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Castle – The Complete Season 3 (DVD Review)

Castle was originally the show that helped me with my unhappiness about the cancellation of Firefly.  Like Firefly, it starred Nathan Fillion as a lovable rascal but this time without the edge that Captain Malcolm Reynolds had. Eventually, the show won me over on it’s own merits and it’s one that I genuinely look forward to seeing.  It’s got the perfect blend of humor, action, teased romance, and above all the most elusive element to a successful show…chemistry.  Not only between Fillion and his partner on the show Stana Katic, but also between the entire cast of the show much like the ill-fated Firefly.  Unlike Firefly, this show was given a chance to reach an audience and it’s doing very well in the ratings and the fourth season has just started.  Continue reading ‘Castle – The Complete Season 3 (DVD Review)’

The Tempest (Blu-ray Review)

Writer/Director Julie Taymor has returned to cinema with her latest visual feast for the eyes and the soul in William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. If you’re not familiar with Ms. Taymor then let me reacquaint you with her style.  She had previously written and directed Titus, Frida, and Across the Universe.  The Tempest marks her fourth film, and her second feature film based on a William Shakespeare play.  For those that are not familiar with her past feature works she was also responsible for the Lion King musical and the director of Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark.  She left Spiderman due to creative differences, though.  Let’s find out how The Tempest on Blu-ray scored, shall we.  Continue reading ‘The Tempest (Blu-ray Review)’

Beauty and the Beast 3D/2D Diamond Edition (Blu-ray Review)

One of the biggest movies in Disney history,  Beauty and the Beast has already been released to Blu-ray, but it’s being re-released as a 3D/2D package to offer a whole new experience!  With its incredible blend of traditional animation with computer generated images, Beauty and the Beast was the only animated movie to ever be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture until the Disney/Pixar release of  Up eighteen years later.  All in all, the movie received two Academy Awards for music in 1992, three Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture, (the first animated movie to do so), Best Original Score, and Best Original Song in 1992, and two Grammy Awards in 1993.  Continue reading ‘Beauty and the Beast 3D/2D Diamond Edition (Blu-ray Review)’

Robocop 2 (Blu-ray Review)

Robocop (Peter Weller) returns to fight his toughest opponent yet: his replacement! Robocop 2 pits two unstoppable cyborgs against each other in a battle to the death that will leave only the strongest standing! Containing the latest in gadgetry and weaponry as well as the brain of the madman Cain (Tom Noonan) who designed the drug “Nuke,” this new cyborg isn’t just more sophisticated than his predecessor…he’s psychotic and out of control! It will take everything Robocop has to save Detroit – and himself – from total destruction. Continue reading ‘Robocop 2 (Blu-ray Review)’

Nirvana: Live at the Paramount – BEST BUY EXCLUSIVE (Blu-ray Review)

This is going to be the shortest Blu-ray review of my illustrious career.   Why?   I can answer that one quite easily.  It’s because this review is about a band that I would gladly lay down my life in defense of any day of the week against attacks of slander, malicious propaganda or evil naysaying.  Their mere existence on this planet gave and continues to give the propulsion, motivation, drive, passion, energy/octane and encouragement necessary for me to be all I can be in life and NO ONE is going to contradict or say other wise without having words with me face-to-face.  Of course, I’m talking about the legendary grunge band from Seattle, Washington that’s responsible for starting a musical revolution and catapulting the careers of so many others to follow, ladies and gentlemen…NIRVANA. Continue reading ‘Nirvana: Live at the Paramount – BEST BUY EXCLUSIVE (Blu-ray Review)’

Aquaman #1 – The New 52

The final week of The New 52 is upon us, and while I will have a review of multiple titles next week, today is going to focus on a character DC has had trouble delivering to readers on a more serious level. Aquaman. The sea-farring superhero turned 70 this week, debuting in issue #73 of More Fun Comics on September 25, 1941. He gets his reboot today. How appropo.

Continue reading ‘Aquaman #1 – The New 52’

How To Make It In America: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray Review)

“From the creators of Entourage…” Okay, I’m in!  Yes, I’m shallow, but you love it.  I got the word that I would be reviewing How To Make It In America, and got real excited.  Granted the title is a bit peculiar due to having the Entourage cloud hanging over it.  People may start talking and assuming that How To Make It In America will be Entourage’s successor, or something like that.  I am happy to report that that is absolutely 100% NOT TRUE.  How To Make It In America is one of the newest shows on HBO, and if past programming is any indication, this new show will be of the highest quality with regards to story, budget, and all of those things.  Right about now you’re probably wondering if How To Make In America is any good, right?  Then take my hand.   Continue reading ‘How To Make It In America: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray Review)’

The Heart Specialist: Online DVD Giveaway Opportunity

Here’s your once-in-a-lifetime free chance to WIN a DVD copy of the “Heartwarming Romantic Comedy” featuring an All-Star Ensemble Cast HEADlined by my girl Zoe Saldana, Wood Harris and Brian J. White (nope…sadly not me) available on Blu-ray and DVD October 4th.  What’s the film all about?  Well, I’m glad you asked that because I have all that information and more for you.  So please, read on! Continue reading ‘The Heart Specialist: Online DVD Giveaway Opportunity’

D23 Expo: Kinect Disneyland Adventures

Kinect: Disneyland Adventures allows you to experience a place where two magical worlds unite: Kinect for Xbox 360 invites you to take a journey where stories come to life and dreams come true, right in your living room! Explore Disneyland park — from Main Street U.S.A. to Critter Country — join Peter Pan to battle Captain Hook, high-five Mickey Mouse or hug Snow White.  Harnessing the controller-free magic of Kinect for Xbox 360, Kinect: Disneyland Adventures allows children, families and Disney fans of all ages to explore Disneyland park, step into adventures based on attractions, engage in challenging quests and interact with beloved Disney characters using their full bodies and voices, no controller required. Kinect: Disneyland Adventures is your portal to a magical world of Disneyland park adventures through Kinect and I got to see it early at Disney’s D23 Expo! Continue reading ‘D23 Expo: Kinect Disneyland Adventures’

Friends With Benefits is Available on Blu-ray December 2!

Dylan (Justin Timberlake) is done with relationships.  Jamie (Mila Kunis) decides to stop buying into the Hollywood clichés of true love.  When the two become friends they decide to try something new and take advantage of their mutual attraction – but without any emotional attachment.  Physical pleasure without the entanglements.   Sounds easy enough for two logical adults, right?   Not so much.  They soon realize romantic comedy stereotypes might exist for a reason.  Directed by Will Gluck (Easy A), and starring Justin Timberlake (The Social Network) and Mila Kunis (Golden Globe Nominee for Best Supporting Actress, Drama, Black Swan, 2010) Friends With Benefits also boasts hilarious performances by Woody Harrelson (Zombieland), Emma Stone (Easy A), Andy Samberg (“Saturday Night Live”) and snowboarding sensation Shaun White in his film debut. Continue reading ‘Friends With Benefits is Available on Blu-ray December 2!’

Henry’s Crime (Blu-ray Review)

I was hoping for more from a little arthouse flick about a bank robbery and the art of theater.  It seemed like a nice change in pace for Keanu Reeves, who can be capable when he isn’t being openly mocked (some would say unfairly).  Plus, Vera Farmiga and James Caan were on hand as co-stars in the film.  So what went wrong?  Well, the film was really just too uninvolving.  It has a lot of good pieces, but did not seem to know how to properly assemble them.  There’s a fun heist movie in here and there is also a fun romantic comedy, but the film does not manage to find the right kind of energy to make these plots very entertaining.  It has its moments here or there, but much like Reeves’ character in the film, I mainly felt detached from this story.  Regardless, Henry’s Crime is now available on a pretty bare bones Blu-ray release, so let’s get down to it. Continue reading ‘Henry’s Crime (Blu-ray Review)’

The Smurfs Arrive on Blu-ray on Dec. 2!

On Dec. 2  Sony Pictures Animation’s hybrid live-action animated worldwide hit feature film, The Smurfs will be released on Blu-ray 3D, DVD, digital,  and a limited edition 3-Disc Holiday Gift Set.  When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the tiny blue Smurfs out of their village, they tumble from their magical world into ours – in fact, smack dab in the middle of Central Park.  Just three apples high and stuck in the Big Apple, the Smurfs must find a way to get back to their village before Gargamel tracks them down.   Directed by Raja Gosnell (Scooby Doo) and starring Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”), Jayma Mays (“Glee”), Sofia Vergara (“Modern Family”), and Hank Azaria (“The Simpsons”) as Gargamel, the film features singing sensation Katy Perry as Smurfette, George Lopez (Rio) as Grouchy and Jonathan Winters (The Flinstones) as the original Papa Smurf. Continue reading ‘The Smurfs Arrive on Blu-ray on Dec. 2!’

A Talk With the Directors of The Lion King

As the poster below says, “The King Has Returned” with The Lion King once again dominating the box office during it’s new re-release into the theaters.  The fact that it’s beating several new movies that have just opened is a testament to it’s lasting popularity and power.  I recently had the chance to participate in a round-table discussion with the two directors of The Lion King, Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers about the movie and it’s continuing appeal as well as their upcoming 3D Blu-ray that will be released on October 4th.  Both men were very friendly and were happy to answer a ton of questions about the movie and it was evident that they both still had a lot of love and pride for the movie.  Both men generously spent almost two hours answering questions and I thank them and Disney publicity for the opportunity.  Read on for more… Continue reading ‘A Talk With the Directors of The Lion King’

Glee: The Complete Second Season (Blu-ray Review)

As the third season of the Fox hit makes its debut on TV, so does season 2 on Blu-ray. While the latest season will feature the final seasons of stars Lea Michele and Chris Colfer, you can relive their junior years in high school on the latest Blu-ray addition. Of course the show doesn’t stop there. There’s the Dalton Academy, Sue’s incessant antics to abolish the glee club, relationships gone awry and the list goes on. Still, as bubblegum as some of these topics come across, there is a great deal of reality the show contends with. It can be a lifestyle choice or a disability and whatever the case, has no fear in addressing the matters in an entertaining and sometimes educational fashion. No, not PBS educational. I mean look-at-people-around-you educational. It is truly unique and is tough to compare it with anything else out there now on the airwaves. Get ready for the complete second season of…Glee!

Continue reading ‘Glee: The Complete Second Season (Blu-ray Review)’

Visions of Europe (Blu-ray Review)

Featuring twelve hit programs from the breathtaking aerial travel series, Visions of Europe is now available on Blu-ray from Acorn Media.  The value-priced collection offers soaring views of the most spectacular sights in Europe, from sun-kissed Tuscany to the grand streets of Paris.  Shot in high-definition from helicopter-mounted cameras, the programs include some of the most popular European Visions destinations including Italy, France, Greece, Germany and Austria, as well as Visions of the Great Cities of Europe. Offering the ultimate in armchair travel, the 6-Disc boxed set also includes more than three hours of bonus material not seen on public television, accompanied by informative narration and soundtracks of regional music. From one of the most popular series on public television, these stunning productions provide a view of Europe’s most beautiful sites in stunning, high-definition clarity.  Take an emotional visit to your family’s homeland, revisit favorite sites, or take the trip of a lifetime without leaving home—whatever your inspiration, you’ll never have a better view. Continue reading ‘Visions of Europe (Blu-ray Review)’

‘The Devil’s Double’ Possesses Blu-ray This November!

While attending Comic-Con this past July in beautiful San Diego, a highlight every year for me, I was lucky enough to score free passes to attend a little known movie at the time, The Devil’s Double.  If it wasn’t for the preview I caught of the film months before, I would have probably walked in expecting it to be a cheesy horror film and I would  have been SO wrong.  Thankfully, for everyone who missed the edge of your seat flick, Lionsgate will be delivering the goods this fall with a Blu-ray release this November.  Check out the short press release below and pre-order your copy now! Continue reading ‘‘The Devil’s Double’ Possesses Blu-ray This November!’

Manhunter (Blu-ray Review)

Years before Hannibal Lector was to grace us in three (four, if you include Hannibal Rising), Michael Mann had already introduced us to the Lecter-verse.  That film was called Manhunter. Most people didn’t even realize that, including yours truly, mainly due to the fact that Hannibal Lecter was not played by Anthony Hopkins in Mann’s version.  Brian Cox was the original, and some say the best, Hannibal Lecter.  Is that true?  I’ll let you know what I think of the film and this Blu-ray release, so come with me into the darkness that is Manhunter.   Continue reading ‘Manhunter (Blu-ray Review)’

Wonders of the Universe (Blu-ray Review)

The universe is 13.7 billion years old. It spans 93 billion light years across and is filled with over 100 billion galaxies, each filled with hundreds of billions of stars. A place so unimaginably vast and complex, it is almost inconceivable that it could ever be understood. But for 2,500 years, humanity has tried to unlock its secrets.   Taking science away from telescopes and labs, this series travels into the natural world and across the planet, from the scorched plains of Africa to the snow capped Canadian Rockies. These journeys, across the planet are combined with spectacular images of space. Inspired by the latest data and imagery captured from telescopes and using stunning high definition CGI, Wonders of the Universe offers views of giant supernova, gamma ray bursts and recently discovered galaxies, and sheds light on the furthest reaches of the universe, just moments after its creation.  This groundbreaking four-part series explores some of the most profound questions we can ask about ourselves and the celestial world in which we live. Continue reading ‘Wonders of the Universe (Blu-ray Review)’