Blu-Ray/DVD/UV Combo Sets

Can't really understand why some studios persist on releasing some movies/tv series on blu-ray/dvd/UV combo sets (which cost more). Example, I wanted to pick up the tv series "The Following-The Complete First Season" on blu-ray (Region A) but was dismayed that Warner decided to release the series on blu-ray/dvd/UV combo sets which actually cost more. The massive set consist of 7 discs (3 blu-rays and 4 dvds) and UV copy. Warner has also released the series on cheaper 4 dvd sets which are sold separately but did not release the series on blu-ray only. Why include the 4 dvds in the blu-ray set? Strangely, the series is released in the UK on 3 blu-ray sets which are region free. As for the UV copy, most people don't even utilise the code.

Addendum (5th May 2024) : The Following is a suspenseful American TV series which ran from 2013-2015 for three season and stars Kevin Bacon as an FBI agent trying to recapture a serial killer, portrayed excellently by actor James Purefoy, who has escaped from prison. However, his efforts are hampered by the serial killer's dangerous and cult like followers. Many might also be unaware that the series is actually the brainchild of Kevin Williamson, who is responsible for the slasher 'Scream' franchise. Despite its age, the show's great writing, strong cast and high production values still makes it one of the best heart stopping thrillers on TV. Those planning to check out this series for the first time or wish to revisit it will be glad to know that all three seasons are still available on Blu-Ray. However, as in my earlier gripe, Warner Brothers has decided to release them in multi-format which basically means that each set consist of Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital Copy thus making them pricier 😕. Who uses digital copies nowadays? Thankfully, the series is also available on Amazon Prime which is relatively a cheaper option.  

The Following Amazon Prime (paid link)

The Following S1 Blu-Ray Amazon US (paid link)

The Following S2 Blu-Ray Amazon US (paid link)

The Following S3 Blu-Ray Amazon US (paid link)

Vampire TV Series (Retro)

Rummaging through my old dvds lately. Feeling nostalgic after seeing some old romantic movies that I saw years back mainly, Bridget Jones Diary, Kate & Leopold and Overboard. Some old movies are just great fun to watch even after all these years. Might revisit French Kiss (Meg Ryan & Kevin Kline) when I have the time. Anyway, while rummaging through my dvds, came across a TV series that lasted only 1 season and was cancelled despite passionate protests from fans and the fact that it won a People's Choice Award in 2008. The TV series was Moonlight that starred a younger Alex O'Loughlin (Hawaii Five-O) and Sophia Myles (Spooks). The show was really interesting with big names like Joel Silver, David Greenwalt and  Ron Koslow involved. It had all the trademarks of a cult hit tv series, interesting vampire story (pre-Twilight era), great leads with lots of chemistry and a great supporting cast, Jason Dohring and Shannyn Sossamon but CBS decided to axe it after only 16 episodes. The series is still garnering new fans after re-runs by the CW and Syfy Channel. The thing is, I'm still hoping Warner will re-release the series on blu-ray with loads of extras instead of only the bare bones dvd which disappointed many of its fans.

Still running through some old dvds and came across another (Canadian) tv series about vampires, Blood Ties (no not Forever Knight), which was aired around the same time (2007) on the Lifetime Channel. Just like Moonlight, this series lasted only one season which was split into two seasons when it was aired in the US. Blood Ties (adapted from Tanya Huff's Blood Books) was produced by Peter Mohan, who was responsible for some famous Canadian tv series, namely Mutant-X. Compared with Moonlight, this series had a smaller budget and was aired on a smaller channel, Lifetime. When the series came out, I got the UK region 2 dvds that listed all 22 episodes as The Complete First Season with no extras. Later, the series was released in US as two separate dvd boxsets listed as Season 1 & 2 respectively. In 2010, Eagle Rock released the series on a single blu-ray boxset listed as The Complete Series with some special features. If a series like this got a blu-ray release, I don't see why Moonlight which was shown on CBS and averaged over 7 million viewers per episode was given a shabby release.

For those curious about the above classic vampire series or just feeling nostalgic for them, I have added some links below to Amazon. However, Moonlight is only found on DVD which is not widely available anymore. 

Moonlight Complete Series DVD Amazon US (paid link)

Blood Ties S1 & 2 Amazon Prime (paid link)

  Blood Ties Complete Series Blu-Ray Amazon US (paid link)