Archive for the 'Blu-ray Reviews' Category
October 24th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Millennium Entertainment brings us the home entertainment release of the crime-thriller, Good People. The film feature plenty of prestige and award respect flaunting talent in front of and behind the camera. Let’s just start listing off shall we? Academy Award nominee Henrik Ruben Genz directs the all-star cast lead by Academy Award nominee James Franco, Academy Award nominee Kate Hudson, Academy Award nominee Tom Wilkinson and Omar Sy of Gregg Senko’s favorite film that he loves The Intouchables. Written by Kelly Masterson (Same person who wrote Snowpiercer!) and adapted from the book of the same title by Marcus Sakey, Good People. Continue reading ‘Good People (Blu-ray Review)’
October 24th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Well, I never saw the original Planes, so right out of the gate know that my only experience with the Disney Planes films is this one here today. The original film really didn’t catch my interest as it looked like it was a cash in of Cars, which I’m not too big a fan of. And also it came and went and nobody really seemed to care or craft any buzz or praise for it. I didn’t even think it took the box office too big, but apparently it did good enough to get this sequel. That, or like Cars, the toys were just selling like hot cakes and they needed another go round. Even being a novice going into a sequel blindly without knowledge of the first, I was still open to this Dane Cook-led film to surprise me. Sometimes lowered expectations can help in situations. Continue reading ‘Planes: Fire And Rescue (Blu-ray Review)’
October 24th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Akkad is a name that’s been so very familiar to me for many moons. My very favorite film of all time begins with the words “Moustapha Akkad Presents”. That name is forever the keeper of The Shape of our nightmares, Michael Myers. Many know and remember the last Moustapha, but the keys are now in his son, Malek Akkad’s hands now. Malek began following in his father’s footsteps being a production assistant on Halloween 4: The Return Of Michael Myers. Beginning with Halloween: The Curse Of Michael Myers, he was a producer from then out and now the main man when it comes to all things Haddonfield. The series now begins with “Malek Akkad Presents”. Why all the Halloween talk? Because he’s now taken to the director’s chair (First time since 2002) for Free Fall. Free Fall isn’t his first directorial work, but its his first feature film. I was immediately drawn to the prospect of seeing what he could do here. Continue reading ‘Free Fall (Blu-ray Review)’
October 23rd, 2014 by Brandon Peters
When most people think of Mel Brooks, they always turn to the funny. Whether it be television with Get Smart or most notably his incredible directorial run of movies like The Producers, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein and History Of The World: Part 1, that’s what he’s pretty much made his bread and butter on. However, he was also an active producer as well, and not limited to just comedy. Did you know Mel Brook produced David Lynch’s The Elephant Man? He indeed did. Scream Factory is releasing another film you wouldn’t think of being attached to Mel Brooks, but it is, called The Doctor And The Devils from 1985. It stars James Bond, Jean Luc Picard and Elliot Carver. Or Timothy Dalton, Patrick Stewart and Jonathan Pryce. Continue reading ‘The Doctor And The Devils (Blu-ray Review)’
October 22nd, 2014 by Brandon Peters
The provocative political documentary from the creators of 2016: Obama’s America,America: Imagine the World Without Her steps onto the world stage on Blu-ray from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. The sixth-highest-grossing political documentary of all time, the film has been referred to as “important, inspiring, informative”. During its theatrical release, America: Imagine the World Without Her joined the ranks of critically acclaimed films like Schindler’s List, The Godfather, Forrest Gump and Dances with Wolves by earning one of only 52 A+ Cinema Score ratings in the last 29 years, the benchmark for audience reactions. That’s some pretty high praise given. Though if you wander on over to Rotten Tomatoes, you’ll see it has an 8% critic score and an 88% audience score. Okay, so the film’s not unscathed, but my what a difference in opinion. Continue reading ‘America: Imagine The World Without Her (Blu-ray Review)’
October 22nd, 2014 by Brandon Peters
A Letter To Momo marks director Hiroyuki Okiura’s first film in eleven years. It was a passion project for the man, spending seven years in its production with scripting, storyboards, directing and all sorts of planning. The film made its debut in 2011 at the Toronto International Film Festival, and it wasn’t shown in the United States until March 2012 at the New York International Children’s Film Festival. The film seemed to resonate with most critics and audiences alike globally. A Letter To Momo was also spun off into its own series of manga comics shortly after it started showing in theaters and festivals back in 2011. Oddly enough, its now 2014 and the film is finally coming here to Blu-ray. So, I guess the wait is over for those who have been eager to see it. Continue reading ‘A Letter To Momo (Blu-ray Review)’
October 21st, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
So the end is coming. Mad Men has been a huge success in its many years on the air, but the show is finally coming to a close via a seventh season that has been split into halves. At this point, I can only imagine that people are either with this series or not, regardless of the massive acclaim it has received over the years. I say that, because Mad Men has a unique style and handle on how it proceeds, so I personally continue to be happy with how the series plays out, especially given how much enjoyment I get from seeing the journey of these characters. With that in mind, series creator Matthew Weiner has certainly gotten enough in order to provide a very satisfying half of a season, with some terrific episodes and enough movement of the pieces to bring us to true closure, once the series comes to an end next year. For now, we can enjoy the Blu-ray for part one of the final season.
Continue reading ‘Mad Men: The Final Season Part 1 (Blu-ray Review)’
October 21st, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Squirm is a film that I had never truly seen in its entirety before. I had caught scenes of it on television at different times (Maybe not even knowing what the movie was). It was a popular late night cable movie in the 80s and early 90s. Also, as a big fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000, I know this film as one of the final episodes of the entire series (And the films are heavily edited for that as well). The director Jeff Lieberman also directed one of my all time favorite slashers a few years after Squirm called Just Before Dawn (Which I reviewed last year). Don Scardino is mostly known now for what he’s directed, but I’ll always remember him from another slasher film called He Knows You’re Alone (Also the feature film debut of none other than Hollywood legend, the one the only Tom Hanks). Thanks to Scream Factory, I’m finally getting to see Squirm in its slimy entirety thanks to this new collector’s edition. Continue reading ‘Squirm – Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
October 20th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
How do you stop a killer with immortal powers? Lou Diamond Phillips (La Bamba) stars as a hotshot L.A. homicide detective caught in a harrowing game with a man who lives to kill – and cannot die – in this psychological thriller that transcends mortal terror! After a long, gruesome hunt. Detective Russell Logan (Phillips) finally captures the brutal Russell Logan (Phillips) finally captures the brutal Pentagram Killer (Jeff Kober), and watches as the murderer is executed at San Quentin. Finally, the terror is over… or is it? When the ritualistic killings begin again. Logan is haunted by violent visions of the executed man, and seeks the counsel of a beautiful psychic (Tracy Griffith). Together they discover that the Pentagram Killer, one of Satan’s disciples, possesses the First Power – the ability to inhabit the bodies of others at will! Now Logan has to catch the killer again, not knowing where – or in whom – he’ll show up next! Charged with bone-chilling suspense and otherworldly evil, The First Power will scare the devil out of you! Continue reading ‘The First Power (Blu-ray Review)’
October 20th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Moebius is the latest from Korean art-house auteur Kim Ki-duk. The film was originally banned on its home turf of South Korea, but after the ratings board took another look or two at it they rescinded their response and gave the film a rating. The film premiered at the 70th Venice International Film Festival and later was selected to play at the Stanley Film Festival. The film has been commended for being a daring and bold piece of disturbing art-house cinema that really pushes some limits. It has been coupled with the horror genre a bit, because of how disturbing things can get, but I’m not sure that’s an appropriate genre to classify it under. Its just really its own sort of thing. Continue reading ‘Moebius (Blu-ray Review)’
October 20th, 2014 by Nate Boss
Toy Story has seen a few spin-offs, one shots, and shorts featuring the show’s beloved characters over the years, and for Halloween 2013, Disney Pixar brought (most of) the crew back together for this short and spooky episode, Toy Story of Terror! Can this feature find its way into the holiday “must sees” for families, or does this release cheapen the series? Does anyone else find it strange a billion dollar franchise is airing episodes over the air on standard channels to the tune of no real financial gain or merchandising opportunity? Continue reading ‘Toy Story of Terror! (Blu-ray Review)’
October 18th, 2014 by Nate Boss
It’s almost chic to question and call out the over-saturation of zombie/infected flicks on the market. For the last five plus years, in part due to the massive success of The Walking Dead, in part due to the manner in which low budget flicks can strive on the genre, it seems every week there’s another couple movies on the shelves. Every studio is trying to grasp onto the cash cow and ride it into the ground, trying to find the next big low cost, high return feature that can be pumped out annually to line the coffers, and everyone thinks that their idea, their take on the shambling and/or running dead will revolutionize and be forever aped, homaged and called back to in years to come.
Continue reading ‘Disaster L.A.: The Last Zombie Apocalypse Begins Here (Blu-ray Review)’
October 17th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Looking back, See No Evil appears to be one of (if not THE) the last original slasher films to get a wide release. Everything else in the subgenre following it looks to be big studio remakes. This was the earlier days when Lionsgate was all about the horror. The first film managed to almost double its budget, bringing some mild success. However, no sequel came about. Now, eight years later, here we are with the limited engagement but mainly VOD, straight-to-video release of its sequel. Its interesting that Lionsgate was interested in going back after such a long gap from a film that did solid business but isn’t really looked back upon. Maybe this was more WWE’s bidding since they just had another iconic horror villain come back with Leprechaun. The best thing about this movie is that its being helmed by the up and coming Soska Sisters who have been making waves, working to become a powerful horror directing team. This caught my eye actually more than this being the sequel to a pretty solid slasher. Continue reading ‘See No Evil 2 (Blu-ray Review)’
October 17th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
Eren Jaeger vowed to rid mankind of the bloodthirsty giants who devoured his mother and destroyed his city. Now, after discovering that he has the ability to turn into a Titan, the world Eren promised to protect looks at him like he is the monster. Narrowly avoiding execution, Eren’s fate is entrusted to the Scout Regiment where he must prove capable of following orders. But on an expedition outside the wall, a unique female Titan appears and cuts through the Scouts, leaving a trail of carnage and splintered bones behind her and making it difficult for Eren to control his rage. As it becomes obvious that a traitor is sabotaging the Regiment from within, Eren must ask himself who humanity’s true enemy really is. Bloody revelations await beyond the wall in this jaw-dropping series io9.com calls ”Japan’s equivalent of The Walking Dead.” The Attack on Titan – Part Two – Limited Edition Plus Box release comes with a 3-D Lenticular Art Card, and the Notes From Beyond The Wall: Part 2 (a 24 page digibook containing 4 panel comics, artwork, interviews and more!). Packed with over 67 minutes of extras, including: Episode 14 & 25 Commentaries, Attack on Titan at Anime Expo, ”Chibi Theatre: Fly, Cadets, Fly!” Days 14-25, Eyecatch Gallery, Textless Songs, and more! There is also an Ender Art Box, which is designed to house both the Part 1 & Part 2 Attack on Titan Limited Edition releases. It comes with a removable filler box, perfectly designed to slide the separately purchased Part 1 into place. Continue reading ‘Attack on Titan, Part 2: LIMITED EDITION (Blu-ray Review)’
October 17th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
Eren Jaeger vowed to rid mankind of the bloodthirsty giants who devoured his mother and destroyed his city. Now, after discovering that he has the ability to turn into a Titan, the world Eren promised to protect looks at him like he is the monster. Narrowly avoiding execution, Eren s fate is entrusted to the Scout Regiment where he must prove capable of following orders. But on an expedition outside the wall, a unique female Titan appears and cuts through the Scouts, leaving a trail of carnage and splintered bones behind her and making it difficult for Eren to control his rage. As it becomes obvious that a traitor is sabotaging the Regiment from within, Eren must ask himself who humanity’s true enemy really is. Bloody revelations await beyond the wall in this jaw-dropping series io9.com calls ”Japan’s equivalent of The Walking Dead.” Comes with the following extras: Episode 14 & 25 Commentaries, Attack on Titan at Anime Expo, ”Chibi Theatre: Fly, Cadets, Fly!” Days 14-25, Eyecatch Gallery, Textless Songs, and more! Continue reading ‘Attack on Titan, Part 2 (Blu-ray Review)’
October 15th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
I enjoy science fiction stories quite a bit. Whether it ranges from plausible ideas regarding the future of our current society or to things a bit more abstract, I love seeing creativity on display. This especially goes for sci-fi films that allow a large number of filmmakers, actors, production designers, etc., to develop worlds, stories, characters, and concepts, in an effort to put something truly audacious into the theater for people to enjoy. Sometimes that works out quite well, sometimes it is okay, and other times it can be forgettable. Snowpiercer is the kind of film that sits near the top of the pile. It combines skilled filmmaking, big ideas, and some fine, warp-minded writing to create a feature fully prepared to be entertaining, action-packed, strange, darkly humorous, and plenty of other things that make it all rather brilliant.
Continue reading ‘Snowpiercer (Blu-ray Review)’
October 15th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Life After Beth was a zombie romantic comedy in competition this past year at the Sundance Film Festival. The film was later release in a limited capacity in theaters in the United States back on August 15 (No, it did not topple the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or Guardians Of The Galaxy). It stars up and coming, or current indie superstar, Aubrey Plaza who’s mainly made a name for herself on Parks and Recreation. In a recent report from someone at an independent film fair with indies looking for distributors, it was noted she starred in like 80% of the comedies being sold. It seems in the world of low budget indie comedy film making she’s sort of become what Malcolm McDowall has been to low budget independent horror films. Anywho, Life After Beth hits Blu-ray next Tuesday, so let’s take a look at it. Continue reading ‘Life After Beth (Blu-ray Review)’
October 15th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Kundo: Age Of The Rampant, the international box office hit and Asia’s answer to Robin Hood, debuts on Blu-ray from Well Go USA Entertainment. Set in mid-19th century, the tongue-in-cheek historical comedy-action film depicts a power struggle between the unjust wealthy noblemen who run society and a group of righteous outlaws who steal from corrupt officials to give to the downtrodden and starving. Directed by Yun Jong-bin, Kundo stars Ha Jung-woo, Kang Dong-won, Lee Sung-min of The Good The Bad and The Weird fame and Ma Dong-seok. When the film opened this summer, it broke all existing opening day box office records in South Korea. Most notably for us over here in the states, it shattered Transformers: Dark Of The Moon‘s opening weekend record. Continue reading ‘Kundo: Age Of The Rampant (Blu-ray Review)’
