Film Review “Tower Heist”

Starring: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy and Alan Alda
Directed by: Brett Ratner
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 44 mins
Universal

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

To the current generation of filmgoers, Eddie Murphy is best known as the voice of Donkey in the “Shrek” films.

To another, he’s known for some horrible films, including “Imagine That,” “The Adventures of Pluto Nash,” “Norbit,” “Meet Dave”…the list goes on. With the exception of his Oscar nominated performance in “Dreamgirls” (and as much as I love Alan Arkin, I’ve got to say that Eddie was robbed on Oscar night), he hasn’t made a good live-action film in almost a decade.

To my generation, he is remembered as one of the brightest comedy stars to ever hit Hollywood. Beginning with “48 Hours” and then following up with such popular films as “Trading Places,” “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Coming to America,” Murphy was the standard that all other comedians were compared to. As he celebrates his 50th birthday it gives me great pleasure to say, “Welcome back, Eddie!”

Josh Kovacs (Stiller) is a busy man. As building manager of The Tower, a pricey condo building in New York City, he is constantly making sure his overly pampered tenants stay happy. Especially Arthur Shaw (Alda), who occupies the penthouse and spends his mornings in the rooftop pool. When Shaw is arrested by the FBI for fraud (think Bernie Madoff), Kovacs reveals to his staff that he had entrusted Shaw with their pension fund which, if the FBI is right, is now worthless. Angered and outraged, Josh hatches a plan with some of his co-workers to rob Shaw of the money he’s stolen and, presumably, hidden in a secret safe in his penthouse. Now he just has to find himself “someone who steals.”

Part heist film, part comedy, “Tower Heist” is an enjoyable ride that boasts no less than five Oscar nominees among the cast. Written by Ted Griffin (“Ocean’s Eleven”) and Jeff Nathanson (“Catch Me If You Can”), “Tower Heist” is a film that rides on the shoulders of its talented cast. Stiller is his usual solid self, while Casey Affleck plays a variation of his “Ocean’s Eleven” character. Alda chews the scenery as the architect of the Ponzi scheme that destroys not only a pension fund but the lives it was supposed to fuel. In his second humorous performance this year, following “30 Minutes or Less,” Michael Pena’ continues to surprise on screen. Matthew Broderick, Judd Hirsch and Tea Leoni fill out the main cast, all of them delivering solid work. But it is Murphy, seemingly channeling himself playing Billy Ray Valentine in “Trading Places,” that steals the show here. It’s so nice to see a funny Eddie Murphy on the big screen again. I welcome him back and hope he’s back to stay.

With the current Occupy Wall Street” movement happening in this country, “Tower Heist” is a very relevant film for these times. The script is full of sharp observances and some hilarious scenes, including one where a discussion of the movie “The Doberman Gang” evolves into “The Boys from Brazil” which in turn evolves into “Boys Don’t Cry.”

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: film, heist, review, tower

Interview with C. Martin Croker

C. Martin Croker is an animator and voice actor on various Adult Swim programs like “Space Ghost Coast to Coast” & “Aqua Teen Hunger Force”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with C. Martin about his work with Adult Swim.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you get involved voicing both Dr. Weird / Steve for “Aqua Teen Hunger Force”?
C. Martin Croker: I had done both Zorak and Moltar for “SGC2C”, so I’m sort of used to doing characters that converse together. I had worked on the first go-round of design and animation for ATHF, but when the call came for additional design work (which wound up being Dr. Weird and Steve) I was busy with another project. Matt Jenkins and I had split all the original designs for the show up to that point and since the designing of the two scientist characters went to him, they very democratically threw the voicing of those characters to me. When I initially came in to record Dr. Weird, Dave and Matt had me to try like a Paul Frees/Haunted Mansion type voice. They kept saying, louder LOUDER until it morphed into my “the-band-is-playing-but-I-want-the–bartender-to-hear-me ¬voice”, voice. Steve is totally in that Daws Butler / Mr. Jinx vein, but a bit more subdued.

MG: Did you have an improv control when it came to some of your classic lines?
CMC: Har! What classic lines are you referring to? Usually when I record v/o for any given [adult swim] show I’ll read the line as written three or four ways, then do some variations. About half the time the supervising producer (who might also be the writer) will ask me for my own take or if I have any other ideas for what the character might say in that situation. Most of the time I never knew what they chose until the animation for that episode was in place… Sometimes I didn’t know until the episode actually aired.

MG: Besides voicing characters, you also have worked as Cel Animator for the show; tell us about that?
CMC: If we’re talking about Aqua Teen, I got a call from Dave Willis and Matt Maiellaro, two of the writers from Space Ghost Coast to Coast, who wanted me to meet with them and talk about a new project. Matt mentioned that they were the human-sized food items he and Dave had pitched as a Space Ghost Coast to Coast episode a season earlier (I had been the directing animator on SGC2C Coast so I’d been working with Matt and Dave for a few years at this point). On a rainy Sunday in 1999 we met at “The Highland Tap”, an underground watering hole in Atlanta and we began to hash out some ideas. A fair amount of what we came up with that day stuck. Within a couple of weeks Matt Jenkins (who had assisted me previously on SGC2C)had done some takes on the main three “Aqua Teen” characters and that helped solidify the look. When we divvyed up the main characters for animation the first go round, Matt wound up animating Shake, The Rabbot and Carl (who he designed) and I did Frylock, Meatwad and the ever-lovin’ Danger Cart. Matt, as I said, designed Dr. Weird and Steve in a second go-round that my schedule didn’t allow me to participate in. So, I think voicing them instead, wound up being my consolation prize (which I accepted with Daffy Duck-esque glee). Since then, I’ve designed and animated all manner of additional animation of the main characters for the show and tons of new ones including; Mothmonsterman, M.C.PeePants (all versions but the cow), Paul, Tera Patrick, the 100 Monster, the Pod creature, The Robot Babysitter, Everywhere Robots, the Bayou Boo-ya, some Bats, Vampires, Bears, and… a bunch of other stuff I forget.

MG: Why did they stop those openings back in 2003 and how does it feel to have them back now for season 9?
CMC: They (Dave and Matt) just felt like they wanted to try something different with Spacecataz. And [The Dr. Weird and Steve opens] were only back for like one episode… but it was still nice to see ‘em again.

MG: You were Animation Director and Lead Animator for the “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” film, what was your biggest challenge compared to working on the TV series?
CMC: It was about seven times the work to begin with… And obviously the animation needed to be a bit tighter and more detailed for the big screen. For any given ATHF episode in addition to designs and animation I provided I usually scanned and painted my own cels and loaded them into after effects before delivery to Williams street. In the case of the movie, I actually drove the stacks of animation cels and exposure sheets over to Radical Axis (The Atlanta production house that puts the show together) so that all the elements for the film would be executed with the same scan and paint system. It ultimately equaled a lot less work for me… but I had a lot less control of how the stuff I had animated looked onscreen.

MG: Out of all the great characters you play, Moltar/Zorak/Dr. Weird/Steve do you have a favorite?
CMC: Zorak’s the obvious choice here. He’s like Don Rickles but more sardonic. I would hope he has a fifth of Don’s longetivity.

MG: How did you find the voice for characters like Zorak and Dr. Weird? What is your process?
CMC: I had put Zorak and Moltar in the original show pitch to play the “imprisoned foes” angle and give the show some ongoing internal conflict. Zorak was originally done by legendary voice-over master Don Messick. When Don wasn’t available to do Zorak for this incarnation the role was up for grabs. Horrified that basically someone awful would get the part I stepped up to the plate. Zorak had been my favorite SG villain since I was a kid and I had actually recorded a Zorak message on my answering machine, so I’d been playing around with that type voice for awhile. Soon as I blurted out my impromptu audition for Mike Lazzo and Company, they said “Okay… You’re Zorak. That solves that problem”. It was really about that fast. Andy Merrill was slated to do Moltar’s voice as sort a a Hillbilly version of what became Brak’s voice, but just a couple of weeks before air they decided that wasn’t working and had me come in and redo his tracks with what started off as being a Ted Cassidy-type voice and quickly morphed into modern Moltar.

MG: Which did you prefer working on more “The Brak Show” or “Space Ghost: Coast to Coast”?
CMC: I enjoyed both immensely , but for different reasons. It’s a tough call but Moltar would be pissed if I didn’t say “SGC2C”.

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Filed Under: TV Interviews Tagged With: croker, interview, martin

JAWSFEST Tribute Event Hits Martha’s Vineyard August 2012

WE’RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER ISLAND JAWSFEST: THE TRIBUTE PLANNED FOR AUGUST, 2012

October 26, 2011. Martha’s Vineyard, MA – In 2005, thousands of fans of the Universal Studios’ movie JAWS flocked to the island of Martha’s Vineyard to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the blockbuster movie at JAWSFEST ‘05. Since the day the inaugural event ended, fans have been clamoring for more. In August 2012, JAWS fans will get what they’ve been asking for at JAWSFEST: The Tribute. An event in the making for nearly seven years, JAWSFEST: The Tribute will honor the talent, dedication and determination of the men and women behind the making of JAWS and celebrate how Steven Spielberg’s telling of Peter Benchley’s story has forever made Martha’s Vineyard ‘Amity Island.’

For the first JAWSFEST, fans traveled from as far as Australia for the event and media outlets from around the world flocked to the island to cover the festivities. “Our 2005 event was incredibly successful and had a much greater reach than we ever anticipated with fans showing up en masse from around the world—many in character,” said Susan Sigel Goldsmith, event co?director from 2005 and producer of the 2012 event. “As JAWS continues to entertain new generations of audiences around the world, we’re thrilled to give fans a unique event experience in Martha’s Vineyard that they will never forget.”

JAWSFEST: The Tribute will take place August 9?11, 2012 and will explore how the making of JAWS impacted the lives of those who came to Amity in 1974 and how the blockbuster film they created continues to impact fans and the island of Martha’s Vineyard. Preliminary event plans include:

  • LIVING JAWS: A series of lively and engaging discussions with cast, families, crew and locals on the making of JAWS, including how the film has impacted lives and families in the 1970’s and beyond.
  • JAWS TRIBUTE: A multimedia tribute to Peter Benchley, Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw and members of cast and crew who have passed.
  • JAWS: MEMORIES FROM MARTHA’S VINEYARD: Presentations from Matt Taylor, author of the exceptional new book and many Island locals whose expertise and resourcefulness ultimately made the filming possible.
  • BEHIND THE SCREAMS: A museum?quality display of private collections of JAWS photographs and memorabilia from the filming.
  • IN THE SCENE: Live re?enactments from some favorite JAWS scenes—in some unexpected locations.
  • AMITY ADVENTURE: JAWSFESTTM TREASURE HUNT: Attendees will test their knowledge of the film as they explore Amity, collect items from the treasure hunt and return completed kits for great prizes.
  •  SHARK IN THE PARK: An all?American afternoon of fun and surprises in collaboration with the MV Sharks baseball team.
  • JAWS ON THE BIG SCREEN: Outdoor screening of JAWS under the stars and on the big screen.“This is an event that JAWS fans from around the world have been eagerly anticipating—they are going to be ecstatic when they hear that there will finally be another JAWSFEST on Martha’s Vineyard,” said Jim Beller, owner of the JawsCollector.com website. “I know for a fact that fellow fans from around the world that couldn’t make it in 2005 are going to be coming to Martha’s Vineyard this time around.”

    “The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce is delighted to support JAWSFESTTM: The Tribute in August 2012. We look forward to welcoming JAWS fans from throughout the world to explore ‘Amity’ and all that the Vineyard has to offer,” said Nancy Gardella, MV Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.

    Event planning is underway. For event updates or travel information, please visit www.jawstribute.com. The event schedule will be posted when attendance confirmations are received from invited participants.

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Filed Under: Featured, Film Headlines Tagged With: 2012, august, event, jawsfest, tribute

Emilio Estevez “The Way” Twitter Chat Tonight

Twitter fan chat tonight with Emilio Estevez to chat about his new film “The Way”.  Starting 11/3 at 8pm EST/5pm PST, Emilio will be responding to Twitter fan questions via his account: http://www.twitter.com/emiliotheway – to ask question, Twitter users simply reply to @emiliotheway & include the hashtag #thewaychat in their note.

For those on Twitter
Please re-tweet the following message from Emilio: http://twitter.com/#!/EMILIOTHEWAY/status/131414843172454400

For those on Facebook
TWITTER USERS: Have a question for Emilio Estevez? Ask him! Join us this Thursday 11/3 starting at 8pm EST/5pm PST for a live chat on Twitter with Emilio about his new film, The Way, in theaters now. Ask your question by replying to Emilio’s Twitter account http://www.twitter.com/emiliotheway and including the hashtag #thewaychat

OR
Simply share the message posted on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/thewaythemovie/posts/301843276495627

 

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: chat, emilio, estevez, tonight, twitter

Interview with Jay Edwards

Jay Edwards is currently editor and producer of the television series “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” on Adult Swim. Jay also served as supervising editor and producer on the feature film “Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film For Theaters.” Outside of Adult Swim, Jay also wrote, produced, directed and edited “Stomp! Shout! Scream!” a beach party rock and roll monster movie.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Jay about working on “Aqua Teen” and also his live-action work.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you get involved with “Aqua Teen” and Adult Swim?
Jay Edwards: I went to college at Auburn University. I majored in Public Relations because I wasn’t really a “business” guy and I wasn’t really an “engineering” guy, which is really all that’s there at Auburn! And I went in one Sunday morning and I took an editing class. That first day I edited for twelve hours straight. I forgot to eat. I forgot to pee. Time just disappeared. So the next day I changed my major to communications and decided I should be an editor for a living. And I’ve been doing it ever since. When I graduated in 1991 I came to Atlanta and got a job with a small post-production house. I was the gopher. I picked up a lot of lunches. I made a lot of dubs. And while I was there I trained on the first non-linear editor that was becoming the standard in post production. So I learned that system and became sort of the “night manager” guy. I would load the footage into the computer overnight for the next days editing sessions. And after doing that…doing a little bit of everything…for three and a half years I got a job at Turner Broadcasting. They had two editing suites but they really didn’t know how to manage them. So I came in and got them cleaned up and organized and started editing full time. And within about a year “Space Ghost From Coast to Coast” was in production and they were looking for editors. I thought I was getting on the bandwagon really late but I ended up editing episode seventeen or eighteen with Carrot Top, which was pretty early in the run. That was the first episode I edited. It was a really difficult show to edit. Number one, you’re trying to tell this really weird, timed, broad comedy. Technically it’s a really difficult show to put together. They do the interview first and someone pretends to be Space Ghost. Then they transcribe the interview and intentionally rewrite all of the questions for comedic effect. You’re trying to edit based on the voice over by George Lowe, who’s the voice of Space Ghost and this kind of finite interview. You’re trying to make it sound like a natural conversation and there’s nothing natural about it. You have to have comedic timing but it’s also very complicated. The background of “Space Ghost” are composites on top of one another. So we animate Space Ghost by using a series of two frame edits…back to back to back to back. Technically it’s very complicated but for some reason I was able to do it and I stuck around. We burned through a lot of editors that tried and didn’t want to do it…it was too hard of work for them…or they weren’t right. But I stuck around and over the next four or five years I edited over thirty “Space Ghost” episodes. Then in 2000, when Adult Swim was just an idea, Dave Willis and Matt Maiellaro were creating a new show…kind of a spin off based on an unused “Space Ghost” script. At the time it was called “Master Shake.” But we ended up changing the title because the Cartoon Network had a show called “Master Flake,” a show about the world of cereal mascots. So “Master Shake” became “Aqua Teen Hunger Force.” I left my staff job at Turner and started editing the pilot for “Aqua Teen.” That was the summer of 2000. Nobody thought it was a good idea. “You’re leaving this really cushy good job to go do WHAT?” (laughs) But it worked out. I went free lance haven’t looked back. I’ve been full time free lance for nearly eleven years now. I do work in different departments. I edit and produce “Aqua Teen” but I also produce extra content for the DVDs. I stay free lance so I can do as much work as I can. If I was on staff I wouldn’t be able to do that. And we’re still going. The show is entering season eleven and a DVD, volume eight, comes out in the fall. It’s a two disc set. One disc is “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” – Final Season and the other disc is “Aqua Unit Patrol Squad” – Season One.

MG: Is there a different feeling working on this season with the new title or do things feel the same?
JE: It’s exactly the same. The only thing that’s different are the opening credits. The credits are different but the show itself is written and produced exactly the same.

MG: I spoke with Dave Willis and he told me you guys were thinking of possibly changing the credits again?
JE: I wouldn’t be surprised. (laughed) Yes, we’re been green-lit for another ten-twelve episodes for 2012. And please note this: “I AM JAY EDWARDS…FREE LANCER. I AM NOT SPEAKING FOR CARTOON NETWORK IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM.” It’s not that it’s off the record, I’m just not speaking as a representative for Cartoon Network or Time Warner. (laughs)

MG: Your primary focus on the show has been producing and editing. Do you find one more difficult then the other?
JE: That’s interesting. I get a producer credit but I mainly just edit the show. But the show has been going on for so long. And Dave and Matt trusted me in the beginning. They write the scripts and do the voice overs. Writing the script is the hardest part in the whole process. I don’t want to belittle that but I’m not involved so I can’t talk about what is involved. But that is usually the hardest part and I want to give them all of the credit in the world. But after they write the scripts, all of the voice characters are recorded separately. So I might get eight or ten or fifteen reads of every line in the script. Plus they take a lot of different detours between what they come up with in the script because they also do a lot of the voices themselves. Then they had it to me and I go to work for two weeks. Two weeks later they come back and want to see something put together. So they hired me and they use me because I think they’re funny and I get what they’re going for. The scripts are pretty loose. They might read: INTERIOR – AQUA TEEN HOUSE and then have three pages of dialogue. Not a lot of scene descriptions. So I either have to give them some busy work or pull out of the dialogue and ad-libs what the action is that they’re doing and try to come up with a visual that isn’t too complicated and can be done on our limited budget and time but also isn’t so static that it’s visually boring. So that’s my job…to take the first path to directing the show essentially. Dave and Matt actually direct it…they give notes and it becomes their vision of what the show should be. But I get first crack at it. So that’s really where I get my producer credit. I keep the machine moving.

MG: You also worked on the “Aqua Teen” feature film. Was that a different experience for you?
JE: During that process we had to go from Standard Definition to High Definition to get it on to film and make it look good. So we essentially had to recreate all of the elements. Getting all of the backgrounds redrawn…characters essentially redrawn and re-scanned to an HD resolution. Just doing that was it’s own process. Then we had to figure out how to get it from inside a computer to film that could be distributed to theatres. We basically made an HD master and then transferred that to film. There are all kinds of variables about what kind of film stock you can use based on what kind of look you want. It gets really, really complicated. Showing a film in a theatre is really a part of 100 year old technology. It’s all chemical and analog as opposed to digital. That was complicated. There was also the storytelling…telling a story that was much longer then twelve minutes. I actually worked on the “Aqua Teen” movie pretty much full time, if not overtime, for two and a half years. And at the same time, currently, I produced and directed “Stomp! Shout! Scream!” and it premiered. Personally, I got divorced. It was a really stressful period of my life. My body fell apart. I’m super proud. I think that this past season of “Aqua Teen” was awesome. But I think the “Aqua Teen” movie was one of the best things I’ve ever done.

MG: Do you think you guys will do another “Aqua Teen” feature?
JE: I don’t think they would ever let us do another one (laughs). We would do another movie in a heartbeat! We think it’s a no brainer money maker to do another one! But it was pretty clear going through that painful process…we didn’t know how to distribute it to movie theatres…we didn’t know anything about that. We were all on a very steep learning curve. As soon as it was in theatres it was decided that we are a television company not a movie company. We know how to make television shows. I think it was a good experience for everybody to go through. The movie made money. Not a lot but it was definitely in the black. Especially when you consider DVD sales. I think the “Venture Brothers” has a long format project in the works as part of their next season but I don’t know if it’s going to be more then a T V special and a DVD. They may have some select screenings. Who knows how they’ll market it? I don’t think they’ll try to distribute it in theatres.

MG: With the success of “Stomp! Shout! Scream!” do you have any plans to direct in the future?
JE: Of course! That’s what I’ve been working towards ever since I finished “Stomp! Shout! Scream!” It premiered five or six years ago and I’ve been very actively taking it to film festivals…trying to market it and get it seen…trying to get a distribution deal. But that’s like a whole ‘nother full time job. Even after your film premieres you’re only really half way done. It’s been a ton of work. It’s not something that I made because I thought I could make a ton of money off it. It’s something I had to do. I was able to make the movie I wanted to make based upon my abilities of the time. I’m very proud of it. I know it’s proud but I’m really proud of it. The film did get a distribution deal about two and half years ago by a group called Indican Pictures. Because it was an older title they re-branded it and gave it a new title. It’s available on Netflix and, supposedly, big box stores as “Monster Beach Party A Go-Go.” Indican didn’t do a whole lot to market it, and I was so out of energy that I didn’t do much either. I’m hoping to move on to my next screenplay that I’ve been working on for a while. It’s set in the early 1960s. It’s about a late night horror host. You get to see a lot of his on air bits as well as bits and pieces of the movies that he shows. But instead of licensing old clips I wrote original movie titles and the scenes that the audience will see I’ve actually started production on the film this year. I went out and shot all of those “B” movie scenes. It was super fun. I spent five days in the studio and shot fifteen scenes from fifteen different movies. In five days. I had miniatures. Sets. Night exteriors Ed Wood style…we literally had three lights and seventeen potted plants. It was a lot of fun. A producer friend of mine helped me put it together. The crew I had was incredible. I’m really excited about putting that stuff together. The script needs one more revision. That was going to be my summer but I’m a little behind on that. So I’m putting the script together with those “B” movie horror scenes. The late night horror host is kind of an endearing ass hole. Everybody loves him. Because back in the 60s shows like that were super rebellious. They would talk honestly. It was like Adult Swim. It talks plainly and honestly to their viewers, which was very rebellious at the time. I’ve already cast Dana Snyder, the voice of Master Shake, as the host. Because nobody mines the comedy of the ass hole more then Dana. In real life he’s one of my best friends. One of the nicest guys I know. The movie’s title is “The VanderGhoul Twist.” It’s got its own pop song, which is a version of “The Twist” but you dance with knives. The song is called “The VanderGhoul Chop!” My plan is to shoot Dana Snyder as VanderGhoul and put it together with the “B” movie stuff and try to raise money to get the script made. Hopefully that will happen this year.

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Filed Under: Interviews, TV Interviews Tagged With: edwards, interview, jay

“It’s A Disaster” Gets International Rights Acquired by Maya Entertainment

“IT’S A DISASTER” FOR MAYA ENTERTAINMENT
International Rights Acquired For Apocalyptic Comedy Starring Julia Stiles, David Cross & America Ferrera

LOS ANGELES, CA – Maya Entertainment Group, Inc., a leading independent multi-platform content and distribution company based in Los Angeles, has acquired the international rights to the apocalyptic comedy “It’s A Disaster” from writer/director Todd Berger (“The Scenesters”).  The film stars Julia Stiles (“The Bourne Identity Trilogy, Dexter”), David Cross (“Arrested Development”, “Kung Fu Panda”), and America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty, Real Women Have Curves”).

In this doomsday comedy, four couples who meet for Sunday brunch find themselves stranded in a house together as the world may be about to end. When Tracy Scott (Julia Stiles) decides to introduce her new beau Glenn (David Cross) to her three friends Hedy (America Ferrera), Emma, and Lexi and their significant others, her biggest fear is whether or not her friends will approve of her new relationship, little does she realize that’s the least of her worries.  Before long the couples find themselves in the midst of an apocalyptic disaster, catching them all off guard. One thing is clear; these four couples aren’t going to let the potential end of the world get in the way of the relationship issues they all need to work out.

“It’s A Disaster is a razor sharp comedy, that is a great addition to our international line up” states Elias Axume, President, International Distribution for Maya Entertainment. “The chemistry between Julia Stiles, David Cross and America Ferrera will have international audiences laughing out loud.”

The deal was negotiated by Elias Axume and Tonantzin Esparza, Director of Acquisitions, on behalf of Maya Entertainment, and ICM, which packaged the film and continues to represent North American rights.  “It’s A Disaster” is the second film for Vacationeer Productions, headed by Kevin M. Brennan and Jeff Grace. “Vacationeer Productions is excited and proud to partner with Maya on this deal.  Maya’s track record of successful sales and international relationships will create the highest viewership possible for It’s A Disaster.”

ICM represents Vacationeer Productions, Julia Stiles and America Ferrera.  Stiles is managed by Untitled Entertainment.  Ferrera is managed by Authentic Talent and Literary Management.

Maya International will be handling international sales at AFM 2011. Visit Maya Entertainment in suite 721 at the Loews Hotel Santa Monica, from November 2 – 9 or email [email protected].

MAYA ENTERTAINMENT | www.maya-entertainment.com
Based in Los Angeles, Maya Entertainment Group, Inc. is an independent multi-platform content and distribution company that has established itself as the leader of media product that appeals to the “new mainstream” of American Latino and Multi-cultural audiences.  Led by entertainment industry pioneers, Moctesuma Esparza (Selena, Gettysburg) and Jeff Valdez (Sí TV, QuePasa.com), Maya Entertainment produces, acquires and distributes entertainment programming and has established a library of over 100 titles, which are available at retail, for rental, and on VOD through Time Warner Cable, Comcast, iN DEMAND, and TVN.

Maya International Distribution, headed by Elias Axume, sells rights to its entertainment properties worldwide and has a presence at key markets including Berlin Film Festival/European Film Market, Hong Kong FILMART, Cannes Film Festival, MIP-TV, Toronto International Film Festival, MIPCOM and AFM. Currently, Maya International is selling rights to La Mission, starring Benjamin Bratt; The Jesuit, starring Michelle Rodriguez and Willem Dafoe; Café, starring Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jamie Kennedy; Without Men starring Eva Longoria Parker, Christian Slater and Oscar Nunez; Across the Line, starring Aidan Quinn and Mario van Peebles; and The Last Rites of Joe May, starring Dennis Farina, among others.
Maya’s recent theatrical and home video releases include the Official 2010 Sundance selection The Dry Land, starring America Ferrera, Jason Ritter, and Wilmer Valderrama; the action-drama Across the Line starring Aidan Quinn, Mario Van Peebles, and Andy Garcia; and Sins of My Father (Pecados de mi Padre), the true story of Pablo Escobar, the infamous boss of Colombia’s Medellin drug cartel, as told through the eyes of his son; Sympathy for Delicious, directed by and starring Mark Ruffalo, Orlando Bloom, Laura Linney and Juliette Lewis; Without Men, starring Eva Longoria Parker, Christian Slater and Oscar Nunez; and Café, starring Jennifer Love Hewitt.

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: acquired, disaster, entertainment, international, maya, rights, ...

CD Review: The Elves and Ronnie James Dio “And Before Elf…There Were Elves”

The Elves and Ronnie James Dio
“And Before Elf…There Were Elves”
Label: Niji Entertainment
12 Tracks
Running Time: 53 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

If you are expecting the Ronnie James Dio on this album that we knew and loved, you might be a little disappointed. This is a very blues-fused album with very early recordings from metal legend Ronnie James Dio. The Elves were formed in the late 60’s and are categorized as a mix between Rock, Honky Tonk and Blues. This album features 12 previously unreleased tracks from 1971 and are collections of both studio and live tracks. I definitely enjoyed the album and it definitely shows a different side of Dio that I never knew.

One of my favorite tracks on the album has to be “Stay With Me”. It is very catchy and very well orchestrated. The album runs a nice strong 53 minutes and delivers pretty strong from beginning to end. The music reminds me of a mix between “The Who” and “Grateful Dead” and a twist of the blues. This album just proves how much range Dio really had and he definitely nails it on this album. Although these tracks are 40 years old, the quality is quite notable especially since Dio’s Wyn Davis remastered from the original tapes.

Track List:
01. You Shook Me
02. Stay With Me
03. Four Day Creep
04. Buckingham Blues
05. Wakeup Sunshine
06. Driftin’
07. Smile For Me Lady
08. You Felt The Same Way
09. Simple Man
10. Drown Me In The River
11. Cold Ramona
12. Little Queenie

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, dio, elfthere, elves, james, review, ...

CD Review: Candlelight Red “The Wreckage”

Candlelight Red
“The Wreckage”
Label: Imagen Records
10 Tracks
Total Length: 30:48

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When I received this album to review, I was unfamiliar with the band. I did some research and found only a little bit of info as this band is fairly new and this is their first album. Well let me tell you this album is freaking intense. I am glad I hear about these guys for sure. They are heavy and remind me of a mix between From Autumn to Ashes mixed with Bullet for My Valentine (two of my favorite bands BTW). If you love hard rock, this is a album you must check out.

One of my favorite tracks right off the bat is “The Wreckage”. All of the songs are all fast, catchy and really rock hard. The album is a little short but I feel that it still delivers some punch. “Medicated” is so loud and fast. The song is easily my second favorite on the album. Overall there is not a bad track on the album and that is usually hard to say (besides the “Intro” which is just 46 seconds). I say this is a great debut album and I can’t wait to see what this band is going to deliver down the road.

Track listing:
1. Intro
2. The Dirt
3. Closer
4. Gone Forever
5. The Wreckage
6. Bend and Break
7. Scream
8. Medicated
9. In Your Hands
10. She’s Got The Look

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: candlelight, cd, red, review, wreckage

CD Review: Judas Priest “The Chosen Few”

Judas Priest
“The Chosen Few”
Legacy Recordings
17 Tracks
Length: 78 minutes

Our Score: 5 out out 5 stars

I have been listening to Judas Priest since the last 80’s but it has been a while since I cranked them up. Putting this new compilation album on brought it all right back like it was yesterday. So why is this just NOT another collection of great songs…these tracks were selected by other heavy metal and hard rock musicians. I think that is a mega cool idea since it is not just the same old “greatest hits”, it is a look into today’s well known artists and their personal favorites. I agree with every track put on this album, it is a real tribute to the bands music.

This album is packed with 17 great tracks including some of my personal favorites “Living After Midnight”, “Victim of Changes”, “Breaking the Law” and of course “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming”. The album runs the limits of a CD length hitting just over 78 minutes. If you are a fan of Judas Priest and are interested with this unique approach then this is a no brainer. If you are just getting into Priest then this is the best album to start with since it is the best chosen by the best.

1. “Diamonds & Rust” (Chosen by Joe Elliot of Def Leppard)
2. “Dissident Aggressor” (Chosen by Steve Vai and Geoff Tate of Queensrÿche)
3. “Exciter” (Chosen by the members of Accept)
4. “Beyond The Realms Of Death” (Chosen by Lars Ulrich of Metallica)
5. “Delivering The Goods” (Chosen by Kerry King of Slayer)
6. “The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)” (Chosen by David Coverdale of Whitesnake and Randy Blythe of Lamb of God)
7. “The Ripper” (Chosen by Ozzy Osbourne)
8. “Victim of Changes” (Chosen by James Hetfield of Metallica)
9. “Breaking the Law” (Chosen by Lemmy of Motörhead)
10. “Rapid Fire” (Chosen by Vinnie Paul of Pantera and Hellyeah)
11. “Grinder” (Chosen by Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society)
12. “Living After Midnight” (Chosen by Alice Cooper and Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath)
13. “Screaming for Vengeance” (Chosen by Slash of Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver)
14. “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming” (Chosen by Klaus Meine of Scorpions and Corey Taylor of Slipknot)
15. “The Sentinel” (Chosen by Chris Jericho of Fozzy)
16. “Turbo Lover” (Chosen by Jonathan Davis of Korn)
17. “Painkiller” (Chosen by Joe Satriani)

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, chosen, judas, priest, review

DVD Review “When Strangers Click”

Director: Robert Kenner
Distributed by: The Disinformation Company
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 52 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

The internet really has everything from social networking to online shopping. Internet dating has really become a very popular medium for people to meet spouses over the years. This documentary focuses on five people that have used the internet to date and their stories. I have to give props to this film it was well paced and really kept my interest. All of the five stories were extremely interesting and provided great insight into the world of internet dating. I recommend this documentary with high regards.

The first of the five stories includes a woman Kim, who flew to Prague to marry a man she never spoke to. She finds he didn’t speak of lick of English except “Hello”. The two are happily married with children today. The next story is about Dave, who wasn’t very confident but ended up meeting many woman on the chat rooms and found his love, getting marrying and having a child. The next is about Beth who takes us on a journey of being single and turning 30. I really enjoyed her idea of walking around the city with a video camera filming her birthday wishes. She also ended up meeting her husband online, getting married and having kids. Ryan is next and his story is about his struggles being gay. He found “others” like him in the chat room and got wrapped up in politics scandal, when the closet Mayor of his city hit on him and many others. Jonas’ story is the last and focuses on a online website called Second Life, which is pretty much like “The Sims” but virtual dating. It also showed how he besides meeting his future wife and having a child, it also showcased how he was able to get picked up by a record label for his music. Great stories and each one better than the next.

If you are not aware of Robert Kenner, you need to be! He is the director of amazing documentaries like the Oscar nominated “Food, Inc”. The DVD comes stocked with some decent special features as well. We have one called “Bara & Director / Second Life Interview”, this was very interesting. I have never heard of Second Life prior to watching this. There is one deleted scene called “Cyber Cyrano”, worth checking out. Lastly we have a Q&A with the filmmakers, which is also very interesting. Overall very impressed with this film and this release.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: click, dvd, review, strangers

3D Blu-ray Review “Meet The Robinsons”

Directed by: Steve Anderson
Starring: Jordan Fry, Harland Williams, Tom Kenny, Steve Anderson, Angela Bassett, Laurie Metcalf, Adam West, Tom Selleck and Nicole Sullivan
Distributed by Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG
Running time: 95 minutes

Overall Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Although this film is overlooked, I have a real love for this one. I think it is very sweet and has a great story. The story is very imaginative and promotes some actually thinking. This is not just a film for kids as it caters quite a bit to the adults as well. It has a great heart and very funny as well. The 3D presentation on the disc is very good as well. I really enjoyed the 3D effects and they did not over use it at all. The video is perfect and very vibrant. The film is also very colorful, especially works well for the 3D. The sound is also notable with Disney’s DTS-HD 5.1 Master.  If you have never seen this film, this is your chance and it is a must.  If you are able to enjoy this film in 3D, I would recommend it very highly.

The bonus features are decent and standard for a Disney release.  There is a fairly interesting audio commentary from Steve Anderson.  Easily the best feature has to be the “Inventing the Robinsons” featurette, which provides an informative look at the film’s production.  The deleted scenes included are interesting and even include an alternate ending. “Keep Moving Forward: Inventions that Shaped the World” is an interesting featurette discussing the production.  “Bowler Hat Barrage! Game” is actually fun and aimed for the kiddies.  There is also another kids game called Family Function 5000: Family Tree Game”, but not a good. There are two music videos…one I love and one I do not.  First we have have music video for “Kids of the Future” by Jonas Brothers, before they were mega stars.  Lastly then there is “Little Wonders” performed by Rob Thomas, which is such an amazing song and a great video.

Synopsis: 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 funfest 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 – Magic In A New Dimension.

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3D Blu-ray Review “G-Force”

Directed by: Hoyt H. Heatman Jr.
Starring: Bill Nighy, Nicolas Cage, Zach Galifianakis, Penelope Cruz, Tracy Morgan, Jon Favreau, Dee Bradley Baker
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG
Running time: 88 minutes

Overall Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I purposely skipped this film in theaters, Blu-ray/DVD and even TV. I figured it was time to give this film a chance since it landed on Disney 3D Blu-ray. Well after watching it I know why I haven’t seen this film yet. The film itself is just ok but will never warrant a repeat viewing.  Kids will love it though, it has talking animals and some amazing special effects. The action is the film is no joke especially since it is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and his team. The action and 3D are probably this film’s saving grace. The film also has a notable cast ranging from Bill Nighy, Nicolas Cage, Zach Galifianakis, Penelope Cruz, Jon Favreau and of course Tracy Morgan. Boy Tracy’s character go on my nerves after 10 minutes. The presentation on this discs is great, even though the film is not. The video is sharp and the action shows off the 3D effects really well. If your kids liked this movie in the theaters then this is a smart upgrade to get the 3D at home.

The bonus features on the disc are decent as well. The first feature “Cine-Explore Mode” is a picture-in-picture experience loaded with early effect footage, behind-the-scenes featurettes and more lead by director Hoyt Yateman. It is pretty extensive. Kids will also like that guinea pigs Darwin and Blaster stop by also to chat about the film (I didn’t enjoy this much). “Inside the Animation Lab” feature Hoyt Yateman and Jerry Bruckheimer as they discuss the films special effects and the development that went into it, short but sweet. There are six deleted scenes, which are nothing special at all and run about 6 minutes. “Blaster’s Boot Camp” feature Blaster discusses being a member of G-Force, it is only for kids. “G-Force Mastermind” features the director’s son and original creator of this film, Hoyt Yateman IV, talk about the concept. “Bruckheimer Animated” is a quick and useless collection of Bruckheimer’s use of CG over the years. “G-Farce” is the best feature on this release and of course it is outtakes, which I always love. Lastly, there are three music videos Flo Rida’s “Jump,” Steve Rushton’s “Ready to Rock,” and the guinea pigs’ “Go G-Force” song. Like I said and I will repeat, this is for the kids…adults steer clear.

Synopsis: Buckle up for thrilling edge-of-your-seat action and laugh-out-loud fun in Disney’s G-Force as this elite team of highly trained guinea pigs leaps off the screen and right into your living room. In Disney Blu-ray 3D, this family comedy adventure is the best 3D you can get at home. Just as the G-Force is about to save the world, the F.B.I. shuts the secret unit down. But these next-generation action heroes won’t be stopped. Armed with the latest high-tech spy equipment, and with the F.B.I. on their tails, the fur flies as they race against the clock to save the world. From the producer of Pirates Of The Caribbean and National Treasure, G-Force is fantastic 3D fun for the whole family. It’s Magic In A New Dimension.

 

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 3d, bluray, gforce, review

3D Blu-ray Review “Chicken Little”

Directed by: Mark Dindal
Starring: Zach Braff, Garry Marshall, Joan Cusack, Steve Zahn, Amy Sedaris, Mark Walton, Don Knotts, Patrick Stewart
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA Rating: G
Running time: 81 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I remember seeing “Chicken Little” in theaters in 3D and it was kind of a big deal since it was one of the first animated 3D films using the new Real 3D technology. It even came with collectable green “Chicken Little” 3D glasses. For 2005, this was a great step in the future for 3D animated films. Is it the best film ever…no. But it is also far from the worst. This film runs very short barely hitting 80 minutes but maybe that is a good thing. I think overall it is funny and the 3D is really great. In fact I feel that I enjoyed the 3D experience even more on the Blu-ray. The presentation on this release is very colorful and crisp. The sound is DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio and works really well with the action in the film. Overall I will be re-watching this film in the future just to experience the 3D again for sure. If you enjoyed this film in the theaters in 3D, it is worth the re-purchase for sure.

The bonus features includes on the disc are decent but mostly fun kiddie themed. The first is a Q&A with the filmmakers called “Hatching Chicken Little” as they discuss the making of the movie. There is also an audio commentary from them as well. Worth a watch, kids probably won’t dig much. there is the music video for “Shake A Tail Feather” performed by The Cheetah Girls. Another music video includes is “One Little Slip” performed by Barenaked Ladies. There is a karaoke and sing along for that song as well. There are five deleted scenes from the DVD releases and also two alternate openings. Lastly there is an “Alien Invasion Game”, fun but aimed for kids.

Synopsis: Disney’s “perfect family film” (Scott Mantz, Access Hollywood) is now more fantastic than ever! All systems are go for fun, action and adventure as Chicken Little soars off the screen and into your living room in breathtaking, eye-popping Disney 3D! When the sky really is falling and sanity has flown the coop, who will rise to save the day? Together with his hysterical band of misfit friends, Chicken Little must save the planet from an alien invasion and prove that the world’s biggest hero is a little chicken. Experience the wonder of this hilarious egg-stravaganza as it hatches to life right before your eyes! Our 3D Combo Pack offers three ways to watch – Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray and DVD. For out-of-this-world entertainment, the sky’s the limit with Disney Blu-ray 3D – magic in a new dimension.

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Interview with Cory Almeida

Cory Almeida is the host of the TV series “Pictureka”.  He has worked with shows like “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Cory about “Pictureka” and what else he is currently working on.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you initially get into the entertainment business?
Cory Almeida: I went to school in Boston and came out to Los Angeles to become an actor. I ended up being a Hip/Hop dancer for a few years. Anyone who knows or studies the business knows that all big actors got their break doing the same thing. Pitt, DeNiro they were all Hip/Hop dancers. (Laughs) Music has always been a big part of my life. I was an on air DJ at a station in Boston. I was doing a little bit of acting here and there and, one day went to my agent and said I didn’t want to do it anymore. All I wanted to do was host. I started out hosting a show about ten years ago called “The Hi-Fi Room”. We got to shoot with a ton of really great artists. The production team for that show split up and some of them ended up going to work on “American Idol”. About two season in they were putting together a holiday special and they needed someone to keep the crowd going between acts. One of the guys on the production team mentioned my name. I went in for the holiday show and everyone had a blast! After that they asked me if I would be interested in doing the same thing for season 3. I have been there ever since. Once I did “American Idol” all the other shows saw me and wanted me for their shows. It’s been great! For the past 8 years I have been super steady doing the warm up thing. Now I am making the transition back to hosting.

MG: How did the show “Pictureka” come about?
CA: “Pictureka” came about by one of the producers of the show seeing me at a “Dancing with the Stars” taping. They told me that the chances of anything happening with the show were pretty slim but, would I be willing to jump on board. I was happy to help them out. On April fool’s day they called and told me the show got picked up for 65 episodes and they wanted me to host it. We both thought it was either the best or worst April fool’s joke however the show was really good to go. The show actually got nominated for a day time Emmy. Things are going really great. It’s a hustle but I am really enjoying it.

MG: What has been one of your biggest challenges on “Pictureka”?
CA: There are a lot. That show is like being the ring leader of a six ring circus. You have to balance all these different aspects. Everything is done live and on the fly. It is literally the craziest boot camp for television hosts. I have no problem jumping on a show like “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent” where I am just prompting artists. I have a lot of fun being at the helm of that show.

MG: What has been the best/hardest part of being the host of the show?
CA: The hardest part for me is that I really route for these guys! I love giving away the networks money. You want the players to win. The best reaction is when you flip that card and the contestants get the right answer and win a prize. It’s just an awesome moment. I love working with the kids and their families.

MG: What other upcoming projects do you have going on?
CA: Right now we are on hold with “Pictureka” as the response for the show has been so overwhelming that the show is being aired twice a day. The producers are trying to figure out what will be the best move for the show. It’s been great though because while we are on hold I have been able to take off and go do some cool things. I shot a pilot in Hong Kong with the producers of “The Bizarre Food Show”. This show is a twist on that as it will be based around comfort food from around the world. In Hong Kong they eat things like pig intestines as comfort food. The stinky tofu was probably the worst. I seriously thought I was going to throw up.

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Filed Under: TV Interviews Tagged With: almeida, cory, interview

3D Blu-ray Review “Bolt”

Directors: Chris Williams and Byron Howard
Starring: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman, Mark Walton
Distributed by: Walt Disney Picture
MPAA Rating: PG
Running Time: 96 Minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Bolt” is a very under appreciated movie, in fact a lot of Disney’s CG animated films like “Chicken Little” and “Meet the Robinsons” are not appreciated. Just because they are not branded with Pixar, they seem to be given a harsher eye. This film is really funny and packed with some major action sequences. The 3D in the film is really spot on and deserves some attention. This film was meant to be in 3D for sure and excels in its format. The presentation on 3D Blu-ray is superb and really rocked the high def 1080p. The sound (like always for Disney) explodes with its DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio. I have seen this film a few times now and this was definitely my favorite experience watching it. There is something about Disney 3D Blu-ray’s, they seem to improve the experience from the theaters. I must say that this is one amazing film and definitely worth the upgrade to 3D if you have the option.

The special features on this release are well packed. First up is the animated short film “Super Rhino”. Very funny especially since Rhino’s character literally steals the whole film. “Bolt’s Be-Awesome Mission Game” is a cute interactive game aimed at kids in which they have to help Bolt defeat the green-eyed man. There is a behind the scenes feature on the making of with with John Travolta and Miley Cyrus, it is worth the watch and is fun to see the duo together.. If you like the end credits then you will enjoy the music video, “I Thought I Lost You” performed by Miley Cyrus and John Travolta. “Creating The World of Bolt” talks about the design of the film and how it was created, definitely interesting if you are tech junkie like me. Chris Williams and Byron Howard take us on a filmmakers’ journey with “A New Breed of Directors”, talks about making the film. They are fun guys and it is a great insight. There are a few deleted scenes and are worth a watch but generally nothing spectacular. We get to go behind the scenes in to a voice cast in session with “Act, Speak! The Voices of Bolt”. I love this feature the most behind I love seeing actors voice their characters. Lastly it is a cute little art gallery which looks into the film’s early concepts. I enjoyed this as well especially since I am a art concept fantastic, even owning this films “The Art of” hardcover book.

Synopsis: Prepare to enter a fantastic new dimension offamily fun as Disney’s sensational animated comedy leaps off the screen and into your living room. You’ll sit up and beg for more when Bolt springs into action in awe-inspiring Disney 3D. Bolt is the star of the biggest show in Hollywood. The only problem is, he thinks it’s real. After he’s accidentally shipped to New York City and separated from Penny, his beloved co-star and owner, Bolt must harness all his “super powers” to find a way home. Experience all the high-flying, death-defying stunts Blot and his hilarious sidekicks pull off on their incredible journey. The fur really flies as they come to life right before your eyes! And with four ways to watch – Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy – this 3D Combo Pack unleashes a new breed of excitement on Disney Blu-ray 3D – magic in a new dimension.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 3d, bluray, bolt, review
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