LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures – Season One (Blu-ray Review)
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. Continue reading ‘LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures – Season One (Blu-ray Review)’
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 
4K UHD has been impressing me along the way this year. One thing I really want to see more of on the format are classic films. I know new films are going to look shiny, new and vibrant. But, what I really want to see is how the vintage stuff is going to look and improve when done right. Just a few months ago, I was downright disappointed when Sony released yet another version of Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver (One of the greatest Blu-ray transfers of all time) on regular Blu-ray when they actually do have a 4K remaster just sitting there waiting. Thankfully, Warner Bros didn’t let me down. Like usual, when a new format drops, here comes Goodfellas. Last year, you’ll remember they release a Blu-ray sourced from a 4K remaster…well…here’s what said master actually looks like now. I couldn’t be more excited to be revisiting this film and transfer just a year later.
There were a lot of disappointments and film that tended to underwhelm many this summer at the movie theater. A couple biggies happened to show up here and there that both hit big with the money and the critical success, but not a whole lot of them did much of both. But then, there was the post-Suicide Squad August. All of a sudden, summer was finishing out quite strong with the likes of films akin to Kubo and the Two Strings and Hell Or High Water. Many a surprise here or there. One of them happened to be this film, Pete’s Dragon, the remake of the 1977 animated classic. Unfortunately though, while it was met with some very high critical praise, like Disney’s other family live-action meets CGI character hybrid The BFG, it didn’t pick up the dinero over at the box office. Its okay, though, you’ll get a second chance now on home video. 
Suicide Squad is one of those movies where you just have to get that first screening under your belt. It’s like being on a Southwest Airlines airplane. You know how you hear that ding and the captain says you’re now free to move around the cabin? It’s sort of the same principle with David Ayer’s Suicide Squad. After you get that initial first viewing of the film out of the way you’re now able to freely have fun with all subsequent watches. That was at least the case for me as I went on to see this one a total of three times theatrically despite my initial disdain. There are just too many good morsels to eat up in here to harbor any hate for the film. It’s not like the second through fourth Transformers films. Suicide Squad gets better with repeat visits. If you don’t believe me, check out how much money this bad boy made at the box office. Surely Margot Robbie doesn’t draw that much in attendance. Or does she now?! 
I Am Legend is best known to me as that Will Smith “zombie” apocalypse movie that featured the real star of the show…a red 2007 Shelby GT500. He does drive other Ford vehicles in the film, but none compare to that beastly, now classic muscle car. Now I know how that can be construed by someone just reading this. You’re probably thinking Brian hates this film and the only thing good about it is some stupid race car. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. I don’t hate I Am Legend at all. It’s no World War Z, but it’s definitely not the worst “zombie” film ever made either. I consider it middle of the road and for me it’s a very odd selection for Warner Bros. to include in their next wave of catalog 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases alongside Goodfellas, Argo and The Town. You get where I’m going here? However, for the moment I wish to digress and for the next five minutes or so (depending upon how fast of a reader you are) I’d like to discuss all things I Am Legend. After all, that is my job!
I didn’t use to be the biggest Ben Affleck fan around, but The Town was definitely one of the movies I could not wait to see after viewing its initial theatrical trailer. Maybe it was those devilish looking bank robbing masks (click 
Here’s a true fact for you. Never in a million, zillion years would I ever have believed that I could experience unhappiness while watching my favorite film of 
The blood runs in rivers and the drilling keeps tearing through flesh and bone…now all on Blu-ray! In career that has encompassed such controversial classics as Ms. 45, Bad Lieutenant and King of New York, none of Abel Ferrara’s films have quite managed to match the shock, extremity and downright notorious nature of 
Jason Bourne needs no trailer to sell it. Let’s be honest of that fact. When Bourne Identity dropped in 2002 it rejuvenated the stale international spy franchises out there. Just look at the style of what came next in the Bond series, Casino Royale, as living proof. Suddenly Bourne-like movies infected our screens everywhere from the mainstream Mission Impossible franchise to even television series like 24. Yes, technically 24 came out first, but surely you can see the influence of the Bourne films. Ha ha. Whatevs! What I want to know is what’s up with these “character name” movie titles? Stallone resurrected two dead franchises like that. Now I guess it’s Greengrass’ turn, eh? 
They’re not staying down there, anymore! Finally making its long-awaited debut on Blu-ray, director Douglas Cheek’s cult ’80s favorite 
This December, baseball fans can bring home this year’s Fall Classic with a Blu-ray release commemorating the Chicago Cubs champion run: 2016 World Series Champions: Chicago Cubs (available December 6th). All droughts end with rain. And when the Chicago Cubs ended their 108-year World Series drought with an improbable three game run – including a dramatic Game 7 rain delay – to capture the championship, generations of Cubs fans washed away decades of disappointment, curses and superstitions. Fly the W! The Cubs are 2016 World Series champions! 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. 
