be released in physical 4K UHD as well. For now though, these do appear to be DMC-exclusive BD releases only. When and if we receive more information from the studio about these titles, we’ll be sure to post an update here at The Bits. Here’s a look at the DMC packaging in the meantime…
In other news today, the finale of Star Trek: Picard – Season Three is now available for streaming on Paramount+ and it’s a helluva great experience. I’m delighted to say that the series’ final episode sticks its landing, delivering great action, strong character moments, and all the emotions you’re hoping for in a thrilling 63-minute runtime. Season Three will certainly be released on Blu-ray Disc in the weeks ahead, and showrunner Terry Matalas has already hinted (in an interview with MovieWeb) that the release may include some interesting special features. One of the revelations is that the episode’s final scene with the main Next Generation cast members (which I won’t spoil here) was essentially just a 45-minute long improvisation that they captured on camera. And some of that extended material may appear on Blu-ray.
I also feel optimistic that the season (and perhaps the entire Picard series) will be released on 4K Ultra HD eventually as well, and the reason is pretty simple: Damn near everyone who purchased Paramount’s new Star Trek: The Next Generation 4-Movie Collection in 4K Ultra HD (reviewed here) is going to want Picard: Season Three in 4K UHD as well. So fingers crossed. Our old friend Robert Meyer Burnett will be talking about all this in tonight’s episode of The Kurlan Naiskos Aftershow on YouTube. Here’s the viewing link (it starts at about 8 PM Pacific time)...
On a quick related note, you can now purchase Stephen Barton and Frederik Wiedmann’s terrific soundtrack for Picard: Season Three in 24-bit lossless Digital via QoBuz (click here), HD Tracks (Click here), and other online retailers, for those who might be interested.
And finally, you may have heard the news yesterday that Netflix is finally ending it’s physical DVD and Blu-ray rental-by-mail business after 25 years, signaling the end of an era. The last titles will be shipped in the mail in September, on 9/29/23. Netflix was actually our very first advertiser here at The Digital Bits, back when they were still a tiny start-up company whose name nobody yet knew. But not only were they a vital part of the growth of the DVD business, they ultimately mailed out over 5 billion discs to customers around the US. Of course, that business has changed dramatically in the last decade, with Digital streaming essentially replacing physical disc rentals here in the States. And unlike Blockbuster Video, Family Video, Movie Gallery, and other brick-and-mortar rental chains, Netflix adapted to this trend by creating their own popular subscription streaming service, which the studios have since worked hard to emulate and overtake. But the next time you’re enjoying an adult beverage of your choice, be sure to pour one out in honor of those familiar red envelopes. Physical media fans everywhere owe Netflix a debt. You can read more here at Variety, The New York Times, and CNN.
We’ll leave you with a look at those new Mission: Impossible 4K UHD Steelbook editions, as well as KLSC’s Ronin and The Manchurian Candidate in 4K, all of which are now availabe for pre-order. Click on the images to visit their respective Amazon.com pages...
Stay tuned!
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