Archive Page 534
December 20th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
I was very excited when it was first announced that Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson would be collaborating on film adaptations of the popular “Adventures of Tintin” comic book series by Hergé. Having long been a fan of the series, both in comic form and in its HBO TV series format, putting these two master filmmakers behind the camera for a new, big screen adaptation was a pretty easy way to get me amped. Now as a friend of mine wisely put it, the popularity of Tintin in America is similar to the popularity of soccer. The character is much more of an international icon and the character’s depiction skews pretty broadly. Opposed to the gritty rough and tumble nature of many American heroes, Tintin tends to find himself in lighthearted adventures and peril resolved with playful coincidences. As a result, The Adventures of Tintin is a fairly lighthearted adventure that happens to be incredibly well made thanks to Spielberg’s directorial handle on a 3D motion capture film. Continue reading ‘‘Tintin’s Adventures Never Cease To Astonish, No Matter How Unexpected’
December 20th, 2011 by Gregg Senko
So many Blu-rays, so little time. If I bought every disc I wanted to see this year, I would’ve gone broke before the summer ended. There were some great releases that didn’t make my list such as Swingers, Attack the Block, and True Blood: Season 3. Then there were the sure-fire films I thought would make the list but missed by a mile, like a really bad video transfer of Gettysburg and an extras-less Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Who releases a big budget feature on Blu-ray with no extras?? Anyway, I’d have to say this was probably the most difficult top ten Blu-ray list I ever had to assemble as it underwent many changes throughout the year, most over the course of the last week. Now that 2011 is just about said and done, here are my favorite picks of the year…
Continue reading ‘Gregg’s Top 10 Blu-rays of 2011′
December 19th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
Cary Grant and Grace Kelly light up the screen in director Alfred Hitchcock’s suspenseful and romantic thriller TO CATCH A THIEF, debuting on Blu-ray March 6, 2012 from Paramount Home Entertainment. A delightful classic filled with star power, witty dialogue, breathtaking scenery and plenty of plot twists, TO CATCH A THIEF garnered three Academy Award® nominations and won the Oscar® for Best Cinematography, Color. Starring Cary Grant as John Robie, a reformed cat burglar, and Grace Kelly as an heiress with whom he becomes romantically entangled, the film takes place on the opulent French Riviera as Robie tries to uncover the identity of a jewel thief and prove his own innocence. Continue reading ‘‘To Catch A Thief’ on Blu-ray March 6, 2012′
December 19th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
I am super busy these days, but there are a certain number of films that I could not pass up when it came to checking them out on Blu-ray, at my own leisure, in the comfort of my own home. The following list is set of films that I consider to be some of the best that the Blu-ray format has had to offer for this year. Much like last year, I stayed true to some rules; I have to have actually watched the movie on Blu-Ray and delved into the special features and most importantly, I did not put any film on the list that may also be on my “Top 10 Films of the year” list. This means excluding films like Rango and Attack the Block (which have fantastic Blu-rays). For the sake of keeping my list interesting, I followed these rules; so here we go: Continue reading ‘Aaron’s Top 10 Blu-rays of 2011’
December 19th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
The Kino Lorber group have released Rapt, the latest thriller in the kidnapped genre, but with a slight French twist. The twist being that it’s a French film. Okay, that’s not really a twist, but it’s a French kidnap-thriller of a film. You guys already know how I feel about French films, so it was a real treat to get a chance to review the latest French Blu-ray involving a kidnap for ransom story. Now the important question is, was it any good? Did it suck? Well, that’s what you’re here to find out, isn’t it. Sit back while take we you through the mean streets of Rapt. Continue reading ‘Rapt (Blu-ray Review)’
December 19th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
Man, it’s only been twenty years (more, actually) since Art of the Western World made its premiere on PBS, but now it makes that leap over to the DVD format. I had no idea it was this old, but had heard the chatter that went along with describing the show. I never saw it, but had heard great things about. Well, we’re now going to cover it on Why So Blu. Art of the Western World is packaged into three dvds along with a booklet. You may not have wanted to pay attention in class, but now you can bring the world of art to your home with this set. Let’s take it back to 1989, shall we. Continue reading ‘Art of the Western World (DVD Review)’
December 19th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
Let the countdown begin. Leave the existing world behind and enter into a futuristic world where the aging gene is switched off after 25 and time is money, literally, that many can’t afford in the cutting-edge thriller IN TIME, arriving on Blu-ray and DVD January 31 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Featuring an all-star cast including Justin Timberlake (The Social Network), Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia!) and Cillian Murphy (Inception), the film puts an innovative spin on class warfare and explores the corruptness that lies within. Continue reading ‘‘In Time’ Arrives on Blu-ray January 31, 2012′
December 19th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
The Simpsons Season 14 Blu-ray is loaded with bonus features including the incredible 300th episode starring Tony Hawk and blink-182. Additionally, the Blu-ray is packed with deleted scenes, features and never-before-seen footage, audio commentaries, sketch galleries, original animated menus, a special language feature and much more. Other guest stars throughout the season include rock ‘n’ roll legends Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Lenny Kravitz, Tom Petty, Elvis Costello and Brian Setzer who open up a Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp. Also paying Springfield a visit are Elliott Gould, Marisa Tomei, Little Richard and the dynamic duo of Adam West and Burt Ward.
Continue reading ‘The Simpsons: Season 14 (Blu-ray Review)’
December 18th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
Re-live the story of one of America’s darkest moments through superb visuals and a double sided narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The classic film Tora! Tora! Tora! comes to Blu-ray from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment was released on December 6th. The winner of the 1970 Academy Award for Best Special Effects Tora! Tora! Tora! was nominated for four more Oscars including Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing and Best Sound. Experience Tora! Tora! Tora! through the superb visual quality of Blu-ray for the first time. Continue reading ‘Tora! Tora! Tora! Digibook (Blu-ray Review)’
December 18th, 2011 by Matt Goodman
Silent Night, Zombie Night opens in suburbia, and has the same looking opening scene in vain of Zack Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead. It starts off all slow, with two people having a normal conversation. Seems normal, right? Not really, because one of the human’s immediately gets bitten by a zombie, followed by a hilarious opening montage giving the viewer the impression that this will not be a serious film. I just reviewed Zombie Apocalypse: Redemption here at WSB, and I have to say, this beats it by a longshot. Silent Night, Zombie Night is funny, well-written, and is an enjoyable film throughout. Yes, this is one of those instances where a film is so mediocre that it’s widely entertaining. Continue reading ‘Silent Night, Zombie Night (Blu-ray Review)’
December 18th, 2011 by Matt Goodman
Tyler Perry seems to be the king of mediocrity. In 2002, almost a decade ago, Tyler Perry became a well-renowned director, who is known best for his portrayal of cross-dressing, religious mongol Madea. In fact, that character become so popular with worldwide audiences who have a taste for films that teach a lesson and [usually] ends on a high note, built a big enough fanbase for Perry to create a franchise of films including the Madea character, in films including Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Madea’s Family Reunion, Madea Goes To Jail, and Madea’s Big Happy Family. Now we have A Madea Christmas, which is yet another lackluster film from Perry, but is not as irritating as it’s predecessors. Hellur! Continue reading ‘A Madea Christmas: The Play (Blu-ray Review)’
December 17th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
One of Hollywood’s greatest directors teams with a cast of incredible screen legends for this bold, sweeping tale of a ship’s captain who ventures west to find a hotbed of jealousy, hatred and dangerous rivalries. As the reluctant hero is thrust into the maelstrom, he must summon all of his resolve to save not only his own life, but also the life of the woman he loves. Four-time Academy Award Winner William Wyler directs this action-packed adventure that stars Gregory Peck, Jean Simmons, Charlton Heston, Chuck Connors, and Burl Ives (in an Oscar-winning performance), this magnificently entertaining epic will take your breath away with it’s grand scale! Continue reading ‘The Big Country (Blu-ray Review)’
December 17th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
Anthony Hopkins said it best in Mission: Impossible 2, “This is not ‘Mission: Difficult’ Mr. Hunt, this is ‘Mission: Impossible’; difficult should be a walk in the park for you.” This latest entry in the Tom Cruise starring and produced spy/action franchise finds Cruise’s character doing one impossible thing after another and pulling it off with style. From covert escapes during a prison riot, to climbing (and running) up and down the tallest building in the world, to sandstorm car chases, this film is filled with spectacular action sequences. Aided by the fantastic use of IMAX cameras to further enhance the spectacle, this is one insane ‘Mission’ to behold on the big screen. Further helped by its fun story, supporting roles, and ties to the original TV series, Ghost Protocol may sound like the title of a dense Tom Clancy spy novel, but it is one of the most accessible and entertaining action blockbusters to come out this year. Continue reading ‘Find The Biggest Screen Possible And Choose To Accept ‘Mission: Impossible’’
December 17th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
When I think of books meant for the young adult crowd (not counting the onset of vampire romance fiction), I tend to think of books that center around characters in their teens dealing with various types of drama, regardless of the genre, dealing with it, and experiencing a healthy level of growth because of it. In the film Young Adult, we are given a protagonist who is the author behind a young adult book series, but does not practice the methods of a positive influence. Charlize Theron (who is great in this role) manages to play an unlikable character who manages to become more unlikable as the film goes on. That would generally be a bad thing, but this film actually uses that as its intention. As a result, Young Adult manages to be a somewhat unique character study, fitted inside an incredibly dark and at times awkward comedy that does not hold back the way other films would. Continue reading ‘Watch ‘Young Adult’ Down A Bottle Of Dark Comedy’
December 17th, 2011 by Jami Ferguson
Big Love: The Complete Collection brings together the series’ uniquely crafted story arc about modern day polygamists Bill Henrickson, his three wives (Barb, Nicki and Margene), and nine children as they struggle to overcome the myriad of challenges brought about by their beliefs, lifestyle and Bill’s entrepreneurial and political ambitions. The complete collection includes all 53 episodes from all five seasons, plus all of the extra features from the individual releases that offer additional insight into the Henrickson family dynamics. Big Love features an all-star ensemble cast which is lead by Bill Paxton, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Chloë Sevigny (Golden Globe winner for Best Supporting Actress for the series) and Ginnifer Goodwin. Other cast members include Amanda Seyfried, Robert Patrick, Harry Dean Stanton, Bruce Dern, Anne Dudek, and Ellen Burstyn. Features include “Inside the Episodes,” “Their Stories So Far,” “Big Love: A Balancing Act on Ice,” “Big Love: End of Days,” three pre-quels, three mini-episodes and audio commentaries. Continue reading ‘Big Love: The Complete Collection (DVD Review)’
December 16th, 2011 by Brian White
Just what the world needs…another reboot of a legendary franchise. That was exactly my sentiments when I learned about the production of Rise of the Planet of the Apes. I remember watching and enjoying the original films as a kid, but not enough to warrant my full attention to what was going on behind the scenes of this new production. I still cant get the bad taste of the Mark Walhberg adventure out of my mouth. Then one day I had not one, but several friends asking me if I caught the new trailer of Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Astonishingly, all of their recounts and tales had one thing in common. They all included the word bada$$. How could they all be wrong? So I reluctantly caved in and gave it a watch. And much to my surprise I thought…not bad! But that didn’t mean I became an instant fanboy overnight. Quite the opposite happened. Continue reading ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes (Blu-ray Review)’
December 16th, 2011 by Jami Ferguson
Set in Mississippi during the 1960s, Skeeter (Emma Stone) is a southern society girl who returns from college determined to become a writer, but turns her friends’ lives – and a Mississippi town – upside down when she decides to interview the black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent southern families. Aibileen (Viola Davis), Skeeter’s best friend’s housekeeper, is the first to open up – to the dismay of her friends in the tight-knit black community. Despite Skeeter’s life-long friendships hanging in the balance, she and Aibileen continue their collaboration and soon more women come forward to tell their stories – and as it turns out, they have a lot to say. Along the way, unlikely friendships are forged and a new sisterhood emerges, but not before everyone in town has a thing or two to say themselves when they become unwittingly – and unwillingly – caught up in the changing times.
Continue reading ‘The Help (Blu-ray Review)’
December 16th, 2011 by Matt Goodman
Here we go. My first annual top ten list for Why So Blu. It may surprise you, make you laugh, make you cry, make you hate, yet if you actually take the time to thoroughly view each of these Blu-ray’s, you will surely be on my side. To be honest, it was quite difficult choosing for the number one spot, but I knew in my heart that it was one tasty burger! So sit back, relax, and enter Matt’s top ten Blu-rays of 2011. Continue reading ‘Matt’s Top 10 Blu-rays of 2011′
I was very excited when it was first announced that Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson would be collaborating on film adaptations of the popular “Adventures of Tintin” comic book series by Hergé. Having long been a fan of the series, both in comic form and in its HBO TV series format, putting these two master filmmakers behind the camera for a new, big screen adaptation was a pretty easy way to get me amped. Now as a friend of mine wisely put it, the popularity of Tintin in America is similar to the popularity of soccer. The character is much more of an international icon and the character’s depiction skews pretty broadly. Opposed to the gritty rough and tumble nature of many American heroes, Tintin tends to find himself in lighthearted adventures and peril resolved with playful coincidences. As a result, The Adventures of Tintin is a fairly lighthearted adventure that happens to be incredibly well made thanks to Spielberg’s directorial handle on a 3D motion capture film. Continue reading ‘‘Tintin’s Adventures Never Cease To Astonish, No Matter How Unexpected’
