The First Purge (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)
I wasn’t completely sold on Universal’s first Purge film back in 2013, but the acting of Frank Grillo in the second 2014 outing made me an instant fan. The third installment, 2016’s Election Year, was pretty good, but nothing in my opinion can top that “you killed my son” moment in Anarchy. However, I digress. We’re not here to measure sequels, but instead to talk about the all new Purge prequel titled The First Purge. It was officially released everywhere nationwide this year on our Nation’s Birthday, July 4th. This one tells the story of how it all began with the New Founding Fathers of America testing our Nation’s first ever Purge out in one isolated community. I think y’all knows what happens next, but the getting there part is what makes this sociological experiment at least worth a watch.
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Bruce Campbell’s Ashley Williams came to a close this year when Starz canceled Ash vs Evil Dead prior to the finale of the show’s third season. Its both unfortunate and fortunate at the same time. Unfortunate obviously that the show was forced to end, but fortunate that it existed. I’d have take just a one episode-length adventure with Bruce as Ash one more time let alone be gifted 30 episodes. Those 30 episodes will now be coming to you from Lionsgate/Starz in a nice collected form on October 16th. Included in this 6-disc set is a digital copy of every episode as well. If you’ve held off on collecting the previously single season sets hoping for this, well, you didn’t have to wait long as the third season is still very fresh on the Blu-ray market. Pick yourself up this series to go with you Evil Dead/Army of Darkness films on your shelf to complete the entire Boom Stick’n adventures of Ash. 
Skyscraper, which we are gathered here to discuss today, is NOT the rousing Demi Lovato song. Instead, Skyscraper is the newest Dwayne Johnson action vehicle, which is now on home media. I mean how much lull can we have without a new Rock movie packing retail shelves? That was of course a very rhetorical question. The answer to that is simply not much at all. The Rock is back and this time he’s playing Die Hard in a very tall building occupied by terrorists with a slight “twist.” He has a twist off lower left leg! Now you cannot say this is the same old kind of movie The Rock is always in or they didn’t give his character a flaw. If nothing else, Skyscraper is the film that puts The Rock at a slight physical disadvantage, but not too much where he can’t make huge, gaping horizontal/vertical leaps or use his artificial stump as an effective prop. There are limits, people. If nothing else, think San Andreas 2.0 with a happier marriage.
The Puppet Master films have been an ongoing series of straight to video B-movie classics going for a few decades now. They’ve been a backbone for Charles Band the THE series in terms of doll-based horror. The Littlest Reich is the latest and the thirteenth film in the series (Or film featuring these Puppets and carrying the moniker). And of all things, they’ve decided to just up and be the best and put it out on 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray right out of the gate. That’s a pretty eye-opening and applaud worthy feat here when we can’t even get a major studio to put out a bottom of the barrel True Lies release! This thing comes with a few little bonus features to accompany the film. You’l be able to grab it for yourself on September 25th, so get your pre-order in today! 
In the first quarter of 1998, Titanic ruled the box office. Week in and week out, James Cameron’s film could not be stopped (Until Lost In Space finally overtook it). It was a phenomenon. One of its biggest challengers came in the form of the next movie that had the same star. DiCaprio vs DiCaprio came in the form of The Man In The Iron Mask, a movie whose trailer ran nonstop before Titanic leading up to this. When estimates came out, the films had funny enough tied at the box office, BUT actuals came in and Iron Mask fell short just a couple hundred thousand dollars. Shout! Factory isn’t celebrating Titanic though. The Man In The Iron Mask is getting their attention as it turns 20. They are giving it a new transfer and a few new bonus materials. You’ll want to pre-order it for when it arrives October 9th. 
Hot off covering the entire Universal Classic Monsters canon, here I am back (Not in that period, mind you) with 1985’s The Bride, covering that some area. But, this time its a tale in appreciation of a character that isn’t utilized as much as you’d think, iconic as she has been for the better part of a century (Cinematically speaking). Who better to give this a shot on Blu-ray than Scream Factory. As they head into Hammer territory next year, here’s to hopefully the door opening on them releasing more classic monster-related fare as they continue to excel with the iconic 1980s and the 1990s horror output. This edition comes with some solid interviews and a commentary which should be pleasing enough. It hits Blu-ray on September 25th. 
“See anything, you like?” Michael Myers returns to theaters in next month, but this month, he’s returning to home video in an exciting 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray release from Lionsgate. In a bit of perfect timing, the film turns 40 years old this year and there is no better way to celebrate than giving Michael Myers original trip home the 4K upgrade. John Carpenter’s film will be receiving a visual update, but the audio and bonus features from the previous 35th Anniversary Edition will remain the same. Unfortunately no digital copy is included. However, they’ve set it at a beautiful price point (And even better if you managed to nab it on the day it was $16.99), so that makes it a bit better. On September 25th get ready to watch Michael break out of Smith’s Grove, Laurie carve jack-o-lanterns at the Doyle house and Dr Loomis scare Lonnie Elamb the Myers’ house front lawn. All in glorious 4K Ultra-HD! 
I feel one of the most under appreciated big releases of this fall on Blu-ray is Scream Factory’s US debut of The [REC] Collection. If you’ll…ahem…RECollect, for some reason these four films were only released on DVD here in the United States. Personally, I had the first 3 imported from Canada (Region A) and the fourth film from the UK (Region B locked). But I’m more than excited to upgrade to a very nice, snazzy new packaging that loads up with all the bonus material these films carried along the way. This is a very special film series in both terms of the found footage aesthetic and 21st century horror. The first two films may be tops in terms of that storytelling motif, but they are also amazing films regardless of that. Do yourself a favor and show this set some love when it hits on September 25th. Pre-order a copy today! 
Scream Factory is releasing the mother of all horror films, a timeless classic that made an everlasting impression upon release that shocked audiences around the globe; The Exorcist…II…The Heretic. Yes, that notorious film known as one of the worst sequels (And films) of all time that had audiences literally chasing producers out of a theater they were so appalled, is getting a Collector’s Edition Blu-ray. NOW, for me, this is the PERFECT film to do a big Collector’s Edition for, because maaaan, there have got to be some incredible stories from this production as well as answers to questions regarding the baffling decisions made. With the blunt and honest interviews they get for these, it makes the bonus features worth the purchase alone. So, join together with me, and get your pre-order in to have it ready and waiting for you when it arrives September 25th! 
Scream Factory is bringing to Blu-ray for the first time, the 1984 film Scream For Help. The film pairs the director of Death Wish, Michael Winner, with the writing of 1980s horror’s greatest commodities in Tom Holland. No, not Spider-Man, the OG Tom Holland who gave us Chucky, Fright Night and Psycho II. I’m not too familiar with this one, but listening to them give their reasoning for releasing it and the type of schlock it is…I have to say I’m pretty excited. Sounds like they are trying to recapture some Ninja III: The Domination magic here. It comes with some brand new interviews and a commentary. They were also able to do a brand new 2K transfer for this release from the original film elements. Those that dig this kinda feature should jump in on pre-ordering it below, and be ready to check it out when it arrives on September 25th (AKA, this BUSIEST new release date of 2018). 
Some seem to not appreciate it as much, but we are in the midst of some Star War bliss at the multiplex. From The Last Jedi to Solo: A Star War Story, there were just a mere 5 months between brand new live-action Star Wars films, making 4 new Star Wars films in a 3-year period. People can cry “overkill”, but damnit, I’m a happy camper. I love Star Wars, so I’m not complaining about “too much Star Wars”. This series once had a gap of 16 years between entries and then 10 years. I think we’re okay. Anywho, Solo: A Star Wars Story becomes the second of the franchise to hit the 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray format when it arrives in stores on September 25th. There are various “exclusive” editions abound from store to store, so choose which one suits you and enjoy this latest adventure in a galaxy far, far away! 
Is it wrong to admit that when I sat down to write my very first screenplay American Psycho was a huge influence? It’s true. To this day I’m so mystified by the character of Patrick Bateman. I find his motives, thoughts and crazy action undeniably intriguing. The one universal truth remains that you’ll never think of Huey Lewis’ song “Hip To Be Square” any other way after watching this zany, psychological horror film. The movie like its choice in sound cuts turned out to be quite the controversial satire. Many people watch this and they dismiss everything they saw and never have any desire to return. However, there are enough folks like me who find the good in black comedies like these and that’s why whether its uncut version or R-rated one American Psycho is very much a bonafide living, breathing cult classic thriller. Let’s talk more about this September 25th 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release by Lionsgate down below.
Legends of Tomorrow has grown from a the lowest wrung of the Arrowverse all the way to arguable the best show of the bunch. In its third season, the show has proven that year two was no fluke and they are able to sustain and continue on with that level of quality. Hell, the show even includes a HUGE moment to cap off that feels like big statement, making us wonder how the movies can’t have the guts to go bonkers like this show is willing to go with and in big moment no doubt. Once again, Warner Bros is bringing it to Blu-ray, in a nice 3-disc set. It has some of the same bonus material found on all four other (Maybe five if Gotham has that Comic Con panel thing too) releases and just a hair of its own. You’ll want to pre-order from the Amazon link so you can collect, catch up or relive the third year adventure when it comes out on September 25th. 
Netflix recently scored itself another hit Marvel television series with a brand new adaptation of the popular vigilante hero The Punisher. It marked the first “pure Marvel” take on the character. Prior to that, he’d been in the cinematic landscape with efforts from Roger Corman’s New World Pictures to Lionsgate, played by someone new each time; Dolph Lundgren, Thomas Jane and Ray Stevenson. Lionsgate is looking back upon its output and upgrading them both to 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray, boasting new and improved picture to go with a fresh new Dolby Atmos track to blast up and down your viewing area. Both are getting released on September 25th and have a DYNAMITE price to lock in for a pre-order currently ($14 & $16 bucks, are you kidding me?). This review tackles my personal favorite Punisher outing of all time, turning 10 years old this year. The low-key, super pulpy War Zone. 
In Creepshow, masters of the macabre – writer Stephen King and director George A. Romero – conjure up five shocking yarns, each a virtuoso exercise in the ghouls-and-gags style of classic ’50s horror comics. Available October 23rd, 2018, from Scream Factory, the Creepshow: Collector’s Edition Blu-ray features a new 4k scan of the original camera negative supervised and approved by director of photography Michael Gornick, as well as a sinister smorgasbord of brand-new bonus features, including two new audio commentaries and over 100 minutes of new interviews with cast and crew. Fans can pre-order their copies now by visiting ShoutFactory.com.
Netflix recently scored itself another hit Marvel television series with a brand new adaptation of the popular vigilante hero The Punisher. It marked the first “pure Marvel” take on the character. Prior to that, he’d been in the cinematic landscape with efforts from Roger Corman’s New World Pictures to Lionsgate, played by someone new each time; Dolph Lundgren, Thomas Jane and Ray Stevenson. Lionsgate is looking back upon its output and upgrading them both to 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray, boasting new and improved picture to go with a fresh new Dolby Atmos track to blast up and down your viewing area. Both are getting released on September 25th and have a DYNAMITE price to lock in for a pre-order currently ($14 & $16 bucks, are you kidding me?). This review will take a look back at the rather solid 2004 film, with the most intricately laid out and overdone plan for “punishment” of all time. 
For over thirty years, Fred Rogers, an unassuming minister, puppeteer, writer and producer was beamed daily into homes across America. In his beloved television program, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Fred and his cast of puppets and friends spoke directly to young children about some of life’s weightiest issues, in a simple, direct fashion. There hadn’t been anything like Mr. Rogers on television before and there hasn’t been since. And now, you’ll be able to own the acclaimed Focus Features film, a box office success story this summer, on Blu-ray September 4th (So, now, that means). You can order yourself a copy of the movie using the Amazon link following the review. You know, its the kind of friendly, neighborly thing that Mr. Rogers would want you to do. 🙂 
As the summer box office comes to a close, the Sandra Bullock-led heist film Ocean’s 8 will finish as one of the top ten highest grossing. If you’re not counting Avengers: Infinity War because it opened in April, then it will very cutely land as the #8 film in the top 10. And, crazy enough, without bumping up dollars for inflation, its the second highest grossing of all the Ocean’s movies right after the first one. Warner Bros is bringing it home in style by launching it on the 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray format. It’ll come with the standard Blu-ray edition as well as some bonus features and a nice Dolby Atmos surround track. Ocean’s 8 is available now. Be sure grab yourself a copy (Legally, unlike how the team in this film gets things) by ordering using the Amazon link following the review. 
