DVD Review “The Looney Tunes Show: Season One, Volume 2”

Developed by: Spike Brandt, Tony Cervone
Voices of: Jeff Bergman, Bob Bergen, Fred Armisen, Jennifer Esposito, Maurice LaMarche, June Foray, Roz Ryan, Kristen Wiig
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Warner Brothers
Episodes: 4
Running Time: 89 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I have been a fan of “The Looney Tunes” ever since I was a kid, who wasn’t right?  This new show expanded the characters into a 30 minute format.  I think it really works and gives brings the “The Looney Tunes” into a new generation.  This is the first season of the new show and it only includes a few episodes but it definitely left me wanted more.  You would recognize a few of your favorite voices like Jeff Bergman, who voices Bugs and Daffy and also Porky Pig’s Bob Bergen.  You will also notice some new voices like Kristen Wiig voicing Lola Bunny.  Overall I look forward to watching the rest of the episodes as this series is definitely grown on me.

This volume includes episodes 5-8 from the first season. “Monster Talent” features Daffy as he tries to prepare Gossamer for a school talent show. Also includes is a CGI Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner short: “A Zipline in the Sand”. The episode “Reunion” follows Bugs as he helps Daffy try to better himself before his class reunion. There is also a Merrie Melodies: “Cock of The Walk” with Foghorn Leghorn and another CGI Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner short: “Fee Fi Fo Dumb”. “Casa de Calma” features Bugs and Daffy trying to impress a famous actress. Included all is a Merrie Melodies: “Queso Bandito” with Speedy Gonzales and a CGI Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner short: “Sail Fail”. The last episode included is “Devil Dog” where Bugs tries to turn the Tasmanian Devil into a pet. Also included is a CGI Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner short: “Unsafe at Any Speed”.

Premise: This half-hour animated comedy series starring Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck is no longer confined to 7-minute shorts. Bugs and Daffy are out of the woods and living in the suburbs among such colorful neighbors as Yosemite Sam, Granny, Tweety and Sylvester. In addition to each episode’s main story, The Looney Tunes Show also features “cartoons within a cartoon.” The Tasmanian Devil, Speedy Gonzales, Marvin the Martian and other classic characters sing original songs in two-minute music videos called Merrie Melodies . The legendary Looney Tunes cartoons are getting a 21st century relaunch and a CGI overhaul for a new generation.

The Looney Tunes Show: Season 1, Volume 2: Available on DVD 12/6/11 at http://bit.ly/LOONTU2
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Blu-ray Review “The Help”

Directed by: Tate Taylor
Starring: Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer
Jessica Chastain, Sissy Spacek, Mike Vogel, Allison Janney, Chris Lowell,
Mary Steenburgen
Distributed by: Touchstone Pictures
Running time: 146 minutes

Overall Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I missed this film in its original theatrical run and I know now I made a big mistake. In this summer’s mostly lackluster films, this one is easily stands out as one of my favorites, if not of the whole year. The acting in the film is beyond amazing and award worthy. I have never read by novel Kathryn Stockett but I am sure it is amazing if not better than the film. I honestly thought the running time of almost 2 1/2 hours was going to get to me but I feel that it honestly flew by and was very entertaining. The Blu-ray presentation is fantastic and includes clear and crisp 1080p video and a sharp DTS-HD Ma audio track. The release also contains the a DVD of the film as well which is a great feature. Overall if you haven’t seen this film I would pick it up for sure and pick up one for your friends also.

The film is about a young white woman, Skeeter (Emma Stone) who forms a strong relationship with two black maids (Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer)  during the 1960’s. She decides to help these women and writes a book from the point of view of the maids in hopes to expose the racism they deal with working for white families. The performances in the film are just unbelievable. Viola Davis is more amazing than ever, she deserves an Oscar no question. Octavia Spencer is outstanding and also deserve props for her role. Bryce Dallas Howard plays a really wicked baddie and definitely earns the hate from the audience. She was simply fantastic. Lastly Emma Stone was also charming and shows that she has some great acting chops.

The special features on the disc are mostly exclusive to the Blu-ray. Firstly there are about ten minutes from five deleted scenes. They are decent and feature some more character and plot points and also an alternate ending, which is more a downer. There is a great featurette called “The Making of ‘The Help’: From Friendship to Film”, it covers the directors and author’s life-long relationship and also going in depth in the making of the film. Another featurette is including called “In Their Own Words: A Tribute to the Maids of Mississippi”, it is very moving and deals with personal accounts from Taylor’s family. Lastly there is a music video from the amazing song by Mary J. Blige called “The Living Proof”. It is a very strong song and packed by footage from the film.

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Interview with Randal Malone

Randal Malone is known best for playing the role of Gacey in “Dahmer vs. Gacey” and his role in “Frankenstein Rising”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Randal about his films and also what he has planned next.

Mike Gencarelli: What do you enjoy most about working in the horror genre?
Randal Malone: I was very blessed to find my niche as an actor in horror films. Growing up I loved all the Hammer horror films as well as the Universal films. I knew I was going to be an actor but I never thought about doing so many horror films. I always loved watching the actors in those horror films. I never thought it would be an entire career for me. After I did the “Singled Out” a lot of these horror directors and studios approached me. Things were one right after the other over the years and it just became my thing. I was very lucky as an actor to have found my niche.

MG: Can you tell us about working on “Dahmer vs. Gacey”?
RM: I loved the idea from the beginning. I was very excited and lucky to be involved with the film. It was really fun to play the Gacey character. There were a lot of great costumes and makeup. It was just a lot of fun working on that film.

MG: How was it working with Ford Austin?
RM: I had worked with him on some other films. He had been my director on a film titled “The Curse of Lizzy Borden”. I had played opposite of him in a film titled “Evil Ever After”. We also worked together on “Blood Bath” and “Blood Legend”. We did this fantastic movie after “Dahmer vs. Gacey” called “Rat Scratch Fever”. Ford is really wonderful and a great director. He is a marvelous actor and a joy to work with. Ford is very gifted.

MG: What are the chances of the “Dahmer vs. Gacey: In Space” being made?
RM: I think it’s very likely. Ford was hurt recently in a car accident but he is doing much better. It’s going to take some time but, I think there will be a sequel and quite possibly a 3rd film. Ford is very motivated.

MG: How did you prepare for your role in “Frankenstein Rising”?
RM: I had always loved the Frankenstein genre as well as the story. I had always wanted to play the Frankenstein monster. There is a lot to portray and I thought it would be a wonderful thing. I knew and was good friends with Mae Clarke who was in the original 1931 film. She was an inspiration to my career. We had talked a lot about her making the movie as well as my wanting to play the monster. When the opportunity finally came to me I was very busy. I was working on two films as well as a television project. Something very rare in Hollywood then happened. They agreed to wait till I had time. I will never forget their kindness. It was an amazing experience! I got to work with Jerry Maren who played the munchkin that handed Judy Garland the lollipop in “The Wizard of Oz”. I also got to work with the great Margaret O’Brien and Anita Page. This film was actually Anita’s last film.

MG: When do you think the film will be released?
RM: It is done. We hope that it will be out soon. I think they are just waiting for the best offer.

MG: What other projects do you have in the works?
RM: There are a lot of things in the works. What I would really like to do is more Frankenstein work. It was a lot of fun but we will have to wait and see. There will probably be more horror films. Even if the script isn’t that great but the role/character is great then that is something that is always exciting for an actor.

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Blu-ray Review “Point Blank”

Director: Fred Cavaye
Starring: Gilles Lellouche, Roschdy Zem, Gerard Lanvin
Distributed by: Magnolia Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Run Time: 84 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

There is something about the French and action films but they know how to do they right. This film does expectational well for kicking some ass. This is jam packed of action including amazing chase sequences and intense violence. I really enjoyed the 1080p video and its 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is really clear and crisp and I highly recommend the French audio track. Magnolia Pictures always works hard to find these gems and hopefully they will find more like these.

The story follows a nurse, Samuel, who is just working his job one day and the next he is involved with dangerous criminals and is hunted by the cops and the baddies. His pregnant wife gets kidnapped and he sets out to save her teaming up with the criminal Sartet. It is a race of time and Samuel finds out that this situation is wrapped in a web of deceit and he doesn’t know who to trust.

The special features includes on the release are a little lacking. The saving grace is the really in depth “Behind-the-Scenes Documentary” which takes you through the making of the film. There are some great interviews and behind-the-scenes footage as well. Also included is the “Point Blank” trailer and more trailers from Magnolia Home Entertainment. Overall if you are fan of action films this is a must purchase.

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3D Blu-ray Review “The Smurfs”

Directed by: Raja Gosnell
Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofía Vergara, Hank Azaria
Distributed by: Columbia Pictures
Rating: PG
Running time: 102 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have to start with “The Smurfs” was one the biggest surprises of the summer if not the whole year.  This film was funny and just down right fun.  I know most critics if not all definitely feel the complete opposite but regardless I enjoyed this film.  The performances in the film are over the top and fun which adds to the overall feel of the film. On this release it includes not only the 3D Blu-ray (which includes both 3D and 2D versions) but also DVD and digital copy. The 3D on this Blu-ray is phenomenal and really pops out of the screen. The color on video is crystal clear and really sharp.  The audio is also notable and really pops with the action and the film’s effects.  Besides the effects in the film, Hank Azaria is easily the second best part of the film playing the evil wizard Gargamel.

One of the coolest features, which needs to be recognized is called “Smurf-O-Vision: Second Screen Experience”.  It is an application available for download on the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.  It is a one-of-a-kind experiencing to have the Smurfs sing and dance along with the film.  You are also able to interact and engage with the Smurfs throughout the film.  This is a really cool feature and this also makes the experience of watching the film much more fun. Another feature that is brand new is the cloud streaming UltraViolet digital copy. This is catching very fast with studios and is going to be the new norm very soon. Recommend you checked this two features out ASAP.

The rest of the 3D Blu-ray special features great and this disc is jam packed. First since this is a kids movie, there is an interactive game called “The Smurfs Fantastic Adventure Game” played with the remote control. There is an audio commentary with the director Raja Gosnell. It is very informative and covers a lot of the behind the scenes from the film. There is another audio commentary from producer Jordan Kerner, VFX Supervisor Richard Hoover, and writers J. David Stem, David N. Weiss, Jay Scherick, and David Ronn. Some of this one gets covered in the first commentary but it is still worth a listen. There are about eight minutes of deleted and extended Scenes. They are worth checking out especially “Gargamel Enters FAO Schwarz”. “The Smurfs: Comic Book to the Big Screen” is short running about 8 minutes but information taking us from the beginning to today with the Smurfs.

Like I said this disc is packed with features, some more include
“Smurf Speak: Meet the Cast” is a decent chances to meet the voices from the film. I like when this is showcased in an animated film. One of my favorite features is “Going Gargamel” which really goes into Hank Azaria portrayal of this character. I am very upset with the gag real or “Blue-Pers” as it is called as it runs less than 30 seconds. “Happy Music Montage” is just a montage with music and scenes from the film. There are four “Progression Reels” that cover the lighting, CG Smurf work and the effects. Lastly since this is a 3D film, we have some great 3D trailer for “Arthur Christmas”, “The Pirates! Band of Misfits”, and “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”.

 

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Book Review “The Art of Drew Struzan”

Author: Drew Struzan & David J. Schow
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: September 14, 2010

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

If you are reading this review, you shouldn’t be…simply go out and buy this book. This is one of the best “The Art of” book that I have ever read. He is the artist behind some of the most iconic posters of our time. He is also well known for his classic work with both George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. Just to name a few of the amazing posters he has done before we go into it more below, “Back to the Future”, “Jurassic Park” and “Indiana Jones” are just a few. We had the privilege of interviewing Drew Struzan in person for this book and he is just such an amazing guy and a legend of his time. You can check out the interview here.

The book starts of with of course one of my favorite “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. What I also have mentioned yet is that this isn’t just poster book. Drew has included personal recollections from each poster and its creation process. There is no empty space on these pages. “John Carpenter’s The Thing” is one of my favorite posters ever and Drew gives some really great background on the poster. “Back to the Future” series gets some serious attention in this book as well provided dozens of variant posters at different stages of completion. Honestly a dream for movie fans to see this work. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” also gets an amazing send off from Drew. One of my recent favorites of his posters though has to be “Hellboy”. It is such an amazing poster that Drew has even done a step-by-step DVD showcasing his work on this poster. Obviously I only scratched the surface on this book and I didn’t cover everything, it will just have to make you go and find out for yourself what other greats are included in here.

I have seen many poster books before but this is definitely something more than that for sure. It takes a look into Struzan’s poster artwork upfront but then goes down in depth into his process. Each poster that is included also with alternate and/or partial finished pieces of the same art. The foreword alone is worth the purchase of the book by Frank Darabont. It is a great send off to Drew Struzan and their collaboration. Drew worked on the following of Darabont’s films including “The Mist”, “The Green Mile” and “The Shawshank Redemption”. Poster and movie fans a lot this is a MUST purchase. If you own it already go out and buy one for your friends.

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Book Review “The Art of Hammer”

Author: Marcus Hearn
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: November 23, 2010

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“The Art of Hammer” is a fantastic celebration of the Hammer legacy. If you are not aware of Hammer posters, this collection includes various art ranging from 1950’s through the 1970’s. Hammer’s greatest posters from the “Frankenstein” and of course the “Dracula” series. This is such a visual collection of how amazing posters used to be. If you are fan of horror from that era and in general, this is a must purchase book.

The first section of the book focuses on 1950-1959, golden era for starting with posters for “The Curse of Frankenstein” and “Dracula” and “The Mummy”. Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee were featured quite a bit by Hammer’s posters. The second section takes us into 1960-1969 continues the “Frankenstein” and “Mummy” series as well as classics like “She”, “The Reptile” and one of my personal favorites “One Million Years B.C.”. The next section and last is 1970-1979, starts right off with the great “Taste the Blood of Dracula”, “Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb” and “Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde”.

What I liked most about this book is that these are posters like you will never see again. They were risque and started a chain reaction with their unique look. This book also doesn’t include one poster from each film, instead it includes multiple variants from different countries. It is great to get a chance to view all these different designs for our favorite films. Lastly I would like to say that this book comes with quality, it is a solid hardcover with finely printed and restored posters.

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Demian Bichir Receives Nomination for 2012 Film Independent Spirit Award

DEMIÁN BICHIR RECEIVES NOMINATION

FOR 2012 FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARD

Mexican Actor Up For Best Male Lead In “A Better Life”

LOS ANGELES, CA –   Mexican Actor Demián Bichir has been nominated for Best Male Lead for his role in “A Better Life” at the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards. This is the first nomination for a Spirit Award for the actor.

“A Better Life”,  from Oscar nominated director Chris Weitz (“About a Boy”), tells the story of an undocumented immigrant and hardworking single dad Carlos Galindo (Demián Bichir), who embarks on a physical and spiritual journey in order to reconnect with his teenage son and keep him from getting pulled into the local gang life.  “A Better Life” is a touching, poignant, multi-generational story that critics call “compelling”, “intelligent” and “heartfelt”.

The film was written by Eric Eason based on a story by Roger L. Simon.  Set in a Hispanic community and shot entirely in Los Angeles, the film features an almost entirely Hispanic cast and explores the culture and geography of Los Angeles.  “I feel honored to be a part of this movie, and to be nominated for this award. I am in debt to Chris Weitz, for having trusted me with this amazing character.  Nothing that is on the screen could have been done without Chris’s direction”, stated Demián Bichir.

Chris Weitz, also known for directing “Twilight: New Moon”, and “American Pie”, stated “Demián gave his heart and soul to give a voice to the voiceless, and I am delighted that the independent film community is recognizing his performance for this film.”

Winners will be announced at the Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, February 25, 2012.  The 27th annual awards ceremony will be held as a daytime luncheon in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica, and the premiere broadcast will air later that evening at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on IMedia.

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Interview with America Olivio

America Olivio is known for your roles in recent films like the remake of “Friday the 13th” and “Bitch Slap”. She also has recent work on Broadway’s “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” and is starring in the upcoming film “No One Lives”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with America about her work and what is coming up next.

MG: How did you get involved with the “Friday The 13th” remake?
AO: I got involved last minute which seems to be the case a lot of the time. Someone had been fired off the production and I received the call while I was working on “Bitch Slap”. There was still some work to be done on “Bitch Slap” and I was exhausted. I wasn’t really interested in being in “Friday the 13th Part 25” (Laughs) I was told no this was completely different and it was a fresh start for the franchise. I was just so tired but I said ok. As I read the script I really enjoyed it. I was wrapped early on “Bitch Slap” and then was immediately off to shoot in Aspen.

MG: Can you tell us about your role in “Bitch Slap”?
AO: That film took two years off my life for sure! I had the crap beat out of me. I am very proud of that film. It was definitely one of the hardest things I have done but also the most rewarding. We all were having fun but it was very difficult to pull off. Everyone involved in the project was there for the love of the project not the money. We shot in the middle of the Mojave Desert which was super cold in the morning and extremely hot during the day. I feel stronger from a lot of the stuff I learned on that shoot.

MG: Do you enjoy playing the “kick ass” female roles?
AO: Of course! No one wants to play the girlfriend/mom role. Strong women roles are not easy to come by. It was nice to get the opportunity that I got working on “Bitch Slap”.

MG: You do some of your own stunts correct?
AO: I do some of the stunts on normal films. (Laughs)  The real hardcore stuff I like to leave up to the pros. I don’t profess to be a stunt person as I haven’t had that training but I do try and do as much as I can. You really have to tip your hat to the pros

MG: Do you prefer working in one genre more than another?
AO: I like to work in the good genre. I like good projects. Not everything you read on a page turns out the way you envisioned it. I strive for projects that meet mine and the other people working on the project’s vision. I don’t really care what genre a project falls in as long as it’s something that is challenging to me and the people behind it have good intentions.

MG: What can you tell us about working on “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” on Broadway?
AO: That was another learning experience. I got to do a lot of wire work. Scott Rogers designed my rig. I was one of the first few people that got to try this harness that was specifically design for this production. The only way I can describe it is it was like riding in the front of Space Mountain but while singing. I was there for nine months and it was really great.

Mike Gencarelli: What can you tell us about your film “No One Lives”?
America Olivio: We shot that in Louisiana and it stars Luke Evans, Adelaide Clemens and Derek Magyar. It was directed by Ryuhel Kitamura who also directed “Midnight Meat Train”. He was amazing to work with. He has just a great eye for horror graphics. It’s an intense film about a group of thieves who have a kidnapping go wrong. The film is very different and the kills featured in the film are very unique. It was a lot of fun.

MG: What are you currently working on and or have coming out?
AO: “No One Lives” of course will be coming out as well as a film I did titled “Conception”. Both will be coming out sometime in 2012. I also will be appearing on “NCIS: Los Angeles”.

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Book Review “Taxidermied: The Art of Roman Dirge”

Author: Roman Dirge
Hardcover: 112 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: September 20, 2011

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Roman Dirge is known best for his creation of “Lenore”, the cute little dead girl. I have never been a big fan of his work overall. This book features some really weird shit, but that is expected for sure. Some might say that this book is visually stunning, I beg to differ. There are some interesting shots but overall, I was not interested in turning to the next page. I would say that this book is only really for hardcore fans of Roman Dirge, anyone else should steer clear.

The first section of the book focuses on sketches of Dirge’s work that has never been seen before. They are the least gross thing in the book. The second section is called artwork and it includes and nothing is safe in this section. It features bizarre depictions of animals and of course mostly little girls or woman in various states…mostly dead. The next section was the saving grace for me with this book, it is called “Scarytales”. I think this section is great and includes creepy deceptions of classics like Snow White to Alice in Wonderland. I wish this section was longer or if the whole book was based on it. The next section is called “Monster” and just features various gross creations but nothing amazing. So not to end on a downer, there is a section called “Funny Bone” which takes a lighter side of his art. Still gross but includes dialogue and add some humor.

The introduction to the book from Roman himself sets the pace for the whole book. Basically it is him expressing his love for taxidermy and thanks Titans Books for allowing him to be be weird. I have nothing wrong with weird, just to add. I love Tim Burton’s work and similar artists like Neil Gaiman. All in all, I really couldn’t wait to finish looking at this book, though like I said I would have loved to see a larger scale version of the “Scarytales” section though.

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Book Review “Watchmen: The Art of the Film”

Author: Peter Aperlo
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Released: February 10, 2009

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“Watchmen” is a very visual film and it is a film that is perfect to have an art book made for it. Especially since the film is already based on a graphic novel, it just had that comic feel to it. Being a fan of the movie and the graphic novel…this is a dream come true. I have looked over this book numerous times and I still do not feel that I have covered everything in it. I think that is the kind of book I would want to own and add to my collection. The book really adds to the visual aspect of the film and its content.

“Watchmen: The Art of the Film” is broken down into seven parts focusing on Concept Art, Sets, Props, the Owlship, Costumes and Posters. The introduction allow is almost over 20 pages with amazing visuals setting the standard high for the rest of the book. The concept art includes over 60 pages of amazing artwork and references the films storyboards, the graphic novel and also dramatizations never before seen from the film itself. The next section focuses on the film’s sets, which was a really highlight for me personally. They created a world within the film which felt like it was right off the page of the graphic novel. You miss all of the little details that went into this film and this book really showcases that well. The props section is just a very colorful and busy section of the cool shit in the film like gadgets, toys and advertisements. The Owlship has a section of its own that is how cool it is. It goes into great detail for the creation of this amazing vehicle. The costumes in the film are so fantastic and should have been won an award for their uniqueness and complex works of art. The section includes various wardrobes and outfits created for each of the films characters. The last section includes various poster designs from the films featuring each character and other visual creations.

Overall if you have seen this movie, it is guaranteed that you are going to want this book to accompany the film. Or visa-versa, if you haven’t seen this film yet and you checked out this book, it is going to guaranteed make to watch this movie immediately. Like I said earlier, this is just the kind of film that you look forward to checking out the art from it. I wish there were more films like this. It is visually daring and is not afraid to be different and this is the person companion.

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Book Review “Drew Struzan: Oeuvre”

Author: Drew & Dylan Struzan
Hardcover: 314 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: October 4, 2011

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

If you aren’t aware of the work Drew Struzan, first I suggest picked last year amazing release “The Art of Drew Struzan”. Drew Struzan has created artwork for over 150 movie posters, including “Star Wars”, Indiana Jones” and “Harry Potter”. This book features an additional 250 pieces of art and doesn’t just keep it to movie posters either. It covers movies, record albums, books, comics, stamps and even trading cards. It includes right up-to-date pieces of Struzan’s work including “Walking Dead” and “Cowboys and Aliens” but also of course some of the classics. What I like most about this release specifically is that it includes quite a bit of material that has never been published prior, including some of his personal work.

I feel that this book is a little more personal than “The Art of Drew Struzan”. This one really delves into the man, Drew Struzan, and his work. The first section deals with “Music” ranging from Alice Cooper to “Beauty and the Beast” and the works of John Williams. Next we comes to movies which is my personally favorite section. What I like most is the Struzan did a lot of variant posters that were never used like “Cowboys and Aliens”, since it shows the alien in the poster (sort of). I think it would have made for much better poster. Being a “Star Wars” geek though, the different drawings from that series are truly my favorite pieces of work. What makes this book unique is the commercial and personal works included ranging from portraits of the late Princess Diane to MAD Magazines to female portraits and abstracts. You can really see his range of work and explores some of the not so well known drawings.  This book covers it all.

The book is co-authored by Drew’s wife Dylan and they have been married for over 40 years, which is huge. Also you have to understand if you are married, a wife has a huge influences on their spouses work and I am sure she had her had in many of his famous works. The foreword is done by Drew’s longtime friend and collaborator George Lucas…that’s right THE George Lucas. He really gives a great send off for Struzan’s work and this book. Overall if you follow Drew’s work and are a fan of REAL posters not today’s photoshopped terrors than this is a no-brainer.

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Book Review “Halo: The Art of Building Worlds – The Great Journey”

Author: Martin Robinson
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: October 18, 2011

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to “Halo”, it is one of the most beloved franchises by its very expressive fans.  This book right away has a big shoes to fill.  The book is not only visually amazing but it also covers over a decade of “Halo” ranging from “Halo: Combat Evolved” to “Halo: Reach” to even “Halo: Legends”.  It is a great celebration of the art from the franchise. The book covers everything from characters to landscapes to weapons and includes with sketches and concepts art by many acclaimed artists such as Ashley Wood, Alex Chu, and Frank Capezzuto.

The book features seven chapters spawned over almost 200 pages.  The first is about the “Architects of the Past”.  This chapter focuses on a lot of landscape concept art and includes some never before seen art concepts. Since “Halo” takes place in space, the created for this have endless possibilities and it is great to be able to catch some of that in this images. The second is called “We are Their Instrument” and focuses on the baddies in the game ranging from the Elites to the Jackals to the Hunters.  The third is called the “Tools of Conquest”. This chapter focuses on the vehicles and space crafts used throughout the series. It is something that usually doesn’t get to be enjoyed as much in the game itself. The fourth is called “A Monument To All Your Sings” and focuses on the creatures in the series like “The Flood”.  The fifth is a “Welcome to the Corps” and focuses on the soldiers and weapons in the game from UNSC to ODST to Spartans.  This is easily one of my favorites. The sixth is called “Folks Need Heroes” and focuses on the Spartans kicking some ass in different situations.  The seventh is called “Homeworlds” is the “pretty” chapter focusing on various landscapes and locations.

The book features an introduction from “the face of Halo,” Frank O’Connor.  It is short but sweet and definitely reaches out to “Halo” fans and would get them pumped for this book.  The idea of “Halo” itself just screams “give me an art book”.  There is so much amazing design that goes into the characters, landscapes, weapons and just the “Halo” universe itself.  This book is a true must for “Halo” fans awaiting the next addition to this fantastic series.

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Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: art, book, building, great, halo, journey, ...

Book Review “The Simon and Kirby Library: Crime”

Author: Joe Simon & Jack Kirby
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: November 1, 2011

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When you think about the comic book duo Joe Simon & Jack Kirby, you just think of a match made in heaven. There wasn’t a genre that the two couldn’t conquer. This compilation delves into the Simon & Kirby Library containing thirty-two stories original published from 1947-49, and two from 1954 & 1955. There are over 300 pages of comics included in this book. The republished comics looks very crisp and just flipping the pages just shows the colorful richness of these stories.

Since there are over thirty titles included, they come from various different platform. There are four stories from 1947’s “Clue Comics”, six from 1947’s “Real Clue Crime Stories”, “Headline Comics” dating from 1947-48 contains the most comics with thirteen, dating from 1947-49 “Justice Traps the Guilty” packs nine comics and lastly two comics from “Police Trap” dating back to 1954-1955. If all those comics aren’t enough for you there is also a spectacular full page cover gallery, including 13 covers.  All in all very impressive and great stories included in this set.

Each story last less than 15 pages at most are short like most 40-50’s serials. The color on the comics are just phenomenal Titans Books did an excellent job restoring these comics on this release and really catered to the fans. Wrapping up this great book is a great introduction by “Road to Perdition” author “Max Allan Collins. His introducing is very insightful and interesting. It also gets you pumped to continue to the next page. If you are a fan of Simon and Kirby, this is a must for your collection.

 

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Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: book, crime, kirby, library, review, simon, ...

“Cowboys & Aliens” Blu-ray Giveaway [ENDED]

THANK YOU FOR ENTERING, THE CONTEST HAS ENDED. WINNERS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AND NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EVERY WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

To celebrate release of “Cowboys & Aliens”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway FIVE copies of the film on Blu-ray. If you would win one of these great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email and let us know your favorite film by Jon Favreau. This giveaway will be open until Monday December 19th at Noon, Eastern Time and is only open to residents of the United States. Only one entry per person, per household; all other entries will be considered invalid. Once the giveaway ends, Media Mikes will randomly pick out winners and alert the winners via email.

This summer’s movie event becomes the holiday season’s must-own Blu-ray™ as a lone gunslinger leads an uprising against an alien threat in the explosive, stunningly-imagined film, Cowboys & Aliens.   A blazingly original, cross-genre adventure from acclaimed director Jon Favreau (Iron Man, Iron Man 2) and top moviemakers Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, Cowboys & Aliens features heart-pumping action, spectacular visuals and a first-rate cast. Arriving in stores December 6th from Universal Studios Home Entertainment, the Blu-ray™ Combo Pack edition of Cowboys & Aliens bring all of the thrills and fun home with perfect hi-def picture and perfect hi-def sound and includes a never-before-seen extended version of the movie, over two hours of exclusive bonus features, and a DVD and digital copy of the film that can be viewed anywhere, anytime on an array of devices including laptops, tablets, Internet-connected TVs and set-top boxes. The Blu-ray™ also boasts an upgraded version of Universal’s Second Screen—a groundbreaking new technology that enhances the viewing experience by allowing viewers to simultaneously control and interact with the film and bonus material on a WiFi-connected tablet or computer as the movie plays on the television screen.

BONUS FEATURES:

  • Digital Copy of Cowboys & Aliens – Theatrical Version
  • Second Screen
  • Conversations with Jon Favreau
  • Igniting the Sky: The Making of Cowboys & Aliens
  • Feature Commentary with Director Jon Favreau
  • D-BOX / BD-Live / U-Control / pocket BLU App

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: aliens, bluray, cowboys, giveaway
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