Dune: Part Two (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)
Denis Villeneuve is a true auteur of modern commercial cinema. His visionary work can be challenging, surprising, and meaningful in equal doses. When Dune came out at the height of Covid, it was a blessing and a curse for the film to hit theaters and HBO Max at the same time. Some people got to witness the incredible spectacle in the theater when the rest of us stayed home and checked it out from our couches. I was in the latter category, but the effect the film had on me stayed with me completely. The visual style, the music, the performances, and the ability to translate the infamous Frank Herbert novel to screen had finally succeeded! Even with the Part One badge that followed the title, I knew if we didn’t get the whole story in one piece, we would be waiting for the next installment and hopefully not too far off from the original. Read more on the continuation of the Dune saga, Dune Part Two, and the incredible UHD Blu-ray presentation below. Also, do yourself a favor and click the cover artwork for a paid Amazon link, because you’re going to want to grab a copy of this stunning film!
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There aren’t any conversations on western films where Sergio Leone doesn’t come up. His signature style and seamless way of making Italy look like the American West brought iconic images that are burned in film fans’ memories. Once Upon a Time in the West is one of Leone’s crowning achievements. This is a unanimous point. Even without seeing this or any of his films at length, I know you’re reading this envisioning sun-scorched faces of tough cowboys and busty strong women looking at you with emotional eyes. Come on, admit it. Now, Paramount as part of the Paramount Presents line has released a 4K Limited Edition of the film. Read on about my thoughts on the film and the presentation and click the cover art at the end for a paid link to order yourself a copy!
Heist films can be hit or miss from time to time. In 2001, when Ocean’s Eleven was released, it was something of a new renaissance for that particular genre. The con was on, and what a fantastic one it was. Followed by two solid sequels, The Oceans Trilogy has also had a long legacy on physical media. Out now in 4K, all 3 films come packaged together or individually in Steelbook form. Relive the iconic series below and be sure to check out the video and audio sections for more details! You can click the cover artwork at the end to order whatever variations you may want!
I can’t believe it’s been 30 years now. Wow! I feel old. Yep! It’s been 30 years since the theatrical release of The Crow. The movie is a very memorable one to me. So much so that it magically brought me out of writing retirement for the temporary time being. The Crow is also a very tragic release with the devastating loss of Brandon Lee who was killed on set. There will be time to mourn Brandon Lee shortly, but first I want to focus on why The Crow is so enthralling to me. It takes me back to a period of my life when I was trying to find myself. One could say I’m still trying, but I digress. LOL. So if you’re interested (and of course you are because you’re still reading), join me down below as I rewind the proverbial clock back to May of 1994. 
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is one of 4 Marvel Disney+ series available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. The continuing (mis)adventures of Sam Wilson and “Bucky” Barnes after the blip that devastated the world in Avengers: Endgame, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier explores the state of the world among terrorists and how a new Captain America can find a way to honor Steve Rogers legacy while carrying his shield. How does the series translate from film to TV you ask? Well, read on below for my thoughts, plus more info on the stellar UHD Blu-ray presentation! Be sure to click the cover art at the end for the paid link to buy your own copy!
Marvel has made a big splash on Disney+ over the years. Hard to believe I’m saying years there. Moon Knight premiered in spring 2022 and the critical reception was a lot better than the audience response that I read. So how does it stack up to me? Is the quality of the 4K UHD Blu-ray better than the actual show itself? Does the star power of Oscar Issac and Ethan Hawke carry the series or bog it down? Read on below and see how everything looks and sounds along with my critical view and click the cover art to access a paid Amazon link to order a copy of the Steelbook set!
As Disney took over the Star Wars legacy, I watched with an open mind to see how things would progress. We got The Force Awakens, which managed to be an excellent continuation of the original trilogy. We also got the promise of live-action TV shows which first came with The Mandalorian and followed by The Book of Boba Fett which were both heralded as excellent extensions of the Star Wars universe. We next got Obi-Wan Kenobi, a tale of Obi-Wan after Revenge of the Sith. Is this the closure we needed for his story? What about the years between Sith and Rogue One were we missing? All these questions are answered within the review here! Be sure to click the steelbook arwork at the end to access a paid link to get yourself a copy of Obi-Wan Kenobi on 4K UHD Blu-ray!!
When Mean Girls was initially released, I have to wonder if anyone thought the film would be as successful as it has been over the last two decades. Whether it’s the quotable lines or the cast of well-known actors or the simple yet commanding direction the film takes to hold your attention, you have to wonder if the filmmakers realized what they were making when they were filming it. Catch up with my nostalgia and of course the vital technical review within and be sure to click the paid link at the end (pssst, it’s the cover artwork!) to buy yourself a copy of Mean Girls.
Disney+ has spent a great amount of time and funds making content for the kid in all of us. As a mild Star Wars geek, I was excited to see so many live-action shows coming to the service. In a wild turn of events, I never got to watching any of them, save for the first season of The Mandalorian. Thankfully, the folks at Disney heard our collector’s plea and we are getting some of these shows to own at home! These are aimed right at the collector with Steelbook packaging with beautiful artwork, art cards and disc exclusive special features. Andor is the 4th Star Wars show to see a disc release and you can read more on my thoughts below. Be sure to click the cover artwork below to order your own copy! Rebellion for life!!
20 years ago, Mean Girls made its way into film pop culture. The lines were quoted, the cast and creators praised and then the film spent its years being shown on TV, being purchased on physical media, and reaching so many people over time that the original film is now a catalyst for modern coming-of-age films. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2018, where it was a big success. So, naturally, the film version came to be at the start of 2024. The film managed to make a few bucks and surprise quite a few people who didn’t seem to realize the film was a musical retelling of the original. I was one of the few bemoaning that there was no need for remakes, a movie musical or anything else like that. Admittedly, this won’t be the first or last time that I eat crow on my pre-destined opinions. Read further on the film below and be sure to click the cover art at the end to access a paid Amazon link to order your own copy of Mean Girls.
The Color Purple is being touted as a “bold new take on a beloved classic.” I find that interesting since the musical found in this new film version is the one that was on Broadway beginning in 2005. Having never seen this Broadway version, only hearing the music of the show, I must wonder what the differences are. The film unfortunately didn’t finish theatrically the way it started and garnered only one Oscar nod despite so many reasons for it to earn more than that. Read more about The Color Purple below and be sure click the cover art at the end for a paid Amazon link to get your own copy of the film.
Ridley Scott’s Alien set the standard for horror based Sci-fi. His film left audiences terrified with some wonderfully calculated scenes and subtle scares. With the end of that film, it almost feels like it would be impossible to top it. Then came Aliens. With James Cameron in the director’s chair, what was the outcome? Of course, we know the story, a sequel that stands with and sometimes surpasses the original. Read more about Aliens below. I promise not to bore you with over-retold facts! Be sure to click the artwork at the end of the review to access the paid link to get your own copy!
True Lies is another James Cameron film that collectors have been clamoring to have on a newer format for many years. This is a non-stop, funny, thrilling film and is the kind of movie that home theater enthusiasts love because it’s an audio and visual dream. This was a demo videotape for places like Circuit City and The Good Guys way back in the 90’s. How does this classic hold up in 4K? Read on below and find out my thoughts. Don’t forget to click the artwork at the end for a paid link to order your own copy!
The first Aquaman felt very fresh to me. Jason Mamoa’s Arthur Curry didn’t take himself too seriously. The scenery was colorful and immersive, and the story was easy to follow. This was peak mainstream entertainment. Escapist fun if you will. Now that we know the fallout of anticipation following Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and it’s less than stellar critical and commercial response, I had to ask myself if that negative response was worthwhile or not… So, take a look at my thoughts below and if you feel so inclined, click the home media artwork at the end to get yourself a copy!
The Abyss happens to be one of my top 5 films of all time. The movie is a mix of action, sci-fi, drama and suspense that has yet to, in my very humble opinion, be topped by other movies with the same mixture. The movie is one that people have been begging for a new physical release of forever. The 2000’s era DVD was revolutionary in the days of the square box TV but has long needed a major overhaul. Does this disc live up to the much-anticipated hype? Read on below for my retrospective reflection on the film, plus all the technical details you can imagine! Be sure to click the cover art for a paid link to purchase your own copy of this masterpiece in the best physical media format!
Wish seemed like a sure-fire hit when trailers were released. A throwback to the classic Disney features of the past, the film practically came with a built in audience of children AND adults. But on a $200 million dollar budget and making $185 Million worldwide proved otherwise. The trend of Disney animated features of any kind not doing well continues, and for me anyway, this feels unfair. Read my insights on Wish and make sure to click the cover art for a paid link to purchase your own copy!
