Archive for the 'Blu-ray Reviews' Category
April 26th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
This spring, bring home a trio of celebrated Broadway favorites on Blu-ray with new releases from home entertainment imprint Shout Broadway. Featuring timeless American standards and some of the world’s biggest stars, titles being released include the award-winning 1999 Royal National Theatre production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical classic, Oklahoma!, starring Hugh Jackman (Les Misérables, The Prestige) and Maureen Lipman (The Pianist); the masterful 1999 London revival of the 1949 Tony® Award-winning Best Musical, Kiss Me, Kate, starring Rachel York and Brent Barrett; and the film adaptation of Tony award-winning Broadway smash Man of La Mancha, starring Peter O’Toole and Sophia Loren. Spotlighting musicals and performances that deserve a place on your shelf, Shout Broadway features some of the greatest stage and screen productions ever captured. From recent hits to all-time favorites and Hollywood gems, Shout Broadway celebrates the best in theater and beyond. Continue reading ‘OKLAHOMA Starring Hugh Jackman, KISS ME KATE & MAN OF LA MANCHA Available This Spring From Shout! Broadway!’
April 25th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Still vcan’t get enough of that 2016 Chicago Cubs World Series victory? That first one in over one hundred years or so? You bought the first Blu-ray release and enjoyed the heartfelt little documentary. You were hardcore and picked yourself up the Collector’s Edition with every game on it. Now, you’re going to be the super Cubby loyalist and grab yourself this Ultimate Edition of Game 7. Why not be happy with the one you have in the Collector’s Edition? Well, this comes with a disc that has a long montage of the victory parade as well as lengthy highlights of the other series leading up to the championship as well as the World Series itself. Who this might be the best for is someone who didn’t want the collector’s edition, but wouldn’t mind dabbling in just having this one complete game (the one that mattered). Well, whoever you are, you have your chance at this one on May 9th, so get your order in and have it on day of release. Continue reading ‘Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series: The Complete Game 7 – Ultimate Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
April 25th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Walter Hill’s cult classic rock n’ roll fable Streets of Fire is finally making its way to Blu-ray in the United States after previously only being available in the UK and Germany among other countries that seem to get the cool stuff way before us. But, for the patient (Or not region free), the waiting has paid off as Shout! Factory wound up being the people to introduce it to the format in the United States and slapped it with its still fresh Shout! Select label and a Collector’s Edition at that. With some serious sick new key art on its slip cover, the release comes loaded with two discs to rock out with plenty of classic bonus features as well as a brand new feature length documentary (Yes, that’s 2 feature length making of documentaries on here). You’ll be able to check it out for yourself on May 16th, with the pre-order below, but stay tuned for my review in the meantime. Continue reading ‘Streets Of Fire – Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
April 24th, 2017 by Brian White
Disco is defined as a genre of dance music containing elements of funk, soul, pop, and salsa. I define it as a whole lot of fun. Although being born in 1974 doesn’t constitute you to essentially remember living during the solid gold age of disco quite well, that doesn’t mean I wasn’t a fan of it and still am. Like Paul Stanley of KISS always said there’s just something about that disco bass shaking your rump to onstage or in the case of a nightclub like in Saturday Night Fever, the dance floor. Speaking of Saturday Night Fever (do you like my segue into our topic here?) there’s no bigger fan of the 1977 movie than me. It’s one of my Top 5 all-time favorites. Why? Well for starters Saturday Night Fever has something for everyone. What more can you really ask for in a motion picture? You have teenage angst, promiscuous sex, pregnancy, squabbling parents, drinking, racism, gangs, fashion, glitter, lights, hair, drama, romance, betrayal, dancing, disco balls and best of all that Bee Gees infused soundtrack. Oh yeah! I’m just getting started here too. Continue reading ‘Saturday Night Fever Director’s Cut (Blu-ray Review)’
April 24th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Serial Mom is the John Waters film I’m most familiar with (Though admittedly he’s a director I just haven’t completely familiarized myself with that much). While not doing much at the box office, it became a video store staple in the 1990s and with that, a cult classic. At least, that for the teen/college generation of the 90s for the time. It also seemed to be a movie that was on Cinemax all the time during the 90s as well. That’s how I first came to see the movie the first few times. Now, its getting lots of that cult classic love that only a distributor like Scream Factory can give with their coveted Collector’s Edition label. And, its coming just in time for Mother’s Day. So, pre-order to have yourself a copy when it releases on May 9th! Continue reading ‘Serial Mom – Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
April 22nd, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Sylvester Stallone’s all action heroes all the time series The Expendables will be complete now on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray with Lionsgate’s releasing of the first two films come May 2nd. Both are seeing just a picture and audio update on the films themselves as no new bonus features are being added to these new editions. As a matter of fact, the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc contains no supplemental features. But, each release comes with the standard Blu-ray release of the theatrical version of the film and with that comes all of its bonus material (Including a full Comic Con panel and feature length documentary on making the film). Be sure to pre-order yourself a copy today to ensure you have both of these muscle-heavy films on May 2nd. This review will be covering the 2012 sequel that brought in Jean-Claude Van Damme and Chuck Norris to the world of Barney Ross. Continue reading ‘The Expendables 2 (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
April 22nd, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Troll Hunter made some noise and buzz back in 2010, the second feature from director Andre Ovredal. It wouldn’t be for another six years before his next feature would be in front of us. The Autopsy of Jane Doe garnered acclaim when it showed at Fantastic Fest and continued to garner buzz from the horror world with subsequent screenings and the like. Its now making its way to Blu-ray courtesy of the modern horror pair up that has been thriving for years; Scream Factory and IFC Midnight. Like a “We’ll air ’em and you stock em in stores” kind of relationship they have. The Autopsy of Jane Doe is one of their latest distribution ventures and you’ll be able to have it to own when it drops on a Blu-ray and DVD combo pack May 2nd. Continue reading ‘The Autopsy Of Jane Doe (Blu-ray Review)’
April 22nd, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Sylvester Stallone’s all action heroes all the time series The Expendables will be complete now on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray with Lionsgate’s releasing of the first two films come May 2nd. Both are seeing just a picture and audio update on the films themselves as no new bonus features are being added to these new editions. As a matter of fact, the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc contains no supplemental features. But, each release comes with the standard Blu-ray release of the theatrical version of the film and with that comes all of its bonus material (Including a full Comic Con panel and feature length documentary on making the film). Be sure to pre-order yourself a copy today to ensure you have both of these muscle-heavy films on May 2nd. This review will be covering the first film in the series that landed upon us back in 2010. Continue reading ‘The Expendables (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
April 21st, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Food, folks and now a film. I’m lovin’ it. Okay, I’ll stop with the silly McDonald’s puns. Like the fast food empire it became, everyone pretty much knows the name Ray Kroc when you hear it. You know him just like you know Colonel Sanders in association with KFC. He’s someone studied in the history, economics and business books. But does anyone know the real stringy details of how he got to where he is? Well, now the director of The Blind Side and writer of The Wrestler want to give you a chance to learn more of Kroc’s rise to restaurant king. Armed with award friendly Michael Keaton, The Founder shows Kroc’s start as a lowly salesman to falling in love with a burger stand and making it national. While it didn’t quite hit the award season hard like the Weinsteins may have wanted, it did get some buzz around release and now will probably find a solid audience here on Blu-ray and streaming when it becomes available April 18th. Continue reading ‘The Founder (Blu-ray Review)’
April 20th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Who would have thought the innocent and just plain enjoyable La La Land from Damien Chazelle would have drawn up so much drama and controversy after being loved upon its launch. But that’s Oscar season for you. One minute you’re the favorite, and when you received all the (Well deserved) praise and award accolades to go with it, then its cool to turn the tables and bring the hate. It happens every year. Word to the wise: despite who wins an award, you can love BOTH La La Land and Moonlight. Nothing says you can’t. While it was my favorite film of 2017, I’m relieved La La Land lost the Best Picture award (Shortly after winning it) to Moonlight as I was tiring over all the crap it was getting, as that would have only brought on more. Chazelle just made a loving, charming and fun little film harkening to a that all of a sudden became some sort of evil film promoting racism and being incredibly misguided. If you missed this wonderful film, you’ll be able to check it out on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD April 25th. Continue reading ‘La La Land (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
April 19th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Written and directed by Dutch filmmaker Michael Dudok de Wit and co-produced by Studio Ghibli, The Red Turtle is the sort of animated film that allows a viewer to both relax and contemplate life. That second point may seem like a bold claim, but there is real majesty to the way this wonderfully composed, hand-drawn animated film unfolds. Presenting things rather simply, yet fairly striking in presentation, the Oscar-nominated animated feature may not provide the blockbuster thrills in the same way its competition from 2017 did, but there is certainly plenty to take in, which also has the benefit of leaving a viewer at ease.
a Continue reading ‘The Red Turtle (Blu-ray Review)’
April 19th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
Why are you wearing that stupid man suit? Fifteen years before Stranger Things combined science-fiction, Spielberg-ian touches and 80s nostalgia to much acclaim, Richard Kelly set the template – and the high-water mark – with his debut feature, Donnie Darko. Initially beset with distribution problems, it would slowly find its audience and emerge as arguably the first cult classic of the new millennium. Donnie is a troubled high school student: in therapy, prone to sleepwalking and in possession of an imaginary friend, a six-foot rabbit named Frank, who tells him the world is going to end in 28 days 06 hours 42 minutes and 12 seconds. During that time he will navigate teenage life, narrowly avoid death in the form of a falling jet engine, follow Frank’s maladjusted instructions and try to maintain the space-time continuum. Described by its director as “The Catcher in the Rye as told by Philip K. Dick”, Donnie Darko combines an eye-catching, eclectic cast – pre-stardom Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal, heartthrob Patrick Swayze, former child star Drew Barrymore, Oscar nominees Mary McDonnell and Katherine Ross, and television favorite Noah Wyle – and an evocative soundtrack of 80s classics by Echo and the Bunnymen, Tears for Fears and Duran Duran. This brand-new 4K restoration, carried out exclusively for this release by Arrow Films and MVD Entertainment Group, allows a modern classic to finally receive the home video treatment it deserves. Extras on the Donnie Darko Limited Edition Blu-ray include both the Theatrical Cut and the Director’s Cut, plus full-length Making of’s, Commentaries, Vintage Interviews and more. Continue reading ‘Donnie Darko Limited Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
April 17th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
Step inside – we’ve been expecting you! At long-last, Arrow Video and MVD Entertainment Group is proud to present the first two installments of hit horror franchise House on Blu-ray for the first time! In the original House, William Katt (Carrie, TV’s The Greatest American Hero) stars as Roger Cobb, a horror novelist struggling to pen his next bestseller. When he inherits his aunt’s creaky old mansion, Roger decides that he’s found the ideal place in which to get some writing done. Unfortunately, the house’s monstrous supernatural residents have other ideas… Meanwhile, House II: The Second Story sees young Jesse (Arye Gross of Soul Man) moving into an old family mansion where his parents were mysteriously murdered years before. Plans for turning the place into a party pad are soon thwarted by the appearance of Jesse’s mummified great-great-grandfather, his mystical crystal skull and the zombie cowboy who’ll stop at nothing to lay his hands on it! From the team that brought you Friday the 13th, House and House II are era-defining horror classics – now newly restored and loaded with brand new extras including two commentary tracks and two full-length making of docs for both films and more. Horror has found a new home – let’s see if the House: Two Stories Limited Edition Blu-ray worthy of your movie geek collection! Continue reading ‘House: Two Stories Limited Edition (Blu-Ray Review)’
April 13th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
It takes a lot to make a dramatic feature, based on a true story, into something that hits in the right ways. Because a drama can have the intent to strike at certain chords to ideally generate emotions, there is often a level of manipulation to consider. Lion concerns the story of a lost Indian boy, who loses his family, gains another and then searches to find what he has lost. That is the sketch of a tale that will likely draw up various emotions, but the key is to earn it. The film’s success largely revolves around how it carefully navigates this story’s big moments that go from a more visceral adventure to a cerebral study of loss. It pays off big, as the film received plenty of awards attention for just how effective it ended up being for critics and audiences.
a Continue reading ‘Lion (Blu-ray Review)’
April 13th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Hidden Figures is the kind of winning biopic I can easily champion. It joins a film like Queen of Katwe from last fall, in presenting a story I was not too informed about, with enough confidence to easily please those in search of a good story. The film does little to distance itself from other historical dramas of its nature, but a mainstream film like this that matches up well to the many other films about famous white men who overcame adversity is worth giving notice to. That this film accomplishes so much by focusing on smart women who prove themselves by being good at their work and kind is just a testament to a film that can make certain subjects so cinematically interesting. Having now made a ton of money and netting 3 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Hidden Figures proved to be just what many were looking for. Now they can find it on Blu-ray.
a Continue reading ‘Hidden Figures (Blu-ray Review)’
April 13th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
I was actually surprised to learn that Michelangelo Antonioni’s Blow-Up was not already in The Criterion Collection and simply making its Blu-ray debut. This 60’s classic tells a great story that defies convention by subverting the plot any viewer was expecting to see, while also presenting a good look at Swinging London. The result is a film still held up its style, direction and contemplative nature. Not hurting is how exciting the film is to watch. There may be a character facing a sort of existential crisis at its center, but this is a hip film that has now come to Criterion, looking better than ever and featuring plenty of extra content.
a Continue reading ‘Blow-Up – The Criterion Collection (Blu-ray Review)’
April 12th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Sunday nights have proven themselves to be most hardcore night of television in the modern era. Forget about Thursday, Sunday is when all the great shows air. Well, premium channel speaking, I suppose the regular networks still hold their big guns for Thursday. I’d also make an argument for Tuesday being a big night as well. Anyway, I digress. During Game of Thrones season the past few years, HBO has had the best primetime lineup above all else for just one network. Game of Thrones followed by Silicon Valley and VEEP. Amazing, right? This time around, though, for the sixth season, these two fantastic hours of television will be separated sadly. However, VEEP is coming back quickly. And you’ll be able to catch up on all the Washington DC antics from the fifth season with this Blu-ray set on April 11th! Continue reading ‘VEEP: The Complete Fifth Season (Blu-ray Review)’
April 12th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Director William Byron Hillman wrote and directed a film in 1974 called The Photographer. That film focused on a photographer that had a blood lust and killing spree on the models which he made a living taking pictures of. Funny enough, that also starred Michael Callan. Hillman wanted to revisit that film, but with a more dark, serious and violent approach to the material. He even keeps the same name of the photographer and actor who plays him. That resulted in 1983’s Double Exposure (Which the director refers to as a “prequel”) which has been restored and is getting released in a new special edition Blu-ray by Vinegar Syndrome. Pre-order your copy now for release on April 25th on regular (Or the limited to 1,000 edition) DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack. Continue reading ‘Double Exposure (Blu-ray Review)’