New to Blu: Movies & Music > December 5-11

Total Recall fans will be seeing double with this week’s Blu-ray releases of the original (again) and the re-make.

The 2012 version comes with the theatrical and extended cuts (the latter is 20 minutes longer) and more than 90 minutes of extras spread across two discs, including a picture-in-picture commentary.

It’s gone on sale here ahead of the US and UK whereas the Ultimate Rekall Edition of the 1990 original was released several months ago overseas and is a vast improvement on previous versions.

“Boasting a brand new high-definition transfer struck from the original film negative and approved by director Paul Verhoeven, Total Recall looks spectacular.

“From start to finish detail is outstanding, especially during well-lit close-ups, while clarity is, in my opinion, as good as it could possibly be.”

“This is a respectable catalogue release that offers the best looking version of the film yet available on a home format.

“Sure the differences are subtle and I can see the general public shrugging their shoulders and wondering why we have yet another version of the film on Blu-ray, but enthusiasts will (hopefully) be appreciative.”

Releasing six months later than Australia, because of a change in distributors, The Grey may not have been worth the wait.

“A highly effective and thought provoking action adventure film. The video quality is very good. The audio quality is excellent. The extras have been gnawed by a wolf and spat out …

“This Blu-ray release is a poor cousin to both the UK Region B release and the US Region A release, both of which feature an audio commentary (which is supposed to be high quality) and some deleted scenes. Either of the others is better.”

“Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter‘s 1080p/AVC-encoded 2D Blu-ray transfer is somewhat tricky title to judge.

“The film was shot predominantly on 35mm, with mixed in footage from the digital Arri Alexa high definition camera and the Phantom Flex, a high-speed system for slow-motion shots.

“I have no doubt that the Blu-ray is faithful to the filmmakers’ intents, but let’s just say that some of the choices made regarding the look of the film are a bit gaudy.”

“It’s true that some of the special effects are called to more attention that the filmmakers would like when the high-def microscope is applied, yet the movie comes out looking really good.”

“The disc’s visuals are impressive, but the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack is even better.”

Among the week’s lesser releases are 3D versions of Step Up 4 and Nitro Circus, the direct-to-disc That’s My Boy, One in the Chamber and The Day, and the back catalogue bows of Beverly Hills Cop 2 and 3, Catch Me If You Can, The Italian Job (original),  JVCD and an Iron Man double-feature.

New music Blu-rays include Marley, Metalocalypse, The Tea Party Live and Meat Loaf: Live in Sydney.