Directed by: Te-Sheng Wei
Starring: Lin Ching-Tai, Umin Boya, Masanobu Ando
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Well Go USA
Release Date: August 7, 2012
Running Time: 422 minutes

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

When I reach out that “Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale” was the most expensive production in Taiwanese history (budgeted at around $25 million), I knew I just had to see it. I am a big fan of epic foreign films and definitely those produced by John Woo. When I say epic, this film delivers the epic. It runs over 4 1/2 hours long and split into two parts. If that is too long for you don’t worry there are two versions of “Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale” available on DVD and Blu-ray. There is also a cut two and a half hour version for the US. Though if you are looking for an equal amount of story to go along with the massive scale action sequences, then you are definitely going to want to watch the international version. The film was referred to as “Braveheart” meets “The Last of the Mohicans” but the film has the fierceness of these both and more.

The film itself chronicles the true story of Taiwan’s aboriginal tribes and their battle against the Japanese colonizers. That’s the short premise. The story takes us between 1895 and 1945, following the rival between a Japanese colony that inhabits the island and the aboriginal tribes who originally settled on the land. The Seediq leader, Mouna Rudo, (Lin Ching-Tai) recruits a number of other clans in order to band together to fight the Japanese. The film is beautifully different by Wei Te-Sheng (“Cape No.7”). The Taiwan landscapes are absolutely stunning, which are matched with some really top notch CGI. The action scenes are so amped up and also well paced within the story.

“Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale” looks absolutely fantastic on Blu-ray courtesy of Well Go USA. The 1080p transfer looks sharp and super clear within in aspect ratio of 2.34:1. It is a film that is meant for a high definition presentation and looks spectacular. There are two audio tracks, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0 tracks. Obviously, I feel that the 5.1 track works much better, especially with the action. The special features are only have extras but they are quite epic, just like the film. “The Epic Journey of the Warriors” runs well over 2 1/2 hours, just in case the film wasn’t long enough. It is very a intensive behind-the-scenes look at the production, which plays out like a graphic shooting diary. There are also additional “Interviews with Director Wei Te-Sheng and Producer John Woo” and “Make-Up and Visual Effects” included. Lastly there are the theatrical and international trailers included.

Directed by: Robert Taylor
Starring: Lorne Greene, Margery Gray, Sammy Davis, Jr.
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: G
Running Time: 93 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When it comes to classic Hanna-Barbera animated films, I immediately become interested.  “Heidi’s Song” has never been released to DVD in the past, so thanks to Warner Archive for finally releasing this film.  Released originally back in 1982, this is time perfectly for the 30th Anniversary of this film. It is based on Johanna Spyri’s children’s classic, “Heidi” and has been translated into a full-length animated musical motion picture. It includes sixteen original songs written by lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Burton Lane. The songs are fun but very 80’s.

This DVD released features the film newly remastered.  Though as much as I say that it looks good, the film really shows its age.  The film is very colorful but some of the shades come off still as a bit dull and faded.  But since this is the first time it has ever hit DVD, it is better than nothing and obviously VHS quality as well.  The audio includes a great stereo track, which works with the film’s songs.  There are no special features either like most releases from Warner Archive.  This title might not be the most popular but if you are a fan of retro Hanna-Barbera, it will be cool just to see this film getting a little love and restored on DVD.

Synopsis: Johanna Spyri’s best-loved children’s classic, Heidi, is affectionately retold in this colorful, full-length animated musical motion picture. The famed story has been supplemented with three new, unforgettable sequences: a musical review, The Nightmare Ballet, in which Heidi meets the mountain creatures of the Wunderhorn; a dream fantasy in which Clara, Heidi’s wheelchair confined friend, meets her Prince Charming at a fantastic ball; and Ode to a Rat, in which a band of evil but clownish rats, led by King Rat, are roused into attacking Heidi in a dark cellar. Voices are provided by Lorne Greene as Grandfather, Margery Gray as Heidi and Sammy Davis, Jr. as King Rat. Sixteen original songs were written by lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Burton Lane. Heidi’s Song has all the elements to make a thoroughly enjoyable film that children will cherish a lifetime.

Directed by: Richard Linklater
Starring: Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey, Shirley MacLaine
Distributed by: Millennium Entertainment
MPAA rating: PG-13
Running Time: 104 minutes

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

“Bernie” is directed by Richard Linklater, who is known best for his films “Waking Life” and “Dazed and Confused”. I feel that his work has lost the ‘Linklater charm’ recently especially after his last film “Me and Orson Welles”. The film stars Jack Black and Shirley MacLaine, who both give fantastic performances. The film itself starts off great and plays well between the its narrative and documentary style. Towards the end it seems either rushed or loses focus.

The film follows a small Texas town mortician Bernie Tiede (Black), who befriends a rich widow Marjorie Nugent (MacLaine) after her husband’s death. After becomes her friend and companion, Bernie murders Nugent due to her constant putdowns and tries to get away with it.  Since no one is town like her and she has no friends,  months go by before anyone really miss her.  When local district attorney (McConaughey) begins to investigate, things get complicated for Bernie and the local small town of Carthage.

“Bernie” is based off a true story from a 1998 Texas Monthly magazine article about a 1996 murder of a millionaire by her companion. Like I said, Jack Black gives one of his best performances to date and steals this film. He is funny yet isn’t really try that hard as usual. If you are looking for something different this summer from all the superheros and action films, this could be a good alternative for you.

The Blu-ray presentation is rather sharp for the low-budget film. The 1080p video looks good but not particularly challenged. Same goes for the Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track, which isn’t pushed much but sounds good nonetheless. The special features are a little disappointing for a Richard Linklater film. There is a featurette called “True Story to Film” talks about the film’s adaption of true events. To take advantage of Jack Black’s singing capabilities, there is a special performance of “Amazing Grace”. Lastly, there is featurette called “The Gossips” looking into the real-life townspeople of Carthage, including interviews and their auditions for the film.

Directed by: Andrew Marton
Starring: Gene Kelly, Pier Angeli
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 92 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Gene Kelly is known best for his musicals but this film is one of his dramatic performances.  The film itself has some problems and but honestly.  I am a sucker for Kelly and this performance was great.  The film was also shot on location which is breathtaking, especially some of the scenery in Germany.  Pier Angeli is also amazing, such a beauty. Warner Archive scores again for finally releasing the remaining, unreleased Gene Kelly films from the Warner Bros. vaults. The other film recently released is “Black Hand”, read review here. Fans of Gene Kelly’s work will not want to miss this opportunity to finally own this film on DVD.

This newly restored DVD looks great for a film that has never before released and was made almost 60 years ago. “The Devil Makes Three” is presented in black and white in full frame and the original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The audio track presented is mono and sounds great, especially with the film’s music scenes. The only special feature on this release is an original trailer, which is honestly better than nothing. Even though Warner Archive is known for just delivering such great quality on their DVDs. I have yet to be disappointed. Keep them coming guys!

Synopsis: Capt. Jeff Eliot (Gene Kelly) roams the tawdry dives of post-war Munich searching for a delicate young beauty named Wilhelmina (Pier Angeli), the only survivor of the family that hid him from the Nazis after his plane was shot down during the war. He wants to help her. She wants to use him to smuggle contraband into Austria. But what looks like a small-time black market scheme hides something far more sinister: a vicious, well-financed conspiracy to revive the Third Reich. Shot on location and boasting a skilled international cast, The Devil Makes Three features footage of motorcycles zooming along Hitler’s sleek Autobahn and competing in a thrilling race on a frozen lake, plus a climatic showdown filmed at the Führer’s mountain retreat near Berchtesgaden. Kelly is both virile action hero and shrewd detective “in a fine, restrained characterization” (Howard Thompson, The New York Times) that anchors the intrigue-laced plot.

Directed by: Richard Thorpe
Starring: Gene Kelly, J. Carroll Nash, Teresa Celli
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 92 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When you think of Gene Kelly you think of singing and dancing.  “Black Hand” was one of the first films to really showcase Kelly’s dramatic chops.  It is a real change of pace for him and pays off.  It is honestly surprising how suspenseful this film really is.  It leaves you sitting on the edge of your chair biting your nails.  Warner Archive scores again for finally releasing the remaining, unreleased Gene Kelly films from the Warner Bros. vaults.  The other film recently released is “The Devil Makes Three”, read review here. Fans of Gene Kelly’s work will not want to miss this opportunity to finally own this film on DVD.

For a film from 1950 that has been stuck in a vault and never before released.  It looks damn good. Of course there is the grain and age spots but this newly restored DVD really delivers the goods.  “Black Hand” is presented in black and white in full frame and the original aspect ratio of 1.37:1.  The audio track presented is mono and works perfectly with this release. Even though this film solely consists of just the film no special features.  You still feel like you are getting your money’s worth.  When I think of Warner Archive, I just feel comfort with quality.

Synopsis: Johnny Columbo was just a boy in 1900 New York when a gang of extortionists known as the Black Hand murdered his father. Now Johnny’s a grown man eager for vengeance. His switchblade and his anger are the weapons he intends to use but he ultimately realizes there’s a better way. He can use the legal system to deport the Black Hand terrorists by proving they are in the U.S. under false identities. but brining that proof to light will put Johnny and the people close to him in great peril. Movie-musical great Gene Kelly plays the change-of-pace role of Johnny in this suspenseful tale directed by the prolific Richard Thorpe (more than 180 IMDb credits). Kelly had played an Italian-American before in Pilot #5. He would portray a Greek-American in It’s a Big Country.

Created by: Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady
Starring: Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Running Time: 558 minutes

Season Two: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

The second season of “The Big Bang Theory” really kicked this show into full gear. During the first season, we got to meet and love our science nerds Leonard, Sheldon, Raj and Howard and their neighbor Penny.  When you are watching you don’t even realize that you just finished zipped through 23 episodes without moving from the couch once.  Now that this season has been released, the entire series is finally available on Blu-ray minus the fifth season, which is due in September 2012. Within this season, there are 23 very funny episodes. You can tell that Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady are really getting into a groove with this season and really deliver one of the best seasons.  The cast has really discovered their comfort zone in their characters as well. Fans of the series, should definitely pick this up.

Let’s get to the meat of this release.  Warner’s spared no expenses with this release rounding up a six-disc set consisting of two Blu-ray and four DVDs. So you can watch the series in high-def at home and bring the DVDs to leave at work. The real selling point for me though was the Ultraviolet streaming digital copy included of all 23 episodes.  I really look forward to revisiting this series on the go whenever I want from my iPhone. The 1080p video transfer is similar to the first season and is definitely sharp looking.  The audio included is an DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which is on par with the first season.  The show is all dialogue but is well-balanced and very clear.

The special features on this release though are not as impressive as the season itself. They are also only presented in standard definition.  I was also hoping for some commentary tracks included but they seem to be MIA.  “The Big Bang Theory: Physicist to the Stars”,  runs about 10 minutes and takes a look into the show’s physics consultant Dr. David Saltzberg.  “Testing the Infinite Hilarity Thesis in Relation to the Big Bang Theory” is a basic behind-the-scenes look into season 2. Lastly there is a very funny “Gag Reel” included as well, though not uncensored.

Created by: Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady
Starring: Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Running Time: 374 minutes

Season Two: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

.

“Our whole universe was in a hot dense state,
Then nearly fourteen billion years ago expansion started. Wait…
The Earth began to cool,
The autotrophs began to drool,
Neanderthals developed tools,
We built a wall (we built the pyramids),
Math, science, history, unraveling the mysteries,
That all started with the big bang!”

If you are a fan of the show, you probably find yourself, like me singing along to this theme song…even when the show is not on. “The Big Bang Theory” is easily my favorite comedy on television…period.  I have to be honest though, I was not always a fan of this show.  I remember dating back to 2007-2008, when friends of mine insisted we watch it and I just kept thinking “A show about science…Yeah right!”  Boy, was I so wrong.  This show is so much more and only has gotten better with each season. Thankfully Warner Bros has finally released this show’s first and second seasons on high-definition Blu-ray. “The Big Bang Theory” started its Blu-ray releases with season 3 back in 2010.  So luckily now we are all caught up, until the upcoming release of season 5 in September 2012.  If you are a fan of the show, this release is very welcomed and does not disappoint.

Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady have really created one of the most unique and funniest shows on television.  It is packed with some great pop culture aspects merged with a very creative use of scientific jargon and rapid-fire dialogue (mostly courtesy of the amazing  Jim Parsons). The first season is the shortest of the series due to the Writers Guild strike of 2007, but it still is able to capture its audience.  Fall 2012 also begins the show’s sixth season and it currently shows no signs of slowing down.  In the first season, we meet Leonard and Sheldon, who are science nerds and also roommates.  When they meet their new neighbor Penny, an aspiring actress/currently waitressing at The Cheescake Factory, Leonard goes on the prowl to get her.  We also get introduced to Leonard and Sheldon’s hilarious duo of friends, Howard, who is a suave nerd and Raj, who cannot speak with women (unless he is drunk).  Overall, this season is a great kick-off to a great series.

This Blu-ray release is much more impressive over seasons 3 and 4. This is a six-disc set consisting of two Blu-ray and 4 DVDs. The real selling point for me though was the Ultraviolet streaming digital copy included of all 17 episodes. When I originally saw the first season of “The Big Bang Theory”, it was not in high definition.  So it was great revisit this show on high-def Blu-ray.  The 1080p transfer is very sharp and colorful, definitely does not disappoint.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also is great but of course isn’t challenged much especially since the show is 99.9% dialogue. The special features though are a bit of a letdown, not some much in what is presented but by what is not included.  “Quantum Mechanics of The Big Bang Theory”, runs just short of 20 minutes and is a retrospective on the origins of the series.  Lorre and Prady and all the principal cast chat about the series. Lastly there is a “Gag Reel” includes, which had me literally crying.

Directed by: Jason Paul Collum
Starring: Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens and Michelle Bauer
Distributed by: Breaking Glass Pictures
Release Date: August 28, 2012
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Running Time: 63 minutes

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

I am a total fan of B-horror movies & the Scream Queen era of 1980s thru early 90s. I grew up on these films and they are always going to be my favorites. Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens and Michelle Bauer are definitely the original Scream Queen’s. Films like “Return of the Living Dead”, “The Slumber Party Massacre” and “Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers” were and still are some of my favorite 80’s horror films. They are timeless and only get better with age. This documentary gives some really great insight into birth of the VHS horror days and the original Scream Queens!

You can really tell that this is a real passion project for Jason Paul Collum. Linnea Quigley (“Return of the Living Dead”), Brinke Stevens (“The Slumber Party Massacre”) and Michelle Bauer (“Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers”) really seem to have a great time telling their stories of how they became cult icons of the late 1980s. It also gives insight into what they are doing now as well, so it is a great revisit into their careers. If were were a horror fan and a teenage boy in the late 80’s, then you will know how much these film’s have impacted your life. “High Heels: The Rise & Fall of the Scream Queen Era” is fun, informative and a real treat for any fan of the genre.

The unrated DVD also comes with some great special features for hardcore horror fans. There are bonus interview footage with Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens and Michelle Bauer, which is definitely worth checking out. There is also fun footage from the Flashback Weekend of Horror convention Q&A. If you caught this film on television on Chiller and censored BTW, you need to see this unrated cut with all the boobs included that made 80’s horror great. Fans of classic 80’s films are going to NEED to pick up this release, no question!

Directed by: Soubi Yamamoto
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Section 23
Release Date: August 14, 2012
Running Time: 28 minutes

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

With a title like “This Boy Can Fight Aliens”, sounds strange but completely intrigued. After three back-to-back viewings of this film, I am still not quite sure I completely understand what I watched. I am not stranger to anime at all. Sentai Filmworks is a great contributor to the genre. I also wish the film was incredibly longer. The running time of 30 minutes only seems to be a jumping off point for this film. I also feel like it can see a series as well. For big anime fans, this is definitely something I would recommend.

The story revolves around Kakashi, a boy with no memory of his past.  He lives in a world where aliens come everyday to fight. Kakashi is the one who can take on the aliens. Though with losing his memory also forgot the knowledge of how to actually use his powers. It is up to his friends to help him regain his powers and remember who he is in order to save them from the aliens.

The special features are not the greatest but still worth checking out. There is a few early work shorts from director Soubi Yamamoto. They are three really cool mini-features but I would have liked to see more. There is also a brief interview with Soubi Yamamoto as well. Overall the film is visually super cool and very interesting. Would have loved to review this on Blu-ray since it probably looks mega-cool.

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Directed by: David Lee Madison
Starring: Stephen Geoffreys, Edward X. Young, Jessica Cameron, Steve Dash, Brad Loree
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Kino Lorber/Horizon Films
Release Date: August 7, 2012
Running Time: 90 minutes

Film: 1 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

“Mr. Hush” is the directorial debut from David Lee Madison. The film wants to be 80’s throwback slasher but it is really lacking on the horror…and the slashing. The film also takes way to long to get started and suffers from really flat dialogue and poor execution. For example “Die you smelly fuck”. For a film that is claimed to be brutal and terrifying I had a really hard time holding back from laughing. On the only plus side, the film is jam packed with great genre cast including Stephen Geoffreys (“Fright Night”, “976-EVIL”), Brad Loree (“Halloween: Resurrection”) and Steve Dash (“Friday the 13th, Part 2”). Even Brian O’Halloran (“Clerks”) appears in this film. But when it comes down to it, even being a huge horror fan and I found it incredibly hard to even finish this film.

The film tells the story of Holland Price (Loree), a devoted husband and loving father, who loses his family to a psychotic stranger named Mr. Hush (Young) who sings “Hush, Little Baby” before slitting throats. When Price attempts to move on with his life living in a small Pennsylvania town, he finds that Mr. Hush returns to wreak havoc once again, this time with a demonic sidekick (Geoffreys).

Horizon Films delivers an decent Blu-ray video presentation but I had real issues with the audio. Even though it is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, there was a lot of issues, especially with the dialogue. The special features are lacking and starts off with an introduction by director David Lee Madison and Brian O’Halloran. Next up is a audio commentary from director David Lee Madison & star Edward X. Young. There is outtakes and bloopers included, though I am never a fan these with horror films. “There is the music video for “Mr. Hush” from the band “Visitor” (featuring Bill Gibson & Mario Cipollina from Huey Lewis & the News and Tal Morris from Creedence Clearwater Revisited). Lastly there is the original theatrical trailers included.

Directed by: Kevin MacDonald
Starring: Bob Marley
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Distributed by: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 7, 2012
Running Time: 145 minutes

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

If you are a fan of great films such as “Touching the Void”, “The Last King of Scotland”, then you would should know director Kevin Macdonald. He is the man behind this excellent documentary, “Marley”, which is also executive produced by Ziggy Marley and Chris Blackwell. I remember the first time that I heard my first Bob Marley song. That song was “No Woman, No Cry” and it changes the way I look at music. This documentary is very fun and very entertaining and must for all fans of Marley’s work and legacy.

The music of Bob Marley is so unique and has had such a big impact on music history. This documentary is the definitive life story of the musician, revolutionary, and legend Bob Marley. It ranges from his early days through his rise to worldwide super-stardom. You can tell that this isn’t some trashy unauthorized documentary, since it is made with the support of the Marley family. The film features rare footage and performances. The interviews are really in depth and are featured from the people that knew him best.

The Blu-ray presentation is great, for a documentary. The 1080p transfer works well, even with the archive footage. The audio track shines especially with Marley’s music. The special features are just as impressive as the film. There is a great commentary track with director Kevin Macdonald and Ziggy Marley. “Around the World” focuses on the relevance of Bob Marley’s muisc today. “Children’s Memories” includes additional interviews with Ziggy Marley, Stephen Marley and Cedella Marley. There are also an extended interview with Bunny Wailer. There is a cool feature called “Listening to I’m Loose”, which takes a unique look into the famous song. Lastly there is a photo gallery and theatrical trailer included.

Presented by: The History Channel
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: A&E Home Video
Release Date: August 14, 2012
Running Time: 45 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

To commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the events that occurred with the Titanic.  “Titanic: 100 Years in 3D” contains powerful untold stories of passengers and crew combined with amazing 3D HD imagery.  It gives us a unique view of the event of the Titanic in a way never before possible. The History Channel delivers yet another amazing 3D Blu-ray release.  My only main issue is that I would have loved this to be a little longer, only running at about 45 minutes.

Back in 2010, an expedition lead by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and RMS Titanic, Inc. went on location to document the entire wreck site of Titanic.  This wasn’t your typical dive though since it includes high-resolution optical video, sonar, acoustic imaging, and 3D HD video and acoustic modeling. To match these amazing visuals they are accompanied by the untold stories of people who were on the ship, narrated in voice-over by actors.

The 1080p 3D transfer looks awesome and really adds a lot of depth.  The film is presented in aspect ratio of 1.78:1.  I personally didn’t see James Cameron’s “Titanic” in 3D when it was re-released this year.  I know that this release won’t match the quality of the 3D but it sure looks great to see the Titanic presented in 3D. The audio contains an Dolby Digital 5.1 track, which sounds impressive.  The only special features for this release are English, Dutch, German, Polish, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Spanish Subtitles…if you consider that a special feature.

Directed by: Vernon Sewell
Starring: Derren Nesbitt, Glynn Edwards
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Redemption Films
Release Date: July 17, 2012
Running Time: 91 minutes

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

“Burke and Hare” is directed by Vernon Sewell, known best for “Ghost Ship” and “The Blood Beast Terror”.  This classic dark comedy/horror film has been newly remastered in HD and is the first time ever released on Blu-ray!  The film shows its age a little on Blu-ray but still manages to entertain with its campy humor. Kino/Redemption Films continues to release this classic gems and gets props for at least trying.  I would say that this release is for hardcore horror fans strictly and personally I enjoyed John Landis’ recent remake of this quite more.

The premise for the film follows, a pair of low-life thugs Burke (Derren Nesbitt) and Hare (Glynn Edwards), who deliver human specimens to the Edinburgh Medical College. Though they have their unique way of retrieving the bodies often by robbing the graves of the recently dead.  Though due to the lack of available options, the pair turn to murder to continue the flow of bodies.

“Burke & Hare” looks decent with its Blu-ray1080p transfer but not amazing.  The film is presented though in its original aspect ratio of 1.66:1  I am assuming that the 35mm wasn’t in the best shape and even though Kino remastered the film, there weren’t any extensive restoration done.  The film’s audio track included is LPCM 2.0 track, it is also decent but nothing amazing. It

The special features are a little light as well for this release.  There is a short documentary called “Grave Desires: Corpses on Film”, which runs just barely 15 minutes. It features expert insight by Dr. Patricia MacCormack into grave-robbing and cadavers from the film.  Francois Pascal is featured in a new interview, in 1080p, chatting about  how she got involved.  Lastly there is trailers for other Redemption releases.

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Director: Stephen Frears
Starring: John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Todd Louiso, Jack Black, Lisa Bonet
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Touchstone / Disney
Running Time: 113 Minutes
Release Date: August 7, 2012

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

John Cusack has always been one of my favorites. I am not sure what it is but he is just always nails his roles. This film is one of his best roles, easily. When “High Fidelity” was released, it introduced me to some great music, Jack Black and some of the best comedic lines in film. It is very hard to believe that this film is actually 12 years old. It still holds up though and still delivers the laughs. It still ranks in my top 5 of comedies since 2000. Those who previously own this DVD are wondering if this is worth the upgrade to HD. It is definitely worth the jump for sure.  Highly recommended for those who love music, Jack Black and, of course, Cusack.

The film follows Rob Gordon (Cusack), the owner of a fading record store, Championship Vinyl, which does what is says…sells vinyls. He is a walking enclycopedia of music, living and breathing it.   He spends his days battling with two employees Dick and Barry creating their all-time favorite top-five lists throughout music.  When Rob’s long-term girlfriend Laura walks out on him, he examines his previous failed attempts at romance and tries to seek to find what went wrong.

The Blu-ray presentation itself is very well done by Disney! The 1080p transfer comes with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and a video codec of AVC/MPEG-4.  Overall it looks very sharp in its HD transfer.  Since music is a very big part of this film, the audio track is very important.  There is a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track included with 48kHz/24-bit, which is basically perfect with the dialogue and the music.

The special features are good overall but there are no new HD extras included on this release.  First up is some great interviews with Writer/Producer John Cusack split into five different sections. There is also a “Conversations with Director Stephen Frears”, also split into five sections. These both are very informative about the film. There are nine “Deleted Scenes”  that are well worth checking out. I have always loved the scene with Beverly D’Angelo, which is hysterical. Lastly there is the theatrical trailer included.

Starring: Slipknot
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Release Date: July 31, 2012
Running Time: 159 minutes (incl. extras)

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

Where you are a fan of Slipknot or not, they really know how to put on a amazing live performance. Their latest album “All Hope is Gone” was released back in August of 2008 and honestly it has never left my iPhone since it was released. This concert was filmed on June 13, 2009 at the Download Festival, in Donington Park, England. Let me tell you this concert looked like it was a mega blast with the band nailing it in front of 80,000 fans! Even though the best fan to experience this band is live, which I have done personally, this is the best second option and will not leave you disappointed. This concert was initially released on DVD from Roadrunner Records on September 28, 2010. This is a great upgrade for all Slipknot fans and very highly recommended.

“Slipknot {sic}nesses Live at Download” was released on Blu-ray by Eagle Vision, part of Eagle Rock Entertainment. They are known for releasing most of their music Blu-rays with an 1080i transfer in 1.78:1. I am not sure why they can’t bump it up to 1080p. Well, either way this Blu-ray concert still looks damn good and is a real upgrade from DVD. Besides the video, the most important part of this release is the audio track. There is sweet DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track as well as an uncompressed LPCM 2.0 Stereo track. I obviously prefer the 5.1 track and it does not disappoint on Blu-ray, it is extremely sharp,  on key and kicked my surround sound’s ass!

The special features are most presented in SD but I really enjoyed them, nonetheless. There is a 45 minutes documentary directed by the band’s M. Shawn Crahan aka Clown titled “Audible Visions of {sic}nesses”. It gives us a look backstage with the band covering a variety of performances. One of my favorite Slipknot songs ever is “Snuff” and there is “The Making of Snuff” included as well with a lot of backstage footage and one of my favs, Malcolm McDowell.  Though it is still weird seeing Corey Taylor in drag, LOL. Lastly there are four music videos including: “Snuff” (only extra in 1080i), “Dead Memories”, “Sulfur”, “Psychosocial”.

“Slipknot {sic}nesses Live at Download” Track Listing:
01. 742617000027
02. (Sic)
03. Eyeless
04. Wait and Bleed
05. Get This
06. Before I Forget
07. Sulfur
08. The Blister Exists
09. Dead Memories
10. Left Behind
11. Disasterpiece
12. Vermilion
13. Everything Ends
14. Psychosocial
15. Duality
16. People = Shit
17. Surfacing
18. Spit It Out