HBO has revealed that they're preparing a newly-updated DVD box set of Tom Hanks' From the Earth to the Moon mini-series for release on 9/20 (SRP $99.98). The original box was one of HBO's first ever DVD releases, and it was presented in the series' full frame aspect ratio. For the new 5-disc set, you'll get all the episodes in anamorphic widescreen video, complete with both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 audio. Extras will include a mix of new and old bonus material. We'll post the complete spec list when it's available. No doubt this updated set is connected to HBO's planned HD-DVD release of the mini-series due later in 2005 (and first announced back in January). Since the episodes had to be remastered in high-definition anamorphic widescreen for HD-DVD, why not reissue them in regular DVD anamorphic widescreen too?
Did you order it online? I wonder if it can be returned?
If you are planning on buying the "From the Earth to the Moon" series on DVD you might want to wait. HBO is planning on releasing a new anamorphic widescreen edition of the series on September 20th. The current edition is full-screen only (which means they crop off the sides of the picture).
We have official details for you on HBO's updated From the Earth to the Moon: The Signature Edition (due 9/20 - SRP $99.98). The 5-disc set will include all 10 episodes in anamorphic widescreen with Dolby Digital 5.1 EX audio. The extras look to be mostly the same as what was available on the original DVD release (although some of contents that were previously ROM based MAY now be available on the set-top side). The extras will include the HBO First Look behind-the-scenes featurette, a special effects featurette, information on Famous Astronomers, History of the Moon and The Space Race timelines, video of President Kennedy's historic speech to Congress on May 25, 1961, an interactive tour of the solar system and other space phenomena, promotional trailers for the mini-series and more. There MAY be a bit of new material as well - we should know more soon.
