Archive Page 119
January 4th, 2020 by Adam Toroni-Byrne
2019 was an interesting year for me. I had a great dream realized that I thought would only happen in the form of Amazon or iTunes reviews — I was invited to write about movies here at WhySoBlu. This exceptional opportunity has afforded me the privilege to share with you my passion for film as a whole, to share a small dose of me with every article I write. This has been a dream for me as long as I can remember. With my last 2019 film list and my first official post of the year, I want to thank my colleagues Aaron, Brandon, Brian, Corey, Gerard, Gregg, and Peter. Thank you for giving me so many great reviews to read and to look up to. You all have wonderful ways with words and I hope that I find myself continually influenced by your work. I’d also like to give a shout out to my husband B. for his patience and understanding with my writing. He hears a lot about my critiques now and he’s been essential in sharing his opinions as well. We’ve become like a more amiable Siskel and Ebert at home. For all the readers of WhySoBlu, I thank you just as much for your continued reading, sharing and mutual love of film and physical media. I hope you enjoy reading about my top 10 films of 2019 and find a few surprises in there!
Continue reading ‘A New Year Miracle — Adam’s Top Ten Films of 2019!’
January 3rd, 2020 by Gerard Iribe
Stan and his best friend Dommer have put up with bullies their entire lives. All of that changes when Stan discovers he has a murderous vampire living in his shed. Seeing the bloodshed and destruction the monster is capable of, Stan knows he has to find a way to destroy it. But Dommer has a much more sinister plan in mind. RLJE Films, a business unit of AMC Networks, will release THE SHED on January 7, 2020 on DVD and Blu-ray. Written and Directed by Frank Sabatella (Blood Night), the film stars Jay Jay Warren (“Bosch”), Cody Kostro (“City on a Hill”), Sofia Happonen (Woman of a Certain Age), Frank Whaley (Pulp Fiction), Siobhan Fallon Hogan (Men in Black) and Timothy Bottoms (The Last Picture Show). Continue reading ‘The Shed (Blu-ray Review)’
January 2nd, 2020 by Gerard Iribe
RLJE Films, a business unit of AMC Networks, has picked up select rights to MON MON MON MONSTERS from Shudder, AMC Networks’ streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural. MON MON MON MONSTERS will release DVD and Blu-ray on February 4, 2020. Written and directed by Giddens Ko(You Are the Apple of My Eye), the horror / comedy stars Eugenie Liu (“Behind Your Smile”), Pei-Hsin Lin, Carolyn Chen (Attention, Love!), Yu-Kai Deng (Tree in the River), and Kent Tsai (All Because of Love). RLJE Films will release MON MON MON MONSTERS on DVD for $27.97 and on Blu-ray for $28.97. Continue reading ‘‘Mon Mon Mon Monsters!’ on Blu-ray & DVD February 4, 2020!’
January 2nd, 2020 by Gerard Iribe
Flicker Alley, Lobster Films, and Blackhawk Films® proudly present a deluxe Blu-ray edition of Vsevolod Pudovkin s renowned Bolshevik Trilogy. Experience a trilogy of Russian master filmmaker Vsevolod Pudovkin s seminal works: Mother (1926), The End of St. Petersburg (1927) and, in a stunning new 2K remaster furnished by Lobster Films, Storm Over Asia (1928). After serving alongside his fellow Russians in the first World War, Vsevolod Pudovkin was radically altered by a life-changing screening of D.W. Griffith s Intolerance, inspiring the young man to shift away from his studies in chemistry in order to pursue the cinematic arts. Continue reading ‘‘The Bolshevik Trilogy – Three Films by Vsevolod Pudovkin’ [Flicker Alley] on Blu-ray & DVD February 25, 2020!’
January 2nd, 2020 by Aaron Neuwirth
Here it is, my Top Ten Films of 2019! After plenty of viewing and consideration, I have put together my list of year-end favorites. This was another incredible year for film, and having watched around 200 2019 releases theatrically, as well as on various streaming services (though Netflix had another banner year), there was a lot to narrow down from. Some films were instant favorites, others stuck with me and only managed to grow on me over time. All of that in mind, the following is the list of films that resonated with me most, complete with runner-ups, honorable mentions, and more. (Reviews are linked when available. As per usual, I’ve also linked some fun Easter Eggs in all of the pictures. Enjoy!)
Continue reading ‘Aaron’s Outstanding Top Ten Films of 2019’
January 1st, 2020 by Brian White
I sound like a broken record, but every single year this Top 10 movie list keeps getting harder to write. This year was no exception again. In fact it was probably my hardest year in the ten plus I have been doing this for. I actually didn’t plan on writing or producing this year’s list, but I honestly couldn’t envision a world in which I did not. Talk about a conundrum, huh? The story as usual goes a little something like this. As the years go by I see fewer movies theatrically. Because of work, life and other commitments I feel like I don’t have enough time in life. That’s probably a huge reason why I also could never have kids. I’d be a terrible parent. I’m telling you all of this so obviously you’re not expecting the usual Top 10 list of films that most critical reviewers will unanimously hail as the year’s best. I also have a very simple mind so some of the movies that most critics rave about are completely lost on me. Last but not least, I live in Austin, TX. This is not Hollywood and I don’t have access to all the limited engagements and such, but we’ll cover that a little more down below. Continue reading ‘The Fantabulous Emancipation Of…Brian’s Top 10 Films of 2019′
January 1st, 2020 by Peter Paras
The triumph of cinema for the 2010s has been varied, to say the least. While streaming became the medium of choice for millions, blockbusters still broke records, and smaller films, whether seen on a phone or big screen, created much by way of discussion. We close out the decade with the old “what is cinema?” question back in the conversation. True cinephiles would simply throw shade, offering their best Billie Eilish “Duh,” but for those who think of movies as merely “entertainment,” Martin Scorsese’s remark about the MCU films not being “real cinema” was a brain-busting WTF moment. Still, the decade began with business as usual (franchises, Oscar-bait). It ended with what felt, for some, like the very survival of more adult fare, which too was an overreaction. Along the way, great strides in diversity arrived by way of #OscarsSoWhite, the success of Black Panther, gender-focused shakeups, and more.
Continue reading ‘Peter’s Movies of the Decade: 2010s’
December 31st, 2019 by Gregg Senko
This list had me worried at the end of the summer. It was rather sparse and I wondered if, for the first time, I wouldn’t have a sufficiently laid out list of top ten films on the year. Once autumn arrived, however, movies started surfacing in theaters that would largely construct the upper half of the list below. While I did miss out on Knives Out and Uncut Gems, I did manage to sneak in the Jumanji sequel at the end. Funny and fun, yes. As good as its predecessor, no. Thus, those are three movies not on the list. With that being said, there were plenty of others to pull from in the pool of 40+ films I experienced at the theater in 2019. Before we get to the ten on my list, here are some films that stood out in one form or another. I laughed, I cried, I fell asleep. We covered the emotional spectrum in films released this year.
Continue reading ‘Gregg’s Tremendously Tantalizing Top 10 Films of 2019′
December 27th, 2019 by Peter Paras
Twenty-five years after it’s release, director Gillian Armstrong’s Oscar-winning box office hit, Little Women, receives the 4K treatment – and even better, one with Dolby Vision. In theaters this holiday season, we have Greta Gerwig’s fantastic reimagining of Louisa May-Alcott’s classic novel while at home, we have the version that starred Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, Susan Sarandon, Christian Bale and Interview With The Vampire-aged Kirsten Dunst. This is the definitive millennial version of the book: broad-humored, over-the-top, not at all subtle. And yet, Armstrong’s wise decision to double down on such a take is what makes the film so memorable. The tricky thing, as far as transfers go: many late early 90s movies suffered from a weird flat film stock look. Can this new 4K version elevate the visuals? Yes. Mostly, yes.
Continue reading ‘Little Women ’94 (4K Dolby Vision Digital Review)’
December 24th, 2019 by Gerard Iribe
Russ Millings has just been released from prison after serving 21 years for a 3rd strike conviction for possessing an ounce of marijuana. As he tries to adapt to a world he doesn’t recognize – including trying to learn how to use the internet – he finds an abandoned baby in a dumpster behind the fast food restaurant where he works as a dishwasher. Unsure of what to do, and caught between impulses of kindness and panic, Russ soon realizes this could be his chance at redemption. Continue reading ‘Adopt a Highway (Blu-ray Review)’
December 24th, 2019 by Brian White
Much like it was for me last year the highlight of 2019 on the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray format were mostly the exceptional catalog releases we received. I hope they keep them coming! Here’s looking at you Star Wars (Skywalker Saga sans the original theatrical presentations), Back to the Future and many more next year. And while we expect our 2019 theatrical releases to look pristine and sound amazing on 4K UHD Blu-ray Disc it’s these aforementioned catalog releases that manage to surprise and delight us physical film collectors and aficionados out there. Yes it sucks having to double dip on titles you already own sometimes on multiple formats, but don’t you want to own the best version of the movie? That’s a rhetorical question because of course you flippin’ do! You wouldn’t be reading this otherwise. It feeds our passions! This is who we are. I have spoken. Continue reading ‘Brian’s TOP 10 2019 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases’
December 23rd, 2019 by Gregg Senko
I do long for the days of Robert Venditti writing X-O Manowar. I also miss the ongoing Vader series dearly. Alas, all good things must come to an end, but fear not! Each year the comic book industry provides new surprises as well as continuity of greatness. In addition, it is important to mention the case of two landmark achievements in 2019. Both the series Detective Comics and Marvel Comics each reached their 1,000th issue this year and both were done very differently. The former was a collection of short Batman stories, while the latter was a massive collection of one-page stories ranging from Daredevil to Darth Vader. Personally, I found nothing to be gained by a story contained on a single page, but to each their own. Enough talk, onto the awards!
Continue reading ‘The Best Comics of 2019’
December 23rd, 2019 by Peter Paras
The best film of the holiday season has arrived. Writer/Director Greta Gerwig follows up her acclaimed debut, Ladybird, with nary a sophomore slump. Time will tell, but Little Women may be better than her 2017 Best Picture nominee. Ladybird made Gerwig the fifth woman ever to receive a Best Director nom by The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Could Little Women lead to winning Oscar gold? Whatever happens, the film closes out the decade with class, wit, and a few tears. Continue reading ‘Little Women Make A Big Impact (Movie Review)’
December 22nd, 2019 by Gerard Iribe
Instead of writing a proper Top-10 list like normal this year, I’m just compiling some of my favorite Blu-ray sets of 2019. I’m almost certain I left some out due to me forgetting or not actually owning them. All of the titles listed here I own. One thing for sure, upon first and possibly second glance, is that it’s been a stellar year for boutique label releases. Shout Factory, Arrow Video, Criterion Collection, Eureka! Masters of Cinema, and Flicker Alley all make appearances here. I had a lot of fun putting this list together and hope that you enjoy it. Let’s get on with the show! Continue reading ‘End of the Decade: Gerard’s Top Blu-rays of 2019!’
December 22nd, 2019 by Brian White
Rambo: Last Blood didn’t have to be made, but I’m so glad it was. After hearing rumors all these years of how John Rambo would ultimately fight a super soldier, alien, etc. never in a million years did I ever think we’d get another one of these entries in this legendary action franchise. Kaboom! I was so wrong and I love surprises like this. Rambo’s back, older than ever, and has blood on his mind, not to mention his hands, porch, rocking chair and well pretty much everywhere. And unlike the previous three entries Rambo: Last Blood brings the fight back home to the States. That’s right! We go full circle to beginning where it all began with this bookend to First Blood. Come on in and I’ll show you all around.
Continue reading ‘Rambo: Last Blood (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
December 21st, 2019 by Gregg Senko
The timing of Marvel’s latest comic book mini-series is certainly no coincidence. As anyone who lives near a TV, computer or other human may know, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker debuted in theaters this past week. Coming out the same exact day was issue one of four of The Rise of Kylo Ren. The series is written by the very talented Charles Soule, who is known for penning other Marvel titles such as Star Wars, the second Darth Vader series, Lando as well as Obi Wan & Anakin. If you wanted answers that weren’t given to you in the new film trilogy, The Rise of Kylo Ren should be your medicine.
Continue reading ‘‘The Rise of Kylo Ren’ Debuts on Heels of ‘Rise of Skywalker’’
December 20th, 2019 by Adam Toroni-Byrne
Universal City, California, December 20, 2019 – Follow the inspirational journey of one of the bravest people and heroes in history, Harriet Tubman, as she risks her life to save others from the horrors of slavery in HARRIET, arriving on Digital January 14, 2020 and Blu-ray™️, DVD and On Demand on January 28, 2020 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.
Continue reading ‘Witness the Amazing Story of Harriet On Blu-ray and DVD 1/28/2020!’
December 20th, 2019 by Aaron Neuwirth
“Next year I’ll narrow it down a little more.” Yeah, that’s what happened… Okay, so I thought I was going to make a simpler top ten Blu-ray list this year, but there’s a lot out there to enjoy, and I, apparently, just find it easier to go overboard. As it stands, Why So Blu’s Brian, Brandon, and Adam have their 4K setups, and Gerard has his region-free player for some imported choices to check out as well. As usual (see: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018), this list has some rules. I have to have watched the movie for the sake of assessing the video and audio quality. Checking out the special features is essential as well. One last thing, I like to keep films that may appear on my upcoming “Top 10 Films of the Year” list separate from this one. All of this helps keeps this list interesting, and it all comes after plenty of bonus sections. So, here we go!
Continue reading ‘Super-Sized Top Ten: Aaron’s Spectacular Blu-ray Picks For 2019’
