Girls: The Complete Fifth Season (Blu-ray Review)
Its crazy to think that Lena Dunhams’ talked about and controversial (is it?) show Girls is already coming to its end this year (and soon mind you). It feels like just yesterday I was testing it out and turning my nose up to it. Luckily after Season 2, I decided to suck it up and really have at it and found myself understanding it better and really get to the humorous level this show is guiding you through. Are characters obnoxious, annoying and make you want to pull your hair out? Hell yes, that’s part of the fun I’ve found. But before the final series airs on HBO, its time to look back on the previous one, the fifth season. That particular jaunt with Hanna Horvath and friends will release to Blu-ray on January 3rd, giving you ample time to digest it and be refreshed or just plain up to speed for the final season when it airs. Continue reading ‘Girls: The Complete Fifth Season (Blu-ray Review)’
I’ve been waiting like 15 years or so for this movie. The fifth and final Phantasm movie. And it was done in super secret with the trailer surprising the hell out of EVERYONE when it randomly popped up a year or so ago. For years there were rumors and such, but Reggie Bannister was the voice of honesty shooting it down. Now, the final chapter, Ravager is here (Well, its been here, but its finally here for the Blu-ray review, Jason Coleman covered it a few months back. It features the final appearance by Angus Scrimm, and fitting it being in his most signature and iconic role. The main players are all back, and its up to Reggie, the guitar slaying ice cream man, to save the world from the Tall Man. Don Coscarelli oversaw the film, but for some reason stepped back and let someone else take the director’s chair on the last film in his most famous series of films. What started way back in 1979 finally comes to a head here in 2016. 
If you’ve been an avid reader of my stuff here on this site (And let’s be honest, why wouldn’t you be?), its been pretty consistent that one of the most massive movies on my Blu-ray bucket list has been Phantasm. The whole series, really, but mainly this first movie. I honestly didn’t realize how much of a cult film with a smaller following it really was. Growing up, it (and its sequels) were at really every video store I went to. The Tall Man was a common figure to hold up among the 80s slasher/monster icons. Years, pass, no further entries and nobody involved with the series is of any massive stature (To hold in a “look where such and such superstar got their start” fashion). But one certain director/producer with clout was a big fan. And in 2016, Phantasm came back in a big way, with a 4K restoration and theatrical rerelease headed up by JJ Abrams. Also in tow was a brand new sequel serving as the closing chapter in this unique horror series. But, what about Blu-ray? Everyone was tossing their guess as to who would have it. Scream Factory? Arrow? NOPE! Well Go USA?!?!?!?! I say , Well, go give them a chance. And now we can see what they’ve done and what they haven’t done. 
Underworld is one of those films that I’ll never forget where in life I was when I saw it. I’ll spare you the details, but I remember that evening vividly as it was a good one. It also came out at just the right time when the vampire craze was just ramping up and ironically was both the rise and downfall of Kate Beckinsale’s career. That’s what happens when you fall for your film’s director. You’re forced to do sequel after punishing sequel. Just ask Milla Jovovich how that works out for you. However, there’s no disputing how fine Kate has always looked filling that tight, black leather corset coupled with those stunning Blu-ray eyes. Even though we had the pleasure of spending time with the lovely Rhona Mitra in the third film, Rise of the Lycans, no Underworld fan can deny Selene’s (Beckinsale) presence and assets were greatly missed. On the flip side, I really liked the third entry. Ha ha. I digress. Let’s rewind back to 2003 as we nostalgically discuss the one that started it all, Underworld, which coincidentally sees a 4K Ultra HD release December 27th. 
Based in the incredible true story of one man’s 
The Vestron Video Collector’s Series unleashes unspeakable horrors when The Gate arrives for the first time on limited-edition Blu-ray™ on February 28 from Lionsgate. When two suburban kids accidentally open a portal filled with pint-sized demons hell-bent on taking over the planet, it’s up to them to seal the gateway and save mankind! The Gate features all-new, never-before-seen featurettes and audio commentary. A must-have for all classic horror fans, The Gate limited-edition Vestron Video Collector’s Series Blu-ray will be available on February 28th.
Ooooh…Storks! This is one of those films where I do the review because I reeeeeeeeeally love my children. But, right now, I’m still curious on seeing a lot of different varieties on the 4K UHD format. The only animated movie I’ve done before that is that fifth Ice Age film. Storks is from a different studio that’s putting a little more to it with their presentations (Warner Bros). And then I saw that it was directed by Nicholas Stoller, so that gained me a little hope. One of two films he directed this year (The other, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising). Storks opened against The Magnificent Seven (Which I just reviewed the other day). It placed second in its opening weekend, but went on to gross more money than it worldwide (Magnificent Seven won the domestic battle, though). Now its once again going head to head with it on the home video market as they both come out the same day in all formats. You can find it on the shelves December 20th. 
Who didn’t know the story of Captain Chesley Sullenberger? His courageous landing on the Hudson River was one of the biggest stories when the year flipped over to 2009. Its crazy to think that its going to be eight years ago next month. Its almost like its fresh on the brain. As with all things historic and heroes, you have the talk show tours, followed by a book and then the movie or a TV mini-series or what-have-you. “Sully” as he is known, got to have Tom Hanks play himself in the film and another Hollywood legend and icon, Clint Eastwood, craft the film about his maneuvering. The film kicked off a sort of star-vehicle driven run at the box office last September, that ironically ended when another Tom Hanks film (Ron Howard and he’s third Robert Langdon film Inferno) tanked pretty hard. Sully will be available on 4K UHD Blu-ray (As well as regular Blu-ray and the old DVD) on December 20th. 
Scream Factory is unleashing the definitive editions of two supernatural horror classics with the release of the Collector’s Editions of Poltergeist II and Poltergeist III on January 31st, 2017. The suspenseful saga of Carol Anne and the Freeling family continues in these follow- up films to the smash hit Poltergeist, and are filled with spectacular special effects, memorable scares and a genuinely creepy villain. These scary sequels both include DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks and come loaded with brand-new bonus features, including new 2k scans of the inter-positive, audio commentaries, interviews, behind-the-scenes featurettes and more! 
Legendary action star Steven Seagal returns to deliver justice in Contract to Kill, an explosive, heart-pounding action-thriller that will be available on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD), DVD and Digital HD on February 28 from Lionsgate. The film is currently available On Demand. Seagal stars as John Harmon, a CIA/DEA enforcer who embarks on an international mission to prevent an attack on America. Contract to Kill is directed by Keoni Waxman (End of a Gun, Killing Salazar), and features standout performances from Russell Wong and Jemma Dallender. Contract to Kill will be available on Blu-ray and DVD.
In this 2016 World Series Collector’s Edition: Chicago Cubs set, Cubs fans everywhere can relive the team’s entire white-knuckle postseason run. The 8-disc set preserves every inning, every play and every heart-stopping moment from the 2016 Fall Classic – from “spiritual” team leader David Ross’ dramatic home run in the final game of his career, Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester’s masterful performances on the mound to Kris Bryant’s final, thrilling 5-3 put-out to Anthony Rizzo. This special edition presents all seven complete and uncut World Series games, all wrapped with SleeveStats which offer official stats, game trivia and more to enhance the viewing experience. Also included are a bonus disc of the pennant-clinching NLCS Game 6 at Wrigley Field, as well as four audio options, allowing home audiences to watch the games while listening to either the television broadcast, Cubs Radio Network announcers, the Indians Radio Network or a Spanish-language version of the broadcasts. This December, fly the W and celebrate the Cubs history-making run to the championship with these two ultimate mementos from one of the most exciting postseasons in a generation. 
When I first received word of this Blu-ray release was actually the first time I’d even heard of this show. There seemed to be no buzz, no push or anything about it. That, or marketing and noteworthy news didn’t spread past the age of seven. I was quite surprised a Star Wars thing I hadn’t heard about was coming to Blu-ray. Granted, its LEGO Star Wars, but its original character in a series that isn’t just a complete parody. I’d seen the other short series LEGO Star Wars had done on Disney XD and this wasn’t it. So, its with great curiosity that I would be checking out the first season of LEGO Star Wars: The Freemakers completely blind, and yes, with the blast shield down. 
One of the world’s most beloved fairy tales comes spectacularly to life in Christophe Gans’ 
Have the time of your life when the Dirty Dancing: 30th Anniversary Edition arrives on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD, along with a special Limited Collector’s Edition Box Set, on February 7, 2017, featuring all new bonus material. The classic will also return to theaters on January 29 and February 1, 2017 for a 30th anniversary presentation from Fathom Events and Lionsgate. Dirty Dancing stars Patrick Swayze (Ghost), Jennifer Grey (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off), Jerry Orbach ( TV’s “Law & Order”), Cynthia Rhodes (Flashdance), Kelly Bishop (TV’s “Gilmore Girls”), and Jack Weston (The Thomas Crown Affair).
