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”.

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.

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.

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.

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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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.

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”.

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Directed by: Gregory McQualter
Starring: Gordon Liu, Pitbull, Zheng Liu
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: XLrator Media
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Running Time: 107 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

“Blood Money” tries to be a fun and action packed movie and it delivers most of the goods…except a cohesive plot. The film stars newcomer Zheng Liu and cameos from “World Famous Rap Star” Pitbull (don’t blink) and Kung-Fu legend Gordon Liu (“Kill Bill 1 & 2”). The only thing that keeps this movie from computer sucking is because it includes real action and real fighting. The film’s fight sequences are done without stuntmen or CGI. One of the most noteworthy scenes are where Zheng Liu does a flying somersault over the raging Harley Davidson. If that isn’t cool enough, Zheng Liu sldo breaks a steel bar on his dead with the actual location sound captured. The action is awesome but doesn’t make it overcome its weak and blotchy plot.

SYNOPSIS: BLOOD MONEY introduces American audiences to the martial arts sensation Zheng Liu, often called “the next Bruce Lee,” and features world-famous rap star Pitbull and Hong Kong film legend Chia Hui Liu aka Gordon Liu (Kill Bill 1 & 2). When a powerful Shaolin warrior (Zheng Liu) turns to crime after his parents are killed and sister kidnapped, the drug cartels of America, Australia and Hong Kong are about to feel the sting of the world’s deadliest hitman.

I think we are going to be seeing a lot more of Zheng Liu in the US. This film is being released by XLrator Media as a combo pack with both Blu-ray disc and DVD disc. The Blu-ray presentation overall is good. The 1080p presentation is sharp and the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks works perfectly with the film’s action sequences. If you are looking for special features to see behind-the-scenes on this production you will be very disappointed. Since this film promotes “real action and real fighting”, I would have loved to have seen how it was all done etc.  Oh well. There is only a trailer included on this release.

Directors: Jeff Newitt, Peter Lord
Starring: Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek, Jeremy Piven, Martin Freeman, Imelda Staunton
MPAA Rating: PG
Distributed: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Running Time: 88 minutes

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

After seeing the trailer for “The Pirates! Band of Misfits” five thousand times over a course of a few months, I grew very disinterested in this film. Though when viewing it at home on 3D Blu-ray, I was very impressed. It is a fun, over-the-top stop-motion animated adventure film that will entertain the entire family. There is colorful characters for the kids and colorful jokes for the adults. The voice cast is also very impressive with Hugh Grant, Martin Freeman, Salma Hayek and Jeremy Piven. The humor is a little British but still manages to keep you entertained throughout the film feature.  I am not sure how many times I would be interested in revisiting this film but it is definitely game for at least one good viewing.

This film has been released as a three-disc set with two Blu-ray’s (3D and 2D) and a DVD copy of the film. There is also a Ultraviolet digital streaming copy available. The 3D on this film was not the best I have ever seen but overall decent. That doesn’t mean the film doesn’t look stunning on Blu-ray. It’s 1080p video resolution is beautiful and really showcases the animations and its colors. The film also includes a DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround track and it is also near perfect as well. It works so well with the film’s action scenes and zany antics. Like most 3D films, all of the extras are located on the 2D-only disc. The only extra on the 3D disc are 3D previews.

The special features are decent but nothing out of this world. I just would have loved to seen some 3D features. There is an audio commentary with directors Peter Lord and Jeff Newitt and Editor Justin Krish. Very detailed but overall not that interesting. There is short film included, which runs almost 20 minutes called “So You Want To Be a Pirate!”. “Pirate Disguise Dress-Up Game” is a cute ‘hide-the-pirate’ game for kids. “From Stop to Motion” is my favorite feature which goes into detail on the development process on the animation. “Creating the Bath Chase Sequence” is a specific focus on one of the film’s most complex scenes. Lastly there are two short films from Peter Lord including “Wat’s Pig” and “War Story” both are available with optional director’s commentary.

Directors: Tom Ellery, Bradley Raymond
Starring: Irene Bedard, Mel Gibson, David Ogden Stiers, Christian Bale, Linda Hunt, Frank Welker
MPAA Rating: G
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Release Date: August 21, 2012
Running Time: 153 minutes

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

This release for “Pocahontas” 2-Movie Collection includes both “Pocahontas / Pocahontas II: Journey To A New World”. Of course we all know that “Pocahontas II: Journey To A New World” is not as good as it’s predecessor but is not the worst DTV sequel that Disney ever made. I would rather have the film included on this set to complete the series then on a separate release. This three-disc set includes 1 Blu-ray disc and 2 DVDs. “Pocahontas” never really found its main audience with fans, besides having a hit song “Color of the Wind”. I have always liked it and it is still a beautiful film and worth the purchase. Whether you like “Pocahontas” or it’s sequel “Pocahontas II: Journey To A New World”, this is still a must for all Disney fans!

This isn’t the only film released out of the vault though. Besides this film, August 21st saw the release seven animated films over five different Blu-ray, including “The Aristocats”, “Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure”, “The Rescuers / The Rescuers Down Under” and “The Tigger Movie”. Disney if you are reading this, I still want to see a Blu-ray release for films like “Robin Hood” and “The Sword in the Stone”…(hint-hint).

“Pocahontas and Pocahontas II: Journey To A New World” are both included on the same BD-50 disc, though this doesn’t affect either film’s presentation.  The 1080p video transfers look impressive on both films though age has not been kind to either one.  “Pocahontas” looks better than its DTV sequel since “Pocahontas II: Journey To A New World” shows its cheaper animation budget. Both “Pocahontas and Pocahontas II: Journey To A New World” contain a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. I thought that the music and score for “Pocahontas” definitely sounds better and overall really sharp.

The special features are decent for these films and definitely leave you satisfied.  There is an audio commentary track with Producer James Pentecost and co-directors Eric Goldberg and Mike Gabriel.  Overall not my favorite track ever but still informative.  The next two extras are presented in HD.  “Drawing Inspiration: The Lost Story of Hiawatha” follows Goldberg and animation historian Charles Solomon as they discuss the long-lost animated feature film that was never made. Highly recommended.  There is a deleted song called “If I Never Knew You” with optional commentary with Goldberg, Gabriel and Pentecost. There is also nine storyboarded scenes deleted from “Pocahontas”, running about 15 minutes. “The Music of Pocahontas” is a featurette on the film’s notable music and songs.  There is a cartoon short called “Little Hiawatha” from the 1937 Walt Disney Silly Symphony.  Lastly there is “Disney’s Virtual Vault” which included featurettes and extras from the original DVDs available via BD-Live.

Directors: Wolfgang Reitherman, Hendel Butoy, Art Stevens, Mike Gabriel, John Lounsbery
Starring: Bob Newhart, Bob Newhart, Eva Gabor, Geraldine Page, John Candy
MPAA Rating: G
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Release Date: August 21, 2012
Running Time: 155 minutes

Films: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

This 35th Anniversary Edition release for “The Rescuers” 2-Movie Collection includes both “The Rescuers / The Rescuers Down Under”.  Of course we all know that “Down Under” is not as good as the 1977 original but still a decent film. This three-disc set includes 1 Blu-ray disc and 2 DVDs. Cool note is that this release also includes an exclusive offer though Disney Movie Rewards to own a piece of music history with “Disney’s The Lost Chords: The Rescuers”.  It include original music not included in the film and is available for only $4 dollars.  This is truly a no-brainer for fans of this film. Overall whether you like “Down Under” or not, this is still a must for all Disney fans!

This isn’t the only film released out of the vault though. Besides this film, August 21st saw the release seven animated films over five different Blu-ray, including “The Aristocats”, “Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure”, “Pocahontas & Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World” and “The Tigger Movie”. Disney if you are reading this, I still want to see a Blu-ray release for films like “Robin Hood” and “The Sword in the Stone”…(hint-hint).

Firstly to clear up, “The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under” are both included on the same BD-50 disc, though this doesn’t affect either film’s presentation.  The 1080p video transfers on both look out of this world.  I have to saw that “Down Under” does look slightly better but I give that to the age difference between the two. “The Rescuers” looks simply terrific for a film made in 1977.  The colors are very sharp and vibrant on Blu-ray. “The Rescuers Down Under” is also very satisfying and makes for one impressive transfer and definitely worth checking out just for the transfer. Both “The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under” contains fantastic DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround tracks.  The music in “The Rescuers” sounds beautiful and extremely clear, which is impressive for a 35 year old film.

The special features are decent but nothing to brag about.  There is a deleted song called “Peoplitis”, from “The Rescuers” with a introduction from Ron Clements in high definition.  “Water Birds – A True Life Adventure” is a 1952 Academy Award-winning  documentary, which runs about 30 minutes.  It was produced by Walt Disney and narrated by Winston Hibler.  “Three Blind Mouseketeers” is an Walt Disney Silly Symphony animated short circa 1936, presented in SD. There sing along for The Rescuers’ “Someone’s Waiting for You.”  Lastly the only special feature for “Down Under” is “The Making of The Rescuers Down Under”, which is a short 10 minute vintage behind-the-scenes featurette, also only presented in SD.

Director: Wolfgang Reitherman
Starring: Phil Harris, Eva Gabor, Scatman Crothers, Sterling Holloway, Dean Clark
MPAA Rating: G
Distributed by: Walt Disney Video
Release Date: August 21, 2012
Running Time: 78 minutes

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

“The Aristocats” is the last animated film to be graced by the late Walt Disney’s blessing.  It is definitely a different kind of Disney classic but still a classic nonetheless.  If you go to France at Walt Disney World’s Epcot, you can still meet Marie in the country.  I am not sure if kids know who she is but maybe not the line with be a little longer.  Disney did a really great job of restoration this film.  The film is over 40 years old and even though it doesn’t look like it was made yesterday, it still looks good and has a certain charm about it.  I can’t wait to sit down and watch this film with my daughter (now only 3 months old).  Fans of Disney should definitely pick up this title quickly before they usher it back into the vault. I mean who doesn’t love swingin’ jazz cats who save the day?

This isn’t the only film released out of the vault though. Besides this film, August 21st saw the release seven animated films over five different Blu-ray, including “The Aristocats”, “The Rescuers & The Rescuers Down Under”, “Pocahontas & Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World” and “The Tigger Movie”. Disney if you are reading this, I still want to see a Blu-ray release for films like “Robin Hood” and “The Sword in the Stone”…(hint-hint). This release also includes a little bonus of a digital download of “The Aristocats: Disney Classics Storybook” app on iPhone. Definitely taking advantage of that bonus.

“The Aristocats” was restored to Blu-ray with a whole lot of Disney magic.  It’s 1080p video transfer couldn’t look anymore better, especially for its age. The forty-two-year old animation and hand-painted backgrounds are still sharp and very colorful. Diney’s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track sounds just as amazing as the film looks.  The songs, the music, the jazzy feel for the film is just leaking out of this track and really gets your feet kicking.

The special features are decent as well and a bunch are even in HD.  “The Lost Open”  is a storyboarded deleted scene that features a cut character and song introduced by “Aristocats” songwriter Richard M. Sherman. There is a a second deleted song included as well called, “She Never Felt Alone.” “The Sherman Brothers: The Aristocats of Disney Songs” is an all-too brief  look at the Shermans’ contributions to “The Aristocats”. There is a sing-along version of the film with the lyrics in a subtitle track.  There is also a Classic Song Selection with four sing-along songs from the film. There is a music Video for “Oui Oui Marie,” a skipping-record Aristocats remix by D!tto. There is a retro 1956 Animated Special Excerpt called “The Great Cat Family,” hosted by Walt Disney.  Lastly there is bonus classic Walt Disney short called “Bath Day,” featuring Minnie Mouse and Figaro.

Directors: Darrell Rooney, Jeannine Roussel
Starring: Scott Wolf, Alyssa Milano, Chazz Palminteri, Jeff Bennett, Jodi Benson, Bill Fagerbakke
MPAA Rating: G
Distributed by: Walt Disney Video
Release Date: August 21, 2012
Running Time: 69 minutes

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

When it comes to Disney’s direct-to-video titles, I give them a certain leniency since they are good for what they deliver. They don’t trump the previous films in quality but they also don’t try to either. “Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure” delivers a very fun and cute film that is filled with colorful characters and non-stop songs. This story picks up with Lady and Tramp’s mischievous pup, Scamp (Scott Wolf), who runs away after getting fed up with rules and restrictions and longs for a wild and free lifestyle. It is notable to say that this film does have some great voice talent including Scott Wolf, Alyssa Milano, Chazz Palminteri, and Disney voice legend Jodi Benson. Fans of “Lady and the Tramp” and the Disney animation will enjoy this release but it is definitely aimed to please the kiddies.

This isn’t the only film released out of the vault though. Besides this film, August 21st saw the release seven animated films over five different Blu-ray, including “The Aristocats”, “The Rescuers & The Rescuers Down Under”, “Pocahontas & Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World” and “The Tigger Movie”. Disney if you are reading this, I still want to see a Blu-ray release for films like “Robin Hood” and “The Sword in the Stone”…(hint-hint).

Disney released this film as a two-disc set, including a Blu-ray disc and a DVD disc. “Scamp’s Adventure” looks beautiful on Blu0ray with its 1080p video transfer. Even for its standard direct-to-video Disney sequel, it looks just as good as theatrical features. Same goes for its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. Even though the songs are not the best, they still sound amazing.

The special features are impressive as well. Firstly we have an audio commentary with director Darrell Rooney, animation director Steve Trenbirth and co-director/producer Jeannine Roussel, which is worth checking out for parents. “From Tramp to Scamp” is the only extras presented in standard definition. IT is a making-of feature that runs just under 20 minutes and is a pretty in depth look a the production. There is a cute pop-up animal fact trivia track aimed for kids as well as five songs delivered with karaoke-style subtitles. Lastly (and my favorite) there are three classic Walt Disney Shorts in HD “Pluto Junior,” “Bone Trouble” and “Pluto’s Kid Brother.”

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Director: Jun Falkenstein
Starring: Jim Cummings, Nikita Hopkins, Ken Sansom, John Fiedler, Peter Cullen, Andre Stojka
Narrator: John Hurt
MPAA Rating: G
Distributed by: Walt Disney Video
Release Date: August 21, 2012
Running Time: 77 minutes

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

When it comes to anything to do with Winnie the Pooh and his friends at the 100 acre woods immediately count me in.  I remember seeing this film in the theaters 12 years ago.  This film took Tigger as his sets out looking through the hundred-acre-wood to find his family. I thought it was cute then but I absolutely loved it now.  Maybe it was the fact that I was watching it with my 3 month old daughter who was having a blast, especially whenever Eeyore came on the screen.  Maybe it was the stunning Blu-ray presentation from Disney.  Also if anyone is watching with kids, I would recommend pausing the film since it comes with a wonderful intermission presentation.  Pausing a movie has never been more fun with cute interactive activities for kids to enjoy during bathroom or sneak break.  I think every kids film should have something like this… brilliant!

This isn’t the only film released out of the vault though. Besides this film, August 21st saw the release seven animated films over five different Blu-ray, including “The Aristocats”, “Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure”, “The Rescuers & The Rescuers Down Under” and “Pocahontas & Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World”. Disney if you are reading this, this would have also been a great time to bring other similar titles like “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh”, “Piglet’s Big Movie” and “Pooh’s Heffalump Movie” to Blu-ray as well (hint-hint)…just sayin’.  Overall all Disney fans should definitely not miss this release. Can I stress definitely not to miss?

This Blu-ray is being released as a two-disc set including the Blu-ray and also a DVD copy of the film.  Like I mentioned, “The Tigger Movie” looks absolutely stunning on Blu-ray and completely trumps its past DVD releases.  It’s 1080p video transfer is very bright and colorful, I have never seen the hundred acre woods look some fantastic and its inhabitants. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio surround track works really well, especially with the film’s songs.  Overall it is just “fun, fun, fun, fun, fun” in the words of Tigger.

The special features though are a good but just a bit of a let down, even though they were at least presented in HD.  “A Tigger Tale” is a short roundtable with the filmmakers chatting about Winnie the Pooh, his friends and the development of the this feature. “Mini Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” include ten Winnie the Pooh mini-movies narrated by John Cleese.  But for those that don’t realize they are actually just re-used scenes from “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” and “The Tigger Movie”.  Lastly there is a Sing-Along Song for “Round My Family Tree,” as sung by Tigger and a Music Video for “Your Heart Will Lead You Home,” by Kenny Loggins.

Directed by: Mladen Djordjevic
Starring: Mihajlo Jovanovic, Ana Acimovic, Predrag Damnjanovic, Radivoj Knezevic
MPAA Rating: NR
Distributed by: Synapse Films
Release Date: August 14, 2012
Running Time: 113 minutes

Film: 1 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Synapse Films is known best for delivering really great cult classic genre films, which all are beautifully presented on Blu-ray. This Serbian shocker film was more an acquisition, it is also the first film that I regret watching. Now I knew exactly what I was getting myself into prior to watching this but it didn’t make it any easier to swallow (no pun intended…well maybe some). As it is stated this film is definitely not for the faint of heart or easily offended. I am neither of those and yet I still had trouble with this film. Also the running time of almost two hours is just way to long. It might have worked better within a quick 80 minutes. Though if you are a fan of films like “A Serbian Film”, then you might want to check this out.

Premise: “During the final days of Slobodan Miloševic’s Serbian rule, a young film student named Marko becomes desperate to make a feature film. Finally getting a job as an adult film director, he quickly runs afoul of the mob and needs to get out of town fast! Assembling a traveling group of misfits into a “porno cabaret,” Marko and his new friends drive though the quiet countryside in a beat-up van performing live sex acts for peasants and farmers. But life is hard on the road, and they find it hard to earn enough money to survive.”

The Blu-ray presentation looks good enough even though it was shot to look homemade. Like most films from Synapse Films, this comes with a reversible artwork which the flip side is graphic. The special features are impressive and include some decent extras. “Made in Serbia” is a 101 minute feature length documentary focusing on the Serbian adult film industry. There is featurette focusing on the “Making of” this film, as well as some deleted scenes (which were rightfully cut). Lastly there is the theatrical trailer included.