Archive Page 531
January 19th, 2012 by Blu-ray Brian
Next month, Image Entertainment goes Beneath The Darkness in a thriller that will take your breath away. Beneath The Darkness stars Dennis Quaid, Tony Oller, and Aimee Teegarden. The film’s official synopsis goes a little something like this: “In the film Quaid plays Ely, the well-respected mortician of rustic Smithville, Texas, where he was once a heralded high-school football star. Among the kids, however, he is legendary for a more sinister reason – [there are] rumors that his house is haunted. The truth is, this pillar of the community is actually a flesh-and-blood monster who buries his victims alive, [and] a sociopath who befriends adults and police while openly flaunting his murderous intentions to the youths.” Continue reading ‘Beneath The Darkness Will Take Your Breath Away on Blu-ray’
January 17th, 2012 by Brian White
Every once in awhile, a film comes around that’s so hard to classify and/or nail down to a specific genre. One can argue that 2011’s Drive just might be one of these movies. Is it a mainstream picture? Is it art house? Is it an independent film? Is it film noir? Is it a thriller? Is it a heist? Is it a bromance in regards to the legendary genre of car films? Is it a B-movie? Well… Would you believe me if I said it was all of the above? Am I really that far off by making that declaration? If I am, please correct me below in the comments section. I promise to learn from my mistakes. Let it be known that prior to writing this review below, this will only be my second time viewing this film that many critics herald as the number one cinematic product to come out of America last year. So how did I feel about my second test “drive?” Well I’m glad you asked. Read on… Continue reading ‘Drive (Blu-ray Review)’
January 16th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
The tagline on the cover art for the Blu-ray for The Art of Getting By states, “From the studio that brought you Juno and (500) Days of Summer.” It is basically stating, “If you liked those films, you might like this one.” What is should have stated is, “If you liked those films, stick with ‘em, and don’t bother with this.” The Art of Getting By feels like the kind of film that justifies someone’s argument when they can appreciate a different indie film that has a sense of being pretentious, but is still good overall, because it is at least not as obnoxious as this titular indie romance. While this film may have in a nice collection of mellow soundtrack picks, it disappoints in feeling like anything but an exercise in how to make a conceited, coming-of-age story. Continue reading ‘The Art of Getting By (Blu-ray Review)’
January 16th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
The Tuskegee Airmen, winner of three Emmy awards, comes to Blu-ray disc this January. Debuting just days before the theatrical release of the George Lucas-produced film Red Tails, which was inspired by the story of the Airmen, the film is encased in a stunning 32-page hard-bound book featuring sweeping unit and historical photography. Featuring an outstanding cast lead by two-time Emmy award winner Laurence Fishburne (Miss Evers’ Boys, Tribeca), Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr. (Jerry Maguire) and Emmy nominee Malcolm-Jamal Warner (The Cosby Show), The Tuskegee Airmen tells the story of the first squadron of African-American pilots allowed to fight for their country. It is 1943 and the Germans are winning the Second World War as the U.S. suffers huge losses on the ground and in the air. Four newly recruited pilots are united by a desire to serve their country, at a time when African-American flyers are not welcomed in the Air Force. Now, through the brutal demands of their training, to the perils of flying over nations at war, the men they call “The Tuskegee Airmen” must undertake the riskiest mission of their lives – to prove to America that courage knows no color. Continue reading ‘The Tuskegee Airmen (Blu-ray Review)’
January 15th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
In the continuing pursuit of music excellence, Eagle Rock has gone ahead and released the now legendary performance of The Rolling Stones from their unique Some Girls tour of 1978. I say unique, because the tour was a roller coster ride of stadiums, arenas, and halls. This Texas show had an audience of only 2,500, so that’s a bit odd to see, considering they were playing crowds of up to 90,000 people. Some Girls has been given a full restoration, according to the enclosed booklet. The video and audio have been remastered in high definition, so let us see how the legendary band’s performance holds up today. Continue reading ‘The Rolling Stones: Some Girls – Live in Texas ’78 (Blu-ray Review)’
January 15th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
The low budget juggernaut phenomena that took the horror film world by storm just two years ago has returned with part 3 in the uber successful franchise known as Paranormal Activity – this is part 3 of the franchise. What separates this chapter from the previous installments is that it’s a prequel. This chapter will fill you in on how it all started. Paranormal Activity takes place in the late 80’s and as if that wasn’t scary enough, the journey is all captured on gigantic shoulder mounted consumer camcorders. I know we all remember those, right? Alright, so turn off the lights, if you dare, and don’t forget to program your VCR, because it’s going to be a bumpy ride. This is Paranormal Activity 3. Enjoy! Continue reading ‘Paranormal Activity 3 (Blu-ray Review)’
January 14th, 2012 by Jami Ferguson
My son and I are both sick right now and it’s probably just a really bad cold, but as I watched the movie while coughing and sneezing, I realized that this probably isn’t the best time for me to watch a movie called Contagion. I’m not usually a hypochondriac, but I’m open to suggestion when I’m already sick. To make matters worse, I just returned from Disneyland which has got to be the world’s biggest petri dish of potential viruses carried from visitors from every point on the globe. I survived long enough to watch this effort from Steven Soderbergh that includes a superstar cast including Matt Damon, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Laurence Fishburne, Gweneth Paltrow, and Marion Cotillard. With all of these stars, you know some of them aren’t going to survive the contagion which always adds a new level of drama and interest from me. Continue reading ‘Contagion (Blu-ray Review)’
January 14th, 2012 by Jami Ferguson
Cozy up to Blu this Valentine’s Day, as Lionsgate premieres the romantic teen comedy She’s All That on Blu-ray Disc for the first time. A favorite from the ’90s, this fun Miramax film stars Freddie Prinze Jr. (I Know What You Did Last Summer) and Rachael Leigh Cook (Josie and the Pussycats) as an unlikely but charismatic high school duo. Matthew Lillard (Scream), Paul Walker (Fast Five), Jodi Lyn O’Keefe (TV’s “Two and a Half Men”), Kevin Pollak (Red State), Kieran Culkin (Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World), Elden Henson (Lords of Dogtown), Gabrielle Union (Bad Boys II) and Anna Paquin (HBO’s “True Blood”) also star, alongside music sensations Usher Raymond and Kimberly “Lil’ Kim” Jones. After being dumped unexpectedly by his gorgeous and popular girlfriend (O’Keefe), high school heartthrob Zack Siler (Prinze) bets he can turn any girl into a prom queen. He selects the school’s biggest nerd, Laney Boggs (Cook), as the subject for his popularity experiment, unbeknownst to her. After an amazing makeover and getting to know Laney, Zack falls for her. But when Laney discovers the truth about the bet, Zack is forced to realign his priorities and win back her affection. Continue reading ‘She’s All That (Blu-Ray Review)’
January 13th, 2012 by Matt Goodman
I would have been much more pleased had they released Jaws in 3D. Instead, we got the opposite: a PG-13 movie about vacations, bikinis, and sharks, which is totally devoid of what I loved about Piranha; the blood, the guts, the nudity, and excitement that made that film great. With Shark Night, we are given a handful of awful performances (even with the appearance of freaking Joel David Moore). We have a football player, a druggie, an explorer, and a wimp. Just those four aspects make this film average. The only redeeming aspect I could think of was the sharks; which had the best performances of the film. There is no real reason for Shark Night to exist. What time is it? Razzie time! Continue reading ‘Shark Night (Blu-ray Review)’
January 13th, 2012 by Matt Goodman
In an attempt to get audiences to believe in a conspiracy, they went ahead and released Apollo 18. When it comes to “found footage” films, I always seem to be at a crossroads. On one hand, I find it to be an inimitable idea, if exploited correctly. On the other hand, it can become a bit monotonous. While I neither agree nor disagree with those statements concerning Apollo 18, I still found this movie to be run-of-the-mill at best. While I did jump a few times, Apollo 18 is nothing but an unnecessary money-grubbing flick. Even though the film wasn’t made to look glamorous, the Blu-ray presentation is still decent. Continue reading ‘Apollo 18 (Blu-ray Review)’
January 13th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
I’ve been on a real Todd Haynes trip as of late. It seems that I have always been a fan of his work even though I haven’t seen every single film that he has ever directed. Pretty weird, huh? A couple of months ago I reviewed a documentary that featured lots of well known and not so well known filmmakers and Haynes was part of the crew. I really enjoyed what he had to say about the way he works, how he takes on these different projects, etc. I had recently just seen Velvet Goldmine and I’m Not There, so when word came that his latest HBO miniseries was set to be released on Blu-ray I had to jump at the opportunity to review it. Let’s not forget that I’m Not There was released on 2007, so it’s been a while. Let us see how the transition from film to television went. Enjoy Mildred Pierce. Continue reading ‘Mildred Pierce (Blu-ray Review)’
January 13th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
In the 2000 remake of Gone in 60 Seconds, starring Nicolas Cage, actor Giovanni Ribisi played Cage’s younger brother, who was in over his head after losing out on a big heist, while working for an evil gangster. His big brother, who retired from the life of crime, is forced to come back to the life of crime in an effort to keep his little brother out of danger. Over a decade later, in Contraband, Ribisi has now grown up into being the evil gangster character, forcing another unfortunate little brother to do his bidding and bringing back the reluctant older brother. This is all to say that both films are clear examples of a fun enough genre film. Contraband has a bit of an edge (and not just ratings-wise) however, as I was quite pleased with how the film came together, utilizing every character and minor plot point in an economical sense. Especially given the early 2012 release date, this is solid escapist fun that doesn’t aspire for anything greater. Continue reading ‘You Can Smuggle A Little Bit Of Fun Out Of ‘Contraband’’
January 13th, 2012 by Jami Ferguson
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Lionsgate debuts the delightful romantic comedy, Serendipity on Blu-ray Disc for the first time. The Miramax film stars Golden Globe nominee John Cusack (Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical, High Fidelity, 2001) and Kate Beckinsale (Pearl Harbor) as two star-crossed lovers who are hoping to find their way back to one another years after the night that they met. Jonathan (Cusack) and Sara (Beckinsale) meet one evening while shopping for the holidays in New York. While they’re each on a task to purchase a gift for their respective significant others, the two have instant chemistry. Despite both of them wanting to pursue a relationship, Sara decides that their love should be left up to fate – and if they are meant to be, then they will find one another again. Years later, and engaged to other people, Jonathan and Sara both find themselves wondering what could have been. Continue reading ‘Serendipity (Blu-ray Review)’
January 12th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
A Separation is a lot of things, but it can be boiled down to a domestic drama mixed with a courtroom drama. The film is Iranian and it is the country’s official submission for awards consideration (and it will likely win the Oscar, among other awards). It has been well regarded all over and was at the top of many Best of 2011 lists. Knowing all of that going in, I was not really thinking this film had a lot to live up to, nor was I skeptical about how good it could be. My main concern was how a film like this could be gripping enough to really elicit such a strong response. With that in mind, coming out of the film, I found myself to be completely transfixed by how gripping this story was. The different ways more layers involving the characters and themes of the film were revealed over the course of the run-time kept the film engrossing and the strength of the low-key, but precise direction made it all the more effective. Saying “simplistic” in terms of the style of this film would be a misnomer, because there is a lot going on in this fantastic film. Continue reading ‘‘A Separation’, A Great Film’
January 11th, 2012 by Blu-ray Brian
Gerard Iribe was the first of us here to see this epic war, known as the Immortals, play out on the big screen and today I’m happy to announce we have a Blu-ray release date. The Immortals will engage the Blu-ray format in head-on war March 6th. The Blu-ray release will feature alternate beginning and endings and more in the 3D Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray Triple Play. Wow! That’s a tongue twister, huh? Want more? Good! Check out the full press release below courtesy of our friends over at Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Rock on! Continue reading ‘The Epic Battles of IMMORTALS Comes To Life on Blu-ray This March’
January 11th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
Called “crazily inventive and totally irresistible” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone), the touching, beautiful and romantic drama LIKE CRAZY debuts March 6, 2012 on Blu-ray and DVD with UltraViolet™, for Digital Download and On Demand from Paramount Home Media Distribution. Director Drake Doremus expertly captures the thrilling exuberance and heartbreaking fragility of first love in “the rare love story that honestly conveys the giddy joys and sorrows of two people besotted with each other” (Claudia Puig, USA Today). Featuring “star-making performances” (Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times) by the incandescent Felicity Jones—who was given Breakthrough Awards by the National Board of Review and the Gotham Awards, as well as a Special Jury Prize at Sundance for her performance—and the terrifically earnest Anton Yelchin—who received a Spotlight Award at the Hollywood Film Festival and Special Recognition for a Breakthrough Performance at the Hamptons International Film Festival— LIKE CRAZY explores how a young couple faces the very real challenges of being apart…and of being together. Continue reading ‘‘Like Crazy’ on Blu-ray March 6′
January 10th, 2012 by Blu-ray Brian
How about a hell yeah? It’s Tuesday! OK…why am I so excited? I’ll tell you why! It’s because the only film, besides Warrior, that I felt I missed out on in 2011 has finally been confirmed to be coming to Blu-ray this March. Some call the movie “Scary, sexy and terrifically twisted.” Others call it “Extraordinary beautiful!” Whatever it may be, The Skin I Live In is a MUST-SEE in my opinion. So that’s why I’m very happy to spread Blu-ray love, joy and happiness today with the following press release from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Enjoy! Continue reading ‘The Blu-ray ‘Skin I Live In’’
January 10th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
Called “fantastic” (People), “exciting” (Ain’t It Cool) and “high energy fun” (US Weekly), the contemporary re-telling of the beloved classic FOOTLOOSE debuts in a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack with UltraViolet™ and a Digital Copy, On Demand and for Digital Download on March 6, 2012 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Boasting high-energy dancing, an inspirational story and an impressive cast of rising stars and screen veterans, writer/director Craig Brewer’s (Hustle & Flow) modern update thrilled audiences of all ages with its combination of youthful spirit and infectious fun. Newcomer Kenny Wormald stars as Ren MacCormack, a city kid transplanted to the small town of Bomont where dancing has been outlawed. Ren goes up against Bomont’s reverend (Dennis Quaid) to challenge the ban with the help of the minister’s daughter (Julianne Hough, “Dancing with the Stars”) and in the process reminds the entire town that dancing is more than youthful exuberance—it’s a celebration of life. The film also stars Andie MacDowell (Beauty Shop) and Miles Teller (Rabbit Hole) and features an outstanding soundtrack with musical artists including Blake Shelton, Big & Rich, Ella Mae Bowen and more. Continue reading ‘‘Footloose’ on Blu-ray March 6′
