Why So Blu?

The Jungle Book 2 Comes to Blu-ray this March!

Experience the wonder of this timeless tale as you reunite with your favorite characters and meet new friends. Disney’s beloved movie classic continues in this new digital master of The Jungle Book 2 – on Blu-ray for the first time, and wilder than ever in breathtaking high definition!  Now that Mowgli’s living in the “man-village,” he cherishes his new best friend and little brother, but he still has that jungle rhythm in his heart.  He misses hanging out with happy-go-lucky Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther.  Yearning for freedom, Mowgli runs off into the jungle – and encounters his enemy Shere Khan!  This time, he’ll need both his new human family and his old jungle friends to help save the day. Continue reading ‘The Jungle Book 2 Comes to Blu-ray this March!’

THE KILLING FIELDS Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary With A Blu-ray Release This January!

Three time Academy Award winning picture The Killing Fields is finally coming to Blu-ray for its 30th anniversary.  The film took home Best Supporting Actor, Best Editing and Best Cinematography at the 1985 Oscars (for films released in 1984).  It was also nominated for four other major categories that year including Best Picture, Screenplay, Actor and Director.  The film is directed by Roland Joffe, whom most recently I remember directed that Elisha Cuthbert horror movie Captivity, and has a cast of Sam Waterston, John Malkovich, Craig T Nelson, Julian Sands and Haing S Ngor (who won the Oscar for this role).  I’ve never seen The Killing Fields, but am excited to experience it for the first time on this new Blu-ray transfer.  It drops in less than a month, so be sure to pre-order your copy from the link below today.  The following is the official word from Warner Bros regard the release. Continue reading ‘THE KILLING FIELDS Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary With A Blu-ray Release This January!’

The Act of Killing Comes to Blu-ray and DVD this January

The Act of Killing, the breakout documentary that won over audiences at such important film festivals as Toronto, Telluride, SXSW, True/False and Berlin (where it won the Audience Award) and went on to record-breaking box-office openings in New York and other major markets, comes to Blu-ray and DVD on January 7, 2014, from Drafthouse Films, in conjunction with Cinedigm.  In this inventive and critically-acclaimed documentary by Joshua Oppenheimer and executive produced by documentary titans, Werner Herzog (Grizzly Man, Into the Abyss) and Errol Morris (The Thin Blue Line, The Fog of War), the filmmakers examine a country where Indonesian death squad leaders are celebrated as heroes, challenging them to reenact their real-life mass-killings via musical numbers, action and comedy sequences and other genres of the American movies they love. The hallucinatory result of Oppenheimer’s daring idea is a cinematic fever dream, an unsettling journey deep into the imaginations of mass murderers and the shockingly banal regime of corruption and impunity they inhabit. Continue reading ‘The Act of Killing Comes to Blu-ray and DVD this January’

Himalaya Arrives on Blu-ray This December

Kino Lorber is proud to announce the Blu-ray and DVD release of Himalaya, a film by Éric Valli which won Cesar Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Original Score and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 72nd Academy Awards® in 1999. Himalaya was a huge box office hit in Europe, and also enjoyed great popular success in the U.S., where it remained on the Variety top film box office chart for over six months.  Filmed over seven months in the forbidden Dolpo region of Nepal, Himalaya tells the story of a generational struggle for the leadership of a tiny mountain village between its proud old chief and a headstrong young caravanner. The balance of power shifts uneasily as they make their annual salt trek across the Himalayas.  A visually striking and spiritually captivating portrait of life in one of the world’s most extraordinary places, Himalaya is both intense drama and a gorgeous tapestry of the fast disappearing traditions of Tibetan life. Continue reading ‘Himalaya Arrives on Blu-ray This December’

The Wild Comedy BAD MILO! Arrives On Blu-ray, DVD & iTunes This January From Magnolia

Just what everyone needs after the holidays:  A horror-comedy about a butt demon.  Yep, that is the basic concept of Bad Milo, a wild looking film that deals with a man who has a demon living in his intestine.  I am intrigued just enough, based on some of the art that I have seen for this film, along with the cast, which includes Ken Marino (Children’s Hospital), Gillian Jacobs (Community), Peter Stormare (Fargo), Patrick Warburton (Family Guy), and many others.  Maybe I am heading into somewhere I would have rather not gone, but I am set on seeing this film and everyone else will be able to as well on January 21st.  Read on to learn more about this upcoming release.

Continue reading ‘The Wild Comedy BAD MILO! Arrives On Blu-ray, DVD & iTunes This January From Magnolia’

‘CBGB’ on Blu-ray and DVD December 31st!

CBGB looks at New York’s dynamic punk rock scene through the lens of the ground-breaking Lower East Side club started by eccentric Hilly Kristal in 1973 originally as a home for “country, bluegrass and blues” (thus the club’s name) and which showcased cutting-edge bands through its closing in 2006. The Talking Heads, Patti Smith, The Ramones, Blondie, The Dead Boys, Bad Brains, Green Day, Soul Asylum, The Police, Bruce Springsteen, Everclear, George Thorogood, The Velvet Underground, Sonic Youth, The Black Crowes, The Flaming Lips, The Goo Goo Dolls, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The B-52s, The Runaways, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Tool and The Wallflowers are just some of the thousands of bands that played the club over the years.   Continue reading ‘‘CBGB’ on Blu-ray and DVD December 31st!’

‘We Are What We Are’ Cultivates on Blu-ray This January!

Are you hungry?   Because if so, the Parkers would love to have “you” over for dinner.  And from what I hear about this gem that I missed out on in the theaters, you may not be too hungry after you see this one.  I have heard nothing but delight about this one so I’m happy to announce that Entertainment One is bringing Jim Mickle’s latest film, We Are What We Are, an Official Selection at the Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals, to Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download on January 7, 2014.  I’m definitely coming over to dinner for this, are you?!  Check out the full press release and more below. Continue reading ‘‘We Are What We Are’ Cultivates on Blu-ray This January!’

‘Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon’ on Blu-ray and DVD February 11th!

Blind Date Comes to Blu-ray this January

Image Entertainment announces the high-definition release of Blind Date on Blu-ray for the first time, a slapstick romantic comedy with an all-star cast. Starring Bruce Willis (The Sixth Sense), Kim Basinger (No Mercy) and John Larroquette (TV’s Night Court) and directed by Blake Edwards (The Pink Panther film series), Blind Date is available on Blu-ray on January 14, 2014.  When Walter Davis (Bruce Willis, The Sixth Sense) is set up with gorgeous Nadia Gates (Kim Basinger, No Mercy), the perfect Blind Date dissolves into disaster in this sexy comedy caper. Continue reading ‘Blind Date Comes to Blu-ray this January’

BONNIE & CLYDE Mini-Series Comes To Blu-ray This January!

Making waves right now is the retelling of the classic Bonnie & Clyde story airing simultaneously on the History Channel, Lifetime and A&E.  While you can say what you want about remakes and the like, I think the modern era of television is a good avenue in exploring a reimagination to set yourself apart from the original.  Television allows a more natural way of fleshing out a story with more details without feeling forced or rushed.  This particular one aired over two nights and includes performers I enjoy such as Holly Hunter, William Hurt and Emile Hirsch.  I was going to DVR the event, but now that I’ll be reviewing this, I’ll just patiently wait to review it and share my thoughts and recommendation with you.  Below you’ll find the detailed information from Sony along with that ever so awesome pre-order link you should use to order it (it’s the holidays you know, the time for being generous and giving!).  January 28th is the drop date on this one, so plan accordingly. Continue reading ‘BONNIE & CLYDE Mini-Series Comes To Blu-ray This January!’

FISTS OF LEGEND To Knock Out The Competition This February!

I’m not an MMA fan, but from time to time I do dig dabbling into some old school grindhouse Kung Fu action movies.  Fists Of Legend also interests me as it comes from South Korea, the country making some of cinemas finest, most daring and original movies over the last 10 years.  This one kind of sounds like their answer to the American film Warrior from not too far back.  The film boasts that its a directorial effort from the action director of GI Joe: Retaliation, which is cool.  I thought that movie was ok, and it had a really awesome sequence with ninjas sword fighting on the side of a very high cliff jumping from rope to rope.  Seriously, if you didn’t think that part was awesome, I dunno what to tell you.  Anywho, this action/drama drops in February.  So, i’m looking forward to some intense punching and kicking that grips me emotionally I suppose.  Haha, ok, well, here’s the dirty details from the distributor about the film below.  I don’t have a preorder link yet, so check back for one. Continue reading ‘FISTS OF LEGEND To Knock Out The Competition This February!’

Hold Onto Your Potatoes…Laney Loves Her Time ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ (Movie Review)

Once again and without disappointment, the Coen brothers showcase their talent for delivering an impeccably honest journey of life affirmation as told by Inside Llewyn Davis. Just as important, and equally as impressive, is T Bone Burnett’s contribution to the soundtrack. The film travels the same avenue as O Brother, Where Art Thou in that it delivers a cynical laugh on the account of a less than well off character trying to navigate his way through the crap shoot that is life. Full set folk ballads are interspersed throughout the film which convey the ever present Coen trademark of melancholy beauty. Continue reading ‘Hold Onto Your Potatoes…Laney Loves Her Time ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ (Movie Review)’

Knightriders (Blu-ray Review)

Everybody knows George Romero as the father of what we know today as the zombie genre.  But how many people know much of the non-zombie cinematography of the man?  He’s made some other gems such as Martin, The Crazies and Creepshow of note.  Now, how about his non-horror oeuvre even?  Okay, now we’re drawing blanks.  In 1981, George attempted to break away from that mold with a story of King Arthur on motorcycles.  Knightriders kind of came and went without much note and likely is why it is one of the auteur’s “forgotten” films.  Oddly enough, the film did open to positive reviews upon its release in 1981.  The film brought together many familiar faces in front of and behind the camera that many of Romero’s fans have enjoyed over the years in other films.  Shout! Factory has resurrected the film and finally given it a good looking makeover for the best possible presentation for those uninitiated in the ways of motorcycle jousting. Continue reading ‘Knightriders (Blu-ray Review)’

Farscape: The Complete Series – 15th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)

An imaginative fusion of live action, state-of-the-art puppetry, prosthetics and CGI, Farscape, produced by The Jim Henson Company in association with RHI Entertainment, featured mind-boggling alien life forms, dazzling special effects, edge-of-your-seat thrills, irreverent humor and unforgettable characters — all brought to rich life by the creative minds at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.  Strap in and hold on tight for the extraordinary adventures of astronaut John Crichton, (Ben Browder) who, after a freak accident, finds himself surrounded by hostile aliens and soaring through the cosmos aboard Moya, a glorious living space ship.  Hunted by the relentless Peacekeepers, he allies himself with Moya’s crew — Aeryn Sun (Claudia Black), Luxan warrior Ka D’Argo (Anthony Simcoe), azure priestess Zhaan (Virginia Hey), spritely Nebari thief Chiana (Gigi Edgley), Dominar Rygel, the deposed royal ruler of the Hynerian Empire and Pilot – to search for a way out of this inconceivably alien world and return home. Continue reading ‘Farscape: The Complete Series – 15th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)’

Prisoners (Blu-ray Review)

You ever have those moments in life where you first see a film’s theatrical trailer, having never known anything about it beforehand, and instantly “know” that it’s a film you want to see upon its release with no hesitations or second guessing?  Well, that’s exactly how I felt about the film we are all gathered here to talk about today…now on Blu-ray…Prisoners.  I explicitly love movies that explore the morality of characters and push boundaries by asking the question how far would you go to save your family and loved ones?  OR  What is a person capable of?  It’s times like these when scruples are inconceivably tested, sometimes even thrown out the window and immovable obstacles suddenly become manageable.  A real man will do whatever it takes to keep his family safe…even if that means compromising his morals and crossing that fine line of what’s right and wrong in life.  You know you shouldn’t, but you know no one else is going to do it.  You have no choice if you want a shot at saving the one(s) you love.  The naysayers are always going to say nay.  However, I say go get ‘em tiger!  So tell me.  Can you not see that these kind of stories really “move” me?  You get my drift?  Good!  I’m glad.  Because I want to talk some Prisoners! Continue reading ‘Prisoners (Blu-ray Review)’

Iron Man and Hulk: Heroes United (Blu-ray Review)

In this action-packed teamup, the Invincible Iron Man and the Incredible Hulk come together to save the Earth from its greatest threat yet. When two HYDRA scientists try to supercharge a Stark Arc Reactor with Hulk’s Gamma Energy, they unleash a being of pure electricity called the Zzzax, and he’s hungry for destruction. Together, Iron Man and Hulk are the only force that stands in the way of the Zzzax’s planetary blackout. But first the superhero duo will have to get through snarling Wendigos, deadly robots and the scaly powerhouse, Abomination. Can two of Marvel’s mightiest heroes find a way to work together without smashing each other before time runs out? Continue reading ‘Iron Man and Hulk: Heroes United (Blu-ray Review)’

Strong Performances Heat Up ‘Out Of The Furnace’ (Movie Review)

Seeing so many good actors in a film like Out of the Furnace, which does not suggest a huge budget was in place or that there was a long, labored production (I hear the shooting schedule was about a month), gives me the idea that a lot of people responded to the script and those involved with it.  While the film does not manage to live up to the high caliber of acting on display, overall, there is certainly a decent enough dramatic story here, with choices that separate it from others.  Choice actually becomes a key theme in the film, which allows the viewer to accept what happens when men make good choices, as well as when they make bad ones.

Continue reading ‘Strong Performances Heat Up ‘Out Of The Furnace’ (Movie Review)’

The Hunt (Blu-ray Review)

THE HUNT is a disturbing depiction of how a lie is taken as truth when gossip, doubt and malice are allowed to flourish and ignite a witch-hunt that soon threatens to destroy an innocent man’s life. Lucas is just starting to get his life back together after losing his job and facing a difficult divorce, when his life is shattered by an untruthful remark throwing his small community into a collective state of hysteria. As the lie spreads, Lucas is forced to fight a lonely battle for his life and dignity.   Continue reading ‘The Hunt (Blu-ray Review)’