Archive for the 'Editorials' Category
August 26th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
On August 25th, I was happy to attend a screening of Cowboy Bebop: The Movie at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica, which was then followed by a panel discussion featuring actor Steve Blum (voice of ‘Bebop’s lead character Spike Spiegel) and director and illustrator Peter Ramsey (Rise of the Guardians). As a huge fan of the popular anime series and the film it spawned, it was exciting to see the film on the big screen again (I was fortunate to see the film during its very limited, original theatrical run in America, back in 2003), but also a very fun panel to listen in on afterward. Continue on to listen to the entire Q&A and learn more about this fun event.
Continue reading ‘Cowboy Bebop: The Movie Q&A, Featuring Steve Blum And Peter Ramsey’
August 21st, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
The World’s End is upon us! By that I mean the new film from co-writer/director Edgar Wright, co-writer/star Simon Pegg, and star Nick Frost. The World’s End is a sci-fi comedy, which brings a trilogy to a close. This would be the “Three Flavors Cornetto Trilogy” or the “Blood and Ice Cream Trilogy” that also includes the Rom-Zom-Com, Shaun of the Dead, along with the high-octane, action-buddy-comedy Hot Fuzz. I am a huge fan of both of these films and found The World’s End to be a fitting close to this trio (My review can be found HERE, along with a review from Why So Blu’s Brian White HERE). A few weeks ago, I was given the chance to interview Wright, Pegg, and Frost and was very excited to do so. Continue on to see my video interview with the guys and see how much fun can be had just by sitting in a room with them.
Continue reading ‘‘The World’s End’ Interview With Aaron Vs. Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, And Nick Frost’
August 20th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson team up to crash the digital world in this laugh-out-loud buddy comedy you’ve been searching for! Trying to reboot their obsolete careers, old-school salesmen Billy (Vaughn) and Nick (Wilson) talk their way into an internship program at the state-of-the-art Google campus, vying for a handful of spots among tech-savvy college students who are half their age and twice as smart. The competition is fiercely funny as Billy and Nick break all the rules in a hilarious quest to land their dream jobs!
Continue reading ‘The Internship Arrives on Blu-ray this October!’
August 17th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Both had supposedly outlived their usefulness to the Circus, the British Secret Intelligence Service: George Smiley, the retired head of espionage, and General Vladimir, an aging informant who reported to him. When the general walks into a bullet after sending an urgent message to his old handler, the Circus asks Smiley to “tidy things up.” But Smiley hears Vladimir’s message as a call to arms against his nemesis, the Soviet super spy Karla, once again tantalizingly within his grasp in this gripping sequel to John le Carré’s classic Cold War-era spy drama, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Oscar winner Alec Guinness (Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars, Lawrence of Arabia) reprises his BAFTA-winning role as retired spymaster George Smiley for the 1982 sequel. Filmed on location in London, Paris, Hamburg, and Berne, Smiley’s People co-stars Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: The Next Generation, X-Men), Eileen Atkins (Upstairs, Downstairs), and Bill Paterson (Traffik). The miniseries also stars Anthony Bate, Bernard Hepton, Michael Lonsdale, Beryl Reid, and Michael Gough. Continue reading ‘Smiley’s People (Blu-ray 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)’
August 15th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Released from the Disney Vault in celebration of its 50th Anniversary, this beloved classic shines like never before on Blu-ray with an all-new digital restoration. Winner of five Academy Awards®, including Best Actress (Julie Andrews), Best Song (“Chim Chim Cher-ee”) and Best Visual Effects, Mary Poppins is a movie experience your family will enjoy over and over again. “Practically Perfect In Every Way” Mary Poppins flies out of the windy London skies and into the home of two mischievous children. With the help of a carefree chimney sweep named Bert (Dick Van Dyke), the spirited nanny turns every chore into a game and every day into a “Jolly Holiday.” Share the music, the magic, and the joy of Mary Poppins with a whole new generation. Continue reading ‘Here’s the Mary Poppins 50th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray Details and Trailer’
August 13th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Experience a magical adventure, filled with friendship, fun and “paws-itively” cool music in the new 25th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray of Walt Disney’s Oliver And Company: 25th Anniversary Edition – featuring tail-wagging bonus and new digital mastering! Oliver, a feisty young cat, explores New York in this thrilling animated classic cleverly based on Charles Dickens’ timeless story, “Oliver Twist” — featuring unforgettable songs performed by musical greats Billy Joel, Huey Lewis and Bette Midler! Joined by a pack of hilarious characters — dogs Dodger, Tito and their pals — Oliver knows he’s found a lifelong friend and a real home. The new 25th Anniversary Edition includes Oliver’s Big City Challenge Game, the Academy Award-winning animated short “Lend A Paw” (1941, Short Subject, Cartoon) and much more! Hightail it to your home theater for a fun and exciting movie-watching experience your family will enjoy again and again! Continue reading ‘Oliver and Company: 25th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
August 9th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
The epic sci-fi adventure continues as the latest high-definition collections of the celebrated series, Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Complete Fourth Season Blu-ray has arrived from CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Media Distribution. This series stars one of the most endearing ensemble casts in television history, Star Trek: The Next Generation took fans on the remarkable continuing voyages of the Starship Enterprise with Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), Commander William T. Riker (Jonathan Frakes), Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton), Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis), Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner), Lieutenant Worf (Michael Dorn), Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) and Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton). Featuring painstaking restorations of the beloved series’ episodes, both sets are also packed with must-see special features that delve into the inception and creation of some of Star Trek: The Next Generation’s most unforgettable moments. From the season premiere – the epic conclusion of the two-part cliffhanger “The Best Of Both Worlds” – to its thrilling finale “Redemption” Part 1, Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Complete Fourth Season is distinguished as one of the most favored amongst fans.
Continue reading ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Complete Fourth Season (Blu-ray Review)’
August 9th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
This Fall, Disney•Pixar celebrates homecoming with the release of Monsters University on Digital HD and Digital HD 3D on October 8, 2013, followed by the 4-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, 3-Disc Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Combo Pack, 3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On-Demand on October 29, 2013. Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer. The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right. Monsters University bravely explores themes of self-discovery and the revelations that come with growing up. Continue reading ‘Monsters University Arrives on Digital HD 10/8 and on Blu-ray 10/29!’
August 8th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Long before Comedy Central began generating ratings and headlines with their over-the-top roasts, one entertainment icon was pioneering the format with “The Dean Martin Show.” In 1973, the 10-year-old NBC variety show retooled in its final season and introduced a new feature: the “Man of the Week Celebrity Roast.” Patterned after the roasts held at the New York City’s famous Friars Club, Dean Martin’s Roasts quickly became a favorite with television audiences and eventually evolved to become a network series, “The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts.” And beginning with a skewering of comedy legend Bob Hope on October 31, 1974, the program would go on to become a fixture on NBC for the next 11 years. Featuring all 54 roasts from both “The Dean Martin Show” and “The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts,” the program’s notable roastees included many of the 20th century’s most accomplished performers and athletes, politicians and personalities (complete list below), including: Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Carson, Sammy Davis Jr., Jack Benny, Lucille Ball, Jackie Gleason, George Burns, Don Rickles, Kirk Douglas, Danny Thomas, Gabe Kaplan, Hank Aaron, Wilt Chamberlin, Joe Namath, Muhammad Ali, Ronald Reagan and Dean Martin himself. Continue reading ‘The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts: Complete Collection is coming to DVD!’
August 8th, 2013 by Gregg Senko
It was to my dismay in recent days when I was home for lunch and found a black screen when I turned on Showtime. It wasn’t that moment that provided the maligned surprise as I’ll occasionally get the same black screen when I turn on ESPN at times. This is usually corrected by waiting a minute or so, or going to another channel, then flipping back, except this time, flipping back did not provide the desired effect. Instead, I was introduced to this message of doom…
Continue reading ‘The Great CBS / Time Warner Debacle’
August 7th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, The Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the nine realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s Thor and Marvel’s The Avengers, Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos…but an ancient race led by the vengeful malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with jane foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Idris Elba, Christopher Eccleston, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Zachary Levi, Tadanobu Asano And Jaimie Alexander with Rene Russo and Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” is directed By Alan Taylor, produced By Kevin Feige, from a story by Don Payne and screenplay by Christopher L. Yost And Christopher Markus & Stephen Mcfeely and as based on Marvel’s classic super-hero Thor, who first appeared in the comic book “Journey Into Mystery” #83 In August, 1962.
Continue reading ‘Here’s the Thor: The Dark World Official Trailer!’
August 2nd, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Released from the Disney vault for the first time in almost seven years, The Jungle Book swings onto Blu-ray Diamond Edition in the U.S. on February 11, 2014. Based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic novel, this song-filled celebration of friendship, fun, and adventure was Disney’s 19th animated masterpiece and the last animated feature to have Walt Disney’s personal touch. Now, viewers can experience its lush and colorful world and jazzy, toe-tapping songs – including the “I Wan’na Be Like You” and Academy Award-nominated classic “The Bare Necessities” – with the ultimate in high definition picture and sound clarity. Also featuring thrilling new bonus features, The Jungle Book is next winter’s must-own Diamond Edition Blu-ray! The ultimate Disney fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty, once again awakens to exquisite new picture and sound on Blu-ray in the U.S. in October 2014. Heralded by audiences and critics alike, Sleeping Beauty was one of the final fairy tales to be that Walt Disney himself worked on. Fully restored with revolutionary Blu-ray technology, this animated classic’s dazzling colors, spectacular action, and Academy Award-nominated orchestration (for Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture) shines brighter than ever. With wondrous new bonus features families will love, Sleeping Beauty charms like never before on Blu-ray Diamond Edition! Continue reading ‘Disney’s Sleeping Beauty and The Jungle Book Get the Diamond Edition Treatment in 2014′
August 2nd, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
This Star Trek: The Next Generation – Redemption Blu-Ray is a seamlessly edited, feature-length presentation of the classic two-part episode that served as the season four finale and season five premiere. Penned by acclaimed sci-fi screenwriter Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica), the thrilling episode follows Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) and Lieutenant Worf (Michael Dorn) as they fight to end a Klingon civil war. Along with an extensive audio commentary from Moore and scenic artists/Star Trek consultants Mike and Denise Okuda, Star Trek: The Next Generation – Redemption Blu-Ray includes the exclusive documentary, “Survive and Succeed: An Empire at War.” This newly produced special feature explores the Klingon mythology of Star Trek: The Next Generation and features all-new interviews with writer/producer Moore, who, in addition to“Redemption,” wrote some of the franchise’s most memorable Klingon storylines, and some of the actors who played the most renowned Klingon characters including Michael Dorn (Worf), Robert O’Reilly (Gowron) and Gwynyth Walsh (B’Etor).
Continue reading ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation – Redemption (Blu-ray Review)’
July 31st, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Exclusively at Disney’s D23 Expo August 9–11 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Disney fans are invited to explore the incredible roster of film, stage, and music projects on the horizon at The Walt Disney Studios, with a variety of panel discussions, sneak peeks, and exhibits. This year the Studio will present two arena shows, kicking off the Expo at 10 a.m. Friday, August 9, with “Art and Imagination: Animation at The Walt Disney Studios,” a showcase of upcoming animated films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and DisneyToon Studios. John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer of Disney’s Animation Studios, will host a lively exhibition chock-full of never-before-seen footage, celebrity and filmmaker appearances, and live performances from films like Disney’s Frozen, Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur and the Mickey Mouse short Get a Horse! Then at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 10, Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn, Disney Live Action Production President Sean Bailey, and Marvel Studios President and Producer Kevin Feige will host “Let the Adventures Begin: Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios,” an expedition through the Studio’s exciting live-action offerings from Disney as well as several powerhouse pictures on tap from Marvel Studios, with exclusive clips and surprise guests from a range of films including Saving Mr. Banks, Tomorrowland, Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and much more. Continue reading ‘Everything You Need To Know About Disney’s Upcoming D23 Expo’
July 31st, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Join Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) as he leads his crew through more thrilling adventures in sparkling high-definition when Star Trek: Enterprise – The Complete Second Season arrives on Blu-ray Disc August 20 from CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Media Distribution. Star Trek: Enterprise recounts the adventures of the pioneers of space travel who ventured into the universe 100 years before the events of Star Trek: The Original Series. Set in the 22nd century, in a time when interstellar travel is still in its infancy, Enterprise follows Captain Archer and his crew of brave explorers as they set out to chart the galaxy on a revolutionary spacecraft and experience the wonder and mystery of the final frontier as they seek out new life and new civilizations. A centerpiece to the Star Trek: Enterprise – The Complete Second Season Blu-ray collection is the newly produced cast reunion feature, “In Conversation: The First Crew,” which offers fans a look at an intimate and candid discussion with members of the main cast and recurring guest stars, who reveal their most memorable stories from the set and their favorite behind-the-scenes moments. The reunion is moderated by series co-creator/executive producer Brannon Braga. Continue reading ‘Star Trek: Enterprise – The Complete Second Season Arrives on Blu-ray August 20!’
July 31st, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Now you can enjoy the complete fourth season (airing 1964-1965), all 32 episodes in their entirety and in spectacular high-definition – direct from the 35mm negatives! Be there as Laura gets her toe caught in a bath spout in the unforgettable episode “Never Bathe on a Saturday,” a sleep-deprived Rob tries to stay awake during his job interview with Alan Brady in “100 Terrible Hours” and Don Rickles is a klutzy thief who tries to rob the Petries in a stalled elevator in “4 1/2 ” then enlists them to entertain in “The Alan Brady Show Goes to Jail.” “The Dick Van Dyke Show”: The Complete Fourth Season is loaded with Blu-ray exclusives including: TV Academy tribute to Carl Reiner featuring Dick Van Dyke, Ray Romano and Brad Garrett, Rose Marie, Larry Mathews and more, Mary Tyler Moore’s appearance on “The Danny Kaye Show.” Also included are audio commentaries with Carl Reiner, Dick Van Dyke and Garry Marshall, Emmy Award telecast clip featuring the cast, original network promo spots, and more! Continue reading ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show – The Complete Fourth Season (Blu-ray Review)’
July 27th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Back in 2011, fans of the popular video game series Mortal Kombat were treated to a brand new way of experiencing the series and various characters through the means of a pretty solid web series (which I covered HERE). Mortal Kombat Legacy was a much grittier portrayal of the world of Mortal Kombat, with an emphasis on applying a real world quality to the series, despite involving fantastical elements, such as the god of thunder, Raiden. Regardless, the web series was a hit at the time, but has only slowly leaked out information regarding the new season. Well, there was a panel at San Diego Comic Con this year, which was a great way to reintroduce audiences to the series. While a trailer was released a few months ago, fans got a new look at this upcoming season, as well as some information in regards to how things are going to change for the better. Continue on to learn more about this panel, check out some photos, and take a look at the latest trailer.
Continue reading ‘Comic-Con 2013: Mortal Kombat Legacy’
