Archive Page 542
November 12th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
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’
November 12th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
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)’
November 11th, 2011 by Matt Goodman
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)’
November 11th, 2011 by Blu-ray Brian
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!’
November 10th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
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)’
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)’
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’
