Archive Page 521
April 4th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
Who can perform a zero-gravity striptease, seduce an angel and still have time to save the universe? Sexy, sultry, space adventurer BARBARELLA, that’s who! Coming in for a landing on Blu-ray for the first time ever on July 3, 2012, the terrifically titillating sci-fi romp BARBARELLA continues to entertain with its outrageous, out-of-this-world story and brazen sexuality. Jane Fonda stars as the titular heroine who lands on the planet Lythion in the year 40,000. Faced with robots, monsters and evil of varying stripes, she must vanquish her enemies, all while attempting—and failing—to keep her skin-tight spacesuit on. Along the way she receives assistance from a variety of handsome men, each of whom receives her uninhibited appreciation. Directed by Roger Vadim (Fonda’s ex-husband), BARBARELLA is a kind of sexual Alice in Wonderland of the future and the film is replete with psychedelic set designs, far-out characters and an outrageously entertaining story set amongst the stars. Continue reading ‘‘Barbarella’ on Blu-ray July 3rd’
April 3rd, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
The Easter Bunny’s heir apparent leaves his ancestral home on Easter Island to pursue pop superstardom in the animated comedy Hop, which arrived on Blu-ray and DVD on March 23, 2012, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Blending state-of-the-art CGI animation with live action, Hop is a non-stop, rockin’ adventure packed with humor and hi-jinks! E.B. was destined to be the Easter Bunny, but all he wanted to do was rock! When teenager E.B. (voiced by Russell Brand) leaves for Hollywood in pursuit of his dream to become a rock star drummer, he meets Fred (James Marsden), an out-of-work slacker with his own lofty goals. Together the two encounter a series of hilarious mishaps and misadventures and in the end help each other recognize the importance of family. Continue reading ‘Hop (Blu-ray Review)’
April 3rd, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
There is a certain power in seeing parents and children alike present inexcusable situations to what is supposed to be a collection of people responsible for not only teaching, but leading and protecting a student body, and have them do little to stop it. In Bully, there are a number of scenes that reflect poorly on the actions that are not being taken to stop abhorrent behavior and the audience will react accordingly. This is a documentary that chronicles a few students from schools in a few different states, as they deal with being bullied, which is an interesting idea for a film topic. I do think that a proper message is established by the end of this film, which is commendable, but that said, I also think this film has issues of redundancy and focuses to closely in some areas, while staying away from others that would seem to be just as important. Still, regardless of Bully amounting to being fairly average, and despite its needless controversy, the film presents an important topic, which has enough to make it worthy of a wide audience. Continue reading ‘‘Bully’ Hits The Message Hard’
April 3rd, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
Given that the month of March was packed with an unusual amount of high budget, blockbuster films, I figured I would balance things out with a couple of independent/arthouse features as well. One of these was The Kid with a Bike, a Belgian film from the Dardenne brothers (Jean-Pierre and Luc). This film follows a young boy dealing with being abandoned by his father and attempting to forge new relationships with other potential role models and caretakers. The film is very naturalistic, a key type of style when it comes to the Dardenne’s work, as it plays out as more character-driven, as opposed to story-driven and plays around a lot with ambiguity, despite straddling a somewhat familiar path. With that in mind, the film is very good, well-acted, and filled with moments that evoke emotion as well as thoughts based around developing more of an understanding for one’s self, rather than letting the film tell you what to think. Continue reading ‘‘The Kid With A Bike’ Rides Through An Emotional Journey’
April 2nd, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
This might be a little awkward, but I will explain. I could not find any suitable artwork for the Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol Blu-ray cover art anywhere. I borrowed the bilingual cover art instead, so please ignore the bilingual font, because I assure you that it is NOT present on the U.S. Blu-ray. Also, that’s the Best Buy Exclusive cover art, as well. It features a third disc and an extra hour of bonus material. We’ll get to the nitty gritty details of the Blu-ray contents in the “Extras” section. For now, you’ll probably want to know how Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol stands against the previous three entries, right? You’ve come to the right place. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to enjoy this review of Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol on Blu-ray. Happy trails! Continue reading ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol ‘Best Buy Exclusive’ (Blu-ray Review)’
April 1st, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
John le Carré’s acclaimed spy novel has been re-adapted yet again, but now it comes to us in the form of a theatrical film starring the likes of Gary Oldman (Bram Stoker’s Dracula), John Hurt (Immortals), Tom Hardy (The Dark Knight Rises), Mark Strong (Rock N Rolla), Colin Firth (The King’s Speech), and Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock). That’s a mighty fine cast brought together for a spy film like Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. This version of Tinker also has the distinction of being directed by one of the most unlikeliest of people, Tomas Alfredson (Let The Right One In). I do like when directors cross genres this early in their careers, but is it a misstep or does the transition from horror into drama do everyone involved justice? Let’s do this thing of ours. Continue reading ‘Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (Blu-ray Review)’
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)’
