Archive Page 268
July 15th, 2016 by Jordan Grout
We are thrilled to announce Criterion’s latest spellbinding lineup. Guillermo del Toro is at the center of the exciting October slate, which features a new stand-alone edition of the haunting, Oscar-winning fantasy epic Pan’s Labyrinth as well as a set-available in both a DVD edition and a sumptuously designed Blu-ray box that includes a deluxe hardcover book-collecting the writer-director’s trilogy of fabulist Spanish-language films: Cronos, The Devil’s Backbone and Pan’s Labyrinth. We’re also thrilled about two European masterpieces making long-awaited entries into the collection: Ermanno Olmi’s Palme d’Or-winning The Tree of Wooden Clogs, an absorbing and sensual elegy that faithfully captures the rhythms of a now-lost way of life in rural Italy at the turn of the twentieth century; and The Executioner, a darkly comedic and fiercely subversive political satire by Luis García Berlanga, regarded by filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar as “the true father of Spanish cinema.” Continue reading ‘Criterion October 2016 Titles Get Announced!’
July 15th, 2016 by Jason Coleman
This week we’re once again scouring the foreign movie market for a little romance and who better than the Danish for all things deeply devoted – welcome to Forgotten Friday Flick! Today we’re jumping feet first into a foreign film that satisfies cinefile enjoyment for all things enchanted. Granted there are also elements of drama, mystery, lust and lies, but what love affair is complete without such savory side dishes? Thrilling and beautiful with a hint of tragedy, we’re dissecting a five-star flick that’s not…Just Another Love Story.
Continue reading ‘Forgotten Friday Flick – “Just Another Love Story”’
July 15th, 2016 by Jason Coleman
For a true cinefile there’s nothing better than discovering a five-star female performance – an unforgettable character by a leading lady whose work lingers long. The moving new film from writer/director Marc Meyers titled How He Fell In Love (currently playing in LA, New York and select cities from Monument Releasing) has one such tasty turn. Playing a layered and complex character who is caught between the loyalty to her husband and the love of a younger man with whom she’s having a passionate affair, actress Amy Hargreaves gives one bold, strong and emotionally rich performance that all but solidifies her as on-screen force to be reckoned with. Going to real and raw places but all the while maintaining a sense of strength, Hargreaves Oscar worthy work is nothing short of superb and truly challenges the status quo.
Continue reading ‘Interview: “How He Fell In Love” Standout Amy Hargreaves Talks Character, The Cassavetes Influence and Indescribable Love’
July 15th, 2016 by Brian White
Before I begin with my review here I just want to take a moment to reflect upon the fact that when you think about it, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice – Ultimate Edition is the biggest 4K UHD Blu-ray title to hit the infant format since its debut earlier this year. Did that monumental thought sink in already? It’s a pretty heavy burden to ask anybody to thoroughly review this hotly anticipated title on the premium format of “my choice” now. Challenge accepted because let’s face it, honors like this don’t come to one just every day. Oh no! This is a special day here on Why So Blu. This is the day I get to recap and review my favorite film of the year so far (sad huh?) in the best presentation possible that money can buy. Believe me when I say this to you. These 4K UHD Blu-ray titles are money. Alright, my moment of reflection has ended. We can begin. Commencing countdown. Feeding the disc to the Samsung now. Continue reading ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice – Ultimate Edition (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
July 15th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
The prospect of putting together a new Ghostbusters is a daunting one, yet an interesting challenge. While the 1984 fantasy-comedy is regarded by many (including myself) as a classic, the concept of a group of scientists in the business of catching ghosts opens up a world of possibilities. Despite the many people (including the original film’s mastermind and star Dan Aykroyd) who championed a third film, the resulting addition to the franchise is a modern update featuring a new director and cast. Fortunately for them, despite a few bumps, the film is fun summer entertainment.
d Continue reading ‘Don’t Slime Me, ‘Ghostbusters’ Is A Fun Update (Movie Review)’
July 14th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
With the rise of video on-demand, the line between major theatrical releases and films that seemingly go straight-to-video is starting to become blurred. Such is the case of a lot of thrillers not featuring major stars. The Invitation has every right to be appreciated as much as other horror/thrillers that pass as mainstream entertainment, but it’s a much smaller film and could only have so much reach. Fortunately, the film received its share of acclaim and has a Blu-ray release that very much helps to preserve the look and feel of the film, along with throwing in some other goodies.
d Continue reading ‘The Invitation (Blu-ray Review)’
July 14th, 2016 by Gerard Iribe
The story of a loving father who dons a clown outfit and makeup to perform at his son’s sixth birthday, only to later discover that the costume – red nose and wig included– will not come off and his own personality changing in a horrific fashion. To break the curse of the evil outfit, the father must make grim choices with his own family facing danger. Clown will be available on Blu-ray™ and DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment on August 23, 2016 for the suggested retail price of $26.99 and $22.98, respectively, and includes “Making Clown Featuring Producer Eli Roth.” Continue reading ‘Master of Terror Eli Roth presents CLOWN / Available on Blu-ray & DVD August 23rd’
July 14th, 2016 by Jason Coleman
There’s an interesting mix of indie fare this week that has everything from theme park furries to wild west gun-toting baddies. (And that’s just an average day in the work of diverse actor Bryan Cranston!) We’re filling the Encapsulated Movie Reviews today with a trio that includes the comedy CHARACTERz, the drama The Infiltrator and the western thriller Outlaws and Angels – check out the critical skinny below!
Continue reading ‘Encapsulated Movie Reviews – 3 New Indie Titles’
July 13th, 2016 by Brian White
Back in the days I used to fashion myself as a pretty big Ghostbusters fan. I lost count how many times I seen the original back in the 80’s, but I can honestly attest to only seeing the second film once. We all know how bad that film is so I won’t even go there. Needless to say a third Ghostbusters film has been rumored to be in the works now for decades. Did they need a third Ghostbusters film? Of course they did not, but you can’t keep a good cash cow down forever. Sooner or later it’s going to rear its ugly head, hence this year’s Independence Day: Resurgence. So that’s where things get interesting. I was convinced that this reboot of the “franchise” was going to suck hard based on my animosity towards the film’s first trailer, but a recent visit with the original Ghostbusters on 4K UHD Blu-ray made me think otherwise. Continue reading ‘Ghostbusters Mildly Pleases, But The Credits Thrill (Movie Review)’
July 13th, 2016 by Shohan Cagle
Internationally renowned multi-million selling rock band
Styx will be on full display this summer, when
Eagle Rock Entertainment releases
Styx: Live At The Orleans Arena Las Vegas. Filmed in high definition,
Styx: Live At The Orleans Arena captures the band performing in July 2014, showering the crowd with a set list of hits and fan favorites: “Too Much Time On My Hands,” “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man),” “Renegade,” and more. Originally released on CD in June 2015, this incredible live concert will now be available on DVD and Blu-ray.
Continue reading ‘STYX Live At The Orleans Arena Las Vegas DVD, Blu-ray out September 2nd!’
July 13th, 2016 by Shohan Cagle
Experience action-packed terror as two men race against the clock to stop a horde of rabid killers as their city descends into apocalyptic madness in the pulse-pounding thriller, Cell, arriving on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital), and Digital HD on September 27 from Lionsgate. The film is currently available On Demand. Based on Stephen King’s chilling book, the film stars John Cusack (Love & Mercy) alongside Oscar® nominee Samuel L. Jackson (Best Supporting Actor, Pulp Fiction, 1994) and Stacy Keach (The Bourne Legacy). Cell was directed by Tod Williams from a screenplay by Stephen King and Adam Alleca. The home entertainment release of Cell contains audio commentary with the director and a look behind the scenes of the film in the “To Cell and Back” featurette. The Cell Blu-ray and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively. Continue reading ‘Cell Starring John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson Arrives On DVD and Blu-ray on September 27!’
July 13th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
There’s something to be said for how compelling post-Breaking Bad Bryan Cranston is. At 60-years old, the actor is about 20 years too old to be playing U.S. Customs agent Robert Mazur, the man who went undercover to infiltrate the money-laundering organization of drug lord Pablo Escobar. Still, his rugged face is one full of character, making it easy to find a film like The Infiltrator quite engaging, despite how familiar it all feels.
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d Continue reading ‘Cranston’s Great Undercover In ‘The Infiltrator’ (Movie Review)’
July 13th, 2016 by Jason Coleman
Brace yourself for a thrilling experience with the intense action-revenge thriller, I Am Wrath, arriving on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital) and On Demand on July 26 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. John Travolta stars as a former Black Ops agent who takes action after realizing a group of corrupt police officers will never solve his wife’s murder. Also starring Christopher Meloni and from the director of The Scorpion King, the I Am Wrath Blu-ray with Digital HD contains a full-length audio commentary with Director Chuck Russell and Writer/Actor Paul Sloan. Continue reading ‘I Am Wrath (Blu-ray Review)’
July 13th, 2016 by Brandon Peters
The seed is planted…terror grows. On August 2, 2016, the terrifying sci-fi classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers will be presented like never before in a Collector’s Edition Blu-ray from Scream Factory. Featuring a new HD transfer, this release also comes packed with new bonus features, including interviews and audio commentary with cast and crew, and a limited-edition collectible slipcover with newly rendered artwork. Under cover of darkness, while an unsuspecting city sleeps, an alien life form begins to sow the seeds of unspeakable terror. Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Leonard Nimoy, Veronica Cartwright and Jeff Goldblum star in this shocking, “first-rate suspense thriller” (Newsday).
. Continue reading ‘Invasion Of The Body Snatchers – Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
July 12th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
As far as the visual design goes for a Woody Allen film, Café Society is among his best. Going over budget for the sake of this 1930s-set farce, Allen manages to put a well-cast ensemble in a number of great costumes, as they interact within well-designed sets and beautiful locations to evoke a level of nostalgia captured quite often in Allen films. It’s just a shame the story doesn’t take the audience anywhere new when it comes to Allen’s level of wit. It’s almost as if he were happier lounging in the café, rather than actually reading the menu.
d Continue reading ‘Find Woody Allen Not Working Too Hard With ‘Café Society’ (Movie Review)’
July 12th, 2016 by Shohan Cagle
This album is the very definition of “Garage Rock”. It’s played in a very loose and raggedy sort a way that has a lot of heart, but not much in the way of technical proficiency. Hater totally encapsulates the very essence of what was happening during the early “Grunge” era of the 1990’s. You can hear little bit’s of Soundgarden, Peal Jam, and Nirvana sprinkled throughout this album. Which is to be expected with a group that features members of Monster Magnet, Mother Love Bone and Devilhead. But that’s by no means to say that Hater is is just a rip off of more sophisticated acts. I’m just trying to paint a picture of what the musical atmosphere was like when this album originally came out. When you have a little background on a band as unconventional as Hater, it gives you a better appreciation for what they tried to accomplish musically.
Continue reading ‘Hater – Debut Album Reissue (Album Review)’
July 12th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
A sweet, sophisticated, and funny exploration of modern romance, MAGGIE’S PLAN debuts on Blu-ray, DVD and digital on August 23 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Greta Gerwig (No Strings Attached), Academy Award® nominee Ethan Hawke (Best Supporting Actor: Training Day, 2001; Boyhood, 2014), Bill Hader (Trainwreck), Maya Rudolph (Bridesmaids), Travis Fimmel (“Vikings”) and Academy Award winner Julianne Moore (Best Actress, Still Alice, 2014) star in Writer/Director Rebecca Miller’s (The Private Lives of Pippa Lee) film from Sony Pictures Classics. Gerwig plays Maggie, whose plan to have a baby on her own is derailed when she falls in love with a married man (Hawke), destroying his volatile marriage to the brilliant Georgette (Moore). MAGGIE’S PLAN was a selection at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival.
Continue reading ‘MAGGIE’S PLAN Debuting on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital August 23′
July 12th, 2016 by Brandon Peters
Produced by celebrated B-movie icon Roger Corman and directed by the legendary Francis Ford Coppola, the macabre thriller Dementia 13 has been digitally restored from 35mm archival film elements, bringing its terrifying suspense to the screen like never before. The 1963, B-movie classic will be available on Blu-ray July 26 from The Film Detective (distributed by Allied Vaughn). Written and directed by Coppola (The Godfather trilogy, Apocalypse Now, The Conversation) at just 24-years-old, Dementia 13 is considered his first mainstream, “legitimate” directorial effort. Backed by funds leftover from one of Corman’s (Death Race, The Terror, The Little Shop of Horrors) other projects – on which Coppola worked as a sound technician – the fledgling director wrote the screenplay in one night, bringing Corman’s idea for a low-budget, extremely brutal, gothic-themed Psycho knockoff to life. Continue reading ‘Dementia 13 (Blu-ray Review)’
