Archive for the 'Blu-ray Reviews' Category
January 10th, 2021 by Aaron Neuwirth
One of the most celebrated documentaries of 2018, let alone the past decade, Minding the Gap is a wonderful chronicle of friendship, society, and skateboarding. I was excited when The Criterion Collection announced their plans to release the film last year, and this Blu-ray did not disappoint. As a debut feature, director Bing Liu manages to accomplish so much with a 90-minute period, and it all extends from wanting to explore the lives of himself and his friends as they all enter into adulthood. Now there’s this wonderful release, presenting the film as effectively as possible, with a great collection of extras to further expand on how the film was made and the effects it has had.
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January 8th, 2021 by Adam Toroni-Byrne
Spell arrived as a VOD release just in time for Halloween. From the trailer the film appeared to be a bonkers reimagining of Misery with a twist – Hoodoo comes into play rather than an obsession. Does it live up to its name, casting a spell on viewers? Or is there simply no magic there at all. Find out more below and order yourself a copy with the “paid” Amazon link at the end!
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January 5th, 2021 by Brandon Peters
Love and Monsters has had itself a bit of a production history. This film has a genesis dating back to 2012. And even after it was made it found itself shifting back and forth. At one point it was supposed to be releases last month. But with the pandemic and people trying out at home premieres for some movies, Love and Monsters founds its to VOD back in October of 2020. I’m not sure of its financial success from taking that avenue, but the film sure was a bit of a critical and audience darling. Paramount has even opted to put it out on 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray for its debut on physical media. It only has a 7.1 audio track and some fluffy bonus materials, but in all honesty, I’d say that’s a pretty decent package for a new movie that’s gone through what Love and Monsters has. Its available now, having been released on January 5th.
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January 3rd, 2021 by Aaron Neuwirth
At this point, seeing Liam Neeson as the lead in an action film only inspires so much confidence in the quality. Honest Thief, even when getting something that can make movie fans feel closer to normal in an odd year, is not one that’s bringing much new to the table. Despite a strong supporting cast and 19(!) producers that believed in this film, the film ends up playing largely as a low-rent version of what one of these Neeson films can offer, and it just happens to star the man himself. Now Honest Thief arrives on Blu-ray with a decent enough presentation, despite having little else to offer.
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December 21st, 2020 by Aaron Neuwirth
Bursting onto the scene in 2000, after spending years as a radio DJ, Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s first film, Amores Perros, is an exceedingly confident debut, which melded together three stories, all linked by one defining moment, and greater themes connected to life, along with the presence of dogs. The Criterion Collection has done all they could to deliver a release fitting of the power Iñárritu’s crime drama hold, complete with a brand new 4K digital restoration, a new 5.1 lossless soundtrack, and a great collection of extras. Those who own or love dogs will still have a lot of stress to concern themselves with (though none were actually harmed), but Amores Perros is an excellent film given a proper Criterion upgrade.
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December 21st, 2020 by Gerard Iribe
Hoping to reignite their relationship, college students Emily and Randall arrive at their weekend getaway only to discover a peculiar older couple already staying there. They all agree to share the home but, after an indulgent night of partying, they’re awoken to a living nightmare of apocalyptic proportions. A mysterious airborne microbe has infected the water and it’s making its way to the house…. The Beach House is available on Blu-ray now! Continue reading ‘The Beach House (Blu-ray Review)’
December 16th, 2020 by Adam Toroni-Byrne
Chernobyl made its 4K UHD Blu-ray debut at the beginning of December. However, as Lethal Weapon character Martin Riggs would say “It’s the silly season” and with my day job and other commitments keeping me busy I wasn’t able to watch thee miniseries as quickly as I’d like. But no worry, as I have for you here my in depth look at Chernobyl. Be sure to check for the paid link below to order your copy
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December 14th, 2020 by Gerard Iribe
Based on the popular video game series by Capcom, the Resident Evil franchise stars Milla Jovovich (The Fifth Element) as Alice, a superhuman security expert pitted against the sinister Umbrella Corporation as the world’s population is transformed into flesh-eating creatures by one of its most dangerous biological weapons. Experience the exhilarating epic journey of Resident Evil from beginning to end, with ALL SIX LIVE ACTION FILMS, together for the first time on 4K UHD Blu-ray in the Resident Evil: Complete Collection! Bring home the must-have Resident Evil collection, with hours of special features and an extended cut of RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE! Resident Evil: The Complete Collection 4K UHD Blu-ray is available now!
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December 12th, 2020 by Stephanie Crawford
As railroads started bringing scores of passengers—most importantly, businessmen and families with money, natch—into the southwestern United States, it quickly became apparent to enterprising sorts that catering to those weary commuters would be good business. Fred Harvey did just that with his Harvey House Restaurants in the late 19th century, promising good food, a clean place to relax, and efficient yet polite and attractive servers, which sounded like heaven to anyone stuck on a train for lengthy periods. So named The Harvey Girls, these young women tweaked the adage of “Go west, young man” before taking it to heart. They were able to make an honest living on their own and stay in a safe, chaperoned home with other women, which was no small thing for unmarried ladies during the transition away from the “wild” part of the Wild West.
With their matching aprons, pioneering spirit, and near-religious attention to customer service, The Harvey Girls became a pert part of America’s modern mythology. Author Samuel Hopkins Adams wrote about them in 1942, renewing their popularity, and Hollywood soon came calling. Transformed into a lush, Technicolor musical in 1946 from director George Sidney, MGM’s classic The Harvey Girls is once again ripe for rediscovery thanks to Warner Archive’s new release. Continue reading ‘The Harvey Girls (Blu-ray Review)’
December 12th, 2020 by Brandon Peters
The werewolf sub-genre of horror is quite possibly one of the more frequently explored and quite possibly the one that tends to entice rather easily. Some can take it in a new direction, some can have impressive make-up work and some can be notable if just for a moment in the film. The Wolf of Snow Hollow brings another new and interesting take to the table as it balances as both a comedy and horror film. Its also notable for being one of the final performances and films from the late, great Robert Forster. Warner Bros is giving it a nice Blu-ray release after a little bit of a small theatrical and VOD run this past fall. It comes with some numerous, but fluffy and short bonus materials to make for a pretty nice overall package. The Wolf of Snow Hollow releases to the format on December 15th, and you can order yourself a copy using the paid Amazon Associates link that follows the review.
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December 10th, 2020 by Aaron Neuwirth
One of the supposed theatrical events of the year became about as tricky to market, release, and watch as it was to make. Christopher Nolan’s Tenet went from being one of the year’s most anticipated films to a supposed savior of the movie theater experience to something of a muted punchline. Little of this actually reflects on the film’s quality, a globetrotting sci-fi action flick, which I found to be quite enjoyable, and no doubt a work of art when it comes to the technical prowess on display. While many could not experience Tenet in its intended 70mm IMAX experience form, there is, fortunately, a terrific 4K UHD Blu-ray experience that easily delivers the thrilling action ride many are hoping for at home.
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December 8th, 2020 by Brandon Peters
Following up one of the best, most popular and acclaimed television series of all time is a tall task. After five seasons, Better Call Saul has made it look so easy. This penultimate season was delayed due to actor scheduling because they wanted to get the show “right” or how they intended it to go. And of course it was very much worth waiting some extra months. Sony has released the season on Blu-ray, as it came out on November 24th. My review is late as the review copies were delayed. Did everyone who purchased it receive it on time? I’m curious to know if this was a widespread delay on the disc. It comes with commentaries on every episode as well as featurettes that are both VERY insightful as well as just plain fun. Ordering it is as easy as clicking the paid Amazon Associates link that follows the review.
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Continue reading ‘Better Call Saul: Season Five (Blu-ray Review)’
December 7th, 2020 by Brandon Peters
One of Paramount’s most exciting releases this year is Francis Ford Coppola’s revisiting of The Godfather, Part III with a brand new cut entitled The Godfather, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone. This is coupled with a theatrical release for the revisited edit (Stay at home, folks). Surprisingly, this didn’t get a 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray release, nor was it branded on the Paramount Presents line. Luckily, shortly after this announcement, word was given that The Godfather films would be coming to 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray next year in a new set. Here’s hoping this revisited edition of the third film is not only included in that set, but also in a true 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray presentation. The Blu-ray for the film released on December 8th, and the Day 1 price is actually pretty darn good just for those curious in checking it out. You can order yourself a copy of the Blu-ray for The Godfather, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone by using the paid Amazon Associates link below.
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December 7th, 2020 by Brandon Peters
Blade’s a very nice pick from Warner Bros to push to the 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray for an upgrade. It seems sort of random, being that its now turned 22, but anytime is a good time for a 4K Blade. One wishes that they had just done the trilogy and put that out. Maybe this will be like The Matrix a few years back where the first one came out and then months later they did a full set. Though, it they want to put out just the second one and take their time with the third, I’ll be fine and understand. There aren’t any new bonus features, but they have given the film an upgrade in the audio department with a bursting new Atmos track. This was released back on December 1st. You can order using the paid Amazon Associates link following the review.
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December 7th, 2020 by Brandon Peters
Fans of Hammer Horror have been waiting and wondering for many years now as to where one of them most seminal films in the catalog was on Blu-ray. The Curse of Frankenstein is literally considered “the one that started it all”. Warner Bros held the rights and wasn’t putting it out, leading collectors to seek the film out overseas to satisfy their shelves. Two years ago, Horror of Dracula was released and many thought surely it was around the corner. Indeed it was, just not as quickly as we’d hoped. However, Warner Archive Collection decided to go above and beyond their normal call of duty here with this one featuring a new 4K transfer and bonus features made for this release. If it goes well, they’ve told us to expect more releases similar to this one. If you’re a collector or support the efforts of Warner Archive Collection, be sure to pre-order this one as to show them that this is the kind of thing you want from them more often!
Continue reading ‘The Curse Of Frankenstein – 2-Disc Special Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
December 7th, 2020 by Brandon Peters
Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Warner Bros has lay upon us one of the finest motion picture trilogies of all time as Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy is bestowed upon us. There have been strategies as to how this movies have been rolled out on both DVD and Blu-ray. 4K looks no different. Typically, the theatrical edits of the films have broken the seal with the extended coming later down the line. For 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray, we are getting both theatrical and extended right out the gate, but with the bonus features promised to coming sometime next year in 2021. It isn’t complete void of them (See the “Extras” section about that), but physically speaking you are getting straight up 4K discs of the movies here in some standard packaging and that’s it. Hardcore fandom may want to wait, but for someone like me who enjoys them but who’s just cool with owning the movies, this may be the way to go. The Lord of the Rings, along with The Hobbit films are available now (released December 1st). Continue reading ‘The Lord Of The Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
December 3rd, 2020 by Adam Toroni-Byrne
Well, it finally happened… We finally have Top Gun in 4K. And now also, we finally get the earlier promised steenbok, too! The iconic action classic finally hits home in the best way to watch films at home. The sights, the sounds, the sweat, the soundtrack. The film is a cultural standpoint for blockbuster filmmaking. There is something special that radiates through this movie that is almost unexplainable. At one point, this was a film I avoided like the plague. Does the film still hold up? How about the transfer? Let’s go in depth below, and don’t forget to click the paid link at the bottom to order your copy of Top Gun 4K Steelbook, available now!
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December 2nd, 2020 by Adam Toroni-Byrne
Paramount Presents is fast becoming a favorite catalog collection for me. Some releases are out of the box while others are lovingly reissued in a more deluxe way. While sometimes the features leave a little to be desired, often the new masters make the discs well worth the purchase. With Eddie Murphy’s classics Trading Places and The Golden Child being added to the line this week, I feel like a kid in a candy store. Like Coming To America, Trading Places is also a member of my 100+ viewing club. I can recite the film line for line and still find so much joy in all the classic scenes. Does it stand up now that Paramount has given it the “presents” treatment? Read on below and snag your copy by clicking the paid link at the end!
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