Archive Page 367
November 19th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
I first was introduced to Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods when I was in eighth grade/middle school/whatever. My school contained both high school and middle school grades in one building. The high school was putting on this particular number for the annual spring musical. I had no idea what I was in for when I got my ticket. There was something to do with fairy tales and whatnot but I had no real idea. I found myself pretty taken with it as it had a mix of fairy tale play and wonder along with a comedic mix of cleverness and adult humor. That production furthered my interest in wanting to join the drama department when I would be in high school, and I did just that. Also, being a fan of this musical I sought out the taped performance I’m about to review today. It was either a VHS rental or on PBS, one or the other, but I did see it long ago. I imagine this release is tailored to Disney’s upcoming cinematic adaptation of the musical. Continue reading ‘Into The Woods (Blu-ray Review)’
November 19th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
A live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, “Cinderella” brings to life the timeless images from Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece as fully-realized characters in a visually-dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation. Directed by Academy Award® nominee Kenneth Branagh (“Thor,” “Hamlet”) and starring Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine,” “Elizabeth”), Lily James (“Downton Abbey”), Richard Madden (“Game of Thrones”) and Academy Award nominee Helena Bonham Carter (“The King’s Speech,” “Alice in Wonderland”), “Cinderella” is produced by Simon Kinberg (“X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “Elysium”), Allison Shearmur (“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part I”) and David Barron (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”) with Tim Lewis (“Goldeneye”) serving as executive producer. The screenplay is by Chris Weitz (“About a Boy,” “The Golden Compass”). “Cinderella” will be released through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on March 13, 2015. Continue reading ‘Disney Reveals CINDERELLA In This Trailer For The New Live-Action Film!’
November 19th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
Circumstances surrounding a film can often impact the thoughts one has, when attempting to review/critique it. Obviously a film should stand on its own, but certain aspects always have an effect on one’s perception. I say this because it would be difficult not to talk about Rosewater without mentioning writer/director Jon Stewart’s role in all of this. He made the film, so obviously he has plenty of involvement, but the fact that his role was a minor factor in why the story that led to this film exists (however inconsequential The Daily Show may really be in all of this) is an interesting factor to consider. Keeping that in mind, based on the quality of this directorial debut from Stewart, I would say he found a way to be very respectful to his subject, in an effort to make a compelling drama that may not be what one would expect, when it comes to watching a film put together by the host of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show.
Continue reading ‘The ‘Rosewater’ Smell Of A Successful Debut (Movie Review)’
November 18th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes in the family event movie The Boxtrolls. Starring, in voice performance, Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley, Isaac Hempstead Wright (Game of Thrones), and Elle Fanning (Maleficent), the new movie from animation studio LAIKA, the makers of the Academy Award®-nominated Coraline and ParaNorman, comes to Blu-ray™ 3D and Blu-ray™ Combo Pack including Blu-ray, DVD & DIGITAL HD with UltraViolet on January 20, 2015 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The Boxtrolls will also be available on Digital HD December 23, 2014, just in time for the holidays.
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November 18th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
A powerfully redemptive story about a young man in search of both his purpose and his identity, The Identical arrives on Blu-ray/DVD combo pack, DVD, VOD and Digital HD January 13 from Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM) and City of Peace Films. Featuring over 20 original songs, all produced and co-written by Motown legend, Jerry Marcellino, the “wholesome and faith-friendly” (Catholic News Service) film boasts an all-star cast, including Ray Liotta (Goodfellas, Field of Dreams), Ashley Judd (Dolphin Tale 2, Divergent), Seth Green (“Family Guy,” “Robot Chicken”), Brian Geraghty (“Ray Donovan,” “Boardwalk Empire,” The Hurt Locker) and newcomer Blake Rayne.
Continue reading ‘Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd & Seth Green Star In THE IDENTICAL Arriving On Blu-ray January 13’
November 18th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
In 1954, Irving Berlin followed up his film Holiday Inn with White Christmas. The film brought one of the songs from Holiday Inn front and center and in the title. It was supposed to also reunite him with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, but Astaire wound up backing out and balking at the project. In his place Crosby was paired with Danny Kaye. The film was wildly successful and the highest grossing film of 1954. It made a whopping 12 million dollars, which was big time money back then in the movie industry. The film has had a strong legacy, being one that people, families and friends gather every year to sit around and watch to celebrate the holidays just like It’s A Wonderful Life, Elf, Christmas Vacation or The Santa Clause. Okay, so nobody watches the last one. Just checking your attention. This is Paramount’s second crack at this one on Blu-ray and this thing is absolutely LOADED with extras. Let’s dig in! Continue reading ‘White Christmas – Diamond Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
November 18th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
Of the seven sites the ancient Greeks named the “wonders of the world,” only one remains. Seven Wonders of the World is a round-the-world adventure that picks up where the Greeks of antiquity left off. Released in 1956, this Cinerama spectacle follows 20th century adventurer Lowell Thomas as he seeks out the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Join him as he flies across the globe in the “Smasher,” a converted B-25, capturing some of the most breathtaking photography ever shot. The quest opens at the great pyramids, the last of the original Seven Wonders to still exist. From there, the “Smasher” circles the globe with Cinerama photographing a live East Africa volcano, under the bridges in New York, over and around Rio de Janeiro, the Parthenon in Athens, Angel Falls in South America, and many stops along the way to experience the beautiful culture of diverse locales. The film encourages the audience to choose from the dozens of sites explored. “What are your seven wonders?” Flicker Alley and Cinerama, Inc. are proud to present Seven Wonders of the World in the Smilebox® Curved Screen Simulation. Unseen theatrically since the early 1970s and never before broadcast or issued on home video, Seven Wonders of the World has been digitally remastered from its original camera negatives. The global adventure captures the beauty and culture of these extraordinary places in a Cinerama time capsule. Continue reading ‘Cinerama’s ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ (Blu-ray Review)’
November 18th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
Donnie Yen is a Ming Dynasty palace guard, wrongly accused of murder and hunted by three vengeful brothers. All four are accidentally buried, frozen at the height of battle. 400 years later, they are defrosted and resume their mortal struggle while also adjusting to modern-day life. Iceman is the remake of the 1989 film Iceman Cometh. I always look forward to new films from Donnie Yen, because he can be a very vicious fighter depending on the material. Let’s see what Iceman has to offer on Blu-ray! Continue reading ‘Iceman (Blu-ray Review)’
November 18th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is available today on Digital HD and for you to take anywhere when you sign up for Disney Movies Anywhere. To celebrate the release, you can watch a video featuring Groot’s famous catchphrase in multiple languages across the galaxy! Today also marks Walmart’s VUDU service joining Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) as a participating retailer, further enhancing the ability to manage and enjoy your digital collections of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel movies at home and on the go.
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Continue reading ‘Watch Groot’s Famous Catchphrase Taking Root In Languages Across The Galaxy In Celebration Of Today’s Release Of Marvel’s GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY On Digital HD’
November 18th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
On the eve of the founding of the Joseon Dynasty, an unprecedented robbery shocks the nation-in-waiting: a whale has swallowed the Emperor’s Royal Seal and a bounty placed on its retrieval. Now, every infamous gang of thieves, thugs, pirates and government agents take to the seas, battling the elements, creatures of the deep, and each other to possess the mother of all rewards. Continue reading ‘‘The Pirates’ on Blu-ray & DVD January 20th!’
November 17th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Witness a vision of the techno-philosophical future from visionary director Terry Gilliam (Brazil, 12 Monkeys, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) when THE ZERO THEOREM debuts on Blu-ray™ and DVD Jan. 20 from Well Go USA Entertainment and Amplify. Two-time Academy Award® winner Christoph Waltz (Best Supporting Actor: Inglourious Basterds, 2009; Django Unchained, 2012) plays a computer hacker whose goal is to discover the reason for human existence, but continually finds his work interrupted when Management sends a teenager and lusty love interest to distract him. The extraordinary film also stars Academy Award winner Matt Damon(Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, Good Will Hunting, 1997), Academy Award winner Tilda Swinton (Best Supporting Actress, Michael Clayton, 2007), David Thewlis (Harry Potter franchise) and Melanie Thierry (Babylon A.D.) The acclaimed Sci-Fi film was nominated for the Golden Lion at the 2013 Venice Film Festival and Gilliam received a Special Mention for the Future Film Festival Digital Award.
Continue reading ‘Discover THE ZERO THEOREM on Blu-ray & DVD January 20!’
November 17th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
A group of close friends gather for a wedding, but their celebration is shattered by apocalyptic events in the supernatural thriller from AFFIRM Films, THE REMAINING, available on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD Jan. 27 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. This rapture film directed by Casey La Scala (Grind) follows five friends who are forced to scramble for safety as a series of cataclysmic events starts to occur. The survivors are forced to re-examine life, love and belief as they must choose between faith and survival. THE REMAINING stars Alexa Vega (Sin City: A Dame to Kill For), Shaun Sipos (“The Vampire Diaries”), Johnny Pacar (“Make It or Break It”), Italia Ricci (“Chasing Life”) and Bryan Dechart (Step Up 3D).
Continue reading ‘THE REMAINING Available January 27 On Blu-ray’
November 17th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
I totally missed out on the 25th Anniversary of Ghost in the Shell but it was reviewed here by our very own Aaron Neuwirth. The Blu-ray Gods smiled upon me and blessed me with this Ghost in the Shell Arise series – episodes 1 & 2. This is a two-disc collector’s set. Each episode is stored in its very own case, along with the DVD version, booklet, in a nifty collector’s box. FUNimation doesn’t play around when it comes to packaging and Arise is testament to it especially for being a 2-episode set spread out in two cases. I’ve got zero complaints, so read on and find out if Ghost in the Shell Arise is worth your time and money. Continue reading ‘Ghost In The Shell Arise: Borders 1 & 2 (Blu-ray Review)’
November 17th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
The cutting-edge studio behind Afro Samurai brings to life the sexy, stylish, and undeniably-badass video game vixen who prowls the shadows of your wildest dreams. Based on the best-selling franchise, this pulse-pounding feature length anime shows you a side of Bayonetta you’ve never seen before! Twenty years after her awakening, the hottest witch in gaming history is still searching for clues that could help unravel the mysteries of her dark past. Aided in her quest by the clandestine weapon smith Rodin – and his deadly creations: Scarborough Fair – Bayonetta continues to leave a trail of angel corpses in her irresistible wake. Her search for answers leads to encounters with a mysterious – and eerily familiar – little girl, a vengeance-obsessed journalist, and a deadly white-haired beauty that seems to know more about Bayonetta than the witch herself. Fans of the franchise won’t want to miss this chance to see their favorite fantasy come to life in a killer flick packed with mind-blowing action and scandalous scenes of seduction! Continue reading ‘Bayonetta: Bloody Fate (Blu-ray Review)’
November 17th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Reclaim, which stars Ryan Phillipe, Rachelle Lefevre and John Cusack, was primarily a Video OnDemand release back in September. It did see release in a very limited fashion theatrically. This is the second film of this kind of ilk that I’ve caught to review recently that had John Cusack. The other was The Prince, which featured him prominently on the cover art, but he was barely in the film. That isn’t the case here in Reclaim, as he has a pretty significant part in this with plenty of screen time. Reclaim is yet another example of an adult thriller with actual stars hitting pretty much directly for the OnDemand market, whereas a similar film probably would have featured a wide theatrical release in the 1990s. Continue reading ‘Reclaim (Blu-ray Review)’
November 17th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Take that, Marvel! The Norwegians have beat you to Ragnarok by a whole four years and before you even had a chance to mutter up the words. Enjoy your little copycat adventure Thor, Loki and Jane Foster! Okay, okay, so this film is likely to not resemble that upcoming third Thor film in the slightest, but I thought I’d take that open opportunity and run with it. Although, funny enough, in the opening moments of the film, the name “Odin” is indeed referenced. No, this film comes from the director of Cold Prey 3 (A Norwegian slasher series that is pretty darn good, even if that was the weakest entry in it so far), so I was pretty interested from the get go on this one. In fact, this is Mikkel Brænne Sandemose’s follow up to that film, which was his feature film directorial debut. Continue reading ‘Ragnarok (Blu-ray Review)’
November 17th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Into The Storm came out this summer during the reign of Guardians Of The Galaxy. The film had a pretty solid opening weekend, but in the end couldn’t manage to recoup its budget from the domestic audience. However, overseas this movie seemed to work like gangbusters. To date, it has taken in $112 million. And that makes sense. Its a movie based on big disaster action sequences that play on their own without having to follow that in depth of a plot. The only thing that would have worked it even better would be the addition of having it released in 3-D over there. Steven Quale directs his follow up to Final Destination 5 (The best film of that series), showing even more penchant for disastrous attack situations. If you’re not familiar with Quale, he comes from the James Cameron tree, in terms of background leading up to directing. He’s done various crew and second unit work for Cameron’s films like Avatar, True Lies and The Abyss. Continue reading ‘Into The Storm (Blu-ray Review)’
November 16th, 2014 by Brian White
Way back when I wrote my theatrical review of The Expendables 3 I talked about how I initially promised myself I would have nothing to do with this movie after I learned about the abysmal PG-13 rating the filmmakers trimmed it down to be to comply with requirements of the much feared MPAA in order to get it out to a wider audience (more about that later). If it had not been for a trip up to Cleveland, OH to visit all my family and friends I can pretty much guarantee that I would have never partaken in a screening of The Expendables 3. I subjected myself to the theatrical experience to kill two birds with one stone, visit my most favorite Cleveland marketing team leader (she knows who she is) and also my favorite theater ever, that of Cinemark Valley View. I have so many memories there and obviously now The Expendables 3 is one of them. So let’s dispense with all the filter and formalities I’m employing here and talk about Barney (Stallone) and his old and new gang, and what does and does not happen here. Continue reading ‘The Expendables 3 (Blu-ray Review)’
