Archive for the 'Blu-ray Reviews' Category
September 14th, 2013 by Brian White
It felt like this movie had been in production for so long that it would take the second coming for it to be any good. However, before we get into whether or not God’s son came back or not let’s examine the ways World War Z has suffered from setbacks. First thing first, Brad Pitt’s production company, Plan B Entertainment, secured the film rights in 2007 from the novel of the same name by Max Brooks. That’s when director Marc Forster was first approached to direct. Things proceeded slowly as Matthew Michael Carnahan was hired to write the screenplay in 2009 and filming didn’t begin until around July 2011. Keep in mind, that’s still two years ago. The movie originally was set for a December 2012 release date. However, as lady luck would have it, in July 2012 the film’s release date was pushed back and seven weeks of reshoots were scheduled. Unbelievable! That’s right…seven weeks! Continue reading ‘World War Z (Blu-ray Review)’
September 13th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Academy Award-nominated (1993 for Best Picture) The Fugitive with a new anniversary Blu-ray edition. The heart-pounding thriller stars Harrison Ford as wrongly-convicted Dr. Richard Kimble and Tommy Lee Jones in his Oscar and Golden Globe winning performance as Kimble’s relentless pursuer. Kimble, who has been unjustly accused of murdering his wife, must find the real killer, and the reasons for the slaying, before he’s captured thanks to a nationwide manhunt led by tenacious United States Deputy Marshal Sam Gerard. This is one of Harrison Ford’s best films and it also represents the best representation of director Andrew Davis’ career. Tommy Lee Jones’ memorable award winning role as Gerard was also justifiably acclaimed too. If you haven’t seen this thriller, you should correct that right now with this new edition that offers a lot more extras than the previous release! Continue reading ‘The Fugitive: 20th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
September 10th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Mel Brooks’ legendary 1968 Oscar-winning film The Producers gets its first Blu-ray release from Shout! Factory. From the endlessly funny mind of filmmaker Mel Brooks (Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein) comes this explosion of pure comic lunacy about low-rent Broadway producer Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) and his high-strung accountant Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder) who is given to fits of hysteria. They discover that by raising a lot more money than they need from a few gullible investors, they can make more money on a flop than on a hit. So armed with the worst show ever written – “Springtime For Hitler” – and an equally horrific cast, this double-dealing duo is banking on disaster. But when their sure-to-offend musical becomes a surprise smash hit, they find themselves in the middle of the greatest Broadway dilemma in history. The Producers: Collector’s Edition is a Blu-ray/DVD combo set that features a new HD transfer and includes a reversible wrap featuring original theatrical art, the documentary “The Making Of The Producers,” a 2012 interview titled “Mel And His Movies: The Producers,” the original theatrical trailer, a deleted scene, and a sketch gallery. Continue reading ‘The Producers: Collector’s Edition (1968) (Blu-ray Review)’
September 8th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
Upon research, I haven’t seen a film from director Luc Besson since 1997’s The Fifth Element. I really did enjoy his 90s films La Femme Nikita and Leon: The Professional a lot. I don’t know why I never sought after more of his catalog before. He has a new film dropping next week (The Family), so this review comes somewhat timely. The Extraordinary Adventures Of Adele Blanc-sec is an incredibly imaginative, visually stimulating adventure film. It’ll remind you of some other films of its type, but it’s mixing them together and our unique main character that bring this world into its own. This universe seems ripe to franchise, but will that ever come to fruition? Either way, this film is fine to stand on its own or act as a launching pad for a bigger narrative. Continue reading ‘The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec Blu-ray – Director’s Cut (Blu-ray Review)’
September 8th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
Building off the end of Psycho II, Norman Bates returns to life as “normal” for another entry into the franchise. This time he would direct the terror in a film that is very enjoyable, but a noticeable step down in terms of quality. As long as Anthony Perkins was still around and still interested, why not keep going and see what lands this time. Nothing is too outrageous, but things play a bit bigger and feel a little more familiar to the slasher boom of the 1980s. There’s also a really memorable turn by Jeff Fahey, in what was only his second major film role at the time. Scream Factory brings the Motel’s 3rd adventure to Blu-ray in a nice collector’s edition that offers a bit more in the exclusive features department than their Psycho II release. Feel free to return once again to book yourself into Room 1 and stay for a nice cold shower. Continue reading ‘Psycho III – Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
September 7th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
In 1983, the unthinkable happened. A sequel to Psycho? Blasphemy! How dare they spit on Hitchcock’s grave! That kind of attitude led critics and moviegoers to enter the theater with fists up ready to find any reason to tear the film down. Reviews and feelings from the time this film was released definitely reflect such an attitude. Psycho II is actually quite a good sequel and film in its own right. Its not as perfectly crafted step by step as its predecessor, but we’re talking about following up Hitchcock in his prime here. Psycho II brings one back to a world and characters that feel naturally progressed by 22 years. While the film’s craft isn’t the master stroke of one of cinema’s all time greats, it definitely feels comfortable, at home and within the same world as the first entry. Continue reading ‘Psycho II – Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
September 7th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Don’t miss the fun in this final season of the multiple Emmy Award-winning Dick Van Dyke Show. Generation after generation of TV viewers has fallen in love with this timeless classic! For laugh after laugh, join one of TV’s best-loved couples, Dick Van Dyke as Rob Petrie and Mary Tyler Moore as his wife Laura, along with Rob’s temperamental boss, Carl Reiner as Alan Brady, and his kooky co-workers, Morey Amsterdam as Buddy Sorrell and Rose Marie as Sally Rogers. Now see all 31-season Episodes (airing 1965-1966) in their entirety and in spectacular high-definition – direct from the 35mm negatives! Catch such classics as Laura blurting out Alan Brady’s big secret on national TV in “Coast-to-Coast Big Mouth”; mild-mannered Mel Cooley finally standing up to the boss in “The Bottom of Mel Cooley’s Heart”; and Alan Brady attempting to turn the Petries’ anniversary party into a self-serving documentary in “A Day in the Life of Alan Brady.” Continue reading ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show – The Complete Fifth Season (Blu-ray Review)’
September 5th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
While I am a horror nut, I don’t watch a whole lot of found footage films. That doesn’t mean I don’t like them. And I’m not against it because I’m some sort of hipster against the current fad sweeping the horror airwaves. Many people claim it to be a genre, but it’s hardly one. Its moreso a tool with which you use to tell your story. The biggest problem with found footage is many have mistaken this as a way to make your movie on the cheap instead of a device to make your storytelling more effective. Frankenstein’s Army is baffling as I have no idea why it was found footage. It looked like they had plenty of money, a solid hook for a story and talent in the effects department to pull off a regular old horror film. The decision to use this method of storytelling actually does much harm to what could have been something rather special. It feels entirely unnecessary and had me questioning why throughout the film and its “Making Of”. Continue reading ‘Frankenstein’s Army (Blu-ray Review)’
September 4th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Another season of Spartacus has been released on Blu-ray and once again Why So Blu is all over it! Many have come around to appreciating the stylish and blood-soaked action/drama series over the years, as they learned that there was much more to it, beyond the sex and violence, which includes the intriguing story and wonderfully realized characters, but Why So Blu was among those who cherished the series from the beginning. Now we have the latest season’s release on Blu-ray. Spartacus: War of the Damned picks up where the last season left off, which will lead to an inevitable end for the series. Fortunately, this ultimately led to a great build of the season to a fantastic finale, as the show still managed to hold on to its familiar tone, which balances its dynamic and over-the-top action sequences and bloodshed with well-handled characterization and story structure. It only helps that the Blu-ray format is perfect to show off the fantastic video and audio presentation transferred onto the disc, along with a strong selection of extras. Spartacus has returned to Blu-ray and it truly brings the war home to its audience in full force.
Continue reading ‘Spartacus: War Of The Damned (Blu-ray Review)’
September 4th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
Another John Carpenter classic, another Scream Factory masterpiece. This title was highly requested by the Scream Factory groupies and of course, they’ve responded in full force. Not only have they delivered one of their all-time best presentations, they actually got John Carpenter to sit and give one of his most genuine interviews seen on a DVD or Blu-ray ever. Prince Of Darkness is another more “cult classic” from the vaults of Carpenter, but I think one that definitely may be more appealing to today’s audiences than when it was released. Hopefully this release will bring the film to a little more relevance again and possibly bring some newer fans along the way. Continue reading ‘Prince Of Darkness (Blu-ray Review)’
September 3rd, 2013 by Gerard Iribe
From creator Kurt Sutter comes the adrenaline-charged Sons of Anarchy, featuring exclusive “creator’s cut” episodes and kicking into high gear with its biggest, most explosive season ever! As SAMCRO’s new president, Jax is surrounded by ruthless enemies and gut-wrenching betrayal. With Gemma fighting for control of the family and a bloodthirsty Clay out for revenge, Jax defennds himself haunted by the sins of his past. Alliances are forged, friends are murdered, and loyalties are put to the ultimate test. Now, with the truth in sight, Jax must do whatever it takes to secure the legacy of brotherhood and protect his family-even if it costs him everything. Continue reading ‘Sons of Anarchy: The Complete Fifth Season (Blu-ray Review)’
September 2nd, 2013 by Brandon Peters
George A. Romero’s underrated Day Of The Dead gets its second run on Blu-ray courtesy of the almighty Scream Factory. This time around we are also treated to a feature-length documentary chronicling the entire production, its release and the legacy which the film has had in its 28 years. I won’t hold anything back for those antsy to know; this is definitely an upgrade over the previous Anchor Bay release. From the packaging to the extras to the presentation, Scream Factory has brought us not only the Day Of The Dead release we’ve always wanted, but the THE release of any of the Romero “Dead” films we’ve always wanted. Continue reading ‘Day Of The Dead – Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
September 2nd, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Those who have wanted legendary director Frances Ford Coppola to return to horror after bringing audiences Bram Stoker’s Dracula way back in the early 90s, may have deep regrets after seeing Twixt. This experimental horror film from Coppola is misguided in almost every way, regardless of its campy intentions. For those who tend to enjoy when I really lay into a movie, look no further than here, as Twixt is the kind of project that you never wish talented people to be involved with, but can’t help but make fun of, after seeing it. So yes, I have more to say about the film, as well as the Blu-ray in general, which can be found by continuing to read this review below.
Continue reading ‘Twixt (Blu-ray Review)’
September 2nd, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Viewers are invited to relive every thrilling moment of the fairy tale-inspired series when ‘Once Upon a Time: The Complete Second Season’ casts its tantalizing spell onto Blu-ray/DVD. The curse is broken, magic has arrived, and there’s no telling what — or who — will be unleashed! Now the exiled fairy tale characters must grapple with a flood of awakened memories as they come to grips with their new ‘reality.’ Old loyalties will be tested, new heroes will emerge, and vengeful villains will wreak havoc. Amidst the backdrop of previously unexplored lands and a newly magical Storybrooke, love and sacrifice will set the stage for the ultimate battle between good and evil. Continue reading ‘Once Upon a Time: The Complete Second Season (Blu-ray Review)’
September 1st, 2013 by Brian White
Being a huge Star Wars fan all my life, who has more times than I care to admit called Star Trek boring, dull and lifeless with the exception of The Next Generation episodes Ashley Judd breathes life and beauty into, I was astonished by how much fun I had with J.J. Abrams fresh take on the franchise back in 2009. In my opinion, he resuscitated the franchise, actually made it enjoyable even to loyal Star Wars fans and brought much needed life and energy back into it, not to mention some really humorous moments too. And for that, I appreciated J.J. Abrams even more as a filmmaker and didn’t even bat an eye when this sequel was announced back in 2011. I was so thrilled and taken aback by the first one, 2009’s Star Trek, that I had actually been genuinely pumped, geeked and uber excited for this next chapter in what I would presume to be a trilogy, Star Trek Into Darkness. Continue reading ‘Star Trek Into Darkness (Blu-ray Review)’
September 1st, 2013 by Brandon Peters
From the mind of David S. Goyer (Dark Knight Trilogy, Blade Trilogy) comes the Starz original series Da Vinci’s Demons. I knew nothing of the show other than seeing the show’s title when scrolling on my tv channel guide between AMC and Showtime and thinking that was an interesting title. I don’t watch any shows on Starz as I was turned off by their production of Torchwood: Miracle Day and the other shows have kinda looked very “wannabe” to me (I have heard good things about Spartacus though, just never got to it). So when tasked with reviewing Da Vinci’s Demons, my expectations were set a bit lower. Little did I know, I had nothing really to worry about here. The show is a surprisingly engaging historical fantasy telling a fictionalized tale of Leonardo da Vinci during what is considered the “lost” years of his life (records and journals from this time in his life apparently have not survived). Continue reading ‘Da Vinci’s Demons – The Complete First Season (Blu-ray Review)’
August 29th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
For ten years, the world was asking for a sequel to David Cronenberg’s Scanners. And in 1991, Malofilm and Triton Pictures responded (twice). Okay, maybe not so much. Ten years following the original film a back to back set of sequels were released. This was during a period in the late 80s/early 90s when straight to video movies were becoming a hot trend. A lot of older movies (especially in the horror genre) were suddenly getting, a lot of the times, unintended sequels down this route (Silent Night Deadly Night and the Puppet Master sequels come to mind). Scanners somehow wound up a likely target and produced back to back ones. And a few years later, two more would spawn. For fans of the series or those nostalgic for their old video store days, Scream Factory has gotten a hold of and put to Blu-ray the first two sequels to Scanners for a double feature disc, before the original has even found a proper US release (it is available in other territories). Continue reading ‘Scanners II: The New Order/Scanners III: The Takeover Double Feature (Blu-ray Review)’
August 27th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Star Trek: Enterprise recounts the adventures of the pioneers of space travel who ventured into the universe 100 years before the events of Star Trek: The Original Series. Set in the 22nd century, in a time when interstellar travel is still in its infancy, Enterprise follows Captain Archer and his crew of brave explorers as they set out to chart the galaxy on a revolutionary spacecraft and experience the wonder and mystery of the final frontier as they seek out new life and new civilizations. A centerpiece to the Star Trek: Enterprise – The Complete Second Season Blu-ray collection is the newly produced cast reunion feature, “In Conversation: The First Crew,” which offers fans a look at an intimate and candid discussion with members of the main cast and recurring guest stars, who reveal their most memorable stories from the set and their favorite behind-the-scenes moments. The reunion is moderated by series co-creator/executive producer Brannon Braga. Fans will also enjoy “Uncharted Territory,” a three-part retrospective providing an inside look at the challenges faced by the writing staff and creators during the creative development of the second season, which ultimately inspired the controversial Xindi story-arc that kicks off in the season finale, “The Expanse.” Continue reading ‘Star Trek: Enterprise – The Complete Second Season (Blu-ray Review)’
