Archive Page 213
June 28th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Shag was a film that came out to really no big fanfare in 1989. While it had critical praise, even from Roger Ebert ( “It has a charm based on its innocence, its conviction … the actors in Shag are some of the best of the younger generation in Hollywood, and they treat their material with the humor and delicacy it deserves.”), it didn’t catch with audience and made not a blip on the box office radar. It found its life on home video, though controversially it had two releases. Apparently there were some music rights issues with it and they had to replace songs. Its coming from Olive Films to Blu-ray here on June 27th. I can confirm that the cut of the film is being used for the release IS the theatrical one with the original songs. Olive Films has reached to me to and informed me they were able to put that version out. A version which hasn’t been seen in maybe 20 some years! Continue reading ‘Shag (Blu-ray Review)’
June 28th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
I remember feeling fairly alone in my anticipation for 2011’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes. The franchise had lain dormant since Tim Burton’s 2001 remake, and the idea of a prequel/reboot didn’t seem to build into genuine anticipation for many. Regardless, the film was a surprise hit, leading to the massive critical and financial success that was Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Now there’s War for the Planet of the Apes, a strong third chapter in a series that takes organic turns as far as the overarching story and makes another incredible case for giving serious awards attention to Andy Serkis. That in mind, his motion-capture performance as Caesar is just one of the many things that have made this iteration of Planet of the Apes so successful.
Continue reading ‘Hail Caesar In ‘War For The Planet Of The Apes’ (Movie Review)’
June 27th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
I’ve been somewhat harsh on Illumination Entertainment over the years. With no real affinity for minions, in particular, it’s been hard to jive with their Looney Tunes-inspired antics. It’s a shame, as I like the premise for the first Despicable Me and really would have liked to have taken to it. Well, perhaps I’ve been worn down or maybe Sing was the start of a new breed of Illumination films, as I enjoyed Despicable Me 3. It may not be trying as hard to hit certain emotional beats like the first two films, but perhaps that worked in its favor. The zany antics kept me smiling, there were new, catchy Pharrell songs to be heard and best of all, I was amused by the minions this time.
Continue reading ‘‘Despicable Me 3’ Finds The Right Zany Balance (Movie Review)’
June 27th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
While a cinematic calm has come over the recent LA Film Festival 2017, there’s still some final thoughts for us here at WhySoBlu.com. Amidst the gems and duds reviewed there were a few special notables that require a secondary shout out as being stellar damn fine film contributions. So as is standard with any cool fest coverage for a finale we’re highlighting those who stood and let their movie moves wash over us like a smooth silky cinematic wave. Stand and be recognized for the genius you embody (and we appreciate you!) – here are our picks of the….
Continue reading ‘LA Film Festival 2017 – Best Of Fest ‘Wrap Up’’
June 27th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
One week later and here I am doing more Jess Franco. Granted, a HUMONGOUS sigh of relief as this is not another Fu Manchu movie. I’ve had enough of those for a lifetime, with the caveat that I only want to see it again if its done by Rifftrax or MST3K in a (hopefully) 12th season. His women in prison movie had long been censored throughout the world, but Blue Underground swings in to save the day by making this Blu-ray edition the uncut version of the film. It comes with a slew of extras in a combo pack with a DVD. And in a smooth move, the film comes with a CD featuring the soundtack of the movie. Continue reading ’99 Women (Blu-ray Review)’
June 27th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Lee Frost’s once quite controversial film Love Camp 7 (1969), starring Bob Cresse, Maria Lease, Kathy Williams, Bruce Kimball, John Alderman, Roger Steel, Shari Mann, and Rod Wilmoth has come to Blu-ray from none other than Blue Underground. One of the 72 UK video nasties – banned in Britain to this day – Blue Underground shamelessly presents the original uncensored version of Love Camp 7 in a brand-new 4K restoration (No, your glasses/contacts aren’t broken, that indeed says Nazisploitation film Love Camp 7 has received a 4K restoration.) from its recently discovered camera negative! This film features a nice little slew of bonus features and was released to Blu-ray and DVD combo pack back on January 31st. Continue reading ‘Love Camp 7 – Limited Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
June 26th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Slasher // Video continues its relationship with Olive Films, bringing some of the most obscure and very hard to find cult horror films to the Blu-ray format. This time around, its Jeff Hathcock’s Victims! that gets to come on over for a format jump. This 1985 film comes from the end of the first run of slasher films of the early 1980s. This was right when Freddy Krueger was coming in to breathe new life into the genre. While this one gets stuck with the slasher label, its more of the scary hillbilly/lets molest and abuse women subgenre that a stalk and slash. While I don’t know that director of this one, he has had his hand in directing a Troma film and apparently has a film called Night Ripper which he is more known for. Victims!, which happens to be his feature film debut, will release onto the Blu-ray format June 27th. Continue reading ‘Victims! (Blu-ray Review)’
June 26th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Don’t miss the royal showdown when “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” arrives onto Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital. Acclaimed filmmaker Guy Ritchie brings his dynamic style to the epic fantasy action adventure “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.” Starring Charlie Hunnam in the title role, the film is an iconoclastic take on the classic Excalibur myth, tracing Arthur’s journey from the streets to the throne.
.
. Continue reading ‘KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD Rounds Its Way To 4K Ultra-HD August 8th!’
June 26th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment announced today that to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the sci-fi classic, Blade Runner: The Final Cut will be released on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital on September 5th. Directed by Sir Ridley Scott (Gladiator, The Martian, Alien Covenant) and starring Harrison Ford (the upcoming Blade Runner 2049) as Rick Deckard, Blade Runner is widely accepted as one of the most important science-fiction movies of the 20th Century with immeasurable influence on society for its futuristic depiction of a post-apocalyptic, dystopian world. The film has appeared on more ‘Top Five’ sci-fi lists than any other film. Blade Runner: The Final Cut features restored and remastered original elements, added/extended scenes, added lines, new and improved special effects, and director and filmmaker commentary. Continue reading ‘Like Tears (Of Joy) In The Rain, BLADE RUNNER: THE FINAL CUT Comes To 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray September 5th!’
June 26th, 2017 by Gregg Senko
…and it’s a good thing. There are hundreds, even thousands of comic book titles published around the world today. Many come and go, while other stalwarts have staked their claim in fandom and become favorites of many. For those that are here today and gone tomorrow, however, it’s worth taking a look at why they disappear. Poor story, perhaps? Not enough publicity? I have no role in Shed‘s story, but I’ll do what I can to deliver the publicity because this title is so worth it.
Continue reading ‘‘Shed’ Discards Typical Comic Book Feel’
June 26th, 2017 by Brian White
Considering that both Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes were two of my favorite films in the years they came out I felt confident War for the Planet of the Apes is set up for success. After all, how could it not be under the studious care of Matt Reeves in the director’s chair once again? That’s what you call a rhetorical question ladies and gentlemen. This final chapter in the trilogy is both an emotional rollercoaster and cinematic event not to be missed. I could go on and on about how much adoration I have this one, but to do so would kind of be like putting the cart in front of the horse in this review proverbially speaking. So let’s back up, take it slow and ease into this review by covering all the who’s who in War for the Planet of the Apes, the third installment thus far in the Planet of the Apes reboot series. What say you? I’m ready to get this war started! Continue reading ‘And The Feel Good Movie of the Year Award Goes to ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ (Movie Review)’
June 24th, 2017 by Gregg Senko
When their first album, Night Visions, was released in September of 2012, Imagine Dragons quickly started amassing a fanbase. There are very few albums that not only grab, but retain my interest for months and years to come. Night Visions did that in extraordinary fashion for me and many others and is still a record I go back to frequently. Roughly three years later, the band came out with its sophomore album, Smoke + Mirrors. For whatever reason, I never connected with it. Nothing jumped out and grabbed me and I always found its debut track, “I Bet My Life,” to be rather noisy. Critics were split on the record and I was bummed. Still, it went gold in the U.S. and was successful overseas. However, my musical concern grew. Could they be the proverbial rookie flash-in-the-pan? A one-and-done?
Continue reading ‘Imagine Dragons Releases Third Album’
June 24th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
21 years ago, Trainspotting arrived. One of the biggest trends in film of the 1990s was the rise of the independent film and Trainspotting was one of the largest. It was the second film from Danny Boyle (Go seek out Shallow Grave, his first, its awesome), but its the one that really launched him. It also launch the careers of Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, Johnny Lee Miller, Kelly Macdonald and Ewan Bremner as well. The film was one of those “MTV Generation” kind of movies, but damn was it ever so energetic and effective. Rewatching it for this review, I had just forgotten how damned good and powerful it was. Now, we’re here 21 years later (2o for the characters in the film) for a reunion movie and follow up that had been discussed by Danny Boyle for many years. And, is it also ever so exciting to see a Danny Boyle film getting a 4K Ultra-HD release! The film will be available for purchse on June 27th and can be pre-ordered below. Continue reading ‘T2: Trainspotting (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
June 24th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
21 years ago, Trainspotting arrived. One of the biggest trends in film of the 1990s was the rise of the independent film and Trainspotting was one of the largest. It was the second film from Danny Boyle (Go seek out Shallow Grave, his first, its awesome), but its the one that really launched him. It also launch the careers of Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, Johnny Lee Miller, Kelly Macdonald and Ewan Bremner as well. The film was one of those “MTV Generation” kind of movies, but damn was it ever so energetic and effective. Rewatching it for this review, I had just forgotten how damned good and powerful it was. Now, we’re here 21 years later (2o for the characters in the film) for a reunion movie and follow up that had been discussed by Danny Boyle for many years. The film will be available for purchse on June 27th and can be pre-ordered below. Continue reading ‘T2: Trainspotting (Blu-ray Review)’
June 24th, 2017 by Brian White
Hey folks! I don’t know about you, but I’m getting super excited! It’s now officially less than a month away to my favorite time of the year, Comic-Con 2017! After a three year personal absence from the event I’m stoked to be returning to action this year! Back in 2015 I wrote a post titled “Surviving Comic-Con 101” and I’m sure a lot has changed since then. Reluctantly I had to sit back over the years and watch my fellow reviewers report on Batman v. Superman, the unveiling of Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, attend an impromptu Star Wars symphony concert and so much more. Although I’m thankful for my reviewers’ coverage of it all a little piece of me died each and every post that had gone up. Not this year! This year I’ll be damn if someone else is going to forget their laptop and experience the magic of Comic-Con over me. I work hard in life. I’m frickin’ going! It’s my God given right to Comic-Con! Bring on the Comic-Con exclusive Justice League movie trailer please! Continue reading ‘Getting Ready for San Diego Comic-Con International 2017!’
June 23rd, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
There was really no world where I wasn’t going to enjoy Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver. As a filmmaker, Wright speaks a cinematic language that I quickly picked up back with Spaced and Shaun of the Dead. Like his other films, Baby Driver takes a central concept, strips other movies for parts, and builds a Frankenstein monster of a finished product that is so wonderful to watch it’s scary. In this case, we have a car chase/heist movie that also happens to be a musical. However, Baby Driver is not a musical in a traditional sense. Music informs the film in a way that allows for a great sense of rhythm to play throughout this fun ride.
Continue reading ‘‘Baby Driver’ And The Beats (Movie Review)’
June 23rd, 2017 by Brian White
If the year 2011 taught us nothing but the fact that good things can come from rebooting a beloved franchise, then I’d be alright to call it a day right here and now. Never in my wildest dreams could I have ever conjured up such a crazy notion that the quirky Planet of the Apes franchise could ever be resurrected after that feeble attempt by Tim Burton (I really wish they could have went through with the Adam Rifkin script) way back in the summer of 2001 before our economy took a crap and I have been broke ever since because of low interest rates. However, I digress. We are not here to discuss our nation’s economy because if the fictional ape character of Caesar was real, I have no doubts that it would thrive once again under his direction. All hail Caesar, right? Exactly! That’s exactly the sentimentality I want you all to have over the course of the next five minutes or so as I impregnate your mind with a world dominated by apes, or at least on the cusp of that becoming a reality in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.
Continue reading ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
Gentle Giant Ltd’s next 2017 SDCC exclusive 
