Blu-ray Review “Battle Royale: The Complete Collection”

Directed by: Kinji Fukasaku
Starring: Beat Takeshi, Chiaki Kuriyama
Number of discs: 4
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Anchor Bay
Release Date: March 20, 2012
Running Time: 368 minutes

Collection: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out 5 stars

It is really sad that it took this film this long to get released properly in the US. “Battle Royale” has been proclaimed by many as “One Of The Most Controversial Film Series Of All Time”. It is definitely that for sure…and then some. The reason for this release occurs due to the unbelievable hype from the upcoming movie “The Hunger Games”. There has been talks of doing a US version of “Battle Royale” for many years but those were silenced since “The Hunger Games” came along. They are relatively similar in a sense besides the fact that “Battle Royale” is a no-holds barred kick-ass movie not backed by a teeny-bopper/Twilight-esque following like with “The Hunger Games”. Nonetheless, I am happy to finally see this film and its sequel “Battle Royale II: Requiem” released in the America and in glorious high definition.  So if you enjoy “The Hunger Games”, you should enjoy this release as well, no question.

The complete collection consists of four discs within fantastic case/box. The box comes with great photos from the films through the case. The first disc is the director’s cut of “Battle Royale”. The second disc is the theatrical cut of “Battle Royale”. The third disc is the sequel “Battle Royale II: Requiem”, less superior that the first but still very enjoyable. The fourth and final disc is jam packed with bonus content. The video resolution looks great with its 1080p transfer, with its original aspect ratio: 1.85:1. The audio is also fantastic specifically with its Japanese track boasting a very impressive Dolby TrueHD 7.1. The English dubbed track only included a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track.

Kinji Fukasaku’s violet yet poetic “Battle Royale” follow a group of Junior High students forced by the government to hunt and kill their classmates for sport. Sounds similar to “The Hunger Games” huh? When they are flown to a remote island, the rules are laid out for the game. Each student is put in a group with another student, given a weapon and set against their fellow classmates. Only one group will be allowed to leave the island alive. Of course what separates this from “The Hunger Games” is that one your team member is killed the device around the team members neck will explode in a few seconds.

“Battle Royale II: Requiem” follows right about the events of the first film. The survivors of previous Battles Royale, led by Shuya Nanahara have formed a rebel group called the “Wild Seven”. A class of teenagers are kidnapped by the Japanese government again. Instead of being forced to kill each other, like the first film, the students are sent off to war and ordered to attack and kill terrorist group and its leader.

The special features on this release are so fantastic and include more than 3 hours of extras. The main issue with these is that they are only presented on DVD, it would have been great to see these presented on Blu-ray and in high definition. The extras includes the following: The Making of Battle Royale, TV Spot: Tarantino Version, Basketball Scene Rehearsals, Tokyo International Film Festival 2000, Special Edition TV Spot, Original Theatrical Trailer, Battle Royale Documentary, Special Effects Comparison Featurette, Filming On-Set, Behind-The-Scenes Featurette, Audition & Rehearsal Footage, Instructional Video: Birthday Version, Battle Royale Press Conference. If you previously purchased the Special Edition International versions, then this is nothing new here just with subtitles now.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: battle, bluray, collection, complete, review, royale, ...

Blu-ray Review “Virgin Witch”

Directed by: Ray Austin
Starring: Ann Michelle, Vicki Michelle, Keith Buckley, Patricia Haines, James Chase
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Kino Lorber/Redemption
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Running Time: 88 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

Redemption does it again! The Blu-ray release of “Virgin Witch” is fantastic.  It was mastered in HD from the original 35MM negative.  You get such quality with the film and know that it is well taken care of when you see a release from Redemption. The 1.66:1 1920x1080p transfer is extremely sharp and clear.  The audio is also very notable working really well with Ted Dicks fantastic/haunting score.  Ann and Vicki Michelle are just so amazing together, not to mention quite a sight to look at.

The film follows Christine (Ann Michelle) and her sister Betty (Vicki Michelle) during their trip to London.  Christine get a job modelling at Sybil Waite’s talent agency.   The girls take a trip into the country to spend the weekend and for a photo shoot. Though we find out that Sybil (Patricia Haines) has more plans then she is letting up.  It turns out that the castle where they are staying is witches’ coven and they are looking for two new virgin recruits.

Like past releases from Redemption, unfortunately the special features do not match this fantastic release.  There is only a photo gallery and trailer included. In the future if they are able to produce a wonderful remastered edition of this great films and then top it off with some amazing special features, Redemption will be on their way to rule the world. Horror fans needs to pick this up, it is a must purchase.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, review, virgin, witch

DVD Review “Adventures in Lalaloopsy Land: Search for Pillow”

MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Distributed by: Lions Gate
Release Date: March 20, 2012
Running Time: 70 minutes

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

With my daughter two months away from being born, I look at the film from a different stand point then I normally would. This is an instant hit with kids, especially girls, they will easily eat it up. Lalaloopsy dolls are one hot ticket and are extremely popular with kids. What better than to make a full-length film to cash in on the success. Growing up in the 80’s this reminds me of a modern day “Strawberry Shortcake”. I wouldn’t be surprised if this franchise makes its way to the small screen in a TV series any day now. Either way if you have kids, this will be a must purchase.

When Pillow Featherbed goes missing, the Lalaloopsy girls set out on an adventure to find their friend. This is the first (of I am sure many coming) full-length features and it definitely includes many surprises and challenges for our girls.  It is also a very smart and makes the kids think while watching and figure out problems like dealing with a pending thunderstorm.  Each girl uses their individual abilities and talents and they realize that working together is the best way to find their last friend in time.

For a kids film, I am impressed that there are special features included on this film. There is five additional mini adventures with the Lalaloopsy group. There is also a sing-a-long included. All of these features will easily provides kids busy for a while they hang out with favorites like Jewel Sparkles, Bea Spells-a-Lot, Crumbs Sugar Cookie, Spot Splatter Splash and many more.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: adventures, dvd, lalaloopsy, land, pillow, review, ...

DVD Review “Betty White: Champion for Animals”

Directed by: Robert Kline
Starring: Betty White
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Distributed by: Image Entertainment
Release Date: March 27, 2012
Running Time: 89 minutes

Our Score: 1.5 out of 5 stars

Alright, I know everyone thinks that Betty White is a national treasure but I don’t. Don’t get me wrong she is loveable and very entertaining, especially in her prime days. But I think recently she has been in the spotlight quite a bit, a little too much for me. To make it worse in the whole 90 minutes she is only it in maybe 10 minutes tops. It is mostly about animals and their conservation. It plays like a 90 minute infomercial.

Even though, I feel that Betty White is not my favorite, in this I think the best parts where when she shared her experiences about the animals and discusses her devotion to them. The rest of the film travels to national parks, zoos and aquariums without her just meeting different animals. It tries to teach about their conversation but just comes off as preachy and overall is barely watchable.

The release does not include any special features at all, not that I could honestly bare any more. I think that this could have actually succeeded if it was more like a travel program and we followed Betty from place to place and having her narrate the film. I believe this could have at least made this watchable. I won’t be able to get my 90 minutes back on this one. Instead I would suggest watching Discovery Channel and actually learn something.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: animals, betty, champion, dvd, review, white, ...

Interview with Adrenaline Mob’s Mike Portnoy

Mike Portnoy is best known as one of the founding members and drummer of the progressive rock group Dream Theater. Portnoy’s latest project Adrenaline Mob which features members of Disturbed and Symphony X is set to release their first full length album on March 13th. Media Mikes had a chance recently to talk with Mike about the group and the upcoming album.

Adam Lawton: How did you first get asked to be a part of Adrenaline Mob?
Mike Portnoy: I have known Russell Allen for many years. Our bands had toured together a couple times and we became very good friends. I have always admired his voice and I think his is one of the best in the business. He is someone that I have always wanted to work with. When my time with Avenged Sevenfold came to a close in 2010 Russell called me up to ask if I would be interested in checking out some material he had been working on with a guy by the name of Mike Orlando. At first I was sort of anticipating material along the lines of Symphony X and Dream Theater. Honestly I wasn’t interested in doing material like that as I wanted to go into some new musical places. I was pleasantly surprised when I hit play and heard the song “Undaunted”. It was exactly what I was looking for and I was instantly on board. It was the right band at the right time.

AL: Can you describe what the writing sessions were like?
MP: The writing happened before my involvement. Mike Orlando has this graveyard of songs and riffs that he has been just waiting for the right band to use them with. He had been working with Russell Allen probably a year or two before my involvement with the project. By the time they asked me to be involved I would say around 80% of the music had been written. I did some shaping and arranging but for the most part everything was there.

AL: How do you think you’re playing on this album differs from that on the Dream Theater and Avenged Sevenfold albums?
MP: I think this stuff is more in line with what I did with Avenged Sevenfold. This was the next natural step in the evolution of that kind of drumming in my life. With Avenged I was out on the Uproar Tour surrounded by bands like Disturbed, Hellyeah and Stone Sour. All these bands are very song oriented and they have a bounce to their grooves. I was very excited playing that kind of music. It’s fun and doesn’t require you to over think anything or play really technical parts. There is nothing wrong with doing that kind of playing but I was looking for a breather. This music definitely is the next step after my drumming on the “Nightmare” album. Having that bounce was the real priority to on “Omerta”. I still wanted it to have my personality and character which I think it does but, have it be restrained somewhat.

AL: Is there a track off the album you are really looking forward to playing live?
MP: At this point we have played everything live already. Every one of these songs comes alive on stage. They are all really energy driven. Songs like “Undaunted” and Psychosane” have a lot drive while the song “All on the Line” serves as a nice breather and a showcase for Russell’s melodic side. When we were playing with Godsmack that song got a great response every night. All the songs serve different purposes depending on what you are looking for.

AL: Where did the idea come from to cover a Duran Duran song?
MP: Mike Orlando and Russell presented that to me at the same time they were showing me all the other material. I had thought it was an original because I never heard the Duran Duran version before. I guess that said something for how well it adapted to the rest of the material. I don’t know which guy actually came up with the idea but it surely works with the rest of the material. Lzzy Hale’s vocals on that track are a whole other attraction. It’s amazing hearing her and Russell trading off together.

AL: What do you think will make this album stand out from others in the rock/metal genre?
MP: I think the thing with Adrenalin Mob is we are taking the song writing structure of bands like Disturbed and Godsmack while keeping with the shred factor. Mike Orlando is an incredible player along the lines of Zakk Wylde and Dimebag Darrell. Add my prog background in and you get something very different. Honestly we aren’t trying to break any new ground with the style of this group. We want to write some great tunes with great riffs and melodies. We are not trying to reinvent the wheel. We just wanted to make an album with great songs that are enjoyable to listen to.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Music Interviews Tagged With: adrenaline, interview, mike, mobs, portnoy

DVD Review “Evidence”

Directed by: Howie Askins
Starring: Ryan McCoy, Brett Rosenberg and Abigail Richie
Distributed by: Showbox Home Entertainment
Classification: 15
Release Date: March 12, 2012
Running Time: 76 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Found-footage movies are exploding in the horror genre and there is nothing you can do to stop it. Following in the like of recent films “Paranormal Activity” and “[REC]”, “Evidence” is a great combination of both films. It is a rare to actually see an original idea recently in Hollywood, especially in the found footage genre but this one does it well.  It actually reminds me a little bit of the recent television series “The River”, due to its crazy twists.  Ryan McCoy not only stars but only wrote the film and it is great to see this unique twist on the genre. It packs some great gore and also some good spooks.

The film follows four friends as they set out to film a documentary during a camping trip in the wilderness. When the group decides to camp out during the first night, that is when things take a turn for the worse.  They hear screams and feel like something is lurking in the shadows.  When one of their friends goes missing, the group realizes that they are being hunted…but by what?  The group needs to find out a way to survive before it is too late.

Some films have twists but this film literally has a 360 flip! It feels almost like two different movies in the second half. Make sure that you watch ALL the way through the credits, this film keeps going and going. Once you think it is over it only get more crazy and fucked up. This film has only currently been release on DVD in the UK so be sure to pick it up if possible or you can try and win it during out DVD giveaway contest.  Horror fans are going to want to see this film, it will definitely not disappoint.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: dvd, evidence, review

CD Review: Marco Machera “One Time, Somewhere”

Marco Machera
“One Time, Somewhere”
Innsbruck Records
Tracks: 9
Running Time: 34 minutes

Our Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Imagine an album that has elements of King Crimson, Tom Petty, Nirvana, Mike Oldfield, and – just for good measure – some Ennio Morricone. Got all that? Now imagine blending all of it together and somehow having it work. Italian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Marco Manchea’s stunning debut disc, “One Time, Somewhere”, accomplishes this difficult feat and, while his influences can easily be discerned, he firmly makes the music his own and delivers one of the most impressive debut albums in recent memory.

Marco lulls the listener into “One Time, Somewhere” with the opening track, “Hello”. He starts simple and slowly adds layers to the song – including an array of percussive bleeps and blips courtesy of current King Crimson drummer, Pat Mastelotto – and then allows the song to blossom into a lush sonic landscape. It’s a wonderful song – but Machera’s got a wide array of styles to explore within the eight tracks that follow the lead-off cut. In fact, by the album’s final three cuts (which are presented as a multi-part instrumental), he’s taken us on a journey that stops off in so many starkly different lands that each warrants a stamp in a musical passport. The only disappointment is that after 34 minutes, the CD spins to a stop.

Machera’s managed to assemble some impressive players to help him out in this freshman effort including Mastelotto, Rob Fetters (The Bears), Francesco Zampai and multi-media savant Mark Kostabi. Despite this, none of the songs feel like they hinge on one musician’s performance as it all balances perfectly track after track after track – something that is aided by the album’s pristine production. It’s a great-sounding record that amply allows the wide range of atmospheric dynamics to ring throughout, be it in brash bassier moments or quiet ones in which Marco plays delicate instruments like a toy piano (I did mention Mike Oldfield, right?).

Given the rich density of “One Time, Somewhere”, it would be interesting to hear how its roster of songs would play live. There’s no doubt in my mind whatsoever that the arrangements Marco comes up with will work well within the context of a live performance. He’s a consummate musician with such a sharp sense of overall composition and minute detail that the material will likely shine Every Time, Everywhere.

Track Listing:
1. Hello
2. Stories Left Untold
3. Days of Summertime
4. Bright Lights Big Cities
5. El Muerto!
6. Down Below
7. Gotzen-Dammerung
8. Hire Her
9. Troubled Childhood

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: Francesco Zampai, Innsbruck Records, king crimson, machera, marco, Marco Machera, ...

Blu-ray Review “The Adventures of Tintin”

Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date: March 13, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running time: 107 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When I first saw “The Adventures of Tintin”, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The trailer looked “just-ok”. Let me tell you, once I saw it I was blown away. Steven Spielberg’s films have been hit and miss the last few years but this was a sure fire hit. I loved it so much and in fact was one of my favorites from 2011. The performance capture in the film was just so astounding. Some of the action scenes in the film were absolutely breathtaking. This film is not all action though it is also very funny as well. You can tell that a lot of time and effort when into making this film look amazing. I also originally saw it in 3D and I felt it really worked well with the film. If you have a chance to see the film in 3D, I would suggest you checking it out rather than this 2D version. The 2D version still works but the effects really get a lot of depth in 3D and just feels so much more exciting.

The film follows Tintin (Jamie Bell) a young reporter and his dog as they in pursuit for a mysterious model ship. The two travel from Europe to the Sahara and Morocco in hopes to solve the case. They meet up with drunken captain, Haddock (Andy Serkis), who aids them in their search. The team find that Ivan Ivanovitch Sakharine (Daniel Craig), has plans to also find this model ship since it holds the key to finding a long lost treasure. Due to the lack of interest in the US for this film, I am not sure if there will be future additions to the series but I really hope so because this could make such a great franchise.

The film looks perfect in video and really shines. It also looks the best with its performance capture, easily the best that I have seen to date. The audio is beyond amazing DTS-HD MA 7.1 track. This is becoming a tradition for Paramount who has also included 7.1 for “Hugo” and “Puss in Boots”. Besides the Blu-ray copy of the film, this release also includes a DVD Copy, an Ultraviolet digital copy and BD-Live. These are all great features and really gives many options for this film to watch.

The special features includes in this release are great but missing any commentary tracks from Steven Spielberg or Peter Jackson. There is a two part feature called “Toasting Tintin” which celebrates the beginning and the end of the film’s production. “The Journey to Tintin” is a short feature with director Steven Spielberg chatting about his road to bringing “Tintin” to the big screen. “The World of Tintin” is a look into the character of Tintin himself. “The Who’s Who of Tintin” focuses on the character and the performance capture in the film. “Tintin: Conceptual Design” focuses on how the film wanted to stay true to the original Hergé design. “Tintin: In the Volume” is a piece on shooting in 3D and focusing on the production. “Snowy: From Beginning to End” focuses on the dog from the page to the screen. “Animating Tintin” is an in depth look into the films animation. “Tintin: The Score” is a feature on composer John Williams Lastly “Collecting Tintin” is a short features on the films toys.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: adventures, bluray, review, tintin

DVD Review “Tick…Tick…Tick…”

Directed by: Ralph Nelson
Starring: Jim Brown, George Kennedy, Fredric March
Distributed by: Warner Bros Archive
MPAA Rating: G
Running Time: 97 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Jim Brown is always known for being bad ass, this film just continues to prove it. I came into this career late experiencing “Original Gangstas” first, even then he was still awesome. This film focuses on a small town with a black sheriff that is taking over. Of course the racist town does not like the idea and set out to cause issues. Jim Brown is perfect for this role and really kick some major ass. Fans of “Naked Gun”, should enjoy this film for a truly amazing performance from George Kennedy. He is one tough son-bitch in this movie and joins up with Brown’s character to help keep the town in order.

I have no idea how this film is rated G because it deals with some real tough issues like rape and murder but it is not called “Tick…Tick…Tick…” for no reason.  Once this film gets started it is a slow burn to the amazing conclusion. WB Archive is known best for their remastering of classics and releasing them on DVD. This film is not different and looks great on DVD. It also includes a great widescreen transfer 16×9 2.40:1 of the film. The audio is also very sharp and clear. Like all releases though from Warner Archive, there are no special features. But since this film is not currently available on DVD at all this is a real treat on its own. If you are fan of Jim Brown, this is a must purchase for sure. You can only get for the WBShop, here.

Synopsis: Ralph Nelson, director of Lilies of the Field, returns to the subject of race relations in America for a thoroughly different take in Tick…Tick…Tick…. Tensions are taken off the back-burner slow simmer and are placed on full boil in Tick…Tick…Tick…’s tale of a black Southern sheriff trapped between the rock and a hard place of two communities separated by skin color and decades of bigotry. Newly elected, Sheriff Jimmy Price (Jim Brown) offers no favors or privileges to either community, and quickly earns the ire of both. Warned by the mayor against consulting outsiders (the great Fredric March in his penultimate film performance), Price navigates the tensions until one arrest places him directly in the eye of a hurricane of hate. With only the former sheriff to support him (George Kennedy) Price must try to defuse the tensions before the town explodes.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: dvd, review, tickticktick

DVD Review “The Slams”

Directed by: Jonathan Kaplan
Starring: Jim Brown
Distributed by: Warner Bros Archive
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 91 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Jim Brown is one bad motherfucker…period. Everyone knows that. They do not make movies like this anymore like they used to back in the 70’s. It is not only extremely gritty but also very rough around the edges.  I have seen plenty of prison movies and this one just takes the cake.  It is a great combination of both between a heist movie and also a prison movie.  It is also action packed and suspenseful, due to the fantastic score from Luther Henderson.  I really enjoyed this and look forward to future viewings.

Fans of genre films needs to keep an eye out for Dick Miller, one of my favorites.  WB Archive is known best for their remastering of classics and releasing them on DVD.  This film is not different and looks great on DVD.  It also includes a great widescreen transfer 16×9 1.85:1 of the film.   The audio is also very sharp and clear.  Like all releases though from Warner Archive, there are no special features.  But since this film is not currently available on DVD at all this is a real treat on its own.  If you are fan of Jim Brown, this is a must purchase for sure. You can only get for the WBShop, here.

Synopsis: $1.5 million cached in a secret stash. And only Curtis Hook (Jim Brown) knows where it’s at. The hitch? He’s tied up doing time in the stir, and his hidden kitty’s spot is scheduled for demolition. Looks like Curtis is going over the wall. Too bad for him there’s a legion of mooks and mugs anxious to know what Curtis did with the stolen mob moolah. And if he can survive his fellow cons, he still needs to get past the corrupt screws “guarding” the slam’s inmates. What good is a trunk full of bucks when your life ain’t worth a dime? The Slams was an early effort by prolific indie turned journeyman pro Jonathan Kaplan, whose many credits include the cult favorites White Line Fever and Over the Edge (featuring Kaplan’s discovery, Matt Dillon). His more mainstream accomplishments include directing Jodie Foster’s Oscar® winning performance in The Accused. The Slams also features a rare movie score from legendary Broadway arranger Luther Henderson.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: dvd, review, slams

“Footloose” DVD 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 the DVD release of “Footloose”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway THREE copies of film on DVD. If you would like to win this great prizes, just go to our Facebook page, like us and then leave the comment “Footloose.” We will choose (3) random comments as winners of the DVDs. If you are already a MediaMikes Facebook fan, just go to our Facebook page and leave the comment “Footloose.” Contest is open until midnight EST March 27, 2012.

Writer/Director Craig Brewer delivers a new take of the beloved 1984 classic film, “Footloose.” Ren MacCormack (played by newcomer Kenny Wormald) is transplanted from Boston to the small southern town of Bomont where he experiences a heavy dose of culture shock. A few years prior, the community was rocked by a tragic accident that killed five teenagers after a night out and Bomont’s local councilmen and the beloved Reverend Shaw Moore (Dennis Quaid) responded by implementing ordinances that prohibit loud music and dancing. Not one to bow to the status quo, Ren challenges the ban, revitalizing the town and falling in love with the minister’s troubled daughter Ariel (Julianne Hough) in the process.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: dvd, footloose, giveaway

Adrenaline Mob Interview Series

Adrenaline Mob is a heavy metal supergroup which consists of singer Russell Allen from Symphony X, guitarist Mike Orlando, bassist John Moyer from Disturbed and drummer Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater. The band only came together recently are are releasing their first full length studio album on March 13, 2012titled “Omertá”.

Media Mikes had a chance to chat with the entire band about their forming and also their first full length album “Omertá”. Let us know what you think and feel free to leave comments! Be sure to also check out our review of the album “Omertá” here.


John Moyer
Mike Orlando
Mike Portnoy
Russell Allen

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Interviews, Music Interviews Tagged With: adrenaline, interview, mob, series

Interview with Adrenaline Mob’s Mike Orlando

Mike Orlando is the guitarist for the rock/metal super group Adrenaline Mob. The group is set to release their debut full length album titled “Omerta” on March 13. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Mike about the album and what it was like playing both bass and guitar on the album.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us what inspired you to put the band together?
Mike Orlando: I had been rolling with the vision and the songs for quite some time. This was even before I had met Russell Allen. Line ups don’t work out or people don’t live up to certain expectations so it’s been in the works for some time. I was working with Russell on writing his second solo album off and on for about 3 years. We are always both on the road so it’s been tuff to get the album done. I brought the tracks to Russell to check out one day and it was just magic. It was exactly what I was looking for.

AL: What was yours and Russell’s writing process like?
MO: I had brought Russell all of the pre-recorded material. Everything was tracked so Russell would either sing on the songs the way they were or we would make some changes to make the tunes work better.

AL: Was it hard balancing both guitar and bass playing duties during the recording process?
MO: No. I love playing bass. I actually have played bass on all of my solo albums. If it has strings I will play it. I never approach the bass like a guitarist. I use my fingers not a pick. It’s very much like John Entwistle who is one of my heroes. I try to look at the tracks like a bass player would as you can’t play bass the way you play a guitar. I think it comes off stiff when you don’t approach it differently. It’s great having John Moyer from Disturbed playing bass in the band now. I told him to do whatever he wanted and to make the songs his own. I gave him the guidelines and he has done a hell of a lot more from what I gave him.

AL: Can you tell us the idea behind covering the Duran Duran song “Come Undone”?
MO: That song has been one of my favorites since hearing it when it came out in 1991. I don’t walk around screaming “Hungry like a Wolf” or anything (Laughs) but “Come Undone” is like my favorite song from that band. When you look past the quirkiness that band is made up of some amazing players. I do try to look a little deeper than their song “Rio”. “Come Undone” I felt always had a haunting vide. The fact that we got Lzzy Hale from Halestorm to do a duet with Russell is amazing. Lzzy I think has one of the greatest voices in rock. I consider Lzzy to be the female Russ.

AL: Is there a track off the album that you really enjoy playing live?
MO: To quote Billy Joel “I don’t have a favorite they are all like my children”. The song “Feeling Me” seems to get a really great response live. I will never forget the first night we played that song when we were out with Godsmack. The song got such a hop. It was infectious. “Hit the Wall” is another one for me that is just very intense

AL: “Omerta” comes out March 13 and I am sure that’s going to keep you busy for some time but, have you guys started thinking about the next album yet?
MO: Oh yeah! I have plenty of material ready for second album. Throughout my life I have been an avid song writer. If I don’t release an album for 3 years it doesn’t mean that I wasn’t still writing and recording. Even when I was younger I would just write and write. I have so much material Mike Portnoy likes to call it my “graveyard” of songs. (Laughs)

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Music Interviews Tagged With: adrenaline, interview, mike, mobs, orlando

“Evidence” DVD 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 the DVD release of “Evidence”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway TWO copy of film on DVD. If you would like to win this great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email and let us know your favorite found footage movie. This giveaway will be open until Tuesday March 27th at Noon, Eastern Time. 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.

Following on from revolutionary films such as “Paranormal Activity”, “The Blair Witch Project” and “[rec]”, “EVIDENCE” is a movie that will haunt you long after the final credits have rolled. “Evidence” is a bone chilling ‘found footage’ delight. Once the horrors begin they do not stop dragging the audience on a scare-a-second ride that ends with a shocking twist… the film will be released on DVD March 12 2012, courtesy of Showbox Home Entertainment.

Four friends embark on a camping trip to an isolated wilderness to shoot a documentary one of them is making. On the first night the group hear blood-curdling cries and see unexplainable shadows surrounding the camp causing them to question whether they should leave. Suddenly the night takes a terrifying turn when one of the group goes missing and the remaining three realize they are being brutally hunted… but by what?

Check out the trailer below and let us know what you think:

 

Related Content

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: dvd, evidence, giveaway

Blu-ray Review “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”

Directed by: Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam
Starring: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle
MPAA Rating: PG
Distributed by: Sony Pictures
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Running Time: 91 minutes

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

Who doesn’t love “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”. It is easily, Monty Python’s best movie, it just never gets old. I was really looking forward to the Blu-ray release of this film. Don’t forget though “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” was filmed over almost 40 years ago, so the 1080p transfer isn’t perfect but it is DAMN impressive. There is a little grain in the video but it can be overlooked easily since everything else is perfect. The audio track is also very impressive including an DTS-HD MA 5.1 track and also the original 2.0 mono for those who enjoy. Overall, I really enjoyed watching this in high definition.

This Blu-ray also comes packed with many great features including an Ultraviolet digital copy and BD-Live. There is also a feature called “The Holy Book of Days Second Screen”, which uses an iPad to “experience the adventure of shooting Monty Python and the Holy Grail”. It takes you through the 28 days on location with never-before-seen outtakes, stills, original script, diaries, sketches, sounds, and more. This is a really cool feature. In fact there is a sticker on the Blu-ray case issues $5.00 rebate for purchasing the app and the movie, so it makes this a total no-brainer if you have an iPad.

There aren’t a ton of HD special features for this release but what is included is great and will satisfy fans. There are about 13 minutes of “Lost Animations” which is shared by co-director Terry Gilliam. This is exclusive for this Blu-ray release. Included are “Meanwhile, King Arthur & Sir Bedevere…”, “Elephant & Castle; Run Away!”, “The Tale of Sir Robin” and “The Tale of Sir Lancelot”. I am a big fan of Gilliam’s animation and really enjoyed this. There are also almost 20 minutes of high def outtakes & extended scenes including “Sir Robin & The Three Headed Knight”, “Constitutional Peasants”, “Get On With It!”, “Shorter Takes”, “Old Crone, Wedding Slaughter”, and “Lots of Very Silly Bits”.

A major highlight of this Blu-ray also comes from the audio commentary tracks. The first features directors Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones as they discuss the film’s production. It ranges from everything including locations to the cast and the film’s cult following. It is also funny and very entertaining. The next commentary includes the remaining Python with John Cleese, Eric Idle, and Michael Palin. It is much lighter than the first production filled commentary. The group rehash memories and just seem like they are having fun. I would have liked to heard the madness of having the whole group do a commentary track. Overall though these are both equally good and worth checking out for sure.

The rest of the special features are presented in standard definition aka DVD quality. “Quest for the Holy Grail Locations” runs just over 45 minutes and shows Michael Palin and Terry Jones touring the shooting locations today. “Lego Knights” is a recreation of the scene “Camelot’s a silly place” in Lego format. “Japanese Version” includes two classic scenes dubbed in Japanese “The French Castle” and “The Knights of Ni”. “Coconuts” is a laugh riot teaching the equine style. “BBC Film Night” is a archive report from December 19, 1974 including an inside look at the making of the movie, interviews and footage from the set. There is also three sing-a-longs includes to add during the film for “Knights of the Round Table”, “Sir Robin”, and “Monks Chant”. Highly recommended…at least for the first two. Lastly thre is a photo gallery, the US 2001 Re-Release Trailer and the Holy Grail Blu-ray Credits included.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, grail, holy, monty, python, review, ...
« sdf
Previous
Page 97 of 118
Next
Next Page »