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Certified Copy: Criterion Collection (Blu-ray Review)

I’m all for a good love story or two especially when they’re of the unconventional kind. Certified Copy comes to us from famed Iranian filmmaker (and jack of all trades) Abbas Kiarostami. The film stars the very lovely and talented Juliette Binoche (The English Patient, Chocolat) and baritone opera singer, in his big screen debut, William Shimell. The Criterion Collection has seen fit to bring out all the stops with regards to the Blu-ray; it even features one of Abbas Kiarostami’s forgotten films, in its entirety, as part of the supplements package. Seriously, when one of the special features is a feature length film, you’ve already gotten a great start. Let us see if Certified Copy makes the grade.  Continue reading ‘Certified Copy: Criterion Collection (Blu-ray Review)’

Reality Roundup – Shark Tank, America’s Next Top Model and The Real Housewives

Our first look at reality TV! Teresa talks about her favorite – Shark Tank, one that’s got away – America’s Next Top Model, and one to throw back – The Real Housewives. Shark Tank airs on ABC and is created and produced by Mark Burnett and stars Robert Herjavec, Kevin O’Leary, Daymond John, and Barbara Corcoran. America’s Next Top Model airs on Bravo and is created and produced by Tyra BanksKen Mok, and Kenya Barris and Stars Adrianne CurryYoanna House and Tyra Banks. The Real Housewives is also on Bravo and is created and produced by Scott Dunlop.Starring Vicki GunvalsonTamra Barney and Gretchen Rossi.

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Seeking a Friend for the End of the World – Just Seen It Movie Review

The end of the world is truly at hand as a massive meteor speeds toward earth. So Dodge decides to seek out high school sweetheart with the help of his neighbor, Penny. Instead, Dodge decides to get Penny back to her parents. This dramedy starts Steve CarellKeira Knightley and Melanie Lynskey. It was written and directed by Lorene Scafaria. Produced by Steve Golin, Joy Gorman, Steven Rales and Mark Roybal. Follow us on Twitter: @justseenit Continue reading ‘Seeking a Friend for the End of the World – Just Seen It Movie Review’

People Like Us – Just Seen It Movie Review

After his estranged father dies, Sam is tasked with delivering 150 thousand dollars in cash to someone he has never met. He soon discovers that the someone is a sister and nephew he never knew he had. Torn between keeping the money, and telling his sister the truth, Sam must decide the right thing to do. This drama stars Chris PineElizabeth Banks and Michelle Pfeiffer. It is directed by Alex Kurtzman. Written by Alex Kurtzman, Jody Lambert and Roberto Orci. Produced by Bobby Cohen, Roberto Orci, and Clayton Townsend. Follow us on  Twitter: @justseenit  Continue reading ‘People Like Us – Just Seen It Movie Review’

Interviews with Moonrise Kingdom Cast & Director Wes Anderson

Show Runner David interviews the stars of Moonrise Kingdom Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward, along with narrator Bob Balaban and director Wes Anderson. This dramedy adventure stars Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward, Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, and Frances McDormand. It is directed by Wes Anderson and written by Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola. Produced by Wes Anderson, Jeremy Dawson, Steven M. Rales and Scott Rudin.Follow us on Twitter: @justseenit
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Community Retrospective – Just Seen It TV Review

Salim, Greg and Aaron talk about their favorite half-hour comedy – Community. After three seasons, the show has been renewed for a fourth season with a new show runner. Check out why they love this show so much and what they look forward to for the coming season. This half hour comedy airs on NBC and is created and Produced by Dan Harmon and stars  Joel McHale, Danny Pudi, Donald Glover, Gillian Jacobs and Chevy Chase.Follow us on Twitter:@justseenit
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Barbarella (Blu-ray Review)

Here’s a surprise of a film I was surprised to see get a Blu-ray release. It’s the 1968 sci-fi romp, Barbarella, starring Jane Fonda. Yes, that Jane Fonda. I believe this is the film that forever made her a sex symbol. It’s the film that focused on Fonda primarily, and kept her politics and personal viewpoints in the back burner. Keep in mind that the weird title of “Queen of the Galaxy” is only used for the cover art, but absent in the main feature. It’s almost an afterthought used in the marketing. The film is also rated PG, but by today’s standards, this would most likely garner a PG-13 or R. Still, the rating is harmless, but this is more of an “adult” themed sci-fi tale. If you’re okay with that, then I’m okay with you reading on to see if the Blu-ray is a worthy addition to your collection. Excelsior! Continue reading ‘Barbarella (Blu-ray Review)’

‘Rock of Ages’ Rocks it Out

What do you do with a successful off-Broadway musical from 2005?  You take it to Broadway.  What happens after it’s a hit there?  Why, make it a movie, of course! In its live production form, Rock of Ages debuted 7 years ago in Los Angeles and after eventually transitioning to Broadway, the much-heralded concept hit the big screen this past weekend with some serious name-dropping in the cast. But did the film’s pop equal it’s payroll?

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Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (Blu-ray Review)

Around the globe, headlines break the news: a scandal takes down an Indian cotton tycoon; a Chinese opium trader dies of an apparent overdose; bombings in Strasbourg and Vienna; the death of an American steel magnate… no one sees the connective thread between these seemingly random events-no one, that is, except the great Sherlock Holmes, who has discerned a deliberate web of death and destruction.  At its center sits a singularly sinister spider: Moriarty.  Holmes’ investigation into Moriarty’s plot becomes more dangerous as it leads him and Watson out of London to France, Germany and finally Switzerland.  But the cunning Moriarty is always one step ahead, and moving perilously close to completing his ominous plan. If he succeeds, it will not only bring him immense wealth and power but alter the course of history.  Filmmaker Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes) returns to direct Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, which stars two-time Academy Award nominees Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) and Jude Law (Contagion) along with Rachel McAdams (The Notebook), Kelly Reilly (Sherlock Holmes), Eddie Marsan (War Horse), Geraldine James (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Jared Harris (TV’s Mad Men), Stephen Fry (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), and Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo). Continue reading ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (Blu-ray Review)’

DVD Giveaway for the Documentary ‘Margaret Thatcher: The Iron Lady’

Our good friends over at Revolver Entertainment USA are giving away THREE copies of the brand new companion piece to  The Iron Lady film starring Meryl Streep. Here’s all you gotta to do:  Fill out the attached form – you must have a U.S. mailing address (NO PO BOXES) to enter, and the name of the contest (The Iron Lady) and you’re automatically entered.  It couldn’t be any easier!  Three lucky winners will be picked on Thursday, June 21st, and notified via email.  US entries only.  Good luck!  *** Any entries that don’t follow the rules set forth within this paragraph will be instantly dismissed ***   Continue reading ‘DVD Giveaway for the Documentary ‘Margaret Thatcher: The Iron Lady’’

COMIC-CON Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope To Be Released This JULY

Wrekin Hill Entertainment announced today that their hit film, COMIC-CON EPISODE IV: A FAN’S HOPE by Morgan Spurlock, will be released on DVD on July 10, 2012.  Having seen the film (Review), I can say that anyone that enjoys Comic Con or has at least known about it or even people completely new to the idea could surely find a way to enjoy this documentary, which covers the famed San Diego-based convention and features plenty of comic fans, geeks, nerds, and various celebs providing their take on it.  The film also shows the journey of several different people, each hoping to achieve their ultimate goal at Comic Con. Continue on to learn more about the upcoming DVD release of this documentary and the multiple versions of it that will be available. Continue reading ‘COMIC-CON Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope To Be Released This JULY’

Monster Brawl (Blu-ray Review)

I saw the poster for this film and became instantly excited.  It is a low budget, direct-to-video production that features an assortment of actors that range from D-list celebs to wrestlers to stuntmen, but it had a fun premise.  What if a variety of movie monsters were all put into a pay-per-view style fighting match?  The idea is sound, and even with a low budget, there could have been fun to be had.  Unfortunately that was not the case.  This movie felt so poorly done that I actually fell asleep during the last 20 minutes (not something that happens very often, if at all) and had to start it back up again to make sure I caught the whole thing.  This fight of the living dead was very underwhelming. Continue reading ‘Monster Brawl (Blu-ray Review)’

A Q&A Discussion with Andy Parsons, Rich Marty, and Paul Erickson About Blu-rays and the Future

Yesterday I was invited to join a round-table discussion with some of the leaders of the Blu-ray industry to discuss  the evolution of the home entertainment market and how current technologies (Blu-ray Disc, digital steaming and downloads and disc-based digital extensions) complement one another to give consumers more flexibility and control over their content and viewing options than ever before.  The discussion was moderated by Andy Parsons, Chair, BDA US Promotions Committee who also hosted the Q&A panel that followed afterwards along with Rich Marty, Vice President for Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Paul Erickson, Senior Analyst for IMS Research.  As you might expect, UltraViolet came up a lot in the discussion (including my own complaint about it) as well as hardware questions, 3D adoption and its market share, their thoughts on the future of the format, and a lot more.  There was even some talk about the upcoming Lawrence of Arabia Blu-ray release.  Read on for more details! Continue reading ‘A Q&A Discussion with Andy Parsons, Rich Marty, and Paul Erickson About Blu-rays and the Future’

Blood Work (Blu-ray Review)

FBI profiler Terry McCaleb almost always gets to the heart of a case.  This time, that heart beats inside him.  He’s a cardiac patient who received a murder victim’s heart. And the donor’s sister asks him to make good on his second chance by finding the killer.  That’s just the first of many twists in a smart, gritty suspense thriller that’s “vintage Eastwood: swift, surprising and very, very exciting” (Jim Svejda, KNX/CBS Radio).  Clint Eastwood produces, directs and stars in this edgy, acclaimed mystery based on Michael Connelly’s novel and scripted by Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential). With a superb cast brought to a hard boil playing characters to quicken your pulse and hold you spellbound, Blood Work represents another fine effort by Clint Eastwood as both an actor and as a director. Continue reading ‘Blood Work (Blu-ray Review)’

Lit: The View From the Bottom (CD Review)

Oh boy, I sound like a teenage female fan whooping and hollering for my favorite band to get up on that stage and rock my socks off. Well, I’m neither a female, and I’m only sort of whooping and hollering, because guys don’t tend to whoop and holler. Or do they?  You see, I just finished listening to Lit’s album of brand new recorded material in eight years, which is a milestone unto itself. If you know me personally you know that I’ve been a fan of the band for a long time. Hey, I don’t just grow banded goatees for nothing. There’s a purpose behind it, but that’s another story altogether. It’s just really great to have the guys back in the saddle again after many years on the down low. Not that they were ever gone, but new material would not be forthcoming until now. It’s time to review The View From the Bottom, so grab your drink of choice, sit back, and enjoy yourselves.  Continue reading ‘Lit: The View From the Bottom (CD Review)’

Louie Season 2 Blu-ray Giveaway

The critically acclaimed FX comedy LOUIE Season 2 arrives on Blu-ray and DVD with even more uncomfortable moments and hilarious antics on June 19th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.   The LOUIE Season 2 Blu-ray and DVD comes with exclusive bonus materials and features unforgettable episodes and hilarious performances from guest stars including Ricky Gervais (The Office) and Joan Rivers (Fashion Police).  And guess what?  For 3 lucky Why So Blu readers we have 3 Blu-ray copies to give away thanks to our friends at Fox.   So what say you?  Check out the full press release below and scroll down to the bottom for your chance to win! Continue reading ‘Louie Season 2 Blu-ray Giveaway’

A Perfect World (Blu-ray Review)

Academy Award winners Kevin Costner and Clint Eastwood confront each other from opposite sides of the law in A Perfect World, an acclaimed, multi-layered manhunt saga (directed by Eastwood) that rumbles down Texas back-roads toward a harrowing collision with fate.  Costner plays Butch Haynes, a hardened prison escapee on the lam with a young hostage (T.J. Lowther in a remarkable film debut) who sees in Butch the father figure he never had.  Eastwood is wily Texas Ranger Red Garnett, leading deputies and a criminologist (Laura Dern) on a statewide pursuit.  Red knows every road and pothole in the Panhandle.  What’s more, he knows the elusive Haynes — because their paths have crossed before. Continue reading ‘A Perfect World (Blu-ray Review)’

‘Lockout’ Set Free on Blu-ray in July

Do you miss that 80’s action-movie feel? Do you just want a kick-ass film with a little twist thrown in for good measure? Search no more as Lockout comes to Blu-ray next month! This is one flick I thoroughly enjoyed in the theater and look forward to grabbing my copy in a matter of weeks.  Keep reading to get in on all the details…

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