The latest entertainment news and reviews in 4K UHD, Blu-ray, movies and more…
Set in and around Memphis in the early 1970’s, Season 1 of this thrilling series centers on Mac Conway, a stigmatized Marine who finds himself lured into a lucrative offer from The Broker, a shady criminal involved in a network of killing and corruption. Continue reading ‘Quarry: The Complete First Season (Digital HD Review)’
Ever the polarizing filmmaker, one can’t deny that Rob Zombie has a distinct vision and very blunt voice in the world of cinema. Despite whatever misgivings, like him or not, its hard to take not of his talent. Coming from similar influences and styles, he’s almost the horror genre’s version of Quentin Tarantino. After dabbling in the Halloween universe with Michael Myers, his last two films have gone in much smaller offerings in terms of releases. The Lords of Salem was more a festival film with a very limited release and his latest, 31 went crowd funded and launched on Amazon Prime Video (Also having a small theatrical run). These are the times we live in, but if a filmmaker of Zombie’s caliber is still able to get his ideas across and make the film he truly wants, then I guess delivery shouldn’t be too important (Though, for me its always theater whenever I can). So here we are, the Blu-ray release of 31. Continue reading ’31 (Blu-ray Review)’
Previously available from Image Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment is bringing back The Twilight Zone to Blu-ray. Yes, all 156 episodes of the landmark historic television anthology series are once again being collected together. This is a massive set, including bonus mater, that spans over 5 years of the show airing on television and covering over 24 discs. The set is coming along just in time for the holidays (Will make a great gift for that loved one) and will be available December 13th. So, get ready to hum that theme song and embrace those twisted and dark endings we’ve come to love, admire and be inspired by. Continue reading ‘The Twilight Zone: The Complete Series (Blu-ray Review)’
We all need someone to look up to – though these may not be the guys! But if your New Year’s Resolution is to laugh more in 2017, then you won’t want to miss out on Vice Principals: The Complete First Season which will arrive on on Blu-ray and DVD (both with a free digital download copy) on February 7, 2017. Created by Danny R. McBride and Jody Hill (creators of HBO’s Eastbound & Down, along with Ben Best), this acclaimed new HBO comedy series tells the story of North Jackson High School and the two people who almost run it, the vice principals. McBride and Walton Goggins (The Shield, Justified) star as the school administrators, who are in an epic power struggle to become school principal. Continue reading ‘School’s In Session When ‘Vice Principals: The Complete First Season’ Hits Blu-ray & DVD On Feb. 7!’
Steven Seagal is BACK! This time he’s facing down the End Of A Gun (As we know, this is definitely not the first time, but the first time they’ve title one of his after the action of doing something like that). While he’s nowhere near as popular as he once was…lets face it, the guy is pretty much reviled, even in most action junkie circles. We’re a long way from Under Siege. However, its not like the man doesn’t have an audience and doesn’t have trouble finding work. This film is alone is one of seven films he has released for this year. Yes, that’s pretty insane even for the straight to video department. There is a weird appreciation and aficionado type thing that comes with these, so they can be an enjoyable watch. Before I begin this review, I’ll leave you with THIS entertaining read I found a while back that is worth your time regarding Seagal. Continue reading ‘End Of A Gun (Blu-ray Review)’
Ben Affleck’s directorial catalog has been nothing short of a perfect batting average. Despite your thoughts on his films, none of them are terrible and at worst you can’t say any of them aren’t pretty damn entertaining. There were no clumsy steps or learning curves, he started right out with some prestige. His second film The Town, which Brian just recently expertly covered the 4K of garnered him some big attention and people wanting to give the man a second Oscar. That would come with this film, Argo, the one that famously snubbed him a Best Director nod only to land him that second Oscar with a Best Picture Oscar in the producer role (As well as George Clooney). Its a well directed, exciting, educational and crowd pleasing film that had a quadruple threat of box office money, audience, critical approval and statues to go with. Continue reading ‘Argo (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
While the filmmaker faced his share of controversy, The Birth of a Nation is still a film with a message and more. Those who want to eek it out now have a chance, when the film arrives on Blu-ray this January. More as follows: Set against the antebellum South, THE BIRTH OF A NATION follows Nat Turner (Nate Parker), a literate slave and preacher, whose financially strained owner, Samuel Turner (Armie Hammer), accepts an offer to use Nat’s preaching to subdue unruly slaves. As he witnesses countless atrocities – against himself and his fellow slaves – Nat orchestrates an uprising in the hopes of leading his people to freedom. Learn more about the upcoming home release here.
a Continue reading ‘“The Birth of a Nation” Arrives on Blu-ray, DVD and 4K Ultra HD on January 10’
4K UHD has been impressing me along the way this year. One thing I really want to see more of on the format are classic films. I know new films are going to look shiny, new and vibrant. But, what I really want to see is how the vintage stuff is going to look and improve when done right. Just a few months ago, I was downright disappointed when Sony released yet another version of Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver (One of the greatest Blu-ray transfers of all time) on regular Blu-ray when they actually do have a 4K remaster just sitting there waiting. Thankfully, Warner Bros didn’t let me down. Like usual, when a new format drops, here comes Goodfellas. Last year, you’ll remember they release a Blu-ray sourced from a 4K remaster…well…here’s what said master actually looks like now. I couldn’t be more excited to be revisiting this film and transfer just a year later.
Continue reading ‘Goodfellas (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
There were a lot of disappointments and film that tended to underwhelm many this summer at the movie theater. A couple biggies happened to show up here and there that both hit big with the money and the critical success, but not a whole lot of them did much of both. But then, there was the post-Suicide Squad August. All of a sudden, summer was finishing out quite strong with the likes of films akin to Kubo and the Two Strings and Hell Or High Water. Many a surprise here or there. One of them happened to be this film, Pete’s Dragon, the remake of the 1977 animated classic. Unfortunately though, while it was met with some very high critical praise, like Disney’s other family live-action meets CGI character hybrid The BFG, it didn’t pick up the dinero over at the box office. Its okay, though, you’ll get a second chance now on home video. Continue reading ‘Pete’s Dragon (Blu-ray Review)’
Suicide Squad is one of those movies where you just have to get that first screening under your belt. It’s like being on a Southwest Airlines airplane. You know how you hear that ding and the captain says you’re now free to move around the cabin? It’s sort of the same principle with David Ayer’s Suicide Squad. After you get that initial first viewing of the film out of the way you’re now able to freely have fun with all subsequent watches. That was at least the case for me as I went on to see this one a total of three times theatrically despite my initial disdain. There are just too many good morsels to eat up in here to harbor any hate for the film. It’s not like the second through fourth Transformers films. Suicide Squad gets better with repeat visits. If you don’t believe me, check out how much money this bad boy made at the box office. Surely Margot Robbie doesn’t draw that much in attendance. Or does she now?! Continue reading ‘Suicide Squad (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
I Am Legend is best known to me as that Will Smith “zombie” apocalypse movie that featured the real star of the show…a red 2007 Shelby GT500. He does drive other Ford vehicles in the film, but none compare to that beastly, now classic muscle car. Now I know how that can be construed by someone just reading this. You’re probably thinking Brian hates this film and the only thing good about it is some stupid race car. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. I don’t hate I Am Legend at all. It’s no World War Z, but it’s definitely not the worst “zombie” film ever made either. I consider it middle of the road and for me it’s a very odd selection for Warner Bros. to include in their next wave of catalog 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases alongside Goodfellas, Argo and The Town. You get where I’m going here? However, for the moment I wish to digress and for the next five minutes or so (depending upon how fast of a reader you are) I’d like to discuss all things I Am Legend. After all, that is my job!
Continue reading ‘I Am Legend (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
Fox Home Entertainment announces this morning the home release of its wildly imaginative fantasy adventure, “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” arriving just in time for the holidays on December 13th. The arrival includes availability on Digital HD, Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD & DVD and will be fully loaded with two hours of immersive content to delight fans. The Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD versions of the film include a variety of special features, and a limited edition DVD is available with a unique collectible “Stay Peculiar” bracelet while supplies last.
Here’s a true fact for you. Never in a million, zillion years would I ever have believed that I could experience unhappiness while watching my favorite film of 2015, Mad Max Fury Road. Before we go there I want to take a step back. Last year the rumor was that the Blu-ray release of Mad Max Fury Road would also include the film in black and white (or as Warner Bros. now dubs Black & Chrome). That obviously never happened, which is why we’re here now over a year later with an unmistakable cash grab at getting whatever left that they can out of this phenomenal picture. However, if you already own the first Blu-ray release (see my review of it here), then you’re getting less here in my opinion. Sure you’re getting the film on Blu-ray in “black and chrome.” Big stinking deal! They don’t even give you a Digital HD file of it all. Boo! To top it all off watching this film in “black and chrome” was an absolute chore for me. When I first heard about this I was like wow that is going to look so cool. Not the case at all! Half the film’s appeal for me was the harsh, scorching , burn-your-eyes-out colors employed throughout and I hate to be the naysayer here but without said colors you lose A LOT of the detail. I didn’t think this was possible, but I hated every single minute of my viewing of Mad Max Fury Road Black & Chrome. Continue reading ‘Mad Max Fury Road BLACK & CHROME Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
Jason Bourne needs no trailer to sell it. Let’s be honest of that fact. When Bourne Identity dropped in 2002 it rejuvenated the stale international spy franchises out there. Just look at the style of what came next in the Bond series, Casino Royale, as living proof. Suddenly Bourne-like movies infected our screens everywhere from the mainstream Mission Impossible franchise to even television series like 24. Yes, technically 24 came out first, but surely you can see the influence of the Bourne films. Ha ha. Whatevs! What I want to know is what’s up with these “character name” movie titles? Stallone resurrected two dead franchises like that. Now I guess it’s Greengrass’ turn, eh? Continue reading ‘Jason Bourne (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
This December, baseball fans can bring home this year’s Fall Classic with a Blu-ray release commemorating the Chicago Cubs champion run: 2016 World Series Champions: Chicago Cubs (available December 6th). All droughts end with rain. And when the Chicago Cubs ended their 108-year World Series drought with an improbable three game run – including a dramatic Game 7 rain delay – to capture the championship, generations of Cubs fans washed away decades of disappointment, curses and superstitions. Fly the W! The Cubs are 2016 World Series champions! 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. Continue reading ‘2016 World Series Champions: Chicago Cubs (Blu-ray Review)’
IFC Midnight and Scream Factory continue their hellish bond in bringing some of the best and unwatched in the indie horror scene to Blu-ray with The Devil’s Dolls. This is the second feature film from director Padraig Reynolds, following his other horror/thriller The Rites of Spring (Which, I’ve not seen, but has a really cool throwback retro poster). The disc isn’t just a bare bones one like some of these can be, it does come with a nice little grouping of bonus features (Including a commentary). It can be yours to own, or maybe to rent or borrow from that friend who snatches these up, on December 6th.
. Continue reading ‘The Devil’s Dolls (Blu-ray Review)’
Dreamscape is now seeing its first double dip on Blu-ray after a rather lackluster and a bit reviled release the first time around. This time, though, we’re all lucky that the folks over at Scream Factory are the ones handling it. They seem to have heard all of the complaints from the other version and have set out to correct them. First off, they’ve got a brand new 2K transfer for the film as well as their normal slew of extras which are par for the course on their highly coveted “Collector’s Edition” series. This hopefully will please the fans as well as maybe make some new ones and possibly give some people a better second look at the film as it looks better than it has before. You can get your pre-order in for the release now, as it comes out December 13th.
Continue reading ‘Dreamscape – Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
The BFG, a big time collaborative effort to bring Roald Dahl’s classic story to the big screen in live action form seems like it would be a big deal, but maybe it was just past the time for excitement. Maybe its not something for this current generation. Its got a lot going for it with Steven Spielberg helming and reteaming himself with the writer from ET. A couple of great trailers as well as very good reviews couldn’t help get people to plop down the money for it or make it their choice over Finding Dory. Every summer we get more and more tentpoles and tentpoles against tentpoles in an almost weekly showdown, things get lost among the fold. The BFG was one of those, one of the biggest let downs and bombs. Critically, Spielberg is still on his run, but box office-wise its now come to a screeching halt. Continue reading ‘The BFG (Blu-ray Review)’
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