Archive for the 'Sean Ferguson' Category
February 12th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Cabaret, Bob Fosse’s ground-breaking Oscar-winning musical drama starring Liza Minnelli (Arthur, The Sterile Cuckoo), Michael York (the Austin Powers films), Joel Grey (TV’s “Oz”), Helmut Griem, and Marisa Berenson (I am Love), celebrated its 40th anniversary with its debut on Blu-ray on February 5, 2013. Remastered for the first time in over 20 years, Cabaret is presented in its original aspect ratio (16 x 9 format). Winner of eight Academy Awards, including Director (Fosse), Actress (Minnelli), and Supporting Actor (Grey), the film arrives in a premium Blu-ray Book format, which contains 40 pages of insightful photos and text. A new documentary, “Cabaret: The Musical That Changed Musicals” will be featured, along with vintage documentaries “Cabaret: A Legend in the Making,” “The Recreation of an Era,” a multi-part memory gallery and more. Continue reading ‘Cabaret: 40th Anniversary Blu-ray Book (Blu-ray Review)’
January 30th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Keith Carradine and Harvey Keitel star in Ridley Scott’s first feature-length motion picture, The Duellists. Two officers in Napoleon’s army violently confront each other in a series of duels. The duels begin as a reaction to a minor incident and escalate into a consuming passion that rules the lives of both men for a period of 30 years. Based on Joseph Conrad’s story, The Duellists explores the themes of obsession, honor and violence. Awarded “Best Debut Film” at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival, this visually stunning film weaves a compelling story through to an unexpected conclusion.
Continue reading ‘The Duellists (Blu-ray Review)’
January 28th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Cantor Rabinowitz (Warner Oland) is concerned and upset because his son Jakie (Al Jolson), shows so little interest in carrying on the family’s traditions and heritage. For five generations, men in the family have been Cantors in the synagogue, but Jakie is more interested in jazz and ragtime music. One day, they have such a bitter argument that Jakie leaves home for good. After a few years on his own, now calling himself Jack Robin, he gets an important opportunity through the help of well-known stage performer Mary Dale (Mary McAvoy). But Jakie finds that in order to balance his career, his relationship with Mary, and his memories of his family, he will be forced to make some difficult choices. Starring Al Jolson, May McAvoy, and Warner Oland, this “talkie” is famous for being the first full length motion picture to feature synchronized audio. The film also features a slew of added material such as vintage cartoons and a film documentary. 
Continue reading ‘The Jazz Singer (1927) (Blu-ray 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 24th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Featuring an all-star cast lead by Academy Award nominees Julianne Moore, Woody Harrelson and Ed Harris, Game Change revisits a defining moment in U.S. politics with a searing, behind-the scenes look at John McCain’s beleaguered 2008 presidential campaign – from the decision to select Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as a running mate to the ticket’s ultimate defeat in the general elections. Based on the best-selling book of the same name, the film examines the chain of events that determines the leadership of the country, ultimately offering a unique glimpse into the inner workings of how we choose our leaders. It pulls back the curtain on the intense human drama surrounding the McCain team, the critical decisions made behind closed doors and how the choice was made to bring Palin on the ticket. Continue reading ‘Game Change (Blu-ray Review)’
January 20th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
From Disney and creative genius Tim Burton (Batman, The Nightmare Before Christmas) comes the hilarious and offbeat Frankenweenie, a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town learn that getting a new ‘leash on life’ can be monstrous. Frankenweenie features an all-star cast including the voices of Emmy Award-winner Catherine O’Hara, Tony Award-winner Martin Short, Academy Award-winner Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer, Robert Capron, Conchata Ferrell and Golden Globe-winner Winona Ryder. Continue reading ‘Frankenweenie 3D / 2D 4-Disc Combo Pack (Blu-ray Review)’
January 15th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Chester Gould’s Dick Tracy comes to life in this visually brilliant adaptation by Warren Beatty. The comic strip detective (Beatty) finds his life vastly complicated when Breathless Mahoney (Madonna) makes advances towards him while he is trying to battle Big Boy Caprice’s (Al Pacino) united mob. The film offers a who’s who of actors as Beatty was able to bring in big stars for even cameos based on his friendship with them. Dick Tracy was the winner of three Academy Awards, including Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Makeup and Best Music (Original Song for “Sooner or Later (I Always Get My Man)”).
Continue reading ‘Dick Tracy (Blu-ray Review)’
January 9th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Mel Brooks. The name conjures up some of the most enduring comedic images in the history of American popular culture: The inimitable 2000 Year Old Man. Max Bialystock. Springtime for Hitler. Flatulent cowboys in Blazing Saddles. The bumbling Maxwell Smart. Young Frankenstein and his well-endowed monster. From stand-up to films to TV to Broadway, for 65 years, in every medium through which entertainment can possibly pass, Mel Brooks has conquered the world with laughter. A celebrated director, actor, producer, composer and writer, Brooks is one of only 11 people in history to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. And now, in a first-of-its-kind collection, this 5-DVD/1-CD set offers a veritable treasure trove of all things Brooksian, a laugh-filled celebration of his illustrious career. This box set takes viewers on a journey through time with performances, extensive interviews, film clips and rare archival television footage, as well as some never-before-seen photos, and special tributes. of Brooks’ television appearances, short films, documentaries, tributes, songs and genuine rarities.
Continue reading ‘The Incredible Mel Brooks: An Irresistible Collection Of Unhinged Comedy (DVD Review)’
December 23rd, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios take moviegoers up, up and away with a wildly original adventure with their latest comedy-fantasy. Up follows the uplifting tale of 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away on the trip: an overly optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell. Their journey to a lost world, where they encounter some strange, exotic and surprising characters, is filled with hilarity, emotion and wildly imaginative adventure. Continue reading ‘Up 2D / 3D (Blu-ray Review)’
December 20th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
Making a top ten list of Blu-rays is always a difficult thing for me to do. The fact that there’s so many excellent releases that I haven’t seen yet just makes it even harder because I know a lot of them would be on my list, not to mention that the year isn’t over yet and I still have more movies that I haven’t even reviewed yet. So with that in mind, I’ve decided to make a list of the Top 10 Blu-rays that I’ve actually seen and most likely reviewed, and another list of Blu-rays that I probably would have included on this list if I had seen them. Continue reading ‘Sean’s Top Ten Blu-rays of 2012 / Holiday Gift Guide’
December 17th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
In this stunning underwater adventure teeming with memorable comedic characters and heartfelt emotion, Finding Nemo follows the momentous journey of an overprotective clownfish named Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) and his young son Nemo (voiced by Alexander Gould). When the two are unexpectedly separated in the Great Barrier Reef, Nemo is carried far from his ocean home and deposited in a fish tank in a dentist’s office. Buoyed by the companionship of Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres), a friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish, Marlin embarks on a dangerous trek and finds himself the unlikely hero of an epic effort to rescue his son – who hatches a few daring plans of his own to return safely home. Finding Nemo is now available for the first time ever in high-definition Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D and Digital platforms! Continue reading ‘Finding Nemo 2D / 3D Ultimate Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
December 16th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
In Iowa, butter carving is as cut-throat as a Presidential election, plagued with scandal, greed, blackmail, and sex – except with butter! When long-reigning champion butter sculptor, Bob Pickler (Ty Burrell), is forced to step down, his zealous wife, Laura (Jennifer Garner), enters the competition herself to fight for their status as butter royalty. A win seems virtually guaranteed for the poised and studied candidate when a formidable contender emerges: the fresh-faced, effortlessly charismatic 10-year-old, Destiny (Yara Shahidi), an African-American foster child of local couple, Jill and Ethan (Alicia Silverstone and Rob Corddry). Suddenly, it’s anybody’s game and Laura will do anything to win – even if it means resorting to sabotage and seducing her foolish ex-boyfriend, Boyd (Hugh Jackman), as a co-conspirator. Continue reading ‘Butter (Blu-ray Review)’
December 12th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
With Unicron defeated by Optimus Prime, what was thought to be the end of Autobots’ darkest hour is actually proving to be just the beginning. The dynamic second season of Hasbro Studios’ acclaimed animated hit series Transformers Prime digs deeper into Transformers mythology as both the Autobots and Decepticons uncover clues relating to secret artifacts of Iacon, Cybertron’s capital city. Their discoveries could not only change the balance of power in the war, but also potentially revive their dead home planet. Fans of all ages can relive the thrilling adventures of Transformers Prime now that the complete Season Two has debuted on home entertainment shelves nationwide in the U.S on DVD and on Blu-ray from Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios.
Continue reading ‘Transformers Prime: Season Two (Blu-ray Review)’
December 8th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
From Disney•Pixar, the Award-winning studio behind Toy Story, Up and WALL•E, comes a new collection of short films. Experience the revolutionary animation and unforgettable characters with 12 short films together for the very first time. This must-own collection also features seven rarely screened student films from directors John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, and Pete Docter. Available on Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital as of November 13, Pixar Short Films Collection: Volume 2 will delight audiences of all ages. Continue reading ‘Pixar Short Films Collection: Volume 2 (Blu-ray Review)’
December 2nd, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
They’re baaack! Catch the action for the first time or relive the ups and downs that come with fame as Vince, Eric, Drama and Turtle take you on a whirlwind ride through the high-stakes world of Hollywood with Entourage: The Complete Series. Created and executive produced by Doug Ellin and loosely based on the experiences of his good friend, Mark Wahlberg (who’s among the series’ executive producers), Entourage takes a none-too-serious look at the day-to-day life of Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier), a hot young Hollywood actor, and the inner circle of friends he’s brought from his hometown in Queens, NY: manager Eric (Kevin Connolly), half-brother/actor Drama (Kevin Dillon) and enterprising pal Turtle (Jerry Ferrara). The series also stars Jeremy Piven who garnered three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for his portrayal as Vince’s agent Ari Gold, Rex Lee as Lloyd and Perry Reeves as the long-suffering Mrs. Ari. Returning guest stars include Scott Caan as Scott Lavin, Emmanuelle Chriqui as Sloan, Beverly D’Angelo as Ari’s business partner Babs and Debi Mazar as Vince’s publicist Shauna. The set is boxed in a stylishly cool, black casing and features all eight seasons along with more than six hours of bonus content and is the first time seasons one through five are available on Blu-ray. Continue reading ‘Entourage: The Complete Series (Blu-ray Review)’
December 1st, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
Three-time Oscar-winning filmmaker Oliver Stone returns to the screen with the ferocious thriller Savages, based on Don Winslow’s bestselling crime novel, one of The New York Times’ Top 10 Books of 2010. Laguna Beach entrepreneurs Ben (Aaron Johnson) and Chon (Taylor Kitsch) raise and sell some of the best marijuana ever developed, while sharing a one-of-a-kind love with the extraordinary beauty Ophelia (Blake Lively). Their idyllic life is shattered when the Mexican Baja Cartel demands that the trio partner with them. But the cartel’s merciless boss, Elena (Salma Hayek), and her brutal enforcer, Lado (Benicio Del Toro), underestimate the unbreakable bonds among these three friends. Ben and Chon—with the reluctant, slippery assistance of a dirty DEA agent (John Travolta)—launch a seemingly unwinnable war against the drug lords that escalates into a savage, high-stakes battle of wills. Continue reading ‘Savages (Blu-ray Review)’
November 26th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
The Astonishing X-Men 2-Disc Blu-ray Collection is the perfect gift for the ultimate Marvel fan. This collection is available in stores nationwide November 13, 2012 from Shout! Factory, in association with Marvel Knights Animation. The 2-Disc Blu-ray collection boasts all four Astonishing X-Men adventures (Gifted, Dangerous, Torn, & Unstoppable) from Joss Whedon, the mastermind behind the massive hit film Marvel’s The Avengers, and award-winning artist John Cassaday. As one of the most important X-Men stories of all-time, it features over 5 hours of engaging animation combined with non-stop action, as well as all-new cover art illustration by Cassaday. Continue reading ‘Marvel Knights: Astonishing X-Men Box Set: Gifted, Dangerous, Torn, & Unstoppable (Blu-ray Review)’
November 22nd, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
“Perry Mason,” the popular TV franchise that inspired a genre of courtroom dramas returns with the second half of the seventh season. Raymond Burr continues igniting the screen as a brilliant attorney who will stop at nothing to crack the most impossible cases to uncover the truth. This Emmy Award winning court drama stars Raymond Burr and all fifteen episodes have been digitally re-mastered on four discs and include guest stars like Ryan O’Neil, Paul Winchell, Barry Atwater, David McCallum, Jackie Coogan, William Smith, Stacy Keach Sr., Jerry Van Dyke, Joyce Meadows, Victor Buono, Malachi Throne, Michael Ansara, Neil Hamilton, Ann Rutherford, Ford Rainey and William Boyett., Les Tremayne, Jeanne Cooper, Tom Greenway, Arthur Franz, Richard Devon, Mala Powers, Holly McIntire, Sue Randall, Jacques Aubuchon, Douglas Lambert, Rebecca Welles, Jena Engstrom, Peter Hobbs, Mimsy Farmer, Mark Slade, Malcolm Atterbury, Constance Towers, and many many more! Continue reading ‘Perry Mason: Season 7 Volume 2 (DVD Review)’
