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Insights from home entertainment industry experts. Home Media blogs give you the inside scoop on entertainment news, DVD and Blu-ray Disc releases, and the happenings at key studios and entertainment retailers. TK's Take analyzes and comments on home entertainment industry news and trends, Agent DVD Insider talks comic adaptations, and IndieFile delivers independent film news.

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November 19, 2009
‘Fight Club’ BD Pranks Fans

Those watching the new Fight Club 10th anniversary Blu-ray edition might be surprised to find the disc loads the menu screen for Never Been Kissed.

It’s all part of a gag by director David Fincher, who thought it would be funny to fool fans with a fake menu of a romantic comedy released the same year as Fight Club, 1999. Never Been Kissed was his top choice, but the menu only was included with the blessing of Drew Barrymore, who starred in the film.

After a few seconds, the Never Been Kissed menu gives way to the actual menu for Fight Club, which seeks a target demographic that is a bit more macho than for Barrymore’s film.

Both films were distributed by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

I laughed out loud when I first saw the gag, but I don't think it goes far enough. It would have been funnier if the Never Been Kissed menu stayed the menu for Fight Club, at least until you selected an option to get the real menu. Imagine the look on the faces of those saps who went to the bathroom while the disc loaded, only to return to the horror of a sweet rom-com menu, and thinking they have the wrong disc!

I guess you can only be so cruel.

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November 17, 2009
Beaming Up ‘Star Trek’ Exclusives

Amazon.com's Star Trek gift set

“Star Trek” fans have plenty of options when it comes to picking up the new movie on disc.

For those out there willing to look past the film’s complete disrespect for previous “Star Trek” history (and judging by the Internet response, that’s most of you), several retailers are offering up exclusive versions of the movie containing collectibles you won’t want to miss.

Best Buy, which is selling the DVD at $14.99, the two-DVD deluxe edition at $22.99 and the three-disc Blu-ray at $23.99, has a Blu-ray gift set for $39.99 that also includes a set of four insignia badges.

Fans of steelbook casing (which I am not) can head over to Transworld-owned f.y.e. and Suncoast stores and pick up the deluxe DVD edition in metal packaging for $34.91.

Target offers a neat little package that has a plastic replica of the U.S.S. Enterprise that contains the discs in the saucer section. Both the two-DVD ($26.99) and Blu-ray ($29.99) configurations are available, in addition to the regular packaging assortments (DVD $15.99; two-DVD set $22.99; Blu-ray $24.99).

Amazon.com offers its own Enterprise replica, but theirs will run up the bill a bit. The online retailer has an exclusive Blu-ray boxed set containing a hand-cast pewter replica of the ship, limited to a run of 5,000 copies, which is listed at $130 but selling for $99.99.
 

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November 13, 2009
Fans Speak Out, Warner Listens

Back in September, we ran a list of the top 10 TV shows not yet on DVD. The list came courtesy of our friends at TVShowsOnDVD.com.

No. 6 on that list was the 1980s spy romance “Scarecrow and Mrs. King,” starring Bruce Boxleitner (Tron, “Babylon 5”) and Kate Jackson (“Charlie’s Angels”). One reason given for its lack of a DVD release: a perception by the studio that consumers weren’t interested.

Well, I can attest to the fan interest. After running that item, I personally was inundated with calls and e-mails asking for my help in getting the show on DVD.

Apparently someone at the studio listened. I'm happy to report that Warner Home Video will release Scarecrow and Mrs. King: The Complete First Season March 9 (prebook Feb. 2) as a five-DVD set for $39.98.

If only the 1960s “Batman” series were that easy to get on DVD.
 

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November 09, 2009
Take a Trip to ‘Planet Hulk’

Planet Hulk

The folks at Lionsgate are pretty excited over their latest direct-to-video animated movie based on Marvel Comics superhero characters. Planet Hulk hits shelves Feb. 2 (prebook Jan. 6) and comes in single-DVD ($19.98), two-DVD special edition ($24.98) and Blu-ray Disc ($29.98) configurations.

Based on a Marvel storyline from a few years ago, the plot involves the forces of Earth declaring the Incredible Hulk too dangerous and exiling the big green guy into space. He eventually crashes on the distant planet Sakaar, ruled by the tyrannical Red King. Lots of fighting ensues.

I’m more of a DC guy myself, but this looks like a pretty exciting title for comic-book fans to check out.

Extras include a digital copy, a featurette, a “Wolverine and the X-Men” episode, “Spider-Woman” and “X-Men” music videos, and “Spider-Woman” and “X-Men” motion comics.
 

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October 30, 2009
Warner Discounts DC Comics Merchandise

The Warner Bros. online store, WBShop.com, is offering up to 40% savings off select branded DC Comics merchandise, including DVDs and Blu-ray Discs featuring such superheroes as Batman and Superman.

Featured items include the Watchmen DVD for $11.36 (40% off) or the Blu-ray for $18.96 (37% off), Superman/Batman: Public Enemies — Special Edition DVD for $16.30 (26% off) or Blu-ray for $19.13 (20% off), The Adventures of Aquaman animated series for $17.66 (23% off), Smallville: Season 8 for $36.27 (24% off), a "Batman" four-film set for $11.36 (40% off) and much more.

The offer expires Nov. 12 and excludes digital downloads.

Other merchandise includes costumes, watches, shirts, sweatshirts and collectibles.
 

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