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Vanished (DVD Review)

Vanished - www.whysoblu.comWhen a child is kidnapped in the middle of nowhere, the parents Winona Gant and her fiancé‚ Hunter are torn. Suddenly, the phone rings, it’s the kidnapper and they’re not looking for money… She wants retribution! `Vanished’ is a gripping psychological thriller dealing with child kidnapping and how far a parent will go seeking revenge. This review will only cover the film itself since the DVD screener we received was a check-disc watermarked copy and did not contain special features and only played in stereo. The final version of the DVD contains a 5.1 surround soundtrack, behind-the-scenes footage, a gallery, and a trailer.   Continue reading ‘Vanished (DVD Review)’

‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ There Is A Man, A Guitar, And A Cat (Movie Review)

inside llewyn davis whysoblu thumbAt times it can be hard to elaborate on why regard can be put so high on certain films.  Without tip-toeing around it, I think Inside Llewyn Davis is an incredibly well-made, well-acted, fantastically strange film that receives the highest rating from me, because I do not know what could be made different to have it be even better.  It is in no way a film that is accessible to everyone, which pretty much comes with the territory when discussing the majority of films from the Coen Brothers, but that matters little to how I received the film.  The film I watched was highly entertaining for a myriad of reasons that stem from the realms of both comedy and drama, when it comes to hitting just below the surface of what this film is, but also has plenty more to consider, as you go deeper into it.  Often times I find myself attempting to find problems with a film that I am really enjoying in an effort to be more constructive in a critique of it later on.  Inside Llewyn Davis did not even push me to that direction, which may have been due to my fondness of creative directors being very successful at producing the film they wanted to make or because of how absorbed I was by all the great music.

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Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Complete Season Five (Blu-ray Review)

StarTrekTNG_S5Set in the 24th century, the exploits of the U.S.S. Enterprise continue with Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Complete Season Five.  Featuring some of the most memorable episodes of the series, the season includes Paul Winfield’s guest appearance as Dathon and Ashley Judd’s debut performance in beloved episode, “Darmok.” The set also includes the jaw-dropping opening scene portraying the destruction of the Enterprise in “Cause and Effect,” and “The Inner Light,” the critically acclaimed episode that garnered the series its first Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. Continue reading ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Complete Season Five (Blu-ray Review)’

Universal’s ‘In Loving Memory’ Tribute To Paul Walker

PAUL WALKEROver the past five days I have read my share of heartfelt stories about the generosity of Paul Walker and how much he has meant to all the people he has touched in his tragically short life as well as some very insensitive things written by people who either have no soul or human compassion in life.  Nevertheless, Universal has put out this very touching 2-minute tribute to Paul Walker (embedded below) and the franchise he helped propel to stardom.  I know the films have had a profound effect on me.  Have they on you?  While many can scoff at The Fast & Furious franchise all they want for whatever reason, there’s no denying the fun and thrills they infuse in our lives as well as the million smiles they put on moviegoers’ faces all over the world.  Here’s to you Paul.  Thank you for all the memories (including Into The Blue and Running Scared).  May you rest in peace. Continue reading ‘Universal’s ‘In Loving Memory’ Tribute To Paul Walker’

Elysium (Blu-ray Review)

Elysium - www.whysoblu.comIn the year 2154 two classes of people exist: the very wealthy who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined Earth. Secretary Rhodes, a government official, will stop at nothing to enforce anti-immigration laws and preserve the luxurious lifestyle of the citizens of Elysium. That doesn’t stop the people of Earth from trying to get in, by any means they can. When unlucky Max is backed into a corner, he agrees to take on a daunting mission that if successful will not only save his life, but could bring equality to these polarized worlds.  Continue reading ‘Elysium (Blu-ray Review)’

Stallone and Schwarzenegger Devise an ‘Escape Plan’ on Blu-ray

Escape Plan BluI feel like a broken record as of late when posting these announcements, but here is yet another flick that I regrettably missed in the theaters and have been anxiously awaiting for its Blu-ray release ever since.  I could have made it to see it in the theaters, but by the time I was free it was in the smaller ones and I wanted my first time with this Stallone and Schwarzennger action vehicle to be on the most pristine format possible, Blu-ray.  Thanks to Lionsgate, they are making my Escape Plan Blu-ray dream come true on February 4th.  Thank you!!!  So my recommendation is that you pre-order this title as soon as its made available on Amazon and read the full press release below for more info! Continue reading ‘Stallone and Schwarzenegger Devise an ‘Escape Plan’ on Blu-ray’

Shout Factory Will Release The Shadow Collector’s Edition Blu-ray this February

the shadowWho knows what evil lurks in the shadow of men? The Shadow knows! Adapted from the long-running classic radio program and Walter B. Gibson’s popular pulp fiction, legendary crime-fighting superhero The Shadow comes to life in the 1994 film adaptation THE SHADOW, starring Alec Baldwin (30 Rock) from visionary filmmaker Russell Mulcahy (Resident Evil: ExtinctionHighlander). Brimming with non-stop action and suspense, this wildly entertaining cinematic adventure also stars John Lone (The Last Emperor), Penelope Ann Miller (Carlito’s Way), Peter Boyle (Everybody Loves Raymond), Ian McKellen (X-Men), Jonathan Winters (The Smurfs) and Tim Curry (The Rocky Horror Picture Show). Continue reading ‘Shout Factory Will Release The Shadow Collector’s Edition Blu-ray this February’

Short Term 12 Is A Wonderful Film That Can Be Found On Blu-ray & DVD This January

short term 12I did plenty to try and promote Short Term 12 during its limited release late in the summer (Review HERE), but still wish it got more notoriety.  It does not hurt that it is currently up for many different critics and film group awards, with maybe some chances at Oscar, but we will see.  Regardless, the Brie Larson-starring drama is definitely worth checking out and can be seen on Blu-ray and DVD on January 14th.  Developed out of similar experiences from writer/director Destin Daniel Cretton, the film is based around a twenty-something supervisor at a group home for troubled teens and issues involving them, as well as her own life.  If is a fine film to seek out and you can read on to learn more about this upcoming release.

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Elysium’s Google Hangout with Visual Effects Supervisor Peter Muyzers

Peter Muyzers - www.whysoblu.comWhy So Blu? was given a special opportunity to “hangout” with Elysium visual effects supervisor Peter Muyzers yesterday morning, as they broadcasted live from Las Vegas at the Cave visual effects convention. Several folks from Autodesk moderated the Google Hangout. Since we’re also going to be reviewing Elysium on this very website soon, it made perfect sense to cover the event, so that we may pair the two pieces together to give fans better coverage of the science fiction epic. Aside from a few technical hiccups during the live feed, the Google Hangout was fun and informative. The following post is more of a free-form post as opposed to a word-for-word transcription. We will also link to the Google Hangout, so that you can also view it at your leisure.   Continue reading ‘Elysium’s Google Hangout with Visual Effects Supervisor Peter Muyzers’

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Trailer Debut

Amazing-Spider-Man-2-Goblin-Poster-001Rhinos, Goblins, and Electro, oh my!  Certainly plenty of threats coming Spider-Man’s way in the upcoming sequel, The Amazing Spider-Man 2.  Arriving May 2, 2014, we now have a trailer to behold, which certainly emphasizes the kinds of things you see in trailers to sequels in big franchises.  I had previously written a post regarding the Comic Con panel for The Amazing Spider-Man 2 this past July (which can be found HERE), but now there is a bit more for readers to chew on, as they are seeing the web head back in action, along with Max Dillon aka Electro (Jamie Foxx), Aleksei Sytsevich aka Rhino (Paul Giamatti), and Harry Osborne (Dane DeHaan).  The scale looks big, we have lots of new characters, and everything else seems to be moving full swing ahead.  Personally, I enjoyed the first film well enough, even if it never really rose too far beyond being average, but at least the sequel has the benefit of having the origin story out of the way and can focus on new developments.  I just hope it is not too saturated with villains.  In this post I have embedded the new trailer and added a bunch of pictures from the film that have been released so far.

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Star Trek: The Next Generation – Unification (Blu-ray Review)

unificationStar Trek: The Next Generation – Unification Blu-ray is a feature-length presentation of the fan-favorite, two-part epic adventure from the series’ fifth season.  Over 25 million viewers tuned into the original airing of the episode, making it one of the most-watched episodes of all seven seasons of the series.  In the episode, Leonard Nimoy reprises his iconic role as Spock as both he and Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) venture on a heroic mission in an attempt to unify the Vulcans and the Romulans. Continue reading ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation – Unification (Blu-ray Review)’

Anchorman – The Legend of Ron Burgundy – Unrated Rich Mahogany Edition – (Blu-ray Review)

AnchormanAnchorman is one of those films I have not visited since its theatrical release way back in the calendar year of 2004.  I cannot believe it has been that long, but I digress.  What looked like a slapstick comical movie back then that I would go for practically fizzled for me when I first saw it.  However, over the years, the film has grown to achieve quite the cult following and respect in mainstream media with so many countless references and quotes.  So large in fact, that we’ll actually be seeing a sequel this Christmas that really no one admittedly saw coming or imagined it could really happen.   Hell, after watching it and taking it in all last night, even I’m intrigued as to where this sequel is going to go since the ending of 2004’s Anchorman seemed pretty cut and dry as to where the characters have gone in their respective lives.  But let’s not jump ahead of ourselves.  The trailers for the sequel look like a rowdy good time, but we have a certain special 2-disc set to talk about here in great detail.  So while I may not be the biggest fan of the film, I’m definitely going to give it my all out best in furnishing an unbiased review below. Continue reading ‘Anchorman – The Legend of Ron Burgundy – Unrated Rich Mahogany Edition – (Blu-ray Review)’

L.A. LAW: Season One Finally Comes to DVD this February

LALaw_S1Created by award-winning writers/producers Steven Bochco and Terry Louise Fisher, the critically acclaimed television series L.A. LAW held court in primetime during the course of its eight-season run on network television from 1986 through 1994. Winner of fifteen Primetime Emmy Awards, four Golden Globes and numerous honors and accolades, L.A. LAW takes viewers inside the inner sanctum of a fictional Los Angeles law firm of McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney & Kuzak. There, a team of ambitious and competitive attorneys must face the conflicts between their personal desires, their obligations as lawyers, and their principles as human beings. Continue reading ‘L.A. LAW: Season One Finally Comes to DVD this February’

Find Your Match When ‘Baggage Claim’ Comes to Blu-ray & DVD This February

baggage claim whysoblu poster-001The titles don’t get much more convenient than when the press release e-mails supply you with one for a film you already do not care for all that much.  Regardless, just in time for Valentine’s Day, Baggage Claim hits Blu-ray on February 14th.  It is a romantic comedy about an impossibly attractive woman who just can’t seem to find love.  Based on a best-selling novel, Baggage Claim features an all-star cast of black actors (and Adam Brody) and the Blu-ray features a decent set of special features to further compliment the film.  Continue on to learn more about this upcoming Blu-ray release.

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Lee Daniels’ The Butler on Blu-ray and DVD January 14th!

The Butler - www.whysoblu.comAnchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company announced today LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER, grossing over $115 million in box office, will be available on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with Digital HD Ultraviolet™, On-Demand and Pay-Per-View on January 14, 2014.  The film will also be available early in Digital HD on December 31. Inspired by a true story, Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland) stars as Cecil Gaines, the devoted husband, father and White House butler who served seven presidents during some of the most tumultuous and defining moments of the 20th century. Academy Award® nominee Oprah Winfrey (The Color Purple) co-stars with a stellar supporting cast that includes John Cusack, Jane Fonda, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Terrence Howard, Lenny Kravitz, James Marsden, David Oyelowo, Alan Rickman, Liev Schreiber, Robin Williams and Danny Strong in this powerful drama from the Oscar® nominated director of Precious (2009).  Continue reading ‘Lee Daniels’ The Butler on Blu-ray and DVD January 14th!’

‘RUN’ – A 3D Parkour Movie – Hits Blu-ray This January

RUN_BR_2D_4_-001In case you missed the parkour craze of the mid-00s, Run has got you covered.  Sure this movie basically looks like the Step Up equivalent of freerunning chase movies, but I tend to enjoy Parkour on film and even if the film has few other things in the way of credible merit, it will probably be entertaining in some manner nonetheless.  It may not be District B13 awesome (recommend!), but it’s something.  Plus, I have linked the trailer, which features an evil Eric Roberts brandishing a glass of wine and threatening some street punk.  Sounds good to me!  The 3D + 2D Blu-ray hits shelves on January 14th.  Continue on to learn more about this upcoming film.

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

Sweetwater - www.whysoblu.comARC Entertainment announces the release of Sweetwater, starring Emmy and Golden Globe nominee January Jones (TV’s Mad Men), Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner Ed Harris (Pollock, A History of Violence) and Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter series).  Directed by Logan Miller (Touching Home), Sweetwater will be available on DVD for and Blu-ray on Dec. 31, 2013. In the late 1800’s, a beautiful former prostitute (January Jones) is trying to build an honest life with her husband in the rugged plains of New Mexico. When she catches the eye of a sadistic and powerful religious leader (Jason Isaacs), her life is violently turned upside down. She embarks on a bloody course of vengeance with the assistance of a renegade sheriff (Ed Harris) who has violent tendencies of his own.  Continue reading ‘‘Sweetwater’ on Blu-ray and DVD December 31st!’

‘Catching Fire’ Burns Down The Competition (Movie Review)

catching fire whysoblu thumbWith Twilight having ended and The Hobbit being something of a different beast, there is little that The Hunger Games franchise currently has to compete with, in terms of popular book series being adapted into films.  Several others have come out recently (The Host, Beautiful Creatures, The Mortal Instruments, etc.), but none have found the same sort of success.  We are on the second of four Hunger Games films and the kind of event releases these films seem show that it will be one of the biggest franchises ever, among these types of films.  Keeping all of that in mind, how are the actual films?  Well, I was a big fan of the first movie in the way it both complimented the book and worked on its own and I found the sequel to be following the same pattern, while also strengthening certain elements this time around.  It helps that I also like the second book more than the first, but this second film is nonetheless a triumph in carrying on with a storyline that still has a lot of ground to cover.

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