Archive for the 'DVD Reviews' Category
November 26th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
TV movies aren’t quite what they used to be decades ago. Made for TV films were big deals leading all the way up to the start of the 2000s. There were big events, like a mini series or a movie of the week. I think we could all recall our favorite Stephen King mini-series event or getting hyped up for the next one. People loved sitting around for a Sunday night movie that was all new and didn’t require going to the theater. Somewhere along the line, the quality of these or audience expectation and desire for them dropped significantly. Now the big ones are intentionally campy exploitation films like Sharknado. Scream Factory is digging up history and trying something new out here with TV Terrors, resurrecting two made for TV horror films from 1978. This is a “feeler” release. So if there are titles you’re hoping they’d pick up and put out, you best show this one some love. And I would love for you to preorder it below as always. Continue reading ‘TV Terrors: The Initiation Of Sarah/Are You In The House Alone? (DVD Review)’
November 5th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Whether or not you knew this already, modern renaissance man/seemingly always squinting actor James Franco has not only been starring in films, but he has also tried his hand at directing several times. One of his latest efforts is an adaptation of the William Faulkner novel As I Lay Dying, which is considered to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. As a film, it is a bit of an odd duck. Franco’s directorial choices, as one hears the words of Faulkner come out of these actors, makes this film lean in a direction that was not entirely favorable to me. Still, as this film has the semblance of an experimental feature, among other things, there is a feature here that should provide some interest to those who seek it out.
Continue reading ‘As I Lay Dying (DVD Review)’
October 14th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
After Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s latest “-inator” scheme accidentally removes the powers of some very well-known Marvel Super Heroes (Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, and Hulk), the heroes enter the world of Danville and team up with Phineas and Ferb to relocate their powers, defeat the Marvel Super Villains (Red Skull, MODOK, Whiplash and Venom) – who have also shown up to steal Doofenshmirtz’s power-draining technology – and save Danville from ultimate destruction! Continue reading ‘Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel (DVD Review)’
October 1st, 2013 by Jami Ferguson
Behind the music of Nashville lies a captivating web of betrayal, heartbreak and rivalry. Rayna Jaymes is the reigning Queen of Country, yet hot young diva Juliette Barnes is poised to knock her off her throne. Adding more fuel to the fire is Rayna’s rich, scheming father, whose political ambitions for Rayna’s husband hide sinister ulterior motives. Surrender to a seductive mix of music, intrigue and passion with “Nashville: The Complete First Season,” including all 21 tantalizing episodes, and exclusive, never-before-seen bonus features, in a spectacular 5-disc set. “Nashville” was created by Callie Khouri and stars Connie Britton as Rayna Jaymes, Hayden Panettiere as Juliette Barnes, Charles Esten as Deacon Claybourne, Eric Close as Teddy Conrad, Clare Bowen as Scarlett O’Connor, Jonathan Jackson as Avery Barkley, Sam Palladio as Gunnar Scott, Robert Ray Wisdom as Coleman Carlisle and Powers Boothe as Lamar Wyatt. Continue reading ‘Nashville: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray Review)’
September 22nd, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
It’s time to enter the fifth season of the fifth dimension when The Twilight Zone: The Complete Fifth Season returns with all 36 episodes from the groundbreaking sci-fi/fantasy series’ final season. Submitted for your approval, is the wildest and (dare we say) weirdest season of Rod Serling’s iconic series, containing such memorable episodes as “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” “A Kind of a Stopwatch,” “Living Doll” and the Oscar nominated short film “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge.” This season also rolls out some great guest stars including Bill Mumy, George Takei, James Coburn, Lee Marvin, Martin Landau, Mickey Rooney, Shelley Fabares and William Shatner. Continue reading ‘The Twilight Zone: The Complete Fifth Season (DVD Review)’
September 18th, 2013 by Jami Ferguson
As four friends indulge in a carefree Cambodian holiday, their sun-soaked retreat quickly takes a horrific turn when one of them disappears. Does one of the remaining friends hold the answer to the fate of their lost companion? Screen veteran Kieran Darcy-Smith (Animal Kingdom) makes his feature directorial debut with this ambitious non-linear drama centering on a group of Australian friends whose lives are irreparably changed after one of them goes missing during a spontaneous vacation in Cambodia. Alice (Felicity Price) and Dave (Joel Edgerton) are about to become new parents when they agree to join Alice’s little sister Steph (Teresa Palmer) and her new beau Jeremy (Anthony Starr) on a sun-soaked trip to Cambodia. Their tropical retreat quickly turns bad, however, when Jeremy vanishes without a trace. As the investigation into Jeremy’s disappearance begins to reveal the nefarious motivations behind their trip, the remaining three struggle to carry on with their lives in Sydney amidst the threat that even more damning details will emerge. Continue reading ‘Wish You Were Here (DVD Review)’
September 16th, 2013 by Jami Ferguson
Together at last! After four seasons, the action and the passion heat up like never before when “Castle: The Complete Fifth Season” arrives on DVD. Now that Castle and Beckett, aka “Caskett,” have finally given into their true feelings for each other, how will it affect their work? As they try to keep their new relationship under wraps, the unlikely duo continues to fight for justice. Escape into the action and mystery with all 24 unforgettable episodes and never-before-seen bonus features, only available on this spectacular five-disc set. “Castle” stars Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle, Stana Katic as NYPD Detective Kate Beckett, Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers, Molly C. Quinn as Alexis Castle, Penny Johnson as NYPD Captain Victoria Gates, Tamala Jones as Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas as NYPD Detective Javier Esposito and Seamus Dever as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan. Continue reading ‘Castle: The Complete Fifth Season (DVD Review)’
September 3rd, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
I have been watching It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia since the beginning. As with any show that runs for so long, its best days may be behind it, but I still love to tune in when the show starts up again each fall. Way back around the time of the second season, when Danny DeVito joined the cast, the show was being regarded as “Seinfeld on crack”. That largely has not changed. This is a show that revels applying its loose structure in an effort to engage in bawdiness and show off the fine chemistry between its cast. This DVD contains all 10 episodes from Season 8, as well as a handful of special features. Read on to learn more about this complete season set.
Continue reading ‘It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia: Season 8 (DVD Review)’
September 3rd, 2013 by Brandon Peters
Salient Media and Bloody Disgusting bring you The Haunting Of Helena. The film was also known for a time during its theatrical/festival run as Fairytale. Apparently the title has been changed since. Maybe using “Haunting Of” is a way to sell more copies based on other films using that moniker? It’s a film that tries its best to make a monster of the Tooth Fairy and provide a backstory of sorts. The film very much carries that mother-child dynamic of sorts seen in films like The Ring. Sadly with dull performances and no energy, the film that could have been a nice frightfest is more of a snoozefest. It’s got some nice imagery and a few cool ideas, but it’s never really able to become a film as nice and cool itself. Let’s have a look, shall we? Continue reading ‘The Haunting Of Helena (DVD Review)’
August 16th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Writer Earl Derr Biggers created fictional Chinese-American sleuth Charlie Chan in a series of printed tales beginning in 1923. In 1926, the first of more than 48 Charlie Chan films was put on the silver screen. Actor Warner Oland, born in Sweden, began a popular run for Fox in 1931 in Charlie Chan Carries On. After its success, Fox would produce 15 more Chan films starring Oland. Not surprisingly, the films became the most popular in 1930s China. After Oland died, Sidney Toler, an American actor with Scottish roots, took on the Chan role. Toler starred in 22 Chan films, first for Fox and later for Monogram Studios. After Toler’s death, Roland Winters became Chan in six more films. The character has also been featured frequently on radio, television and in the comics. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment brings back the legendary master of crime in the Charlie Chan Collection – four beloved films making their DVD debut, and now available for the first time, newly remastered, as a single collection. Included are Shadows Over Chinatown, starring Toler in one of his last Chan films, plus Docks of New Orleans, Shanghai Chest, and The Golden Eye starring Roland Winters, the last actor to play the detective on film. Continue reading ‘Charlie Chan Collection – Shadows Over Chinatown / Docks of New Orleans / Shanghai Chest / The Golden Eye (DVD Review)’
July 29th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
Any franchise can be resurrected nowadays. In 1990, New Line Cinema released House Party which wound up being a surprise hit that spawned now 4 sequels. These films were party comedies, focusing on a thin main plot with the main characters while having multiple goofy side characters with little arcs as well. You’ve seen this type of film aped before and maybe it was House Party that brought it to the forefront. The first 2 sequels were hits as well and meant to be a finished trilogy. In 2000, a direct-to-video sequel brought back the franchise for a one off. Now, Warner’s Premiere label has decided to reboot this franchise for the modern generation. Continue reading ‘House Party: Tonight’s The Night (DVD Review)’
June 27th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
Naked City is a spin off television of the film noir classic of the same name. The show spanned for 4 seasons and ran 138 episodes from 1958-1963. While the film version was very noir, this show has some of that feel, but is more of a police procedural than anything. And it’s more procedural than anything we can think we know by that format today. Modern CBS shows look like HBO/Showtime programming in comparison. For this release, Image has collected 20 episodes featuring some of the biggest name guest stars of the entire series’ run. You’ll see the likes of William Shatner, Gene Hackman, Dustin Hoffman, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen (fighting a midget!), Robert Duvall and more as you make your way through the episodes. Continue reading ‘Naked City: 20 Star-Filled Episodes (DVD Review)’
April 16th, 2013 by Gregg Senko
There was a golden era of baseball that has long since passed. It covered a time that spanned the years before and shortly after World War II. The teams of this age consisted of rosters that held the names of some of the greatest that ever played the game. There were those dangerous with a bat like Ted Williams and Babe Ruth and those who shut down the opposition from the mound like Dizzy Dean and Bob Feller. While these men and their teammates had their highs and lows, none of them faced the struggles and hurdles like the late, great Hammerin’ Hank Greenberg.
Continue reading ‘The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg (DVD Review)’
March 24th, 2013 by David Freedman
Sean and Liz offer you a classic from the vault starring Tim Robbins and Paul Newman.
A naive business graduate is installed as president of a manufacturing company as part of a stock scam.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘The Hudsucker Proxy – Classic From The Vault – Just Seen It’
March 13th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Featuring 17 complete and unedited episodes handpicked by Burnett herself, the newly-packaged set includes over two hours of exclusive bonus features such as the “This Time Together: a cast reunion” featuring Carol, Vicki Lawrence, Tim Conway and Lyle Waggoner, guest appearances from A-listers like Dick Van Dyke, Sammy Davis Jr., Lily Tomlin, Hal Linden, Steve Lawrence, Peggy Lee, Bernadette Peters, The Pointer Sisters, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara and much more! Showcasing some of the most memorable and hilarious moments from CBS-TV’s star-studded series,
This Time Together contains many of the classic sketches and characters that will forever be a part of “The Golden Age of Television.”
February 15th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Warner Brothers is celebrating its landmark 90th anniversary with a year-long initiative to release seven new major home entertainment collections. The campaign’s flagship release, The Best of Warner Bros. 100 Film DVD Collection, showcases 100 movies from the studio’s historic, hallowed archives — the largest film library in the world. The limited and numbered box set includes all 22 of the Warner library’s Best Picture winners, and a new full-length documentary, “Tales from the Warner Bros. Lot.” The collection is also available as a 50 Film Blu-ray box set. In addition, the Best of Warner Bros. 20 Film DVD Collections such as this one will be released throughout the year in five separate sets, each showcasing twenty essential titles in five major genres. This week marks the release of this Best Pictures box set, which includes twenty of the studio’s Best Picture winners from Academy Award history. Continue reading ‘Best of Warner Bros. 20 Film Collection: Best Pictures (DVD Review)’
January 25th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the comedy team behind the Golden Globe-winning BBC series “The Office” and acclaimed HBO series “Extras” and “The Ricky Gervais Show”, bring another series to television with “Life’s Too Short”. Starring actor Warwick Davis (Willow) as a fictionalized version of himself, the series takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the travails of a little person who’s big on ego and a little short on everything else. Shot faux-documentary style, “Life’s Too Short” gleefully charts Davis’s every move as he tries to jump-start his waning career by opening his doors to a reality TV film crew while trying to maintain his pride and self-respect in a series of uncomfortable, often-humiliating situations. Along the way, he seeks advice from his old pals Gervais and Merchant (playing versions of themselves) in hopes that their A-list celebrity connections including Johnny Depp, Liam Neeson, Sting, Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Carell, Cat Deely (who all cameo) will aid his career. Continue reading ‘Life’s Too Short: The Complete First Season (DVD Review)’
January 10th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Season 3 of Archer has hit shelves just as season 4 is about to begin, so anyone who is looking to catch up can do so now! As stated before, “Prepare to have all the fun you can with the animated series that is not afraid to cross any borders when it comes to the adventures of the super spy that is Sterling Archer, one of the most horrible, yet hilarious of men in the world. I have been a big fan of this series from the beginning and am happy to go over the third season in detail, as the style of the show is certainly in its prime right now. The best part is being able to watch the first three episodes of the season, the three-parter, “Heart of Archness,” as it is basically like Archer: The Movie. With the rest of this incredibly fun season and slightly more extras than the Season 2 set, continue on to learn more about this DVD package. Continue reading ‘Archer: The Complete Season 3 (DVD Review)’
