December 4th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Created by award-winning writers/producers Steven Bochco and Terry Louise Fisher, the critically acclaimed television series L.A. LAW held court in primetime during the course of its eight-season run on network television from 1986 through 1994. Winner of fifteen Primetime Emmy Awards, four Golden Globes and numerous honors and accolades, L.A. LAW takes viewers inside the inner sanctum of a fictional Los Angeles law firm of McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney & Kuzak. There, a team of ambitious and competitive attorneys must face the conflicts between their personal desires, their obligations as lawyers, and their principles as human beings. Continue reading ‘L.A. LAW: Season One Finally Comes to DVD this February’
December 4th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
The titles don’t get much more convenient than when the press release e-mails supply you with one for a film you already do not care for all that much. Regardless, just in time for Valentine’s Day, Baggage Claim hits Blu-ray on February 14th. It is a romantic comedy about an impossibly attractive woman who just can’t seem to find love. Based on a best-selling novel, Baggage Claim features an all-star cast of black actors (and Adam Brody) and the Blu-ray features a decent set of special features to further compliment the film. Continue on to learn more about this upcoming Blu-ray release.
Continue reading ‘Find Your Match When ‘Baggage Claim’ Comes to Blu-ray & DVD This February’
December 4th, 2013 by Gerard Iribe
Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company announced today LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER, grossing over $115 million in box office, will be available on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with Digital HD Ultraviolet™, On-Demand and Pay-Per-View on January 14, 2014. The film will also be available early in Digital HD on December 31. Inspired by a true story, Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland) stars as Cecil Gaines, the devoted husband, father and White House butler who served seven presidents during some of the most tumultuous and defining moments of the 20th century. Academy Award® nominee Oprah Winfrey (The Color Purple) co-stars with a stellar supporting cast that includes John Cusack, Jane Fonda, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Terrence Howard, Lenny Kravitz, James Marsden, David Oyelowo, Alan Rickman, Liev Schreiber, Robin Williams and Danny Strong in this powerful drama from the Oscar® nominated director of Precious (2009). Continue reading ‘Lee Daniels’ The Butler on Blu-ray and DVD January 14th!’
December 4th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
In case you missed the parkour craze of the mid-00s, Run has got you covered. Sure this movie basically looks like the Step Up equivalent of freerunning chase movies, but I tend to enjoy Parkour on film and even if the film has few other things in the way of credible merit, it will probably be entertaining in some manner nonetheless. It may not be District B13 awesome (recommend!), but it’s something. Plus, I have linked the trailer, which features an evil Eric Roberts brandishing a glass of wine and threatening some street punk. Sounds good to me! The 3D + 2D Blu-ray hits shelves on January 14th. Continue on to learn more about this upcoming film.
Continue reading ‘‘RUN’ – A 3D Parkour Movie – Hits Blu-ray This January’
December 4th, 2013 by Gerard Iribe
ARC Entertainment announces the release of Sweetwater, starring Emmy and Golden Globe nominee January Jones (TV’s Mad Men), Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner Ed Harris (Pollock, A History of Violence) and Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter series). Directed by Logan Miller (Touching Home), Sweetwater will be available on DVD for and Blu-ray on Dec. 31, 2013. In the late 1800’s, a beautiful former prostitute (January Jones) is trying to build an honest life with her husband in the rugged plains of New Mexico. When she catches the eye of a sadistic and powerful religious leader (Jason Isaacs), her life is violently turned upside down. She embarks on a bloody course of vengeance with the assistance of a renegade sheriff (Ed Harris) who has violent tendencies of his own. Continue reading ‘‘Sweetwater’ on Blu-ray and DVD December 31st!’
December 3rd, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
With Twilight having ended and The Hobbit being something of a different beast, there is little that The Hunger Games franchise currently has to compete with, in terms of popular book series being adapted into films. Several others have come out recently (The Host, Beautiful Creatures, The Mortal Instruments, etc.), but none have found the same sort of success. We are on the second of four Hunger Games films and the kind of event releases these films seem show that it will be one of the biggest franchises ever, among these types of films. Keeping all of that in mind, how are the actual films? Well, I was a big fan of the first movie in the way it both complimented the book and worked on its own and I found the sequel to be following the same pattern, while also strengthening certain elements this time around. It helps that I also like the second book more than the first, but this second film is nonetheless a triumph in carrying on with a storyline that still has a lot of ground to cover.
Continue reading ‘‘Catching Fire’ Burns Down The Competition (Movie Review)’
December 3rd, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Disney’s heartwarming family comedy, “PLANES,” revved up with high-flying action and adventure, lands in homes and mass retailers nationwide on November 19th. This endearing underdog story about a crop dusting plane named Dusty with sky-high dreams touches down on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD and On-Demand featuring a cargo hold full of exciting bonus features. After spreading its wings in theaters, “PLANES” soars to glorious new heights on Blu-ray, featuring wondrous high definition picture and sound and never-before-seen bonus features, including musical number “Franz’s Song,” deleted scenes, a behind-the-scenes featurette that follows Director Klay Hall’s personal journey during the making of the film, a look at the ten greatest aviators in history hosted by ESPN’s Colin Cowherd, and more. Continue reading ‘PLANES 3D Combo Pack (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) (Blu-ray Review)’
December 3rd, 2013 by Brian White
I feel like this film and I have a lot in connection whereas this flick had setback after setback getting made, I had nothing but difficulties trying to seeing this one theatrically. Fellow WSB reviewer Aaron Neuwirth can attest to the fact that I did get to catch the first twenty minutes of the feature in the theater. LOL. However, that was the last time I saw any of this movie before FINALLY getting the opportunity to check it out for the first time all the way through on the Blu-ray format for this review. And let me be the first to tell you…it was very much worth the wait! While the film’s not a perfect one, like Thor: The Dark World and Pacific Rim this year, I had a fun time with the Wolverine’s second romp as a solo act. And thank God too! I absolutely hated X-Men Origins: Wolverine…no offense Hugh Jackman. So now, with The Wolverine finally hitting retail shelves everywhere in the U.S., let’s utilize this moment in time to take a closer, more intimate look at this 2D (theatrical version only) and post-converted 3D (the main difference is the Unleashed Extended Edition with the 3D Blu-ray version) superhero action film. Continue reading ‘The Wolverine (Blu-ray Review)’
December 3rd, 2013 by Blu-ray Brian
I make it no secret in life that one of my favorite young actresses in Hollywood is Chloe Grace Moretz so it should also come with no surprise that I’m looking forward to her performance in the remake of Carrie, especially since I missed it in theaters earlier this fall. I have heard a bunch of mixed things regarding the movie from fellow reviewers, but I guess I will be the judge of that finally when it comes to Blu-ray on January 14th and Digital Download on January 3rd. It will feature a never-before-seen ending that’s billed as too shocking for theaters. Continue reading ‘You Will Know Carrie’s Name on Blu-ray Next Month’
December 2nd, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Get ready to ring in the season with a full-length adventure straight from the heart of the Hundred Acre Wood! Join Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Roo and the whole gang in “Winnie The Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year” – now on Blu-ray and Digital Copy for the first time! Newly re-mastered in digital high definition, this sparkling holiday classic is an inspiring celebration of friendship. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but Rabbit will only discover the true spirit of the season after his pals make misguided New Year’s resolutions to change – with hilarious and heartfelt results! Featuring beloved characters, delightful songs and fun-filled bonus goodies, this special “Gift Of Friendship Edition” is sure to become a shared family tradition for generations to come. Continue reading ‘Winnie The Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year – The Gift of Friendship Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
December 2nd, 2013 by Gregg Senko
Super heroes and regular humans alike had their work cut out for them in 2013. The DC universe witnessed the advent of the Forever Evil storyline that saw everyone’s favorite do-gooders beat down and removed from the picture (temporarily anyway). Marvel is experiencing the return of Galactus, so you can bet earth is on his menu again. Meanwhile, The Walking Dead delivered its consistently high quality storyline of survival amidst a world of zombie fodder. But with all the awesomeness that filled the comic book landscape of this year, which ones are deserving of being the best in their class?
Continue reading ‘The Best Comic Books of 2013′
December 2nd, 2013 by Brian White
To be honest with you all, I’m not really sure what I was expecting here. I really wanted something juicy, gross and full of controversy and taboo. However, I’m not quite sure I received quite everything on my wish list. Make no mistake about it, things that happen in this film are completely wrong, gross and twisted in my opinion, but it wasn’t as controversial as I thought it would be. With a couple flash forwards, Adore plays out like a straight forward narrative that’s very reminiscent of my time spent with the feature Brokeback Mountain (see that review here) years ago. I have always been a big Naomi Watts fan ever since Muholland Drive (I can’t wait for that to come out on Blu-ray), but other than that I was just along for the ride here with Paramount’s newest Blu-ray release. So what say you? Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who do you “adore” most of all? Continue reading ‘Adore (Blu-ray Review)’
December 1st, 2013 by Gerard Iribe
When Officer Kate Sullivan storms a hostage situation, the whole incident is captured on tape by an unscrupulous media crew who edit the footage to show Kate killing a helpless victim. Now in a coma, Kate’s only hope is Detective Sean McKinney, who desperately tries to clear her name. But unbeknownst to him, Maniac Cop Matt Cordell takes it upon himself to exact revenge upon those responsible for smearing her name. Returning stars Robert Davi (PROFILER) and Robert Z’Dar (MANIAC COP & MANIAC COP 3) are joined by Paul Gleason (DIE HARD), Jackie Earle Haley (WATCHMEN), Julius Harris (SUPER FLY), Doug Savant (MELROSE PLACE), and Robert Forster (JACKIE BROWN) in this thrilling third entry from MANIAC COP creator Larry Cohen (GOD TOLD ME TO). Featuring a brand-new 4K High Definition transfer from the original uncensored negative, this definitive presentation of MANIAC COP 3: BADGE OF SILENCE comes packed with exclusive Extras! Continue reading ‘Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence (Blu-ray Review)’
November 30th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
In 1978, the BBC aired a special from former Monty Python member, Eric Idle. The special was a full on parody of The Beatles’ history. Entitled The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash, the film is a very specific and on the money parody of the famous supergroup. Every big moment is accounted for. Idle even has written a catalog of parody and alternate versions The Beatles’ classics. It’s a very involved concept that works pretty well if you’re familiar with The Beatles work. Hell, if you just watched The Beatles Anthology that aired in the 90s, you’ll probably understand everything that this film is offering up for you. Its a silly offering that is plenty of fun if you’re the intended audience. Its kind of surprising that this is making the leap to Blu-ray, but I have no qualms with that. Let’s see how they did with the disc then, shall we? Continue reading ‘The Rutles Anthology (Blu-ray Review)’
November 30th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
Finally, United States, All The Boys Love Mandy Lane is arriving on Blu-ray. This film was completed and screened 2006. It received some good acclaim and high praise from horror fans. However, what followed was 7 years full of distribution hell. Nobody knew what was going on and when it would finally come out. Recently You’re Next was a film that was bought and took a while to come out, but that was only 2 years of waiting. It’s a unique slasher film from Jonathan Levine who recently struck a big hit with this year’s Warm Bodies. It’s also an early role for Amber Heard, who exudes her star quality and potential at this young stage. It’s a fun film delivering on a wave of horror, teen comedy, blood and camp. Continue reading ‘All The Boys Love Mandy Lane (Blu-ray Review)’
November 28th, 2013 by Brian White
When I first saw the trailer for 2013 action thriller Homefront I thought that “could” be a good one considering in my book Jason Statham films are usually hit or miss. It has a great cast to roast and boast about with the likes of James Franco, Winona Ryder and Kate Bosworth, but perhaps one of the greatest assets it had going for it, again in my opinion only, was the fact that it was penned by none other than Rocky Balboa himself, Sylvester Stallone. Now I have to admit, I wasn’t completely sold on it until WSB reviewer Aaron Neuwirth got an early screening of it over at the Open Road offices last week and later exclaimed his enthusiastic love for it on our WSB chatline. That’s when I knew that I could not pass an early screening of this upcoming Thanksgiving feature up. Gobble, gobble. Let’s talk some Homefront! Continue reading ‘Gobble Up ‘Homefront’ This Thanksgiving Dinner (Movie Review)’
November 27th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
If you’ll remember a few weeks ago, I posted a list of Blu-rays I was hopeful for next year. Well, had I been writing here at Why So Blu? last year, my hopefuls for 2013 would have included 1981’s Just Before Dawn. Code Red has answered my call by delivering one right as the year is coming to a close. Along with another cult title, Just Before Dawn is Code Red’s first foray into the Blu-ray format. This film has a very cult status as it briefly enjoyed a theatrical release. Previous home video incantations of the film have come through very poor quality VHS and DVD releases. Would Code Red be able to finally give us a good looking presentation of this back woods thriller? Let’s take a dive into this then, shall we? Continue reading ‘Just Before Dawn (Blu-ray Review)’
November 27th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
I will get this out of the way: I really liked the fact that Frozen was an animated Disney film that did not rely on the death of a parent as a major plot point and that it did not end with a big wedding. Not all Disney films have this, but Frozen stuck out to me as a Disney princess film that really tried for something a bit different, even as it utilized proven pieces of a formula. It also helps that the film is a lot of fun, full of some really nice songs, exciting to watch, and wonderfully animated. We may be past the days of traditional animated films from the Mouse House, but Frozen is definitely a solid entry for this generation of their work.
Continue reading ‘‘Frozen’ Is Solid Work From Disney (Movie Review)’
November 27th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
I love it when a movie really delivers on its promise. Make no mistake, Homefront is a B-movie, but it is a damn good one. It is the kind of action film that roots itself in the actions of characters and only feels gratuitous in the presentation of certain action scenes, but not in the cause. There was an initial thrill that came from hearing the premise and seeing the trailer for this film, but I was incredibly happy to be very entertained by the actual film and really rooting for certain outcomes to take place. Jason Statham may not ever break away from doing fun action movies, but at least he is adding different shades to the roles he takes and choosing projects that I like seeing.
Continue reading ‘Statham And Franco Face Off In ‘Homefront’ (Movie Review)’
November 26th, 2013 by Gregg Senko
Even after taking home an Eisner Award for Best Ongoing Series, I’m still going to argue that the documented work of Tony Chu does not get nearly enough credit. Chew, written by John Layman and drawn by Rob Guillory, has had significant ongoing success; enough to draw (no pun intended) artist Guillory to the 2013 Austin Comic Con. The master with a marker filled me in a few details on the future of Chew as well as his own future works.
Continue reading ‘Austin Comic Con: Artist Rob Guillory’
