Archive Page 537
November 29th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
The only people to see the war like this were the ones who lived it. Until now. Seventy years in the making. Three thousand hours of color footage no one knew existed. The first documentary to show original color footage of World War II in immersive high definition, WWII in HD uses the journals and accounts of those who served in the war’s biggest battles to create a personal, introspective and detailed look at life on and off the front lines. Follow twelve unforgettable Americans, and experience the war through their eyes, in their own words, as it really looked and sounded. Culled from over 3,000 hours of rare color film found in a two-year worldwide search and converted to HD with meticulous technique, WWII in HD provides a picture of World War II as it has never been seen before. Also included in this ultimate edition is The Battle For Iwo Jima, an immersive look at the momentous battle using gloriously restored, full-color footage, some of which has never seen before and WWII in HD: The Air War, the untold story of the American 8th Air Force’s bloody battle to defeat the German Luftwaffe in the months leading up to D-Day. Continue reading ‘WWII in HD Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
November 25th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
I feel that there are two ways to really delve into Martin Scorsese’s 3D adventure/drama Hugo. On the one hand, I could address the fact that this is less a film for children, as the marketing would imply, and more a loving tribute to the creation of magic via the film format during the early days of cinema. While the film does revolve around a young boy going on an adventure to unlock a secret (a fairly generic one line summary), the whole things feels much more geared towards cinema history enthusiasts. Now on the other hand, I could talk more about the way Scorsese uses 3D in this film. Simply put, this is the best use of 3D in a live-action film I have seen (Avatar included) and I would be plenty willing to recommend seeing it in that format. As a whole, I would say this is a splendid film through and through, given both the heartfelt story and the technical accomplishment that Scorsese pulls off in its colorful creation. Continue reading ‘Whimsical Charm Runs Through Scorsese’s ‘Hugo’ Like Clockwork’
November 25th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
Celebrate Christmas past, present and future with an uproarious and contemporary take on Charles Dickens’ classic tale when Scrooged made its Blu-ray debut on November 1, 2011 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Starring Bill Murray as a television executive with a heart of stone, the film takes viewers on a darkly comic adventure populated by an all-star cast including Karen Allen (Raiders Of The Lost Ark), John Forsythe (“Dynasty”), Bobcat Goldthwait (Shakes The Clown), Carol Kane (The Pacifier), Robert Mitchum (The Big Sleep), Alfre Woodard (“Desperate Housewives”) and Jamie Farr (“M*A*S*H”). A network TV president is perhaps the most cold-hearted man ever, but his holiday spirit is given a painful booster shot by three vengeful ghosts. In this comedic update of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, Bill Murray portrays Frank Cross, an evil, crass executive who caters to the lowest-of-the-lowest common denominators while firing people at will for the flimsiest of reasons. To change his cruel and tasteless ways, Cross is taken on a trip through his past to his future so that he can achieve redemption. Continue reading ‘Scrooged (Blu-ray Review)’
November 24th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
I was starting to wonder where Alexander Payne went. Following the large success of 2004’s Sideways, I was hoping to see more films from him sooner. Payne has made success out of strong comedy-dramas, with some dark and satiric edges to them and I have been a fan of his films. Now he has finally come back with a new dramatic feature, with some comedic elements, involving a family man dealing with a trauma, among other issues he faces. The ace up Payne’s sleeve this time around is having George Clooney as his lead. While Clooney does get to play it smart and provide one of his best performances, he has also ditched a lot of the things that make him cool. As a result, this film serves as a well made, low-key drama that doesn’t do a lot that is unexpected in the way of story, but is certainly assured in its writing and performances. Continue reading ‘‘The Descendants’ Is Set In Hawaii, But It’s Not All Sunshine And Rainbows’
November 24th, 2011 by Blu-ray Brian
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I was saving this giveaway for a day it deserves…it’s own Holiday! Yep, that’s right! For a limited time, you can be one of three lucky winners to receive a FREE Blu-ray of “The Ultimate Midnight Movie!,” CHILLERAMA. The drive-in sensation is a throwback to the golden age of B-horror schlock that spans over four decades of cinema. It offers something for every bad taste. The anthology features such titles as Wadzilla (you won’t believe this one), I Was a Teenage Werebear, The Diary of Anne Frankenstein and Zom-B-Movie. And best of all, these “segments” are done by my director friends Adam Green, Tim Sullivan, Adam Rifkin and Joe Lynch. With a price of “free” and my personal guarantee of satisfaction, how can you possibly go wrong?! Find out how to score your chance at a free Blu-ray today. Read on… Continue reading ‘Celebrate Thanksgiving With Our CHILLERAMA Blu-ray Giveaway Bonanza!’
November 24th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
It is not often that I try to put so many hopes into one specific film, but I was dead set on wanting to love The Muppets. Besides being pleased with who was involved in the production and the cast, I just get a great joy out of these characters every time I see them. Thankfully it all worked out, as after finally seeing the first new Muppet movie in over 12 years, I can easily say that it was one of the most pleasing experiences of this year. For me, The Muppets was a laugh-a-minute comedy; jam packed with fun, silliness, classic Muppets meta humor, self aware musical numbers, and the endearing nature of the old and new characters. The Muppets manages to have fun with its own nostalgia, while proving it can still bring its familiar brand of humor to a new generation. Continue reading ‘‘The Muppets’ Slapped A Smile On My Face And Made It Stay There’
November 24th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
Fusing the heist and espionage genres, It Takes a Thief was an action-adventure series that was inspired by Hitchcock’s 1955 Cary Grant film, To Catch a Thief, and was among the last of the 1960s spy television genre. Stealing to finance his life as a playboy and sophisticate, Alexander Mundy (Robert Wagner) was the world’s greatest cat burglar…until the day he got caught. But thievery skills are an asset in the world of espionage, so Mundy is pardoned when he agrees to use his wily ways to help steal for the SIA, an American espionage agency. Technically under house arrest, Mundy then travels the world over, performing daring acts of thievery in the name of Uncle Sam. He also works closely with SIA department head, Noah Bain (‘70s TV mainstay, Malachi Throne), his boss, aide, friend and watchdog. Continue reading ‘It Takes A Thief: The Complete Series (DVD Review)’
November 23rd, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
The stunning Edwige Fenech (THE CASE OF THE BLOODY IRIS, THE STRANGE VICE OF MRS. WARDH) stars in this infamous shocker that packs more grisly violence and sexual depravity into each frame than most any other film in the entire giallo genre. There’s succulent flesh aplenty as a mysterious killer dressed in black leather and wearing a motorcycle helmet begins butchering beautiful young fashion models with no mercy and one deranged request: STRIP NUDE FOR YOUR KILLER! Continue reading ‘‘Strip Nude For Your Killer’ on Blu-ray March 27th, 2012′
November 22nd, 2011 by Brian White
There are some pros and cons about being in the business I am in. The cons are what you would most likely expect…long hours and little pay. However, the pros always outweigh the cons no matter how you slice it. We get free product to review, invites to exclusive events and most importantly…we get to meet and interact with talent that most people only see and read about in US Weekly. So from that point of view, I love my job. One such talented actor I had the chance of meeting this summer is a cool cat by the name of Anton Troy (see my interview with him here). Now through Anton I met the man of the hour here, Paul Morrell. He came highly referred to me from Anton in regards to a movie project I am working on. Paul and I really hit it off. I can’t tell you how personable, down-to-earth and fun this guy really is. He’s the type of person we all need in Hollywood. Anyway, I’m here to spread the gospel of Mr. Morrell and let you all know about the really “killer” project he is working on now. It’s called Huff. Continue reading ‘HUFF Adds a Bloody Twist to the Tale of the ‘Three Little Pigs’’
November 22nd, 2011 by Jami Ferguson
On Christmas Eve, a high-tech team of elves from an elite unit known as Prep and Landing ensures homes around the world are prepared for Santa’s visit. But after working tirelessly for 227 years, an elf named Wayne is upset when he doesn’t receive a promotion to be Director of Naughty List Intelligence. Instead, he is partnered with Lanny, an idealistic rookie. During their mission, Wayne and Lanny encounter unexpected challenges that push them to their limits and threaten Christmas for children everywhere. Now it’s going to take a great big effort from two mismatched little elves to save the season! Continue reading ‘Disney’s Prep & Landing (DVD Review)’
November 22nd, 2011 by Blu-ray Brian
Winner of the Special Jury Prize & Alfred P. Sloan Film Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, Another Earth is the story of Rhoda (Marling) and John (Mapother), two people whose worlds collide after a tragic accident. Their intimate drama plays out against the astounding discovery of Earth 2, a parallel world that poses provocative and fascinating possibilities. Does a new Earth mean a chance at another life? Another destiny? Another self? In his directorial debut, Mike Cahill brings this provocative indie sci-fi film to life with outstanding performances from newcomer Brit Marling (Sound of My Voice) and William Mapother (TV’s “Lost,” World Trade Center). Sound interesting? Want to win a copy of the combo pack? Read on… Continue reading ‘Another Earth: Combo Pack Giveaway – Win a Copy!’
November 21st, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
That high flying duo known as J.J. Abrams and some guy named Steven Spielberg are back with their latest coming-of-age/science fiction story in Super 8. The trailers and promotional material did absolutely nothing to quench the thirst of the uber geeky. All we saw was a bunch of kids making a super 8 film, a train crash, and something that may have been in a top secret government container escape. That’s it. Considering that you have J.J. Abrams directing and Speilberg producing, the stakes would be kind of on the high side. Well, the time has come for you to see what all the fuss is about on Blu-ray. Why So Blu presents: Super 8. Continue reading ‘Super 8 (Blu-ray Review)’
November 21st, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
Based on the peppy title I have given to this review, audiences should know they should be bracing themselves for doom; although I could be misleading you, were you not to look further. Earlier in 2011, Terrence Malick arose from the depths of wherever he goes in the many years in between his films to bring us Tree of Life, a beautifully made film about the beginning of life and its meaning, presented in an obscure and esoteric sort of way. Now, on the other side of that we have the latest from Lars Von Trier, Melancholia, which is a beautifully made film about the end of times, presented in a slightly less esoteric sort of way. The various elements that make Von Trier films unique are all present here (which also tend to make his films quite divisive among audiences), but I actually found this film to be fairly accessibly, despite it being centered around depressing individuals and moving at what some would consider a languid pace. And with all of that out of the way, I will also add that I loved all of it. Continue reading ‘‘Melancholia’ Is A Beautiful Portrait Of Depression And The End’
November 20th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
Given that the HBO series Boardwalk Empire is currently one of the most popular shows on television at the moment, it seemed like good timing to have a new and very thorough, multipart documentary series covering Prohibition. The PBS documentary, Prohibition, is indeed very thorough, but it is also true to form for director/producer Ken Burns, who manages to pile on the information, while also keeping things very entertaining. Over the span of 6 hours, on 3 separate Blu-ray discs, an assortment of topics, all relating to the 18th amendment and its eventual repeal is covered. The “Noble Experiment”, the ban on the manufacture and sale of alcohol, lead to a lot of debate during the 1920s and into the 1930s and this Blu-ray set is a great way to learn so much more about it. Continue reading ‘Prohibition (Blu-ray Review)’
November 19th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
Arriving in Australia with nothing more than a saddle and his prized six-foot Sharps rifle, American sharpshooter Matthew Quigley (Tom Selleck) thinks he’s been hired to kill off wild dogs. But when he realizes, instead, that his mission is murder – to “eliminate” the Aborigines from wealthy cattle baron Elliot Marston’s (Alan Rickman) land – Quigley refuses and quickly turns from hunter to hunted. Forced to wage a savage war against his former employer, Quigley proves that no one gets the best of a steely-eyed American gunfighter – no one, that is, except the crazy and mysterious beauty named Cora (Laura San Giacomo) who rides by his side and insists on calling him Roy. Continue reading ‘Quigley Down Under (Blu-ray Review)’
November 18th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
I am a big David Lynch fan, but I have never seen Blue Velvet before which makes reviewing the Blu-ray that much more exciting. The Blu-ray is being marketed as a “25th Anniversary” edition, but what seems to be sealing the deal is that it contains nearly an hour of deleted scenes that were thought to be lost forever. These scenes have been remastered in high definition, but warned, David Lynch’s final cut of the film is what you have already seen, so don’t hold your breath for a three hour cut, because that will never happen. With that out of the way let’s sample the “fabric” that is Blue Velvet. Continue reading ‘Blue Velvet (Blu-ray Review)’
November 18th, 2011 by Mary Welms
It seems like it was just yesterday that I was in San Diego at Comic Con waiting to get into Hall H to see the Twilight cast. I have so many great memories. Standing next to Ashley Greene (Alice) and Nikki Reed (Rosalie). Talking to Elizabeth Reaser (Esme) and Boo Boo Stewart (Seth). Robert Pattinson (Edward), Kristen Stewart (Bella) and Taylor Lautner (Jacob) just a few feet away from me as they walked across the stage. It was an experience I will treasure for the rest of my life. Continue reading ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (Movie Review)’
November 17th, 2011 by Patrick Bellante
If you are a gamer then you know what the scene looked like hours before midnight on Nov. 7, 2011. Video game stores across the country preparing for a massive midnight sale of a very successful yearly title. Doing over $400 million in sales on the first day of it was released, which smashed first day sales records. I have to say I was one of the many that stood outside waiting to get my hands on the highly anticipated title. When I got home that night to start my vacation I skipped my usual of playing through the campaign and jumped straight online to battle foes with my friends. Continue reading ‘Call of Duty: MW 3 (PS3 Game Review)’
