Archive Page 375
October 20th, 2014 by Gregg Senko
Ah it’s good to be back. After nearly a year hiatus from Why So Blu, Brian White recently approached me to contribute an article, along with the other WSB staffers, on our top 3 favorite horror films of all time. My split-second initial reaction was one of apprehension. Horror has never been a genre at the top of my list. I can’t think of one horror film I really liked…oh, but wait, there was that one. Okay so now I need two more. That’s not going to happen because…oh…yeah…that one was pretty good too. So this whole non-existent list suddenly snowballed in my head, and for a good 72 hours, I wrestled with what my top 3 were going to be (and let’s not forget that one guilty pleasure). Continue reading ‘Scratch and Claw Your Way to Gregg’s Top 3 Horror Films’
October 20th, 2014 by Nate Boss
Toy Story has seen a few spin-offs, one shots, and shorts featuring the show’s beloved characters over the years, and for Halloween 2013, Disney Pixar brought (most of) the crew back together for this short and spooky episode, Toy Story of Terror! Can this feature find its way into the holiday “must sees” for families, or does this release cheapen the series? Does anyone else find it strange a billion dollar franchise is airing episodes over the air on standard channels to the tune of no real financial gain or merchandising opportunity? Continue reading ‘Toy Story of Terror! (Blu-ray Review)’
October 18th, 2014 by Nate Boss
It’s almost chic to question and call out the over-saturation of zombie/infected flicks on the market. For the last five plus years, in part due to the massive success of The Walking Dead, in part due to the manner in which low budget flicks can strive on the genre, it seems every week there’s another couple movies on the shelves. Every studio is trying to grasp onto the cash cow and ride it into the ground, trying to find the next big low cost, high return feature that can be pumped out annually to line the coffers, and everyone thinks that their idea, their take on the shambling and/or running dead will revolutionize and be forever aped, homaged and called back to in years to come.
Continue reading ‘Disaster L.A.: The Last Zombie Apocalypse Begins Here (Blu-ray Review)’
October 17th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Looking back, See No Evil appears to be one of (if not THE) the last original slasher films to get a wide release. Everything else in the subgenre following it looks to be big studio remakes. This was the earlier days when Lionsgate was all about the horror. The first film managed to almost double its budget, bringing some mild success. However, no sequel came about. Now, eight years later, here we are with the limited engagement but mainly VOD, straight-to-video release of its sequel. Its interesting that Lionsgate was interested in going back after such a long gap from a film that did solid business but isn’t really looked back upon. Maybe this was more WWE’s bidding since they just had another iconic horror villain come back with Leprechaun. The best thing about this movie is that its being helmed by the up and coming Soska Sisters who have been making waves, working to become a powerful horror directing team. This caught my eye actually more than this being the sequel to a pretty solid slasher. Continue reading ‘See No Evil 2 (Blu-ray Review)’
October 17th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
Eren Jaeger vowed to rid mankind of the bloodthirsty giants who devoured his mother and destroyed his city. Now, after discovering that he has the ability to turn into a Titan, the world Eren promised to protect looks at him like he is the monster. Narrowly avoiding execution, Eren’s fate is entrusted to the Scout Regiment where he must prove capable of following orders. But on an expedition outside the wall, a unique female Titan appears and cuts through the Scouts, leaving a trail of carnage and splintered bones behind her and making it difficult for Eren to control his rage. As it becomes obvious that a traitor is sabotaging the Regiment from within, Eren must ask himself who humanity’s true enemy really is. Bloody revelations await beyond the wall in this jaw-dropping series io9.com calls ”Japan’s equivalent of The Walking Dead.” The Attack on Titan – Part Two – Limited Edition Plus Box release comes with a 3-D Lenticular Art Card, and the Notes From Beyond The Wall: Part 2 (a 24 page digibook containing 4 panel comics, artwork, interviews and more!). Packed with over 67 minutes of extras, including: Episode 14 & 25 Commentaries, Attack on Titan at Anime Expo, ”Chibi Theatre: Fly, Cadets, Fly!” Days 14-25, Eyecatch Gallery, Textless Songs, and more! There is also an Ender Art Box, which is designed to house both the Part 1 & Part 2 Attack on Titan Limited Edition releases. It comes with a removable filler box, perfectly designed to slide the separately purchased Part 1 into place. Continue reading ‘Attack on Titan, Part 2: LIMITED EDITION (Blu-ray Review)’
October 17th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
Eren Jaeger vowed to rid mankind of the bloodthirsty giants who devoured his mother and destroyed his city. Now, after discovering that he has the ability to turn into a Titan, the world Eren promised to protect looks at him like he is the monster. Narrowly avoiding execution, Eren s fate is entrusted to the Scout Regiment where he must prove capable of following orders. But on an expedition outside the wall, a unique female Titan appears and cuts through the Scouts, leaving a trail of carnage and splintered bones behind her and making it difficult for Eren to control his rage. As it becomes obvious that a traitor is sabotaging the Regiment from within, Eren must ask himself who humanity’s true enemy really is. Bloody revelations await beyond the wall in this jaw-dropping series io9.com calls ”Japan’s equivalent of The Walking Dead.” Comes with the following extras: Episode 14 & 25 Commentaries, Attack on Titan at Anime Expo, ”Chibi Theatre: Fly, Cadets, Fly!” Days 14-25, Eyecatch Gallery, Textless Songs, and more! Continue reading ‘Attack on Titan, Part 2 (Blu-ray Review)’
October 17th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
I’m gonna go pretty obscure with today’s title. I’ll be interested to see who remembers it. As a reminder, this month with the wishlist we are…of course…all about the horror. The director of this one’s only notable achievement following this one is An American Werewolf In Paris, which, could be another “Who remembers that one?” title, but it was definitely high profile back in 1997, way more than this one. I’ll just get on with it now and talk about a wonderful little surprise of a movie.
.
. Continue reading ‘Brandon’s Blu-ray Wishlist – October 17, 2014′
October 17th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
I remember this movie being a pretty big deal in the horror community leading up to its release. I had two particular factors leading my interest into it; Clive Barker and Scott Bakula. As a huge Quantum Leap fan, and the fact that he wasn’t in a whole lot of movies, meant I just had to see it. And around this time, if a movie had Clive Barker’s name anywhere on its credits it was a must see. Unfortunately, I don’t remember being too impacted by the film once I saw it, and have not revisited it since probably a VHS rental back in the 90s. So foggy my memory that I didn’t remember Famke Janssen as the love interest in the movie. This release is also awesome because it contains both the theatrical version and Director’s Cut of the film. Anyway, I’m excited to go back to it now in Scream Factory’s upcoming Collector’s Edition as I’ll get a likely stellar transfer of the film as well as some groovy extras to discuss it. Continue reading ‘Clive Barker’s LORD OF ILLUSIONS 2-Disc Collector’s Edition Comes To Blu-ray Dec 18!’
October 16th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
As if I needed more reasons to want to love Michael Keaton as a performer, director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu has given the actor a fantastic role that puts him back in the spotlight, in a film that puts heavy emphasis on what it is to mean something to many, only to want to redefine one’s self. That is just one of the many ideas that Birdman tackles, as the film plays as a very entertaining dissection of Hollywood, Broadway, and the notion of fame in our modern culture. Additionally, Inarritu was far from content with treating this project as a simple satirical exercise, so the film is made to show us the weeks that go by in this story within nearly one long take. This shot is of course many shots carefully stitched together, but the screenplay is also a careful assemblage of ideas, themes, and great moments for all the actors to shine. This makes Birdman an ambitious and unpredictable ball of energy that just so happens to be a spectacular film to watch.
Continue reading ‘‘Birdman’ Forever (Movie Review)’
October 16th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
This fall, brace yourself for a gritty gangster crime drama that delivers neo-Western violence, revenge and a captivating tale of love in equal measure. On November 18, 2014, Shout! Factory will debut the much-anticipated South American box office hit BRAZILIAN WESTERN on Blu-ray™ and DVD in a two-disc Blu-ray+DVD combo pack, as well as being made available on digital entertainment platforms. Since its theatrical premiere in Brazil and at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, this movie has been hailed by international critics and audiences alike for its passionate storytelling, melding the stylistic approach of classic genre films with a distinct and original vision. A must-have for world cinema enthusiasts and movie collectors Continue reading ‘Gritty Gangster Crime Drama BRAZILIAN WESTERN Hits Blu-ray November 18’
October 15th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
I enjoy science fiction stories quite a bit. Whether it ranges from plausible ideas regarding the future of our current society or to things a bit more abstract, I love seeing creativity on display. This especially goes for sci-fi films that allow a large number of filmmakers, actors, production designers, etc., to develop worlds, stories, characters, and concepts, in an effort to put something truly audacious into the theater for people to enjoy. Sometimes that works out quite well, sometimes it is okay, and other times it can be forgettable. Snowpiercer is the kind of film that sits near the top of the pile. It combines skilled filmmaking, big ideas, and some fine, warp-minded writing to create a feature fully prepared to be entertaining, action-packed, strange, darkly humorous, and plenty of other things that make it all rather brilliant.
Continue reading ‘Snowpiercer (Blu-ray Review)’
October 15th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Take the “Booo!” in the title as either the ghostly scare sound or the hoards of fanboys’ reactions when something gets remade. Over the last 15 years or so we’ve seen plenty of reboots, reimaginings and remakes come to fruition throughout each film going year. The horror genre has certainly been the genre the most privy to getting remake-itis. but, it has always made a name for itself in that fashion. Its characters and stories have always been something of legend and folklore. How many times have we seen Dracula brought back in some way, shape or form (most recently this past weekend)? Yes, remaking everything is a bit tiresome, but I’ve never been one to turn my nose up at it. Aside from the remake film itself, it does many good things outside of that. It brings the original films and characters to the forefront of the conversation once again. People get the itch to go back and rediscover these old films (not all, but some do). They also give us terrific new versions of the films on home video with either stunning transfers or the bonus material interviews, deleted scenes and the like that we’ve always wanted. Continue reading ‘BOOOO! Brandon’s Top 10 Modern Horror Remakes’
October 15th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
The Nightmare Before Christmas has become a widely loved kids film, when it comes to celebrating Halloween. If things go the way they should, The Book of Life is in a nice position to become the film that represents Dia de los Muertos for kids, let alone brings it further into mainstream prominence. Director Jorge Guiterrez and his team, including producer Guillermo del Toro, have created a stylish, animated, adventure-romance, which is full of life. It is a bit odd to point that last part out, given that the film celebrates the Day of the Dead, but then again, there is a lot of odd charm in this film that may be overstuffed with ideas, but is so lighthearted and fun, it is easy to look over some minor flaws, when it comes down to supporting a nice little animated film such as this.
Continue reading ‘‘The Book Of Life’ Is Full Of Life (Movie Review)’
October 15th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Life After Beth was a zombie romantic comedy in competition this past year at the Sundance Film Festival. The film was later release in a limited capacity in theaters in the United States back on August 15 (No, it did not topple the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or Guardians Of The Galaxy). It stars up and coming, or current indie superstar, Aubrey Plaza who’s mainly made a name for herself on Parks and Recreation. In a recent report from someone at an independent film fair with indies looking for distributors, it was noted she starred in like 80% of the comedies being sold. It seems in the world of low budget indie comedy film making she’s sort of become what Malcolm McDowall has been to low budget independent horror films. Anywho, Life After Beth hits Blu-ray next Tuesday, so let’s take a look at it. Continue reading ‘Life After Beth (Blu-ray Review)’
October 15th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Kundo: Age Of The Rampant, the international box office hit and Asia’s answer to Robin Hood, debuts on Blu-ray from Well Go USA Entertainment. Set in mid-19th century, the tongue-in-cheek historical comedy-action film depicts a power struggle between the unjust wealthy noblemen who run society and a group of righteous outlaws who steal from corrupt officials to give to the downtrodden and starving. Directed by Yun Jong-bin, Kundo stars Ha Jung-woo, Kang Dong-won, Lee Sung-min of The Good The Bad and The Weird fame and Ma Dong-seok. When the film opened this summer, it broke all existing opening day box office records in South Korea. Most notably for us over here in the states, it shattered Transformers: Dark Of The Moon‘s opening weekend record. Continue reading ‘Kundo: Age Of The Rampant (Blu-ray Review)’
October 15th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
I have not seen Dead Snow in years, but I recall really enjoying it. Now we have a sequel, Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead, and everything I have heard has led me to believe I will be in for a treat when I finally do catch it. Everyone will have their chance to see the sequel to the comedy-horror film about Nazi zombies on December 9, when the film comes to DVD and on a Collector’s Edition Blu-ray. Continue on to learn more about this upcoming Blu-ray release.
d Continue reading ‘DEAD SNOW 2: RED VS DEAD is a Bloody Good Time on Blu-ray & DVD Dec. 9’
October 14th, 2014 by Blu-ray Brian
Growing up as a child in the early 80s I fell in love with the old black-and-white Universal Monsters films that my dad would leave playing carelessly on the tube. For some reason, even as a young child, I just wasn’t scared of Lon Chaney as the Wolf Man or Boris Karloff as Frankenstein. Instead, I was obsessed. I just couldn’t get enough of the rich monster lore and their associated worlds, even if it was all in black-and-white. However, while I was still too young to remember this, a low budget independent movie hit the big screen in 1978 that forever changed the world of horror movies and was responsible for peaking the age of the “slasher” titles with rich iconic villains such as Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees and Chucky to name a few. Now I was really hooked and excited for the future of one of my most favorite genres, horror. Continue reading ‘Brian White Ranks His Top 3 Horror Films of All-Time Plus 1!’
October 14th, 2014 by Blu-ray Brian
Today’s your lucky day and you just don’t know it yet, but I am going to tell you why. It’s with great enthusiasm and joy that I announce to you that this December 2nd you get to experience the first season of TV’s hottest, most blood-curdling sci-fi series from Executive Producers-Writers Guillermo Del Toro, Carlton Cuse and Chuck Hogan,
The Strain Season One. Along with every blood sucking Season One episode that just finished airing a couple weeks back on FX you’ll be blessed with behind-the-scenes special features that explore the story’s journey from bestselling novel to hit show. How much more exciting can today get for you? Read on and find out!
Continue reading ‘The Strain Season One Lives on Blu-ray This December’
