Release News

Paramount Sapphire Series Blu-ray Discs Announced: Gladiator, Braveheart, Forest Gump

By brenden ⋅ June 23, 2009 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

We read the rumours. We dreamed about them. We hoped they would come before the end of the year. And now Paramount has confirmed its exclusive new “Sapphire Series” series of deluxe Blu-ray discs, kicking off with the September 1st release of Gladiator and Braveheart, followed by Forest Gump on November 3rd.

I’m grateful that we’re getting these fliks on Blu-ray at long last (well, I guess the wait hasn’t been THAT long. Blu-ray is only 3 years old!) But this whole “Sapphire Series” thing stinks of marketing department. I don’t believe for a moment that the quality of these discs - the A/V, the bonus stuff -is any better, is prepared with more love than Paramount gives to their Transformers or Iron Man discs.

Whatever. I could care less. Slap whatever label you want on the packages. Just gimme the movies.

Here are the details of Gladiator and Braveheart. We’ll know more about the Gump later in the summer.

BRAVEHEART

(September 1, 2009 - MSRP $39.99)
Video: 1080p
Audio: English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital

Special Features:

•    Interactive Timelines—Three distinct timelines featuring a combination of video, images, text and audio that can be accessed linearly or randomly.

o    Production: A comprehensive chronology of the motion picture from conception through theatrical release, from a behind-the-scenes point of view.
o    Historical: Chronological modules feature Scotland’s greatest patriot, along with historical places, figures and events surrounding his life and struggle. 
o    Fiction: A comprehensive timeline identifying the chronological events of the film.

•    Braveheart: A Look Back— Features new interviews with members of the cast and crew reminiscing about their experiences making the film and its enduring impact on cinema.

•  Smithfield: Medieval Killing Fields—Relates the remarkable history of Smithfield, which for centuries was regularly filled with the roars of crowds, regal fanfares and rowdy games. Smithfield is also known as the site of
William Wallace’s execution, along with other terrifying spectacles when heretics, rebels and criminals were put to death. 

•   Battlefields of the Scottish Rebellion— Two major Scottish battlefields, Falkirk and Bannockburn, will be presented as 3D models that can be explored for further investigation into the military strategies and timetables employed in each. Topography, weapons, troop movements, and leadership data can also be accessed.  An alternate playing mode will allow the story of each battle to unfold in an “automated” fashion, much like the interactive dioramas displayed at historical site museums around the world.

GLADIATOR

(September 1, 2009 - MSRP $39.99)
Video: 1080p
Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital

Special Features:

•    Audio Commentary—Two separate commentaries accompany the original theatrical version and extended version of the film.

•    The Scrolls of Knowledge—The original trivia track has been newly enhanced with focus points allowing viewers to access a series of new behind-the-scenes featurettes exploring key scenes and how they relate to the historical accuracy depicted in the film.  The extended version of the film also includes a deleted scene marker.

•    Visions From Elysium: Topic Marker—Viewers can tag moments of interest throughout either version of the film, allowing them to create “shopping lists” of topics to learn more about.   Thanks to the Blu-ray player’s memory, the topics will automatically be loaded when Disc 2 is inserted, giving viewers immediate access to featurettes and galleries of interest.

•    Strength And Honor: Creating The World of Gladiator—The definitive documentary on the origin, production and impact of the Oscar®-winning classic.  The documentary includes an all-new Enhanced Viewing Mode allowing viewers access to additional interviews and behind-the-scenes material.

            •    The Making of Gladiator—HBO First Look special.

            •    Gladiator Games: The Roman Bloodsport—Learning Channel special.

            •    Hans Zimmer: Scoring Gladiator—An exploration of the rousing soundtrack.

            •    My Gladiator Journal—Personal diary of the young actor who played Lucius.

           •    Image & Design—Featurettes and galleries covering the production design, storyboards, costumes and more.

            •    Abandoned Sequences & Deleted Scenes

            •    VFX Explorations: Germania & Rome—Shot deconstruction with the visual effects artists.

Tags: Braveheart, Forest Gump, Gladiator, Mel Gibson, Paramount, Ridley Scott, Russell Crowe, Tom Hanks