3D Blu-ray Review “Piranha 3DD”

Directed by: John Gulager
Starring: Danielle Panabaker, Matt Bush, David Koechner, Chris Zylka, Katrina Bowden, Gary Busey, Christopher Lloyd, David Hasselhoff
Distributed by: Anchor Bay
MPAA Rating: R
Release Date: September 4, 2012
Running time: 83 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When I saw “Piranha 3D” in the theaters back in 2010, I was blown away and had quite a lot of fun. After viewing this sequel for the first time, I was left rather disappointed, especially after seeing the completely over-the-top red band trailer. After immediately viewing the film again, I realized that this might be one to grow on me. Now with that all aside, there are a bunch of great gags, some including penises (double entendre, ha!). The gore is present but not over-the-top like I was hoping. The double DD’s are definitely present as well but get’s lost in the shuffle. Overall, this film definitely gets better with repeat viewings but still manages to miss the mark overall.

The best part of the film is the supporting cast. David Koechner is funny as always. Christopher Lloyd is always a favorite of mine and I am very happy he returned to the role of Mr. Goodman. Gary Busey’s role is way too short and not as effective of a kick-off as the Dreyfuss bit was in the first film. Ving Rhames is a laugh riot as well but I wish his role was expanded. How can you say no to a line like “Gimme ma legs”? The VIP of the film though has to be David Hasselhoff. He absolutely steals the show, as usual, and really has a good time poking fun at himself. Be sure to stick around for through the credits to enjoy some more fun and outtakes with The Hoff stealing it again! You go Hoff!

The Blu-ray presentation is sharp with its 1080p transfer and presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The 3D effects are present but don’t really top the first film. This a little disappointing especially since the first film was post-converted and this was actually shot in 3D. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also is decent but not really pushed either. “Piranha 3DD” comes in a three-disc set with two Blu-ray discs (3D & 2D), one DVD, a digital copy (as download).

The special features are over-the-top just like the film but actually do deliver some great content. There is a commentary with the filmmakers. I don’t know about anyone else but I am not a fan at of all John Gulager. There are three great Behind-the-scenes featurettes included as well. The first is called “The Story Behind the DD”, “The Hofftastic World of David Hasselhoff” and “Wet and Wild with David Koechner”. Anything with the Hoff is good in my book and Koechner really shines here more so than even in the film. “Busey’s Bloopers” is riot, as his opening scene was too short. Lastly there are a few deleted scenes included and also “Short film: A Lesson with John McEnroe”.

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Blu-ray Review “How to Make It in America: The Complete Second Season”

Created by: Ian Edelman
Starring: Bryan Greenberg, Victor Rasuk, Luis Guzman, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Shannyn Sossamon, and Kid Cudi
Distributed by: HBO Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 4, 2012
Running Time: 260 minutes

Season: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Since HBO hit it big with “Sex and the City”, they have been ever trying to recreate that magic. This show was one of those attempts, it is not the strongest but also not the worst. Season two of this half-hour comedy continues to follow on the urban adventures of Ben (Bryan Greenberg) an aspiring designer and Cam (Victor Rasuk), Ben’s best friend. The cast is definitely impressive led by Bryan Greenberg, Victor Rasuk, Shannyn Sossamon, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Luis Guzman, and Kid Cudi. Since the show is very character based, each actor really embraces their role.

If you are a fan of this show though, don’t hold your breath for more since it was canceled in December of 2011 following the end of this season. Though Mark Wahlberg, who is the Executive producer said in an interview shortly after that the show may return on another network.

On television the show might be presented in HD but only 1080i, so the show does look a lot better it is full HD 1080p presentation. It also sounds fantastic with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, though since its a comedy it doesn’t push the barrier. The special features on this release are a little light but. There are three audio commentaries tracks included from various members of the show. There are also two featurettes including “3 Days Downtown” and “Inside the Series”, both have cast/crew interviews and a look a the production.

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Blu-ray Review “Hung: The Complete Third Season”

Created by Dmitry Lipkin, Colette Burson
Starring: Thomas Jane, Jane Adams, Eddie Jemison, Sianoa Smit-McPhee, Charlie Saxton
Distributed by: HBO Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 4, 2012
Running Time: 315 minutes

Season: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

As much as I love Thomas Jane, he is such a crazy yet amazing actor. Having met him personally I was able to experience his charm first hand, it comes through for this show but it is not enough to draw me in. This was was actually getting better which each passing season, though in December of 2011 HBO officially canceled this series after this season. They seemed much have be cleaning house at HBO since they also canceled “Bored to Death” and “How to Make it in America”. Nonetheless if you enjoyed this show it is at least available with an impressive Blu-ray release.

The third season continued to follow Thomas Jane as his continued his path as the perfect guy and continued making a living being an escort. Things get crazy when Lenore seeks revenge against Ray and his pimp for stealing her idea of turning the local 25-year-old busboy named Jason(Stephen Amell, “The Vampire Diaries”) into a new male hooker.

On television the show might be presented in HD but only 1080i, so the show does look a lot better it is full HD 1080p presentation. It also sounds fantastic with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, though since its a comedy it doesn’t push the barrier. There are a slew of bonuses on this two-disc set including deleted scenes, the featurette “Hung: Inside the Series”, “Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy”, the Wellness centre Walk-through, Damon and Darby’s music video, “Where Is Henry Ford?”, an Alternate Ending and 4 audio commentaries.

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Blu-ray Review “Bored to Death: The Complete Third Season”

Starring: Jason Schwartzman, Zach Galifianakis, Ted Danson
Distributed by: HBO Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 4, 2012
Running Time: 245 minutes

Season: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Bored to Death” has me hooked from episode one of season one. The show is show quirky and unique that I was instantly a fan. As the show developed, I feel that it only got better. I know it might be a bold statement but I feel that has been easily some of the best work from the three stars; Jason Schwartzman, Zach Galifianakis, Ted Danson. Like the majority of comedy shows on HBO, last year this show was canceled following this season. It is a shame because it was one of the best things the network had going for it (besides “Game of Thrones”, I know).

The third season of this show really delves deep its its characters. It also continues to develop the three stars relationships, specifically the relationship with Jonathan and George. Jonathan’s detective duties get much more in-depth as well. Bigger is not always better since he finds himself in ever more trouble with his unlicensed occupation.

On television the show might be presented in HD but only 1080i, so the show does look a lot better it is full HD 1080p presentation. It also sounds fantastic with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, though since its a comedy it doesn’t push the barrier. The special features are decent but not too special per se. There are 4 audio commentaries, a few deleted Scenes, outtakes and a featurette called “Inside the Episodes”.

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Blu-ray Review “HIGH School”

Directed by: John Stalberg, Jr.
Starring: Adrien Brody, Michael Chiklis, Colin Hanks, Matt Bush, Sean Marquette
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Anchor Bay
Release Date: September 4, 2012
Running Time: 99 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

As I get further and further away from high school personally. I tend to find high school films less and less amusing. This film lucky point is its impressive cast. Adrien Brody, Michael Chiklis, Colin Hanks all really steal the show in this film. “HIGH School” was on the shelf for a few years prior to getting released, so you know that there had to be a reason for it. If you are looking for a few brainless laughs and nothing much, this is worth at least one watch.

The day after valedictorian Henry Burke (Matt Bush) decides to try smoking weed for the first time his school principal (Michael Chiklis) institutes mandatory drug tests for all students. If Henry fails, he will lose his college scholarship. His other option is to team up with stoner friend Breaux (Sean Marquette) in order to try and beat the system. What is their master plan…try and steal a psycho drug dealer’s stash to get the whole school high. What can go wrong?

This film looks sharp on Blu-ray but nothing special. The 1080p transfer looks sharp and delivers a crisp presentation within its original aspect ratio of 2.39:1. The audio also packs a strong Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track and works well with the film’s music. The special features are lacking a bit though. There is an audio commentary track with executive producer/writer/director John Stalberg, Jr., worth really checking out only if you REALLY liked this movie. Lastly there is a few never-before-seen deleted scenes, which are definitely worth checking out. I could think of a few things they could have cut in place of these.

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Blu-ray Review “Persona 4: The Animation, Collection 1”

Directed by: Seiji Kishi
Distributed by: Sentai Filmworks
Rated: Unrated
Release Date: September 18, 2012
Run Time: 300 minutes

Episodes: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

After spending countless hours playing my PlayStation 2 copy of “Persona 4”. I knew that I was dying for more “Persona”. When I heard there was an Anime of the show being released in the US and dubbed, I was all over that. This show is everything I could have wanted and more it really captures the essence of the franchise. All I can ask is…where is part 2? You got that Sentai?

When Yu Narukami moves to the country town and looking for the peace and quiet change that is not available from being in the big city. When he start’s realizing that his uncle’s job as a police detective begins to spill over into his own life. He is finding that the murders that are occurring across town are somehow linked to Yu’s own experiences. Together with a new group of friends, Yu must plunge into a bizarre alternate reality where he gains unique abilities that will either help him solve the riddle of the mystery killer, or lead him to his doom.

The Blu-ray presentation is top-notch. The animation looks beautiful and crisp with its 1080p transfers. The audio track is also decent even though it is only DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. It still manages to deliver the goods. The main issue with the audio is that there is no original Japanese language track (not the fault of Sentai though), which is sure to upset many fans (not me though).

The special features included on this set are slim but worth checking out for sure. I should first point out that the Japanese edition of this collection included commentaries that are not found on this release. There is an episode 1 director’s cut and on-air versions included. There are also clean opening and closing animation sequences. Lastly, there are trailers for other great Sentai titles.

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Blu-ray Review “Miramax Double Feature: The Prophecy / The Prophecy II”

Directors: Gregory Widen, Greg Spence
Starring: Christopher Walken, Elias Koteas, Vincent Spano, Russell Wong
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Running Time: 181 minutes

The Prophecy: 4 out of 5 stars
The Prophecy II: 3.5 out of 5 stars

As I have stated before, Christopher Walken delivers one of his best roles as Gabriel in this franchise. This release finally brings us “The Prophecy II” on Blu-ray for the first time. It comes packaged with the first film as well. Not sure why Echo Bridge chose it leave it out in the last collection. Overall this series is always fun to watch and continues to be entertaining throughout each viewing. This is a must purchase for all fans of the horror genre.

“The Prophecy” follows an L.A. homicide detective, who while fighting to stop the forces of evil, finds an unlikely ally in an elementary school teacher. Together they race against time and terror to save the world as we know it. “The Prophecy: God’s Army” brings the returns of Christopher Walken as the menacing angel Gabriel. The only hope for survival in the battle of good and evil lands in the unborn child of an innocent woman (Jennifer Beals)…unless Gabriel catches her first.

The Blu-ray presentation on both of these films are very impressive. They both come with 1080p high definition transfer. “The Prophecy” is presented with an impressive Dolby Digital 5.1 track. While “The Prophecy II” only comes with a 2.0 Stereo track. “The Prophecy” also packed with a theatrical trailer and a production featurette, which is rare (but encouraged) for Echo Bridge. If you are a fan of the series and looking for a chance to own the missing second film, this is a cheap and quick way to get these films on Blu-ray.

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Blu-ray Review “Miramax Double Feature: The Crow: City of Angels / The Crow: Wicked Prayer”

Directors: Tim Pope, Lance Mungia
Starring: Vincent Perez, Edward Furlong, Mia Kirshner, Tara Reid
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Running Time: 185 minutes

The Crow: City of Angels: 3.5 out of 5 stars
The Crow: Wicked Prayer: 2 out of 5 stars

I feel bad for Vincent Perez in “The Crow: City of Angels”, since he has really big shoes to walk-in. This sequel does not trump the first one with the late Brandon Lee but it surely gives it some respect and delivers a good time. On the other side of this release we have “The Crow: Wicked Prayer”, which does not succeed at all. The film has Edward Furlong taking the lead as the risen vigilante but it is more laughable than chilling. I would have liked to see a double feature with “The Crow” and “The Crow: City of Angels”, but Echo Bridge unfortunately doesn’t have the right to the first film.

“The Crow: City of Angels” is a fast-moving and action-packed sequel to The Crow and stars Vincent Perez and Mia Kirshner. After being brought back to life by a mysterious crow, our vicitim seeks revenge on the evil drug cartel that murdered him with the help of beautiful woman Sarah (Kirshner). “The Crow: Wicked Prayer” stars Tara Reid, David Boreanaz and Edward Furlong. It follows ex-con Jimmy Cuervo (Furlong) who while trying to straighten out his life, his girlfriend Lily and himself are brutally murdered by a renegade biker gang in a satanic ritual. Of course in line with the series, Cuervo comes back to get revenge.

Despite the including of “Wicked Prayer”, this Blu-ray presentation is actually quite impressive. Both films look great in their 1080p transfers and both include very powerful DTS 5.1 audio track, as well as 2.0 Stereo tracks. Also in a rare change for Echo Bridge each film actually has special features. For “City of Angels”, there is Brandan Lee’s Last Interview and a production featurette. For “Wicker Prayer”, there is two deleted scenes and a commentary track with director Lance Mungia, director of photography Kurt Brabbee, editor Dean Holland and sound designer Steve Avila. Not the best track but better than no extras.

 

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Book Review “Alien – The Illustrated Story”

Author: Archie Goodwin
Illustrator: Walt Simonson
Paperback: 64 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: September 4, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

From the moment that I opened this book, I was in love. I was immediately transported back to my childhood days of comic book readings. There was just something about this that immediately captured me. I am not sure if it was the design style, the animation or maybe just colors. This book was original done back in 1979 and has been out of print for over thirty years. This edition is brand new and has been completely and meticulously restored using the original Simonson’s original artwork.

The book was written by the late Archie Goodwin, the comic book writer, known best for his Warren and Marvel Comics work. He was also the chief writer and editor of landmark horror anthology titles Creepy and Eerie. On a graphic novel, the illustrator is really the star of the show. Walt Simonson is the man behind this one and he has written, penciled or inked Batman, Fantastic Four, The Hulk and Superman just to name but a few!

I remember watching this film sneaking behind my parents back and being absolutely terrified. I have found that this excitement and terror was immediately brought back after reading this stunning color graphic novel of Ridley Scott’s legendary sci-fi thriller! Overall if you are looking to get transported through time back to your childhood, then this is for you at at a low price of around $10. If you are looking for the Original Art Hardcover Edition, it will also be released by Titan Books on October 30, 2012 timed with the Blu-ray release of “Prometheus”.

Premise: Vacant. Two space helmets resting on chairs. Electronic hum. Lights on the helmets begin to signal one another. Moments of silence. A yellow light goes on. Electronic hum. A green light goes on in front of one helmet. Electronic pulsing sounds. A red light goes on in front of the other helmet. An electronic conversation ensues. Reaches a crescendo. Then silence. And when the silence is broken… the crew of the Nostromo must grapple with a terrifying life force they cannot leash, nor even comprehend – the Alien!

 

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Blu-ray Review “Re-Animator”

Directed by: Stuart Gordon
Starring: Jeffrey Combs, Bruce Abbott, Barbara Crampton, David Gale
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Studio: Image Entertainment
Release Date: September 4, 2012
Running Time: 85 minutes

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

“Re-Animator” is easily one the best horror films of the 80s. Jeffrey Combs is just so amazing in the role of Dr. Herbert West. The special effects are absolutely amazing and still hold up almost 30 years later. The producer, Brian Yunza actually approved this transfer as well, so you know that it is not just a port to time with Halloween. This Blu-ray really brings this film back to life and delivers a top-notch presentation. The brand new 1080p transfer is superior, especially for horror fans. The beautifully sounding DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track really showcases Richard Band’s wonderful score. Easily a must have for all horror fans!

Image Entertainment has definitely delivered a packed Blu-ray with some really great bonus features (even though they have existing from previous DVD releases). This release features two really impressive audio commentary tracks. The first is from the film’s director Stuart Gordon and he definitely shows his passion for this film. The next one is from producer Brian Yunza and cast including Bruce Abbott, Jeffrey Combs, Barbara Crampton and Robert Sampson. This one is a little crowded but definitely delivers the fun.

There are interviews from Stuart Gordon and Brian Yunza, writer Dennis Paoli, Fangoria editor Tony Timpone and composer Richard Band. There is also a music discussion with composer Richard Band. This is easily one of the best scores in horror film history. There are a bunch of deleted and extended scenes, all worth checking out. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer and TV spots included on this film. Obviously if you own the past DVD as I am sure all horror fans would, this features do not disappoint.

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CD Review: Lynyrd Skynyrd “Last of a Dyin’ Breed”

Lynyrd Skynyrd
Last of a Dyin’ Breed
Release Date: August 21, 2012
Label: Roadrunner Records/Loud & Proud Records
Tracks: 11
Running Time: 43 minutes

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Pronounced “leh-nerd skin nerd”, I have been a member of the Skynyrd Nation for the last 20 years. When I was approached to review this album, I got a wave of terror since they are in fact of my favorite bands. When you are reviewing one of your favorite band, you most importanting don’t want it to suck. Well luckily this album doesn’t and in fact is one of the bands most amped up records to date. If you go from the country-backed “Gods and Guns” to this Southern rock-infused “Last of a Dyin’ Breed”, it is like two different bands. Compared to the political edge to “Gods”, you can just feel that boys of Skynyrd are in the studio just having fun and delivering some good ‘ole southern rock! Skynyrd is still at the top of their game and show no signs of slowing down.

“Guns” producer Bob Marlette is back on board for “Last Of A Dyin’ Breed” and really re-ignites and even improves on the magic they had last go-round. The sound of the album is traditional Skynyrd blended very well with what is going on right now in the world. It is an album for the fans and definitely made for the fans. If you are looking for instantly memorable songs and some ridiculous three-guitar attacks, look no further! I do not think that there is a Skynyrd fan out there that will disagree with me that Skynyrd is on fire with this album.

Longtime members Gary Rossington (guitar), Johnny Van Zant (vocals) and Rickey Medlocke (guitar) and drummer Michael Cartellone are leading the pack on this album. The last time they recorded an album was 2009, which was a rough year for the band with the loss of Billy Powell and Ean Evans. Joining them is their newest bassist Johnny Colt (The Black Crowes, Train), guitarist Mark “Sparky” Matejka and keyboardist Peter Keys. Van Zant has honestly never sounded better vocally. With Medlocke and Rossington, you can just tell that they are literally tearing the shit out of their guitars. Skynyrd is a band that will never be put down and will just keep on coming.

If I had to choose a favorite song, I would have a very hard time for sure. Some notable tracks are “One Day at a Time”, “Something to Live For” and definitely “Ready to Fly” (shit, I guess I do have a favorite). Other notable tracks are “Homegrown”, which uses some cool vocal distortion and “Honey Hole”. They are probably two of the most unique tracks and just plain fun. Of course props needs to also be given to the title track “Last Of A Dyin’ Breed”. Johnny’s vocals are honestly the best they have ever been.  Also keep an ear out for “Mississippi Blood” featuring rare vocals from Medlock.  I have seen Skynyrd perform live probably 10 or more times and that track can easily open every show and get the crowd going.  I can just see Johnny getting up there and raising that microphone up like he always does! Woo hoo hoo!

If you are a die-hard Skynyrd fan, be sure to pick up the special edition of this record because you get not one but four bonus tracks, including “Poor Man’s Dream”, “Do It Up Right”, “Sad Song” and “Low Down Dirty”. After listening these tracks together as whole, this album isn’t complete without them personally. I can’t stress more that these are a must for all Skynyrd fans.

Track Listing:
1. Last Of A Dyin’ Breed
2. One Day At A Time
3. Homegrown
4. Ready To Fly
5. Mississippi Blood
6. Good Teacher
7. Something To Live For
8. Life’s Twisted
9. Nothing Comes Easy
10. Honey Hole
11. Start Livin’ Life Again

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Grave’s Ola Lindgren talks about new album and touring with Morbid Angel

Ola Lindgren is the vocalist/guitarist for the death metal band Grave. The band has just released their 10 full length studio album titled “Endless Procession of Souls”. Media Mikes talked with Ola recently about the album and the bands upcoming tour with Morbid Angel.

Adam Lawton: What can you tell us about the band’s new album?
Ola Lindgren: I would say it is very much back to the bands roots. It is very old school and straight forward. The album has a very heavy, death metal groove. We set out to do an album that could sound like it could have been released in the early days of the band some 20 years ago. I think we accomplished that pretty well with not only the songwriting but also the arrangements. We recorded this album ourselves in our own studio. It’s crushing in every way.

AL: Was there any specific reason for wanting an album that sounded like the band in its early days?
OL: Our two previous albums were a lot more in this same direction. We are sticking to what we know best. We have never really been technical or complicated. We are very straight forward. This album also featured some new blood in the band. Everyone contributed with their own ideas. The process both writing it and putting it together has been pretty easy.

AL: Did having new members in the band change the writing/recording process at all?
OL: I would say the process was very much a band effort. It was different though from the previous 3 albums. It has always been pretty much myself and Ronnie doing everything. We had been sitting at home shooting tracks back and forth and also doing some pre-production stuff. This time it was everyone together in a rehearsal room. Everything felt very right and that’s the way we wanted to do it. Each member had a part in how the songs came together.

AL: Are you planning to shoot a video for any of the songs on the album?
OL: We have some plans but nothing is definite yet. There is one track that I really want to do a video for however we have to decide when to do it and what song we actually want to use.

AL: Can you tell us about the bands upcoming tour?
OL: It’s a very cool idea I think. We actually toured with Morbid Angel back in 1993 here in Europe. They are good friends. We got asked very early in the process about doing this tour. The addition of Dark Funeral is very cool as well. We are really looking forward to playing a lot of the new material and I think the tour will be very successful. The tour starts Sept. 20th and runs through Oct. 26th.

AL: Are you hitting any places that you haven’t been to before?
OL: I don’t think so. I recognize most of the cities on the list as this will be our 5th or 6th time to the States. We also have some Canadian dates and we have played there as well so I don’t think we will be making any new discoveries this time around.

AL: Is there any place the band wants to tour but has not been able to yet?
OL: The only place we have really toured or played is Japan. That has always been something that I thought would be very cool to be able to do. It’s very hard to get over there but we have people working on it for us. Lately there are a lot of things opening up in China and it would be cool to go there as well.

AL: What are the bands plans after the tour wraps up in October?
OL: There are plans for more touring. Before we come over to the States we are doing a small 2 week headlining run here in Europe. We can’t do much more than that as we have to head over to the states. When we get back we are looking to do a more extensive headlining tour as well as a tour in South America and Australia.

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CD Review “Nick Cave & Warren Ellis Present: Lawless – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack”

Nick Cave & Warren Ellis
Lawless: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Distributed by: Sony Masterworks
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Tracks: 14
Running Time: 39 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Nick Cave & Warren Ellis have collaborated on many films including “The Proposition”, “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” and “The Road”. They all seem to have the same feel to each of them, though all unique. The film is based on Matt Bondurant’s 2008 novel “The Wettest County in the World” and that novel was adapted into a screenplay by Nick Cave. The soundtrack is a nice mixture of original songs written by Nick Cave for the movie and performances by Country legends Willie Nelson and Emmylou Harris along with Grammy Award winner Ralph Stanley (O Brother, Where Art Thou) and Mark Lanegan from Screaming Trees and Queens of the Stone Age.

Nick Cave and Warren Ellis are best known for their work in the critically acclaimed rock band, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Cave and Ellis mixed their original music with innovative vocal under the name of The Bootleggers, which was the band they formed for the project. After listening to this album on loop a few times, I did start to dig it a bit more, but I feel it still runs a little too short for my taste. Nonetheless, it definitely captures the essence of the film very well. It also has a real period feel of country mixed with bluegrass. I would actually recommend listening to it and THEN seeing the film, since it will definitely get you in the mood.

The track from country legend Willie Nelson was actually previously unreleased and packs a mean harmonica. There are two versions of Velvet Underground’s “White Light/White Heat”, one by Mark Lanegan and the other by bluegrass veteran Ralph Stanley. The two new songs that Cave and Ellis specifically wrote for this film was “Cosmonaut” and “Fire in the Blood” featuring versions from Emmylou Harris and Ralph Stanley. The album ends on an instrumental track called “End Crawl, which is a brave move but is a good close.

Track Listings
1. Fire and Brimstone
2. Burnin’ Hell
3. Sure ‘Nuff ‘N Yes I Do
4. Fire in the Blood
5. White Light / White Heat
6. Cosmonaut
7. Fire in the Blood / Snake Song
8. So You’ll Aim Towards the Sky
9. Fire in the Blood
10. Fire and Brimstone
11. Sure ‘Nuff ‘N Yes I Do
12. White Light / White Heat
13. End Crawl
14. Midnight Run
15. Midnight Run (Buddy Cannon Mix)

 

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Blu-ray Review “The Terminator Anthology”

Directors: James Cameron, McG, Jonathan Mostow
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Biehn, Linda Hamilton, Eddie Furlong, Nick Stahl, Christian Bale and Sam Worthington
Distributed by: Warner Bros.
MPAA Rating: R / PG-13 / Not Rated
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Running Time: 472 minutes

The Terminator: 3.5 of 5 stars
Terminator 2: Judgment Day: 4.5 of 5 stars
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines: 3 out of 5 stars
Terminator Salvation: 3 of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

It’s amazing when you look back on the “The Terminator” franchise and see that it has been kicking ass since 1984 through 2009, and I am sure we haven’t seen the end. This anthology box set release is a Best Buy Exclusive and is the first time that these four films from the “Terminator” franchise have been released together including “The Terminator (1984)”, “Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)”, “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)” and “Terminator Salvation (2009)”. The five-disc release offers seven cuts, the theatrical editions of each film, plus the THX extended and special editions cuts of “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” edits and the R-rated director’s cut of “Terminator Salvation”. This is truly the definitive collection of all four films on Blu-ray…if you don’t own these films already.  If you own this already then this will not be for you since it is basically just a repackage.

If you are looking for any new remasters of this these films, keep waiting for the future foreign releases. ll the films are presented in 1080p transfer, all the same as their previous releases.  “The Terminator” still looks good but not perfect within its 1.85:1 transfer, though it sounds amazing with its uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround track.  “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” still looksstunning and holds up with its 1080p transfer and aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The film also blows up surround sound with its DTS-HD MA 6.1 audio track.   “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines” disc still has its problem though it does come with a 1080p transfer, it is still sporting its  Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track. Lastly since “Terminator Salvation” is the newest it looks amazing on Blu-ray with its 1080p transfer and 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 is also easily the best in the franchise behind “T2”.

The following special features included on this release are very impressive. “The Terminator” includes “A Restrospective” documentary, seven deleted scenes and “Creating The Terminator: Visual Effects & Music” featurette”.  T”Terminator 2: Judgment Day” includes over 8 hours of interactive special features including behind-the-scenes video and multimedia galleries, storyboard-script mode, quizzes and games. There are also two commentary tracks including James Cameron and writer William Wisher and 26 cast & crew members. “Terminator: Rise of the Machines” includes an intro from Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as three audio commentaries with the stars and director. There is the HBO First Look, two featurettes; “Dressed to Kill” and “Toys in Action” and also a gag reel. Lastly there is the Making of the Video Game.  “Terminator Salvation” packs a punch within its WB Maximum Mode with Storyboard Comparisons and an Terminator Mythology Timeline.  There is also a documentary called “Re-Forging the Future: Reinventing the Franchise” and lastly a featurette called “The Moto-Terminator: The Relationship Between the Filmmakers and Ducati”.

Buy The Terminator Anthology exclusively at Best Buy on 8/28!
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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: anthology, bluray, review, terminator

Founder/Owner of Metal Blade Records’ Brian Slagel talks about 30th Anniversary

Brian Slagel is the founder/owner of Metal Blade Records. This year marks the labels 30th anniversary and Media Mikes had the chance recently to talk with Brian about the labels history and what it has planned to celebrate this monumental occasion.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us what initially led you to putting together the first Metal Massacre compilation?
Brian Slagel: I was in Los Angeles and saw so many really great metal bands playing around. At that
time there was no way for them to get heard. I was a huge fan of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal in England and its DIY attitude and from there I got the idea to do a compilation of local LA heavy metal bands. I was also working at a record store and I asked the import distributors I bought from if they would buy a compilation if I put one out. They said yes and the album became a reality.

AL: Did the success of that release plant the seed for you in starting Metal Blade Records or was starting/having your own label always something you wanted?
BS: I never intended to start a label. I was working at a record store and also doing a fanzine. After the album was released, I was offered a pressing and distribution deal from one of the importers. That is when it started to become a label.

AL: You gave Metallica their first real exposure with the Metal Massacre release. Was there a specific reason the band did not sign to Metal Blade?
BS: Yes I had no money as did they. So with no money there was no way to record an album. They came to me first, but no money meant it never happened.

AL: What do you feel has been the labels biggest accomplishment in its 30 years of existence?
BS: Probably just being around for 30 years and still going strong. It is a difficult business, but we have been lucky to still be around and doing what we love.

AL: With the 30 year anniversary of the label is their going to be any special edition releases or re-releases from the label?
BS: Yes we are doing special versions, vinyl, picture discs all year long. Also we are doing special sales around the world as well tied into the 30th.

AL: When signing bands to your label are there any specific qualities or characteristics you look for?
BS: There is nothing specific. We always look for bands that sound a bit different and also are willing to work with us. Getting signed these days is the easy part, and then the work really begins. It’s always helpful if the band has something happening before they ever sign with us.

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music Interviews Tagged With: 30th, anniversary, blade, brian, founderowner, metal, ...
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