Why So Blu?

No Need To Feel ‘Restless’ This January

From Gus Van Sant, Oscar^®-nominated director of Milk (Nominated for Best Achievement in Directing, 2009) and Good Will Hunting (Nominated for Best Director, 1998), comes the acclaimed love story RESTLESS, available January 24, 2012, on Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack and Digital from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Mia Wasikowska (Jane Eyre, Alice in Wonderland) and newcomer Henry Hopper shine in this humorous and touching tale of romance between a young man (Hopper) who has given up on life and a young girl (Wasikowska) on the verge of losing hers. Produced by the Oscar^®-winning team of Brian Grazer and Ron Howard (Best Picture for A Beautiful Mind, 2009), actress Bryce Dallas Howard (50/50, The Help) and director Van Sant, and co-starring Jane Adams (TV’s “Hung”) and Ryo Kase (Letters From Iwo Jima), RESTLESS has charmed and moved audiences since its debut at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. Now, film lovers can discover this “uncommonly touching romance” (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun Times) on Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack, featuring hours of unique and provocative special features, including Gus Van Sant’s Silent Film version of the movie. Continue reading ‘No Need To Feel ‘Restless’ This January’

‘Catch .44’ Debuts on Blu-ray December 20, 2011

In the tradition of Pulp Fiction, Traffic and Go, and from the producers of Machete and 16 Blocks, Anchor Bay Films takes aim with the December 20th release of Catch .44 on Blu-ray™ and DVD. Oscar® winner Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland, “Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior”), Bruce Willis (the Die Hard films, Red, The Expendables) and Malin Akerman (Watchmen, The Proposal, Couples Retreat) lead an all-star cast in this suspense thriller where everyone has an agenda…and a Magnum to back it up!  Continue reading ‘‘Catch .44’ Debuts on Blu-ray December 20, 2011′

Justified: The Complete Second Season arrives on Blu-ray January 3rd, 2012

Outlaws beware! The gun-slinging action continues when Sony Pictures Home Entertainment releases Justified: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray^® and DVD January 3^rd. Timothy Olyphant serves up his own brand of justice as U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, in the critically acclaimed FX Productions and Sony Pictures Television series on FX, based on the short story “Fire in the Hole” by crime novelist Elmore Leonard and developed for television by Graham Yost. The second year garnered an Emmy^® win for Margo Martindale (Win Win) as Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Mags Bennett. The exceptional ensemble cast also features Nick Searcy (Moneyball), Joelle Carter (TV’s “Prime Suspect”), Jacob Pitts (TV’s “The Pacific”), Erica Tazel (TV’s “Jericho”), Natalie Zea (TV’s “Person of Interest”) and Walton Goggins (Straw Dogs).  Jeremy Davies (TV’s “Lost”) guest stars.  Continue reading ‘Justified: The Complete Second Season arrives on Blu-ray January 3rd, 2012’

Deportation Makes Love Difficult, ‘Like Crazy’

Despite a strong cast, familiar, but effective indie sensibilities and soundtrack choices, and a story that does a fine enough job playing with its love story conventions and eventual resolution, the fact that the plot of this film hinges on a really bad decision makes me annoyed by it.  Like Crazy is a romantic drama that involves two college students, one an American and one a British exchange student, who have their love tested when student visa issues keep them separated for long periods of time.  It is thanks to the fact that the personal touches added to this story and the work from both the leads and the very small supporting cast is quite strong, that I was able to appreciate what this film had to offer.  If the main plot issue I had did not feel so important to me, I maybe would have liked the film more. Continue reading ‘Deportation Makes Love Difficult, ‘Like Crazy’’

Cave of Forgotten Dreams (Blu-ray Review)

One of my favorite directors of all time has returned to his documentary roots with Cave of Forgotten Dreams which chronicles his exploration of the Chauvet Cave in France that contain cave drawings that date back 35,000 years and are twice as old as  any other known to exist. Werner Herzog has been given incredible access to the cave, but this access comes great responsibility and limitations. Only Herzog and a small group of his technicians are allowed into the cave and with very minimal equipment.  Cave of Forgotten Dreams also marks Herzog’s first venture into the world of 3-D filmmaking. Yes, this IS a documentary, so you know Werner Herzog will be pulling out all the stops. Get ready to be thrilled and entertained as only incomparable Mr. Herzog can do.   Continue reading ‘Cave of Forgotten Dreams (Blu-ray Review)’

True To Life, ‘J. Edgar’ Can Be Feared, Admired, Reviled, And Revered

Biographies tend to run hot and cold for me.  Sometimes, like in the case of Gus Van Sant’s Milk, from back in 2008 (which screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, the screenwriter for J. Edgar, won an Oscar for), I can really get into the film, admire all the performances, the ways in which the film presents the era, and appreciate how it dramatizes it’s subject matter.  I have seen Milk a couple of times, rare for me when it comes to a film of that genre/type, because I thought it made the best of the biography film genre.  Other times, like in the case of J. Edgar, I find it to be a struggle to really engage myself with the material and how it is being presented via dramatization.  With these biographies that I am less enthusiastic towards, I tend to question if I could have gotten a more insightful experience out of watching a PBS or History Channel documentary going over the same material.  Since Leonardo DiCaprio dominates this film so effectively, among other reasons as well, I can’t say that J. Edgar is a waste, it is just a fairly standard biography that I didn’t take much away from. Continue reading ‘True To Life, ‘J. Edgar’ Can Be Feared, Admired, Reviled, And Revered’

Many Will Be Creeped Out With ‘The Skin I Live In’

The Skin I Live In is a twisted suspense thriller that takes an arthouse approach to a mad scientist story.  Leave it to Spanish director Pedro Almodovar to take all of the various trademarks of his usual types of films (strong uses of color, strong female characters, themes involving desire, passion, and family) and apply it to a macabre tale involving a brilliant surgeon going to extreme measures to deal his own past tragedies.  Graphic is one term that can be used to describe the film, but it is also strongly acted, very well shot, and certainly unique in its story.  The Skin I Live In is the kind of film that starts off with intrigue and goes on to have its characters become more understood as its plot becomes crazier and crazier. Continue reading ‘Many Will Be Creeped Out With ‘The Skin I Live In’’

‘Immortals’ Is Pretty Looking, Pretty Bloody, And Pretty Dumb

The beauty of director Tarsem Singh’s Greek Myth 3D action film, Immortals, is definitely the most interesting thing about it.  At this year’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. Continue reading ‘‘Immortals’ Is Pretty Looking, Pretty Bloody, And Pretty Dumb’

Great Directors (DVD Review)

It’s a real treat, and suffice to say, and even and honor to review films in general, but there are those moments where a title flies under the radar and lands firmly on my lap that makes my whole day. Great Directors is one of these films; a documentary, in fact, that brightened up my day. Director and actress Angela Ismailos has traveled the world to interview several directors (auteurs, really) about their craft. Some of these people you may be very familiar with and some you may never have even heard of them, but know their work without thinking twice. Yes, Great Directors is a documentary, but is it your ordinary “talking heads” fluff piece or is it something more? Remember, this is a Kino Lorber release we’re talking about and we all know that they don’t mess around, so let’s see what happens.  Continue reading ‘Great Directors (DVD Review)’

Set Up (Blu-ray Review)

Just when you thought Bruce Willis (Pulp Fiction, Cop Out) couldn’t sink any lower, he goes ahead and stars in this abyssal straight to dvd movie with Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson. What this basically is, is a failed attempt at a heist movie, with borderline terrible performances. In my honest opinion, there was no way this film had any chance to turn out well. Aside from a killer video/audio quality, the special feature department is laughable. A true waste of time. Keep reading to see what a real “paycheck” film looks like with the Set Up… hey, where you goin’?  Continue reading ‘Set Up (Blu-ray Review)’

Sony Unleashes ‘Straw Dogs’ on Blu-ray This December!

Are you ready for “Edge of your seat, gut wrenching suspense!” and “An intense…heart-pounding thriller!”???  So am I!  Unfortunately, I missed this one in the theater, but hopefully with the magic of Blu-ray and my favorite Sony PR person, I can experience Straw Dogs very soon and write all about it here.  Sounds like a plan to me!  James Marsden, Kate Bosworth and Alexander Skarsgård star in the psychological thriller which will see a December 20th Blu-ray release complete with bonus features such as a filmmaker commentary and four featurettes.  But don’t take my word for it, check out the full press release below and pre-order your copy today! Continue reading ‘Sony Unleashes ‘Straw Dogs’ on Blu-ray This December!’

Meet the Robinsons 3D / 2D (Blu-ray Review)

Brace yourself for an eye-popping new dimension of imagination and surprises when Disney’s fun-filled family adventure blasts off the screen and touches down in your living room.  Get ready to Meet The Robinsons – in amazing Disney 3D!  Join Lewis, a brilliant young inventor who sets off on a time-traveling quest to save the future and find the family he never knew.  With the help of the wonderfully wacky Robinson family, Lewis learns to keep moving forward and never stop believing in himself. Experience this futuristic fun-fest as it leaps to life right before your eyes!  With three ways to watch – Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD – this 3D Combo Pack lets you have the time of your life on Disney Blu-ray 3D! Continue reading ‘Meet the Robinsons 3D / 2D (Blu-ray Review)’

Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind (Blu-ray Review)

I remember first hearing about this film and the story that surrounds it.  The idea of having the host of The Gong Show turn out to actually have once been a contract killer for the government was such a radical idea and the fact that it could be true made it all the more intriguing.  Confessions of a Dangerous Mind was George Clooney’s directorial debut and still my favorite of the films he has made.  Utilizing various techniques to make a quirky period piece feel very stylish and fleshed out, Clooney managed to put together a very unique kind of dark comedy “biopic”, with a fantastic performance from Sam Rockwell as the lead character.  Now ‘Confessions’ has made its debut onto Blu-ray, which has given me the chance to go over this high def version of a killer flick. Continue reading ‘Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind (Blu-ray Review)’

Isolation (DVD Review)

After being exposed to an unknown disease, a medical student (Eva Amurri, “Californication,” Saved!) awakens in a hospital isolation room, desperately ill and imprisoned by a sadistic doctor (David Harbour, (The Green Hornet, Quantum of Solace) in Isolation, arriving this October from Entertainment One.  Stephen Kay (Boogeyman, Cell 213, Get Carter) directs this edge-of-your-seat horror film also starring Joshua Close (Exorcism of Emily Rose, Diary of the Dead) and Gregg Henry (United 93, Black Dahlia). Continue reading ‘Isolation (DVD Review)’

Scared Shrekless and Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space Halloween Party Pack (DVD Review)

Prepare for out-of-this-world fun with the DVD premiere of two spooky adventures from DreamWorks Animation with  Scared Shrekless and Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space, arriving in time for Halloween in a thrill-filled Double DVD Pack. The perfect centerpiece for family Halloween party fun, the Double DVD Pack includes not only the two delightfully creepy main attractions, but also “Thriller”, an all-new Shrek-ed out parody of Michael Jackson’s epic music video “Thriller.”  Dance along with your favorite Shrek characters as they get funky—and freaky—in the sensational new video.  The Halloween Party Double DVD Pack also includes loads of other musical fun, video and more, making it an ideal choice for families to come together and enjoy Halloween. Continue reading ‘Scared Shrekless and Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space Halloween Party Pack (DVD Review)’

‘Midnight in Paris’ Arrives on Blu-ray December 20th, 2011

Paris in the morning is beautiful. In the afternoon it’s charming. And in the evening, enchanting. But after midnight, Paris is magic! Midnight in Paris, Woody Allen’s critically acclaimed romantic comedy, arrives on Blu-ray™ and DVD December 20^th from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The delightful and whimsical Sony Pictures Classics release, shot against the gorgeous backdrop of the most romantic city in the world, features an all-star ensemble cast including Rachel McAdams (Sherlock Holmes), Academy Award^® winner Kathy Bates (Best Actress, Misery), Academy Award winner Adrien Brody (Best Actor, The Pianist), Carla Bruni, Academy Award winner Marion Cotillard (Best Actress, La Vie En Rose), Michael Sheen (TRON: Legacy; Frost/Nixon) and Owen Wilson (Cars 2; Hall Pass). The film, which opened this year’s Cannes Film Festival, was produced by Letty Aronson, Stephen Tenenbaum, and Jaume Roures and executive produced by Javier Mendez (all Vicky Cristina Barcelona). Blu-ray and DVD both contain a special featurette, Midnight in Cannes, and exclusive to the Blu-ray are cast and crew photo galleries. Midnight in Paris will be available on Blu-ray for $35.99 and on DVD for $30.99.  Continue reading ‘‘Midnight in Paris’ Arrives on Blu-ray December 20th, 2011′

The Cannonball Run (Blu-ray Review)

On the 30th anniversary of the theatrical release comes The Cannonball Run on Blu-ray Disc. Featuring an all-star cast including Academy Award nominee Burt Reynolds (Boogie Nights), Roger Moore (The Spy Who Loved Me), Emmy nominee Farrah Fawcett (The Burning Bed), Dom DeLuise (History of the World: Part 1), Jackie Chan (The Tuxedo), Dean Martin (Airport) and Sammy Davis, Jr. (Ocean’s Eleven), this wild action-comedy was inspired by an actual event: The Cannonball Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, an anything goes, all-stops-out, and thoroughly illegal, competition that has grown to legendary proportions. Continue reading ‘The Cannonball Run (Blu-ray Review)’

Killer Elite Arrives on Blu-ray January 10!

Based on a shocking true story, Killer Elite is a gritty battle between guns-for-hire that has been hailed as “one of the best action thrillers of the year!” by Richard Roeper, ReelzChannel.  Pitting two of the world’s most elite operatives against the cunning leader of a secret military society, Killer Elite stars Jason Statham (The Transporter, Death Race), Academy Award winner Robert De Niro (The Godfather Part II, Raging Bull)  and Academy Award-nominee Clive Owen (Children of Men, Closer).  Directed by Academy Award-nominee Gary McKendry (Everything in this Country Must), Killer Elite is available on Blu-ray Combo Pack with UltraViolet, DVD, On Demand and Digital Download January 10, 2012 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Open Road Films. Continue reading ‘Killer Elite Arrives on Blu-ray January 10!’