Girls: The Complete Fifth Season (Blu-ray Review)
Its crazy to think that Lena Dunhams’ talked about and controversial (is it?) show Girls is already coming to its end this year (and soon mind you). It feels like just yesterday I was testing it out and turning my nose up to it. Luckily after Season 2, I decided to suck it up and really have at it and found myself understanding it better and really get to the humorous level this show is guiding you through. Are characters obnoxious, annoying and make you want to pull your hair out? Hell yes, that’s part of the fun I’ve found. But before the final series airs on HBO, its time to look back on the previous one, the fifth season. That particular jaunt with Hanna Horvath and friends will release to Blu-ray on January 3rd, giving you ample time to digest it and be refreshed or just plain up to speed for the final season when it airs. Continue reading ‘Girls: The Complete Fifth Season (Blu-ray Review)’
I’ve been waiting like 15 years or so for this movie. The fifth and final Phantasm movie. And it was done in super secret with the trailer surprising the hell out of EVERYONE when it randomly popped up a year or so ago. For years there were rumors and such, but Reggie Bannister was the voice of honesty shooting it down. Now, the final chapter, Ravager is here (Well, its been here, but its finally here for the Blu-ray review, Jason Coleman covered it a few months back. It features the final appearance by Angus Scrimm, and fitting it being in his most signature and iconic role. The main players are all back, and its up to Reggie, the guitar slaying ice cream man, to save the world from the Tall Man. Don Coscarelli oversaw the film, but for some reason stepped back and let someone else take the director’s chair on the last film in his most famous series of films. What started way back in 1979 finally comes to a head here in 2016. 
If you’ve been an avid reader of my stuff here on this site (And let’s be honest, why wouldn’t you be?), its been pretty consistent that one of the most massive movies on my Blu-ray bucket list has been Phantasm. The whole series, really, but mainly this first movie. I honestly didn’t realize how much of a cult film with a smaller following it really was. Growing up, it (and its sequels) were at really every video store I went to. The Tall Man was a common figure to hold up among the 80s slasher/monster icons. Years, pass, no further entries and nobody involved with the series is of any massive stature (To hold in a “look where such and such superstar got their start” fashion). But one certain director/producer with clout was a big fan. And in 2016, Phantasm came back in a big way, with a 4K restoration and theatrical rerelease headed up by JJ Abrams. Also in tow was a brand new sequel serving as the closing chapter in this unique horror series. But, what about Blu-ray? Everyone was tossing their guess as to who would have it. Scream Factory? Arrow? NOPE! Well Go USA?!?!?!?! I say , Well, go give them a chance. And now we can see what they’ve done and what they haven’t done. 
Underworld is one of those films that I’ll never forget where in life I was when I saw it. I’ll spare you the details, but I remember that evening vividly as it was a good one. It also came out at just the right time when the vampire craze was just ramping up and ironically was both the rise and downfall of Kate Beckinsale’s career. That’s what happens when you fall for your film’s director. You’re forced to do sequel after punishing sequel. Just ask Milla Jovovich how that works out for you. However, there’s no disputing how fine Kate has always looked filling that tight, black leather corset coupled with those stunning Blu-ray eyes. Even though we had the pleasure of spending time with the lovely Rhona Mitra in the third film, Rise of the Lycans, no Underworld fan can deny Selene’s (Beckinsale) presence and assets were greatly missed. On the flip side, I really liked the third entry. Ha ha. I digress. Let’s rewind back to 2003 as we nostalgically discuss the one that started it all, Underworld, which coincidentally sees a 4K Ultra HD release December 27th. 
Ooooh…Storks! This is one of those films where I do the review because I reeeeeeeeeally love my children. But, right now, I’m still curious on seeing a lot of different varieties on the 4K UHD format. The only animated movie I’ve done before that is that fifth Ice Age film. Storks is from a different studio that’s putting a little more to it with their presentations (Warner Bros). And then I saw that it was directed by Nicholas Stoller, so that gained me a little hope. One of two films he directed this year (The other, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising). Storks opened against The Magnificent Seven (Which I just reviewed the other day). It placed second in its opening weekend, but went on to gross more money than it worldwide (Magnificent Seven won the domestic battle, though). Now its once again going head to head with it on the home video market as they both come out the same day in all formats. You can find it on the shelves December 20th. 
Who didn’t know the story of Captain Chesley Sullenberger? His courageous landing on the Hudson River was one of the biggest stories when the year flipped over to 2009. Its crazy to think that its going to be eight years ago next month. Its almost like its fresh on the brain. As with all things historic and heroes, you have the talk show tours, followed by a book and then the movie or a TV mini-series or what-have-you. “Sully” as he is known, got to have Tom Hanks play himself in the film and another Hollywood legend and icon, Clint Eastwood, craft the film about his maneuvering. The film kicked off a sort of star-vehicle driven run at the box office last September, that ironically ended when another Tom Hanks film (Ron Howard and he’s third Robert Langdon film Inferno) tanked pretty hard. Sully will be available on 4K UHD Blu-ray (As well as regular Blu-ray and the old DVD) on December 20th. 
Try as I might, I just could not get to Antoine Fuqua’s remake of The Magnificent Seven (The original, a Western re-imagining of Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai) in the theater. I had a free ticket from The Magnificent Seven collection Blu-ray set I picked up at Best Buy to revisit it before this new one. Also in hand, I had a free IMAX ticket from a guest spot on an internet radio program I guested on to talk The Magnificent Seven. The film opened and did well, keeping it in theaters for quite some time, but I just could not get the time. Well, now I finally do, and in glorious 4K Ultra High Definition Blu-ray. That’s no match for IMAX, but I’ll take it as a rather nice concession in the comfort of my own home. 
In this 2016 World Series Collector’s Edition: Chicago Cubs set, Cubs fans everywhere can relive the team’s entire white-knuckle postseason run. The 8-disc set preserves every inning, every play and every heart-stopping moment from the 2016 Fall Classic – from “spiritual” team leader David Ross’ dramatic home run in the final game of his career, Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester’s masterful performances on the mound to Kris Bryant’s final, thrilling 5-3 put-out to Anthony Rizzo. This special edition presents all seven complete and uncut World Series games, all wrapped with SleeveStats which offer official stats, game trivia and more to enhance the viewing experience. Also included are a bonus disc of the pennant-clinching NLCS Game 6 at Wrigley Field, as well as four audio options, allowing home audiences to watch the games while listening to either the television broadcast, Cubs Radio Network announcers, the Indians Radio Network or a Spanish-language version of the broadcasts. This December, fly the W and celebrate the Cubs history-making run to the championship with these two ultimate mementos from one of the most exciting postseasons in a generation. 
When I first received word of this Blu-ray release was actually the first time I’d even heard of this show. There seemed to be no buzz, no push or anything about it. That, or marketing and noteworthy news didn’t spread past the age of seven. I was quite surprised a Star Wars thing I hadn’t heard about was coming to Blu-ray. Granted, its LEGO Star Wars, but its original character in a series that isn’t just a complete parody. I’d seen the other short series LEGO Star Wars had done on Disney XD and this wasn’t it. So, its with great curiosity that I would be checking out the first season of LEGO Star Wars: The Freemakers completely blind, and yes, with the blast shield down. 
Ever the polarizing filmmaker, one can’t deny that Rob Zombie has a distinct vision and very blunt voice in the world of cinema. Despite whatever misgivings, like him or not, its hard to take not of his talent. Coming from similar influences and styles, he’s almost the horror genre’s version of Quentin Tarantino. After dabbling in the Halloween universe with Michael Myers, his last two films have gone in much smaller offerings in terms of releases. The Lords of Salem was more a festival film with a very limited release and his latest, 31 went crowd funded and launched on Amazon Prime Video (Also having a small theatrical run). These are the times we live in, but if a filmmaker of Zombie’s caliber is still able to get his ideas across and make the film he truly wants, then I guess delivery shouldn’t be too important (Though, for me its always theater whenever I can). So here we are, the Blu-ray release of 31. 
Previously available from Image Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment is bringing back The Twilight Zone to Blu-ray. Yes, all 156 episodes of the landmark historic television anthology series are once again being collected together. This is a massive set, including bonus mater, that spans over 5 years of the show airing on television and covering over 24 discs. The set is coming along just in time for the holidays (Will make a great gift for that loved one) and will be available December 13th. So, get ready to hum that theme song and embrace those twisted and dark endings we’ve come to love, admire and be inspired by. 
Morgan was a film I undeniably didn’t get to theatrically very much so on purpose. While the trailers and the promise of Ridley Scott producing it initially sucked me in the overall negative critical response kept me far away. However, I couldn’t help but wonder what really was under the surface here within Morgan. Is it just some great concept cooked up, but executed poorly? Does it really make you want to revisit Ex Machina immediately after viewing? Those questions and more I hope to tackle and address down below in my 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray review of Morgan, which releases at retailers everywhere this coming Tuesday, December 13th. Here goes nothing or in more scientific terms, Great Scott! 
Steven Seagal is BACK! This time he’s facing down the End Of A Gun (As we know, this is definitely not the first time, but the first time they’ve title one of his after the action of doing something like that). While he’s nowhere near as popular as he once was…lets face it, the guy is pretty much reviled, even in most action junkie circles. We’re a long way from Under Siege. However, its not like the man doesn’t have an audience and doesn’t have trouble finding work. This film is alone is one of seven films he has released for this year. Yes, that’s pretty insane even for the straight to video department. There is a weird appreciation and aficionado type thing that comes with these, so they can be an enjoyable watch. Before I begin this review, I’ll leave you with 
Ben Affleck’s directorial catalog has been nothing short of a perfect batting average. Despite your thoughts on his films, none of them are terrible and at worst you can’t say any of them aren’t pretty damn entertaining. There were no clumsy steps or learning curves, he started right out with some prestige. His second film The Town, which Brian just recently expertly covered the 4K of garnered him some big attention and people wanting to give the man a second Oscar. That would come with this film, Argo, the one that famously snubbed him a Best Director nod only to land him that second Oscar with a Best Picture Oscar in the producer role (As well as George Clooney). Its a well directed, exciting, educational and crowd pleasing film that had a quadruple threat of box office money, audience, critical approval and statues to go with. 
With my Blu-ray collecting cohort Brandon Peters having already covered all things Return Of The Living Dead 3 via the recent Vestron Video Collector’s Series release (check out his detailed review 
