Home Video Exclusives

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - April 16th, 2019


Glass
Exclusive three character cards; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $29.99

Dragon Ball Super: Broly
Exclusive steelbook; BD/DVD combo $27.99

Justice League Vs. The Fatal
Exclusive figurine; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $33.99

[JohnIan101]

Target - April 16th, 2019


Justice League Vs. The Fatal
Exclusive steelbook; BD/DVD/DC combo $22.99

Glass
Exclusive steelbook; BD/DVD/DC combo $27.99

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense


[An earlier version of this PT was originally posted on February 28th, 2013 on JoBlo's "DVD, Blu-Ray & Home Theater Discussion" forum.]

This week we get fingered, but it's okay - we get pie afterwards in "Pushing Daisies"...



"Pushing Daisies: The Complete First Season" was released on home video on September 16th, 2008.

It streeted against "The Breakfast Club: Flashback Edition", "Weird Science: Flashback Edition", "Sixteen Candles: Flashback Edition" and "I See You.com".

Originally came with an embossed cardboard slipcover - different from the wraparound. One of the few titles in my collection which has this. The DVD's cover was unconventional. The front (reads; "The Pie Hole" with a drawn, mustached man eating a slice); rear is the menu featured from the eatery in the show. Only on the binder does it indicate what the release is. The case is transparent; inside art is a dirty, pie eaten place mat.

Each of the three discs has a different pie image. Includes a four page folding booklet - mock diner menu; episode guide and special features listed (no air dates); inventive packaging.

- - -



Target had the single exclusive, ten page recipe booklet. Limited edition insert has eight recipes; peach cobbler, fresh strawberry pie, triple berry pie, three plum pie, apple cheddar cheese pie, sweet potato pie, fresh rhubarb pie and the Pie Hole's flaky pie crust (from allrecipes.com).

Set sold for $22.99. Sorry, don't have the weekly ad.

- - - - - - - - - -

Notes.

Sucks that the (ABC) series had such a short life. Season one was nine episodes (because of the 2007 Writers Guild Of America strike). Season two (also on DVD) had thirteen. There were rumors that the cliffhanger finale would get resolved with a comic book or a movie - nether materialized. I do appreciate that a second (though abbreviated) season happened, but I wish for more adventures.

There was some talk about having one of the characters appear on "Heroes" (NBC) which made perfect sense; both shows were written by Bryan Fuller ("Pushing Daisies" series creator). But that didn't happen either, probably due to legal reasons. Too bad, it fit.

I should, not many saw this inventive show.



This is about a fellow named Ned (Lee Pace) who has a special gift - bringing back the dead, but there's a catch. A single touch from him, resurrects, but a second will kill - forever, no resuscitation. Another string...

If that person/animal isn't touched again within sixty seconds, the universe will perform a balance; someone else must die; a death for a life. Ned discovered his unique talent when his dog, Digby dies after being hit by a truck. His beloved pet returns, but now must NEVER touch it again, making that canine an immortal.

Things get complicated when his mother dies from an aneurysm, Ned brings her back, but sixty seconds later, the neighbor died, the father of his best friend/childhood sweetheart - the girl he would've married. A loss for all since his mom kissed him goodnight that evening and died once more, forever.

Ned grew into a shy man, a baker. But his pastry diner, "The Pie Hole" is having a hard time keeping its door open. It's a niché restaurant. His salvation comes from a cop, Emerson Cod (Chi McBride) who accidentally witness his resurrection ability and offers a proposal, an equal split; go into the detective business.

Bring back the dead, ask them how they died - who killed them, touch them again and get the reward. Pretty simple and for a time an easy venture. That is until Ned saw her...



In the funeral parlor he sees his one true love, Charlotte "Chuck" Charles (Anna Friel) dead. She drowned on a cruise. To have once again, even at that price?

Ned touches her - just once... some else dies.

The series follows this trio as they continue the business, restaurant and private investigation, helping people get closure. And the bizarre lives our heroes lead (lovers who's desires must remain unrequited). The show breaks into three different story lines each week that converge at the end, complicated storytelling.

The other thing that set this apart is the look, art direction. Think of it as a mish-mash of Dr. Seuss and something that would've come from Tim Burton. It's a distinctive look as you can see from the pixs.

- - - - - - - - - -

Void.

Another short listing - only had so much. *nods* Filler time!

Left hanging in 2017 when I said had two comic books which would make great TV series adaptations. The last was "Blood Reign" in the "Stage Fright" PT entry (Part II). Granted that was a Tangent, not a Void.

Second?



Chassis was from Image Comics then later Hurricane Comics from 1996 - 1999. Cover above from the second series (1998); art by Adam Hughes.

There were three, mini-series comics. It follows an internationally renowned racer, Chassis McBain; driver of the Skyliner 54. How many issues? Good question, can't find the answer.

The year is 1947... alternate universe.

There was a massive technological leap from a recovered/crashed UFO (Roswell type event) in the 1930s. We have flying cars, A.I. robots and the like. The President is Eleanor Roosevelt.

No television - radio is still king. Movies are still in black and white. Zoot Suiters still walk the streets. Prop airplanes are still in use. The anti-gravity drives do not work over water and not well with each other. If a gravity generator is above or underneath another, they cancel out, tumble to earth. So, no flying cars in the city - wheel based vehicles.

We follow Aero-Run racer Chassis, her friends and foes as they compete and encounter mysteries. The comic mini-series (above) involve a series of suspicious malfunctions - someone trying to rig the races?

Main characters are Chassis; Matt Geer, fellow racer and would-be boyfriend; Slick, Chassis somewhat aging robot mechanic; Mr. Tassel, Chassis’ bodyguard and mentor and...

Covergirl.

Once the brightest star in the Aero-Run circuit. As the namesake indicates - damn gorgeous, full of life. But a racing accident scarred half of her face, the blaze and charred her lungs; unable to breath on their own, she wears a portable respirator (like a purse) complete with moving bellows attached to her trache collar.

A bitter woman, angered and jealous over Chassis’ rising fame. And the fact that Matt is now courting McBain - her former boyfriend.

Would make a sway limited run series. Not for network, there should be nudity and gore (races), so a cable program. Got it all; an over arching mystery, hot girls in skin tight outfits (plus 1940s glamour), action and adventure, a sexy lead, likable characters - wrapped in science fiction.

Chassis isn't a Mary Sue, she gets into trouble and has to solve her way out. And at times needs to be rescued when things get way out of hand. Think of her like Ellen Ripley from the "Alien" film franchise; female, but not a victim. She earns her victories.



Above left - cover from issue one of third mini-series; art by Mike Wieringo. She looks like a young Christina Hendricks. Next to that is an alternate issue one (third), cover by William O'Neill. You can see the full racing outfit, quite form fitting. And details on her racer.

By the way, I like the yellow collar - that top comic is all the same hue. Kinda feels lazy. And it's missing those buttoned straps which makes sense.

Dominated by music from the 1980 band, the Buggles. Such as "I Love You (Miss Robot)" when Chassis is heading into the island resort for a race. "Clean Clean" and "Kid Dynamo" for races; camera cuts/gear shifts to the beats (unfamiliar - YouTube them, tell me that won't rock). And yes there will be jiggles with the car motions - it's a guy thing. And orchestra music based on songs from their album "The Age Of Plastic" (Buggles).

Other songs "Flame (feat. Dana Jean Phoenix)" by Powernerd for another race (frack yeah!). "Don't Watch Me Bleed" by 'Till Tuesday for an intimate moment between Chassis and Matt gone wrong. *wink* So New Wave songs.

Yes, I've spend a lot of time thinking on this, years actually. Dead serious.

That Adam Hughes image of Chassis McBain would make an excellent statue/bust, keep that giant gear as the base.

- - - - - - - - - -

Just Because.



Friel as Chuck (above left) and Kristen Chenoweth as Olive Snook. She's an older woman, but you can still see that when she was young, she was a hottie.

Come back here on May 9th, 2019 for animated series based on a sci-fi blockbuster.

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - April 23rd, 2019


Alien: 40th Anniversary
Exclusive steelbook; 4K BD/BD combo $22.99

John Wick/John Wick 2: 2 Film Collection (available now)
Exclusive steelbook collection; 4k BD/BD combo $37.99

Pet Sematary (1989) (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $27.99

Glass (available now)
Exclusive three character cards; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $29.99

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - April 28th, 2019


Star Wars: The Last Jedi (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $29.99

Captain America: Civil War (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $34.99

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $34.99

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - May 7th, 2019


The Lego Movie: The Second Part
Exclusive steelbook; BD/DVD/DC combo $29.99

[JohnIan101]

Target - April 28th, 2019


CDs available now

"Reba McEntire - Stronger Than The Truth" with 2 exclusive tracks $13.99

"Andrea Bocelli - Si" with 2 exclusive tracks $13.99

"Pink - Hurts 2B Human" with exclusive t-shirt $18.99

[JohnIan101]

Target - May 7th, 2019


The Lego Movie: The Second Part
Exclusive lenticular packaging and two mini figs; BD/DVD/DC combo $27.99

- - - - - - - - - -

Ariana Grande - Thank U, Next" exclusive clear vinyl record $23.99 (available now)

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense


[An earlier version of this PT was originally posted on July 26th, 2015 on JoBlo's "DVD, Blu-Ray & Home Theater Discussion" forum.]

The adventures of Agents K and J continued on the small screen on "Men In Black: The Series"...



"Men In Black: The Animated Series - Season One" was released on home video on May 1st, 2012.

It streeted against "Suits: Season One", "Happiness Is... Peanuts: Team Snoopy" and "Emily's Reasons Why Not: The Complete Series" (MOD).

There was no slipcover issued nor was there any kind of foil wraparound. And did not come with any insert. The back of the case lists the episodes on each disc, but no air dates or synopses given.

Did however come with a theater voucher attached to the wrapping; see the then upcoming "MIB3" (2012) for free, up to ten dollars. Or if you so chose - five dollars for use at the theater's concession stand. This offer expired on July 5th, 2012. It did have a limit; only five per house hold. I never used mine, it's in the case.

I apologize for the promo pix above. This was the best I could do. I'm fortunate to have found it. All my net searches were poor to abysmal. The text on the promo is legible and imagery is easy to understand. I suppose that's a win.

- - -



This is one of those rare exclusives that is singular. Somewhat hard to find now.

Usually with a TV series exclusive, their special release is limited for a few weeks or a couple of months - then becomes available to all retailers, nationwide.

This did not happen here.

Below is Target's ad for the week.



Notice something? As it turns out, the exclusive was an unadvertised item. I'm real lucky to have my copy. I found out on a different message board on May 13th. The following day I went to my local store and found one; same price as street, $14.99.

Let me take a quick step back.

The series aired on "Kids WB" from 1997 - 2001; four seasons, fifty-three half hour episodes.

Target's exclusive marks the first time the entire first season has come to home video. Select episodes of from season one were released on VHS (1999; two shows per tape, three volumes) back in the day. And they didn't even release all thirteen of them.

So far only season one can be officially bought, the rest remains as wants.

It's a rather rare occurrence to have a single retailer as the solitary outlet for a title. But it has happened before. What pops to mind is the exclusive release for "My One And Only" (2009); Target again - which was a 2016 Past Tense entry, click here for Part I and Part II.

Another example is "Looker" (1981); Amazon was the only place to buy the DVD ($19.97). I could do a Past Tense for it, but that sentence pretty much wraps it up. It streeted as it were on January 30th, 2007.



As to be expected, the episodes are presented in their original aspect ratios; full screen and in stereo. Both discs menus are identical. It's a static image with no music.

- - - - - - - - - -

Footnotes.

There were two video games released for the series. I did my homework.



The first, "Men In Black" from Crave Entertainment was released in December of 1998 for Nintendo's "Game Boy Advance" and "Game Boy Color" systems.

The game received poor ratings.



The next happened in November 20th, 2001 from Infogrames Studios. "Men in Black: The Series - Crashdown" came after the show was canceled. The video game was for the Sony Playstation. Unlike the pervious. This received positive reviews.

- - -

With the major success of the first film, "Men In Black" (1997), there were various knockoffs, especially in the comic book world. One such title was "Exposure", published by Image Comics in 1999 and later by Avatar Press. And a trade paperback, collecting all the comics; January 2014 from Red Giant Entertainment.



This was the exploits of Shawna Diaz (brunette) and Lisa Shannon; childhood friends who formed their own agency, Paratech. An organization that investigates the paranormal and the pair's own secret origins.

Best known for the girls wearing revealing, quite impractical spandex outfits while sleuthing and trying to keep their clothes on; practically soft-core porn. The tag line is "Revealing What Lies Beyond the Truth!" Sometimes in high heels, because they're classy.

The comic was created by David Campiti (writer) and Al Rio (artist; May 19th, 1962 - January 31st, 2012; suicide [hanging]). During the 2013 San Diego (CA), Comic Con; Red Giant Entertainment announced that producer Kevin VanHook was working to bring the ladies to life as a television series.

Not much news to report on that project. Please let this be on HBO or Showtime, that would be sway. Boobies!



Above is the 192 page graphic novel (volume one) which came to be through a Kickstarter campaign started by Campiti. Three grand was needed to publish, it was a success - they raised $9,630 with ninety-three backers in 2012.

There is a hardcover edition (signed by Campiti), but that was only available to backers who donated fifty dollars or more; five did.

It is exactly what you imagine the comic to look like. Rio was renown in the comic world for his pinup artwork. The man had the talent and eye. Hot girls, super silly situations with action = fried gold. The same can be said for fellow artist, J. Scott Campbell. Sexy ladies on paper.

And yeah, I would like to own that collection.

- - -

*sigh*

Two episodes from the MIB were been pulled from U.S. syndication; "The Neuralyzer Syndrome" (season one, November 15th, 1997) and "The Breaking News Syndrome" (season four; May 12th, 2001). Why?

9/11.

In "The Neuralyzer Syndrome" there is an exchange between Agents J and K. K was neutralized by accident; he now believes he's sixteen. J is trying to get a reference point to his missing memories...

J: Look; what is the tallest building in Manhattan?
K: Empire State.
J: Nah, the World Trade Center - two big towers.
K: You're a loon.



The episode also features the Towers and an alien ship nearly crashes into it. The image above is a composite, three stills edited together (it's a pan-up reveal) - K discovering he's in the future (mind wise).

In "The Breaking News Syndrome" the Twin Towers were also part of the story.

Man, I was going to go into this long winded rant about about people wanting to erase any images; reminders of the tragedy. I really want to - it upsets me. But such a thing has been talked to death by folks who are better at writing than I.

"Freedom Fries".

Frack me.

Anyhow, the new movie, "Men In Black: International" is coming out on June 14th, 2019. I'm hoping there will be another cross-promotion; Target offering (as an exclusive) season two of the animated show. That would be nice. At one point Mill Creek Entertainment was going to release the complete series. But nothing much has happpened since then.

Come back here on May 23rd, 2019 for another show on irreverent lawyers.

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - May 14th, 2019


Field Of Dreams
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD combo $21.99

King Kong (2005)
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD combo $19.99

How To Train Your Dragon 2 (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $19.99

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; BD/DVD combo $12.99

Captain America: The First Avenger (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $34.99

Captain America: Civil War (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD combo $34.99

Captain America: The Winter Solider (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD combo $34.99

John Wick/John Wick 2: 2 Film Collection (available now)
Exclusive steelbook collection; 4k BD/BD combo $34.99

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - May 21st, 2019


How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $34.99

[JohnIan101]

Target - May 12th, 2019


The Lego Movie: The Second Part (available now)
Exclusive lenticular packaging and two mini figs; BD/DVD/DC combo $27.99

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CD available now

"Billie Eilish - When We Fall Asleep" with exclusive stickers and poster $11.99

[JohnIan101]

Target - May 21st, 2019


How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
Exclusive wearable dragon wings; BD/DVD/DC combo $27.99

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CD available 5/24

"Rocketman - Soundtrack" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $13.99

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense


[An earlier version of this PT was originally posted on February 6th, 2014 on JoBlo's "DVD, Blu-Ray & Home Theater Discussion" forum.]

Denny Crane!!! Lawyers who would never put up with a Smollett.



David E. Kelley's "Boston Legal: Season One" was released on home video on May 23rd, 2006.

It streeted against "When A Stranger Calls" [remake], "Kingdom Of Heaven: 4 Disc Director’s Cut", "M*A*S*H: Season Ten Collector's Edition" and "The Boondock Saints: Unrated Special Edition".

This originally came with a non-embossed cardboard slipcase holding three slimcases for five discs. There was a single sheet insert; ad for other 20th Century Fox shows on DVD; "NYPD Blue", "Hill Street Blues", "The Shield" and "Murder One".

- - -



There was a single exclusive from Best Buy, a bonus disc. The DVD has all final four episodes of "The Practice" - leading to the premiere of "Boston Legal"; characters were introduced which got their own show.

This sold for $34.99 on street.

By the way, "Kindom Of Heaven" Director's Cut" is outstanding (on DVD and BD).



Each bonus episodes has their own menu screen; play episode, language selection (subtitles in English, Spanish and French) and scene selection.

"The Firm" - April 18th, 2004
"Comings And Goings" - April 25th, 2004
"New Hoods On The Block" - May 2nd, 2004
"Cheers" (a.k.a. "Adjourned") - May 16th, 2004

No additional bonuses; commentaries or such; extra episodes are presented in widescreen. The exclusive came inside a CD envelope within the box.

Looking at the menu, my original thought was - this is simply the last disc on the season eight box set for "The Practice".

Not the case at all.



Season eight, "The Practice: The Final Season" didn't come out on DVD until April 15th, 2014. At the time was on pre-order - retailed for $29.99.

All and all the extra disc has a run time of 167:26 minutes. The bonus has a printed label, it reads "The Practice: Bonus Disc" (as you can see in the ad).

This was created genuinely for Best Buy, quite an excellent collectible. *nods*



I own all five seasons, very entertaining show, seen most of them when it aired. It's not like "The O.C." where I saw all of season one and two. But missed several from season three and nearly half of four. It would be many years later until I watched the whole series over a couple of weeks.

- - - - - - - - - -

Void.

Another short entry. You know what that mean... filler time!

What is it this outing? Bits from the 1984 classic sci-fi flick, "The Last Starfighter". But before I start, lets step back to 1979 with "Alien".

Much has been written about the classic sci-fi horror flick. It had a long pre-production. Ideas were thrown about and many were never used. Different artists hired, each giving their own take on the then developing story. One such fellow was artist Ron Cobb.

Much of the interior of the towing ship, Nostromo was drew into reality by him. A world of props had to be made for the actors and to fill in the empty spaces (he did much of that too). Some of which were never built.



One such paper design was Cobb's "HeliJet", a two person long range craft.

Unrealized shuttle was to have been an object within the ship's hold. Just something in the background while Parker (Yaphet Kotto) and Brett (Harry Dean Stanton) were hunting for the Chest Buster (before they knew what it had become).

Size? Don't have a clue if the intent was to build it full size or a scale model, either way - something in the background. It didn't happen until...



Cobbs was hired as the production designer for "The Last Starfighter". Not since "Tron" (1982) would so much CGI would be used to tell a story. The negative was proto-level computer imagery, very little texture mapping - nearly all the computer effects had smooth surfaces.

It was the best they could do at the time. That is to say, they had so little time to get it ready for theaters. They did have plans for texture mapping.

To save time, resurrected that unused shuttle.

Abandoned HeliJet now became the Zando-Zan's assassin ship, a full size prop.



It was simplified due to their CGI restrictions, smooth surfaces for continuity. This re-purpose was done to save money and time too. Render time for each generated frame (3000 x 5000, 36-bit pixels) is by today standards ridicules.

Twenty-seven minutes of CGI was delivered for the Summer of 1984. They didn't have the time to make it complicated it was a locked six month, unmovable deadline.

Would love to own a scale model of the original HeliJet on my desk - maybe off a 3D printer (painted). Or perhaps in Lego form - would be cool too; two mini-fig inside.

Hell yes! And a Lego Gunstar too

- - -

Gonna address something else, a logic error - magazines.

There is a moment where Alex Rogan's little brother Louis (Chris Herbert) is searching through his Playboy collection for a certain issue. He sorts through them, dropping magazines on the floor in his quest. But finds the issue he wants hidden under his bed.



Problem - the very first issue he looked at was the same issue from his bed, the June 1983 issue. Why did Louis NOT notice that? And why did he have two copies? Anyhow, the Playmate Of The Month that Louis was ogling at was Jolanda Egger, pretty lady.

Man, I remember the first time I saw; flip through a Playboy. I want to say ten years old. I was in a second hand store, the book area, which had a nook in the shop. Lots of junk, then I saw IT among the old magazines. Why was it there? Who put it there? Can't say, but I was trying to be super cool and not give away all the excitement I was feeling. I stuck gold!

Can't remember what issue, wish I could. Just that I was making real sure my mom wasn't going to walk in on me looking at naked ladies. Ladies, not whores. Playboy is on the lower end of pornography, graphic art.

Didn't get caught and that experience never repeated in my childhood. No. There was another; Penthouse, but I was in my late teens at the time. The local book store inside the mall, someone had hid or left but the magazine in paperback area, sitting on top of them. Can't say what issue that was. *shrugs* I had at the time a subscription to the magazine (and Playboy too), so the thrill was gone.

- - -

Plot hole too. When the second assassin learns that his target on Earth is not Alex (Lance Guest), but a Beta (android), he/she/it returns to the ship nestled between hills. Once inside, opens communication with the Kodan mothership. The raised dish is pointed at ninety degree angle, right at the hill; transmission would be hindered by it.

*shakes head*

- - - - - - - - - -

Tangent.

In late March I saw something I hadn't seen (in parts) for forty years! Man, I feel old.



In the Past Tense entry for "24: Redemption", I wrote about dead TV shows not on DVD. I've done that twice over. In that particular Void, wrote about "The Amazing Spider-Man" the 1978 CBS short lived series. You can read more on the program in that entry.

A fellow named Retrofan75 on YouTube has posted the entire series; the quality is very good. Not 100% great, but far better than others who post old TV shows. It's campy and cheesy at times, but man - it still holds up. Sway. This should already have a home video release.

It was at one point released on VHS back in the 1980s, an episode per cassette.

Just thought I'd share. Seek it out on his YT channel, good stuff.

- - -

Totally unrelated. Doesn't the song "Don't Let Go" by En Vogue sound like a tune that would play during the open credits of a James Bond movie? Just thinking out loud.

Before I close.

There was an error, a potential problem with "Boston Legal: Season Two", Disc 7. Some folks had problems playing the episode "BL: Los Angeles" and the one of the bonus features on said disc.

There was a solution at the time, Fox had a 1-888 number to call for a replacement DVD. Give your info and mailing address, they'll send you a fixed disc. It appeared to be a batch issue, not all copies had that problem. I would expect that later repressings had this issue resolved. My copy didn't have a problem, I'm glad.

Denny Crane!

Done. The next PT will drop on you on June 6th, 2019. Come back for an unlikely mash-up of genres that was even more unlikely - had a theatrical sequel, turns out - you really can't stop the signal.

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - May 26th, 2019


How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $34.99