Archive Page 520
April 1st, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
One of the most beloved stories of all time is coming to life in the motion picture fantasy, Mirror Mirror. A fresh and funny retelling of the Snow White legend, Mirror Mirror features breakout star Lily Collins (The Blind Side) as Snow White, a princess in exile, and Oscar-winner Julia Roberts as the evil Queen who ruthlessly rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince in this magical adventure comedy filled with jealousy, romance and betrayal that will capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences the world over. The film also stars Armie Hammer (The Social Network) as the Prince and Nathan Lane (The Birdcage) as the hapless and bungling servant to the Queen. Continue reading ‘Mirror Mirror (Movie Review)’
March 30th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
No doubt remains: a mole has infiltrated the Circus, code name for the British Secret Intelligence Service. It can only be one of four men operating at the very highest level. Sidelined agent George Smiley is covertly tapped to root out the mole, a task that requires a painstaking dig through the double-blind world of Cold War-era espionage and his own past. Alec Guinness brilliantly captures the weary heart and steely soul of John le Carré’s master spy. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy was nominated for an Emmy for best miniseries and won two BAFTA Awards, including best actor for Guinness. The series also stars Ian Richardson, Michael Aldridge, Joss Ackland, Ian Bannen, Ian Bannen, Terence Rigby, Michael Jayston, Hywel Bennett, Anthony Bate, and a memorable cameo by Patrick Stewart, who returns in a larger role for the sequel. Hailed as one of the finest dramas ever made for television, this 1979 BBC miniseries garnered universal critical acclaim for its stellar ensemble cast, literate writing and intricate plots.
Continue reading ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979) (Blu-ray Review)’
March 30th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
I think there is a certain amount of humor in the fact that Wrath of the Titans is essentially a take-two on this movie series. Wrath was certainly felt in regards to the 2010 film (which was in no way helped by the 3D that was then used as the key example of bad usage of the format to compare other films to). Now we have the sequel to a film that doesn’t seem to have much high regard, yet made a huge box office splash during its release. For being a sequel, Wrath is certainly an improvement. It follows a lot of familiar sequel tropes, which involves being bigger and badder, yet retreading a lot of the same plot beats from the first film. Fortunately, the key element is that this film is more fun than the first, which is good, because I did enjoy the idea of remaking the original 1981 Clash of the Titans, but was disappointed with what came out of that. Wrath of the Titans may not become a cheesy classic like the original Clash, but at least its decent matinee fun. Continue reading ‘Those Wrathing, Clashing ‘Titans’ Are At It Again’
March 30th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
One of the year’s best-loved family comedies and among the best reviewed films of 2011, Disney’s The Muppets, starring Jason Segel, Academy Award-nominee Amy Adams, and favorite celebrity couple Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy is now available on Blu-ray! On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary (Jason Segel) and Gary’s girlfriend, Mary (Amy Adams), from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze Muppet Studios and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage a telethon and raise the $10 million needed to save the studio, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. Continue reading ‘The Muppets – The Wocka Wocka Value Pack (Blu-ray Review)’
March 29th, 2012 by Brian White
Did they really need a sequel to 2010’s remake of the classic Clash of the Titans? Of course they didn’t. But if the success of 2011’s Insidious taught us anything, it’s that any movie that meekly survives to cultivate a profit in this tumulus day and age…well…deserves a sequel. And rightfully so. Why not?! I had fun with the 2010 remake. And why not? The CGI was light years better. Hell…bring on a sequel…I always say. Low and behold, it’s March 2012 and my wish has come true. Never did I see this coming as an adolescent child of the 80’s, but say hello to my little friend…Wrath of the Titans. Continue reading ‘Not “Empire”: ‘Wrath of the Titans’ (Movie Review)’
March 29th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment present the remarkable story of an inspirational group of men whose legendary bravery was cemented in the sky in
Red Tails, soaring onto Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital Download May 22. Set for release just prior to Memorial Day,
Red Tails stars Academy Award® Winner Cuba Gooding Jr. (
Jerry Maguire) and Academy Award Nominee Terrence Howard (
Hustle & Flow) leading a powerful ensemble cast in this high-flying epic inspired by the real-life adventures of the first African-American combat unit to serve in World War II.
Continue reading ‘Red Tails Soars Onto Blu-ray This May!’
March 29th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
Gerard Butler (300) delivers a blazing performance as Sam Childers, the impassioned biker and ex-criminal turned crusader in MACHINE GUN PREACHER from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. From Golden Globe® nominated director Marc Forster (Monster’s Ball), MACHINE GUN PREACHER is the moving true-life story of discovery and redemption as Sam Childers takes up the fights for the children of East Africa and their freedom from Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). An Official Selection at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival and featuring the Grammy® and Golden Globe® nominated song “The Keeper” by Chris Cornell, MACHINE GUN PREACHER is complete with special features and commentary on the must-own Blu-ray and DVD on June 5th. Continue reading ‘‘Machine Gun Preacher’ on Blu-ray June 5th!’
March 28th, 2012 by Blu-ray Brian
It’s spy vs. spy in the ultimate battle for one woman’s affection this May the action packed comedy, This Means War, dukes it out on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download May 22nd. Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy form the perfect love triangle in this psuedo adventure-comedic love story. I didn’t think I would like it very much, but I think my man crush on Tom Hardy made it even more enjoyable. Nevertheless, you can check out the full press release below from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and pre-order your copy now! Continue reading ‘THIS MEANS WAR: Spy Vs. Spy Battles it Out on Blu-ray’
March 27th, 2012 by Blu-ray Brian
It’s not everyday your website gets its name up in bright lights or in a kick a$$ trailer for the whole world to see. So when that time happens you want to stand on the peak of the highest mountain and scream at the top of your lungs for all the masses around the world to take notice of you and your news. Am I right? Of course I am. And that’s exactly what I’m doing now. Here’s to one of the nicest guys I know in show business…director Paul Morrell. Kudos on his film’s first official trailer, which made its debut today. It’s my honor to host HUFF’s first official trailer right here on Why So Blu…right where it should be. Behold people. It’s “Breathlessly shocking!” Thanks Lauren! Forever grateful! Continue reading ‘Behold HUFF’s Official Trailer!’
March 27th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
Here it is just in time for the Spring season: Chinatown! Not only that, but it’s the Blu-ray we’re talking about here. Presented in high definition with a full lossless track, bonus features up the wazoo, and much more. Chinatown is the classic film that most say propelled Jack Nicholson into a full blown household name. Featuring Faye Dunaway and John Huston in supporting roles Chinatown takes the viewer into a world of mystery, crime, and intrigue where no stone will be left unturned. How will the Blu-ray stack up, you say? That’s what we’re here to find out. Yours truly is on the case, buddy. Follow me, but keep your distance, because it can get rough out there, kid. Continue reading ‘Chinatown (Blu-ray Review)’
March 27th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
We’re back once again bringing you the latest in Blu-ray coverage and this time out we’ve got Letter Never Sent from The Criterion Collection. Letter Never Sent is a Russian film that was released in 1959 by famed Russian director Mikhail Kalatozov. Criterion has brought us a film that has been given the TLC treatment which they’re famously known for. How will Letter Never Sent stack up to the recent crop of Criterion Collection releases? Will it be spilling over from the excess special features or will it be a movie only version? This and more is what we’re here to find out. Continue reading ‘Letter Never Sent: Criterion Collection (Blu-ray Review)’
March 26th, 2012 by Patrick Bellante
Have you ever had to make a decision and no matter what you pick none of them feel right? These have been the situations that the Mass Effect video game series has put us in for almost 5 years. Mass Effect is a 3rd person shooter with super powers thrown in. The game starts out with the legendary Commander Shepard staring out of a window watching a child play with a toy spaceship when a young soldier James Vega bursts into the room and tells Shepard that the defense committee needs to see him. With the urgency in which he was beckoned Shepard already knows the dangerous synthetic beings known as the Reapers are already near and the hope for humanity to survive is all but lost. Continue reading ‘Mass Effect 3 (PS3 Game Review)’
March 26th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
Encompassing a lot of my thoughts for how awesome The Raid was can be simply brought down to saying that during my viewing of the film, following yet another incredibly well filmed, well choreographed action sequence, my friend announced that he was sweating. It was humorous, but appropriate, as the film is so exhausting, yet riveting to watch; so intense, yet satisfying to see the action taking place; and so simplistic in setup, yet so rewarding in regards to seeing filmmakers deliver an enjoyable film, that taking a second to make a statement about one’s awareness is really the only way to keep one from getting too involved and ending up hitting someone yourself. Ok, so maybe the film isn’t crazy and immersive enough to make someone do something that stupid, but The Raid is easily one of the finest action films to grace screens in quite some time. Continue reading ‘‘The Raid’ Is An Insane Action Experience’
March 24th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
It seems like The Hunger Games could have easily been a huge disaster waiting to happen, regardless of the monetary success it becomes in its opening weekend. The film is based on another popular book series, geared more towards a teenage audience, featuring a familiar narrative, with a romantic angle added on to boot. We are already seeing crowds go wild and chanting things such as, “Team Peeta,” which could easily come off as nonsense to those unfamiliar. Thankfully, this heavily anticipated film is pretty damn entertaining. Given the strong lead performance, solid handle on bringing the source material alive, and maintaining a certain level of excitement throughout, I was very happy to be thoroughly pleased by the results and more interested in reading the other two books in this series. Now regardless of whether or not one has read the books, I think there is a lot to enjoy in this film, especially given the crazy amount of hype it has to live up to. Some flaws aside, this could be the start of a new franchise that is both well crafted and worthy of such high fan reaction. Continue reading ‘The Hunger Games Are On Like Donkey Kong’
March 23rd, 2012 by Brian White
Come on! Show some love for the “Material Girl.” If Gene Siskel gave it “Two Thumbs Up!,” then you know this “rock doc” has to be good, right? Right! Madonna has sold more than 300 million albums worldwide and is the top-selling female artist of all-time. And it’s only befitting for me, being the biggest Madonna fan on this site, to not only enjoy this one on the Blu-ray format, but tackle the review too. I don’t think any of my fellow reviewers will argue that point. Mute! Drum roll please…Presented for the very first time in a stunning new 1080p High Definition transfer and 5.1 DTS Master Audio, Madonna: Truth or Dare premieres on Blu-ray April 3rd and thinking back, I remember the 1999 VHS tape like it was yesterday. Does that make me really old or just someone with a very good memory? I’m not sure. Continue reading ‘Madonna: Truth or Dare (Blu-ray Review)’
March 23rd, 2012 by Blu-ray Brian
Cheers! In today’s news, Warner Home Video debuts a monumental box set for their devoted Harry Potter fans. Announcing the Harry Potter Wizard’s Collection, which boasts all eight movies on Blu-ray, DVD and UltraViolet Digital Copy on September 7th. This limited and numbered collection is the largest ever for Warner bros. The 31-disc collection features all previously released content plus 5 hours of never-before-seen exclusive material and is presented in gorgeous gift box packaging with eight must-have pieces of collectible movie memorabilia that can’t be found anywhere else. Don’t believe me? Check out the full press release below. Continue reading ‘Announcing The Blu-ray ‘Harry Potter Wizard’s Collection’’
March 23rd, 2012 by Blu-ray Brian
The Mighty Mel Gibson returns! This time it’s in a film written, produced and starring himself. What more can you ask for? I just watched The Patriot this morning while eating breakfast…bad a$$…but that’s not why we are here. Get The Gringo is an explosive action filmed infused with dark comedy directed by Adrian Grunberg from a screenplay he co-wrote with Mel Gibson and produced by Mel Gibson, Bruce Davey and Stacy Perskie. Filmed in Mexico, the multi-lingual film also stars Daniel Gimenez Cacho, Jesus Ochoa, Roberto Sosa, Dolores Heredia, Kevin Hernandez, Fernando Becerril, Mayra Serbullo, Mario Zaragoza, Gerardo Taracena, Tenoch Huerta and Peter Gerety. Continue reading ‘Get The Gringo Gets a Trailer!’
March 23rd, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
The beauty of director Tarsem Singh’s Greek Myth 3D action film, Immortals, is definitely the most interesting thing about it. At 2011’s San Diego Comic Con, Tarsem, known for his work in music videos as well as his two previous films, The Cell and The Fall, made a point of noting that story comes after the fact for him. His focus lies in the visuals and Immortals is a fine example of this in action. The movie is gorgeous to look at and the audience is certainly given enough opportunities to focus on the visuals, as there is not much to this story, which is treated deadly serious, even though it is just as silly as many of the sword and sandal fantasy films that have come before it. As long as the characters were in the midst of combat I was pleased enough, but the time for talk certainly slowed down the excitement. Guranteed thoughts during my first watch though – the Blu-ray would look great. Continue reading ‘Immortals (Blu-ray Review)’
