Archive Page 543
October 15th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
Le Quattro Volte (The Four Times) is a peculiar little film from the folks over at Kino Lorber. I was initially a little skeptical about taking the job of reviewing it, because when it was initially described to me by another reviewer, it didn’t quite do anything for me. Then I decided to do a little bit of research and five minutes later I was ready to do it! Yes, the film is a foreign one, Italian, but considering it takes place in the Italian countryside, I knew it would look damn good. How was the film and Blu-ray, you ask? Let me tell you… Continue reading ‘Le Quattro Volte (Blu-ray Review)’
October 15th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
The Captains, is a feature-length documentary that “boldly goes where no man has gone before,” giving viewers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of the most durable and profitable franchises in entertainment history, and the men and women who made the Star Trek brand an international phenomenon since 1966. Written and directed by William Shatner, The Captains chronicles one of the most engaging media personalities of our time on his quest to explore the impact that Star Trek has had on his life. Why, in spite of his voluminous stage, screen, and television credits, as well as his numerous Emmys and Golden Globe Awards, does one role in his career loom so large that it nearly eclipses all others? To find the answer, Shatner enlists the help of the elite group of actors including Patrick Stewart (Captain Jean-Luc Picard), Kate Mulgrew (Captain Kathryn Janeway), Avery Brooks (Captain Benjamin Sisko), Scott Bakula (Captain Jonathan Archer), and Chris Pine (Captain James T. Kirk, Star Trek 2009) who also assumed the mantle of Starship Captain. In the process, coupling their own unique stories with their compelling insights, the five Captains give Shatner a better understanding of his own life. Continue reading ‘The Captains (DVD Review)’
October 15th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
A pointless retread, cleverly disguised as a prequel to John Carpenter’s 1982 horror classic. Sure it is set before the events of the previous ‘Thing’, but this film so wishes to be just like its predecessor, it’s just too bad no one wanted to concentrate on a decent script or finding what it takes to recreate the sense of dread and paranoia that made that film so rewarding. I could try to be less harsh with this movie, but what is the point? I did not enjoy it, found many problems throughout, and have very little praise to give to it. I guess I’ll keep going, but the gist of this thing is that anyone unfamiliar with the previous version of The Thing should go seek that film out right away and avoid this film. Continue reading ‘‘The Thing’ From Another Decade…Was Much Better’
October 15th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
So earlier in the week, before seeing the new update of Footloose, I watched the original 1984 Footloose, starring Kevin Bacon, for the very first time. Upon doing this, I found out something that I was not aware of – Footloose is a legitimately good movie and I was never aware of this fact. It rests on the silly logic of having a town under oppression when it comes to the subject of dancing, but the movie is quite enjoyable. With this remake, I can’t say I was excited for it, especially given my newfound appreciation for the original, but I was curious, as I learned it was under the direction of Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow, Black Snake Moan), who has a good handle on films with a country setting. Fortunately, while it goes the carbon copy route, I found this modernized update of Footloose to be quite enjoyable as well. Continue reading ‘Beat For Beat, It’s The Old ‘Footloose’, But In New Boots’
October 14th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
One of television’s most influential and beloved programs, The Honeymooners first appeared in 1951 as a series of sketches on the DuMont network’s Cavalcade of Stars starring Jackie Gleason. The following year Gleason moved to CBS, where The Jackie Gleason Show featured numerous Honeymooners sketches and full length shows from 1952 to 1957. These shows aired live and were never rebroadcast. For decades, these early Honeymooners telecasts were lost until Jackie Gleason began releasing them from his private film vault. Now, in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the very first Honeymooners sketches, MPI Home Video and Jackie Gleason Enterprises present the most complete collection possible of these rare gems, many of which have not been seen anywhere in 50 years or available previously on DVD. It’s a treasure trove of the hilarious antics of hapless Brooklyn bus driver Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason), his long-suffering but loving wife Alice (Audrey Meadows), Ralph’s neighbor and pal, sewer worker Ed Norton (Art Carney) and Norton’s wife Trixie (Joyce Randolph). Continue reading ‘The Honeymooners: Lost Episodes 1951-1957 – The Complete Restored Series (DVD Review)’
October 14th, 2011 by Matt Goodman
Before his untimely death earlier this year, Gary Moore went all out at his Montreux show in 2010. Moore is a legendary blues-rock guitarist and singer, and is one of my most beloved classic artists. If Moore were around today, he would be ecstatic to see himself on this dazzling Blu-ray disc, which has near-perfect sound and picture quality. It’s not all illustrious, as usual. With these Eagle Rock concert Blu-ray’s being released, not a bunch of special features have been included, and this is no exception. Hopefully in the future, more features can be at liberty, but for now, take the weight off your feet, unwind, and enjoy some pleasant music. Continue reading ‘Gary Moore: Live at Montreux 2010 (Blu-ray Review)’
October 14th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
A powerful and emotional film based on John Irving’s best-selling American classic, The Cider House Rules tells the story of Homer Wells (Maguire), an orphan who is eager to leave the confines of St. Cloud’s Orphanage to explore the world. A favorite of the orphanage director, Homer has been groomed to be successor to Dr. Larch (Caine), a doctor who provides safe, albeit illegal abortions. After meeting Wally (Paul Rudd) and Candy (Theron), the doctor performs the procedure on the pregnant Candy, and Homer leaves with them to work on Wally’s apple farm. Drawn in by her beauty, Homer falls in love with Candy, and learns powerful lessons about love, life and home. Starring Golden Globe nominee Tobey Maguire (Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, Brothers, 2010) and Oscar winner Charlize Theron (Best Actress in a Leading Role, Monster, 2003), the film also features Oscar winner Michael Caine in the role that won him his second statuette. The Miramax film was directed by three-time Oscar nominee Lasse Hallström. Continue reading ‘The Cider House Rules (Blu-ray Review)’
October 14th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
Packed with mind-blowing stunts, high-octane thrills and automotive wizardry, Fast Five reunites cast members from all four previous chapters of the blockbuster franchise, reprising their roles as the most daring gang of outlaw drivers to ever get behind the wheel, while a relentless FBI agent (Dwayne Johnson) does whatever it takes to them bring down. Director Justin Lin (Fast & Furious, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift) takes the wheel of this all-star reunion as Diesel and Walker reprise their roles as Dom Toretto, the king of the street racers, and former cop Brian O’Conner, now Dom’s partner-in-crime, while Johnson rides shotgun for the first time ever as Federal agent Luke Hobbs. Fast Five also brings back several popular franchise stars including Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Sung Kang, Tego Calderon, Don Omar, Elsa Pataky, Gal Gadot and Matt Schulze in a story fueled by gear-grinding action, hairpin plot twists and vehicular mayhem! Continue reading ‘Fast Five (Blu-ray Review)’
October 13th, 2011 by Blu-ray Brian
Welcome to the place that raised the most dangerous killers you never want to meet. Before their victims ever hit a “Dead End,” one family took terror to a gruesome new level. In 1974, Glenville Sanatorium was the site of a brutal and horrific crime, as three hideously deformed cannibals went on a merciless killing spree. Now, years later, a group of college kids having the time of their life make a fateful wrong turn, giving this family of blood-thirsty cannibals new prey to stalk. The abandoned medical wards within the sanatorium soon become killing fields as the panicked victims come face to face with a chilling choice: fight back or die. Sound good? Well then great! Here’s your once in a lifetime opportunity to win a DVD copy of WRONG TURN 4: BLOODY BEGINNINGS only from your friends here at www.whysoblu.com. Continue reading ‘Win a DVD Copy of Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings’
October 12th, 2011 by Brian White
We have all had our share of “horrible bosses” at one point or another during our career, haven’t we? Well I guess I should probably be addressing the 30-something year old crowd like myself, but I truly think this topic transcends the ages, if you ask me. Don’t pretend like you don’t know what I’m talking about. My word is the gospel around here. You got it? LOL. Don’t you hate pompous people? Good! This is all part of my master plan. I’m warming you up for today’s topic of conversation. So let’s start this review all over again. Here we go! Good day ladies and gentlemen. Today we are gathered to talk about the all too familiar topic of “horrible bosses,” oops…I mean the film Horrible Bosses. And when I mention Horrible Bosses, I should clarify that I’m talking about New Line Cinema’s October 11th Blu-ray release of Horrible Bosses: Totally Inappropriate Edition. Who loves the sound of that? Continue reading ‘Horrible Bosses (Blu-ray Review)’
October 12th, 2011 by Mary Welms
Let’s face it; every movie idea has been done. So what does that leave? Remakes….and prequels. Case in point: The Thing (Strike Entertainment). While it leads one to believe it’s a remake, it in actuality is a prequel to the John Carpenter film of the same name. We all know that John Carpenter’s The Thing is utter perfection, so how would the new “prequel” compare to Carpenter’s film? Be careful who you trust, because not everyone is who they appear to be… Continue reading ‘The Thing (Movie Review)’
October 12th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
Lionsgate is proud to announce the Blu-ray Disc (plus Digital Copy) release of The Expendables Extended Director’s Cut, plus the Blu-ray Disc debuts of Heavenly Creatures: The Uncut Version, Velvet Goldmine and City of God, all available on December 13th, 2011 Lionsgate also presents She’s All That and Serendipity, available for the first time on Blu-ray Disc on January 3, 2012. It’s safe to say that December and January are going to be hot months for sure! Continue reading ‘New Lionsgate Blu-ray Disc Titles Arriving December 13th and January 3rd’
October 12th, 2011 by Matt Goodman
I have a confession. Up until today when I got my first official Blu-ray to review from the people at WSB, I had no recollection of who or what Cream was. About a quarter through the movie, a song called “Sleepy Time Time” came up and I thought to myself “wait… I know this song!” Throughout the rest of the film, I recognized so many great songs I heard throughout my childhood, and really enjoyed viewing this wonderful Blu-ray. The picture is very sharp, and the audio is flawless, especially when you pump your speakers up to max volume. This is ultimately a fail feature-wise, and the running time may be too long for some to handle in a single viewing, but there is too much great music and talent to scrap that aside Continue reading ‘Cream: Live at the Royal Albert Hall 2005 (Blu-ray Review)’
October 12th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
The off-screen craziness rivals the on-screen drama in the sidesplitting comedy Soapdish, which is now celebrating its 20th anniversary with a new DVD release. Boasting an extraordinary cast of stars including Robert Downey Jr., Sally Field, Kevin Kline, Whoopi Goldberg, Elisabeth Shue, Teri Hatcher, Garry Marshall, Cathy Moriarty and Kathy Najimy, the hilarious comedy follows the outrageous high jinks of the cast and crew of America’s hottest soap opera, “The Sun Also Sets”. When an ambitious actress connives with the soap’s producer to scuttle the career of the show’s beloved star, nothing works as they planned and there’s enough dirty laundry to keep everyone in hot water. This comedy gem continues to be a fan favorite and the DVD includes a behind-the-scenes featurette and the original theatrical trailer.
Continue reading ‘Soapdish (DVD Review)’
October 12th, 2011 by Scott Wampler
British television has delivered some of the strongest comedies of the past two decades (and, if you want to go really technical with it, they’ve been doing it for much longer than that. Indeed, for the true comedy aficionado, the BBC must be recognized for being as important to televised comedy as, say, HBO or NBC’s Thursday-night lineup. If you watch a lot of TV comedy—as I do—then you’re probably intimately familiar with shows like Extras, Spaced, the original version of The Office, and a dozen others. But what about science fiction? Can the Brits do sci-fi as well as…well, as some American networks can? Fans of Dr. Who can probably answer that, but as a non-Who fan, I have no answers. Perhaps the recently-released Outcasts (from BBC One) can help clear up this mystery. Continue reading ‘Outcasts: Season One (Blu-ray Review)’
October 12th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
The boys from that little rock ‘n roll outfit known as Lit have released what could be called a video journal that chronicles the last 10-15 years of their career and compresses it into a very cool little electronic press kit which has the band talking about their forthcoming album. They’re still in the studio recording the tunes, but this electronic press kit features some very candid interviews with A.Jay Popoff (Vocals); Jeremy Popoff (Lead Guitar), and Kevin Baldes (Bass). The newest addition to the Lit family are Nathan Walker (Drums) and Ryan Gillmor (Rhythm Guitar & Keyboards). The band talks about everything from past tragedies, to new hopes for the future, and getting back into the studio to record an album since their last release (self titled) back in 2004. It’s been a long time coming, so stick around and enjoy LIT on Why So Blu?! Continue reading ‘Lit – 2011 Electronic Press Kit’
October 11th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
This season, Ames (Jason Schwartzman) has recently finished his second novel (which remains unpublished) and decides to augment his meager income by becoming a creative-writing teacher, while also taking on new, even more desperate clients. With his continuing misadventures alongside his henpecked friend Ray (Zach Galifianakis) and eccentric boss George (Ted Danson), how he solves anything is a mystery. Continue reading ‘Bored to Death: The Complete Second Season (Blu-ray Review)’
October 11th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
Written and directed by John Hughes, the hilarious classic Planes, Trains and Automobiles stars Steve Martin and John Candy as a businessman and traveling salesman forced together by circumstance as they try to get home in time for Thanksgiving. The Blu-ray features a brand new, in-depth retrospective on John Hughes’ career that includes new interviews and explores his indelible impact as a writer and filmmaker. Additional features include “Getting There is Half the Fun: The Story of Planes, Trains And Automobiles”, “John Hughes For Adults”, a tribute to John Candy and a deleted scene. Continue reading ‘Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (Blu-ray Review)’
