A Monstar Calls, in April on DVD/BD

A visually spectacular and stunningly emotional drama bursts forth when a boy meets a monster who helps him face the future in A Monster Calls.  Directed by award-winning filmmaker J.A. Bayona

12-year-old Conor O'Malley (played by MacDougall) yearns for guidance after his beloved mother (Jones) becomes ill and he moves in with his less-than-sympathetic grandmother (Weaver). He unexpectedly summons a 40-foot-high colossus of a creature, the Monster (voiced and performed by Neeson), who becomes a most unlikely ally by guiding him on a journey of courage, faith, and truth that powerfully fuses imagination and reality.

(The Impossible, The Orphanage), the movie is based on the award-winning novel by Patrick Ness, who wrote the screenplay adaptation. The thrilling and magical tale comes to Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand on April 25, 2017 (delayed for public library's due to Uni's holdback policy) from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. A Monster Calls stars Academy Award nominees Sigourney Weaver (Avatar), Felicity Jones (Rouge One: A Star Wars Story), and Liam Neeson (Taken) alongside young actor Lewis MacDougall (Pan). Focus Features' A Monster Calls on Blu-ray and  DVD comes packed with exclusive bonus content including a special behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film and the wondrous transformation of an unforgettable story from book to screen.

Studio Ghibli's ONLY YESTERDAY, Out on DVD/BD July 5

From Japan's acclaimed Studio Ghibli comes Only Yesterday, a moving visual masterpiece on Blu-ray combo pack and DVD on July 5, 2016 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, in partnership with GKIDS.  Debuting at 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, Only Yesterday will wow fans on Blu-ray and DVD with insightful bonus features including stunning storyboards and several in-depth behind-the-scenes featurettes with cast and crew.

 Featuring an all-star voice cast including Daisy Ridley (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire) this classic, exquisitely hand-drawn coming-of-age story has been called "magical" by Kenneth Turan, The Los Angeles Times and "A rare and powerful film…truly timeless" by Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly. Certified

Having lived her whole life in the city, 27-year-old Taeko (Ridley) decides to visit her relatives in the countryside. As she travels, memories of her youth resurface and after meeting young farmer Toshio (Patel), she wonders if she's been true to the dreams of her childhood self. Deftly switching between past and present, Only Yesterday is a masterpiece of time and tone, rich with humor and stirring emotion, and beautifully animated by Studio Ghibli, one of the world's most revered animation studios. From Academy Award-nominated director Isao Takahata (The Tale of The Princess Kaguya) and Producer Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away), this critically acclaimed film has never before been released in North America until now - in celebration of its 25th anniversary.

Universl Pictures Home Entertainment Announces 4K Releases

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (UPHE) has announced plans to release a broad selection of films in 4K Ultra HD, the home entertainment industry's next-generation physical viewing format making its move in the video market. UPHE will begin a rollout of its growing roster of movie titles around the world beginning this summer, showcasing a mix of new releases, including some of this year's most-anticipated blockbusters The Huntsman: Winter's War, Warcraft and Jason Bourne as well as recent hits, such as Everest, Lucy and Lone Survivor, among others. Other 4K Ultra HD offerings in the pipeline will include a selection of IMAX spectacular cinematic films.

With roughly 100 titles across the industry expected to be available on store shelves to consumers by the end of 2016, UPHE plans to make its titles available in both 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD digital formats. All of the designated offerings will feature a combination of 4K resolution and the color brilliance of High Dynamic Range, with many additionally including multi-dimensional sound for the ultimate immersive audio experience.

MINIONS Arriving on DVD & Blu-ray

The breakout stars the world fell in love with in Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's Despicable Me global film franchise headline their own movie for the first time in Minions, available on Blu-ray Combo Pack and  DVD on January 5, 2016 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.  Delayed due to their rental holdback policy that applies to public libraries.   A much anticipated prequel to the unprecedented worldwide blockbusters Despicable Me and the beloved sequel Despicable Me 2, Minions is an immensely entertaining film for all audiences called "inventive and hilarious" by Julian Roman, Movieweb.com. The Blu-ray Combo Pack comes with three all-new mini-movies and even more Minions everyone will want to watch again and again especially during the busy holiday travel season.

The story of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's Minions begins at the dawn of time. Starting as single-celled yellow organisms, Minions evolve through the ages, perpetually serving the most despicable of masters. Continuously unsuccessful at keeping these masters—from T. rex to Napoleon—the Minions find themselves without someone to serve and fall into a deep depression. But one Minion named Kevin has a plan, and he—alongside teenage rebel Stuart and lovable little Bob—ventures out into the world to find a new evil boss for his brethren to follow. The trio embark upon a thrilling journey that ultimately leads them to their next potential master, Scarlet Overkill (Academy Award®-winner Sandra Bullock), the world's first-ever female super-villain. They travel from frigid Antarctica to 1960s New York City, ending in 'mod' London, where they must face their biggest challenge to date: saving all of Minionkind...from annihilation.

"American Girl : Grace Stirs Up Success" Soundtrack Releasing

American Girl: Grace Stirs Up Success will be released on June 23 by  ABKCO Records through its Little World Records imprint. This marks the second time time Little World has teamed up with American Girl to release a music CD soundtrack for a direct-to-video title based on its popular Girl of the Year series for girls ages 8 and up (American Girl: Isabelle Dances Into the Spotlight was released last summer). The new album features music from the live action film, which will be  available on HD Digital June 9 and on Blu-ray and DVD June 23 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

Starring Virginia Madsen (“Witches of East End,” Sideways) and Olivia Rodrigo, the heartwarming film brings to life the story of Grace Thomas, an inventive, enthusiastic nine-year-old girl who is full of  big ideas. A planner at heart, Grace finds the courage to step outside her comfort zone during a trip to Paris that broadens her perspective and challenges her to try new things. Back home, Grace uses her newfound courage and culinary skills to start her own French baking business with her two best friends. When she learns her beloved grandparents’ bakery might close, Grace and her friends combine their talents to mix together some great ideas that, ultimately, lead to many sweet rewards.

FUNimation Entertainment Signs Distribution Deal with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment

FUNimation Entertainment and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment have reached an exclusive multi-year distribution services agreement.  will manage distribution of FUNimation's entire DVD and Blu-ray line, as well as sales in the USA and Canada.   John Morici, Managing Director, U.S. and Canada, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, and Mike DuBoise, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, FUNimation, jointly made the announcement today.

This agreement will allow FUNimation, North America's anime market share leader, to continue delivering on its commitment to serve anime fans everywhere and to expand its leadership in home entertainment. "Pairing Universal's 'best-in-class' home entertainment distribution infrastructure with FUNimation's superior anime properties, along with our marketing, production, and fan engagement capabilities, effectively positions our companies for enduring success," said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and founder of FUNimation. "We believe this new strategic agreement will create an important opportunity for us to strengthen our physical distribution business."

"We're excited to partner with FUNimation, the premier anime company in both the United States and Canada. They have a proven track record for marketing a compelling slate of titles as evidenced with such recent releases as 'Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods,' 'Attack on Titan,' 'Cowboy Bebop,' 'Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign,' and their upcoming theatrical release of 'Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F','" said Morici.  "We are pleased to enter into a distribution services partnership with this talented group and look forward to our collaboration."

The Last of Robin Hood Arrives in March

Featuring an all-star cast including Academy-Award winners Kevin Kline (Last Vegas, In & Out) and Susan Sarandon (Thelma & Louise, The Big Wedding), and Dakota Fanning (The Runaways, The Twilight Saga), The Last of Robin Hood is a gripping tale of Errol Flynn's sensational romance with starlet Beverly Aadland.  The Last of Robin Hood is available on Blu-ray, DVD on March 3, 2015 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. 

Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Kline stars as Errol Flynn, one of Hollywood's greatest leading men: a lusty and vivacious actor who lived a swashbuckling life of glamour and scandal on and off the screen. But few remember the icon's last May-December romance that shocked a nation. Joining Kline, Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon and Dakota Fanning star in this glamorous, gripping story about Flynn's high-flying affair with aspiring starlet Beverly Aadland – and how her ambitious mother, Florence, enabled it every step of the way. The Last of Robin Hood is a sensational, unforgettable look at Hollywood's golden age and the desire for fame and acceptance.

 

 

Rosewater to Release on DVD/ Blu-Ray

A journalist in Iran endures an unthinkable ordeal when he is falsely accused of spying in Rosewater, a political thriller coming to Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD on March 24, 2015 for lending to library patrons, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Based on the thrilling true-life story of Maziar Bahari, the film features first-rate performances from an international cast, as well as an impassioned script that infuses wit and humor into a terrifying and all-too-real situation. Available on DVD and Blu-ray Combo Pack, Rosewater comes with bonus content that sheds additional light on this important story.

Rosewater marks the feature-film writing and directing debut of comedian and political "The Daily Show" host Jon Stewart. Gael García Bernal (Cesar Chavez, The Loneliest Planet) stars as Baziar, turning in a performance described as "exceptional" by Peter Travers of Rolling Stone, along with Oscarnominee Shohreh Aghdashloo (On the Inside, The Odd Life of Timothy Green). Rosewater has earned the prestigious Freedom of Expression Award from the National Board of Review, as well praise from critics including Sasha Stone of Awards Daily who says "It's not only one of the best films I've seen this year, but one I will keep telling people to see." 

Based on Then They Came For Me: A Family's Story Of Love, Captivity, and Survival, the best-selling memoir by Maziar Bahari and Aimee Molloy, Rosewater follows the Tehran-born, Canada-based Bahari as the journalist returns to Iran to interview Mir-Hossein Mousavi, challenger to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the country's contentious 2009 presidential election. As Mousavi's supporters were protesting Ahmadinejad's victory declaration even before the polls closed, Bahari endured personal risk by sending footage of the street riots to the BBC. For this, Bahari was arrested by police led by a man known only as "Rosewater." He was tortured and interrogated over the next 118 days, while his wife embarked on an international campaign to have her husband freed and media outlets kept the story alive.

 

The Blu-ray Combo Pack includes a Blu-ray, DVD and DIGITAL HD with UltraViolet. 

• Blu-ray unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
• DVD offers the flexibility and convenience of playing movies in more places, both at home and away.
• DIGITAL HD with UltraViolet lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download.

Bonus Features on Blu-ray and DVD

• Iran's Controversial Election
• The Story of Maziar Bahari
• Real Spies Have TV Shows
• What Happens in New Jersey...
• A Director's Perspective

 

Dumb and Dumber To Announced for DVD/Blu-ray Release

Two decades after Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels' endearingly dense pairing spun slapstick comedy into box office gold in Dumb and Dumber, the long-awaited sequel, Dumb and Dumber To, arrives on DVD and Blu-ray Combo Pack for library patron loan on March 17, 2015 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Directed by Peter and Bobby Farrelly (Dumb and Dumber; There's Something about Mary; Me, Myself and Irene) the Dumb and Dumber To  Blu-ray Combo Pack offers hilarious extra belly laughs including an alternate opening, deleted and extended scenes, and a multi-part feature that takes viewers behind the scenes of the no-holds-barred comedy.
The side-splitting sequel also stars Rob Riggle (The Hangover, 21 Jump Street), Kathleen Turner (Marley & Me, Romancing the Stone), Laurie Holden ("The Walking Dead," Silent Hill), Rachel Melvin (My Funny Valentine, "Days of Our Lives"), and Steve Tom ("Major Crimes," Seven Pounds).

Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels reprise their signature roles as Lloyd and Harry in the sequel to the smash hit that took the physical comedy and kicked it in the nuts: Dumb and Dumber To. The original film's directors, Peter and Bobby Farrelly, take Lloyd and Harry on a road trip to find a child Harry never knew he had and the responsibility neither should ever, ever be given. Along for the ride are co-stars Kathleen Turner, Laurie Holden, and Rob Riggle.

Prolific playwright Israel Horovitz makes his directorial debut with My Old Lady, a witty and heartfelt drama about surprising inheritances and unexpected connections that critics are calling "simply wonderful" (Jeffrey Lyons, Lyons Den Radio) and  "a classic in the making" (Sydney Levine, Indiewire).

Following a successful theatrical release through Cohen Media Group, My Old Lady arrives on Blu-ray on DVD on January 27, 2015 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The film features an outstanding cast including Academy Award winners Kevin Kline and Maggie Smith and Academy Award nominee Kristin Scott Thomas.

When Mathias Gold (Kevin Kline) arrives at the sumptuous Parisian apartment he inherited from his father, he's surprised that the property comes with two stubborn live-in tenants who are not required to leave according to an ancient French real estate law. Unable to sell the place, Mathias moves in with the feisty Englishwoman Mathilde (Maggie Smith) and her daughter, Chloé  (Kristin Scott Thomas). But as Mathias and Chloé draw increasingly closer, Mathilde unveils a complex labyrinth of secrets that unites the trio in unexpected ways.

The film will be available on Blu-ray and DVD

• Blu-ray unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
• DVD offers the flexibility and convenience of playing movies in more places, both at home and away. .

TECHNICAL INFORMATION – BLU-RAYStreet Date: January 27, 2015
Selection Numbers: 61168095
Running Time: 1 hour, 48 minutes
Layers: BD-50
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 2.40:1
Rating: PG-13
Technical Info: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish

TECHNICAL INFORMATION – DVD:Street Date: January 27, 2015
Copyright: 2015 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Selection Numbers: 61168098
Running Time: 1 hour, 48 minutes
Layers: Dual
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.40:1
Rating: PG-13
Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 5.1 and French Dolby Digital 2.0
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish