Archive for the 'Blu-ray Reviews' Category
February 22nd, 2015 by Sean Wright
On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter is a follow-up to the 1971 motorcycle documentary On Any Sunday, produced and featuring Steve McQueen. The doc follows several motorcycle enthusiasts, including racers, stuntman, designers, and the events that they participate in. Interviewees include well known motorcycle personalities such as Robbie Madison, Roland Sands, James Stewart, Jr., and continuing the initial films celebrity involvement, Bo Derek, Scott Caan, and Mickey Rourke. The film premiered on July 12th, 2014 in New Zealand before hitting a limited theatrical run. Continue reading ‘On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter (Blu-ray Review)’
February 20th, 2015 by Aaron Neuwirth
Oscar nomination or not, Force Majeure was one of the more critically acclaimed foreign language films of 2014. The film is essentially a drama, but I can certainly see where so many pronouncements of the film as a dark comedy come from, as this film really does feature some pitch-black humor. The story of a family vacation spoiled by a moment-of-truth for one of the family members, Force Majeure is now available on Blu-ray. It looks and sounds great, but how else does it fair? Find out now!
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February 20th, 2015 by Brandon Peters
I knew nothing of this film’s existence until Scream Factory announced their acquisition of it. Looking at the original poster artwork, I sort of immediately knew there was a good chance I was going to get a kick out of it. Exterminators Of The Year 3000 is an Italian post-apocalyptic desert car crashing action movie. Basically, some Italian filmmakers saw The Road Warrior and said “Gee whiz, I wanna do THAT!”. Then, they searched through Italy’s couches for change, counted up just enough and went out and just shot the thing. And to be quite honest, there’s a certain joy and charm that comes with it. And with the passage of time, I’m sure there’s a modern day appreciation for this film that may not have been there when it came out in 1983. But, look at this…its on Blu-ray now where something like True Lies STILL is not here. Continue reading ‘Exterminators Of The Year 3000 (Blu-ray Review)’
February 19th, 2015 by Brandon Peters
One of my favorite comedies from the 1990s was Dumb And Dumber. I laughed my tail off when I first saw the film in the theater. Being a huge Jim Carrey fan since his In Living Color days, I was there opening weekend. The film also introduced us to the Farrelly brothers who would rock pretty good with their comedies through the 90s. People clamored for a follow up to Harry and Lloyd’s first adventure, but Jim Carrey was always holding it back because he became larger than life and began chasing an Oscar and rightfully didn’t need a second one. Instead, they gave us Dumb And Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd. A prequel film nobody was asking for or wanting. People wanted the Farrellys, Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels. Well, years went by and Carrey’s box office clout has fallen, so “of course” he was down to do the second Dumb And Dumber. But, now its 20 years later and seems more desperate than essential for all involved but Jeff Daniels. Continue reading ‘Dumb And Dumber To (Blu-ray Review)’
February 18th, 2015 by Brandon Peters
With blood-chilling special effects by award-winning FX creators Robert Kurtzman and Steve Johnson, Fear Clinic will take viewers on an unforgettable journey into the very soul of terror itself. Co-written by Hall and Aaron Drane, the film is based on the critically acclaimed and fan favorite 2009 FEARnet.com series. When trauma-induced phobias begin to re-emerge in five survivors a year after their horrifying tragedy, they return to the “Fear Clinic,” hoping to find the answers they need to get cured. The film stars Robert Englund, Fiona Dourif, Thomas Dekker and Slipknot front man Corey Taylor. Continue reading ‘Fear Clinic (Blu-ray Review)’
February 16th, 2015 by Aaron Neuwirth
Birdman is an ambitious and unpredictable ball of energy that just so happens to be a spectacular film to watch. Currently nominated for 9 Academy Awards, appearing on over 100 Top Ten lists, this was one of the defining films of 2014. I was hugely anticipating the film before its release and was blown away by the results. Michael Keaton leads a tremendous cast in this fantastic film directed by Alejandro G. Inarritu and it now arrives on Blu-ray, looking and sounding great, even if we only get so much to work with in the way of extras. Look no further, if you are seeking a good rundown of the film and quality of this Blu-ray release.
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February 16th, 2015 by Brandon Peters
There are two things I’ve always been clamoring for on Blu-ray; more Blaxploitation films and more Pam Grier. Which, yeah a lot of that is one in the same. And this new release from Scream Factory covers both! “Dracula’s soul brother”, Blacula is here in high definition. Yes, I’m very aware of the title, but note that these were different times and the Blaxploitation era was all about taking things and making it their own. You’d find many a spin on titles like this. The success of Blacula even spawned a Blackenstein. These Blacula movies are somewhat a relic of another time, but I also find them to be plenty enough of a campy hoot to enjoy. A fun trivia fact, Blacula himself is also the King of Cartoons from Pee-wee’s Playhouse (The guy from the second season onward). Continue reading ‘Blacula / Scream Blacula Scream – Double Feature (Blu-ray Review)’
February 16th, 2015 by Brandon Peters
New Year’s Evil is one of the more better known or higher profile golden age slasher films that has yet to see its release on Blu-ray. That is no longer a thing as Scream Factory is rectifying the situation come February 24. And mainly its in the conscience because its a one of them that got to claim one of the biggest holiday’s in their title. Its a film that is a face paced, race against the clock thriller as a man tries to off a woman for every time zone in the United States’ hits the midnight hour. Yes, that’s all very silly, but its all very fun at the same time. Looking back on this film has become a lot more fun than during the time when it was supposed to be “scary”. Time has been kind to it and allowed us to see it in a different way than maybe it was before. As told on the bonus features, this was a pleasant, happy and fun production to work on and it shows on both the film and this Blu-ray release. Continue reading ‘New Year’s Evil (Blu-ray Review)’
February 15th, 2015 by Brian White
We have all had our share of “horrible bosses” haven’t we? Maybe we don’t care to admit it, but I believe I’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t have at least own horrible boss story. Let’s look at example from a chapter in my own life. In my current position and prior place of employment I am/had been looked upon in very high regards. However, two jobs ago, I felt like I could never do anything right to please the man. Nothing was ever good enough and in return I was constantly bullied, picked upon and insulted almost every day despite everyone else in the company seemingly loving my work and support I provided. It just goes to show you there are such things as “horrible bosses” in life and having said that this personal prologue serves as a nice segue into the Warner Bros. Blu-ray Combo Pack we’re all gathered here today to discuss, introducing Horrible Bosses 2.
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February 13th, 2015 by Brandon Peters
Alchemy is proudly bringing the film, THE WORLD MADE STRAIGHT to DVD and Blu-Ray this coming Tuesday (February 17). The thriller is based on the 2006 novel of the same title by New York Times best-selling author Ron Rash. David Burris (Executive Producer of CBS’ “Survivor”) directs the talented cast that includes Noah Wyle (The Librarian franchaise, NBC’s “ER”, TNT’s “Falling Skies”), Jeremy Irvine (War Horse, The Railway Man, Now Is Good), Haley Joel Osment (The Sixth Sense, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Pay It Forward) and Minka Kelly (500 Days of Summer, Friday Night Lights, Lee Daniel’s The Butler).
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February 13th, 2015 by Aaron Neuwirth
Five years back the Spierig brothers made a film called Daybreakers, which received a level of praise from some circles, as far as interesting takes on the vampire genre go. I was not huge on the film overall, but I was happy to praise the world they created for the film, which I thought was actually better suited for a TV series. Now the Spierig’s are back with Predestination, a time travel story, based on a short story by sci-fi writer Robert A. Heinlein. I am a fan of time travel movies and this film did a number on me in terms of both the handling of the always tricky plotting for these types of films and its approach to gender politics, which I was certainly not expecting. Now the film is available on Blu-ray, which is good, because this is an involved, well-filmed, well-acted, and engaging time travel flick that fans should go check out.
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February 12th, 2015 by Brandon Peters
From the creator of the internationally-acclaimed action thriller The Man From Nowhere,comes the heart-pounding box office hit NO TEARS FOR THE DEAD. A hit man traumatized from accidentally killing a young girl during a job is given the mission to eliminate her mother and begins the ultimate fight to save her life. The film’s all-star cast includes superstar JANG Dong-gun, KIM Min-hee, Brian Tee, KIM Hee-won and KIM Joon-seong. Blu-ray and DVD bonus materials include director’s commentary and the featurette “The Making of No Tears for the Dead,” while bonus materials exclusive to the Blu-ray release includes an interview with Brian Tee, deleted scenes, a “Behind the Scene” featurette, action highlights and two character spots. Continue reading ‘No Tears For The Dead (Blu-ray Review)’
February 12th, 2015 by Gerard Iribe
Issei Hyodo is back with all of his voluptuous friends, only this time he has more power than ever before. With the Excaliber swords and the Archangel Michael joining him in battle against the deadliest of foes yet, only time will tell if the Occult Research Club continues to thrive or if new leadership is needed to usher in a new magical era. The enchanting adventure returns with more badass babes than any high school male should ever have to drool over. Continue reading ‘High School DxD New: The Series (Blu-ray Review)’
February 11th, 2015 by Brandon Peters
Academy Award® winner Nicolas Cage (Best Actor in a Leading Role, Leaving Las Vegas, 1995) ignites a powder keg of action in the electrifying cloak-and-dagger thriller Dying of the Light. The film is currently available On Demand. From the writer of Taxi Driver and co-writer ofRaging Bull, Dying of the Light also features Anton Yelchin (Star Trek Into Darkness, Terminator Salvation), Alexander Karim (TV’s “Tyrant,” Zero Dark Thirty) and Irène Jacob (Three Colors: Red, U.S. Marshals). Evan Lake (Cage), a veteran CIA agent, has been ordered to retire. But when his protégé (Yelchin) uncovers evidence that Lake’s nemesis, the terrorist Banir (Karim), has resurfaced, Lake goes rogue, embarking on a perilous, intercontinental mission to eliminate his sworn enemy. Continue reading ‘Dying Of The Light (Blu-ray Review)’
February 10th, 2015 by Aaron Neuwirth
Laggies is a mix of typical rom-com material with typical coming-of-age story material fit inside of the shell of an indie comedy. However, this ‘indie’ effort from director Lynn Shelton has far more mainstream appeal than her previous features, Humpday and Your Sister’s Sister, given the presence of big Hollywood actors Keira Knightley, Chloe Grace Moretz, and Sam Rockwell. It is not the most unique of stories, but it has enough fun with its story and enough charm coming from the performances to make for an entertaining film. Now Laggies is available on Blu-ray for many to check out and see for themselves.
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February 10th, 2015 by Brenna Smith
Debuting on DVD, Digital and Best Buy exclusive Blu-Ray, indie horror film ZOMBIE KILLERS: ELEPHANT’S GRAVEYARD tells the story of a small compound surviving in the middle of the zombie apocalypse, guarded by an elite gun-slinging crew called “Zombie Killers.” Produced and directed by B horror veteran Harrison Smith, ZOMBIE KILLERS stars Billy Zane (Titanic, Back to the Future, Zoolander) as the ex-military leader of the killing crew Seiler; Michael Kean in his first role as Ian, member of the ragtag crew and the film’s lead; Brian Gallagher (Close Up, 6 Degrees of Hell, Camp Dread) as community member Rory; Mischa Barton (The O.C., The Sixth Sense) as his ostracized pregnant wife, and Brian Anthony Wilson (6 Degrees of Hell, Apocalypse Kiss) as the messianic leader of the compound. Bonus materials include a behind the scenes featurette on both the look of the film and the making of, as well as a segment with the folks behind the YouTube channel Bloodbath & Beyond. Continue reading ‘Zombie Killers: Elephant’s Graveyard (Blu-Ray Review)’
February 9th, 2015 by Aaron Neuwirth
Looking at this film and all the actors and producers involved, it seems quite clear that The Lookalike was a script that a lot of people had faith in. There is, indeed, a fun, pulpy story being told here, with enough characters, dark humor, twists, and turns to make for what could have been a fun crime comedy-drama. Unfortunately, director Richard Gray (the writer’s husband) does not seem to possess enough skill in the way of flashiness to really bring out the entertainment that should be had in an over-the-top story like this. Still, the effort was made, so now a Blu-ray exists for people to check it out for themselves.
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February 9th, 2015 by Aaron Neuwirth
Rosewater is the film based on “Then They Came for Me” by Maziar Bahari, a journalist who was imprisoned for a lengthy period, following, among other things, an interview with a correspondent from The Daily Show. This film was the screenwriting and directorial debut of Jon Stewart, which arrived in theaters last year. It did not do a ton of business, but it was given a good amount of respect for what it set out to do and certainly shows promise for the future of Stewart as a filmmaker. I would say he found a way to be very respectful to his subject, in an effort to make a compelling drama that may not be what one would expect, when it comes to watching a film put together by the host of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show. Now the film is on Blu-ray, where hopefully more people can catch up with it.
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