Mike Gencarelli, Author at MediaMikes

Product Feature: V2 VERTX PLUS

The VERTX PLUS brings some of the technologies that were pioneered with the V2 Pro series like the magnetic connections, drop-in cartridges and higher vapor production, to name a few examples. The VERTX PLUS is an upgraded version with variable power levels whose costs comes in at around $90. One of the VERTX PLUS cartridge should be more than sufficient for a full day of vaping (while using the lowest setting). A battery charge lasts for hours, but you aren’t in doubt of the charge life because of lights along the side of the device. The body of the VERTX PLUS has a window on the side that allows you to see the remaining e-liquid easily without removing the cartridge from the e-cig.

The vapor production of the VERTX PLUS is excellent. V2 also produces blank cartridges so that you can even use your own favorite e-cig juice in it. But if you want the prepackaged flavors they are Congress, V2 Red, Sahara, Menthol, Green Tea Menthol and Peppermint. The flavors are exactly the same as the ones that V2 sells by the bottle and in cartridge form for the original V2 Cigs e-cigarette. The VERTX PLUS cartridges of all that I have used have to be the most reliable ones to date. Even more during my testing, I didn’t experience a single “dry hit” at any voltage level. The cartridges are about as leak-free as one could ask given the amount of liquid that they hold. The air tube leading out of the cartridge does tend to collect a bit of condensation, though, so you can expect a drip here or there if the VERTX spends too much time upside down.

The VERTX PLUS is a superb e-cigarette for beginners and is a device that’s positioned to give you the best performance possible while staying within the new regulations that the FDA has set forth. So, if you’re a smoker who wants to switch to e-cigarettes right now, there is probably no better choice than the V2 VERTX PLUS. Click here to buy.

Upcoming Trends on Mobile Casino in 2017

Mobile technology has immensely grown in the recent years. Every year we have seen mobile technology getting better and better. The mobile casino industry is going hand in hand with the mobile companies and there would be some outstanding trends likely to come in the mobile casino segment.

Mobile gaming will surely exceed desktop gaming very soon thanks to the accessibility and convenience of mobile devices. With the internet now more accessible than ever, the mobile industry is booming. In 2016, one of the major market changes was the addition of mobile platforms to existing online casinos catering for players on the move. This concept has only grown in 2017, with almost all of the top online casinos boasting a mobile platform, while some are in the process of doing so or have plans for the near future. Mobile gaming is, by far, the most lucrative advancement in online gaming, and while it may not be as much of a trend as a way forward, many online casinos have realized its value and applied it to their products. Mobile gaming is still a growing technology, and you can expect different experiences depending on your chosen casino games on your mobile phone. That being said, with technology growing at a rapid rate, all players can expect smooth and seamless mobile gaming from almost every online casino in no time.

Log in From Your Mobile Browsers Using the Desktop Login Details

With the invention of latest technology, the online casinos are also seeing a change in their trends. A player now can log into the mobile browsers by using the same login details used during registration on a desktop.

This hassle free option avoids the process of re-registering and then adding all the bank account details. You can skip the registration process on your mobiles and straightaway login into your casino account.

Android or Apple Mobile Casino Apps

As the mobile industry is growing, every day many updates keep coming in the Smartphone segment. Each time a new update comes, it surpasses the previous version. Many casinos have exclusive poker and slot games available as apps on Android and iOS stores. There are still many games that are exclusively available only on the casino’s online websites while some casinos have launched their mobile apps.

Inclusion of More Casino and Slot Games That Are Compatible with Mobile Devices

A lot many casino and slot games are introduced to cater to the needs of the mobile users. There are many games created only for the Android and iPhone mobile spaces. This means that there are slot and casino games slowly becoming easily accessible from your mobile browsers.

There are two separate lobbies for desktops and mobiles. The games differ from each other the games offered at the online desktops may or may not be available on the mobile platforms. The best part of the online casinos is that once you have registered on a desktop you can straightaway access the games on a mobile device.

Faster Withdrawals and Deposits

Every casino player plays with the intention of winning the money and getting entertainment. In such a case, the player needs to have faster access to deposits and withdrawals while using mobile devices. There are many payment techniques such as Skrill, Visa, MasterCard, Maestro and many others, which ensure faster banking transactions are carried out at the convenience of your mobile phones.

No Need of Software Download- Instant Play

The online casinos have designed something called as instant games. These games include online slots, poker, blackjack, roulette and baccarat. These games do not require any software to download. Once you are a registered player you are good to go. Just select your favourite table or slot game and simply start the action.

Final Thoughts

The invasion of the mobile technology has tremendously affected the online mobile casinos. There are many slot games and casino games that are compatible with Windows, Android, Blackberry or iPhone mobile devices. Some of the renowned online casinos give magnificent welcome bonus offers on joining their casinos.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: 2017, casino, mobile, trends, upcoming

Tips to Remember While Playing Scratch Card Games Online

Scratch card games are the easiest games available on the online space. There are no strategies involved in playing them. The rules are simple and the gameplay is quite easy and interesting. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that you need to match at least three identical symbols by scratching the cards.

Each scratch card game offers a distinct payout and the highest payout is being awarded for scratching and matching the symbols. The important thing before you get started is to make sure you have placed the betting amount/ wagering money.

Tips

Identify an online or Mobile casino that offers the best collection of scratch cards. This makes sure that you get entertainment along with lucrative wins.
There are some fantastic welcome bonus packages offered by the casinos, so claim your welcome bonus and spend it on the scratch card games. You can go for themed scratch cards, be more precise and clear, and check the software developer’s name before you choose to play.
Select the scratch card game which offers huge wins or rather have won huge money for players in the past. On any casino’s website, the names of the winners are always mentioned.
Scratch card games have to be played with an intention of winning some multipliers and not losing. As many of the scratches have smaller wins they also get you the huge jackpot wins. So remember that you are playing them to win so spend the betting money wisely.
The wins are also determined on the money that you have placed. If you have wagered £10 and you match the symbols which give you x7, then you win £70.
All the scratch card games have a demo mode. Make sure you practice the game first and then go on to play in a real money mode.
Play with a clear intention of fun and entertainment and hence spend smaller betting amounts. This will ensure that you are gambling safely.

Some of the Renowned Scratch Card Games

Some of the top-most scratch card games that are worth trying for are:

Germinator
Doctor Love
Doctor Love on Vacation
Foxin Wins
Emperor’s Garden
The Codfather Scratch

Summary

Scratch Card games are simply fun to play and are entertaining. Make sure you play them and win fantastic cash awards. Make sure you gamble responsibly by placing smaller bets first and then go for betting on the higher amounts.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: card, games, online, playing, remember, scratch, ...

Five Most Popular Beliefs and Superstitions Casinos

Fortune always favours the brave. There are days when players have huge wins or there are days where there are no wins at all. Gambling is a game of fortunes. The gambling players have discovered something called as Gambling superstitious where they believe that certain superstitious beliefs will help them have great wins.

Hence, keeping in mind that there are players who are superstitious, in this article, we have listed down five most popular beliefs and superstitions that the casinos including the players at Online Casino follow all around the world. These mainly include:

Lucky Number

The number seven and thirteen and likewise there are many numbers which are luckier and unluckier according to different players. Nevertheless, in some countries like Italy number, thirteen is a good number and this number brings great fortune. Many players believe that the money that they wager must not equal the unlucky number, as that would bring down their wins.

Dress Colour Matters at the Table

Many players dress up in different colours thinking that it will make a difference on the casino table. While some believe wearing a specific colour such as White bring great wins or is luckier. However, some might have a different opinion about the same colour, White. They might consider it as opposite and perhaps, some feel it is unluckier for them.

Never Stop Playing Once You Get a Big Win

Another big superstition belief is that once you get a big win at the table you must not stop playing. Many of the players of the world practise this religiously. They ensure that they do not get up from their chair or suddenly quit the game. They will continue with the big wins and try to aim at getting more wins.

Crossing Your Fingers

You can practice the habit of crossing your fingers before any result comes out, a common thing among many of us in the world. Many casino players have been cultivating such practices from the recent past. Many players who have wagered big money and waiting for their turn to reveal the cards often keep their fingers crossed. Keeping your fingers crossed reduces the nervousness and creates a positive vibe that might help the player to some extent to the casino players.

C$50 Bills

There is a major belief that any player who gets a bill of C$50 is bad luck. The belief turned out to be a strong superstition when the American gangster Bugsy Siegel found dead in the 1940s was carrying C$50 in his pocket when he was dead. The superstition belief enforces many casinos of the world to write off the C$50 if a customer’s bill equals that amount.

Summary

As many as players believe that gambling is purely based on fortune and luck but some believe that wearing a specific colour of dress before you get on the casino table makes a huge difference. While some believe that getting, a particular number is luckier and unluckier.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: 5, beliefs, casinos, popular, superstitions

Blu-ray Review “The Take”

Actors: Idris Elba, Richard Madden, Charlotte Le Bon, Kelly Reilly, Jose Garcia
Directors: James Watkins
Rated: R
Studio: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: February 7, 2017
Run Time: 92 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

I find it shocking that a film like “The Take” haven’t been given much attention at all, especially sine it stars Idris Elba, which is quite popular right now from “Star Trek Beyond” and upcoming “The Dark Tower” adaption of the Stephen King novels. The film is a by-the-book action thriller. It has some great moments but then gives into the typical “saw that coming” moments. This is worth checking out on a rainy day. Just go in blind and keep expectations low.

Official Premise: Idris Elba (Star Trek Beyond) stars as Sean Briar, a rogue CIA agent who isn’t afraid to step on a few toes to solve a case. While roaming the streets of Paris, a pickpocket (Richard Madden, TV’s Game of Thrones) swipes a bag containing a bomb and inadvertently ruins a bank heist attempt by corrupt French government officials. Now labeled as a terrorist threat and running for his life, the only person who can save him is Sean. This unlikely duo joins forces to solve the case before they become victims in a devious plot of international conspiracy.

“The Take” arrives as a combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD. The Blu-ray is presented in 1080p with DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround. I was impressed with the audio track for sure and it definitely showed up during the action sequences. The special features are strongly lacking. There is only one extra included, which is “Making The Take”, which briefly takes us behind-the-scenes into the film.

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

VR online gaming development in 2016

VR online gaming development in 2016 managed to at least bring the industry closer to what a lot of people have been wanting for years. Many people have been dreaming about games that are so realistic that they are going to swear that they are happening all around them. There are games now that are at least getting closer and closer to that conclusion in terms of their graphics and their overall mechanics. However, the important thing is that in 2016, the technology surrounding all of this improved.

The year 2016 is going to be known for augmented reality in particular. The Pokemon Go game is already the sort of game that can go on to define an era, at least in the beginning of that point in time. A lot of people love this game. Many developers were worried that Pokemon Go was not really ready at the level that it was. However, since this is a game that was so incredibly popular, it seems that it was ready empirically. The game still managed to make a lot of money and to make history, and there aren’t a lot of other games like that anywhere and at any point.

It is possible that in the online casino gaming world, augmented reality is going to be right around the corner. People might be able to just look through their wearable devices in order to see something that is imposed on reality. The Pokemon characters that are present on the screen in the Pokemon Go games are already enough to convince a lot of people that they are seeing things. These tiny characters can truly alter the entire look of a room. Almost anything related to online casino gaming would be much more dramatic than that. Many people might be able to feel as if they are in a land based casino as a result of an augmented reality online casino game of that nature, and that is only going to bring people further to a fantasy of a lot of online casino gaming fans.

People might have a lot of different expectations when they play games at the All Slots casino online. All slots Online Casino games are going to be fun for a lot of people. Many of these people are going to hope that the games have a certain familiarity to them. People who are used to land based casinos are going to want games that manage to recall those land based casinos. Lots of other people want to be able to really lose themselves in these games, and that means feeling as if the games are really part of the world. When it comes to augmented reality, this is going to be even easier for a lot of people. They will really feel as if the games that they like are all around them and that they are part of the world. When they look through the view screen, that is what they are going to see, and that is enough to make it real.

4K Ultra HD Review “John Wick”

Actors: Keanu Reeves, Willem Dafoe, Dean Winters, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen
Director: Chad Stahelski
Rated: R
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: February 7, 2017
Run Time: 101 minutes

Film: 4.5 out of 5 stars
4K Ultra HD: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“John Wick” was easily one of the best films of 2014. It is fresh, raw and not afraid to give you the middle finger. Keanu Reeves is beyond badass in this movie…simply beyond. It is just an insane movie and has become the start of a fantastic new franchise. This new combo pack includes a 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital HD + UltraViolet copy. Let me just say that if I wanted to show off my 4K TV and player with movie. I have a new flagship Blu-ray to demonstrate the features, no questions. This is a must purchase.

Official Premise: An ex-hitman comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that took everything from him. With New York City as his bullet-riddled playground, “John Wick” (Keanu Reeves) is a fresh and stylized take on the “assassin genre.”

“John Wick” is one of the movies that I would highly recommend this is worth the upgrade to 4K UHD. The 2160p transfer in 2.40:1 looks outstanding. There is a huge increase in detail for this film obviously due to the higher resolution. When I compared the Blu-ray to this, I was literally blown away. This release contains the same Dolby Atmos track that was included on the Blu-ray release, and it is still as amazing. Wall-shaking! The 4K Ultra HD disc comes with the same set of special features as the previous Blu-ray release. There is an audio commentary track, six featurettes and a trailer.

Enter to Win a Blu-ray of “From Dusk Till Dawn The Series: Season 3”

Media Mikes would like to give three of our fans a chance to win a “From Dusk Till Dawn The Series: Season 3” on Blu-ray. If you want to win this great prize, please leave a comment your favorite character from this series. This giveaway will remain open until February 10th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to our readers in US only. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

If you can’t wait to own this, click here to purchase a Blu-ray!

Season three of “From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series” continues the Gecko brothers’ saga as they fight their way through the chilling world of culebras, the vampire-snake hybrids that control hidden empires in Texas and Mexico. Once the baddest outlaws in the land, Seth and Richie made a run for the Border two years ago to save their lives – and their fortune. After stumbling into a bar full of bloodsuckers and bandits, the Geckos encountered the vampire goddess Santánico, joining her cause to settle an old score. It won them a place in the culebra world. Now that world is on the verge of violent and destructive explosion as new enemies hell-bent on domination gather to take them down. In typical Gecko fashion, Seth and Richie assemble an unlikely crew (some new, some old) to take on the forces of hell.

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: 3, bluray, dawn, dusk, enter, season, ...

Blu-ray Review “Justice League Dark” Deluxe Edition

Actors: Matt Ryan, Camilla Luddington, Jason O’Mara, JB Blanc, Ray Chase
Directors: Jay Oliva
Number of discs: 2
Studio: Warner Brothers
DVD Release Date: February 7, 2017
Run Time: 76 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Justice League Dark” is the 27th DC Universe Animated Original movie believe it or not. They have been cranking them out recently. Honestly, it took me third sittings to complete this film. It really didn’t interest me much in the first half as it got the story ready and then I felt like it was rushed in the second half. It is rated R, which definitely gives it the edge it needed but it wasn’t what I was really hoping for from “Justice League Dark”. At least it brought back Matt Ryan, who plays Constantine in the story lived recent TV series to voice the character.

Official Premise: When innocent civilians begin committing unthinkable crimes across Metropolis, Gotham City and beyond, Batman must call upon mystical counterparts to eradicate this demonic threat to the planet. Enter Justice League Dark, reluctantly led by the Hellblazer himself, John Constantine. Like Batman, Constantine is a cunning, often cynical loner who is the best at his chosen profession – but quickly realizes the sinister forces plaguing the planet will require help from other supernatural alliances. Forming a new “league” with sorceress Zatanna, otherworldly Deadman, and Jason Blood and his powerful alter ego Etrigan the Demon, this team of Dark Arts specialists must unravel the mystery of Earth’s supernatural plague and contend with the rising, powerful villainous forces behind the siege – before it’s too late for all of mankind.

Other than Matt Ryan reprising his role, the rest of the voice cast is impressive as well. Jason O’Mara (“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D”) voices Batman again, Camilla Luddington (“Grey’s Anatomy”) voices Zatanna, Nicholas Turturro (“NYPD Blue”) as Deadman, Ray Chase (“Final Fantasy XV”) as Jason Blood/Etrigan, Roger R. Cross (“24”, “Arrow”) as John Stewart/Swamp Thing, Jeremy Davies (“Justified”) as Ritchie Simpson, Rosario Dawson (“Daredevil” TV series) as Wonder Woman, Jerry O’Connell (“Stand By Me”) as Superman, Enrico Colantoni (“Flashpoint”) as Felix Faust, and Alfred Molina (“Spider-Man 2”) as Destiny. So no shortly are talent here!

The deluxe edition combo pack includes a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD copy in addition it also comes with a pretty kick ass Constantine collectible figure. The special features are solid as usual for a DC Original Movie. There is a cool “Sneak Peek at Teen Titans: The Judas Contract”, the nextDC Universe Original Movie. “The Story of Swamp Thing” gives a look at the fan favorite character. “Did You Know?: Constantine origin, Color of Magic, Black Orchid, and Deadman Casting” goes behind-the-scenes with cast/crew. There is the 2016 NY Comic Con Panel included as well as two bonus episodes “From the DC Vault”: Batman: The Brave and the Bold, “Dawn of the Dead Man!”Batman: The Brave and the Bold, “Trials of the Demon!”.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, dark, deluxe, edition, justice, league, ...

Blu-ray Review “Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man”

Actors: Leonard Cohen, Martha Wainwright, Teddy Thompson, Nick Cave, Kate McGarrigle
Directors: Lian Lunson
Rated: PG-13
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: February 7, 2017
Run Time: 103 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man” is a film that is over 10 years old but this is the first time that the documentary focusing on the legendary singer-songwriter, Leonard Cohen, and features performances of his songs by those musicians he has influenced is being released on Blu-ray. If you are a Leonard Cohen fan, I mean who isn’t, and have never owned this film, this is a good time to honor this very talent individual and his music. Crazy to thing that he is gone from us but at least we have films like this celebrating him.

Narrated by Cohen himself, the film features performances by artists like U2, Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Jarvis Cocker, Antony, Martha Wainwright and Beth Orton and others singing Cohen’s songs. Here is the official premise: Sure to please both die-hard Cohen fans and the newly initiated, this film is full of captivating music and offers an intimate portrait of a truly singular artist — poet, songwriter, cultural icon.

Lionsgate is releasing this film as a combo pack with a Blu-ray and Digital HD copy included. There are some solid bonus features included on this Blu-ray. There are exclusive performances not seen in the movie by Martha Wainwright, Perla Batalla, The Handsome Family, and Teddy Thompson that are worth checking out for sure. There is also “A Conversation with Leonard Cohen” and an audio commentary with the director, Lian Lunson, included. Worth checking out if you are a hardcore fan.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, cohen, leonard, man, review

Blu-ray Review “Vice Principals: The Complete First Season”

Actors: Danny McBride, Walton Goggins, Kimberly Hebert Gregory, Georgia King, Sheaun McKinney, Busy Philipps
Directors: Jody Hill, Danny McBride, David Gordon Green
Number of discs: 2
Studio: HBO
DVD Release Date: February 7, 2017

Season: 3.5 out of 5 star
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Vice Principals” is the latest project from HBO’s “Eastbound & Down” co-creators Danny McBride and Jody Hill. It is a set series with two seasons and 18 episodes total. The first season consisted of 9 episodes was pretty kick ass and definitely left me wanting more. Definitely excited to see what they have cooked up for the second half of the series. Danny McBride and Walton Goggins are awesome together and play off each other really well. I would have loved to see this series go longer than just two seasons but I also appreciate when something has a proper beginning and end. Definitely worth binging on before season two airs this year.

Official Premise: In this new comedy series “Vice Principals”, the longtime principal of a suburban high school steps down, leading ambitious vice principals Neal Gamby (McBride) and Lee Russell (Goggins) to both set their sights on the vacated top spot. But when new rival Dr. Belinda Brown (Kimberly Hébert Gregory) enters the picture, these bitter antagonists must form an unholy alliance to bring down the outsider by any means necessary.

HBO is releasing this season as a combo pack with a Blu-ray and Digital HD copy included for this show. The special features are decent and worth checking out if you enjoyed the show. Who doesn’t love a good Blooper Reel?! This Blu-ray packs a bunch of solid laughs with this one included. There are audio commentaries for each of the episodes, which is awesome with cast/crew participating. This was a great way to re-watch the season and get to enjoy it more due to the comments. Lastly there are a bunch of deleted/alternate scenes included that are worth checking out.

Blu-ray Review “Life on the Line”

Actors: John Travolta, Kate Bosworth, Devon Sawa, Gil Bellows, Julie Benz
Directors: David Hackl
Rated: R
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: February 7, 2017
Run Time: 98 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

“Life on the Line” is the latest film starring John Travolta and surprisingly packs a solid supporting cast including Kate Bosworth, Devon Sawa and Sharon Stone. Besides the fact that Travolta looks terrifying on the cover with his facial hair and strange hairline. I am still a fan at heart! This film definitely has problems but it also has some decent action-packed moments. So I will call it a toss up for everyone and a maybe for us Travolta fans.

Official Premise: As a huge electrical storm sweeps towards Texas, lineman Beau (John Travolta) is haunted by memories of his brother’s death by lightning years earlier. Bailey (Kate Bosworth), the niece he helped raise, has a secret she needs to share with her boyfriend Duncan. But he and Beau’s brave team are racing to replace miles of power cables before the tempest strikes. Also starring Sharon Stone, Life on the Line is a tribute to the heroes who risk it all to keep us safe.

“Life on the Line” is being released as a combo pack with Blu-ray and Digital HD included here. The Blu-ray is presented in 1080p with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround. Both looks and sounds great especially when the action kicks in. The special features aren’t great though. There is a “Life on the Line” Music Video by Fiona Culley featuring Darius Rucker and some Behind the Scenes with Cast/Crew Interviews included.

Blu-ray Reviews “Tyler Perry’s Boo! A Madea Halloween & Madea on the Run”

Director: Tyler Perry
Starring: Tyler Perry, Cassi Davis, Yousef Erakat, Diamond White, and Bella Thorne / Tyler Perry, Cassi Davis, Yousef Erakat, Diamond White, Bella Thorne, Jimmy Tatro
Distributed by: Lionsgate Films
Release Dates: January 31, 2017
Running time(s): 103 / 134 min

Boo! A Madea Halloween: 3 out of 5 stars
Madea on the Run: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-rays: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

To kick off 2017, we have not one but two new Tyler Perry Blu-ray’s coming out. “Tyler Perry’s Boo! A Madea Halloween” is the first and was had in fact a very successfully run at the box office last year. “Madea on the Run” is a stage play filmed for Blu-ray. I have never seen a Tyler Perry play to date and this was very enjoyable. “Boo!” was silly fun like all Madea films. Worth checking out both if you are a fan of Tyler Perry’s most famous character.

“Boo! A Madea Halloween” Official Premise: Madea winds up in the middle of mayhem when she spends a hilarious, haunted Halloween fending off killers, paranormal poltergeists, ghosts, ghouls and zombies while keeping a watchful eye on a group of misbehaving teens.

“Madea on the Run” Official Premise: On the run from the law, Madea hides out at Bam’s house, thinking she will lie low. Unfortunately, Bam’s house is packed with rambunctious family and friends, and Madea finds herself needing to lay down her own law and drop the hammer!

Lionsgate is releasing both of these films as a combo pack with Blu-ray + UltraViolet included. For “Boo!”. The AV is average for the comedy genre. Looks good and sounds good enough with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. In terms of special features, only “Boo!” has them included other than the Digital HD copies. We get two behind-the-scenes featurette. The first is called “Why We Love Madea!” and the second is “Boo! From the Crew Montage”, nothing special on either. “Madea on the Run” does not have any additional bonus features.

Blu-ray Review “Pinocchio: The Signature Collection”

Actors: Walter Catlett, Frankie Darro, Cliff Edwards, Dickie Jones, Charles Judels
Directors: Ben Sharpsteen, Hamilton S. Luske
Rated: G
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: January 31, 2017
Run Time: 88 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

“Pinocchio” has never been one of my favorite Disney movies. It is very dark and intense in certain parts but on the other hand some parts are so classic like the song “When You Wish Upon a Star”. So I will treat this film like a classic and since it is nearly 80 years old give it a break. This is not the first time that “”Pinocchio” has been released on Blu-ray. Back in 2009, it was released as a 70th Anniversary Platinum Edition and now it is getting the “The Signature Collection” release. It is a big of a cash in cause the only major give we are getting is a Digital HD copy (which is definitely cool) and a few new extras. If you have never owned this, now is the time. If you already do it is a flip of the coin to be honest.

Official Premise: Pinocchio tells the tale of wood-carver Geppetto’s beloved puppet who embarks on a thrilling quest – with faithful friend Jiminy Cricket – that tests his bravery, loyalty and honesty, all virtues he must learn to fulfill his heart’s desire: to become a real boy.

Disney is re-releasing this movie as a combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD copy. Nothing has been changed in terms of AV on this release from the previous release. The 1080p transfer looks sharp for this nearly 80 year old movie. The colors are crisp and the animation looks awesome. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track is honestly not what I would expect from a 7.1 track, feels like its not getting to its full potential. In terms of special features there is all the previous content included back on the “70th Anniversary Platinum Edition” release, which some of it includes an Audio Commentary By Leonard Maltin, Eric Goldberg, and J.B. Kaufman, a few making of featurettes, deleted scenes and music videos.

Some of the new content included is worth checking out for sure but I wouldn’t rush out to buy this if I already owned the previous Blu-ray unless I really needed that Digital HD copy. “The Pinocchio Project: When You Wish Upon A Star” is a short two parter looking at the music video featuring JR Aquino, Tanner Patrick, and Alex G and a behind-the-scenes look. “Walt’s Story Meetings: Pleasure Island” are taken from the transcripts in the Disney vaults and features sketches and photographs from the design team as well as interviews with Director Pete Docter and Historian J.B. Kaufman. “In Walt’s Words – Pinocchio” is old archived footage from 1956 talking about the film and the times. Lastly, “Oswald The Lucky Rabbit In ‘Poor Papa'” is an all new cut of the vintage black-and-white animated short released special for this Blu-ray. Didn’t really capture the interest of my nearly 5 year old.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, collection, pinocchio, review, signature

Blu-ray Review “Queen of Katwe”

Actors: Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o, Martin Kabanza, Taryn Kyaze
Directors: Mira Nair
Rated: PG
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: January 31, 2017
Run Time: 124 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Usually, I stay clear of true-life Inspirational films in general. Not my typical come of tea, so to say. I was draw to this film due to the Disney brand and the casting of the wonderful Lupita Nyong’o (even though her role isn’t huge). Like I thought this really wasn’t a film for me but it also wasn’t a bad film. Don’t forget here we are dealing with the rather tame topic of chess, so this is not a shoot ’em up action film for sure. The performances from the talent involved were fantastic and left me with inspired for sure. So if you enjoy these type of movies, I would surely recommend this.

Official Premise: “Queen of Katwe” is based on the vibrant true story of a young girl (Madina Nalwanga) from the streets of Uganda whose world changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion. It is a remarkable story of perseverance against all odds that will leave viewers feeling humbled and inspired. According to director Mira Nair, “The triumph of the human spirit is not to weep for what we don’t have but to focus on what we do have and allow that to take us to a place we never imagined possible.”

Disney is releasing this film a a combo pack with a Blu-ray + Digital HD included. The 1080p transfer captures the film’s setting perfectly and really looks solid. Same can be said for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. I enjoyed the score a lot. The special features are impressive as well. “Queen Of Katwe: Their Story” looks into the people behind-the-scenes who made this movie. “A Fork, A Spoon & A Knight” is director Mira Nair’s short film about Robert Katende. “In The Studio With Alicia Keys” focuses on the film’s song, which its music video is also included. Lastly there is an audio commentary with the director, Mira Nair and eight deleted scenes included with director intros.

Author: Mike Gencarelli

Product Feature: V2 VERTX PLUS

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