Archive for the 'Blu-ray Reviews' Category
April 8th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
Chipmunks ahoy! It’s a tidal wave of toe-tapping music and unforgettable fun for the whole family as Alvin and the Chipmunks return in their greatest adventure yet! While on vacation aboard a luxury cruise liner, Alvin, Simon, Theodore and the Chipettes can’t help rocking the boat with their unique brand of ’munk mischief. But things get really squeaky when the gang winds up stranded on a remote island — and they soon discover their new tropical playground is not as deserted as it seems. Continue reading ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (Blu-ray Review)’
April 8th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
So unrelenting is the word I would use to describe The Divide, but I don’t use that in a very good way. Similar to another particular nasty film that is also not particularly good, Blindness, The Divide is a film focused on showing how ugly humanity can be, when all notion of hope is practically lost and people are pushed to the brink of survival. It is a depressing, ugly film, with a lot of unlikable characters played by actors giving pretty over-the-top performances. It also features moments of unneeded cinematic slickness, put up against a plot that is both predictable and too drab to be more interesting. Despite bits of intrigue set up early on, The Divide did not really give me much to latch onto, but read on to learn more about this Blu-ray release. Continue reading ‘The Divide (Blu-ray Review)’
April 6th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
On April 14, 1912, just before midnight, the unsinkable Titanic struck an iceberg. In less than three hours, it had plunged to the bottom of the sea, taking with it more than 1,500 of its 2,200 passengers. In his unforgettable rendering of Walter Lord’s book of the same name, A Night to Remember, the acclaimed British director Roy Ward Baker (Don’t Bother to Knock) depicts with sensitivity, awe, and a fine sense of tragedy the ship’s final hours. Featuring remarkably restrained performances, A Night to Remember is cinema’s subtlest, finest dramatization of this monumental twentieth-century catastrophe. Continue reading ‘A Night to Remember: The Criterion Collection (Blu-ray Review)’
April 3rd, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
The Easter Bunny’s heir apparent leaves his ancestral home on Easter Island to pursue pop superstardom in the animated comedy Hop, which arrived on Blu-ray and DVD on March 23, 2012, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Blending state-of-the-art CGI animation with live action, Hop is a non-stop, rockin’ adventure packed with humor and hi-jinks! E.B. was destined to be the Easter Bunny, but all he wanted to do was rock! When teenager E.B. (voiced by Russell Brand) leaves for Hollywood in pursuit of his dream to become a rock star drummer, he meets Fred (James Marsden), an out-of-work slacker with his own lofty goals. Together the two encounter a series of hilarious mishaps and misadventures and in the end help each other recognize the importance of family. Continue reading ‘Hop (Blu-ray Review)’
April 2nd, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
This might be a little awkward, but I will explain. I could not find any suitable artwork for the Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol Blu-ray cover art anywhere. I borrowed the bilingual cover art instead, so please ignore the bilingual font, because I assure you that it is NOT present on the U.S. Blu-ray. Also, that’s the Best Buy Exclusive cover art, as well. It features a third disc and an extra hour of bonus material. We’ll get to the nitty gritty details of the Blu-ray contents in the “Extras” section. For now, you’ll probably want to know how Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol stands against the previous three entries, right? You’ve come to the right place. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to enjoy this review of Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol on Blu-ray. Happy trails! Continue reading ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol ‘Best Buy Exclusive’ (Blu-ray Review)’
April 1st, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
John le Carré’s acclaimed spy novel has been re-adapted yet again, but now it comes to us in the form of a theatrical film starring the likes of Gary Oldman (Bram Stoker’s Dracula), John Hurt (Immortals), Tom Hardy (The Dark Knight Rises), Mark Strong (Rock N Rolla), Colin Firth (The King’s Speech), and Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock). That’s a mighty fine cast brought together for a spy film like Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. This version of Tinker also has the distinction of being directed by one of the most unlikeliest of people, Tomas Alfredson (Let The Right One In). I do like when directors cross genres this early in their careers, but is it a misstep or does the transition from horror into drama do everyone involved justice? Let’s do this thing of ours. Continue reading ‘Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (Blu-ray Review)’
March 30th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
No doubt remains: a mole has infiltrated the Circus, code name for the British Secret Intelligence Service. It can only be one of four men operating at the very highest level. Sidelined agent George Smiley is covertly tapped to root out the mole, a task that requires a painstaking dig through the double-blind world of Cold War-era espionage and his own past. Alec Guinness brilliantly captures the weary heart and steely soul of John le Carré’s master spy. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy was nominated for an Emmy for best miniseries and won two BAFTA Awards, including best actor for Guinness. The series also stars Ian Richardson, Michael Aldridge, Joss Ackland, Ian Bannen, Ian Bannen, Terence Rigby, Michael Jayston, Hywel Bennett, Anthony Bate, and a memorable cameo by Patrick Stewart, who returns in a larger role for the sequel. Hailed as one of the finest dramas ever made for television, this 1979 BBC miniseries garnered universal critical acclaim for its stellar ensemble cast, literate writing and intricate plots.
Continue reading ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979) (Blu-ray Review)’
March 30th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
One of the year’s best-loved family comedies and among the best reviewed films of 2011, Disney’s The Muppets, starring Jason Segel, Academy Award-nominee Amy Adams, and favorite celebrity couple Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy is now available on Blu-ray! On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary (Jason Segel) and Gary’s girlfriend, Mary (Amy Adams), from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze Muppet Studios and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage a telethon and raise the $10 million needed to save the studio, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. Continue reading ‘The Muppets – The Wocka Wocka Value Pack (Blu-ray Review)’
March 27th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
Here it is just in time for the Spring season: Chinatown! Not only that, but it’s the Blu-ray we’re talking about here. Presented in high definition with a full lossless track, bonus features up the wazoo, and much more. Chinatown is the classic film that most say propelled Jack Nicholson into a full blown household name. Featuring Faye Dunaway and John Huston in supporting roles Chinatown takes the viewer into a world of mystery, crime, and intrigue where no stone will be left unturned. How will the Blu-ray stack up, you say? That’s what we’re here to find out. Yours truly is on the case, buddy. Follow me, but keep your distance, because it can get rough out there, kid. Continue reading ‘Chinatown (Blu-ray Review)’
March 27th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
We’re back once again bringing you the latest in Blu-ray coverage and this time out we’ve got Letter Never Sent from The Criterion Collection. Letter Never Sent is a Russian film that was released in 1959 by famed Russian director Mikhail Kalatozov. Criterion has brought us a film that has been given the TLC treatment which they’re famously known for. How will Letter Never Sent stack up to the recent crop of Criterion Collection releases? Will it be spilling over from the excess special features or will it be a movie only version? This and more is what we’re here to find out. Continue reading ‘Letter Never Sent: Criterion Collection (Blu-ray Review)’
March 23rd, 2012 by Brian White
Come on! Show some love for the “Material Girl.” If Gene Siskel gave it “Two Thumbs Up!,” then you know this “rock doc” has to be good, right? Right! Madonna has sold more than 300 million albums worldwide and is the top-selling female artist of all-time. And it’s only befitting for me, being the biggest Madonna fan on this site, to not only enjoy this one on the Blu-ray format, but tackle the review too. I don’t think any of my fellow reviewers will argue that point. Mute! Drum roll please…Presented for the very first time in a stunning new 1080p High Definition transfer and 5.1 DTS Master Audio, Madonna: Truth or Dare premieres on Blu-ray April 3rd and thinking back, I remember the 1999 VHS tape like it was yesterday. Does that make me really old or just someone with a very good memory? I’m not sure. Continue reading ‘Madonna: Truth or Dare (Blu-ray Review)’
March 23rd, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
The beauty of director Tarsem Singh’s Greek Myth 3D action film, Immortals, is definitely the most interesting thing about it. At 2011’s San Diego Comic Con, Tarsem, known for his work in music videos as well as his two previous films, The Cell and The Fall, made a point of noting that story comes after the fact for him. His focus lies in the visuals and Immortals is a fine example of this in action. The movie is gorgeous to look at and the audience is certainly given enough opportunities to focus on the visuals, as there is not much to this story, which is treated deadly serious, even though it is just as silly as many of the sword and sandal fantasy films that have come before it. As long as the characters were in the midst of combat I was pleased enough, but the time for talk certainly slowed down the excitement. Guranteed thoughts during my first watch though – the Blu-ray would look great. Continue reading ‘Immortals (Blu-ray Review)’
March 21st, 2012 by Brian White
Many film fanatics and critics hail 1942’s Casablanca as one of the greatest movies ever made filled with infamous lines of dialog, robust characters, an iconic soundtrack and many memorable scenes. But you want to know the real kicker here (not that staff writers Aaron Neuwirth and Gerard Iribe aren’t already making fun of me for it…they are mean in that way)? It’s the fact that I have NEVER seen Casablanca before. How does that happen? How does a person who calls himself a heralded member of the press and glorified film critic (I’m kidding about the glorified and heralded part…I kid…I kid…) never seen what is considered one of America cinema’s finest? How does that happen? I’ll tell you. It’s sheer ignorance. The blame is all on me. I’m usually too busy in life, especially in my current “situation,” to take the necessary time to view and appreciate the classics I have missed out on in my sheltered life. Continue reading ‘Casablanca: 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
March 19th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
The Three Musketeers is a modern retelling of Alexander Dumas’ timeless swashbuckling classic – arrived on 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD on March 13 from Summit Entertainment. This exciting adventure for the whole family stars Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson & the Olympians), Orlando Bloom (Pirates of the Caribbean films), Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil films) and Academy Award-winner Christoph Waltz (Best Supporting Actor, Inglourious Basterds). The Three Musketeers comes to life onscreen as Athos (Matthew Macfadyen), Porthos (Ray Stevenson) and Aramis (Luke Evans), along with aspiring warrior, D’Artagnan (Lerman), embark on a dangerous and legendary mission across Europe to save both their King and country – “all for one and one for all.”
Continue reading ‘The Three Musketeers (2011) 2D / 3D (Blu-ray Review)’
March 16th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
The sequel to Happy Feet, the Academy Award-winning animated smash hit, Happy Feet Two returns audiences to the magnificent landscape of Antarctica. Mumble, The Master of Tap, has a problem because his tiny son, Erik, is choreo-phobic. Reluctant to dance, Erik runs away and encounters The Mighty Sven – a penguin who can fly! Mumble has no hope of competing with this charismatic new role model. But things get worse when the world is shaken by powerful forces. Erik learns of his father’s “guts and grit” as Mumble brings together the penguin nations and all manner of fabulous creatures – from tiny Krill to giant Elephant Seals – to put things right. Continue reading ‘Happy Feet Two (Blu-ray Review)’
March 15th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
The Town is a very fun bank heist/cops and robbers movie. The film is Ben Affleck’s second time in the director’s chair, a follow up to the excellent Gone Baby Gone, and this film continues to prove that he is quite capable behind the camera. The film is well made, wonderfully entertaining, and backed by a strong cast. Even as it follows some familiar beats of this genre, it manages to be both a crowd-pleaser and confident in its structure. Now The Town has been given a second release, dubbed the “Ultimate Collector’s Edition”, which contains a new cut of the film that features an alternate ending, among other new bonuses. While not the film I expected an elaborate double-dip from, at least it’s a very watchable and well assembled film to see an ultimate version of. Continue reading ‘The Town: Ultimate Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
March 15th, 2012 by Matt Goodman
Sex, drugs, and disco is what 54 is all about. 54 was an odd experience for me, particularly due to how the subject material was handled. The film constantly switches it’s tone from incredibly serious to incredibly silly. The film does in fact feature an all-star cast including Mike Myers (Austin Powers), Neve Campbell (Scream), Ryan Phillippe (Flags of Our Fathers), and Salma Hayek (Grown Ups). Does 54 make the cut? Is it as crazy as I’m making it out to be? Read on to find out. Continue reading ’54 (Blu-ray Review)’
March 15th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
As seen on PBS’s Masterpiece Mystery!, the impeccable Hercule Poirot is back on the case in these eleven mysteries from the hit series. David Suchet returns to reprise his role as the definitive Poirot, portraying Agatha Christie’s beloved Belgian with intelligence and bone-dry wit. Brimming with beguiling 1930s period details, these lavish adaptations look better than ever in this remastered edition. Also starring Hugh Fraser (Sharpe) as the affable Captain Hastings, Philip Jackson (Little Voice) as Chief Inspector Japp, and Pauline Moran as Miss Lemon.
March 13th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
When I think of books meant for the young adult crowd (not counting the onset of vampire romance fiction), I tend to think of books that center around characters in their teens dealing with various types of drama, regardless of the genre, dealing with it, and experiencing a healthy level of growth because of it. In the film Young Adult, we are given a protagonist who is the author behind a young adult book series, but does not practice the methods of a positive influence. Charlize Theron (who is great in this role) manages to play an unlikable character who manages to become more unlikable as the film goes on. That would generally be a bad thing, but this film actually uses that as its intention. As a result, Young Adult manages to be a somewhat unique character study, fitted inside an incredibly dark and at times awkward comedy that does not hold back the way other films would. Read on to learn more about this film’s Blu-ray presentation.
Continue reading ‘Young Adult (Blu-ray Review)’
March 13th, 2012 by Jami Ferguson
Boasting high-energy dancing, an inspirational story and an impressive cast of rising stars and screen veterans, writer/director Craig Brewer’s (Hustle & Flow) modern update thrilled audiences of all ages with its combination of youthful spirit and infectious fun. Newcomer Kenny Wormald stars as Ren MacCormack, a city kid transplanted to the small town of Bomont where dancing has been outlawed. Ren goes up against Bomont’s reverend (Dennis Quaid) to challenge the ban with the help of the minister’s daughter (Julianne Hough, “Dancing with the Stars”) and in the process reminds the entire town that dancing is more than youthful exuberance—it’s a celebration of life. The film also stars Andie MacDowell (Beauty Shop) and Miles Teller (Rabbit Hole) and features an outstanding soundtrack with musical artists including Blake Shelton, Big & Rich, Ella Mae Bowen and more. Continue reading ‘Footloose (2011) (Blu-ray Review)’
