Archive Page 499
August 30th, 2012 by Jami Ferguson
Conjure up a cauldron of silliness with Hocus Pocus, now on Blu-ray for the first time, featuring new digital restoration with enhanced picture and sound. Academy Award nominee Bette Midler (Best Actress, 1991, For The Boys), Sarah Jessica Parker (“Sex In The City”) and Kathy Najimy (The Wedding Planner) star in a wild and wacky comedy for the entire family. When three 17th century Salem witches are accidentally summoned by modern-day pranksters, the 300-year-old trio sets out to cast a spell on the town and reclaim their youth, but first they must outwit three kids and a talking cat. Get ready for a night of surprises in this bewitching movie – now on Blu-ray! Continue reading ‘Hocus Pocus (Blu-ray Review)’
August 29th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
From Disneynature, the studio that brought you Earth, Oceans, and African Cats, comes Chimpanzee – a remarkable story of individual triumph and family bonds. Journey deep into the African forest and meet Oscar, an adorable young chimp with an entertaining approach to life. The world is a playground for little Oscar and his fellow young chimps who love creating mayhem. His playful curiosity and zest for discovery showcase the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom. Stunning hi-definition images bring you up close and personal as Oscar and his family navigate the complex territory of the forest. It’s an inspiring and life-changing adventure that overflows with courage and charm. And it will capture your heart. In addition to the remarkable story filmed in the depths of the African forest, the Chimpanzee Blu-ray Combo Pack is filled with spectacular bonus features, including in-depth behind-the-scenes footage showcasing the filmmakers’ amazing efforts to document the making of the film; a music video for the song “Rise,” written and performed by McClain Sisters; a feature on Disney’s conservation legacy; and much more. Continue reading ‘Chimpanzee (Blu-ray Review)’
August 29th, 2012 by Jami Ferguson
Peter Berg (
The Rundown, The Kingdom, “Friday Night Lights”) directs and produces
Battleship, the epic-scale action-adventure based on the Parker Brothers board-game. Taylor Kitsch (
John Carter) plays Lieutenant Alex Hopper, a naval weapons officer assigned to destroyer USS John Paul, and humanity’s last hope in the face of a global alien invasion. Alexander Skarsgård (“True Blood,”
Melancholia) is Hopper’s older brother, Stone, Commanding Officer of USS Sampson; global music superstar Rihanna makes her motion-picture debut as Petty Officer Second Class Cora Raikes, Hopper’s crew-mate and a weapons specialist on USS John Paul Jones; Brooklyn Decker (
Just Go With It) is Sam Shane, Hopper’s fiancée and a physical therapist specializing in the rehabilitation of military combat veterans; Tadanobu Asano (
Thor), is Captain Yugi Nagata, commanding officer of the Japanese destroyer Myoko and Hopper’s archrival; and Academy Award nominee Liam Neeson (
The Grey, Taken) plays Hopper and Stone’s superior (and Sam’s father), Admiral Shane, Commander of the Pacific Fleet.
Continue reading ‘Battleship (Blu-ray Review)’
August 29th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
Lawless is an enjoyable, Prohibition-era drama with plenty of really strong violent bits. It has a very good ensemble cast to work with, a director who knows how to make things look good, and plenty of other ingredients to make a solid picture. I think the film’s biggest problem is that it has the feel of an indie, but still conforms to a lot of generic plot elements. While getting the film that relishes in having Malick-like qualities, characters with sparse dialogue, and not much restraint regarding the violence, it also settles for having characters making poor choices only for the sake of the story, romantic subplots that bog things down, and a lack of subtlety at times. These aspects take away from Lawless being a great film, but it still has enough to it, especially due to Tom Hardy and the general look of the film, which makes it an entertaining one. Continue reading ‘‘Lawless’ Has Bootleggers, Bloodshed, And The Beef’
August 29th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
It’s a buddy comedy, a chick flick, and a story of phone sex operators; all rolled into one! Obviously there have to be plenty of people that found this movie funny. For a Good Time, Call… was picked up out of Sundance and quickly turned around for a release this year. I guess the idea is to cash in on women talking dirty, following the success that was had with 2011’s Bridesmaids, except that film had more up its sleeve than just crude dialogue. For a Good Time, Call… feels like an incredibly lazy sitcom that is stretched out to feature length and attempting to repeatedly cash in on just one joke. Hearing so many explicit things in the span of a few minutes or as a running gag is fine, but as the only thing a film has going for it, it just becomes tiring and bland. Continue reading ‘‘For A Good Time’, Don’t Call…’
August 29th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
I told you we’d be back with some more Ingmar Bergman madness, didn’t I? Well, up next we’ve got Summer with Monika, Bergman’s film about the joys and innocence of romance. Wait, I did say this was a Bergman film, right? Okay, throw in some drama and despair, and you’ve got yourself a Bergman stew. If Summer with Monika sounds familiar that’s probably due to his recent film that was shot a couple of years prior to this one. That one was called Summer Interlude, and you can read our review HERE. How will Summer with Monika stack up to that previous film? Keep reading after the jump to find out. Here’s hoping that Criterion keeps the Ingmar Bergman train going. We need more Bergman on Blu-ray! Continue reading ‘Summer with Monika: Criterion Collection (Blu-ray Review)’
August 29th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
Arriving on September 11, 2012, a trio of horror flicks will be arriving on Blu-ray for the first time. Killer Klowns From Outer Space, Jeepers Creepers, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 will all be making their Blu-ray debut, courtesy of MGM Home Entertainment and each are equipped with a nice selection of extra features. Now this may seem like a random selection of horror films, but they all at least deliver on the creepy factor in different ways and would be fine additions to any horror fan’s collection. Continue on to learn more about these upcoming Blu-ray releases. Continue reading ‘A Trio Of Halloween Titles New to Blu-ray from MGM Home Entertainment Coming This September’
August 29th, 2012 by Blu-ray Brian
When it comes to our coverage of the famed original Starz series Spartacus, there’s nothing bigger around here at Why So Blu. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating, but the allegiance of Spartacus fans have been mighty kind to us over the past several years and this time around, my favorite PR person over at Anchor Bay Entertainment is allowing me to give back to you…the fans of Spartacus! So listen up, yo! Anchor Bay is bringing the next chapter of Spartacus: Vengeance The Complete Second Season to Blu-ray and DVD on September 11th, but if you are one of the lucky few, you can grab yourself a free copy. What’s not to like about free? Rhetorical question. Exactly! Check out the full press release, a Season 2 video to PUMP you up and most importantly, how to win of the two Blu-ray packages we have to give away…all below. Continue reading ‘SPARTACUS: VENGEANCE Blu-ray Giveaway Contest’
August 28th, 2012 by Brian White
Several years ago, while formally studying the fine art of screenwriting at my local university, I was introduced to Final Draft for the very first time. Outside of that, all I knew about the product was that for many years now, more than I wish to count now, it has been known as the “industry standard” in the business and other than seeing screenshots on the back of the retail boxes in the Apple store, I hadn’t yet touched it. The latest and greatest version of Final Draft was properly licensed and loaded on all the laboratory classroom PCs. However, there was one big problem. It’s great having the software accessible on the lab PCs at school, but what about at home? Don’t worry; my professor had an answer for that. It was called Celtx. And for anyone that doesn’t know, Celtx is a screenwriting utility that’s available via freeware on their Internet website. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, but it does the job…if all your interested in is writing a screenplay. Continue reading ‘iPad’s Final Draft Writer: The New Industry Standard (iOS App Review)’
August 28th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
To commemorate the 35th anniversary of an original classic, Disney proudly presents a special 2-movie collection featuring all-time family favorites, The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under, for the first time ever on Blu-ray! Join two of the world’s bravest mice – Bernard and Bianca – as they set out on two thrilling rescue missions full of comic adventure while soaring through the Devil’s Bayou and flying sky high in the Australian outback. Buckle up for the ride of your life as these tiny heroes with great big hearts outrun and outwit their rivals to save the day. Brimming with lovable characters and unforgettable music, the 2-movie collection is high-flying fun for the entire family! Share the laughs and excitement for the first time on Disney Blu-ray.
Continue reading ‘The Rescuers: 35th Anniversary Edition / The Rescuers Down Under (Blu-ray Review)’
August 28th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
Dark Horse Comics is thrilled to announce a new creator-owned series from Francesco Francavilla, the 2012 Eisner Award winner for Best Cover Artist! Francavilla’s critically acclaimed The Black Beetle returns in December with The Black Beetle #0, which will collect the three-part story entitled Night Shift that originally appeared in the pages of the Eisner Award–winning Dark Horse Presents. The issue will feature a brand-new cover, twenty-four story pages, and bonus sketch material and art! January brings The Black Beetle: No Way Out, a four-issue story that marks the first full series for Francavilla’s Black Beetle, continuing from the self-published, limited-edition ashcan comic of the same name—the first appearance of this exciting new pulp hero! Continue reading ‘Francavilla’s ‘The Black Beetle’ Returns to Deliver Awardworthy Pulp Action!’
August 28th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
Disney’s spectacular 20th full-length animated feature The Aristocats arrived for the first time ever in stunning Blu-ray high definition as a Special Edition 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) and Digital, on August 21, 2012. Featuring a beautiful new digital restoration and great new bonus features, The Aristocats invites audiences to relive all the tune-filled feline fun, comedy and adventure of this Disney classic. The exciting tale takes place in the heart of Paris where a kind and eccentric millionairess, wills her entire estate to ‘Duchess,’ a high society cat, and her three kittens. When the bumbling butler Edgar tries to pull off the ultimate catnap caper in order to secure the fortune for himself, it’s up to alley cat Thomas O’Malley and his band of swingin’ jazz cats to save the day. The Aristocats features the voice talents of Eva Gabor, Phil Harris, Sterling Halloway and legendary French singer Maurice Chevalier, who performs the film’s titular opening song. The legendary Disney songwriting team of brothers, Richard and Robert Sherman, get the joint jumping with the jazz-inspired musical numbers “Everybody Wants To Be A Cat,” “Scales and Arpeggios,” and “Thomas O’Malley Cat.” Continue reading ‘The Aristocats (Blu-ray Review)’
August 27th, 2012 by Blu-ray Brian
I came across this article today on the web at Dark Horizons that was from a poll taken and assembled over at Total Film and a light bulb went off. What a conversation starter! Or at least I hope it is. Now looking over the list of films below, I’m pretty sure a lot of us can agree on these titles, but come on….Jennifer’s Body is on this list?! Now that’s just crossing the line. Anyway, and I mean no offense here Sean with the title above, check out the full list below and if you are interested you can enjoy the full article over at Total Film, but by all means…feel free to comment on this one below. I’m very interested to hear what everyone else has to say about this poll. Prometheus even graces it. What say you, Gerard? Continue reading ‘Indiana Jones 4 and Star Wars Episode 1 Are Biggest Letdowns’
August 27th, 2012 by Jami Ferguson
Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax transports viewers into a fantastical landscape imagined by Dr. Seuss and vividly brought to life by Chris Meledandri and his acclaimed filmmaking team at Illumination Entertainment. Directed by Chris Renaud (Despicable Me) from a screenplay adapted by Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul from the 1971 children’s classic, the film is an imaginative journey that begins in the town of Thneedville, where a boy searches for the one thing he knows will win the heart of his dream girl. But in order find it, he must discover the story of the Lorax, the often grumpy but loveable protector of Truffula Valley, in an exciting adventure filled with comedy and heart. Danny DeVito (Twins) lends his unmistakable voice to the Lorax, the remarkable creature who “speaks for the trees,” with Ed Helms (The Hangover I & II) as his enigmatic nemesis, the Once-ler. The all-star cast also includes Zac Efron (High School Musical) as Ted, an idealistic 12-year-old searching for the Lorax; Grammy Award winner Taylor Swift (Valentine’s Day) as Audrey, the girl of Ted’s dreams; Rob Riggle (The Hangover) as the villainous O’Hare; Jenny Slate (Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked) as Ted’s protective mother; and five-time Emmy Award winner Betty White (The Proposal) as Ted’s wise Grammy Norma. Continue reading ‘Dr. Suess’ The Lorax 3D (Blu-ray Review)’
August 26th, 2012 by David Freedman
Rachel has the pleasure of chatting with Natasha Calis, Jeffery Dean Morgan and Kyra Sedgwick, the stars of the new horror film. Starring Natasha Calis, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Kyra Sedgwick and Rachel Appelbaum
Synopsis: A young girl buys an antique box at a yard sale. But the box is inhabited by a malicious ancient spirit that takes her over. So her father must team up with his ex-wife in order to end her curse.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘The Possession Industry Interviews – Just Seen It’
August 26th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
The Killer Joe poster describes the film as a “Totally twisted, deep-fried, Texas redneck, trailer park murder story.” That is entirely correct. Director William Friedkin reteams with playwright Tracy Letts (they previously made Bug together) for a wild and darkly comedic thriller that resembles something akin to a Coen Brothers film, except Killer Joe is much more explicit. The film is quite lurid and deals with a very dysfunctional family, but it is also incredibly well acted and put together. Headed up by Matthew McConaughey, in a performance that sizzles, this is a film that fires on all cylinders, as it moves along without restraint and does not apologize for going to twisted places to become an absurdly entertaining film. Continue reading ‘‘Killer Joe’ Enjoys KFC And I Enjoyed This Dark And Twisted Movie’
August 25th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
Ah, the year of two Snow White films, the other being Snow White and The Huntsman, this one being an actual light hearted attempt at the material. Not only does it feature Julia Roberts as the evil queen, but it’s directed by none other than the master visualist, Tarsem of The Cell, The Fall, and Immortals fame. If anything, the film could suck hard, but it would be a beautiful looking failure. Most were quick to dismiss it after the first trailers hit the interwebs due to them having seen a much darker telling in the previously mentioned Huntsman film. How will Mirror Mirror do in comparison? You’ve got questions, I’ve got answers. Continue reading ‘Mirror Mirror (Blu-ray Review)’
August 25th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
Action movies dropping into theaters at the end of summer do not generally inspire a lot of confidence, especially when they are flicks that were moved from the already dead time of year that is January and into the even worse doldrum-like area that is the weeks that hover around Labor Day weekend. Still, it is always nice to be relieved when a simple, high concept flick ends up delivering the kind of fun you were hoping for. Premium Rush does not aspire to be anything more than a fun, lighthearted chase thriller and it succeeds in doing just that. The added plus of properly utilizing its New York location and making me twitch every time a bike got close to crashing only helped the film out further. Continue reading ‘Gear Up For ‘Premium Rush’ (And Wear A Helmet)’
