Archive Page 272
June 24th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
I have both nostalgic love and admiration for the 1996 blockbuster Independence Day. The film turned Will Smith into a superstar, provided Irwin Allen disaster movie-like thrills on a grand scale, and delivered a fun sci-fi alien invasion flick. It was also earnest, heartfelt and audacious. 20 years later we have Independence Day: Resurgence, which ups the ante from a visuals standpoint, but finds itself lost when it comes to channeling what made the first film special.
d Continue reading ‘‘Independence Day: Resurgence’ – The Aliens Strike Back (Movie Review)’
June 24th, 2016 by Jason Coleman
I’m back with my famed week-ending peek into past pictures worthy of a retro revisit – but now on a brand new site! And being that this is the first official one here at my new home Why So Blu it felt appropriate to not only keep the foreign film angle alive we hatched on our previous site, but to knock it out of the park with a choice that’s cinematically savory in every way – welcome to Forgotten Friday Flick! For all newbies it’s my long running weekly column that brings to light hidden movie gems that some of you may have forgotten, dismissed or perhaps never even heard of – all for the consideration of the inquisitive cinefile. Today I’m delving into a weird movie world where genres are used as mere fodder to build one fine film. Comedy, drama, romance and a pinch of horror all embody our selection – a movie so explicit in every wondrous way that the film was at the time slapped with an all new rating. A sensational Spanish NC-17 product of the 1990’s, let’s get the review rope ready for Pedro Almodóvar’s…Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!
Continue reading ‘Forgotten Friday Flick – “Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!”’
June 23rd, 2016 by Brandon Peters
This summer, venture into the town of Waterbury with Sarah, a young woman who returns to where she was born, only to find herself the centerpiece in a series of horrifying copycat murders based on the grisly killings of her parents. As the murders escalate, long-buried secrets are revealed, making everyone around her a suspect…or a victim. The thrilling first season of Chiller’s original hit series SLASHER – which recently concluded its run on-air this Spring – stars Katie McGrath (Jurassic World, Dracula,Merlin), Brandon Jay McLaren (Chicago Fire, Graceland, The Killing), Steve Byers (The Man in the High Castle, Alphas, Smallville), Dean McDermott (Ecstasy, CSI) and Wendy Crewson (Saving Hope, Revenge). On July 12, 2016, SCREAM FACTORY™ will release SLASHER: SEASON ONE on Blu-ray andDVD. A must-have for horror enthusiasts, this eerily terrifying series features a generous dose of suspense and blood-curdling violence. Both the Blu-ray and DVD will include a behind-the-scenes featurette. Continue reading ‘Slasher – Season One (Blu-ray Review)’
June 23rd, 2016 by Brian White
First off, I wanted to let everyone know that Warner Bros. did not supply this 4K UHD Blu-ray for me to review, but instead I purchased it myself out of my love and affinity for the Rocky franchise, and most recently Creed in this case (as I simply could not resist that gorgeous, awe-inspiring black slip cover). I’ll admit though that I’m a few months late to this 4K Blu-ray party, but what matters most is that I’m here now, and I’m staying. Thus far the 4K UHD Blu-ray format has been a rewarding experience, but I’ll admit to having a few system hiccups (don’t make the mistake of buying Lionsgate’s Sicario 4K Blu-ray) since my review of the new equipment I possess here. You have to expect that from early adoption of technology, right? Nevertheless, you can’t dispute how eye-popping spectacular things are on the Sony XBR-65X930D 4K display, but I digress. We’re gathered here today to not only talk about my love for Creed and what the Rocky franchise may or may not mean to me, but more importantly how incredibly beautiful Creed is in 4K UHD Blu-ray. Let’s begin!
Continue reading ‘Creed (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
June 23rd, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
The press notes for the bizarre buddy comedy that is Swiss Army Man state the film comes from the minds behind the visionary “Turn Down For What” music video. That is an apt way of presenting a film that allows a man and a living corpse to become friends and explore the facets of life to varying emotional degrees. You also have to take into account how much this film almost feels like a dare for audiences to look past the fact that it largely plays like the artsiest fart joke to ever get acquired during Sundance.
d Continue reading ‘‘Swiss Army Man’ Passes Gas And The Weirdness Test With Aplomb (Movie Review)’
June 23rd, 2016 by Brian White
I will kind of start this review by echoing what I said over here in my first 4K UHD review of Star Trek. It was two months ago when Paramount Home Media Distribution announced that director J.J. Abrams’ global blockbusters Star Trek and the reason why we are all here, Star Trek Into Darkness, would be the studio’s first two titles released on the new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray format. The releases also coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Star Trek franchise in 2016. Don’t know what 4K Blu-ray is all about? Well, it’s simple. 4K UHD represents the next evolution in home entertainment, offering four times the resolution and more than double the number of colors available with full HD. In addition, these 4K UHD releases deliver exceptional vibrancy and contrast through High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology, which reveals hidden details and shades of color that more closely mimic real life. So now that we have that mumbo jumbo out of the way what do you say we get started? Continue reading ‘Star Trek Into Darkness (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
June 23rd, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
It’s a sad reality when you realize a film’s noble intentions can’t save it from the truth. There is an interesting story to tell in regards to Newton Knight and the men and women who joined him in rebellion against the Confederacy (and the Union) during the Civil War. Unfortunately, despite the efforts from a talented cast and the inherent emotions that come from seeing the rigors of slavery at its worst, Free State of Jones is a dramatically inert film with little to add to the cinematic landscape.
d Continue reading ‘‘Free State Of Jones’ Sparks Little Interest In Rebellion Tale (Movie Review)’
June 23rd, 2016 by Blu-ray Brian
One of the most highly anticipated annual traditions for “The Walking Dead” fans all over the world, Anchor Bay Entertainment will be releasing THE WALKING DEAD: THE COMPLETE SIXTH SEASON Blu-ray + Digital HD Limited Edition set November 2016. McFarlane Toys has done it again creating a striking, must-own packaging concept. This year’s Limited Edition features the “truck” walker, from the infamous rock quarry in the very first episode of Season 6. Handsomely crafted and intricately detailed, the figurine is based on the original walker designed by award-winning SFX make-up Supervisor and Executive Producer, Greg Nicotero. Packaging also includes a collectible 5-disc Blu-ray™ set digipack with exclusive “walker” cover art available only with this set. Continue reading ‘THE WALKING DEAD: The Complete Sixth Season — LIMITED EDITIONS’
June 23rd, 2016 by Brandon Peters
Discover a grim, gorgeous, grown-up fairytale full of princes and princesses, sorcerers and fairies, and monsters and ogres, in the epic fantasy horror filmTale of Tales. Based on three spellbinding stories of magic and the macabre by 17th-century folklorist Giambattista Basile, Tale of Tales unleashes a barrage of mind-bogglingly exquisite and fantastical imagery as it brings to life the misadventures of three kings. Starring Salma Hayek, Vincent Cassel, John C. Reilly, Toby Jones and Shirley Henderson, this captivating film makes its Blu-ray and DVD debut on September 6, 2016 from Shout! Factory and Sundance Selects. Fans can pre-order their copies now by visiting ShoutFactory.com. Continue reading ‘Fantasy Horror TALE OF TALES Comes To Blu-ray September 6!’
June 22nd, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
To be a fan of The League, you don’t need to know much about fantasy football, or sports at all. You just need to have friends that you hate. The ensemble comedy follows a group of old friends in a fantasy football league who care very deeply… about beating each other for bragging rights. The League was created by the husband-and-wife team of Jeff Schaffer (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Seinfeld) and Jackie Marcus Schaffer (Disturbia, Eurotrip) who serve as executive producers and directors. The series lasted for seven seasons on FX (and eventually FXX) and this DVD set features its final hours.
d Continue reading ‘The League: The Final Season (DVD Review)’
June 22nd, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
It’s something of a shame that live-action adventure movies intended for a family audience are relegated to being the talk of film festivals, rather than something in demand by studios these days. Hunt for the Wilderpeople was met with much acclaim at Sundance this past winter and it deserves it, but it is almost as if the film won people over for being a good example of what we used to get more of. Regardless, this little New Zealand gem features a fine story about two people learning to work with one another and the madcap adventure they experience in the bush.
d Continue reading ‘‘Hunt For The Wilderpeople’ Is One Charming Adventure (Movie Review)’
June 22nd, 2016 by Brandon Peters
“Tina Fey shines” (Scott Mendelson, Forbes) in the wickedly entertaining comedy WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT, arriving on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On Demand June 28, 2016 from Paramount Home Media Distribution. The film debuts two weeks early on Digital HD June 14. WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT is a sharp and savvy film that critics are calling “boldly entertaining” (Stephanie Zacharek, Time). The film features an all-star ensemble cast including Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street, Suicide Squad), Martin Freeman (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey), Billy Bob Thornton (“Fargo”), and Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2). The WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT Blu-ray Combo Pack with Digital HD includes over 45 minutes of bonus content. Take an extensive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, and catch an in-depth interview with Kim Barker, upon whose memoir the film is based. The Blu-ray also includes deleted and extended scenes and much more. Continue reading ‘Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (Blu-ray Review)’
June 22nd, 2016 by Jerad Mullicane
The terrifying underwater thriller In The Deep swims into town on DVD August 2 from Dimension Films and Anchor Bay Entertainment and on Digital HD and On Demand from Starz Digital. Directed by Johannes Roberts (The Other Side of The Door), In The Deep stars Mandy Moore (“This Is Us,” A Walk To Remember), Claire Holt (“The Vampire Diaries,” “The Originals”), Yani Gellman (“Pretty Little Liars,” “The Young And The Restless”), and Matthew Modine (Full Metal Jacket, The Dark Knight Rises). Continue reading ‘In The Deep – on DVD, Digital HD August 2nd’
June 21st, 2016 by Brandon Peters
To save what you love, you must become what you fear when “Keanu” arrives onto Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, a.k.a. the hugely popular comedy duo Key & Peele, star in New Line Cinema’s action comedy “Keanu.” The two play Clarence and Rell, cousins who live in the city but are far from streetwise. The film also stars Method Man (“The Fast and the Furious,” “Red Tails”) as the menacing gang leader, Cheddar; Tiffany Haddish (“Real Husbands of Hollywood”) as the stone-cold gangster, Hi-C; with Luis Guzmán (“We’re the Millers,” “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island”) as the Mexican cartel kingpin, Bacon; Nia Long (“The Best Man” films) as Clarence’s beautiful wife, Hannah; and Will Forte (“The Last Man on Earth,” “Nebraska”) as the eccentric drug dealer, Hulka. Peter Atencio (“Key and Peele,” “The Last Man on Earth”) directed the film from a script written by Jordan Peele and Alex Rubens (“Key and Peele,” “Community”). Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Peter Principato, Paul Young and Joel Zadak produced the film, with Ben Ormand serving as executive producer.
Continue reading ‘KEANU On Blu-ray August 2nd!’
June 21st, 2016 by Blu-ray Brian
Oh yeah! You can almost hear the fire-breathing front man scream. Captured in the midst of their 40th Anniversary World Tour, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers sonically shook Vegas during their residency at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in November 2014. This Sin City set sizzles with KISS classics from across their 44 album legacy: “Rock And Roll All Night,” “Detroit Rock City,” “Shout It Out Loud,” “Love Gun,” and more. As a bonus feature, Kiss Rocks Vegas includes a seven-song acoustic set. Punctuated with pyrotechnics galore, the film presents the fire, electricity, and one-of-a-kind rock experience that earned KISS over 100 million sales globally. Continue reading ‘KISS Rocks Vegas on Blu-ray This August!’
June 21st, 2016 by Brandon Peters
Discover the truth when “Midnight Special” arrives onto Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD. The film stars Oscar® nominee Michael Shannon (“99 Homes,” “Man of Steel”), Joel Edgerton (“Black Mass”), Kirsten Dunst (TV’s “Fargo”), Adam Driver (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens”), Jaeden Lieberher (“St. Vincent”) and Oscar nominee Sam Shepard (“The Right Stuff,” “August Osage County”). This all-star cast brings to life a suspenseful and heroic story about fatherhood and protecting the ones you love. Jeff Nichols (“Mud,” “Take Shelter”) directed the film from his own screenplay. It is produced by Oscar nominee Sarah Green (“The Tree of Life,” “Mud”) and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones (the “Insidious” films, “Sinister”), who previously collaborated with Nichols on his critically acclaimed thriller, “Take Shelter.” Glen Basner (“Mud”), Hans Graffunder (“Somebody Up There Likes Me”), and Christos V. Konstantakopoulos (“Take Shelter”) served as executive producers. Continue reading ‘Midnight Special (Blu-ray Review)’
June 21st, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
This past season brought many unforeseen, exciting and pulse-pounding twists and turns. With the end of every season comes the bittersweet knowledge that we must wait with bated breath until the next ride. “As ever, there’s no shaking Dead’s grip” raves Us Weekly. To keep your “The Walking Dead” appetite satiated, Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly continues the tradition of offering fans an opportunity to relive the ever so satisfying series by delivering “The Walking Dead: The Complete Sixth Season” on Blu-ray™ + Digital HD and DVD on August 23. New cast members and guest stars for Season Six include Merritt Wever as Dr. Denise Cloyd, Ethan Embry as Carter, Corey Hawkins as Heath, Thomas Payne as Jesus and Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan. Continue reading ‘Anchor Bay Entertainment Delivers “The Walking Dead: The Complete Sixth Season” On Blu-ray This August’
June 21st, 2016 by Erica Lawrence
Coming Friday, June 24th by IFC Midnight, Intruder is (as the title suggests) a home invasion thriller that depicts one woman’s unsettling weekend home alone, written and directed by Travis Zarwiny. Starring Louise Linton as Elizabeth, a young cellist in the Portland Oregon Symphony, decides to escape the stresses of her life by retreating to the solitude and safety of her own home. However the dangers of the storm outside are nothing compared to what Elizabeth finds inside the comfort of her apartment. Continue reading ‘Intruder (Movie Review)’
I have both nostalgic love and admiration for the 1996 blockbuster Independence Day. The film turned Will Smith into a superstar, provided Irwin Allen disaster movie-like thrills on a grand scale, and delivered a fun sci-fi alien invasion flick. It was also earnest, heartfelt and audacious. 20 years later we have Independence Day: Resurgence, which ups the ante from a visuals standpoint, but finds itself lost when it comes to channeling what made the first film special.
