James and the Giant Peach Special Edition Discussion

[KubrickFan]

Blu-ray.com has this listed for August 3rd:

http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=4582

Apparently the the BD will be a two-disc set (likely a DVD+BD combo). I guess that means there won't be a ton of features ala Nightmare Before Christmas.

That doesn't have to be, The Nightmare Before Christmas featured all of the extras on the first disc. Since both movies are around the same length, there could easily be a lot of extras. If Disney lets Henry Selick near it, I'm sure we'll get a decent version.

[Disneykid]

Luke's posted a link to the cover art on the main page, and The HDRoom has posted specs.

I really like the cover art, even if it over emphasizes Burton's part in this. Adding the Alice credit is really misleading. Saying "From Producer Tim Burton" wouldn't have gotten the point across?

As for the specs, count this as wasted opportunity #764 from Buena Vista Home Entertainment. They drop the gallery and trailer from the DVD and replace it with a game (albeit an admittedly logical one). No commentary. No new featurette. No deleted scenes. I doubt Henry Selick was even approached about this release. Oh, well. As long as it looks and sounds good, I'll bite my tongue.

[Barbossa]

Just read on the homepage of UD/DVDizzy that Disney cancelled the DVD release, but the Blu-Ray combo is still coming out.

It's a sign of the times. But, I still can't play Blu...

[SpringHeelJack]

It's interesting... the specs said that the Blu-ray would include the game (OH HUZZAH) and that the remaining special features would be on the DVD ("Good News", the featurette, etc.). Which I found weird because that seemed like the bonus DVD was just a re-release of the original DVD. This seems to confirm that, then.

It sucks to be DVD owners, but feel some comfort in knowing that it looked like the OOP DVD was what you were going to be getting to begin with, essentially...

[The_Iceflash]

Just read on the homepage of UD/DVDizzy that Disney cancelled the DVD release, but the Blu-Ray combo is still coming out.

It's a sign of the times. But, I still can't play Blu...

That's an interesting turn of events.

[gardener14]

So, there were going to be bonus features on the dvd that weren't on the Bluray? Does the cancellation of the dvd mean that the bonus features will be on the Bluray now, or will they be unavailable to those who don't already own the dvd...or am I misunderstanding something?

[SpringHeelJack]

The bonus features on the DVD are, from the looks of it, not on the Blu-ray. They seem to be the same bonus features found on the original DVD release that is now out of print. If you buy the Blu-ray combo pack, you will bet both the Blu-ray and the DVD.

[Mickeyfan1990]

Just read on the homepage of UD/DVDizzy that Disney cancelled the DVD release, but the Blu-Ray combo is still coming out.

I think the DVD is cancelled for now and will probably come out in October. Don't forget that there's sometimes a 7 week waiting period for any of their films to come to DVD after Blu-Ray.

[SpringHeelJack]

Were it postponed, I think it would have said that. "Cancelled" seems to imply, you know, not happening. Not to mention that if there were a remastered DVD release coming, it would likely be the included in the combo pack, like how the Blu-ray of "Toy Story" had the DVD that was later released on its own. From what they say, it looks like the DVD in the combo pack is exactly the same as the original DVD release.

[Mickeyfan1990]

Thought I should post it here to remind some, according to the main DVDizzy page, the new DVD SE of James and Giant Peach has been un-cancelled (told you so). It will be available 6 weeks after the new Blu-Ray release on September 14th (same day as the new Black Cauldron DVD).

[DiscoDan]

Blu-Ray.com is giving the special edition a pretty poor rating, and based on the screenshots I have to agree the picture doesn't appear to sparkle.

http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/James-and ... 35/#Review

[KACENAID]

DVD Talk's review isn't as rough on it.

http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/43619/ja ... ant-peach/

Will see what the in house reviewer says as well when it's up

[DiscoDan]

Interesting.. if I can't get it for $10 after my coupon I might just rent this first to see how it looks, but I'm sure the blu ray is going to be as good as it gets. Disney isn't known for putting out sloppy transfers.

[KubrickFan]

Honestly, it looks fine to me. Sure, they could've removed all of the grain like they did with Nightmare, but it's simply in the film that's used. A lot of diffusion is used, too, but that's intended as well (Nightmare has the same thing, in some shots). Disney definitely didn't go the Gangs of New York route, and I'm pleased with that.

[Disneykid]

My review is coming within the next couple of days, but here's the word I'd use to describe the Blu-ray both image-wise and as a whole: "bizarre."

Stay tuned.

[Scamander]

Is it really that bad?

[KubrickFan]

Is it really that bad?

According to Home Theater Forum, no. It is what it is, and it being on a Blu-ray isn't going to change it. People who expect the ultra sharp, grain free, bright colored extravaganza are going to be disappointed. People who want it to look like film are not.

[ajmrowland]

wow. the review makes the disc's features look sloppy. Actually, I wouldnt expect Disney to make the Picture quality better than it is. this film is less famous than Nightmare, and even that blu-ray disc was taken from a source that was restored for a different purpose(the 3D runs).

[Mickeyfan1990]

Does the DVD copy come with a new anamorphic transfer or no?

[Escapay]

Does the DVD copy come with a new anamorphic transfer or no?

Read the review and find out

albert