I started writing this post on Monday. As you can clearly tell, it’s taken me a few days of work, chipping away at it whenever I’ve had a few moments to spare, to get this thing done. But I’m really happy to tell you all about the best new Blu-ray releases this week. There’s some really strong stuff here and a few discs you should be certain not to miss out on. As always, any Amazon purchases made through our links help to support this column and the site on the whole and we thank you for them!

1. CHARADE

I was all ready to give the The Secret in Their Eyes this weeks top spot until I remembered that there was a new Criterion Blu-ray disc available today! And it’s a doosey. Stanley Donen‘s Charade is the ultimate caper film, with enough style and European flair to make you pack a bag and run off to Paris as soon as humanly possible. The plot is ultimately less than completely satisfying but any deficiencies are completely made up for in the casting. Audrey Hepburn is stunning in her Givenchy wardrobe and Cary Grant has never been more suave in a leading role. This is a wonderful, colourful upgrade from the long-available Criterion DVD.

Special Features:

• Restored high-definition digital transfer with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
• Audio commentary featuring Stanley Donen and screenwriter Peter Stone
• Original theatrical trailer
• English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired
• PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by film historian Bruce Eder

Amazon: $29.49

2. THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES

The Secret in Their Eyes (El Secreto de Sus Ojos) is, without question one of the finest films of the last year and long overdue for a domestic Blu-ray release. In direct competition with Michael Haneke‘s The White Ribbon (also one of our Top Picks on Blu-ray) for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film this past year, Secret edged out the popular pick to take the prize. And it deserves it.

Director Juan José Campanella brings us a mesmerizing romantic melodrama wrapped in a crime thriller. Adapted from the 2005 novel by Eduardo Sacheri (La pregunta de sus ojos), Secret follows Benjamin Esposito (Ricardo Darin), a criminal investigator attempting to chronicle a past case of brutal rape and murder. When memory fails him, he reconnects with his former crush, Irene Menendez Hastings (Soledad Villamil), the judge from the original case. Romance blossoms as the investigation deepens, danger drawing ever near. You can cut the tension with a knife here!

Highly recommended!

Amazon: $26.99

3. AMERICAN BEAUTY

I can’t believe American Beauty is over ten years old! It seems like only a scant few months ago that I was watching it in the theatre but here we are, eleven years on and it still feels fresh! Former theatre-director Sam Mendes really had a breakout hit here, in his first feature film and has gone on to become a real Hollywood powerhouse since then (he’s even on tap to helm the next James Bond film, if MGM is ever able to sort out its financial situation). Don’t miss out on this new Sapphire Series Blu-ray of the film, featuring all the extras from the previously available DVD and a gorgeous new HD transfer.

Amazon: $19.99

4. ROBIN HOOD

Okay, I know how you all feel about Ridley Scott‘s Robin Hood film. Word on the street is that it’s not much more than a redux of sorts of Scott’s other Russel Crowe epic, 2000s Gladiator – different era, different details, same story. While I haven’t had a chance to see the film yet, I feel fairly confident in recommending even the weakest of Scott’s films. And as much as he might have missed the mark here, I’m sure it’s not half as bad as all the critics are claiming. I expect the Blu-ray to kick some serious ass too!

Amazon: $22.99

5. VIGILANTE

Robert Forster and Fred Williamson star in the 1983 film called Vigilante. That should be enough information right there to send you out to your local BD shop in search of this new Blu-ray from the B-movie geniuses at Blue Underground. It’s a slightly cheesy, slightly exploitative affair with great, understated performances and a score by Star Trek composer, Jay Chattaway. The transfer, as per BU standard, looks stunning when you consider the origin and age of the film. And there are more than enough special features to ensure you got your sixteen bucks worth. Well worth every penny for fans of low budget 80s cinema!

Amazon: $15.99

TV ON BLU

All right, I don’t have a lot of time left to write today, but I need to take this opportunity to tell you how much I enjoyed The Human Target tv show. Not that old, failed series from the 90s, but this new FOX show, that debuted earlier this year and ran a paltry 12 episodes. I don’t think an adventure serial has been more spirited, comedic and inventive on television since…well, hell, I can’t even think of a show that’s ever been this fun! There’s action, conspiracy and romance around every corner in this, one of the finest new shows of the last year. I haven’t had a chance to check out the Blu-ray box set yet but rest assured, as soon as it turns up in my greasy little clutches, I’ll let you know how it fares.

FYI – I’ve never seen a single episode from the other programs but I understand they’re all quite amazing in their own right. So, just to be clear, I’m not saying The Human Target is better than Modern Family, I’m just saying I really enjoyed the hell out of the show and I’m excited to see it on Blu.

ALSO AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK
Clicking an image will take you to Amazon.com where you can learn more about and purchase the Blu-ray disc:

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Speaking of Ridley Scott films starring Russell Crowe (read all about the new Blu-ray edition of Gladiator here, if you haven’t already), Universal Pictures have announced the September 20th release of the duo’s recent Robin Hood film on Blu-ray in the U.K. I missed this one in the theatres but I have to say, it looks like a major misstep – prequel story, old Robin, too much war, too much like Gladiator, etc. But, as a long time fan of all things Robin Hood, I’m eager to get my hands on it and give it a go. I mean, really…how bad can it possibly be?!

Special Features:

• Theatrical (2hrs 13mins, PAL) & Director’s Cut (2hrs 29mins, PAL) versions of the film
• Director’s Notebook PIP (Theatrical Version)
• The Art of Nottingham featurette (5m 15s)
• Rise and Rise Again – Making Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood (1hr 2m)
• Trailers (x2) & TV Spots (x6)
• 10 Deleted Scenes with optional Commentary
• Introduction to Deleted Scenes

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This is some shocking and very welcome news! You might recall all the hubbub surrounding the release of Paramount‘s Gladiator: Sapphire Series Blu-ray last year (read our full review of the disc here.) Fans and critics were truly disappointed when the highly anticipated disc turned up with a less-than-stellar transfer, complete with edge enhancement and DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) which effectively turned the film into a muddy mess. Well, now a new Blu-ray release of the film has been unleashed on European audiences, sporting a gorgeous new 4K transfer. And, according to Paramount, those who purchased the previously issued, flawed disc here on this side of the Atlantic, will be able to exchange it for an updated version featuring the same 4K transfer from overseas!

Those screengrabs above, along with several more examples of the new transfer can be found at comparescreenshots.slicx.com. Now, we don’t have all the details of the exchange program yet but rest assured, it’s happening. Here’s Paramount’s official statement on the matter:

“We are implementing a limited exchange program. This program is only for those consumers that may have preferential issues with some of the technical DVNR (digital video noise reduction) and EE (edge enhancement) choices made in the original source transfer, and so would prefer to exchange it for one that addresses those preferences in a different manner.

While the version that we originally distributed was of the highest quality, some enthusiasts may prefer to view it without the Edge Enhancement and DVNR implemented as standard process in bringing the film to hi-def. This new master resolves those issues.”

Apparently, a running change will be made to the current Gladiator release which will see all future shipments of the title being revised with the updated transfer. Call Paramount Home Entertainment’s customer service hotline number (323-956-3010) for more details and to arrange your exchange.

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Here’s the deal – Gladiator was unleashed into shops this past Tuesday, September 1st as one of the first of Paramount‘s new line of premium Blu-ray discs – the Sapphire Series. A lucky few souls, however were able to get their dirty mitts on it early and, upon some heavy scrutiny, decided they WERE NOT entertained and decided to rip the disc (and Paramount) a new a-hole online. Word got out that that the Gladiator Blu-ray was not all that it was cracked up to be and warnings were issued for consumers to avoid it. After receiving my review copy and giving it a thorough once-over I can happily report that my retina are intact. No burn-holes in my eyeballs. The disc is fine. It looks good! But I guess that’s where the problem lies. Under this new Sapphire banner and the claim of digital perfection, Gladiator needs to look BETTER than good on Blu-ray.

Let me just say this. If your viewing area is less than 50″ diagonal, you’ll never notice the haloing, the edge enhancement, the digital-noise-reduction or general softness of the Gladiator transfer. In fact, the disc will most likely look great on your screen. Even on my 110″ projection screen, I can easily say that this is the best Gladiator has ever looked in my home. The Blu-ray bests the DVD in every way. But it should have been better. The very fact that it sports the “Sapphire” label suggests as much. And I’m sure Universal could have delivered better. According to Bill Hunt of The Digital Bits, it’s Universal who control the Gladiator assets for Dreamworks and would therefore be responsible for delivering Paramount the video transfer to create the Blu-ray. From the looks of it, they simply handed over the old sub-par transfer from the 2000 DVD to be re-used, instead of creating a new, more modern one, as is commonly done for the best HD discs today. It’s a shame but it’s not the end of the world. Like I said, I’ve never seen Gladiator look this good on my display. And I’ve watched both my theatrical cut and extended DVDs more than once over the years!

Aside from the video quality, this Blu-ray is bananas! Oh wait…should I cover the film itself? Do you need me to review the movie? Um…Okay…RIDLEY SCOTT!!! ANCIENT ROME!!! INCREDIBLE CINEMATOGRAPHY!!! FANTASTIC SCORE BY HANS ZIMMER AND LISA GERRARD!!! GREAT CAST!!! LAST FILM OF OLIVER REED!!! OSCAR WINNER FOR BEST PICTURE!!! …

And the story is pretty all right too…

Okay. On with the disc review. It looks good, sounds like a million bucks (perfect 5.1 DTS-HD track!) and is packed to the gills with extra features, not least of which is the ability to watch either the theatrical cut OR the extended cut of the film, through seamless branching. Fantastic! Once you’ve checked out both versions of Gladiator, listened to both excellent Ridley Scott commentary tracks (one technical with cinematographer John Mathieson and editor Pietro Scalia, the other more of a thrill ride with star Russel Crowe) and messed around with the Scrolls of Knowledge and/or the needless Visions from Elysium: Topic Portal on the first disc you’re ready to venture into disc two and all of its Charles de Lauzirika (longtime Ridley Scott DVD producer) awesomeness!

I’m not going to list all of the bonus features on disc two of the Gladiator set. They’re voluminous! Read all about them in our previous post here. I will say, however, that it is comprehensive and that you better set a lot of hours aside to wade through it all. It’s the same stuff that we’ve already seen on previous DVD editions, collected together this time onto one disc. Excellent stuff. The 197 minute Strength and Honor: Creating the World of ‘Gladiator’ documentary is worth the price of the Blu-ray alone.

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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.

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