Archive Page 244
November 21st, 2016 by Brian White
The Secret Life of Pets was a film we never made it to theatrically this year. It wasn’t because we did not want to see it, quite the contrary, but it was just a bad timing thing. Time is our enemy in life. Then came news of the fact that this title was coming to the superior Ultra HD Blu-ray format in December. I jumped at the chance to be one of the first peeps to review it. Call it an ego thing or call it what you want. I just really wanted to see it. See I don’t have any kids in my life. I’m too selfish and impatient to ever have them. However, what I do have are loving, adorable pets. They are my kids to me and I know I love my son Star-Lord just as much as Brandon Peters loves Logan. If I could give him my extra kidney in time of need, I would without hesitation. That and so many reasons more is why I have been smitten by the idea of The Secret Life of Pets ever since it was first announced. And now the wait is finally over! Join me in talking everything fur babies down below. Continue reading ‘The Secret Life of Pets (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
November 21st, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
It seems as if there is something to praise for making the kind of movie that suggests the phrase, “They don’t make ‘em like this anymore.” Allied seems to be gunning for that reaction. The Robert Zemeckis-directed suspense drama is the sort of old-fashioned war/romance story that assumes you can enjoy it based on the straightforward narrative matched by big movie stars and impressive production values. There is not much in the way of enlightened nuance, but it hits the same sort of marks found in the films that inspired it. Does that mean there’s enough to support a viewing of this romantic mystery tale?
a Continue reading ‘It’s Love And War Between The ‘Allied’ (Movie Review)’
November 21st, 2016 by Brandon Peters
Believe it or not, the original C.H.U.D. was a film that somehow managed to elude me after all these years. So, this was all going to be a fresh take when tackling this Blu-ray for Vestron Video. Thanks to a rental on Amazon Prime Video, I was able to do my research by watching the original film. That movie, woof…kinda a slug. It had Daniel Stern in it along with John Heard. However, the film was a pretty big slug. And there was not near enough C.H.U.D. at all. It had its moments, but overall, I’m not sure its something I’d ever return to again. So, going into this sequel, which I’ve always known because of its subtitle, which can go up there with Electric Boogaloo and Your Sister Is a Werewolf as an all timer. Regardless of what my thoughts would be, I knew I’d be down for an entertaining overall release due to it coming from Vestron Video. They’ll be making this one available the same day as Return of the Living Dead 3; November 22nd. Continue reading ‘C.H.U.D. II: Bud The C.H.U.D. – Collector’s Series’
November 21st, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
The neo-western has been an interesting genre to keep an eye on. Many of these films take the staples of classic westerns, but are heavily informed by so much that has come before. Brilliant films such as No Country For Old Men or (a personal favorite) The Way of the Gun even get away with cleverly-staged gunplay, but these scenes come at a cost not forgotten. Hell or High Water is one such film. It plays up its contemporary setting and sets us up with well-rounded characters more interested in dialogue dynamics than shootouts. Equally effective as a heist drama, the film made decent bucks this past summer, despite a limited release and now makes its play for awards season. Now here’s the Blu-ray in all its glory.
a Continue reading ‘Hell Or High Water (Blu-ray Review)’
November 21st, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
Moana is the 56th film from Walt Disney Animation Studios and continues on in a tradition that shows how the studio has built a firm reputation. Of course, more recent entries have really had to up their game in how the princess and princess-type characters are treated. It certainly shows in Moana, a mostly excellent adventure that’s so confident it almost veers too close to how in-the-know it is about what it plans to accomplish. That is hardly a criticism though, as the film is entertaining in all the right ways.
a Continue reading ‘AFI Fest 2016: Moana (Movie Review)’
November 21st, 2016 by Brandon Peters
Relive the imaginative and compelling cult classic, The Man Who Fell to Earth, when the Limited Collector’s Edition arrives on Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus Digital HD) January 24 from Lionsgate. International icon David Bowie stars in his unforgettable debut role as an alien who has ventured to Earth on a mission to save his planet from a catastrophic drought. In honor of David Bowie’s legacy, the limited collector’s edition Blu-ray Combo Pack includes never-before-seen interviews, brand new artwork, a 72-page bound book, press booklet, four art cards and a mini poster. Hailed as “the most intellectually provocative genre film of the 1970s” by Time Out, the remastered The Man Who Fell to Earth Limited Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Combo Pack.
Continue reading ‘THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH Limited Collector’s Edition On Blu-ray January 24th!’
November 21st, 2016 by Brandon Peters
Disney’s timeless tale Pinocchio, considered one of the greatest animated films ever made with two Academy Awards, joins the Walt Disney Signature Collection. Now it will delight a whole new generation of dreamers with its masterful animation, unforgettable characters and award-winning music. The movie which inspired the world to wish upon a star, arrives for the first time on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on Jan. 10, and on Blu-ray™ and DVD on Jan. 31 with hours of new and classic bonus features.
.
Continue reading ‘PINOCCHIO Becomes A Real Signature Edition Blu-ray January 31st!’
November 21st, 2016 by Brandon Peters
Boy, how things have really changed over the last 12 or so years in cinema. And I’m talking about particularly the zombie genre. Its hard to imagine a time when there weren’t an absurd amount of zombie films being released every year. From the late 80s until Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later in 2002, finding a new modern zombie film was scarce. And as far as I can remember, 1993’s Return of the Living Dead 3 felt like the last one. And it may have been the last really commercial or one to play theatrically in some form. I didn’t see it until home video, but for me, it was a big deal and an event. A brand new zombie film! It wasn’t just some run of the mill one either. This film wound up being a unique, strange, endaring oddity that hasn’t left my conscience every since the first time I saw it. Brian Yuzna’s film managed to have memorable characters, iconic looks, unforgettable horrific images and gore that sticks with you. And now, you can have all of that, finally in uncut form when it makes its US Blu-ray debut from Vestron Video on November 22nd! Continue reading ‘Return Of The Living Dead 3 – Collector’s Series (Blu-ray Review)’
November 20th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
It is irritating to see a filmmaker get close to putting something great out there, but still be ultimately undone by script issues. Split has the makings of a very clever and tense psychological thriller. A terrific turn from star James McAvoy certainly deserves plenty of praise. Still, for every new layer and reveal, there is a feeling suggesting how another look at this screenplay could have helped to better workout some of the old-fashioned ideas and configure a better resolve for the characters. Split does well to work in the moment as tense fun, but misses out on nailing what it promises in a better sense.
a Continue reading ‘AFI Fest 2016: Split (Movie Review)’
November 20th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
As you now realize, it’s been 20 years since the release of Space Jam. This blend of Looney Tunes adventure with the patience of Michael Jordan made for a box office success that was admired by few and battered by others. If your thoughts on Space Jam weren’t favorable back in 1996, you likely will not find yourself suddenly coming around to it. For those who do have some nostalgic joy or genuinely find amusement and admiration for the technological achievement had here, the film is back on a Blu-ray that features no new additional content or much reason to re-buy it if you haven’t already, save for a fancy steelbook package.
a Continue reading ‘Space Jam 20th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
November 20th, 2016 by Gerard Iribe
Mike Regan (Pierce Brosnan) is a successful, self-made man who has it all: a gorgeous wife, a beautiful teenage daughter and a sleek, state-of-the-art “smart home.” But he soon finds himself in a deadly, high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse when his I.T. consultant, Ed (James Frecheville), starts using his skills to stalk Mike’s daughter and endanger his family, his business, and his life. In a world where there is no privacy, and personal secrets can go viral by the click of a mouse, Mike needs to rely on his old connections to defeat a new kind of nemesis.
Continue reading ‘I.T. (Blu-ray Review)’
November 19th, 2016 by Brian White
Here we are once again. Only this time winter is coming much earlier than usual for the sixth season of HBO’s Game of Thrones on the Blu-ray format. Last year’s Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Drama Series and currently nominated for 23 2016 Emmy Awards including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Writing, Outstanding Directing Outstanding Supporting Actress (Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Maisie Williams) and Outstanding Supporting Actor (Peter Dinklage, Kit Harrington), Game of Thrones is bigger than ever as its starting to all wind down to the final upcoming two seasons. In other words, this sh1t is finally starting to get real every single episode. If you missed any of our past coverage of these best selling Blu-ray sets, please refer to the following links to seasons 1 and 2 here, 3 here, 4 here and 5 over here. So without further ado let’s talk Game of Thrones: The Complete Sixth Season and get this beast of a review started down below. Continue reading ‘Game of Thrones: The Complete Sixth Season (Blu-ray Review)’
November 18th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
So it seems that every five years we will be getting a new edition of Taxi Driver on whatever home format is available. The classic Martin Scorsese neo-noir/psychological thriller has been given its share of acclaim so many times that delving into something new about the film almost feels unnecessary. And yet, this latest release adds on a new 40-minute Q&A to go along with all the other extras and the 4K digital restoration previously found on other Blu-ray releases of the film. For those who have never owned the film before, this is (for now) the ultimate edition as far as all that comes with this terrific and legendary film.
a Continue reading ‘Taxi Driver – 40th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
November 18th, 2016 by Brandon Peters
A serial killer’s curse unleashes a season of slaughter in the backwoods of Mississippi in the grisly slasher The Devil’s Dolls. Available December 6th, 2016 from Scream Factory, in conjunction with IFC Midnight, this visceral film goes beyond the typical midnight slasher, featuring an incredibly intense, tightly-paced story and character-driven Southern Gothic thrills.
.
.
Continue reading ‘Southern Gothic Slasher THE DEVIL’S DOLLS Makes its Blu-ray Debut December 6th’
November 18th, 2016 by Brandon Peters
Home audiences will cheer for Disney’s Queen of Katwe, which has earned widespread critical acclaim. Based on the vibrant true story of a young girl (Madina Nalwanga) from the streets of Uganda whose world changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion. It is a remarkable story of perseverance against all odds that will leave viewers feeling humbled and inspired. According to director Mira Nair, “The triumph of the human spirit is not to weep for what we don’t have but to focus on what we do have and allow that to take us to a place we never imagined possible.” Disney’s heartwarming and triumphant tale arrives home on Digital HD on Jan. 10 and Blu-ray™ on Jan. 31. Continue reading ‘QUEEN OF KATWE Becomes The Queen Of Blu-ray January 31st!’
November 18th, 2016 by Jason Coleman
With only two more Friday’s left in November my four weeks of sheer and utter movie embarrassment is almost at an end so let’s finish off this second to last selection in the guilty pleasure series quick – welcome to Forgotten Friday Flick! Today we’re going into deep, deep character clichés, cornball comedy and stereotypical scenarios for some pure gamey movie cheddar that most would consider sub-par cinema. But for yours truly all of the above B-movie badness is music to the ears with a tale of a man whose dream of finding the right woman comes true – even if she is made of wood, polystyrene and fiberglass. Where can I get a…Mannequin! Continue reading ‘Forgotten Friday Flick – “Mannequin”’
November 18th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
Manchester by the Sea is the equivalent of an arthouse blockbuster. It’s an impressively made drama from acclaimed writer/director/playwright Kenneth Lonergan about a man’s grief, while back in his hometown. It features reserved, but impressive performances from the likes of arthouse favorites Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams, with an expanded running time to make sure we follow all the moving parts to these characters and this story. Manchester by the Sea allows for more resonance when it comes to taking in the emotional payoffs of a feature like this. There’s also the universal nature to the film being shown, which means it has enough heart and humor to go along with the drama and make it ultimately quite rewarding.
Continue reading ‘Hometown Drama In ‘Manchester By The Sea’ (Movie Review)’
November 17th, 2016 by Brian White
Mechanic: Resurrection was a film I never made it to theatrically this year. In fact I never even saw the first film in the series. After reading Aaron Neuwirth’s review of the second one here I took away the fact that I don’t even need to visit the first film for continuity sake at all. Bonus for me! Truth be told though I always felt like you’ve seen one Jason Statham action movie you’ve seen them all. Now I know that is being ignorant and completely not true. I also adore Jason Statham in a lot of his features too. It’s just that some of his outings are so damn generic they’re not memorable one bit to say the very least. However, how often does Jason get paired with Jessica Alba? To top it off this one’s being released in glorious 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. How on Earth can I say no to that combo? It’s a rhetorical question. I cannot! Continue reading ‘Mechanic Resurrection (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
