Via Vision Entertainment has just unveiled its highly anticipated August releases, sparking excitement among film enthusiasts and collectors alike. The announcement has generated a buzz, particularly with the inclusion of the Smokey and the Bandit trilogy, which promises new audio commentaries for the second and third installments. Fans are eager to dive into these fresh insights, especially with the addition of Daniel Kremer’s commentary on Part 3.
The Smokey and the Bandit series holds a special place in the hearts of many, and the third part, despite its mixed reception, has its own dedicated following. The original script, titled ‘Smokey IS The Bandit,’ has intrigued fans for years, and the inclusion of the theatrical trailer in this release is a significant highlight. However, there is some debate among fans about which trailer will be included—the 1982 ‘Smokey IS The Bandit Part 3’ or the 1983 ‘Smokey and the Bandit Part 3.’
Another notable release is The Substitute, a film that has been long overdue for a proper release. While some fans are disappointed that Lionsgate hasn’t included it in their Vestron series, the excitement for its availability remains high. However, there are concerns about the audio downgrade on the first movie, which is only in stereo, whereas the DVD version had a 5.1 surround sound.
The announcement also mentioned the American Psycho “blood case,” which has garnered mixed reactions. While the concept sounds intriguing, there are concerns about the longevity of the seal and the potential for the red liquid to leak and damage other discs.
Fans of the horror genre will be pleased with the inclusion of Lords of Salem, a film that has been described as A24-style horror before it became mainstream. However, some fans are disappointed with the limited new extras, as there were expectations of a documentary prepared by Rob Zombie that didn’t make it to the previous Blu-ray release.
The announcement has also sparked discussions about other potential releases. Some fans are hopeful for a 4K release of Pandorum, a film that has been described as vastly underrated. Others are looking forward to potential releases of films like The Cursed and The Wolfman.
The pricing of these releases has also been a topic of discussion. For instance, the Smokey and the Bandit set, when translated into US dollars with shipping, comes out to $66.05, not including tax. This has led to some fans hoping that the set won’t be too expensive, as they already own the films but are interested in the new commentaries.
Overall, Via Vision Entertainment’s August releases have generated a lot of excitement and anticipation among film enthusiasts. The inclusion of new audio commentaries, theatrical trailers, and long-awaited films has made this announcement a highlight for collectors. As fans eagerly await the release date, the discussions and debates about the details of these releases continue to build the anticipation.
