It’s hard to believe it’s been more than 10 years since 10 Things I Hate About You came out.  In honor of that birthday Touchstone has released the 10th Anniversary Edition on Blu-Ray, and it a nice little package.  I guess I’d forgotten that this was the movie that introduced us to Heath Ledger, made Julia Styles a big movie star for a few years, and broke Joseph Gorden-Levitt out of the TV set.  Watching this movie over again (something I hadn’t done in it’s entirety since it was in the theatres) really took me back to 1999, because this movie really represents that time period.  I’ll be the first to admit as a college junior who was an English major I initially had a problem with Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew being turned into a movie full of high school kids, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

This 10th Anniversary Edition is a nice little set, and the Blu-Ray transfer looks great.  The documentary 10 Things I Love About 10 Things I Hate About You Ten Years Later is a fun little extra that is worth watching, and the deleted scenes are worth checking out, but it’s easy to understand why they were left out.

I have to recommend this movie, it’s a fun little trip down memory lane and a nice addition to your Blu-Ray library.

The Classic Teen Romance Returns With Never Before Seen Cast Footage, Deleted Scenes, and More!
10 Things I Hate About You
10th Anniversary Edition
First Time on Blu-ray Hi-Def™ and 2-Disc DVD on January 5, 2010
Burbank, California, October 16, 2009 — A high-spirited, high school contest of wit and will marks a milestone
when 10 Things I Hate About You 10th Anniversary Special Edition comes to Blu-ray™ Hi-Def and DVD on
January 5, 2010 from Touchstone Pictures Home Entertainment. An inspired update of William Shakespeare’s
classic comedy “The Taming of the Shrew,” the film’s entertaining tale of rocky romance between a pair of
unconventional teens is an enduring favorite as fresh and funny today as it was a decade ago. Both the Two-
Disc Blu-ray Hi-Def and DVD editions of 10 Things I Hate About You 10th Anniversary Special Edition
includes never-before-seen screen test footage of Heath Ledger, cast interviews, and more.
Academy Award® winner Heath Ledger (Best Supporting Actor, 2008, Dark Knight) makes his American
screen debut opposite Julia Stiles (the Bourne trilogy) as the independent, smart-mouthed girl of his dreams,
with Joseph Gordon-Levitt (500 Days of Summer), Larisa Oleynik (Broken Windows), David Krumholtz (the
Harold and Kumar movies), Gabrielle Union (Cadillac Records) and Larry Miller (Get Smart) completing the
talented company of actors.
Bonus Features for 10 Things I Hate About You:
• 10 Things I Love About 10 Things I Hate About You 10 Years Later – How do you turn a high
school teenage romance film into a cult hit? Start with a new approach to literary classic; find some
talented young actors and pepper in the right amount of punk rock! Ten years after the film’s initial
debut, we’ll sit with the director Gil Junger, and writers Kirsten Smith and Karen Lutz to reflect and hear
the story about how this classic
teen comedy came to be. Through these interviews and never-before-seen behind the scenes footage,
original cast interviews, deleted scenes, original screen test and personal photos from the writers’ scrap
books we will tell the remarkable story of this smash hit and why everyone loves 10 Things I Hate
About You.
(More)
• I Want You To Want Me: The 10 Things I Hate About You Screen Tests — Viewers are invited into
the casting office for an insiders look at the screen tests that won actors Heath Ledger, Julia Styles,
Larisa Oleynik and Susan May Pratt their classic roles. This featurette includes an introduction by
director Gil Junger and writers Kirsten Smith and Karen Lutz
• Audio Commentary with co-writers Karen Lutz and Kirsten Smith, and stars Andrew Keegan, David
Krumholtz, Larisa Oleynik and Susan May Pratt
Padua High sophomore Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik) has two invitations to the prom and one big
problem: her father (Larry Miller) won’t let her go unless her older sister Kat (Julia Stiles) agrees to attend as
well. It looks like both girls are staying home, since independent and unconventional Kat has no interest in
going—until she meets the school’s mysterious new bad boy Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger). What she doesn’t
know is that her sister’s suitors (Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Andrew Keegan) have ponied up $300 to convince
Patrick to woo her. Just as Patrick realizes he has unexpectedly fallen for his “assignment,” Kat finds out about
the scheme and Patrick has to launch an all out campaign to win her back. Inspired by Shakespeare’s “The
Taming of the Shrew,” 10 Things I Hate About You takes a witty and contemporary look at the eternal battle
between the sexes, high-school style.
10 Things I Hate About You 10th Anniversary Special Edition has a suggested retail price of $44.99 (US)
and $51.99 (Canada) for Two-Disc Blu-ray Hi-Def with Digital File, and $39.99 (US) and $44.99 (Canada) for
Two-Disc DVD with Digital File.
STREET DATE: January 5, 2010
Direct prebook: November 10, 2009
Distributor prebook: November 27, 2009
Feature run time: 98 Minutes
Rated: U.S: PG 13; Canada: PG
Bonus Materials Not Rated in US
Technical specifications may only apply to feature.
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Sound: English: 5.1, Dolby Digital
Languages: English, Spanish, French
PRICING:
U.S Canada
2-Disc DVD: $19.99 SRP $24.00 SRP
1-Disc BD $29.99 SRP $35.99 SRP
(More)
Buena Vista Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing,
sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista
product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc™ and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home
Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios

I was a little surprised that FOX went ahead and released a DVD of the first part of season one since well… the season is only half over.  I’m not really a big fan of that.  It seems like a way to squeeze the fans out of more money by making them pay for unnecessary packaging that’s involved with two DVD releases instead of just one for the entire season.

All that being said, it makes a little more sense here since there is such a big break between the first and second parts of the season (the show doesn’t start up again until April).  I really enjoyed watching Glee: Road to Sectionals. I mean after all, it does have eleven episodes, which for most shows on HBO or Showtime that constitutes a full season.

The extras were also entertaining as well.  You get Rachel’s version of “On My Own” which is excellent.  Also equally excellent is “Respect” sung by Mercedes.  I liked the audition videos, and the “Welcome to McKinley” Video was hilarious and should be included in an episode.  All in all if you are a fan of this show or want to catch the Glee fever before it starts back up again I recommend picking up a copy of Glee: Road to Sectionals.

Your All-Access Hall Pass to Everything “Glee” Arrives Exclusively On DVD December 29

“Glee” Season 1: Road To Sectionals
Street Date:        December 29, 2009
Screen Format:    Wide Screen – 1.85:1
Audio:    English Dolby Surround
Total Run Time:    580 Minutes
MPAA Rating:            Not Rated
Closed Captioned:        Yes
–

I tell that story, becuase I wanted to feel the same way about Extract that I did about Office Space. Unfortuntally I didn’t.  Extract is funny don’t get me wrong, but it’s not going to have the same impression Office Space did on everyone, and of course that is what it’s going to be compared to.

To begin, the cast in Extract is great.  Led by Jason Bateman who’s always wonderful the ensemble cast including Ben Affleck, Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig, etc. really makes the movie.  I enjoyed every minute I was watching it.

I did feel that some of those wonderful actors were a bit under utilized.  I mean you have Kristen Wiig, who is possibly the funniest woman on the planet, and her role isn’t at all funny.  What a waste that was.  Ben Affleck, whom I rarely think of as a comedic actor stole the show in his small but pivitol role.

If you are a fan of Mike Judge or any of these actors, you owe it to yourself to watch Extract.  It’s not going to be your favorite movie of all time, but you will enjoy it.  It looks and sounds great on the blu-ray copy.

As far as the bonus features go there isn’t much there.  Some extended and deleated scenes and small featurette that is worth watching once, but as I always say I’m not one of those guys that buys a movie for it’s bonus features. 

Office Space Director Mike Judge Returns to Work with an Outrageous
Comedy Starring Jason Bateman,
Kristin Wiig and Ben Affleck

Buena Vista Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing,
sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista
product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc™ and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home
Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios

I enjoy basketball, but I’m not a huge basketball fan, so much of Kobe Doin’ Work bored the hell out of me.  It was a game that’s already been played and he’s chasing an MVP award that he’s already won.  Much of the 85 minute movie is really just game footage.  What I did find interesting was the pre and post game stuff with Bryant.  It’s interesting to see his daily ritual and to see how he lives.

The extras weren’t much to write home about, a commentary track by Spike Lee, a music video, some photos and two deleted scenes.  Obviously this movie is for the basketball fan.  It wasn’t made for someone with no interest in basketball, and if you are a basketball fan you will love this movie, and Kobe Bryant is fun to watch on and off the court, whether you love him or hate him.

A Revealing Look at One of the Greatest Basketball Players of All
Time from Celebrated Filmmaker Spike Lee
KOBE DOIN’ WORK
A SPIKE LEE JOINT
Uncensored Special Edition on DVD for the first time on
November 24, 2009
“It’s showtime….I’ve been in the league for years and I still get goose bumps when we run out,
it’s such a great feeling.” -Kobe Bryant
Burbank, Calif., June 24, 2009 – Sports fans can experience unlimited access to the intensity and
immeasurable talent of 2009 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant when ESPN Home Entertainment, in
conjunction with Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, present Kobe Doin’ Work, coming to DVD
on November 24, 2009. Kobe Doin’ Work brings together legendary New York filmmaker Spike Lee and
one of the biggest names in sports today. This ESPN Films presentation takes an unprecedented look at
the NBA star and features unlimited access to Bryant before, during and after one of the season’s
biggest games leading to the 2007-08 playoffs, the result being a definitive portrait of one of the sport’s
greatest athletes.
Lee and cinematographer Matthew Libatique spent the day with the Los Angeles Lakers superstar.
Utilizing 30 cameras and wiring Bryant for sound, Lee brings the audience onto the court with Bryant as
his Lakers battle the San Antonio Spurs in a game with major playoff implications.
“Kobe Doin’ Work is brilliant — Spike Lee reveals what it really takes, day in and day out, for Kobe Bryant
to play basketball at such an elite level,” said Tori Stevens, Vice President, Multi-Platform Development,
ESPN. “Fans will see, up close, how Kobe thinks about the game, his regimen and his work ethic.
(More)
This unique DVD offers an on-camera introduction by director Spike Lee, along with footage of Kobe
Bryant during the fourth quarter, his press conference after the game, a Kobe Bryant photo montage,
and an E: 60 “Behind the Scenes” feature.
Kobe Doin’ Work also features the first score ever written by Grammy® -winning musician Bruce
Hornsby and the original song “Levitate.”
As a bonus to all hardcore fans, Upper Deck™ has created a special, limited edition Kobe Bryant trading
card that will only be available inside the first thirty-thousand DVDs.
BONUS FEATURES
• Introduction by Director Spike Lee
• Deleted Scenes
- The Unseen 4th Quarter
- Press Conference
• E:60 “Behind The Scenes” Feature
• Photo Montage
• “Levitate” – Bruce Hornsby Music Video
• Alternate Audio
- Game Only Experience (No Commentary)
- Broadcast Version (Censored)
Kobe Doin’ Work has a suggested retail price of $29.99 SRP (US).
STREET DATE: November 24, 2009
Direct prebook: 9/29/2009
Distributor prebook: 10/13/2009
Pricing: $29.99 SRP (US);$35.99 (Canada)
Feature run time: Approx. 96 min.
Rated: TV 14 L; TBD in Canada
Bonus Materials Not Rated
Technical specifications may only apply to feature.
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Sound: 5.1 Surround Sound
Languages: English
Synopsis:
Directed by award winning filmmaker Spike Lee, “Kobe Doin’ Work” brings the audience onto the court
with superstar Kobe Bryant as his Lakers battle the Spurs in a game with major playoff implications. Lee
and a remarkable 30 cameras chronicle every move of one of the world’s great athletes from pre-game
prep, to fast breaks, team huddles and post-game interviews, showcasing the beauty of the game and
the brilliance of Kobe Bryant. “Kobe –Doin’ Work” is further brought to life with an original score by
multiple Grammy award winner Bruce Hornsby.
Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the
marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax
and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc™ and electronic distribution. Buena Vista
Home Entertainment, Inc. is a division of The Walt Disney Studios.

The Buddies DVD series is very popular with kids, and why shouldn’t it be.  After all it does star talking puppies.  The original song included in the movie actually aren’t bad as far as Christmas movies go, and even a little catchy.  If your kids like the other Buddies movies then they will like this one as well, but if you are adult that wants to watch a Disney movie, there are much better options out there.

Newest Adventure in Most Popular Live-Action
Direct-To-DVD Franchise Ever

Disney
SANTA BUDDIES:
THE LEGEND OF SANTA PAWS

All-New On Blu-ray™ Combo Pack
And DVD November 24, 2009

Everyone’s Favorite Puppies in their First Holiday Adventure

Burbank, Calif., June 4, 2009 – Disney’s irresistible talking pups are back in SANTA BUDDIES: THE
LEGEND OF SANTA PAWS, a heartwarming, all-new holiday adventure coming to Blu-ray combo
pack and DVD on November 24, 2009 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. The beloved pups
take a fantastic journey to the North Pole in an exciting new escapade featuring more new friends, fun,
and teamwork than ever before unleashing a stocking full of holiday cheer with a fun-filled film and
plenty of never-before-seen bonus material. Perfectly timed for holiday gift giving, SANTA BUDDIES:
THE LEGEND OF SANTA PAWS is sure to be at the top of everyone’s wish list!

Few things are more appealing, adorable and elicit bigger enthusiasm than man’s best friend.  From
classic Old Yeller to classy Beverly Hills Chihuahua to animated Bolt, one of Hollywood’s surest ways to
delight audiences of all ages lies firmly at the feet of our four-legged friends.  Since the 1997 big-screen
debut of the sports-minded Golden Retriever star “Buddy,” audiences have thrilled to the high-stakes
antics in the AIR BUD movie series with its fantastic sports-themed adventures including basketball,
football, soccer, volleyball and even America’s national pastime – baseball!

A quintet of adorable talking puppies followed the “Bud” movies in 2006, with the highly-anticipated
launch of the BUDDIES series – and a puppy craze began as AIR BUDDIES became the biggest live-
action Direct-To-DVD movie of the year!

Following in those triumphant paw prints, the wise-cracking pups went North to Alaska to compete in a
daring dogsled adventure, barking up yet another #1 for 2008, as SNOW BUDDIES crossed the finish
line as the best-selling live-action Direct-to-DVD of all time*!  Released to Disney DVD in February
2009, SPACE BUDDIES sent the puppies where no dog has gone before, and rocketed another hit into
the homes of millions. Now comes SANTA BUDDIES: THE LEGEND OF SANTA PAWS, arriving
this holiday season on Disney Blu-Ray hi-def and DVD, and sure to be their greatest and most heart
warming adventure yet.

“The overwhelming success of each of our ‘Buddies’ adventures really highlights how irresistible Disney
Dog movies are and what great family entertainment can be,” said Bob Chapek, President, Walt Disney
Studios Home Entertainment. “SANTA BUDDIES: THE LEGEND OF SANTA PAWS is destined to
become a new holiday classic, securing the Buddies’ place in the long lineage of Disney Dogs.”

In SANTA BUDDIES: THE LEGEND OF SANTA PAWS, the lovable “Buddies,” B-Dawg,
Budderball, Buddha, Mudbud, and Rosebud embark on a thrilling journey to the magical world of Santa’s
Workshop. When Puppy Paws, the fun-loving son of Santa Paws, gets tired of the North Pole, he checks
out Santa’s “naughty” list and finds Budderball’s name right on top. Puppy Paws heads south to meet the
Buddies and find out how “ordinary” pups spend their days. But when the world begins to forget the true
meaning of the holidays and the magic of the season begins to literally melt away, it’s up to Puppy Paws
and his newfound Buddies to save the day in another epic adventure. Their extraordinary exploits
highlight the importance of collaboration, courage and tradition in a joyous celebration of life and
friendship. Sure to be a family favorite for years to come, SANTA BUDDIES: THE LEGEND OF
SANTA PAWS delivers enough holiday cheer to last a whole year!  It’s Buddy-loving fun the whole
family will enjoy again and again.

SANTA BUDDIES: THE LEGEND OF SANTA PAWS stars the voices of Tim Conway (The Carol
Burnett Show), Richard Kind (A Bug’s Life, Spin City), Tom Bosley (Happy Days), Field Cate (Pushing
Daises), Josh Flitter (Nancy Drew), and Skyler Gisondo (The Bill Engvall Show) and the acting talents of
George Wendt (Cheers) and Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future). Robert Vince returns to produce and
direct his fourth “Buddies” film.

About Disney’s Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack:

To provide consumers with unprecedented quality, value and portability of their favorite Disney movies,
in 2008 Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment pioneered the Combo Pack – a Blu-ray Disc plus a
DVD in a single package.  Current WDSHE titles available as Combo Packs include Bedtime Stories,
Bolt, Pinocchio, High School Musical 3 and Sleeping Beauty.

STREET DATE:  November 24, 2009
Direct prebook:                        9/15/09
Distributor prebook:   9/29/09
Suggested retail price: DVD 29.99 SRP (US), $35.99 (Canada); Blu-ray $39.99 (US) and
$44.99 (Canada)
Feature run time:  Approx. run time 88 minutes
Rated:     TBD; Bonus Material not rated.
Technical specifications may only apply to feature
Aspect ratio:    1.78:1 Widescreen (Enhanced for 16X9 televisions)
Sound:     Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Languages:   English, French and Spanish

I have to tell you that this movie (I don’t know if it’s really a movie, but it’s not an episode of the show either, so that’s what I’m calling it) was every bit as good as a regular episode, but maybe a bit funnier because they weren’t held back by the already loose restrictions they have at FX.  The premise is very simple.  Dennis and Dee hate Christmas because Frank always bought whatever gifts they asked for and kept them for himself, they want to pay him back.  Charlie and Mac have wonderful memories of Christmas, but when they think hard about them they realize that maybe they weren’t as good as they thought.

There aren’t many extras on the DVD, but that really isn’t the point, and the movie itself more than makes up for it.  There are a few deleted scenes of young Charlie and young Mac that are pretty funny, but don’t really fit anywhere in the story.  This DVD is a must-own for any fan of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia!

DECK THE HALLS WITH BEER CANS AND EXPLOSIVES

Man, how great is it to have 3 of Kevin’s best flicks in one nice package like this? Perfect timing, too, with Bluray finally hitting the masses and players becoming VERY affordable this holiday season. This set is going to be a must-buy for any fan, even WITHOUT the extras. However, not one to disappoint, Kevin approaches this new set like he does any re-release — He’s LOADED it with special features.

The packaging itself is pretty neat and tidy – A simple cardboard slip sleeve, nicely designed with new cover art, and a 3-panel backing that lists all the special features. The “Clerks” Bluray features everything from the awesome “Clerks X” DVD and a brand new remaster of the film presented in 1080p video and DTS HD-MA audio. For “Clerks”! That’s so great. Interestingly, the much-loved “Lovely Tea Party” documentary, which is for many fans a long-awaited addition to their collection, is not listed among the “Clerks” extras on the box art. But rest assured, it is indeed there, clear as day, at the top of the “Extras” menu.

The centerpiece of this set is the film that many consider to be their favorite of Kevin’s offerings, “Chasing Amy”. This marks the first time that the film has arrived in a HD format, and serves as the 10th anniversary edition of a true indie classic. Having the ultimate copy of the film is again paramount here, but this disc gives us what we think is the best crop of new extras we have ever seen on a View Askew Production – A brand new “SModcast” style feature-length audio commentary from Kevin & Scott, the 10th year anniversary Q&A filmed during a Vulgarthon at the Arclight in Los Angeles, and finally, the crown jewel — A brand new documentary titled “Tracing Amy”. This doc was the go-to item for the set. There’s always that one thing you want to check out first when you open that shrink wrap. Sometimes it’s the movie itself, or the deleted scenes, or the commentary — For us, on this one, it was “Tracing Amy”.

As mentioned, the Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back disc, which is simply a duplicate of the already-released Bluray of the film, does not add anything new, and is missing a chunk of the awesome extras found on the DVD release of the film. Not sure why they did that, but despite it, this set’s still well worth the buy even for the other two discs, even if you already have the J&SBSB Bluray. So pass this second copy on to a friend, as it’s one of Kev’s most colorful and really pops in the HD format.

So, what a lot of folks joke about is, why a “Clerks” Bluray? Well, folks, even Kevin himself will tell you, the film’s already looking as good as it’ll ever look, and we like it just fine the way it is. We’re notorious for hating to have to swap discs out for features, so a big benefit with this one, and why it will forever replace the rugged “Clerks X” DVD on the shelf, is that there’s no flipping or disc swapping here. Everything, including BOTH cuts of the film (the theatrical and the festival cut), the documentary, and all the other goodies…All finaly here on one beautiful Bluray. The restored print you hear discussed in the set is the same print that was worked on for “Clerks X”. Still, there’s just something special about having one of the best indie flicks of all time on this new format. I cherish you, “Clerks” Bluray.

If you’re curious about what we thought about all the Clerks X contents, which include “The Snowball Effect”, the best documentary you will EVER see on the film, check out our extensive “Clerks X” review.

There’s still that one gem of a new item here on the “Clerks” Bluray, so, let’s move on to that doc…

Kevin’s recorded a brand new interview for this lost documentary, explaining that this doc is the new bonus for getting the “Clerks” disc. Considering they didn’t remaster “Strike Back” and just re-purposed the already-pressed version for this set, it makes a lot more sense that the doc for that film was added to this “Clerks” Bluray. In the intro, Kevin explains that this is the new feature that made it all worth buying “Clerks” again. Heck, though, we’d have had to pick it up anyway. How can you not have the ultimate version of this classic? Hey Kevin, we bought tons of copies of Terminator 2 as well. Even on VHS. Yikes.

What you’ve got here is a look at all the fun involved in making the great “Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back”. We’re still in awe that this film was banked with such a great budget, considerng this is probably the ultimate tribute to fans. Kevin threw in everything AND the kitchen sink, and you can see, throughout this documentary, that the cast and crew sure had fun.

Kev’s longtime pal Maclcolm Ingram and wife Jen Schwalbach are the co-creators of this piece, which plays more like an extended behind-the-scenes than a documentary, we’d say. All the cast were pulled aside for exclusive interviews, featuring footage that you’ve never seen anywhere else. Ingram was behind his camera for a large portion of the shoot, capturing angles, takes, and bloopers that have also never seen the light of day — This is all exclusive stuff. Having had the pleasure of visiting the set of the film for a few days, we can vouch — This guy worked HARD and had a ton of footage to pull from. What you’re seeing here represents just a small sampling of everything shot — We’re hoping that something even more extensive might be made available in the future.

The original “Tea Party” doc cut ran well over 2 hours, if memory serves — This version, last screened at “Vulgarton” in Los Angeles (coincidentally, the same day that the “Chasing Amy” Q&A mentioned below took place), runs a nice learn 87 minutes.

There’s been some die-hard fans saying that this new transfer of “Amy” has been softened and lost some detail. Frankly, we don’t really see it. The disc looks great and the film looks like I’ve always remembered it. It’s been a few years since I’ve spun up this disc, and I gotta admit, “Chasing Amy” drew me right back in. This movie has fantastic replay value — The performances and production values, given the budget and working conditions, are truly amazing. There’s no way that “Chasing Amy” will not go down in history as one of the most successful, critically loved indies in history. It’s just that good. So far, still Kevin’s most personal film, and one of his best.

For more detailed thoughts on the movie itself, you might wanna check out our Criterion Collection review of the “Chasing Amy” DVD.

Watch the likes of Affleck, Lee (hot off signing onto “My Name is Earl”), Kevin, Joey, and the rest of the bunch answer questions about signing onto the movie, and recalling that time in their lives. Looking at the cast, you can tell what an amazing eye Kevin’s got for talent — Noticing at how far so many of them, then unknowns, have come since them…Lee and Affleck on to huge acting careers, Joey Lauren Adams now a successful director, and Ewell a working actor today.

What’s great in this segment? Overall, a lot of stories recollected from the making of “Chasing Amy”, in pretty amazing detail given the time that’s passed since they’ve done it all. Of particular fun here was Kevin retelling the tale of collecting the budget for “Chasing Amy”, and he and Mosier’s quest to make the movie the way they wanted, with the actors they wanted.

Other highlights: Some great stuff on Kevin directing Joey during the production since they were seeing each other at the time, and the interesting dynamic that came along with with it, and Mr. Affleck himself chatting about giving that amazing speech in the car, the film’s turning point. Seeing “Chasing Amy” on opening day in the theater, that scene was probably one of the most amazing bits of dialogue and performance I had ever witnessed on screen.

The Q&A runs a little under a half an hour, and has been edited down somewhat from what took place in the theater, but they’ve covered all the good stuff for sure. We were there in person for this one, front and center, grabbing some photos and some notes for our Vulgarthon coverage. As a result, look for a quick little shot of one of your loyal News Askew webmasters chuckling at one of Kevin’s comments around the 9 minute mark or so.

Yes folks, this is the crown jewel of the set — Zak and Joey, our pals at Chop Shop Entertainment, have done it AGAIN!!! After putting together amazing documentaries for “Clerks” and “Mallrats”, these guys have completed their trilogy with what we think is their best work yet. These guys just GET IT.

Running an hour and 21 minutes in length, almost as long as “Chasing Amy” itself, “Tracing Amy” takes viewers on a complete journey through the process of bringing the film to live. All the way from the original ideas for the film after the “Mallrats” aftermath, taking us all the way into the critical acclaim for the film, and the seeds being planed for “Dogma”. New interviews have been conducted with all the players: Smith, Mosier, Adams, Affleck, Lee, Mewes…And some surprises from Guin Turner, Dave Klein, and a couple of “Amy”’s early champions, Bob Hawk and film critic Amy Taubin.

Everything’s been bridged together expertly, using pages from the “Bluntman and Chronic” comic to symbolize moments in the process itself — The guys have done such a good job weaving their chapter titles into the fabric of the comic’s pages, we had to stop and realize that they weren’t originally a part of the pages. It’s that seamless.

Those of us who are very familiar with the production of “Chasing Amy” may have heard some of this before over the years. However, never before has the story of the film been told in such detail, from start to finish. As with the other docs, we think they’re best enjoyed without spoiling all the aspects, but here’s some highlights of what you can expect to learn and hear more about as the story unfolds.

- Many folks think the story was inspired by a relationship that Kevin was in, however, early on, as Scott Mosier developed a friendship with director Guin Turner, Kevin’s script took shape with that story as an inspiration, and an early proxy for Holden. Later, when Kevin began dating Adams, his inspiration shifted to his relationship with her as “Amy” progressed.

- At an early scripting stage, “Chasing Amy” was written as a high-school based film! A few pages from this fabled script are actually shown and can be freeze-framed for the die hards. This material has never been released, and Kevin has only hinted at it before. Pretty cool to see.

- As mentioned in the past, the studio, when offering more money for the budget, wanted Kevin and Scott to use David Schwimmer, John Stewart, and Drew Barrymore as the film’s 3 leads. A great deal of time is spent on the budget wars that took place, eventually culminating with Kevin’s decision to make the movie, their way, on an impossible budget (resting the burden of making it all happen on Mosier’s shoulders).

- We’re treated to extended segments of behind-the-scenes footage that we’ve never seen to this degree before, including the amazing rain rig that DP Dave created for the pivotal car scene, as well as the comic-con.

- Another behind the scenes treat: Watch the stress on Mosier’s face as he continually faces challenges in trying to make the film happen with the impossible budget. Mosier is the true hero of “Chasing Amy” — Without him, the movie never would have happened.

- After hearing fabled tales of Kevin’s difficulties as Silent Bob in the diner scene, we’re treated to extended versions of those outtakes during the documentary.

- Towards the doc’s end, time is spent covering the studio’s mandate to choose their own cast and crew for Dogma, where Joey is unfortunately kept from the role of “Bethany” (a role Kevin scripted for her), and the great DP Dave is passed over from shooting the film. A sad, frustrating moment, that we never realized actually came as they were all enjoying such great praise from their work on “Chasing Amy” a true injustice, still.

- A final magical moment — Watching the great Quentin Tarantino praising “Chasing Amy” as his favorite movie of the year as he apprears on the Charlie Rose show. You can really see his true love and passion for the film.

The documentary also wisely credits “Chasing Amy” as the first ever “Bromance” movie, and when you think about it, it really is. With so many films today revolving around close friendships between a couple of “guy’s guys”, Amy certainly was ahead of its time in developing that level of relationship between Holden and Banky. “Tracing Amy” managed to do something I actually never thought possible — It made me appreciate “Chasing Amy” even more than I already did. I always knew that the movie was made on a shoestring budget, but watching the process, the challenges, and hearing all these stories in the context of their timing during production of the film…”Chasing Amy” has to be one of the biggest underdog success stories in movie history, and a lot of that credit goes to the creators: Smith, Mosier, and Klein, just as well as the fantastic cast who delivered those incredible performances. Watch this documentary, and we’re sure you’ll never be watching “Amy” the same way again. Congratulations to Zak and Joey on another home run — “Tracing Amy” is the gem of this set.

In this 18-minute piece, an unexpected surprise, Kevin Smith and Joey Lauren Adams take a few moments in The Stash (sitting behind Kevin’s famous poker table) to discuss their relationship and how it affected to course of “Chasing Amy”. It’s really cool to see these two interact one-on-one — While some of the discussions are themes that we saw explored in the Q&A and the documentary, here we see star and director chatting very personally about that time in their lives. Many appropriate stills are mixed in here, just like the documentary, along with some candid photos from the shoot that we’ve not seen before, and of course, some choice clips from “Chasing Amy” itself.

Don’t skip over this, as it’s one of the coolest things on the disc, and we’re so pleased that they decided to film and include it when putting these extras together.

This Bluray is the same version we’ve done a capsule review for in its release, and contains the same Bluray transfer currently available. The commentary is the classic Smith, Mosier, and Mewes track from the original DVD release. Read our complete review for all those details.

As a fan, and a collector, if you’ve got a Bluray player, you owe it to yourself to pick up this set. Once again, you’re not only getting 3 funny films, but more new, exclusive extra content that you can’t see anywhere else.If you’ve already grabbed Jay & Bob on Blu, you’ll be happy to know that you can also pick these up separately, however, you’ll be missing out on the cool sleeve that only comes with the set ‘o three. Miramax’s “Kevin Smith 3-Movie Collection” on Bluray is now available everywhere, including in a beautiful SIGNED version exclusively available from Jay & Silent Bob’s Secret Stash, the perfect Christmas gift for yourself or the Kev-fan in your life.

While Monsters, Inc. isn’t my favorite Pixar movie, I do think it might be the one I find the funniest.  The voice acting of John Goodman and Billy Crystal really takes the cake and leaves me rolling on the floor it’s so funny.  They come across as a modern-day Laurel and Hardy.  Someone should have put these two in a movie a long time ago.

Of course being a Pixar/Disney release the Blu-Ray version of Monsters, Inc. is awesome.  The set has 4-discs.  The first two include the movie and all the great extras that always go into a Pixar release, while the third and fourth discs are the regular DVD copy of the movie and the digital copy respectively.

As expected the Blu-Ray transfer of the movie looks and sounds wonderful.  The extras included really are great.  I’m not normally one who thinks much about the extras that come on a DVD, because normally they are so disappointing.  This is not the case with Monsters, Inc. Pixar and Disney always seem to go above and beyond with the extras they pack into their Blu-Ray releases.  The two best features in my mind were the two short animated features, For The Birds, and Mike’s New Car.  Both were very funny, and almost worth paying for themselves. There is some great behind the scenes stuff as well that really lets the viewer see what goes into the making of a Pixar film.  I even enjoyed the whole behind the scenes feature on the creation of the Monsters, Inc. ride at Tokyo Disneyland.

I’m always happy anytime a Blu-Ray comes with a regular DVD or a digital copy of the movie as well.  I think it’s a very nice touch, and all Blu-Ray movies should do it.

The new 4-disc Bu-Ray collection of Monsters, Inc. is a must own for any fan of the movie of Pixar fan.

MONSTERS, INC.
Disney/Pixar’s Animated Classic Available
For the First Time in Blu-ray High Definition!
On 2-Disc Disney Blu-ray Hi Def + DisneyFile Digital Copy November 10, 2009,
Available for the SRP of $45.99

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the
marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax
and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc™ and electronic distribution. Walt Disney
Studios Home Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios

I’m not one to get excited about Pixar’s movies.  Which is strange, because I’ve seen them all and I loved each and every one.  Such was the case with Pixar’s newest release Up.  Al that being said, I have to say that UP might have been my favorite movie to come from Pixar yet.

When I was offered the chance to review the Blu-Ray release of Up I jumped at the chance.  Not only was the movie great, Pixar’s DVD releases are unrivaled as far as DVD releases go.  The Blu-Ray edition of UP includes 4-discs.  The first two disc include the movie and TONS of extras that really are worth something.  The second two discs are the DVD copy of the movie and the digital copy respectively.

Of course this movie looks and sounds great on Blu-Ray as you would expect.  It was all the extras that were included that really blew me away.  So often the extras included on a DVD are never worth watching.  This isn’t the case here.  The two shorts included, “Doug’s Special Mission” and “Partly Cloudy” were both good enough to pay for.  Doug was one of my favorite characters from UP, so it was really nice to see the short film with him as the star.

Another one of my favorites are the eight new documentary shorts that go into the creation of the movie.  Each one deals with a different character or aspect of the film.  Great stuff that really allows you to see behind the scenes at Pixar and exactly what goes into their movie making process.  I know a lot of people want a new Pixar movie every year, but when you see just how much goes into the making of these movies, it’s suprising that they release a film as often as they do.

If you are fan of animation or Pixar, Up is a must own.

Here are some fun facts about Up, for your reading pleaseure:

Fun Facts

• During the production of Up, the Animation Department produced an average of 4 seconds of animation a week.

• Paradise Falls is based on the world-famous Angel Falls in Venezuela. Up’s version is 1.8 miles tall or 9,700 ft., which is almost three times higher than Angel falls which stands at 3212 ft.

• To walk from the location where Carl and Russell first arrive on the tepui to the top of Paradise Falls would require a 14.5 mile trek. It’s about 6.75 miles across to the nearest tepui when they look out across the landscape.

• Pixar had a group of live ostriches come to the studio for reference for Kevin. The ostriches belonged to veterinarian Dr. James Stewart. The Art Department took a field trip to his farm where he also kept zebras.

• There are 10,297 balloons lifting Carl’s house.

• Pixar consulted with an architect to learn about home foundations to make the lift off of Carl’s house more believable.

• All of the crowd dogs were actually a single dog based on Beta, tweaked around in shape and groom to look like a pack of 50.

• The Spirit of Adventure is a dirigible, a rigid airship, and not a blimp, which has no rigid frame. It is much larger than any dirigible ever built.

• The Spirit of Adventure is 3,061 ft. long, which is 3.8 times longer than the Hindenburg.

• The knots connecting Russell’s rope between the garden hose and his backpack on the tether are real usable knots.  There is a rolling hitch used to secure the rope to the garden hose, and three-half-hitches connecting the rope to the carabineer on his backpack. Both of these knots would have been something that Russell learned as a Wilderness Explorer.

The #1 Animated Film of the Year!
From the Creators of Finding Nemo and Monsters, Inc.
Comes the Hilarious and Unforgettable Adventure

Disney•Pixar’s
Up

Coming to Blu-Ray™ Hi-Def and DVD with Disneyfile Digital Copy on
November 10, 2009

Burbank, California, August 10, 2009 — An exhilarating, hilarious and heartfelt animated
adventure comes home when Disney•Pixar’s Up arrives on Blu-ray™ Hi-Def and DVD on
November 10, 2009 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.  Blending inspired
whimsy with powerful emotion, the hugely successful feature film is an artistic and
entertaining tour de force for the entire family. Up is available in a four-disc Blu-ray
Combo Pack, and a two-disc DVD, which both include DisneyFile, a digital copy of the
movie that can be viewed on an array of electronic devices, as well as enough bonus
features that keep the fun coming.

Academy Award®-nominee Pete Docter (2008, Best Original Screenplay, WALL•E; 2001,
Best Animated Feature Film, Monsters, Inc.) directs one of the funniest fantasy-
adventures of all time featuring a gifted voice cast that includes Ed Asner (Elf),
Christopher Plummer (Inside Man), Up co-director and writer Bob Peterson (Monsters,
Inc.), Delroy Lindo (This Christmas) and John Ratzenberger (who has lent his voice to
every Disney•Pixar feature film).

Up is the tenth in an unprecedented streak of critical and box office triumphs for
Disney•Pixar that includes four Academy Award® winners for Best Animated Feature—
WALL•E (2008), Ratatouille (2007), The Incredibles (2004) and Finding Nemo (2003)—
as well as Cars, Monsters, Inc., Toy Story 2, A Bug’s Life and Toy Story. Up joined each
of its predecessors in ranking #1 at the box office on its opening weekend.

BONUS FEATURES FOR UP
• Commentary by director Pete Docter and co-director Bob Peterson.
• Dug’s Special Mission – An all new original short film that follows the
misadventures of Dug as he attempts to complete his “special mission.” The
short is directed by Up Story Supervisor, Ronnie Del Carmen.
• The Many Endings of Muntz – Many ideas were hatched about how to dispose
of the film’s arch villain, Muntz, and now viewers can see the many alternate
endings proposed during story development.
• Partly Cloudy –The hilarious short film that preceded screenings of Up.
Everyone knows that the stork delivers babies, but where do the storks get the
babies? The answer lies up in the stratosphere where the cloud Gus is a master
at creating “dangerous” babies, which prove to be more than a handful for his
loval delivery stork Peck. Directed by Pixar story artist, animator and voice actor
Peter Sohn.
• Adventure is Out There – This action-packed documentary tells the story of the
filmmakers’ own trek to the tepuis mountains of South America to research the
design and story of the film.

And, only on Blu-ray Hi-Def, hours of features, and behind-the scenes bonus features,
including:
• Cine-Explore – A visual montage of concept art, clips and documentary
coverage that illustrates the directors’ commentary.
• Geriatric Hero – A character study of Carl, from research to realization including
art and design, rigging, animation and story. It focuses on the issues of aging,
“simplexity”, shape-language and compelling character arcs.
• Canine Companions – For anyone who ever wondered where CG puppies
come from, an introduction to the design, behavior and language of dogs.
• Russell: Wilderness Explorer – A character study of Russell from inspiration
and design to finding the character arc and authentic voice for this wilderness
ranger.
• Our Giant Flightless Friend, Kevin – Find out how avian research and
development at Pixar helped bring a mythical, 13-foot tall iridescent bird to life.

• Homemakers of Pixar – Carl and Ellie’s house is an important “character” in the
film. Fans follow the development of the house from story to art to its ultimate
realization in the computer.
• Balloons and Flight – Carl’s house and Muntz’s dirigible presented the
filmmakers with two different problems—how could they make a physical
impossibility possible? And, in the case of the dirigible, how would they unearth a
fallen giant and let it soar?
• Composing for Characters – Composer Michael Giacchino returns to score his
third Disney•Pixar feature film. See how the Up filmmakers collaborated with
Giacchino to create the memorable score and compelling musical themes.
• Married Life – The original story concept that became the powerful “Married Life”
scene, showing Carl and Ellie’s love story.
• Global Guardian Badge Game – Players try to locate countries, states and
capitals around the globe in a multi-layered BD-Exclusive geography game
enhanced by BD-Live.

Synopsis:
Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios take moviegoers up, up and away on
one of the funniest adventures of all time with their latest comedy-fantasy. Up follows the
uplifting tale of 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his
lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and
flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest
nightmare has stowed away on the trip: an overly optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness
Explorer named Russell. Their journey to a lost world, where they encounter some
strange, exotic and surprising characters, is filled with hilarity, emotion and wildly
imaginative adventure.

Up has a suggested retail price of $39.99 SRP (US) or $44.99 SRP (Canada) for the 2-
Disc DVD, and $45.99 SRP (US) or $52.99 SRP (Canada) for the 4-Disc Blu-ray Combo
pack.  A 1-Disc DVD is also available at SRP $29.99 (US), $35.99 (Canada)

STREET DATE: 11/10
Direct prebook: 9/1
Distributor prebook: 9/15
Pricing: 2-Disc DVD:  $39.99, 4-Disc Combo: $45.99
Feature run time: 96 minutes
Rated: PG
Bonus Materials Not Rated in US
Technical specifications may only apply to feature.
Aspect ratio: DVD: Widescreen 16×9
Sound: SD: 5.1 Dolby Digital, BD: Dolby Digital EX 1080P
Languages: English, Canadian French, Spanish

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home
entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney,
Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes
DVD, Blu-ray Disc™ and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home
Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios.