Archive for the 'Blu-ray Reviews' Category
November 13th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
It would be an understatement to say that a brand new Blu-ray release of Silent Night, Deadly Night wasn’t something that was overdue. A 30th anniversary edition was lazily put out by Anchor Bay three years ago. It was ripped to shreds by Blu-ray enthusiasts and fans, but I found it to be “fine” (I was just happy the damn thing was FINALLY out). But, even I was ecstatic that people who really do give a damn about the “naughty” rampage of Santa Billy got ahold of the film to do a new release. Those people being Scream Factory and Justin Beahm’s Reverend Entertainment. FINALLY this movie was in some great hands. Beyond this 2-disc set, they also offered a limited edition with a Billy NECA figurine to go with it which, if you hurry, you can STILL nab yourself one (CLICK HERE). Fans should be excited that its a new transfer (Something fans wanted) and the usual brand new retrospective documentaries and interviews. A must have for the holidays! Continue reading ‘Silent Night, Deadly Night – Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
November 10th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Well, here we are. Finally. Its November of 2017, and the three year long joke of if this latest Amityville Horror franchise entry was going to ever be released or seen by anyone is officially over. It exists, I’ve seen it and I am here to tell the tale. So were some of the people that were part of the seven hundred dollar plus opening weekend that took the box office by storm. Or the folks that watched the film for free on Google Play the week before that. After two false starts within this year alone, the haunting tale was ready to be unleashed upon the world. Now, you too can own and watch the movie when it releases on November 14th. Be sure you go ahead and pre-order the film by clicking the Amazon link at the end of this review. Continue reading ‘Amityville: The Awakening (Blu-ray Review)’
November 9th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
While I didn’t get to review it earlier in the year (I’m not sure if any official copies were sent out for review), Scream Factory released a box set dedicated to legendary Spanish horror actor/writer/director Paul Naschy. That set was built and constructed in the vein of their previous three Vincent Price Collection efforts. Luckily, like those sets, they are continuing on with a second Collection of Naschy films from his rather lengthy and dedicated career in the horror genre. Personally, I’m not familiar with him, so I’m excited to dig into this set after all I’ve heard. He’s billed as Spain’s answer to Lon Chaney, having played many of the classic monsters (Wolfman, Frankenstein’s monster, Count Dracula, The Mummy and others) as well as his own. Coming in just in time for the holidays, this set from Scream factory will release on November 14th. Pre-order below to own this unique Collector’s item. Continue reading ‘The Paul Naschy Collection II (Blu-ray Review)’
November 6th, 2017 by Brian White
Given the fact that when this series originally aired earlier this year I pretty much had to watch each episode twice due to many slow lulls that put me to sleep like a baby probably doesn’t make me the best suited reviewer to tackle Westworld: Season One. However, that doesn’t mean that I didn’t like what I saw either because I did. It was just on so late at night, I was exhausted and this combo leaves me with the attention span of a kitten. I’m joking of course because I truly am stoked for Westworld: Season One being the very first HBO title on the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray format. Besides Planet Earth II I guess you could also call HBO’s Westworld the very first title on the 4K UHD format period. That’s not a shabby title to own. You can tell that Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is equally excited about this crowning jewel on 4K too. “We are thrilled to release the first season of HBO’s critically-acclaimed and most watched new series Westworld in 4K Ultra HD with HDR,” said Rosemary Markson, Senior Vice President, Television Marketing, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. “Fans will devour this beautifully crafted series – a perfect candidate to receive the fully immersive 4K HDR experience along with limited edition collectable packaging and all-new special features.” I couldn’t agree more with Rosemary’s statements so that’s why I’m very eager to tackle this review already down below.
Continue reading ‘Westworld Season One: The Maze (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
November 6th, 2017 by Hadley Grout
“Rock-a-Doodle” is another cartoon by Don Bluth, the maker of “An American Tail,” “All Dogs Go to Heaven” and many likable others. It’s about a rockabilly-yodeling roosterBased on the play “Chantecler” written by Edmond Rostand, Rock-A-Doodle is about a group of happy barnyard animals.
ad
d
d
Continue reading ‘Rock-A-Doodle (Blu-ray Review)’
November 6th, 2017 by Jordan Grout
Republic Pictures was the king of the Western, with John Wayne being their main star. Over time, studio executives realized that horror was quite profitable, so they enlisted director Lesley Selander to deliver them a supernatural picture unlike anything else he had made previously. Selander was reliable; someone who had turned in pictures on time with a small budget. The only drawback was his lack of experience with the horror genre, which unfortunately is evident within every frame of the film. The Vampire’s Ghost never rises above a cheap knockoff of the Val Lewton produced monster films of the age.
Continue reading ‘The Vampire’s Ghost (Blu-ray Review)’
November 3rd, 2017 by Brandon Peters
In the world of Pixar, it used to be that they typically didn’t cash in on making a boatload of sequels beside Toy Story. Now, we have Monsters University and Finding Dory recently with an Incredibles 2 on the way. But, the odd outlier is now the Cars series, as it now has as many entries as Toy Story. Cars, the series that hasn’t been a critical favorite nor one of their powerhouse box office performers. However, when it comes to the merchandise, like toys and bed sheets, Cars is one of their most successful. So, now with a third movie, these honestly serve as a glorified commercial to sell some new stuff and be in the conscience of a new generation. The film came out this past summer and will be Disney and Pixar’s first full animated film to hit the 4K Ultra-HD format when it drops on November 7th. Continue reading ‘Cars 3 (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
November 2nd, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Bad ideas, bad ideas, bad ideas. Phil Lord and Chris Miller are the guys who tend to take bad ideas and make them into great things. Though, with their firing from Solo: A Star Wars Story, I’m not so sure of even that any more. They had nothing to do with The Emoji Movie, but I imagine if they did, I probably would have found interest in this movie’s release. Instead, like many people, its an eye-roller for me. Although, look, I get it. I understand there can be dollars to be made here. I understand it’ll probably be strictly for people who are younger than ten years old. I’m also a parent. I also have kids who wanted to see this movie, which magically we didn’t make it to the movie theater to see. But, here it is, on the glorious 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray format for us to consume for the very first time, in the confines of our own home. Will I survive? I don’t know. Its available now, as Sony made this release available on the format on October 24th. Continue reading ‘The Emoji Movie (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
November 1st, 2017 by Brandon Peters
For so many damn years, there’s been nonstop chatter about Stephen King’s series of novels dubbed “The Dark Tower”. These dealt with a gunslinger characters and some sort of super ambitious premise that everyone demanded to be put into a movie. King fans kept telling you that this was going to be the film of all films or HBO series of all HBO series if they ever adapted it. Many names would get attached over the years. Projects would stop, they would start. It almost felt like this urban legend that it would ever happen. And then, finally, something budged off the ground. The excitement came in the casting of Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey, but then the trailer and marketing came and nobody seemed to care, fans seemed to not have any defense. It was one of the summer’s biggest disappointments. I didn’t see the film, I’ve never read any of the books. So, here I am as the casual observer, going in super clean to give you the review of the 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray release, made available October 31st! Continue reading ‘The Dark Tower (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
October 29th, 2017 by Brian White
Atomic Blonde finally sees the light of day on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray after debuting all the way back this past March at SXSW (originally covered here by Bron Anderson). So other than a woman, Charlize Theron, kicking ass John Wick style, what’s it all about? You’re in the right place to get that question answered, but before we spill any proverbial beans let’s get the housekeeping out of the way first. Atomic Blonde is very much an action spy thriller flick. Its directed by David Leitch and written by Kurt Johnstad. They take their direction form a 2012 graphic novel called The Coldest City. You can kind of call it a Cold War thriller based upon its 1989 setting and synopsis of a spy who has to find a list of double agents who are bingo smuggled into the West on the eve of the collapse of the Berlin Wall. In addition to Charlize Theron it stars James McAvoy, John Goodman, Til Schweiger, Eddie Marsan, Sofia Boutella and Toby Jones. And yes, it does contain that female on female sex scene! Ha ha. Now let’s dive deeper!
Continue reading ‘Atomic Blonde (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
October 25th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Following a few trips to the past, The Criterion Collection has once again sent me a modern film that also happens to be one of the better films of the year. Personal Shopper competed at the Cannes Film Festival back in 2016. Writer/director Olivier Assayas won the best director award for this movie. The story focuses on a fashion assistant who is also a spiritual medium, making it a ghost story of sorts. It’s another example of how capable Kristen Stewart is as an actress outside the realm of blockbusters and finds Assayas continuing to explore modernism and heartbreak. The film made its way to theaters nearly a year later and is now a part of Criterion’s catalogue.
a Continue reading ‘Personal Shopper – The Criterion Collection (Blu-ray Review)’
October 25th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Wvhen The Conjuring scored big back in 2013, one of the big takeaways from that film was the creepy doll in the opening scene named “Annabelle”. Said doll was the subject of its own spin off film that also was a huge hit despite very poor reviews. The Conjuring got its own sequel later on and naturally Annabelle has now received her own follow up. Once again, she scored a success, topping over one hundred million dollars in the US and over three hundred million bucks worldwide, easily pulling past the original’s take. Those totals are right in line with the regular Conjuring movies too. This world of horror cultivating from the case files of Warren’s research is very much alive and well. Another spin-off series is in the works and on the way with The Nun next year. But first, let’s take a look on Annabelle: Creation, which was the summer’s top horror film. Continue reading ‘Annabelle: Creation (Blu-ray Review)’
October 23rd, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
2011’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes was a surprise hit. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes was a highly acclaimed follow-up in the summer of 2014. War for the Planet of the Apes hit theaters in the summer of 2017 and felt like it was received a bit more indifferently. Despite near universal acclaim from critics, the war-drama that happens to feature elaborate special effects may not have been what audiences were looking for. Regardless, this new trilogy of ‘Apes’ films may be one of the best series to come out of Hollywood in years and this final chapter now has a packed Blu-ray with a fantastic technical presentation. You can also read Brian White’s 4K UHD review.
a Continue reading ‘War for the Planet of the Apes (Blu-ray Review)’
October 22nd, 2017 by Brian White
Considering that both Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes were two of my favorite films in the years they came out I felt confident War for the Planet of the Apes was set up for success. After all, how could it not be under the studious care of Matt Reeves in the director’s chair once again. That’s what you call a rhetorical statement ladies and gentlemen. This final chapter in the trilogy is both an emotional rollercoaster and cinematic event not to be missed. I could go on and on about how much appreciation I have for this one, but to do so would kind of be like putting the cart in front of the horse in this review proverbially speaking. So let’s back up, take it slow and ease into this 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray review by covering all the who’s who in War for the Planet of the Apes, the third and maybe final installment thus far in the Planet of the Apes reboot series. What say you? I’m ready to get this bloody war started!
Continue reading ‘War for the Planet of the Apes (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
October 22nd, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Boutique labels and vintage horror have been a sense of fun in the guessing game or “take a request” fashion in the last five years or so. Whenever social media polls happen to gauge what people would like next, you see some interesting title you’d forgotten about come out of the woodwork. You’ll also see multitudes of the same people requesting the same titles over and over and over (Fright Night Part 2 being the most popular). Slaughter High has been one of those titles that has been requested ad nauseum for many years. Fear not, though, your wait is over. Lionsgate, through its Vectron Video Collector’s Series is finally bringing it out. So not only is it coming, its being done right too. You can pre-order now to have this popular slasher when it releases on Halloween 2017! Continue reading ‘Slaughter High – Collector’s Series (Blu-ray Review)’
October 21st, 2017 by Brandon Peters
When Dawn of the Dead (The Snyder version) became a big success, Universal final ponied up for George Romero’s fourth film in his vision for his legendary zombie “Of The Dead” series. Coming in the summer of 2005, the film didn’t really take off like Snyders, but importantly, the thing finally got made. And I think those who saw it are fond of it, but I’m sure there are detractors. Scream Factory is revisiting the film for a brand spanking new edition twelve years later, giving you both cuts of the film as well as a slew of brand new interviews as well as all of the old bonus material. This one will be available at the same time that Zack Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead will be available, which is Hallowen. You can pre-order the Collector’s Edition from the link below. Continue reading ‘Land Of The Dead – Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
October 21st, 2017 by Bron Anderson
Director Michael Haneke (Funny Games, Amour) and his attention to storytelling are celebrated by this release of The Piano Teacher from the Criterion Collection in a way that honors the film’s unique quality and its director’s masterful use of the medium of film to tell a story. Watching the film itself is a transformative experience; one that concludes with some viewers wondering if they may have just seem the best movie ever made and some completely baffled by why a person would decide to make this into a film. Personally, I am in the former category. Let’s take a closer look at this blu-ray release to see why it is a necessity for any lover of sometimes-uncomfortable but endlessly watchable films.
Continue reading ‘The Piano Teacher – The Criterion Collection (Blu-ray Review)’
October 19th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
When it comes to the early and mid-2000s, the trends in horror were all about remakes, leaning on J-horror (Remakes of Japanese horror films) and older classics. One of the big reasons the trend kept going for so long (Still around today) the film we have here; Zack Snyder’s redo of George Romero’s Dawn of the Dead. Crazy enough, that film was thirteen years ago. Its been out on Blu-ray in just that one version since Blu-ray came out. Now, its time to give it an update, upgrade and make-over. And who better than Scream Factory to upgrade with some new interviews and both cuts of the film. As far as double dipping, c’mon its been thirteen years and most of you probably got it for under ten bucks when you did. My only gripe is that its this one getting an upgrade and not the original. But that’s not on Scream. Their new edition will be available to you to come home to after a good night of Trick or Treating on Halloween! Continue reading ‘Dawn Of The Dead – Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’