Archive Page 189
December 20th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Revisit the masterful fantasy epic from the brilliant imagination of Jim Henson when THE DARK CRYSTAL debuts on 4K Ultra HD™ and returns to Blu-ray™ and digital on March 6 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The visually spectacular tale of a young hero who must find a legendary relic in order restore harmony to the universe has been fully restored in 4K from the original camera negative. Additionally, the Blu-ray is housed in a lavish, limited edition 24-page Digibook, complete with rare archival photos and behind-the-scenes stories. Included among the hours of archival bonus material is the all-new featurette “The Myth, Magic and Henson Legacy,” where fans go behind the scenes of this iconic film with insight from Lisa Henson and Toby Froud. Once again, the release is March 6th. Continue reading ‘Frank Oz & Jim Henson’s THE DARK CRYSTAL Lights Up 4K Ultra-HD On March 6th!’
December 20th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
By all accounts, I would be happy to lavish praise on The Greatest Showman, a musical passion project for Hugh Jackman. He may not have written or produced the film, but Jackman is a Tony Award-winning song and dance man at heart, and he’s been attached to this movie since 2009. If anything, The Greatest Showman certainly wants to celebrate Jackman as well. He’s presented as the best and most well-meaning person out there, with only minor drama coming to set him back now and again. This is precisely the problem, as The Greatest Showman is not without razzle-dazzle, but the greater depth found in truly worthwhile Broadway musicals is absent here.
Continue reading ‘‘The Greatest Showman’ And His Limited Acts (Movie Review)’
December 20th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Another year and another list of great Blu-ray releases. Like previous years (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016), I have decided to tackle every aspect of what I enjoyed about this year in Blu-ray. This list consists of what I consider to be the best 2017 had to offer for the Blu-ray format based on what I’ve seen, with a few rules to go with it. Going by the same standards as before, I have to have actually watched the movie on Blu-Ray, recognize the quality of the video and audio transfers, delved into the special features, and attempt to keep off any film that may also be on my “Top 10 Films of the Year” list in the final top ten for Blu-rays. I followed these rules for the sake of keeping my list interesting, along with creating some extra sections to provide even more highlights of the year. Why So Blu’s Brian and Brandon may have their 4K setups to work with, but this works for me, so here we go:
Continue reading ‘Super-Sized Top Ten: Aaron’s First-Class Blu-ray Picks For 2017’
December 19th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
2017 has been a banner year for the horror genre both with critical acclaim, audience adoration and big box office intake. As a matter of fact, that’s one of the bigger stories of 2017 in how huge horror has been. Whether it be confirming of brand trust recognition with horror profiteering masters Blumhouse or the massive success of the cinematic adaptation of Stephen King’s IT, everyone has seen some success. Everyone, except this movie Friend Request that I’m covering today. While English language and released this past September, its actually a 2016 English Language German film. Maybe Lionsgate just picked it up to roll the dice on just having a low budget, teen-friendly horror film to grab a couple dollars with. I don’t know how much their acquisition valued at, but the box office probably didn’t cover it. So now, they look toward this Blu-ray that releases on January 9th to probably recoup. Continue reading ‘Friend Request (Blu-ray Review)’
December 19th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
We’re currently in the middle of a heated debate about a divisive Star Wars film, but earlier in the year we had a moment with a little arthouse picture that got a wide release. Darren Aronofsky returned to more or less his roots with the very challenging and not audience friendly mother! starring Jennifer Lawrence. The film saw critical praise (Which, seemingly has gone down since its release) and audience ire. The film outright bombed, which means many of you probably didn’t even go to see it in the theaters. Well, now’s your chance to take a look at it in the comfort of your own home. And why not give the film a gander on the best possible format while you’re at it? On December 19th, this trivial film will be available on 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray for your digestion. Order yourself a copy if you loved it or are curious from the Amazon link provided below. Continue reading ‘mother! (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
December 19th, 2017 by Gregg Senko
Steelbook was the name of the game this year as the collectible tin Blu-ray cases seemed to have grown in demand greatly in 2017. Best Buy appears to have the majority of the market on these which certainly has me paying them visits more often than in recent years. Still, just as you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, you shouldn’t judge a Blu-ray by its clam shell. Fancy packaging aside, there were plenty of enticing choices to get your hands on this past year when it comes to the high def, home-viewing format. So without anymore time spent on my affinity for metal movie cases, let’s crack open that list!
Continue reading ‘Gregg’s Top 10 Blu-rays of 2017′
December 18th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Taking a cue from Why So Blu’s Jason Coleman and his picks for his favorite movie posters of the year, this seemed like a fun idea at the time, but it turned out to be a bigger challenge than anticipated. The Criterion Collection currently releases roughly 60-70 films a year. Some of these are reissues, which were omitted from this list (sorry Le Samourai and Straw Dogs) but others are completely new to the collection, and with that, you get some brand new cover art. For the sake of this post, I have decided to remove any cover art that was simply the original theatrical poster (Sorry Being There and Barry Lyndon), as I wanted to focus on the new interpretations for certain classics and acclaimed contemporary releases by way of the artwork associated with them. So without further ado, here are the top 20.
Continue reading ‘Aaron’s Top 20 Picks for the Best Original Criterion Collection Cover Art of 2017’
December 18th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Honestly, the bar wasn’t very high for me when it came to my expectations for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. I already feel like my title is misleading, as 1995’s Jumanji is not a good movie, let alone some untouchable classic. As much a fan as I was of Robin Williams, there’s a handful of seemingly beloved 90s efforts from the man that I don’t care for. The idea of taking Jumanji and putting a new spin on it may seem problematic for some and for a good reason, but this 2017 update manages to be another example of how to do nostalgic appropriation right. While the film takes on the premise that was previously explored already, it has some solid new ideas, a game cast and enough adventure-based excitement to make the movie one of the better video game movies not based on a video game.
Continue reading ‘‘Jumanji’ Delivers A Welcome Return To The Jungle (Movie Review)’
December 18th, 2017 by Gregg Senko
If you felt like there was an overwhelming choice of new releases to listen to in 2017, you would be correct. Blockbuster headliners such as Taylor Swift, Eminem and U2 all released new albums this past year as did some fairly newer stars such as country singer Danielle Bradbery and pop hottie Dua Lipa. On the rap and hip-hop front, Lil Wayne has an album coming out on Christmas Day while Big Sean came out with his latest work last week. Did I listen to every album that came out this year to come to my conclusion? Of course not, that’s not realistic. However, after sifting through twelve months of various radio stations as well as a much more increased use of Pandora than in recent years, we have a winner.
Continue reading ‘Gregg’s 2017 Album of the Year’
December 17th, 2017 by Brian White
First there was Matthew Vaughn and Mark Millar’s Kick-Ass in 2010 and then there was Kingsman: The Secret Service (Aaron Neuwirth’s review of it all here and mine) in 2014. Needless to say I’m a big fan of both. Now we have the sequel here titled Kingsman: The Golden Circle. I was one of the lucky ones to be able to attend the Hall H Comic-Con panel in San Diego for this action spy flick this past July (see Jordan Grout’s coverage of it all here). Not only did I get an orange/white tuxedo t-shirt and a rad Kingsman fidget spinner, but I also witnessed the entire opening sequence, which is quite breathtaking, and two awesome clips that whet my appetite greater than the thought of Red Robin’s steak fries covered in that yummy sodium laced seasoning of theirs. You picking up what I’m dropping? While outside of a flashback Kingsman: The Golden Circle may not include the exotic mummy, Sofia Boutella, this time around (for obvious reasons) it does have one hell of an all-star studded lineup. If you choose to accept this mission, then let me fill you in on everything below.
Continue reading ‘Kingsman 2: The Golden Circle (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
December 17th, 2017 by Brian White
Who here is not looking forward to this December 19th Interstellar 4K release on Ultra HD Blu-ray, not to mention the rest of Christopher Nolan films previously announced here? Yes we’re not getting a few of his movies and no we’re not getting new atmospheric surround audio packages, but we’re getting something so much more important. We’re getting some of Nolan’s 5-star masterpieces on the best looking home video format! Who wants to argue with me there? You wouldn’t even be reading this review here if you weren’t a Nolan fan. Interstellar and I have an interesting love/hate relationship with each other. My take on it all can be found below. It was originally published in my 2015 Blu-ray review of it all here. However, my observations on the audio and video presentations of this Interstellar 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release are all new. So there’s that! Also, for those of you who may have missed it make sure you check out Brandon Peters’ 4K review of Dunkirk here. Now let’s get started!
Continue reading ‘Interstellar (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
December 15th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
One the most demanded and begged for vintage horror titles of the last so many years to get boosted to the Blu-ray format has been Hell Night. The Linda Blair-led slasher film from the producer of Halloween (Irwin Yablans) seemed like it was one of those “long way off” or “not gonna happen” deals. Anchor Bay had last had it, but they let the rights go away and whoever had them wasn’t giving them up or nobody knew where exactly it went to after Anchor Bay’s expired. Well, leave it to Scream Factory to take that challenge and deliver upon it. Their Collector’s Edition release will include a 4K transfer from the best existing 35mm print and has a boatload of brand new interview. You can the first big release of next year now so you can have it when it arrives on January 2nd. Continue reading ‘Hell Night – Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
December 15th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
In March, Martin Scorsese’s The Age of Innocence – the great New York filmmaker’s lavish Edith Wharton adaptation, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Winona Ryder, and Michelle Pfeiffer – will join the Criterion Collection in an edition featuring a new, restored 4K digital transfer, approved by the director and now available on Blu-ray. No less impressive a match between filmmaker and novelist, Ken Russell’s Women in Love draws on D. H. Lawrence for a taboo-breaking vision of desire unleashed, starring Alan Bates, Oliver Reed, and an Oscar-winning Glenda Jackson. Volker Schlöndorff’s long-unavailable Baal – a schnapps-soaked rampage that channels the rebellious spirit of the young Bertolt Brecht through a feral performance by Rainer Werner Fassbinder – will appear on home video for the first time. The King of Jazz is another major rediscovery: the astonishing early Technicolor of this song-and-dance spectacular dazzles in a new 4K restoration. And that’s not all: The Passion of Joan of Arc, Carl Theodor Dreyer’s silent masterpiece, one of the most transcendent films in the history of cinema, will come to Blu-ray for the first time, in a stunning new restoration.
Continue reading ‘Age of Innocence, Passion of Joan of Arc & More Coming to The Criterion Collection in March 2018’
December 15th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
And my #1 picks of past Top Ten lists just keep on coming with this little ditty from my 2013 selections that dares to mix kids and combat – welcome to Forgotten Friday Flick! This week we’re heading behind enemy lines to seek out a cinematic tasty little treat that lovingly mixes genres and succeeds. With stellar comedy, action, drama and a pinch of pint-sized revenge, the flick in question is a bold and brilliant blend of Goonies and Platoon for the kid in us all. Raise the flag as…I Declare War!
Continue reading ‘Forgotten Friday Flick – “I Declare War”’
December 15th, 2017 by Gregg Senko
This past year saw some big events in the comic book world. The Suicide Squad went toe to toe with the Justice League. Image saw the last words written for one of its strongest series in Invincible. The Joker and the Riddler went fisticuffs on a catastrophic level in the pages of Batman (that read comes highly recommended from me by the way). Let us not forget the brilliance of small indie publisher Sabotage Industries and their title Shed. That came awfully close to making this list as its Alien Nation-vibe story brought civil rights to the forefront in a new light. It pitted the skin vs. skinless amidst an apocalyptic overtone with some magnificent writing and great artwork to boot. As with any ‘best of the year’ list, however, there can only be one champ in each category. So, while the aforementioned titles didn’t make this list, rest assured they are all enjoyable reads. Now onto the list…
Continue reading ‘Best Comic Books of 2017’
December 14th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
After failing to make a more significant impact this past summer, Detroit is now available on Blu-ray. Working as a war film, a hostage thriller, a horror film and a searing commentary all rolled into one, director Kathryn Bigelow isn’t here to hold hands and make false assurances. Detroit is an angry film that once again plays as a spectacular historical research project brought to cinematic life by Bigelow and screenwriter/producer Mark Boal. Made with the same confidence that found this filmmaking duo success with The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty, Detroit heads back in time to paint a startling picture of a pivotal moment in American history. The results are upsetting and not always easy to sit through, but also powerful and now audiences can take in this film from their own home.
Continue reading ‘Detroit (Blu-ray Review)’
December 14th, 2017 by Hadley Grout
Brought to you by Olive Films, Tchaikovsky’s classic musical fantasy Nutcracker, The Motion Picture features members of the Pacific Northwest Ballet. This is the classic holiday story of Clara, a young girl who dreams of a prince and a magical kingdom of sweets. Led by the odd toymaker Drosselmeier she is guided into a land of enchanted toys, giant mice, and sugary sweets. The film is directed by Carroll Ballard, conceived by Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak, photographed by Stephen H. Burum, with the music of Tchaikovsky conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras and performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. A great film to bring you that great holiday feeling.
Continue reading ‘Nutcracker: The Motion Picture (Blu-ray Review)’
December 14th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
For those who truly believe the performer in film is key, this is the year-end list for you. Giving credit where it’s amply earned, I scoured many a good and bad flick to single out and construct a diverse and challenging list of outstanding actors whose work blew me away in 2017 – and it wasn’t easy. With an abundance of great performances this year I had to omit folks based on everything from volume (EVERYONE is Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is amazing!) to fairness (the amazing Sally Hawkins can only get one nod here!) to be able to accurately weed down and choose what I find to be work that goes above and beyond. So big and small, lead or supporting below is a list of five exceptional men and women who exemplify what it is to create a character that kicks ass. Passionate mutes, undercover cops, unknowing powerful losers, sassy elders, spirited strong strippers, sweet simpletons, aging criminals, unflinching tough guys, manic wackos and two sides of the same character all make up the men and women of my illustrious…TOP FIVE MALE & FEMALE PERFORMANCES OF 2017. (And keep reading below for a cool bonus Q&A with my arresting #2 female choice Eliza Taylor for her layered lead work in Thumper – you’re welcome!)
Continue reading ‘Jason Coleman’s Top Five Male & Female Performances Of 2017 (w/Bonus Actress Eliza Taylor Interview!)’
