Extras: Titanic on high-def arriving in stores Sept. 10
“Titanic” sets sail in high-def and 3-D for the first time on Sept. 10.
Those who love the epic romance will see it as never before at home.
Fans of writer-director James Cameron’s Oscar winner, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, will feature strikingly detailed images. That’s due to Blu-ray high-def technology that Cameron says in a new release “extends ‘Titanic’s’ immersive 3D theatrical experience into audiences’ homes” and will have 150 minutes of new special content.
Cameron was certainly at the helm of this updated home version of the second highest-grossing film in history, after the filmmaker’s “Avatar.” “Titanic” (1997), which cost $200 million, enjoyed a staggering global gross of $2.1 billion.
In the book “James Cameron’s Titanic” (HarperPerennial; $50) by Ed W. Marsh, the filmmaker readily admits to being as authentic as possible but sometimes frustrating scholars.
“Where the facts are clear, we have been absolutely rigorous in restaging the events,” Cameron says. “Where they are unclear, I have made my own choices, a few of which may be controversial to students of ‘Titanic’ history.
“Though I may not always have made a traditional interpretation, I can assure the viewer that these are conscious and well-informed decisions and not casual Hollywood mistakes.
“And if it sometimes seems improbably spectacular and dramatic … it was.”
The 194-minute picture, rated PG-13, is available in a two-disc DVD ($29.99), a four-disc Blu-ray/DVD combo pack ($39.99), and a four-disc Blu-ray/3D combo pack ($44.99).
In “The Titanic on Film: Myth Versus Truth” (McFarland; $45), Linda Maria Koldau argues that the impact of Cameron’s film may be of more importance than locating the sunken ship.
“No event, not even the discovery of the wreck, has brought the ‘Titanic’ story and its myth so powerfully back into collective consciousness as James Cameron’s ‘Titanic.’ “
The numerous “Titanic” extras include deleted scenes with commentary by Cameron, two new documentaries (“Reflection on Titanic” and “Titanic: The Final Word”), a making-of featurette on the visual effects, historical commentary, and, of course, the wildly popular music video “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion.
The new pressing of “Titanic” promises to provide clear cinematic sailing for fans of the film and may inspire history buffs to visit their local libraries to read more about the real and reel event.
Gaul on the radio
My “At the Movies” radio segment airs live at 11:35 a.m. every Friday as part of “The Dom Giordano Show” (WPHT-AM/1210 and www.thebigtalker1210.com).
The broadcast includes discussions of newly released movies and DVDs as well as motion picture news and cinema trends.
A different version of my “At the Movies” segment can be heard on Burlington County College radio station WBZC-FM/88.9, 95.1 and 100.7 on Fridays at 8:45 a.m. and 12:45 and 4:45 p.m. and on Saturdays at 10:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. The show can also be heard online at www.z889.org.
Gaul on the Web
My film reviews, features and columns can be found under entertainment/movies on our website, www.phillyBurbs.com.
Lou Gaul: 609-871-8055; email: lgaul@phillyBurbs.com