Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)
What a time to be alive when it comes to kaiju cinema these days. Godzilla, in particular, can now be referred to as the Oscar-winning King of the Monsters after smash hit Godzilla Minus One managed to go the distance (one step closer to EGOT, I say!). With that in mind, the MonsterVerse has once again revved its gears to deliver Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. This entry not only capitalized on the success of 2021’s original savior of movie theaters, Godzilla vs. Kong, but has now become the biggest entry yet in Legendary’s gigantic franchise. With returning director Adam Wingard and some familiar cast members back on board, audiences, much like me, were largely happy to see the latest monster smash-up event. With a streamlined focus, psychedelic visuals, some cool kaiju creations, and the delivery of epic brawls, not only was it great for theaters, but it makes for a solid 4K UHD Blu-ray release as well.
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True story films can be a bit of a gamble. There are the ones that stretch the truth and there’s those ones that are encyclopedic in their accuracy. Sometimes there are the rare films that toe the line between the two. With Arthur The King, star Mark Wahlberg takes on another true story role, this time as Michael Light (real name Mikael Lindnord), who is a professional endurance racer. When light and his racing team encounter a dog, their whole journey changes. How does this true story translate to film you ask? Find out below and click the cover art at the end to order a copy of Arthur The King for your collection.
I have always been fond of the horror genre. Ever since I was a little kid terrified of Michael Jackson’s Thriller video, yes you read it right… I have had a very real fascination with the genre. There’s definitely something psychological going on while you watch a horror film, and in my opinion something almost therapeutic. You’re able to face the fear in the dark with an audience or at home and come out OK despite your discomfort. That’s sort of special isn’t it? Blumhouse has been churning out films steadily over the last decade or so, with some sizable success with PG-13 horror films such as the Insidious series or M3gan . We’ve also got some R-rated thrills with Jordan Peele’s masterpiece Get Out, the rebooted Halloween trilogy, or the comical The Hunt. Now we have Imaginary, which I won’t even wait until after the jump to tell you was a massive disappointment. Read more about Imaginary below, and if you feel so inclined after my review, there’s a paid Amazon link accessible by clicking the cover art at the end!
American military films are divisive to say the least. Now more than ever, there is a general air of disdain for American military issues as they come to light over the years. We watch the films as either an escape or an awakening and some people view these films as the worst of propaganda. These feelings aren’t shared by everyone, especially those of us that are patriotic. Then there’s me. I can’t really categorize my feelings. I watch military based films as entertainment and take what I want from them. I don’t see propaganda and I don’t see jingoism. Unfortunately, my sentiment isn’t very general and frustratingly, the line seems to be drawn in the sand for eternity! Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper is based off an autobiographical book by Chris Kyle, who unfortunately was killed before the film could be made. Besides a garish CGI baby in one scene, some derided this film as military propaganda, and some saw it as an eye-opening portrait of mental health in veterans. Either way you slice it, Clint Eastwood made the film and for many of us, this is what makes the film worth seeing. Here we are 10 years later still discussing it and the film has debuted on 4K UHD Blu-ray too! Read more about American Sniper and its newest format version below and be sure to click the cover art at the end if you would like your own copy!
There is never going to be a debate that Francis Ford Coppola is a genius filmmaker. Some may even say that he’s a mad genius. Throughout his career he has been trying to make films that are personal and unique while still attempting to make them palatable for mainstream audiences. In the early days of his career after proving himself with The Godfather Parts 1 and 2, The Conversation and Apocalypse Now, there was absolutely no denying his style and his magical touch behind the camera. Cue the 80’s and likely still reeling from the years long filming, editing and release of Apocalypse Now, Coppola looked to make something totally different. That something was One From The Heart, a near notorious film “musical” filmed almost entirely on his Zoetrope Studios soundstages. The result was not well received despite being created in a very innovative new way. Read more about the movie and a few useless facts I’ve read about over the years below, and if you’re a fan of Coppola or the film, this new 4K edition is available at the cover art paid Amazon link if you wish to buy a copy!
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!
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.
Drive-Away Dolls will always have the distinction of being the first film directed by A Coen Brother and not by THE Coen Brothers. That alone is a big thing in itself, knowing what fans of film know about the famed duo. They make all kinds of films, usually with a nice dose of humor, and this is the first time Ethan has been without Joel to create a new story for us to enjoy. Will that spell disaster for Ethan in his first solo outing, or does Drive-Away Dolls add yet another critical darling to the list? Find out more in-depth below, and be sure to click the cover art (a paid link) to order a copy of Drive-Away Dolls on Blu-ray.
