Why So Blu?

Final Details on John Carpenter’s ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13-Collector’s Edition Revealed!

Scream Factory’s rendition of John Carpenter’s cult classic Assault on Precinct 13 has finally had its bonus features unveiled.  This one features an additional commentary aside from the vintage Carpenter one.  This time we get art director and sound effects editor Tommy Lee Wallace.  I feel like Wallace hangs out in the lobby of Shout! Factory daily just waiting for his name to be called.  The kicker of all the new stuff for me is a new interview with actress and Wallace’s ex-wife, Nancy Loomis Kyes (“Annie” from Halloween).  She’s one of my favorite “Carpenter players” and is usually tough nowadays to get to go to conventions and do interviews and such.  So this is a real catch for Carpenter fans like myself.  I’d really like it if it turned out as a career retrospective interview like some of these Scream Factory ones have been (like the Jamie Lee Curtis one on The Fog).  This release hits on, a now stacked for Scream Factory, release date on 11/19 (Night of the Comet and The Horror Show were both delayed to this day as well).  It’s a perfect way to close out the “Fall of Fear”.  As always, the nitty gritty details follow as well as the preorder link. Continue reading ‘Final Details on John Carpenter’s ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13-Collector’s Edition Revealed!’

Details on The Lone Ranger Blu-ray That’s Coming this December!

Tune In For The ‘Stories We Tell’ (Movie Review)

This has not been by choice or any reason in particular, but I have not seen too many documentaries so far this year.  That said, I was fully willing to embrace a new film from director Sarah Polley, which happens to be a documentary about her family.  My initial thought, upon learning about the nature of this documentary, had me wondering why a film like this would need be made, let alone why would it be compelling.  It is somewhat surprising that Stories We Tell is as compelling as it is.  I say “somewhat” because the film has near universal acclaim, so I would have, if anything, been more surprised to not have liked the film.  The film is a documentary, no doubt, but it has a well thought out structure and presents a story with some turns balanced by the earnest nature of the people involved and the fact that they are very likable in their matter-of-fact presentation of the details.

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Fasten Your Seatbelt And ‘Rush’ To The Theater (Movie Review)

Rush is an incredibly solid drama that features fine film craftsmanship on display, solid performances from the lead actors, and a well-oiled story that respects its audience.  While the film is based on facts, it rarely dips into dramatized scenes that lessen the entertainment value to be found in the film.  It is the kind of feature that has a little something for everyone, as far as these adult-skewing dramas are concerned.  Director Ron Howard has put together a genuinely exciting feature that balances all its parts to great effect and he makes sure that you really hear the engine of this film hum cleanly and loudly.

Continue reading ‘Fasten Your Seatbelt And ‘Rush’ To The Theater (Movie Review)’

‘Prisoners’ Captures Your Attention & Compromises Your Morality (Movie 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, 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?  What is a person capable of?  It’s times like these when scruples are inconceivably tested and immovable obstacles suddenly become movable.  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 you love.  The naysayers are always going to say nay.  Go get ‘em tiger! Continue reading ‘‘Prisoners’ Captures Your Attention & Compromises Your Morality (Movie Review)’

Bonus Content For NIGHT OF THE COMET Revealed!

I’ve never seen 1984’s Night Of The Comet.  Honestly, I didn’t know it existed until Scream Factory announced it a while back.  Maybe my video rental stores just didn’t have it when I was growing up.  But, I’m looking forward to seeing a old school campy zombie comedy that’s fresh to me.  You can correct me in the comments, but it sounds as if its in the vein of Night Of The Creeps.  And I love that movie.  Today, Scream Factory has provided us with the bonus content that will be on their special edition release.  It’s got a whopping 3 commentary tracks and many new interviews with those involved with the film.  I have no problem predicting that this will be the definitive version of the film for fans and collectors.  A reminder, this title now releases on 11/19.  It was originally scheduled for a few weeks earlier but got pushed back.  Below is all the details from Scream Factory themselves and a preorder link. Continue reading ‘Bonus Content For NIGHT OF THE COMET Revealed!’

Exclusive Clips From The Upcoming PRINCE OF DARKNESS Blu-ray From Scream Factory

Prince Of Darkness does not street until next week, but in the meantime, I’ve been provided some clips from Scream Factory to wet your appetite.  I’ve already reviewed the film, which you can find that HERE.  Below, you’ll find the trailer and a scene from the film itself.  Also, you’ll find an excerpt from Justin Beahm’s terrific interview with John Carpenter.  The final clip comes from the interview with Carpenter composing collaborator Alan Howarth.  The interview with Howarth is quite good as he defends and puts the works of John Carpenter high upon a pedestal.  I hope you enjoy this sneak peek of the Prince Of Darkness Blu-ray.  Scream Factory has done a marvelous job with this one (don’t they always?).  If you haven’t preordered this one, do so today.  Support Why So Blu? by clicking our Amazon link to secure your copy! Continue reading ‘Exclusive Clips From The Upcoming PRINCE OF DARKNESS Blu-ray From Scream Factory’

Wish You Were Here (DVD Review)

As four friends indulge in a carefree Cambodian holiday, their sun-soaked retreat quickly takes a horrific turn when one of them disappears. Does one of the remaining friends hold the answer to the fate of their lost companion?  Screen veteran Kieran Darcy-Smith (Animal Kingdom) makes his feature directorial debut with this ambitious non-linear drama centering on a group of Australian friends whose lives are irreparably changed after one of them goes missing during a spontaneous vacation in Cambodia.  Alice (Felicity Price) and Dave (Joel Edgerton) are about to become new parents when they agree to join Alice’s little sister Steph (Teresa Palmer) and her new beau Jeremy (Anthony Starr) on a sun-soaked trip to Cambodia.  Their tropical retreat quickly turns bad, however, when Jeremy vanishes without a trace. As the investigation into Jeremy’s disappearance begins to reveal the nefarious motivations behind their trip, the remaining three struggle to carry on with their lives in Sydney amidst the threat that even more damning details will emerge. Continue reading ‘Wish You Were Here (DVD Review)’

‘The Colony’ available on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download on Oct. 15, 2013!

Image Entertainment, an RLJ Entertainment (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand, has officially announced the release of THE COLONY on DVD, Blu-ray^TM and Digital Download on Oct. 15, 2013 from Director Jeff Renfroe (One Point O).  Laurence Fishburne  (The Matrix), Bill Paxton (Aliens) and Kevin Zegers (Dawn of the Dead) headline an all-star cast in this savage and unrelenting thriller about mankind’s greatest enemy: himself.  Written by Patrick Tarr (American Psycho), Pascal Trottier (Blind Fear) and Svet Rouskov (Silent Cargo).

Continue reading ‘‘The Colony’ available on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download on Oct. 15, 2013!’

Friday The 13th – The Complete Collection (Blu-ray Review)

For the first time ever, every single film of the Friday the 13^th series is available together in a set.  Warner Bros has released an impressive 10 disc set spanning twelve films.  Where they could have just pumped these films out cheaply and easy, they’ve actually taken some care.  Not only is every film fully remastered in HD and looking as sharp as they ever have, almost every bit of bonus content is ported over from previous releases.  I think all they missed was a commentary or two.  But, if you cared much about it, you’ve probably already listened to it and how often do you go back and listen to a commentary again?  This box set is a massive undertaking, so we’ll get to praises and flubs that come along with it.  For however long it takes you to read this, I’m about to take you on a journey through this entire set in one reading.  I’m not gonna slum it and just do a summary of the set as a whole.  No, I’m taking you film by film, disc by disc.  I’m covering it all.  Bookmark my review; it may take you more than a sitting to read.  And for those who do embark on the entire journey with me, you have my biggest thanks in advance. Continue reading ‘Friday The 13th – The Complete Collection (Blu-ray Review)’

Fortune and Glory – The Cliffhanger Game (Boardgame Review)

It is the late 1930s and the world is in turmoil.  Humanity is on the brink of war as imperialist nations in the Far East and Europe work aggressively to expand their domination.  The Nazis have taken control of Germany and now spread darkness across the globe in their hunt for powerful occult artifacts that can give them the upper hand in the days to come.  But the spirit of adventure and freedom won’t be stamped out so easily.  Heroic adventurers from around the world answer the call, racing against time to hunt down ancient artifacts, explore deadly temples, and fight back the powers of darkness from engulfing the world.  It is a race of good versus evil and only a cunning and agile explorer can claim the ultimate prize of… Fortune and Glory!   Fortune and Glory, The Cliffhanger Game is a fast-paced game of high adventure, vile Villains, edge-of-your-seat danger, and Cliffhanger pulp Movie Action.  Players travel the globe in search of ancient artifacts, fending off danger and Villains at every turn in a quest for ultimate reward.  So strap on your adventure boots and goggles, fire up the engines on the seaplane, and grab some extra ammo for your revolver – the Nazis already have a head start and in this race for Fortune and Glory, there’s no prize for second place! Continue reading ‘Fortune and Glory – The Cliffhanger Game (Boardgame Review)’

‘Europa Report’ on Blu-ray October 8th!

When unmanned probes suggest that a hidden ocean could exist underneath Europa’s icy surface and may contain single-celled life, Europa Ventures, a privately funded space exploration company, sends six of the best astronauts from around the world to confirm the data and explore the revolutionary discovery. After a near-catastrophic technical failure that leads to loss of communication with Earth and the tragic death of a crew member, the surviving astronauts must overcome the psychological and physical toll of deep space travel, and survive a discovery on Europa more profound than they had ever imagined.  Continue reading ‘‘Europa Report’ on Blu-ray October 8th!’

Castle: The Complete Fifth Season (DVD Review)

Together at last!  After four seasons, the action and the passion heat up like never before when “Castle: The Complete Fifth Season” arrives on DVD.   Now that Castle and Beckett, aka “Caskett,” have finally given into their true feelings for each other, how will it affect their work?  As they try to keep their new relationship under wraps, the unlikely duo continues to fight for justice.  Escape into the action and mystery with all 24 unforgettable episodes and never-before-seen bonus features, only available on this spectacular five-disc set.  “Castle” stars Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle, Stana Katic as NYPD Detective Kate Beckett, Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers, Molly C. Quinn as Alexis Castle, Penny Johnson as NYPD Captain Victoria Gates, Tamala Jones as Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas as NYPD Detective Javier Esposito and Seamus Dever as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan. Continue reading ‘Castle: The Complete Fifth Season (DVD Review)’

World War Z (Blu-ray Review)

It felt like this movie had been in production for so long that it would take the second coming for it to be any good.  However, before we get into whether or not God’s son came back or not let’s examine the ways World War Z has suffered from setbacks.  First thing first, Brad Pitt’s production company, Plan B Entertainment, secured the film rights in 2007 from the novel of the same name by Max Brooks.  That’s when director Marc Forster was first approached to direct.  Things proceeded slowly as Matthew Michael Carnahan was hired to write the screenplay in 2009 and filming didn’t begin until around July 2011.  Keep in mind, that’s still two years ago.  The movie originally was set for a December 2012 release date.  However, as lady luck would have it, in July 2012 the film’s release date was pushed back and seven weeks of reshoots were scheduled.  Unbelievable!  That’s right…seven weeks! Continue reading ‘World War Z (Blu-ray Review)’

The Fugitive: 20th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Academy Award-nominated (1993 for Best Picture) The Fugitive with a new anniversary Blu-ray edition. The heart-pounding thriller stars Harrison Ford as wrongly-convicted Dr. Richard Kimble and Tommy Lee Jones in his Oscar and Golden Globe winning performance as Kimble’s relentless pursuer.  Kimble, who has been unjustly accused of murdering his wife, must find the real killer, and the reasons for the slaying, before he’s captured thanks to a nationwide manhunt led by tenacious United States Deputy Marshal Sam Gerard.  This is one of Harrison Ford’s best films and it also represents the best representation of director Andrew Davis’ career.  Tommy Lee Jones’ memorable award winning role as Gerard was also justifiably acclaimed too.  If you haven’t seen this thriller, you should correct that right now with this new edition that offers a lot more extras than the previous release!  Continue reading ‘The Fugitive: 20th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)’

They May Seem Nice, But You Can Leave ‘The Family’ Alone (Movie Review)

A good crime comedy is always something I am happy to embrace.  I was ready to walk away from this Luc Besson-directed mob comedy with a bit of a smile on my face, but fugetaboutit.  For the most part, The Family works as a sort of quirky fish-out-of-water film.  It has a family living in France, under witness protection, with the added element of violent, dark comedy, some comic book sensibilities, and some other, off-kilter elements.  It did not quite hit some of its satirical marks and had some tonal issues, but it seemed fine.  Then the film decided to drop everything and opt for a poor ending, with shootouts and very little in the way of substance to leave with.  I am not quite sure why this had to happen, but I am sure that it took the wind out of the sails of an otherwise halfway decent movie.

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‘Insidious: Chapter 2’ Ditches Darth Maul & Fights The Past (Movie Review)

I can’t help it, but I’m a firm believer that once you strike gold…DON’T be greedy.  I hold that same belief when it comes to 2011’s Insidious (as you can see from my love and praise of it over here).  The movie was a fresh of breath air for the horror genre and despite it’s ultra low budget, it showed the big guys this is how it was done with something most blockbusters lack…a real, compelling story.  I also felt the same way about the film’s ending.  What a bad-a$$ way that was to end it.  However, then came word of a potential sequel and I shuddered in fear.  Why mess with something so brilliant?  Does it really need a sequel?  Of course not!  But this is how it’s done in Hollywood, folks!  It’s not up to you or I.  We know better.  It’s all a money game or should I say grab?  Insidious: Chapter 2, whether I tell you it’s good or bad below, will make money regardless.  That’s a simple well known fact.  It’s an established brand that people love and they are going to go to the theater this weekend whether it’s a green tomato or not. Continue reading ‘‘Insidious: Chapter 2’ Ditches Darth Maul & Fights The Past (Movie Review)’

‘The Conjuring’ Will Scare Your Mama This October on Blu-ray!

Today must be National James Wan day, huh?  First the release of Insidious: Chapter 2 (and review here) and now the announcement of The Conjuring scaring the bejesus out of you on October 22nd courtesy of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.  You can’t say James Wan is just sitting idle and not going places…he’s driving “fast and furious” as of late!  So while I wasn’t the biggest fan of this one, I did see Insidious: Chapter 2 last night and loved it so I’m willing to give this a second chance.  Why not?!  In the meantime, pre-order your copy here and check out the full press release below for everything you want to know about this horrorific Blu-ray release! Continue reading ‘‘The Conjuring’ Will Scare Your Mama This October on Blu-ray!’