Why So Blu?

WB Debuts New Trailers For Godzilla, Jupiter Ascending, and Edge of Tomorrow

The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug is a big release for this time of year, with a likely gross ending up north of a billion dollars worldwide.  Given the nature of this release, it only makes sense for Warner Brothers to debut trailers for a few of their potential blockbusters for next year around the same time, which is exactly what has happened.  Along with several other recent and upcoming trailers, Warner Brothers has released trailers and teasers for 3 of their 2014 summer movies – Godzilla, Jupiter Ascending, and Edge of Tomorrow.  Godzilla is a new update of the classic monster movie story/social commentary, with director Gareth Edwards (Monster) at the helm.  Jupiter Ascending is a new science fiction film from The Wachowski Starship (The Matrix Trilogy).  Edge of Tomorrow is a sci-fi war movie with a Groundhog’s Day-like twist, from director Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity).  Each of these films has the potential to be a big hit next summer.  Continue on to view these trailers for these upcoming features.

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The Jungle Book 2 Comes to Blu-ray this March!

Experience the wonder of this timeless tale as you reunite with your favorite characters and meet new friends. Disney’s beloved movie classic continues in this new digital master of The Jungle Book 2 – on Blu-ray for the first time, and wilder than ever in breathtaking high definition!  Now that Mowgli’s living in the “man-village,” he cherishes his new best friend and little brother, but he still has that jungle rhythm in his heart.  He misses hanging out with happy-go-lucky Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther.  Yearning for freedom, Mowgli runs off into the jungle – and encounters his enemy Shere Khan!  This time, he’ll need both his new human family and his old jungle friends to help save the day. Continue reading ‘The Jungle Book 2 Comes to Blu-ray this March!’

The Act of Killing Comes to Blu-ray and DVD this January

The Act of Killing, the breakout documentary that won over audiences at such important film festivals as Toronto, Telluride, SXSW, True/False and Berlin (where it won the Audience Award) and went on to record-breaking box-office openings in New York and other major markets, comes to Blu-ray and DVD on January 7, 2014, from Drafthouse Films, in conjunction with Cinedigm.  In this inventive and critically-acclaimed documentary by Joshua Oppenheimer and executive produced by documentary titans, Werner Herzog (Grizzly Man, Into the Abyss) and Errol Morris (The Thin Blue Line, The Fog of War), the filmmakers examine a country where Indonesian death squad leaders are celebrated as heroes, challenging them to reenact their real-life mass-killings via musical numbers, action and comedy sequences and other genres of the American movies they love. The hallucinatory result of Oppenheimer’s daring idea is a cinematic fever dream, an unsettling journey deep into the imaginations of mass murderers and the shockingly banal regime of corruption and impunity they inhabit. Continue reading ‘The Act of Killing Comes to Blu-ray and DVD this January’

Himalaya Arrives on Blu-ray This December

Kino Lorber is proud to announce the Blu-ray and DVD release of Himalaya, a film by Éric Valli which won Cesar Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Original Score and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 72nd Academy Awards® in 1999. Himalaya was a huge box office hit in Europe, and also enjoyed great popular success in the U.S., where it remained on the Variety top film box office chart for over six months.  Filmed over seven months in the forbidden Dolpo region of Nepal, Himalaya tells the story of a generational struggle for the leadership of a tiny mountain village between its proud old chief and a headstrong young caravanner. The balance of power shifts uneasily as they make their annual salt trek across the Himalayas.  A visually striking and spiritually captivating portrait of life in one of the world’s most extraordinary places, Himalaya is both intense drama and a gorgeous tapestry of the fast disappearing traditions of Tibetan life. Continue reading ‘Himalaya Arrives on Blu-ray This December’

The Wild Comedy BAD MILO! Arrives On Blu-ray, DVD & iTunes This January From Magnolia

Just what everyone needs after the holidays:  A horror-comedy about a butt demon.  Yep, that is the basic concept of Bad Milo, a wild looking film that deals with a man who has a demon living in his intestine.  I am intrigued just enough, based on some of the art that I have seen for this film, along with the cast, which includes Ken Marino (Children’s Hospital), Gillian Jacobs (Community), Peter Stormare (Fargo), Patrick Warburton (Family Guy), and many others.  Maybe I am heading into somewhere I would have rather not gone, but I am set on seeing this film and everyone else will be able to as well on January 21st.  Read on to learn more about this upcoming release.

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‘CBGB’ on Blu-ray and DVD December 31st!

CBGB looks at New York’s dynamic punk rock scene through the lens of the ground-breaking Lower East Side club started by eccentric Hilly Kristal in 1973 originally as a home for “country, bluegrass and blues” (thus the club’s name) and which showcased cutting-edge bands through its closing in 2006. The Talking Heads, Patti Smith, The Ramones, Blondie, The Dead Boys, Bad Brains, Green Day, Soul Asylum, The Police, Bruce Springsteen, Everclear, George Thorogood, The Velvet Underground, Sonic Youth, The Black Crowes, The Flaming Lips, The Goo Goo Dolls, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The B-52s, The Runaways, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Tool and The Wallflowers are just some of the thousands of bands that played the club over the years.   Continue reading ‘‘CBGB’ on Blu-ray and DVD December 31st!’

‘We Are What We Are’ Cultivates on Blu-ray This January!

Are you hungry?   Because if so, the Parkers would love to have “you” over for dinner.  And from what I hear about this gem that I missed out on in the theaters, you may not be too hungry after you see this one.  I have heard nothing but delight about this one so I’m happy to announce that Entertainment One is bringing Jim Mickle’s latest film, We Are What We Are, an Official Selection at the Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals, to Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download on January 7, 2014.  I’m definitely coming over to dinner for this, are you?!  Check out the full press release and more below. Continue reading ‘‘We Are What We Are’ Cultivates on Blu-ray This January!’

‘Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon’ on Blu-ray and DVD February 11th!

Universal’s ‘In Loving Memory’ Tribute To Paul Walker

Over the past five days I have read my share of heartfelt stories about the generosity of Paul Walker and how much he has meant to all the people he has touched in his tragically short life as well as some very insensitive things written by people who either have no soul or human compassion in life.  Nevertheless, Universal has put out this very touching 2-minute tribute to Paul Walker (embedded below) and the franchise he helped propel to stardom.  I know the films have had a profound effect on me.  Have they on you?  While many can scoff at The Fast & Furious franchise all they want for whatever reason, there’s no denying the fun and thrills they infuse in our lives as well as the million smiles they put on moviegoers’ faces all over the world.  Here’s to you Paul.  Thank you for all the memories (including Into The Blue and Running Scared).  May you rest in peace. Continue reading ‘Universal’s ‘In Loving Memory’ Tribute To Paul Walker’

Stallone and Schwarzenegger Devise an ‘Escape Plan’ on Blu-ray

I feel like a broken record as of late when posting these announcements, but here is yet another flick that I regrettably missed in the theaters and have been anxiously awaiting for its Blu-ray release ever since.  I could have made it to see it in the theaters, but by the time I was free it was in the smaller ones and I wanted my first time with this Stallone and Schwarzennger action vehicle to be on the most pristine format possible, Blu-ray.  Thanks to Lionsgate, they are making my Escape Plan Blu-ray dream come true on February 4th.  Thank you!!!  So my recommendation is that you pre-order this title as soon as its made available on Amazon and read the full press release below for more info! Continue reading ‘Stallone and Schwarzenegger Devise an ‘Escape Plan’ on Blu-ray’

Short Term 12 Is A Wonderful Film That Can Be Found On Blu-ray & DVD This January

I did plenty to try and promote Short Term 12 during its limited release late in the summer (Review HERE), but still wish it got more notoriety.  It does not hurt that it is currently up for many different critics and film group awards, with maybe some chances at Oscar, but we will see.  Regardless, the Brie Larson-starring drama is definitely worth checking out and can be seen on Blu-ray and DVD on January 14th.  Developed out of similar experiences from writer/director Destin Daniel Cretton, the film is based around a twenty-something supervisor at a group home for troubled teens and issues involving them, as well as her own life.  If is a fine film to seek out and you can read on to learn more about this upcoming release.

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Elysium’s Google Hangout with Visual Effects Supervisor Peter Muyzers

Why So Blu? was given a special opportunity to “hangout” with Elysium visual effects supervisor Peter Muyzers yesterday morning, as they broadcasted live from Las Vegas at the Cave visual effects convention. Several folks from Autodesk moderated the Google Hangout. Since we’re also going to be reviewing Elysium on this very website soon, it made perfect sense to cover the event, so that we may pair the two pieces together to give fans better coverage of the science fiction epic. Aside from a few technical hiccups during the live feed, the Google Hangout was fun and informative. The following post is more of a free-form post as opposed to a word-for-word transcription. We will also link to the Google Hangout, so that you can also view it at your leisure.   Continue reading ‘Elysium’s Google Hangout with Visual Effects Supervisor Peter Muyzers’

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Trailer Debut

Rhinos, Goblins, and Electro, oh my!  Certainly plenty of threats coming Spider-Man’s way in the upcoming sequel, The Amazing Spider-Man 2.  Arriving May 2, 2014, we now have a trailer to behold, which certainly emphasizes the kinds of things you see in trailers to sequels in big franchises.  I had previously written a post regarding the Comic Con panel for The Amazing Spider-Man 2 this past July (which can be found HERE), but now there is a bit more for readers to chew on, as they are seeing the web head back in action, along with Max Dillon aka Electro (Jamie Foxx), Aleksei Sytsevich aka Rhino (Paul Giamatti), and Harry Osborne (Dane DeHaan).  The scale looks big, we have lots of new characters, and everything else seems to be moving full swing ahead.  Personally, I enjoyed the first film well enough, even if it never really rose too far beyond being average, but at least the sequel has the benefit of having the origin story out of the way and can focus on new developments.  I just hope it is not too saturated with villains.  In this post I have embedded the new trailer and added a bunch of pictures from the film that have been released so far.

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L.A. LAW: Season One Finally Comes to DVD this February

Created by award-winning writers/producers Steven Bochco and Terry Louise Fisher, the critically acclaimed television series L.A. LAW held court in primetime during the course of its eight-season run on network television from 1986 through 1994. Winner of fifteen Primetime Emmy Awards, four Golden Globes and numerous honors and accolades, L.A. LAW takes viewers inside the inner sanctum of a fictional Los Angeles law firm of McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney & Kuzak. There, a team of ambitious and competitive attorneys must face the conflicts between their personal desires, their obligations as lawyers, and their principles as human beings. Continue reading ‘L.A. LAW: Season One Finally Comes to DVD this February’

Find Your Match When ‘Baggage Claim’ Comes to Blu-ray & DVD This February

The titles don’t get much more convenient than when the press release e-mails supply you with one for a film you already do not care for all that much.  Regardless, just in time for Valentine’s Day, Baggage Claim hits Blu-ray on February 14th.  It is a romantic comedy about an impossibly attractive woman who just can’t seem to find love.  Based on a best-selling novel, Baggage Claim features an all-star cast of black actors (and Adam Brody) and the Blu-ray features a decent set of special features to further compliment the film.  Continue on to learn more about this upcoming Blu-ray release.

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Lee Daniels’ The Butler on Blu-ray and DVD January 14th!

Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company announced today LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER, grossing over $115 million in box office, will be available on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with Digital HD Ultraviolet™, On-Demand and Pay-Per-View on January 14, 2014.  The film will also be available early in Digital HD on December 31. Inspired by a true story, Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland) stars as Cecil Gaines, the devoted husband, father and White House butler who served seven presidents during some of the most tumultuous and defining moments of the 20th century. Academy Award® nominee Oprah Winfrey (The Color Purple) co-stars with a stellar supporting cast that includes John Cusack, Jane Fonda, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Terrence Howard, Lenny Kravitz, James Marsden, David Oyelowo, Alan Rickman, Liev Schreiber, Robin Williams and Danny Strong in this powerful drama from the Oscar® nominated director of Precious (2009).  Continue reading ‘Lee Daniels’ The Butler on Blu-ray and DVD January 14th!’

‘RUN’ – A 3D Parkour Movie – Hits Blu-ray This January

In case you missed the parkour craze of the mid-00s, Run has got you covered.  Sure this movie basically looks like the Step Up equivalent of freerunning chase movies, but I tend to enjoy Parkour on film and even if the film has few other things in the way of credible merit, it will probably be entertaining in some manner nonetheless.  It may not be District B13 awesome (recommend!), but it’s something.  Plus, I have linked the trailer, which features an evil Eric Roberts brandishing a glass of wine and threatening some street punk.  Sounds good to me!  The 3D + 2D Blu-ray hits shelves on January 14th.  Continue on to learn more about this upcoming film.

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‘Sweetwater’ on Blu-ray and DVD December 31st!

ARC Entertainment announces the release of Sweetwater, starring Emmy and Golden Globe nominee January Jones (TV’s Mad Men), Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner Ed Harris (Pollock, A History of Violence) and Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter series).  Directed by Logan Miller (Touching Home), Sweetwater will be available on DVD for and Blu-ray on Dec. 31, 2013. In the late 1800’s, a beautiful former prostitute (January Jones) is trying to build an honest life with her husband in the rugged plains of New Mexico. When she catches the eye of a sadistic and powerful religious leader (Jason Isaacs), her life is violently turned upside down. She embarks on a bloody course of vengeance with the assistance of a renegade sheriff (Ed Harris) who has violent tendencies of his own.  Continue reading ‘‘Sweetwater’ on Blu-ray and DVD December 31st!’