Archive Page 458
August 16th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Writer Earl Derr Biggers created fictional Chinese-American sleuth Charlie Chan in a series of printed tales beginning in 1923. In 1926, the first of more than 48 Charlie Chan films was put on the silver screen. Actor Warner Oland, born in Sweden, began a popular run for Fox in 1931 in Charlie Chan Carries On. After its success, Fox would produce 15 more Chan films starring Oland. Not surprisingly, the films became the most popular in 1930s China. After Oland died, Sidney Toler, an American actor with Scottish roots, took on the Chan role. Toler starred in 22 Chan films, first for Fox and later for Monogram Studios. After Toler’s death, Roland Winters became Chan in six more films. The character has also been featured frequently on radio, television and in the comics. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment brings back the legendary master of crime in the Charlie Chan Collection – four beloved films making their DVD debut, and now available for the first time, newly remastered, as a single collection. Included are Shadows Over Chinatown, starring Toler in one of his last Chan films, plus Docks of New Orleans, Shanghai Chest, and The Golden Eye starring Roland Winters, the last actor to play the detective on film. Continue reading ‘Charlie Chan Collection – Shadows Over Chinatown / Docks of New Orleans / Shanghai Chest / The Golden Eye (DVD Review)’
August 16th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Maybe one of the more unlikely comic properties to get a sequel, Kick-Ass was produced almost completely as an independent film, only to have its distribution rights bought and successfully turned into a big screen event. Unfortunately, while the Comic Con and geek crowd showed up for Kick-Ass, the film did not turn into the huge financial success many would have hoped for. Thanks to cult success, cut to a few years later and we now have Kick-Ass 2; a Universal Studios production that allows audiences to return to the comic property that meshes bright, colorful, superhero theatrics with a deconstruction of the genre. While entertaining to an extent, the only problem is the very thought of Kick-Ass 2 being a Universal Studios production. The irreverence is certainly still intact, but a lot of the wit and edge is missing this time around. That said, I had more fun than expected during this “superheroes who swear” sequel.
Continue reading ‘‘Kick-Ass 2’ Not Quite As Hard Hitting (Movie Review)’
August 15th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Released from the Disney Vault in celebration of its 50th Anniversary, this beloved classic shines like never before on Blu-ray with an all-new digital restoration. Winner of five Academy Awards®, including Best Actress (Julie Andrews), Best Song (“Chim Chim Cher-ee”) and Best Visual Effects, Mary Poppins is a movie experience your family will enjoy over and over again. “Practically Perfect In Every Way” Mary Poppins flies out of the windy London skies and into the home of two mischievous children. With the help of a carefree chimney sweep named Bert (Dick Van Dyke), the spirited nanny turns every chore into a game and every day into a “Jolly Holiday.” Share the music, the magic, and the joy of Mary Poppins with a whole new generation. Continue reading ‘Here’s the Mary Poppins 50th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray Details and Trailer’
August 15th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
The Butler is the kind of movie I would normally dread watching, were I be one to base everything I see off of movie trailers or just be a very cynical person in general. Fortunately, I am not very cynical and am happy to give almost anything a chance. Despite knowing that this would be something like the black equivalent of Forest Gump, by having a lead character played the genuinely warm Forest Whitaker and pushing him through various stages of history and the Civil Rights Movement, I was indeed impressed by the large cast involved as well as the nature of this story, which turned out to be just as much a strong father and son tale, as well as a historical drama. This also highlights an issue of the film, which is how it has plenty of good intentions placed on too many stories, making it a bit too unfocused overall, despite praise that can be put upon some performances and various sections of the film.
Continue reading ‘‘Lee Daniels’ The Butler’ Serves Some Great Material Along With Its Cheese (Movie Review)’
August 14th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
I don’t know much about the film, but the quotes about it and the synopsis sure get me eager to see what this film has to offer. It looks like I’ll be finding out on October 15 as Hong Kong crime film master Johnny To brings his latest release to Blu-ray. Hong Kong cinema usually produces some great crime dramas, so I’m pretty excited to tackle this one. It appears to be an on the clock chase thriller. An inmate on death row for making meth has been given an opportunity to get out of his death sentence if he turns informant and brings down a powerful cartel. He’s got 72 hours. Sound pretty cool to me. After the jump you’ll find details regarding this release as well as a preorder link. Continue reading ‘Johnny To’s DRUG WAR Makes Its Way To Blu-ray October 15!’
August 14th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
I can’t say growing up that I was a Dolph Lundgren fan. Even if I wasn’t big on him then, looking back there’s some sort of nostalgia with him though. I never watched his ‘solo’ movies due to my childhood bias as he was the bad guy from Rocky IV and killed Apollo Creed. The only adventures I went on with Dolph were Masters Of The Universe (not even he could stop my boyhood He-Man fandom) and Universal Soldier. So, coming into Dark Angel (known in the US as I Come In Peace), I am quite the noob. And, boy, Scream Factory’s release has me itching to dig further into the Lundgren back catalog with this release. Oddly, I never knew of this movie’s existence until now. I don’t remember anything from it, be it box art at the video store or catching a few minutes on TV. This was a completely fresh viewing. Continue reading ‘Dark Angel AKA I Come In Peace (Blu-ray Review)’
August 13th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
Scream Factory brings us its first giant monster movie in Q: The Winged Serpent. This one is a little seen (nowadays) monster film starring some popular veteran character actors in David Carradine, Richard Roundtree and Michael Moriarty (and the feature film debut of John Capodice). The film was well received upon release by critics. Maybe this new release will help to find itself some newer fans. I can see it as a film that some may easily turn their nose nose up at quickly due to its “dated” fx. But I assure you the book is much better than its cover here. Its definitely a good rendition of some fun Saturday afternoon matinee kind of fun. Continue reading ‘Q: The Winged Serpent (Blu-ray Review)’
August 13th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
Da Vinci’s Demons doesn’t street until September 3rd, but you can get a jump on some of its bonus material now! Starz/Anchor Bay has provided us with a deleted scene and bonus featurette from the upcoming Season 1 release. The deleted scene comes from Episode 5. “Dressing Da Vinci” is the name of the bonus featurette which features David Goyer, the costume designers and actors discussing the reasoning and meaning of the costume styles and choices. I’m intrigued to learn more about this series as I’ll be reviewing it for you in time for its release date. Below you’ll find the clips and the preorder link. Continue reading ‘Sneak Peek At DA VINCI’S DEMONS Season 1 Bonus Content – Deleted Scene & Featurette’
August 13th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Experience a magical adventure, filled with friendship, fun and “paws-itively” cool music in the new 25th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray of Walt Disney’s Oliver And Company: 25th Anniversary Edition – featuring tail-wagging bonus and new digital mastering! Oliver, a feisty young cat, explores New York in this thrilling animated classic cleverly based on Charles Dickens’ timeless story, “Oliver Twist” — featuring unforgettable songs performed by musical greats Billy Joel, Huey Lewis and Bette Midler! Joined by a pack of hilarious characters — dogs Dodger, Tito and their pals — Oliver knows he’s found a lifelong friend and a real home. The new 25th Anniversary Edition includes Oliver’s Big City Challenge Game, the Academy Award-winning animated short “Lend A Paw” (1941, Short Subject, Cartoon) and much more! Hightail it to your home theater for a fun and exciting movie-watching experience your family will enjoy again and again! Continue reading ‘Oliver and Company: 25th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
August 13th, 2013 by Blu-ray Brian
In 1927, archaeologists unearthed a major historical find in Turkey. What happened next is the stuff of legend…and nightmares! The terror rises when Anchor Bay Films presents the September 10th release of The Black Waters of Echo’s Pond on Blu-ray and DVD. And honestly guys, all you need to know is the following. Scream Queen favorite DANIELLE HARRIS IS IN THIS! There! Enough said. You are all free to check out the press release and the clips below provided by my favorite PR person in the industry and pre-order this title now by clicking here. Why not, right? Danielle Harris is in it! Come on! Unearth your Blu-ray collection! Continue reading ‘Two Clips From Anchor Bay’s The Black Waters of Echo’s Pond’
August 13th, 2013 by Blu-ray Brian
My favorite PR person in the entire UNIVERSE has come through again for us…this time’s a HUGE Bonus Feature clip from the upcoming DVD and Blu-ray release of the acclaimed Starz Original series Spartacus: War of the Damned – The Complete Third Season, which is slated for an availability date of September 3rd in retail stores everywhere. In this bonus clip the cast of Spartacus: War of the Damned says goodbye to everyone. Sad days, huh? But come on! Cheer up! This is Spartacus! We play hard and party as equally hard. Enjoy this one and make sure you pre-order this Season 3 collection by clicking here or the image below. Thanks! Continue reading ‘New Bonus Feature from Spartacus: War of the Damned – “A Bloody Farewell”’
August 13th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
On October 1st, everyone will be able to pick up a copy of one of the funniest films of the year. This Is The End is a comedy that I was very much looking forward to and it really delivered (Review HERE). The film pits James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, and Craig Robinson against the end of the world, while allowing them to riff off of each other, as they play exaggerated versions of themselves. It was a highly entertaining, very raunchy comedy, and it had just a bit of sweetness to really make it all work. Now, audiences will be able to get the full experience, as the Blu-ray appears to be packed with bonus content. Continue on to learn more about this upcoming Blu-ray release.
Continue reading ‘THIS IS THE END Comes to Blu-ray This October’
August 11th, 2013 by Jami Ferguson
All the magic and excitement of the past, present and future of Disney entertainment will come together once again when D23: The Official Disney Fan Club presents an all-new D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center on Aug. 9-11, 2013. Among the highlights of D23 Expo 2013 will be expanded capacities at some of our most popular venues; the 2013 Disney Legends Ceremony, which honors the talented men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy; Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, a treasure trove of crown jewels from the Walt Disney Archives; the bustling aisles of the Collectors Forum, where Disney fans can buy, sell and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia and merchandise; and a massive show floor full of special opportunities to see what’s on the horizon for Disney around the world—and where guests may bump into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators and filmmakers. 
Continue reading ‘D23 Expo 2013 – Day Three: Sunday August 11, 2013’
August 11th, 2013 by Brian White
Pain & Gain is another one of those films in 2013 where try as I might, I just never made it to in the theater and therefore I have been waiting ever since its April theatrical release to check it out on the Blu-ray format. Obviously, that day has finally come! Hooray! Thank you Paramount! After hearing some encouraging things about the film and really digging the ultra-hyper, exaggeratively stylish and humorous vibe of the movie’s trailer, I’ve been dying to finally check this one out. So before I pop this one into my trusty Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray player, I wanted to take a brief moment to reflect on things here because after all, first and foremost, this is a Michael Bay film and it could go either way. Thankfully I’m a devoted follower of the man, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t make stinkers either (most notably the last two Transformers movies). And this one is also based on a novel and coincidentally is Bay’s smallest budget project in awhile so I guess you can say there’s a lot riding on the success of this one. Now I don’t know what to expect, but if it’s anything like the film’s trailer, I’m exceptionally optimistic about things. Continue reading ‘Pain & Gain (Blu-ray Review)’
August 10th, 2013 by Jami Ferguson
All the magic and excitement of the past, present and future of Disney entertainment will come together once again when D23: The Official Disney Fan Club presents an all-new D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center on Aug. 9-11, 2013. Among the highlights of D23 Expo 2013 will be expanded capacities at some of our most popular venues; the 2013 Disney Legends Ceremony, which honors the talented men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy; Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, a treasure trove of crown jewels from the Walt Disney Archives; the bustling aisles of the Collectors Forum, where Disney fans can buy, sell and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia and merchandise; and a massive show floor full of special opportunities to see what’s on the horizon for Disney around the world—and where guests may bump into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators and filmmakers. Continue reading ‘D23 Expo 2013 – Day Two: Saturday August 10, 2013’
August 9th, 2013 by Jami Ferguson
All the magic and excitement of the past, present and future of Disney entertainment will come together once again when D23: The Official Disney Fan Club presents an all-new D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center on Aug. 9-11, 2013. Among the highlights of D23 Expo 2013 will be expanded capacities at some of our most popular venues; the 2013 Disney Legends Ceremony, which honors the talented men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy; Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, a treasure trove of crown jewels from the Walt Disney Archives; the bustling aisles of the Collectors Forum, where Disney fans can buy, sell and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia and merchandise; and a massive show floor full of special opportunities to see what’s on the horizon for Disney around the world—and where guests may bump into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators and filmmakers. Continue reading ‘D23 Expo 2013 – Day One: Friday August 9, 2013’
August 9th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
The epic sci-fi adventure continues as the latest high-definition collections of the celebrated series, Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Complete Fourth Season Blu-ray has arrived from CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Media Distribution. This series stars one of the most endearing ensemble casts in television history, Star Trek: The Next Generation took fans on the remarkable continuing voyages of the Starship Enterprise with Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), Commander William T. Riker (Jonathan Frakes), Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton), Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis), Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner), Lieutenant Worf (Michael Dorn), Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) and Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton). Featuring painstaking restorations of the beloved series’ episodes, both sets are also packed with must-see special features that delve into the inception and creation of some of Star Trek: The Next Generation’s most unforgettable moments. From the season premiere – the epic conclusion of the two-part cliffhanger “The Best Of Both Worlds” – to its thrilling finale “Redemption” Part 1, Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Complete Fourth Season is distinguished as one of the most favored amongst fans. Continue reading ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Complete Fourth Season (Blu-ray Review)’
August 9th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
This Fall, Disney•Pixar celebrates homecoming with the release of Monsters University on Digital HD and Digital HD 3D on October 8, 2013, followed by the 4-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, 3-Disc Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Combo Pack, 3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On-Demand on October 29, 2013. Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer. The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right. Monsters University bravely explores themes of self-discovery and the revelations that come with growing up. Continue reading ‘Monsters University Arrives on Digital HD 10/8 and on Blu-ray 10/29!’
