This Week's Most Exciting Blu-ray Announcements - 17th April

Let's take a look at the most exciting Blu-ray movies announced during the last week, starting with the other big trilogy of movies many want to see making their hi-def debut.

The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy.
This will be something of a test for those who know the way the industry works!  Amazon.com put this set up for pre-order this week along with the official box art and the news it would feature the theatrical editions of the three films, but as a seven-disc set.  So, we all know the Extended editions will follow - Jackson has said an 'ultimate box' is likely when The Hobbit is released, but with no confirmed information, fans are challenged to double dip and at a cost of $99.99, the fans will have to be dedicated to do so!  Questions will also be asked as to the content of all the discs, as the theatrical DVD's were two disc packages, so why all the Blu-rays? 

Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series.
Another unusual announcement, this time as a trailer at the beginning of another Blu-ray disc!  Fans watching Battlestar Galactica: Caprica on DVD will have seen a spot promoting the series and the uncut Razor movie with the words 'Coming Soon to DVD and Blu-ray Hi-Def' at the end.  July 18th is being touted as the release date.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
Sergio Leone's excellent spaghetti western will be coming to Blu-ray on May 12th in the USA.  The disc will be in 1080p with a DTS-HD audio track plus a variety of extras including two commentaries and a two-part documentary on Ennio Morricone.

The Machine Girl.
Cine Asia Extreme will be bringing The Machine Girl to UK DVD and Blu-ray on the 18th May, however extras at this stage are limited to behind-the-scenes.  The DVD seems to be getting a steelbook release, but the Blu-ray is in a standard case.  Shame.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
The first season of the original series is set to come out on Blu-ray in the USA on the 12th May in a five disc set.  The suggested retail price is $99.99 and all 23 episodes have been treated to a new widescreen transfer and 7.1 audio, plus the set will include the uncut version of the pilot show.