Archive Page 238
January 10th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
The Birth of a Nation came and went last year. Following its breakout at the Sundance Film Festival, the proceeding months were not kind to writer/director/producer/star Nate Parker, based on a muddy history that was brought back into the news. Still, there is a righteous part of me that sees a film recounting a historical event and tying into relevant topics still affecting America today, as the nation continues to court more and more woke individuals. The other part concerns my role as one who critiques film and sees a lot of ambition being outdone, at times, by narrative and budgetary restraints, let alone other elements that are hard to look past. It is unfortunate that a film providing such a showcase for strong performances and evocative imagery was not more successful, but despite some issues, the film does plenty to unpack a lot of clear anger in how history and beyond has been a struggle for many. Now the films is on Blu-ray for those with curiosity to check out.
Continue reading ‘The Birth Of A Nation (Blu-ray Review)’
January 9th, 2017 by Blu-ray Brian
I missed this theatrically so I’m curious about checking it all out! Here’s the deal. Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox and Brett Kelly reunite in Bad Santa 2, the funniest, raunchiest and most inappropriate film of the year, due for release on EST on February 14 and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, DVD and VOD February 21. Fueled by cheap whiskey and greed, Willie Soke (Academy Award-winner* Billy Bob Thornton), teams up once again with his angry sidekick, Marcus (Tony Cox), to knock off a Chicago charity run by curvaceous Diane (Christina Hendricks). But the arrival of Willie’s horror story of a mother, Sunny (Academy Award-winner Kathy Bates), and “the kid” – Thurman Merman (Brett Kelly) – may upset their plan. Continue reading ‘Bad Santa 2 Comes Home to 4K & Blu-ray Post Holidays’
January 8th, 2017 by Brian White
It wasn’t until I completed my Christmas Eve review of Underworld on 4K Blu-ray (here) that I realized how hated the franchise was in my inner circle of confidants. I felt like a minority for the first time in my life. However, that’s not to say there aren’t fans out there because there totally are. All you have to do is look no further than the endless forums of fans proclaiming their love for the 2003 film now on 4K Ultra HD to realize there’s still a viable fanbase out there. Although I don’t think any one of them can honestly look me in the eyes without smirking and say 2012’s Awakening was the strongest of the franchise and deserved a follow-up. I would have been A-okay if that was the final nail in the coffin, but low and behold we have a new entry in the seemingly never-ending franchise, that truly lives up to its subject matter…vampires. It’s 2016 folks. Once again the new Underworld film, this time dubbed Blood Wars, sees a spectacular January release date. We all know what that means for films like these so let’s now take a look at how well it fairs down below. Continue reading ‘‘Underworld: Blood Wars’ Sucks The Final Blood Out of the Franchise (Movie Review)’
January 7th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Jerry Maguire comes from a seemingly lost era. It’s a 140-minute, moderately budgeted romantic comedy-drama, featuring Tom Cruise, Rene Zellweger, Cuba Gooding, Jr. and others talking about life, love and other things. In addition to being an awards winner, it became one of the biggest hits of 1996. Cameron Crowe’s memorable and very quotable film has had a good shelf-life over the years and it now celebrates its 20th anniversary. To honor this, Sony has put out a new Blu-ray, featuring a brand new transfer, remastered in 4K, along with a new lossless soundtrack. There are also plenty of new bonus features, ensuring any fan that they should show stores the money in order for this Blu-ray to complete them.
a Continue reading ‘Jerry Maguire 20th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
January 6th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
A new year begs for a new category focus and with my massive and comprehensive examination of the Miami Vice: The Complete Series DVD up this week it felt time to head back to the 80’s – welcome to Forgotten Friday Flick! Going back to a decade with seemingly lighter and more out there film fare, we’re starting things off with a obtuse, but oh-so entertaining flick about a gaggle of guys who are hot to get their friend back – no matter what the cost. Filled with a notable cast, some great action and a director who at the last minute jumped ship, time to man up and dammit…Let’s Get Harry!
Continue reading ‘Forgotten Friday Flick – “Let’s Get Harry”’
January 6th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Director Peter Berg knocked out two films in 2016, both based on true, tragic American events. It could have been tricky to do, but he seems to be more in his element than ever and that brings us to his take on a disaster film. As you may remember, given all the media coverage, Deepwater Horizon recounts the events that led up to the explosion and subsequent fire on an offshore drilling unit, resulting in the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history. Rather than heavily dwelling on the aftermath and politics involved though, this is a film about the workers involved and what they went through on the night of April 20, 2010. The result is a well-acted thriller that makes the most out of having a matter-of-fact handling on disaster movie tropes. Now the film has arrived on a packed Blu-ray.
Continue reading ‘Deepwater Horizon (Blu-ray Review)’
January 6th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
From Marvel Studios comes Doctor Strange, the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident renders his hands useless. When traditional medicine fails him, he travels to the remote Kamar-Taj in search of a cure, but instead discovers the mystical arts and becomes a powerful sorcerer battling dark forces bent on destroying our reality. Bring Home The Mystifying, Mind-Bending Journey on Digital HD Feb. 14 and Blu-ray™ Feb. 28.
.
. Continue reading ‘DOCTOR STRANGE Comes To Regular Blu-ray & 3D Blu-ray February 28th!’
January 6th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Given the research and only having so much to work with, this is always a tough list to put together. I see over a hundred movies a year theatrically and a lot of those films are ones I’ve been anticipating to some degree, while many others are smaller films that randomly arrive on the calendar months after the start of the year. There are many films in production and being completed in time for Cannes and other film festivals to keep in account, but I’ve provided a month by month look at what I’m looking forward to seeing (links for trailers where available). I am also curious to hear what others have to say as well, so feel free to add thoughts in the comments.
a Continue reading ‘Aaron’s Most Anticipated Films Of 2017 – A Month By Month Look’
January 6th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
A two-time Academy Award® winner for Best Director, Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain, 2005; Life of Pi, 2012) brings his extraordinary vision to BILLY LYNN’S LONG HALFTIME WALK, debuting on three-disc 4K Ultra HD™/Blu-ray 3D™/Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Blu-ray, DVD and digital February 14 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. In an industrywide first, the 4K presentation of the film is displayed at 60 frames per second (FPS), versus the standard 24 FPS, offering a first-of-its-kind, unique, and immersive viewing experience. Dubbed a “groundbreaking masterpiece” (Mark S. Allen, ABC-TV), BILLY LYNN’S LONG HALFTIME WALK follows a 19-year-old soldier as he is brought home for a victory tour after a harrowing battle in Iraq. Through flashbacks, the film shows what really happened to his squad — contrasting the realities of war with America’s perceptions. Continue reading ‘BILLY LYNN’S LONG HALFTIME WALK Arrives On 4K Ultra HD February 14th!’
January 5th, 2017 by Brian White
Keeping Up With The Joneses was oddly a selection that made Aaron Neuwirth’s list of 2016 anticipated movie titles over here. So there’s that going for it. For me though it means Keeping Up With The Joneses I get to spend more time with Wonder Woman, I mean Gal Gadot. So there’s also that too. However, even armed with the knowledge of both these aforementioned items I managed to successfully evade the film theatrically despite the fiancee wanting to check it out. I knew the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray would inevitably be coming one day and I had more than a feeling that Brandon Peters would make me the sacrificial lamb. I do not mind being said lamb for Gal Gadot so proverbially slit my wrists now as we’re here to discuss everything Keeping Up With The Joneses down below.
Continue reading ‘Keeping Up With The Joneses (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
January 5th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
Nothing represents the best of the 80’s better than Miami Vice. From the pastel colors to the sock free loafers, from the fast Ferrari’s to the sizzling speed boats, the adventures of Vice Detectives James “Sonny” Crockett and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs were not only influential to an entire decade, but also a huge part of my own childhood representing all things cool. This new great sounding 5.1 & 2.0 Surround Sound set houses the total series and contains every Miami Vice episode in its entirety – the good, the bad and the ugly. Normally product of this type gets the DVD Roundup treatment from me, but with a set this massive more detailed dissection felt warranted.
Continue reading ‘Miami Vice: The Complete Series (DVD Review)’
January 5th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Deepwater Horizon hits Blu-ray, DVD and 4K Ultra HD on January 10, but I have a bonus post to throw your way, before digging into a full review of the Blu-ray. The Peter Berg-directed film, featuring Mark Walhberg and Kurt Russell, tells the story of the men involved in the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil rig disaster that occurred in April, 2010. The film was a thrilling watch and to allow viewers a closer and unique look at how this film came to be, Lionsgate has partnered with SubVRsive to provide a 360° virtual reality commentary with Berg and editor Colby Parker Jr. I was able to try this experience, so continue on to find out more about how this whole thing works and what to expect.
a Continue reading ‘DEEPWATER HORIZON VR Features A 360° Commentary With Director Peter Berg’
January 5th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Here’s something that I didn’t see coming. The first live feature film will be streamed to cinemas all over this month and it stars Woody Harrelson. Based on a script he wrote that detailed one of his own experiences, Lost In London finds Harrelson playing himself in a story that involves his struggle to get back to his family, while in London. That is certainly random, but a unique idea, which I will be able to experience on January 19th. Everyone else can to, as this film is being presented by Fathom Events and tickets are on sale now. Continue on to learn more details surrounding the nature of this film, where you can see it and more.
a Continue reading ‘Woody Harrelson Stars In The First Live Feature Film – Lost In London’
January 5th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Late 1980s Los Angeles, the gangs rule the streets, with the Crips and the Bloods battling to reign supreme. In a dog-eat-dog world of drugs and guns, they don’t care who gets caught in the crossfire. It’s blue verses red and if you’re wearing the wrong color it could cost your life. From visionary director and icon Dennis Hopper, Academy Award® winners Sean Penn (Mystic River, Milk) and Robert Duvall (Apocalypse Now, Tender Mercies) star in the acclaimed 1988 cop drama COLORS, a gritty exploration of both the police and the gang members who fight for control of Los Angeles. Also starring Maria Conchita Alonso (The Running Man) and featuring early film roles for Don Cheadle and Damon Wayans, this seminal police drama was one of the first films to tackle LA gang culture and boasts an outstanding soundtrack, including such hip-hop legends as Ice-T, Salt-N-Pepa, and Big Daddy Kane. Continue reading ‘COLORS Collector’s Edition On Shout Select Blu-ray March 7th!’
January 5th, 2017 by Bron Anderson
I likely saw more films in theaters in 2016 than I have any other year. And that includes when I used to work at a theater. Even with that, making a top 10 list still feels strange to me, as there are just so many films that I didn’t see that I really think I would enjoy. So, to avoid the perception of expertise, let’s consider this more of a Top-ish Ten-ish films/film-going experiences of 2016 that I had the opportunity to see. We will be starting off with a few worsts to set up a little contrast, then I will briefly discuss some honorable mentions, the films I didn’t get to see that appear to be things I would enjoy, and then the main course. Let’s go! Continue reading ‘Bron’s Top-ish Ten-ish Films of 2016′
January 4th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
There’s nothing like having friends who know you appreciate a good zombie film. Train to Busan is a film I had only heard about thanks to Why So Blu’s Jason Coleman, but he insisted I would enjoy it. As a fan of the George A. Romero classics, as well as some of the more recent entries in the genre ([REC], 28 Weeks Later), this film was said to be offering a unique experience in the world of the undead. This proved to be true, as the film pits zombie hordes against passengers on a bullet train, leading to an intense battle of survival. With some really creative moments and a good amount of drama, Train to Busan basically had everything to make for a fun zombie flick. Now it’s time to dig into the Blu-ray release.
a Continue reading ‘Train To Busan (Blu-ray Review)’
January 4th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Its crazy to think that Lena Dunhams’ talked about and controversial (is it?) show Girls is already coming to its end this year (and soon mind you). It feels like just yesterday I was testing it out and turning my nose up to it. Luckily after Season 2, I decided to suck it up and really have at it and found myself understanding it better and really get to the humorous level this show is guiding you through. Are characters obnoxious, annoying and make you want to pull your hair out? Hell yes, that’s part of the fun I’ve found. But before the final series airs on HBO, its time to look back on the previous one, the fifth season. That particular jaunt with Hanna Horvath and friends will release to Blu-ray on January 3rd, giving you ample time to digest it and be refreshed or just plain up to speed for the final season when it airs. Continue reading ‘Girls: The Complete Fifth Season (Blu-ray Review)’
January 4th, 2017 by Gerard Iribe
Happy New Year! Here we are together again, and as promised, my Top-tastic films of 2016! Please keep in mind that I did not see as many films as I wanted to after August of this year due to several traveling commitments. I did catch up on a few more within the last couple of weeks but they may or may not have made it onto my list. I published my Top Blu-ray list a few weeks ago and none of those films made it onto this list either due to different scales of grading. You may notice a theme in this list and that’s what I went for this time out. It’s a more “fun” oriented list of flicks that captured my attention and made me have a good time – as crappy of a year as we had – I needed to laugh and be blown away. In any event, let’s get on with the show! Continue reading ‘Gerard’s Top-Tastic Films of 2016!’
