Archive Page 447
November 5th, 2013 by Gerard Iribe
International action superstar Jet Li (Hero, Flying Swords of Dragon Gate, The Expendables franchise) teams up for a third time with Zhang Wen (The Guillotines, The Sorcerer and the White Snake) as bickering cops out to catch a prolific serial killer in the action-comedy BADGES OF FURY, debuting on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital January 7th from Well Go USA Entertainment. The tongue-in-cheek spoof on kung fu cops from first time director Tsz Ming Wong, with action choreography by Corey Yuen (Wu Dang, Shaolin, The Transporter), also stars Shishi Liu (Sad Fairy Tale), Michelle Chen (Ripples of Desire), Yan Liu (Laugh and Cry Forbidden) and Aaron Shang (Let the Bullets Fly, Detective Dee: Mystery of the Phantom Flame) Continue reading ‘‘Badges of Fury’ on Blu-ray and DVD January 7th!’
November 4th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
Scream Factory’s latest dip into John Carpenter’s catalogue takes us back to the very beginning. Assault On Precinct 13 has already been released on Blu-ray, but this Collector’s Edition takes what was enjoyable about that release and enhances it to become the seminal version to have. John Carpenter’s first feature film shows much more than what you’d expect of what we’d come to expect from the legendary director. The film also holds up very well. If you’re an action fan, a fan of old Westerns or love stuff like the Die Hard movies and have never seen it, you’d do well to go back and revisit. Night of the Living Dead and “trapped horror” enthusiasts will appreciate it greatly too. It’s a suspense driven action film with simple stakes but high end intensity and edge of your seat entertainment. Once again, Scream Factory does very well by Carpenter, so let’s get into what makes this particular representation of one of his movies so great. Continue reading ‘Assault On Precinct 13 – Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
November 2nd, 2013 by Brian White
Did the world really need this? Is the world even ready for this? Wasn’t 10+ hours of theatrical cuts (and even more with the extended editions) enough to sit through back in the day and again on Blu-ray? Are we ready for three more consecutive years of a tale that’s mainly self-contained in one book and a few appendices? Of course we are! We’re talking J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings after all. It’s like Star Wars and crack mixed together for fantasy nerds and geeks alike, including myself (not that I have ever partaken in the use of the said recreational drug). So prepare to usher in three butt numbing sessions, which started in 2012, resumes next month and ushers into 2014. There’s a whole new adventure hitting the silver screen…an unexpected journey so to speak…also presented theatrically in an “unexpected” frame rate as well. Of course I’m talking about Peter Jackson’s new, three-part, life consuming project, The Hobbit, beginning with An Unexpected Journey. Surely you heard of it?! Continue reading ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Extended Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
November 2nd, 2013 by Brandon Peters
“Woah, didn’t this come out like two months ago?” says the ever so faithful Why So Blu? hardcore reader. Yes, yes it did. But, we actually didn’t acquire it for review until just this past week. So, it’s new to us! Rob Zombie’s Lords Of Salem was a film with an ever so soft release earlier in the year. It played as a festival film before that, looking for distribution. That distributor wound up being the wonderful Anchor Bay, and knowing the company it becomes understandable the light wide release it got. Also, Zombie released a novel adaptation of the film with it as well. I won’t be able to comment on that, as I’ve not read it. Why So Blu? colleagues Brian White and Gerard Iribe HAVE read said novel and maybe they’ll give their two cents on that in the comments. Luckily, it played here in Indianapolis, so I was able to see it on its theatrical run. And I think it’s actually beneficial that I’ve now been able to see this film twice this year. Continue reading ‘The Lords Of Salem (Blu-ray Review)’
November 2nd, 2013 by Gerard Iribe
The debut feature by the great Andrei Tarkovsky, Ivan’s Childhood is a poetic journey through the shards and shadows of one boy’s war-ravaged youth. Moving back and forth between the traumatic realities of World War II and serene moments of family life before the conflict began, Tarkovsky’s film remains one of the most jarring and unforgettable depictions of the impact of war on children. Continue reading ‘Ivan’s Childhood: Criterion Collection (Blu-ray Review)’
November 1st, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Pixar’s landmark classic goes full throttle off the screen and into your living room for the first time ever in spectacular Blu-ray 3D! From the acclaimed creators of Toy Story, The Incredibles and Finding Nemo comes a high-octane adventure comedy that shows life is about the journey, not the finish line. Hotshot rookie racecar Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is living life in the fast lane until he hits a detour on his way to the most important race of his life. Stranded in Radiator Springs, a forgotten town on the old Route 66, he meets Sally, Mater, Doc Hudson (Paul Newman) and a variety of quirky characters who help him discover that there’s more to life than trophies and fame. Treat your crew to turbocharged entertainment with this Cars 3D Ultimate Collector’s Edition. It’s flat-out fun with a sensational soundtrack, thrilling bonus features and revved-up picture and sound! Continue reading ‘Cars 3D – Ultimate Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
November 1st, 2013 by Brian White
On the surface, after seeing multiple television spots as of late, Last Vegas appears to be nothing more than a cash grab at the box office as the older generation’s version of the wildly popular first entry in the franchise, The Hangover. Heck, it’s even about four friends and a bachelor party in Vegas! How much more convincing can I be in my initial assessment? And guess what?! The movie poster’s tagline even reads that “it’s going to be legendary.” I got to be honest with you. I feel like I hit a grand slam here. The Hangover involved four guys, Las Vegas, a bachelor party and it was…L-E-G-E-N-D-A-R-Y. However, we’re always taught in life not to judge a book by it’s cover so was I right or was I so wrong? Let’s roll the dice and find out! Continue reading ‘Four Friends and a Funeral in ‘Last Vegas’ (Movie Review)’
October 31st, 2013 by Brandon Peters
It’s Halloween (and Happy Halloween to all you Why So Blu?-Heads!), so Scream Factory is loading up their announcements. To up the ante today, they’ve announced a independent short film contest. Select films will be shown on their YouTube channel. Then, fans will vote on them. It says there are awards, but I don’t really know what the big prize is. But you’ll definitely get some attention and promotion with this contest! Sounds like fun! I can’t wait to see some of these entries! For all the information and links to important things regarding the Mini Movie Massacre, check out the press announcement below. If they send me further info, be sure to check back on Why So Blu, as I’ll keep you up to date! Continue reading ‘Scream Factory Announces THE MINI MOVIE MASSACRE!’
October 31st, 2013 by Brandon Peters
Hopefully this isn’t lost among the HUGE announcement from Scream Factory today that they are going to do a Blu-ray collector’s edition of SLEEPAWAY CAMP! There’s 2 really awesome titles coming the first week of February, just a day before my son’s birthday. Both come from director Kevin S. Tenney, nonetheless. The first is the classic Night Of The Demons in its full unrated glory. I cannot wait to share a completely disturbing moment for my young self in this film during the review. The other is his lighter known, but very franchised Witchboard. There’s been sequels, a TV show and comics based on this one. This will go nicely with Olive Films release of the sequel earlier this month. Both are full of wonderful goodies and will make awesome Valentine’s treats for any horror fan during the month of love! As always, the press release is below, no Amazon links are yet available. Continue reading ‘Details on NIGHT OF THE DEMONS & WITCHBOARD Unveiled!’
October 31st, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Ender’s Game, the Hugo and Nebula Award-winning novel by Orson Scott Card, is one of my favorite books of all time. The concept of a film adaptation has always been an intriguing one to me, but something I had long put off as ever actually happening. These feelings came from a younger me, but I eventually realized that it was more or less inevitable and could only hope that it would not be completely screwed up. Having now seen a live-action film based on the novel, I can say that I walked away feeling really positive about it. Knowing that a film would have to drop certain aspects and have a different depiction of certain elements that have been in my mind for years, I was thrilled to see other parts of the film that absolutely thrilled me. It is not without its flaws, but Ender’s Game is a big screen adaptation that I would be happy to salute.
Continue reading ‘‘Ender’s Game’ Is A Fine Speaker For The Book (Movie Review)’
October 30th, 2013 by Gerard Iribe
Luke (Johnson) and Kate (Wilde) are co-workers at a Chicago brewery, where they spend their days drinking and flirting. They’re perfect for each other, except that they’re both in relationships. Luke is in the midst of marriage talks with his girlfriend of six years (Kendrick), Kate is playing it cool with her music producer boyfriend Chris (Livingston). But you know what makes the line between “friends” and “more than friends” really blurry? Beer. Olivia Wilde, Anna Kendrick, and craft brew? That sounds like a party to me! Continue reading ‘‘Drinking Buddies’ on Blu-ray and DVD December 3rd!’
October 30th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
The greatest fairy tale never told comes to life as never before in DreamWorks’ Shrek The Musical, the highly acclaimed Broadway production based on the smash-hit movie. Featuring a fantastic score of 17 all-new songs, Shrek The Musical was filmed on stage to capture the magic of a Broadway performance and stars an amazing celebrated cast including Brian d’Arcy James (Shrek), Sutton Foster (Fiona), Daniel Breaker (Donkey), Christopher Sieber (Lord Farquaad), and John Tartaglia (Pinocchio). The film was shot live on Broadway with 10 cameras and directed by Michael Warren. Now you can bring the magic of Broadway to your home and get the best seat in the house the show that received eight 2009 Tony Award nominations including Best Musical, winning Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tim Hatley) and received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Musical Show Album as well. Continue reading ‘Shrek: The Musical – Deluxe Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
October 29th, 2013 by Gerard Iribe
In what will be a culmination of ten years worth of albums and fifteen years since they formed in a small town in Sweden, The Sounds will hit the Fall of 2013 running with their fifth studio album entitled: Weekend. The indie rock/new wave outfit has unleashed their latest offering to the world via physical compact disc and digital download (I pray that a vinyl version will be released in the near future). Having just seen the band last week perform at the sold-out final U.S. mini-tour show at The Belasco Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, I knew I had to take to the interwebs and Why So Blu? and share my thoughts on their new album. Sit back, relax, pour yourself a cup of tea, and come with me on this Weekend journey. Continue reading ‘The Sounds: Weekend (Album Review)’
October 29th, 2013 by Gerard Iribe
Ike Evans risks everything in a life and death battle to rid his Miramar Playa Hotel of the mob and Ben “The Butcher” Diamond. Ike’s dangerous plan to defeat Ben takes Ike from Havana’s glamorous casinos to dealings with a new devil – Ben’s boss in the Chicago Outfit. Ike’s wife Vera gets a second chance at her former dancing glory, while sons Stevie and Danny drift farther from Ike – Stevie toward the power and rewards of Ben’s dark world, Danny into the moral righteousness of State’s Attorney Jack Klein. Changes in Castro’s Cuba ripple to the shores of Miami Beach, and a new world order begins to tear the Evans family apart. Even if Ike’s long-shot gamble to take back his hotel succeeds, will the price of victory be too high? Continue reading ‘Magic City – The Complete Second Season (Blu-ray Review)’
October 29th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Last week saw the debut of the trailer for Captain America: The Winter Soldier. This week is all about X-Men: Days of Future Past, the latest mutant adventure, which will be based around one of the most iconic stories from X-Men comic series. The most intriguing part of all of this is how this film will be utilizing actors from practically every X-Men film made so far. It makes sense from a story standpoint, for those familiar with the comic, but I can only hope it does not hurt the film, given that the biggest issue has always been the hefty number of characters in each film and finding the right balance. That said, this trailer has done a very convincing job of making me worry less. Sure the enthusiasm I took from San Diego Comic Con was a good way to get me more on board, let alone teaser images of Sentinels, but I am quite excited all around for the release of this new X-Men film, in May 2014. Continue on to view the trailer as well as a load of images from the film.
Continue reading ‘‘X-Men: Days Of Future Past’ Trailer Debuts’
October 27th, 2013 by Gerard Iribe
In postwar Hong Kong, legendary Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man is reluctantly called into action once more. What began as simple challenges from rival kung fu schools soon finds him drawn into the dark and dangerous underworld of the Triads. Now, to defend life and honor, Ip Man has no choice but to fight – one last time. Well Go USA has brought Ip Man home on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital (VOD). I had seen the trailer for the film not too long ago, and thought it looked great, even for a PG-13 film. This review is for the Blu-ray edition, so let us see how Ip Man – The Final Fight stacks up in high definition. Continue reading ‘Ip Man – The Final Fight (Blu-ray Review)’
October 26th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
A super intelligent, super strong killer robot in the form of a female scientist is on the loose and it’s up to Gregory Hines to stop her. Its also a race to the finish as the robot has a ticking clock nuclear device set to go off inside of her. I really have no recollection of this film at all. However, this is the kind of film watching adventure that makes Scream Factory such a fun and exciting catalog of titles to explore. This little forgotten low budget sci fi action movie could definitely be a lost gem for some people. Now, the film is being resurrected and making the leap to Blu-ray for the first time. While not the greatest, this film is pretty fun and I think it’ll be an entertaining little discovery for those like me who don’t remember the film, let alone knew it existed in the first place. Continue reading ‘Eve Of Destruction (Blu-ray Review)’
October 25th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
All is Lost is a film that allows the viewer to watch physical acting taken to an extreme. It does not involve fight scenes or skillful choreography, though it can be incredibly exciting to watch at times. What it really involves is a lone figure going through incredibly difficult trials in order to ensure his survival. While this is occurring, we see a myriad of emotions and expressions take over a man’s face and body language. We watch someone’s thought process as he is involved in many difficult situations. There is a real skill involved in finding the right ways to depict this person. It does not hurt that the action taking place in the film around him is quite compelling in the ways we see one scenario morph into so many different levels of danger. Regardless of how minimal the film may be in sketching out a story for itself, it is the quiet but powerful lead performance, accompanied by skilled direction that makes All is Lost a film worth finding.
Continue reading ‘‘All Is Lost’ With Old Redford And The Sea (Movie Review)’
