Archive Page 410
May 4th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Another wartime film to celebrate memorial day comes from Olive Films on May 13. This one is the propaganda dogfight film Flying Tigers, starring the legendary John Wayne. This tale of Japanese hunting mercenary pilots taking the sky for some crafty dogfights was a mass hit with critics and general audiences back in 1942. It was also nominated for three Academy Awards (taking home none of them); Best Effects (Howard Lydecker, Daniel J Bloomberg), Best Music (Victor Young) and Best Sound (Daniel J Bloomberg). The film is known for its fantastic dogfight sequences that were a working of using planes, models and actual wartime footage. Continue reading ‘Flying Tigers (Blu-ray Review)’
May 4th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Olive Films will release Home Of The Brave on Blu-ray May 13 in celebration of Memorial Day. No, this isn’t that terrible movie with 50 Cent, Jessica Biel and Samuel L Jackson from 2006. Woof, was that bad. No, this is the Home Of The Brave from 1949. As it stands, there are actually four feature films with the title Home Of The Brave. This one deals with some racial issues during that of World War II. The one bit of interesting that it had from me going in (I’d never seen the film before) was getting to see that of a young Lloyd Bridges. He’s an actor I’m sure our younger readers see the name and go “who”?
. Continue reading ‘Home Of The Brave (Blu-ray Review)’
May 4th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Scream Factory delivers its first real foreign film import in 2012’s Vietnamese ghost story House In The Alley, arriving on DVD May 27. The case for the film claims that its the highest grossing film in Vietnam history. That’s kind of unique and interesting that a horror film gets to claim that title for that of an entire country. The film also is pretty low budget too, so I’m sure its likely one of the most profitable movies in Vietnam film history as well. As an added bit of humor, the film was released on Valentine’s Day back in 2012. And while it seems kind of funny, Valentine’s Day weekend is gangbusters for a horror movie as they work as great date movies. Continue reading ‘House In The Alley (DVD Review)’
May 3rd, 2014 by Brian White
Truth be told, had I been living among the stars and privileged in life last year in Los Angeles, Her would have been my #2 film of 2013 easily knocking down The Wolf of Wall Street here. Oh no! The cat’s out of the bag over how much I love this film! Now don’t fret! We’ll spend more time talking about the film in great detail below and why it’s so critically acclaimed, but for now just know this. It’s been quite some time since I have been witness to a movie that has been so deep and undeniably in-tune with the complexities and dynamics of “human” relationships. And don’t get me wrong. I know how absolutely absurd that sounds especially when the main plot of the film is about a brokenhearted sap who has a romantic relationship with his phone, but I think it’s that light sci-fi (my favorite genre) setting that really pushes the envelope and propels this feature into new realms and undertakings that’s really going to surprise first time viewers who were either reluctant to catch it in the theater due to its obscene premise or just weren’t fortunate enough to have it play near them (I know how that feels). Ladies and gentlemen, I present you Her. Continue reading ‘Her (Blu-ray Review)’
May 2nd, 2014 by Brandon Peters
On June 3, 2014, SCREAM FACTORY™ is proud to release RAVENOUS Blu-ray™ on home entertainment shelves in the U.S and Canada. Available for the first time on Blu-ray, this highly collectible SCREAM FACTORY™ release features insightful bonus content. This is an awesome pickup by Scream Factory and begins their foray into niche horror films of the 1990s and early 2000s. Its also kicks off the 2nd month of their SUMMER OF FEAR. And what’s more exciting? The Summer of Fear is amazing and yet their saying we’ve not seen anything yet come Fall 2014. I cannot wait! But, today, we have the specs on RAVENOUS! Continue reading ‘Scream Factory Satisfies Fans’ Hunger For RAVENOUS On June 3rd!’
May 2nd, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Directed by José Padilha, ROBOCOP stars Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton, Abbie Cornish, Jackie Earle Haley and Samuel L. Jackson. In ROBOCOP, the year is 2028 and OmniCorp – the world’s leader in robot technology – sees a golden opportunity to reap billions for their company. When Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman) – a loving husband, father and good cop doing his best to stem the tide of crime and corruption in Detroit – is critically injured, OmniCorp grabs their chance to build a part-man, part-robot police officer. OmniCorp envisions a RoboCop in every city and will stop at nothing – no matter the cost to Alex – to make sure the program succeeds. But OmniCorp never counted on one thing: there is still a man fighting inside the machine. The film is written by Joshua Zetumer and Edward Neumeier & Michael Miner, and produced by Marc Abraham and Eric Newman. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Columbia Pictures’ released ROBOCOP theatrically on February 12, 2014. Continue reading ‘Crime Has A New Enemy When ROBOCOP Arrives On Blu-ray June 3’
May 2nd, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
The final film I was able to see for the Newport Beach Film Festival was this fun little indie called Arlo & Julie. I really enjoyed it. With a neat story, very likable characters, and a soundtrack consisting mostly of old jazz to better evoke some specific films and filmmakers that I see as likely influences, Arlo & Julie has a lot of what I like to see in smaller films that I can only hope to see reach a larger audience at some point. It does just enough to set it apart from other films, but also has plenty in common with the quaint little indies that I tend to like a lot.
[ Continue reading ‘NBFF 2014 Review: ‘Arlo & Julie’’
May 2nd, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
I am a Batman fan. People who know me well enough are pretty clear on that. With that said, while Batman and the characters in his universe provide more for me to think about, I also grew up reading and watching Spider-Man (and occasionally his amazing friends). I may find something more inherently interesting in the Caped Crusader, but it is easier to find fun in watching your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man knock out bad guys and one-liners, while zipping through New York City. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 delivers on that and while the film is certainly stuffed with story and setups, it also features some dazzling action, a few very solid performances, and some ambition to go with some unfortunate desire to rest a lot of weight on Peter Parker’s shoulders.
Continue reading ‘‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ Forever (Movie Review)’
May 2nd, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Academy Award winner Jack Palance stars in this terrifying adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic vampire novel
Dracula, written for the screen by sci-fi/horror master Richard Matheson
(The Twilight Zone, I Am Legend, Duel) and produced by the legendary Dan Curtis
(Dark Shadows, Trilogy of Terror, The Winds of War). Palance
(City Slickers, Batman, Shane, Contempt) is Count Dracula, whose centuries-old existence is threatened after he attacks the lovely Lucy Westenra (Fiona Lewis,
Dr. Phibes Rises Again), and her fiance (Simon Ward,
The Tudors, Young Winston) calls in famed vampire hunter Dr. Van Helsing (Nigel Davenport,
A Man for All Seasons; Mary, Queen of Scots) to investigate. Originally shown on CBS-TV in 1974,
DAN CURTIS’ DRACULA has long been considered among the most frightening versions of the Dracula story; the
Los Angeles Times called Palance “the definitive Count Dracula – as flesh-crawling an experience as you’ve ever had.” Filmed on location in England and Yugoslavia,
DAN CURTIS’ DRACULA has been transferred and restored in 2K High Definition from the original 35mm camera negative and presented here on Blu-ray for the first time!
Continue reading ‘Dan Curtis’ DRACULA Starring Jack Palance Available On Blu-ray May 27th!’
May 2nd, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Just in time for the premiere of DreamWorks Animation’s highly-anticipated sequel, the Academy Award®-nominated HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON flies into stores loaded with Viking-sized bonus features, including an exciting episode from the studio’s hit television series “DreamWorks Dragons: Riders of Berk.” Packages also include a code for up to $7.50 off one movie ticket to see How to Train Your Dragon 2 in theaters.*
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Continue reading ‘DreamWorks Animation’s HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Collector’s Edition Comes To Blu-ray Combo On May 27th’
May 1st, 2014 by Brian White
When I moved to Austin, TX over a year ago from Cleveland, OH I expected my change of scenery to be quite stimulating and invigorating, but you all know that whole grass is always greener on the other side thing, right? While the skies may not be grey all the time like in Cleveland, I would take that downtown skyline any day. However, I say this only to illustrate a point because the same comparison can be made when analyzing recent DC super hero films to Marvel ones. Although I believe the Nolan Batman trilogy to be some of the best superhero films ever made, I can clearly see where comic book purists can get off complaining that the onscreen events are too dark, brooding and unconventional in terms of how a comic book movie should look, pop and shine on the big screen. I can accept that, so can most people, but also many cannot. So where am I going with all this? Well, let me get straight to the point I am trying to make. Continue reading ‘A Neon Powered Conduit & ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ (Movie Review)’
May 1st, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
So what is all this Twitter business? Wednesday at the Newport Beach Film Fest afforded me the opportunity to check out a documentary that would have made more sense to see on a Friday. At least I now know what I can recommend via #ff on Friday, as Follow Friday the Film is an enjoyable documentary about Twitter. While not an instructional guide and more of an interesting look at how society is evolving, with a specific focus on popular social media, the film is not attempting to force Twitter on its audience, but instead invite folks to see the deeper value in typing a certain amount of characters into a program at any time. It helps that the film is structured together through a road trip, with plenty of interviews to really provide a broad perspective on the subject. As a person that uses Twitter plenty, I was happy to find a group that put out a film explaining this microblogging service so simply, yet in a charming manner.
Continue reading ‘NBFF 2014 Review: ‘Follow Friday The Film’’
May 1st, 2014 by Brandon Peters
I’m back! I took last week off, but to make up for it, I’m coming at you with 2 movies that aren’t on Blu-ray today! And for the month of May, to kick off summer movie season I’m going to be doing double features each week (I may have another off week as my second child is due at the end of the month). Summer movies are usually loaded with film franchises and with that comes plenty of sequels sequels sequels. So, my focus is going to be on film franchises that aren’t complete on Blu-ray. The ones missing some of their sequels and bugging us OCD collectors looking at our shelves and seeing numbers that just don’t count up right. If you’re a Why So Blu reader, you probably know exactly what I mean. Without further adieu, let’s get started with this Special Edition month of Brandon’s Blu-ray Wishlist! Continue reading ‘Brandon’s Blu-ray Wishlist – May 1, 2014′
April 30th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
This one brings some great excitement to the summer. Curtains, a long thought to be lost horror film, will be making the jump to glorious Blu-ray courtesy of Synapse Films. This has been on DVD before, but I think the DVD releases of the film are all just ripped from the VHS. So they’re kinda crummy and cropped/pan & scan. As a fan of this film, I’m glad to finally get to see it in its original form and presentation. This is the first of three biggie classic cult slasher acquisitions from Synapse Films (they also have Prom Night and Popcorn coming in the future). They do great work and take their time in restoring these, so it should be a nice treat. Also great, is its got one of those super cool retrospective docs as a a bonus feature. There’s no pre-order up yet, but no matter, this is an exciting day knowing it has a date and its just 2 months away! Continue reading ‘Canadian ’80s Lost Classic CURTAINS On Blu-Ray and DVD July 8, 2014!’
April 30th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
With Tuesday being a busy day for me, I only had time to catch one film at the Newport Beach Film Fest. I chose Finding Neighbors, a small drama about a man dealing with a lack of connection in his life. It is the kind of film that is loosely plotted, decently acted, but ultimately only most effective for those who really find their own connection with the characters. Call it a lack of perspective regarding how I can personally connect to these characters, but I cannot say I haven’t appreciated other films, with similar stories that also felt more entertaining.
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Continue reading ‘NBFF 2014 Review: ‘Finding Neighbors’’
April 30th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
Academy Award® Winner Nicolas Cage (Best Actor in a Leading Role, Leaving Las Vegas, 1995) gives the performance of a lifetime in the pulse-pounding action-filled drama,Joe, coming to Blu-ray Disc (plus Digital HD UltraViolet), DVD (plus Digital UltraViolet) and Digital HD June 17 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. Joe is currently available on Video on Demand and Pay-Per-View. Joined by rising star Tye Sheridan (Mud, Tree Of Life), the heart-wrenching and “brilliant not to be missed” (Twitchfilm.com) film from director David Gordon Green (Pineapple Express, Prince Avalanche) was an official selection of the Venice and Toronto Film Festivals. Adapted from Larry Brown’s Joe: A Novel, the critically acclaimed film has been heralded as “one of Nicolas Cage’s best performances” (Collider.com). Continue reading ‘‘Joe’ on Blu-ray June 17th!’
April 30th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
Christian Slater (Stranded, True Romance) stars with Vinnie Jones (X-Men: The Last Stand, Snatch) in this heart-stopping supernatural thriller. After a series of inexplicable murders sweeps a small, isolated community, Father Henry (Slater) goes to a local police detective (Jones) with a theory on why the murders are occurring. The two learn that a troubled teen with a dark past has recently moved to town and has set his sights on the cop’s beautiful, young daughter. Father Henry, who turns out to have secrets of his own, finds himself pitted against a demonic force more diabolically evil and twisted than any of them could have imagined. Continue reading ‘‘Way of the Wicked’ on Blu-ray & DVD May 20th!’
April 29th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Love Happy marks the end of the Marx Brothers, kings of comedy in their hay day, as group on film. It was their 14th outing, which is incredibly impressive. Could you imagine trying to convince The Avengers to do 14 films together (I’m sure Marvel has, haha). The film is also noted for having Marilyn Monroe. Monroe is indeed in the film, but doesn’t show up til much later and has a little bit part, but man does she just exude star power. Unlike most Marx Brothers film affairs, the silent one-Harpo gets the lead role with Chico being the lead supporter. While it is their last film as starring players, the three never altogether share a frame (or scene) together once. Olive Films is bringing this final Marx Brothers film over to the Blu-ray format next new release Tuesday, May 6. Continue reading ‘Love Happy (Blu-ray Review)’
