Archive Page 539
November 10th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
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)’
November 10th, 2011 by Jami Ferguson
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)’
November 10th, 2011 by Jami Ferguson
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)’
November 10th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
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 20th 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′
November 9th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
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)’
November 9th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
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!’
November 8th, 2011 by Brian White
I’m generally a marketing agency’s dream demographic. I guess you can say that I’m a bit of a proverbial yuppy. I am very impressionable by clever or intriguing movie titles that pick my overly curious and zealous mind or sexy/bikini-clad dames in distress on one-sheet theatrical posters. With that being said, the former is the point in case for this review today. The title The Devil’s Double provokes many thoughts and images within my quirky mind. It says evil. It says sadistic. And most of all…it says demonic. Although The Devil’s Double is none of those, when referring it to a film in the horror genre, I suppose its subject matter deals with all those three if you overanalyze things the way my brain usually tends to do so. Continue reading ‘The Devil’s Double (Blu-ray Review)’
November 8th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
Considered two of the finest depictions of the sweeping panorama of World War II, the HBO Miniseries Band of Brothers and The Pacific are being offered, for the first time, in one ultimate collector’s edition – just in time for holiday gift giving. Band of Brothers / The Pacific Special Edition Gift Set, will be available November 8, 2011 in an all-new premium packaging including both ten-episode miniseries, all the special features from previous editions, plus the exclusive never-before-seen documentary He Has Seen War featuring surviving veterans of Easy Company and the 1st Marine Division, whose stories are told in Band of Brothers and The Pacific. From their initial steps at reintegrating into civilian life to the lasting impact the war had on each of their lives, “He Has Seen War” features veterans and their families relaying their own unique stories. Complemented by renowned historian and author Donald L. Miller, as well as rarely seen archival and documentary footage, it captures the struggle and ultimate triumph of a generation who, after helping rescue the world from unprecedented calamity, reclaimed their lives and re-forged a country. Continue reading ‘Band of Brothers / The Pacific Special Edition Gift Set (Blu-ray Review)’
November 8th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
I have quite enjoyed the work of Oscar nominated actress Vera Farmiga and this past year she apparently tried her hand at directing her first feature film. That film is Higher Ground, which makes its Blu-ray debut this coming January. The film is based on a memoir that revolves around the story of an eighteen-year old girl who is married, pregnant, and living with a very radical church. Given that this year has brought forth other films that revolve around radical church groups (Red State) and the strange life that is based around communes (Martha Marcy May Marlene), it seems like Higher Ground could complete my trifecta. Regardless, I am curious to see how Farmiga’s talent in front of the camera matches up with her skills behind it and come this January, I will find out. Continue reading ‘You Can Start Reaching For ‘Higher Ground’ This January’
November 7th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
We’re gonna keep it going full steam – as Revolver Entertainment has graced us with another feature of the creepy-thriller-horror variety in Tony. In some circles you can call him Tony: London Serial Killer, because that’s exactly what this bloke is. It’s pretty astounding how many horror films get past me at any given time considering I’m a horror film enthusiast. I guess that saying of “so many horror films, so little time” does ring true in my case. Well, fear not, as I’ve come equipped with some more coverage on Tony. Let’s have us a spot of tea, shall we? Continue reading ‘Tony (DVD Review)’
November 7th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
Take a trip to Bedford Falls to experience the life-affirming message of director Frank Capra’s much loved classic all over again now that It’s a Wonderful Life has been re-released in a new two-disc Blu-ray Shadow Box Gift Set that came out on November 1, 2011 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Starring James Stewart (Mr. Smith Goes To Washington), Donna Reed (From Here to Eternity), Lionel Barrymore (Key Largo), Thomas Mitchell (Three Wise Fools) and Henry Travers (The Bells of St. Mary’s), the film has made an indelible impact on popular culture and continues to be a beloved part of many families’ holiday tradition. An ideal holiday gift for everyone on your list, the It’s a Wonderful Life Gift Set comes packaged in a striking shadow box and includes a two-disc Collector’s Edition Blu-ray with a beautifully colorized version of the film in high definition and the original, fully restored black-and-white movie in high definition as well. Continue reading ‘It’s A Wonderful Life 2-Disc Collector’s Edition Gift Set (Blu-ray Review)’
November 5th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
So now that Halloween has ended, what better way to rush into the holiday spirit than with the arrival of the first official Christmas film of the season – A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas. The stoner comedy duo has returned for a third feature film, which had nowhere to go, but up, following the pretty terrible sequel, ‘Escape from Guantanamo Bay’, and fortunately this film manages to do just that. Unfortunately, the move upwards is not that high. This third installment in the series is incredibly hit or miss and while enjoyable for a good portion of its duration, it’s incredibly forgettable as well. While still striving to be offensive in an adorable sort of way, the interesting way the first film handled racial subversion is nowhere to be seen here either. What’s left is a raunchy Christmas story that reunites two friends, with mostly mixed results. Continue reading ‘‘Harold & Kumar’ Attempt A Miracle On 420th St.’
November 5th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
The complete collection of the popular culinary detective series. Richard Griffiths (Harry Potter) stars as Detective Inspector Henry Crabbe – a semi-retired cop who would rather be in the kitchen than collaring criminals. Seen on public television, Pie in the Sky debuted on BBC1 in the U.K. in March 1994 and aired for five series. The show’s unique concept of a part-time chef and part-time cop, was original enough to win the show fans from across the world. The series has featured a plethora of well-known guests stars, including Michael Kitchen (Foyle’s War), Pete Postlethwaite (In the Name of the Father), Malcolm Sinclair (Casino Royale), Jane Wymark (Midsomer Murders), Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey), Kelly Reilly (Sherlock Holmes), Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings, Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Nicola Walker (Touching Evil, MI-5), and Keeley Hawes (Upstairs Downstairs).
Continue reading ‘Pie in the Sky: The Complete Collection (DVD Review)’
November 5th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
Based on the novel by Evelyn Waugh, Brideshead Revisited took a staggering two years to make and is the equivalent of seven feature films back-to-back. Waugh tells a poignant story of romantic yearning and loss set in the world of British aristocracy. The story is told in flashbacks as Irons, an officer in the British Army, is stationed with his company at a remote country home that turns out to be Brideshead, a home in which he spent much of his younger years. The stationing triggers a multitude of memories of his youth and young manhood, his loves, life, and his journey of faith and anguish. Premiering in the UK on ITV in October 1981 and on PBS Great Performances in January 1982, the visually ravishing production won 17 international awards, including seven BAFTA awards including Best Actor and Best Drama Series; an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor for Laurence Olivier; and Golden Globe for Best Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for TV. In 2000, the series placed tenth on the British Film Institute’s 100 Greatest British Television Programmes. Continue reading ‘Brideshead Revisited: 30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
November 4th, 2011 by Brian White
Let’s be completely honest, I agreed and wanted review Gia because of Angelina Jolie. Okay, let me clarify…because of the nudity associated and promised with this title. Many Bothan spies died getting me this information, so I was hoping their deaths wouldn’t be in vain. Thankfully for me, and the memories and valor of those brave soldiers, they weren’t. Much like HBO’s biographic Norma Jean, I was not only pleasantly surprised, but also rewarded for trusting my beliefs and those of the former Bothan spies. I’m going to start recruiting that species more often. Continue reading ‘Gia (Blu-ray Review)’
November 4th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
Martin, a mentally disturbed loner who lives with his nagging mother on a bleak London council estate, where loud neighbours and squalid living conditions threaten to plunge this victim of sexual and psychological abuse over the edge. Working the night shift as an attendant at an underground car park, he indulges his obsession with The Human Centipede (First Sequence) watching the film over and over on a laptop in his office and meticulously examining the scrapbook he has lovingly filled with memorabilia from the film, including the ass-to-mouth surgery instructions made famous by Dr. Heiter, the mad scientist from Martin’s favourite movie. Pushed to the brink by his harridan mother and haunted by the teasing voices of his abusive and imprisoned father, Martin sets into motion his plan to emulate Heiter’s centipede by creating his own version. In a rented warehouse, he begins to acquire victims, including his loud, violent neighbour, a prostitute and her lecherous client, and several more… including Martin’s pièce de résistance, one of the actresses from The Human Centipede (First Sequence). Although lacking the medical skills of his hero, Martin soldiers on with grotesque DIY gusto, along with a healthy supply of duct tape, household tools and staple guns! Continue reading ‘‘Human Centipede 2: Full Sequence’ is released on Blu-ray in the UK November 21, 2011′
November 4th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
A “mission” more than a decade in the making. Tom Cruise is IMF Agent Ethan Hunt, one of the greatest action heroes of all time, in the adrenaline-pumping suspense-filled blockbuster series Mission Impossible. Filmed in the most exotic locations around the world by the biggest directors in Hollywood, including Brian De Palma, John Woo and J.J. Abrams, the Extreme Trilogy collection presents every explosive moment in state-of-the-art sound and picture quality. Your mission should you choose to accept it – experience the best action film collection. The DVD set will be available for $19.99, and the Blu-ray set will be available for $29.99. Continue reading ‘Mission: Impossible – Extreme Trilogy Collection on Blu-ray December 6th, 2011’
November 4th, 2011 by Jami Ferguson
Disney returns to the Hundred Acre Wood with “Winnie the Pooh.” Featuring the timeless charm, wit and whimsy of the original featurettes, this all-new movie reunites audiences with the philosophical “bear of very little brain” and friends Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo – and last, but certainly not least, Eeyore, who has lost his tail. “Ever have one of those days where you just can’t win, Eeyore?” asks Pooh. Owl sends the whole gang on a wild quest to save Christopher Robin from an imaginary culprit. It turns out to be a very busy day for a bear who simply set out to find some honey. Disney’s all-new “Winnie the Pooh” movie is inspired by three stories from A.A. Milne’s books in Disney’s classic, hand-drawn art. It is narrated by the voice of John Cleese and features the vocal talents of legendary voice actor Jim Cummings (over 350 voices including Gnomeo & Juliet) and a host of other distinctive actors including Craig Ferguson (TV’s ‘The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson’), Tom Kenny (TV’s ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’), Bud Luckey (Toy Story 3) and musical performances by Zooey Deschanel (indie folk band “She & Him”). Continue reading ‘Winnie the Pooh (Blu-ray Review)’
