Question:

 

Dear Big Picture Big Sound,

I look forward to reading your reviews of the latest Blu-ray movies but I've noticed that you've missed a few big ones lately (Monster Vs. Aliens, Gladiator, the new Star Trek movie boxed set).  What's the scoop?  Are you guys getting out of the blu-ray review business?

-Puzzled in Pittsburgh

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Answer:

Dear PiP,

Thanks for writing in.  First let me assure you that we're not getting out of the Blu-ray review business.  In fact, in the last two weeks, we've published 20 new Blu-ray reviews, and we've staffed up to support the increase in volume as the high def format begins to hit its stride.

But we can only review what we are sent by the studios and Paramount (the studio behind Monsters Vs. Aliens, Gladiator and the Star Trek films) stopped sending us Blu-ray screeners beginning with their new "Sapphire Series" titles (Gladiator and Braveheart).  Apparently we're not alone as I've discussed this with a few of my peers at other publications (both online and print) and they've stopped receiving Paramount titles as well.

You might have noticed our review of Braveheart, but in this case, one of our writers broke down and purchased a copy himself in order to write the review.  But of course, that review was late (published after the street date) due to the delays involved in purchasing the title at retail.  Apparently that Blu-ray disc is a stunner as well so definitely check it out (I ordered one for myself on Amazon after editing Greg's review).

Not really sure why this is happening, but when we contacted Paramount's PR firm, they could only tell us that review quantities have been "extremely limited" but didn't have any details as to why.  We hope this changes soon as we'd certainly like to give the Paramount catalog and new release titles on Blu-ray all the electronic ink that they deserve.  Until then enjoy the reviews of Blu-ray Discs from Disney, Warner, Sony Pictures, Fox, Universal, Criterion and others that appear in our Blu-ray reviews section of the site (as well as syndicated in CinemaSquid, HDDb.net, Google News and elsewhere).

Regards,

-Chris