Inception (Blu-ray Review)
December 6th, 2010 by Brian White
At least once a year I go into a theatrical viewing and unexpectedly walk out a changed man. Why? It’s all a result of the movie going experience. It’s either something so radically new, something I wasn’t expecting or something so revolutionary and out there that I am metaphorically b#tch slapped across the face and made to pay attention out of sheer desire, not contempt. For example, in 2008 I had my Dark Knight phase and in 2009 I found myself lost, fascinated and mesmerized within the world of Avatar that James Cameron so artistically crafted and captivated by the non-stop laughs, gags and classic one-liners that only The Hangover can deliver. Continue reading ‘Inception (Blu-ray Review)’
It’s the age old question. Isn’t it? What is scary? What comes to mind when I ask you what is scary? That’s exactly what Director Adam Barnick is asking here. And when you truly take a minute to think about it, what a brilliant study this is. I first met Adam through my Blu-ray reviews of Adam Green’s 
There have been countless movie versions of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and Disney has now been involved with three of them alone! Their first one was with Mickey and the gang, then came The Muppet Christmas Carol with Michael Caine, and now this movie with Jim Carrey. I can’t think of any other property that has received that many remakes! This time around, it’s directed by Robert Zemeckis and all of the performances have been motion-captured which really offered some new possibilities for the filmmakers to expand the story and the scale of the movie, especially when you factor in the 3D experience.
Baz Luhrmann got his big break by directing Strictly Ballroom which of course led to William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and the final installment of his Red Curtain Trilogy Moulin Rouge, which was then followed by Australia. Like most of his movies, Strictly Ballroom is highly theatrical and has a heightened drama to it that can either help a film (Moulin Rouge), or can hurt it (Romeo and Juliet). 
Sometimes it is not easy to come up with titles. I could have easily said, “The Fighter is a knockout,” but that would have been way too cliché. I mention this, because in The Fighter, Mark Wahlberg stars as a boxer who did not have an easy path to getting a chance at a title shot. So you see the titles…oh nevermind. My poor attempt at a humorous connection aside, this is a strong biopic that features some very good performances, particularly by Christian Bale. 
Not many people are aware of the role that Walt Disney played in furthering relations between the United States and South America. It’s a little known fact that in 1941, the State Department’s Office of the Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs asked Disney if he would consider traveling to South America on a goodwill tour to support its “Good Neighbor” policy. In exchange, the US Government would finance his next movie (which would later become Saludos Amigos). 
It was about a year ago or so when I came across an article on the internet (or as my father so mistakenly calls it; the ‘telecom’) that said roughly only one-third of video games turn a profit. That was rather dismally shocking, considering all the money that’s spent annually by consumers on the massive range of titles and gaming consoles, including PC’s. I guess if you think about it, how many titles actually get sequels or spin-offs? Mario is a given. Star Wars titles are pretty successful. Halo has rocked it out now for a while too. But few have the staying power of one of the original video games that helped pioneer the entire genre; Pac-Man. 
I have already seen a few of these titles and oh, what the heck, I wouldn’t mind seeing all of these on the Blu-ray format. I know mw fellow reviewer Sean Ferguson is really looking forward to this collection. Sorry, I am being facetious. I couldn’t help it. January 4th marks the date of 1,000 screams with “The Best of Horrorfest” – After Dark fan favorites in High Definition for the first time as Lionsgate releases four volumes of After Dark Horrorfest Blu-ray Double Features. Each double feature volume includes two terrifying horror films along with bonus materials. 
Once upon a time, a magical kingdom lost its King and the magic that had protected it for decades began to disappear. Try as they might, the caretakers of the kingdom couldn’t restore the missing magic no matter what they did. With the King gone, no one knew how to lead the kingdom and some felt things should stay the same while others saw an opportunity to change everything. Eventually, that conflict sent the kingdom in an upheaval but like all good fairy-tales, this one eventually had a happy ending. 
I have to admit something. After enjoying Nolan’s latest three efforts, I’m looking forward to reliving his Memento masterpiece all over again on the Blu-ray format. Lionsgate has just announced an all new 10th Anniversary Blu-ray disc of the film scheduled for release on February 22nd. Put me down for one. There’s no Amazon pre-order available for the title yet, but if you are curious as to what this release is all about, then check out the small press release below. 
Casino Jack is a fact-based biopic that deals with lobbyists, finance, and the shameless fleecing of the American taxpayer. It is also quite funny, as leads Kevin Spacey and Barry Pepper essentially sleaze their way through this story as real life lobbyists and businessmen Jack Abramoff and Michael Scanlon. The film hits a lot of the familiar beats of a biopic and may not be as intriguing as it could be to those more informed on the subject matter, but that does not stop this film from having an entertaining rhythm held throughout. 
Gran Turismo 5 is a game that has been in development since before the release of the PlayStation 3. Can you believe that? And after many years of waiting and numerous delays Gran Turismo 5 is finally out! But the ultimate question must be asked…Was it worth the long wait or is it already too little too late? Let’s take a look and find out! On your mark…get set…GO! 
Hmm. I had no idea this film starred Aaron Johnson of Kick-Ass. Interesting? What movie am I talking about? Oh sorry. I was talking to myself. Um…let me clear my throat. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has just announced a January 25th Blu-ray release date for the untold story of John Lennon and the creation of the legendary Beatles, Nowhere Boy. The film also stars Oscar-nominee Kristin Scott Thomas. Check out the full press release below. 
For longer than I can remember, my senses have been bombarded by the annual holiday season advertisements and catchy seasonal tunes. One constant amidst this barrage of Christmas time cheer is the yearly return of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Before this past weekend, I had yet to add a TSO show to my concert-going repertoire. That all changed on the afternoon of November 28th as the lights went down at Quicken Loans Arena (affectionately known as ‘The Q’) and the multi-faceted production took the stage. Would this holiday-themed concert live up to its hype or fall short of expectations? 
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to be “buried” alive? Well, I can’t say I ever have, but now that I think of it, I don’t think I would like it so much. And I did not have to give much thought to that either. LOL. So this next press release needs no introduction. It’s definitely a film I will buy on Blu-ray Day #1 (see Aaron’s full review 
I have no idea what this movie is about. I have no care in the world whether it is good or not. All I know is that I want to see it. Why? Because it has been way too long since I have seen a movie with the beautiful Odette Yustman in it (she goes by her married name now, but it matters little). Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the romantic comedy Disney’s You Again will hit the Blu-ray format running on February 8th. In addition to Odette, the film stars Kristen Bell, Sigourney Weaver, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kristin Chenoweth and Betty White. 
