Archive for the 'Blu-ray Reviews' Category
January 19th, 2017 by Brian White
The Da Vinci Code book was one of those that come around every so often that make non-readers take note of and spend time doing something they normally wouldn’t…they READ. Yes, I’m one of those suckers too. While I love to read I often have this problem in life called no time. By the time I snuggle up with a book it’s like I have taken a large dose of Tylenol PM. A book, good or bad, usually puts me right to sleep just like a classic X-Files episode does calming my hectic nerves. Dull reading material is prone to giving me narcolepsy during the middle of the day. However, every once in awhile that magical manuscript does come along that wildly captivates and fascinates my imagination. It ceases to let go of me as it manages to keep me engrossed, excited about and invigorated over throughout the read. Those are the books that I can’t inexplicably put down and just want more of. The Da Vinci Code was one of these so called “magical” books for me. It kicked off mad fervor for author Dan Brown. I fondly remember those moments like they were yesterday.
Continue reading ‘Inferno (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
January 18th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Poltergeist took its final journey with trilogy capper, Poltergeist. Who knows, though, if Heather O’Rourke hadn’t tragically passed right after filming this, how many they would have done following. This film was dealt with toughly upon release, but has found its band of faithful fans and really does offer much to be appreciated. Showing their appreciation for it and the fans is Scream Factory. Coming into the Collector’s Editions series (Along with the second one) in the month of January, you’ll get the film with a brand new transfer and a wealth of bonus materials. Be sure to complete your Poltergeist Collection by pre-ordering it and the third film in time for release on January 31st! Continue reading ‘Poltergeist III – Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
January 18th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
The original Poltergeist still holds as one of the greatest horror films of all time and to this day finds itself scaring new audiences and being celebrated, copied or poorly remade. Its celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. But, did you know its sequel was pretty damn solid, too? Well, fright flick fans have been appreciating it for many years, and now’s the time to be alive as we have a company like Scream Factory that’s giving it some love. Coming into the Collector’s Editions series (Along with the third one) in the month of January, you’ll get the film with a brand new transfer and a wealth of bonus materials. Be sure to complete your Poltergeist Collection by pre-ordering it and the third film in time for release on January 31st! Continue reading ‘Poltergeist II: The Other Side – Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
January 18th, 2017 by Brian White
The Resident Evil franchise is a series I nearly gave up on had it not been for my friend Susan’s advice back to me in 2008. You see, quite honestly, I take my films very seriously and well, Resident Evil movies just didn’t cut it for me in that department. I was just not able to take the lunacy, stupidity and over-the-top nature of them. Resident Evil: Extinction was that final nail in the coffin. I liked the first film, hated the second outing and just thought the third one was okay. But what was really wrong with me? I’ll tell you what it was…I forgot how to have fun in life. I forgot how to not be serious all the time. I mean after all, I liked Crank, so what was my deal? Susan opened my eyes up to this world as she encouraged me to take a closer look at these films and to see them how her husband views them…purely as nonsensical entertainment. I embraced Susan’s encouraging words and took the leap of faith. The Blu-ray trilogy set eventually became my Valentine’s Day gift in 2008 (isn’t that sweet?) and I never looked back. I found a way to appreciate these films and have fun with them while looking past everything else (I’m not perfect). Thanks Susan!
Continue reading ‘Resident Evil: Afterlife (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
January 16th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Lionsgate’s USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage tells a true tale from World War II about a ship that help transport parts of an Atomic Bomb and then was shot up in the water with its survivors hanging afloat for 5 days. Headlining the cast is Academy Award Winner Nicolas Cage (The Wicker Man, Left Behind) along with Tom Sizemore (Slumber Party Slaughter, Pauly Shore Is Dead), Thomas Jane (LOL, Pawn Shop Chronicles) and James Remar (Deleted Scenes from Aliens). USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage is directed by Mario Van Peebles. It will be available on Blu-ray from Lionsgate on January 24th. You can pre-order the film now from Amazon and be able to have it right on release day if you’re a Prime member. Continue reading ‘USS Indianapolis: Men Of Courage (Blu-ray Review)’
January 16th, 2017 by Brian White
Jack Reacher is one of those films I had to go back and revisit to not only freshen up going into the premiere of Jack Reacher Never Go Back, but make sure I liked it too. I honestly could not remember as I hadn’t seen the first film since 2013 when I reviewed the Blu-ray here. Fret not! Despite only having three action scenes to write home about I still enjoyed it quite a bit. I get so confused with the Mission Impossible films that I had to distance myself from them to get into the whole psyche of who the character of Jack Reacher really is. I’m all good now and ready to tackle the second entry in the Jack Reacher film franchise made possible only because the first flick grossed $200 million worldwide. That’s not a whole lot of money, but Paramount felt comfortable in it nonetheless to invest in a sequel so who am I to argue. I love all new 4K Ultra HD releases. Bring ’em!
Continue reading ‘Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
January 15th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Death Race, the original, was made in 1975, considered a cult classic piece of B-grade genre filmmaking from the master of such, Roger Corman. We went a whole 33 years with no sequels, TV spin-offs or remakes. In 2008, the film was remade as is popular to do nowadays, but it spawned a straight-to-video surge for this franchise, and now in just over 8 years, we have 4 films added to the original. Two not mentioned are sequels to the remake (Which Paul WS Anderson apparently feels is a prequel to the original). Now, Corman is back behind it all (Though his name is over the title, he only produced, GJ Echtenkamp directs), and he’s making sequel-reboot (Rebootquel, legacy sequel…all the terms) to the original. There’s been a surprising amount of press for this. Not much, mind you, but much more making the common movie watcher aware than you would think for something like this. Continue reading ‘Death Race 2050 (Blu-ray Review)’
January 15th, 2017 by Brian White
Spencer Strasmore and his boys are back to “ball out” in Season 2 of the hit HBO comedy Ballers. I couldn’t be more excited about this! Not only am I a fan of NFL football, which this show revolves around, but HBO’s Ballers also brought me closer to The Rock as an actor. I love him now even more than I did in the Fast & Furious films (and I did not think that was possible). Dwayne Johnson takes the reins with his larger-than-life charisma in this series that looks at the whirlwind lifestyles and real-life problems of former and current football players in sun-soaked Miami (a paradise on Earth). In case you missed it you can read all about my Season 1 coverage over here. So without further ado Ballers: The Complete Second Season will be available on Blu-ray and DVD on January 31st and we’ll be talking about it all down below. Continue reading ‘Ballers: The Complete Second Season (Blu-ray Review)’
January 13th, 2017 by Brian White
The Accountant makes for a stupid film title in my opinion. I don’t care how good the movie is, I still hate the name given. I probably couldn’t come up with anything better, but that’s why I am writing Blu-ray movie reviews and not films themselves. However, you can’t say it doesn’t grab your attention. Come on! I don’t know about you, but my mind strays to thoughts of how boring this flick can be with a name like this. I can’t help it. I’m high maintenance and like my lifestyle I want a zinger of a movie title to accompany the features I adore. Whoa! Stop the press! This one stars Ben Affleck! The man brought Batman back to life. You can Argo F#%* yourselves. He deserves our undivided attention. So listen up as here comes the 4-1-1 on The Accountant releasing on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray January 10th.
Continue reading ‘The Accountant (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
January 11th, 2017 by Brian White
Before I begin this 4K Ultra HD review I wanted to give a big shout out to all my new Facebook friends on the 4K Ultra HD Home Cinema Group (join all the conversations here) for their support. So let’s get down to business now. The Girl on the Train instantly had two things going for it within my brain. It features two actresses that will get me in the theater no matter what the film’s subject matter is about. I’m respectfully talking Emily Blunt and Rebecca Ferguson. Ever since Edge of Tomorrow, Sicario and Mission Impossible Rogue Nation I’m a sucker for both of them. Second, Entertainment Weekly talked so highly of this feature this past fall that it instantly warranted my attention. No. I take that back. Their praise of The Girl on the Train absolutely demanded my undivided attention. Here we are now. The moment is upon us once again and I’m eager to blow this train’s whistle now on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. So let’s stop this 4K train and get on already! I’m giving you a ticket to ride down below.
Continue reading ‘The Girl on the Train (4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review)’
January 11th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Just a couple years ago, I had the pleasure of reviewing a splendid little animated feature called Ernest & Celestine. It was a film I hoped to get to in the theater, but alas didn’t make it, but luckily I got to review it. Now comes the follow up from the people behind it, Long Way North, an adventure by sea of a little girl in search of her grandfather gone missing on a journey for many many years. In 2015, this French-Danish animated film won the audience award at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival. Its now making its way to the US, and is debuting on Blu-ray via Shout! Factory January 17th. Be sure to get your pre-order in, as this is a pretty good unseen little feature. Continue reading ‘Long Way North (Blu-ray Review)’
January 10th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Another year, another exciting season of Homeland that came back in top form for another exciting season. This fifth season of the acclaimed Showtime series is here just in time for the premiere of season six and it would be a good time to catch up. Claire Danes, Mandy Patinkin and Rupert Friend continue to star in the espionage drama series. For the fifth season, it is good to note how season four brought things back to a solid standard and this fifth season really sees the show delivering some of the best stuff since the earlier years, thanks to a change of setting and more. Now you can see for yourself, with this Blu-ray release. Continue on to see more of what’s in store for you, Carrie Mathison and the gang.
Continue reading ‘Homeland: The Complete Fifth Season (Blu-ray Review)’
January 10th, 2017 by Brian White
The Girl on the Train instantly had two things going for it within my brain. It features two actresses that will get me in the theater no matter what the film’s subject matter is about. I’m respectfully talking Emily Blunt and Rebecca Ferguson. Ever since Edge of Tomorrow, Sicario and Mission Impossible Rogue Nation I’m a sucker for both of them. Second, Entertainment Weekly talked so highly of this feature this past fall that it instantly warranted my attention. No. I take that back. Their praise of The Girl on the Train absolutely demanded my undivided attention. Here we are now. The moment is upon us once again and I’m eager to blow this train’s whistle now on HD Blu-ray. So let’s stop this Blu-ray train and get on already!
Continue reading ‘The Girl On The Train (Blu-ray Review)’
January 10th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
The Birth of a Nation came and went last year. Following its breakout at the Sundance Film Festival, the proceeding months were not kind to writer/director/producer/star Nate Parker, based on a muddy history that was brought back into the news. Still, there is a righteous part of me that sees a film recounting a historical event and tying into relevant topics still affecting America today, as the nation continues to court more and more woke individuals. The other part concerns my role as one who critiques film and sees a lot of ambition being outdone, at times, by narrative and budgetary restraints, let alone other elements that are hard to look past. It is unfortunate that a film providing such a showcase for strong performances and evocative imagery was not more successful, but despite some issues, the film does plenty to unpack a lot of clear anger in how history and beyond has been a struggle for many. Now the films is on Blu-ray for those with curiosity to check out.
Continue reading ‘The Birth Of A Nation (Blu-ray Review)’
January 7th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Jerry Maguire comes from a seemingly lost era. It’s a 140-minute, moderately budgeted romantic comedy-drama, featuring Tom Cruise, Rene Zellweger, Cuba Gooding, Jr. and others talking about life, love and other things. In addition to being an awards winner, it became one of the biggest hits of 1996. Cameron Crowe’s memorable and very quotable film has had a good shelf-life over the years and it now celebrates its 20th anniversary. To honor this, Sony has put out a new Blu-ray, featuring a brand new transfer, remastered in 4K, along with a new lossless soundtrack. There are also plenty of new bonus features, ensuring any fan that they should show stores the money in order for this Blu-ray to complete them.
a Continue reading ‘Jerry Maguire 20th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
January 6th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Director Peter Berg knocked out two films in 2016, both based on true, tragic American events. It could have been tricky to do, but he seems to be more in his element than ever and that brings us to his take on a disaster film. As you may remember, given all the media coverage, Deepwater Horizon recounts the events that led up to the explosion and subsequent fire on an offshore drilling unit, resulting in the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history. Rather than heavily dwelling on the aftermath and politics involved though, this is a film about the workers involved and what they went through on the night of April 20, 2010. The result is a well-acted thriller that makes the most out of having a matter-of-fact handling on disaster movie tropes. Now the film has arrived on a packed Blu-ray.
Continue reading ‘Deepwater Horizon (Blu-ray Review)’
January 5th, 2017 by Brian White
Keeping Up With The Joneses was oddly a selection that made Aaron Neuwirth’s list of 2016 anticipated movie titles over here. So there’s that going for it. For me though it means Keeping Up With The Joneses I get to spend more time with Wonder Woman, I mean Gal Gadot. So there’s also that too. However, even armed with the knowledge of both these aforementioned items I managed to successfully evade the film theatrically despite the fiancee wanting to check it out. I knew the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray would inevitably be coming one day and I had more than a feeling that Brandon Peters would make me the sacrificial lamb. I do not mind being said lamb for Gal Gadot so proverbially slit my wrists now as we’re here to discuss everything Keeping Up With The Joneses down below.
Continue reading ‘Keeping Up With The Joneses (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
January 4th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
There’s nothing like having friends who know you appreciate a good zombie film. Train to Busan is a film I had only heard about thanks to Why So Blu’s Jason Coleman, but he insisted I would enjoy it. As a fan of the George A. Romero classics, as well as some of the more recent entries in the genre ([REC], 28 Weeks Later), this film was said to be offering a unique experience in the world of the undead. This proved to be true, as the film pits zombie hordes against passengers on a bullet train, leading to an intense battle of survival. With some really creative moments and a good amount of drama, Train to Busan basically had everything to make for a fun zombie flick. Now it’s time to dig into the Blu-ray release.
a Continue reading ‘Train To Busan (Blu-ray Review)’
