Archive Page 242
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.
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. 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!’
January 3rd, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Because writer/director/producer Ryan Murphy was not busy enough with American Horror Story and American Crime Story, he also decided to follow up Fox’s Glee with another over-the-top series that takes on the horror genre to a lighter degree with Scream Queens. Packed with both veteran and younger stars, the concept is fun enough, with this series challenging MTV’s Scream to be the best horror/dark comedy about teens on television. However, does Scream Queens deliver the goods or miss the mark when it comes to being a proper horror send-up? The first season is now available on DVD, so anyone can catch up.
a Continue reading ‘Scream Queens: The Complete First Season (DVD Review)’
January 3rd, 2017 by Gregg Senko
It was certainly a turbulent year in the entertainment business as 2016 saw the passing of numerous stars. Bowie left us, then Alan Rickman and the list went on with Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds passing just days apart. While they have moved on to whatever the next stage may bring, we will always have them on film. Music and movies are two things that can bring people together so take a moment to remember those we admired while continuing to enjoy to the films we loved in 2016. Keep in mind this is not a list of the most artistic films of the year, just my personal favorites as well as a few that had me squirming in my seat in boredom.
Continue reading ‘Gregg’s Best and Worst Films of 2016′
January 2nd, 2017 by Brandon Peters
I’ve been waiting like 15 years or so for this movie. The fifth and final Phantasm movie. And it was done in super secret with the trailer surprising the hell out of EVERYONE when it randomly popped up a year or so ago. For years there were rumors and such, but Reggie Bannister was the voice of honesty shooting it down. Now, the final chapter, Ravager is here (Well, its been here, but its finally here for the Blu-ray review, Jason Coleman covered it a few months back. It features the final appearance by Angus Scrimm, and fitting it being in his most signature and iconic role. The main players are all back, and its up to Reggie, the guitar slaying ice cream man, to save the world from the Tall Man. Don Coscarelli oversaw the film, but for some reason stepped back and let someone else take the director’s chair on the last film in his most famous series of films. What started way back in 1979 finally comes to a head here in 2016. Continue reading ‘Phantasm: Ravager (Blu-ray Review)’
January 2nd, 2017 by Brandon Peters
If you’ve been an avid reader of my stuff here on this site (And let’s be honest, why wouldn’t you be?), its been pretty consistent that one of the most massive movies on my Blu-ray bucket list has been Phantasm. The whole series, really, but mainly this first movie. I honestly didn’t realize how much of a cult film with a smaller following it really was. Growing up, it (and its sequels) were at really every video store I went to. The Tall Man was a common figure to hold up among the 80s slasher/monster icons. Years, pass, no further entries and nobody involved with the series is of any massive stature (To hold in a “look where such and such superstar got their start” fashion). But one certain director/producer with clout was a big fan. And in 2016, Phantasm came back in a big way, with a 4K restoration and theatrical rerelease headed up by JJ Abrams. Also in tow was a brand new sequel serving as the closing chapter in this unique horror series. But, what about Blu-ray? Everyone was tossing their guess as to who would have it. Scream Factory? Arrow? NOPE! Well Go USA?!?!?!?! I say , Well, go give them a chance. And now we can see what they’ve done and what they haven’t done. Continue reading ‘Phantasm: Remastered (Blu-ray Review)’
December 30th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
The end of 2016 means an end to another year of great cinema. I had a tough time putting together this final list of films, as there was a strong selection to go through. Having watched over 175 films theatrically this year, it was fun to narrow things down to a final list of ten films. This is especially the case, given how hard I worked to keep in mind my personal thoughts on all aspects of each of these films and how they resonated with me in the time since seeing them. So here we go with my picks for the Top Ten films of 2016 and the ranked runner-ups. (As per usual, I placed lots of Easter Eggs hidden in all of the pictures).
a Continue reading ‘Aaron’s Terrific Top Ten Films of 2016’
December 29th, 2016 by Jason Coleman
Of all my years of fervent movie watching, 2016 is by far my most proud. Thanks to my new home WhySoBlu.com and my weekly Encapsulated Movie Reviews column I’ve seen more films this year then ever before and it’s been very satisfying. As such my list of Top Ten films is a thoughtful, researched and wondrous hodgepodge of docs, genre flicks and interesting indies that some may not have heard of. And even though there’s not a big budget action yarn (Deadpool came very, very close!), either of the two fine films released by the great Jeff Nichols (Shotgun Stories still rules!) or a gaggle of year-end Oscar bait (La La Land was four out of five stars for me!) ever-present, rest assured I’ve tried to see them all. (I even checked out five unseen films recommended by my fellow site writers via their “so far” lists – I listened to EVERYONE!) In a year that had many fantastic flicks just under full marks for me, below is a bevy of strictly five-star stuff. Films that went that extra mile to make their cinematic wares truly warranted of movie mention and I’m proud to say I adore. But the love doesn’t stop there as I’ve also included an interview with the director of one of the films below – Ryan Schwartz helmer of the #8 selection – as an extra year-end bonus for all you WhySoBlu.com readers as a thank you for your continued support of the site. Love ‘em or hate ‘em (and you know my humble opinion!) here are my loud and proud…
Continue reading ‘Jason Coleman’s Top Ten Films Of 2016 (Plus Bonus #8 Director Ryan Schwartz Interview!)’
