Warner Home Video Premiers Six New HD Titles

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Warner Home Video say they will release six new high definition titles on November 14. Making their HD DVD debuts are the incomparable Casablanca, the spectacular 1962 Marlon Brando remake of Mutiny on the Bounty, and the 50th Anniversary edition of Forbidden Planet, which is being released day-and-date with its Standard Definition version. In addition, the Oscar-winning Best Picture Million Dollar Baby, The Last Samurai and ATL also make their Blu-ray Disc debut.

Forbidden Planet will be available as a 50th Anniversary HD DVD and as an Ultimate Collectors Edition packaged in a stunning metal case that includes the HD DVD, a collectible Robby the Robot replica with moveable limbs, Forbidden Planet and The Invisible Boy reproduction lobby cards portfolio, as well as a Forbidden Planet original theatrical poster mail-in offer.

Casablanca
The winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture nearly 65 years ago, Casablanca still remains one of the world's most beloved movies, with its popularity only growing "as time goes by." Now, Warner Bros.' acclaimed restoration that drew critical acclaim a few years ago on DVD enters the world of High Definition looking and sounding better than ever before. The story takes us back to the time when the city of Casablanca was easy to enter, but much harder to leave, especially if you're wanted by the Nazis. Such a man is Resistance leader Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), whose only hope is Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), a cynical American who sticks his neck out for no one, especially Victor's wife Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), the ex-lover who broke his heart. Ilsa offers herself in exchange for Laszlo's transport out of the country and bitter Rick must decide what counts more - personal happiness or countless lives hanging in the balance. This release comes jam-packed with documentaries, commentary, a radio show version, trailers, and many other irresistible special features.

Mutiny on the Bounty (1962)
After winning the Best Picture for the first version starring Clark Gable in 1935, MGM pulled out all the stops to remake the true story of the H.M.S. bounty as a multimillion-dollar mega-production. Filmed on location, in the 70mm Ultra-Panavision process, and featuring an unforgettable performance by Marlon Brando, Lewis Milestone (All Quiet on the Western Front) directed this color-drenched spectacular nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture. Marlon Brando puts his own stamp on the role of first officer Fletcher Christian, the tormented first mate transformed into a man of action. Trevor Howard is Capt. William Bligh, uncompromising in his command and his cruelty. Richard Harris, Hugh Griffith and Richard Haydn also star. This HD DVD release has been created from newly restored 65mm elements, and presents the film in its original, uncut roadshow version, along with many special features, including a prologue and epilogue deleted from the film before its original theatrical premiere.

Forbidden Planet
The legendary sci-fi classic that set a new standard for the genre has been especially restored both in picture and sound, just in time for its 50th Anniversary. With the added excitement of High Definition, audiences will experience this masterpiece as never before. The story tells of Commander Adams (Leslie Nielsen) and his crew, who set out to investigate the disappearance of a colony of scientists on the planet Altair-4. After landing, they discover only two survivors, Dr. Edward Morbius (Walter Pidgeon) and his exquisite daughter Altaira (Anne Francis). The Morbiuses live a surprisingly prosperous lifestyle, attended to by Robby the Robot, a super-butler who performs many amazing feats. Lurking in the background is an invisible force which may or may not have been responsible for the disappearances of those scientists and about which only Morbius knows the truth.

Million Dollar Baby
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture of 2004, Clint Eastwood gave another career landmark performance as the boxing trainer Dunn, which he also directed, produced and composed the film's original music score. A box-office smash, which earned critical praise and numerous other awards, the film is a haunting tale of heart, hope and family. Hilary Swank won her second Academy Award as Best Actress for her performance as the resilient Maggie, determined not to abandon her one dream. Rounding out the cast is the magnificent Morgan Freeman, who also earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor as Scrap, the gym caretaker and counterpoint to Dunn's crustiness.

The Last Samurai
Set in Japan during the 1870s, Director Edward Zwick's epic adventure The Last Samurai tells the story of Captain Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise), a respected American military officer hired by the Emperor of Japan to train the country's first army in the art of modern warfare. As the Emperor attempts to eradicate the ancient Imperial Samurai warriors in preparation for more Westernized and trade-friendly government policies, Algren finds himself unexpectedly impressed and influenced by his encounters with the Samurai, which places him at the center of a struggle between two eras and two worlds, with only his own sense of honor to guide him. Nominated for four Academy Awards, the film's action sequences, spectacular cinematography and production design are all given an added dimension when experienced in High Definition.

ATL
Sometimes 17-year-old Rashad and his pals hang out at the Waffle House, trying to figure out what's next after they graduate. But on Sunday nights, they know what's coming. They'll be at the Cascade roller rink: laying down moves, chillin' with friends ... and for a few hours leaving what's outside. Video director Chris Robinson makes his feature debut, guiding an ensemble that includes astonishingly natural movie newcomers Tip Harris (aka rapper "T.I."), Lauren London and Antwan Andre Patton (aka "Big Boi" of the duo OutKast).

Warner Home Video HD DVDs and Blu-ray Discs offer resolution six times higher than standard definition DVDs, as well as extraordinarily vibrant contrast and color and beautifully crisp sound. The new formats also provide a higher level of interactivity, with instant access to extra features via a seamless menu-bar where viewers can enjoy features without leaving or interrupting the film.

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