With Jurassic Park coming to Blu-ray in a matter of weeks and news of projects Lincoln and Robopocalypse making headlines, it seems the world can’t get enough of Steven Spielberg’s creative genius! So this week we’re focusing on the very best of his film making talents. So if you’re stuck for ideas this weekend, why not try out one of the following:
Saving Private Ryan
Considered by some as one of history’s most important films, not just for its realistic fight scenes but its touching storyline too, Spielberg’s 1998 World War II picture truly is a masterpiece to behold in Blu-ray. Awarded five stars for its audio and picture quality by Blu-ray.com, this tale of a heroic mission behind enemy lines follows Captain Miller (Tom Hanks) and his squad who are tasked with locating Private Ryan (Matt Damon). Packed with an array of amazing features, such as Looking into the Past, which sets the film’s historical context, and Re-Creating Omaha Beach, which examines the filming techniques behind the unforgettable opening sequence, viewers have a chance to journey deeper into the film than ever before. Shedding light on Spielberg’s inspirations and fascination with the era, interviews with veterans, historians and the cast on their military training for their roles complete the release.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Indiana’s night sky changes forever one day when power repairman Roy (Richard Dreyfuss) experiences something out of this world. His close encounter sets into action an amazing chain of events that lead to contact with aliens and the world changes forever. The newly released 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition includes just about everything you could want to know about the film. A special introduction and interview with the director kick off the BD where the impact of the film on his whole career is highlighted, alongside an extensive interactive storyboard feature giving fans a taste of the visual development of the project. A mammoth photo gallery, Making Of documentary and deleted scenes are just some of the additional features in a release which Blu-ray.com hail the most comprehensive version ever released. Why not check it out for yourselves and decide?
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Resurrected in 2008 for one last adventure, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) blasted back onto screens with Mutt (Shia LaBeouf) in an effort to find the Crystal Skull of Akator, a legendary object of fascination, superstition and fear. A plethora of bonus features spread over two discs provide commentary tracks which explore the production, history and story behind the latest instalment as well as a look at the special effects, costumes and character profiles of the new bad guys! Features such as The Return of a Legend see Spielberg discussing fan expectations for a fourth outing as well as looking at the scriptwriting and pre-production processes. Hilarious interviews with the entire cast and a look at the impressive stunts, makeup, set design and locations complete the BD.
So what do you think of our choices? Hit the comments to tell us your favourite Spielberg movies, or tell us what else you’ll be looking forward to watching on Blu-ray this weekend.
