Blu-ray Review “Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood”

Starring: Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Kim Wayans, Vivica A. Fox, Omar Epps
Director: Paris Barclay
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment
Release Date: July 5, 2011
Run Time: 94 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When this film was released back in 1996 (can’t believe it’s been 16 years) I was draw to this film just for the title. Then I found out that the Wayans Brothers were behind it and I was hooked. I was a huge fan of “In Living Color” and was looking for the next best thing. This film was surly it. I still to this day can recite this film from beginning to end. In the early days of the internet back in ’96 I used to watch this trailer over and over and yet there are funny parts still in the film, which is rare these days. With the Wayans Brothers returning to theaters this January with “A Haunted House”, this is a great time to revisit this great spoofs from the creators of “Scary Movie”. I should also note that Echo Bridge did a solid by also releasing this film in its director’s cut. Should I also add that I still have this soundtrack on cassette? Too late.

Official Premise: From the creator of TV’s “In Living Color,” this outrageous comedy hit had critics and audiences roaring with laughter! From block parties and beepers to high tops and high-powered weapons, it’s everything that’s funny about growing up in the ‘hood…the Wayans Brothers’ neighborhood, that is! Marlon, Shawn (TV’s The Wayans Brothers) and Keenen Ivory Wayans (TV’s In Living Color) get together and deliver a series of hilarious situations that all move to a hot hit soundtrack! Get ready for a good time, because there are plenty of laughs in this neighborhood!

This release looks surprisingly damn good on Blu-ray, even though it is only presented in 1080i resolution. The audio track makes up for it though with a solid DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. The special features aren’t jam packed but hey, at least there are special features included. There is a short deleted scene called “Interrogation”. There is a very sort featurettes called “Wayans Brothers Behind the Scenes”, which is just the brothers chatting about the film. “Hood Movie Gumbo” is more behind-the-scenes with cast and crew mixed with film clips, but it is just too short. Lastly there is a music video for “All the Things Your Man Won’t Do”. What I find odd is that the special features are in full 1080p, when the film is only 1080i. For the cheap price though this is a must have for fans of the Wayans Brothers.

Darth Maul Returns for “Star Wars: Clone Wars” and First Poster for “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace in 3D”

Darth Maul returns to the Star Wars Saga this spring!

Darth Maul, the sinister Sith Lord who amped up the dark side in 1999’s Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace, returns to the Saga this spring in Star Wars: The Clone Wars!

Revered by fans for his striking red and black tattooed-face, graceful but lethal fighting style, and signature double-bladed lightsaber, Maul was believed killed by Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi at the end of Episode I. In the Star Wars universe, however, one must never underestimate the power of the dark side!

“The decision to continue Darth Maul’s story was something that came directly from George,” says Dave Filoni, Supervising Director of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. “We all agreed that his return needed to be unique, unexpected and revenge filled. We don’t know what his outcome will be, and as a fan – that’s exciting.”

While fans await Darth Maul’s return to The Clone Wars, they’ll soon be able to experience the excitement of his original introduction to the Star Wars Saga when Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace is released in theaters on February 10, 2012 in spectacular 3D!

The trailer for Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace in 3D will be attached to The Three Musketeers on October 21st and on select films throughout the holidays.