Blu-ray Review “Chariots of Fire”

Directed by: Hugh Hudson
Starring: Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Nicholas Farrell, Nigel Havers, Ian Holm
MPAA Rating: PG
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Running Time: 124 minutes

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

When it comes to sports movies, I am usually not the first one in line. Though for some strange reason, I have a soft spot for the Olympics. And “Chariots of Fire” is such a well-known film in that category. It is also the winner of four Academy Awards including Best Picture, which is quite impressive also. The story follows two British track athletes, one a determined Jew, and the other a devout Christian who compete in the 1924 Olympics. I have to admit prior to this release, I have never seen this but now quite glad I did. It really packs some really emotional and intense moments and topped off with great performances. Warner Bros wins again with this Digibook release of the film contains 36 pages of behind-the-scenes photos, production art, history and more. This is worth the purchase alone of this release.

This Blu-ray release looks very nice on Blu-ray. Warner Bros did a real nice job with the 1080p transfer and packs an very sharp DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track, which really captures the magnitude of the Olympics. This release also comes packaged with a soundtrack sampler featuring 4 songs from the Oscar-winning compilation. If all that isn’t enough there are two all new documentaries: “Paris, 1924: Birth of the Modern Games- David Puttnam” and “A Cinematic Champion”. Definitely worth checking out. There is a new interview with director Hugh Hudson as well as a commentary track from him. Additional documentaries included are “Wings on their Heels: The Making of Chariots of Fire” and “Chariots of Fire: A Reunion”. Lastly there are some deleted scenes and screen tests included as well.

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Premise: Winner of four Academy Awards(R) including Best Picture! The inspiring true story of British athletes competing in the 1924 Olympics. Ben Cross and Ian Charleson head a sterling cast of newcomers and veterans. The story, told in flashback, of two young British sprinters competing for fame in the 1924 Olympics. Eric, a devout Scottish missionary runs because he knows it must please God. Harold, the son of a newly rich Jew runs to prove his place in Cambridge society.

Blu-ray Review “Imposter”

Directed by: Gary Fleder
Starring: Gary Sinise, Madeleine Stowe, Vincent D’Onofrio, Tony Shalhoub, Tim Guinee, Mekhi Phifer
Distributed by: Echo Bridge Entertainment
Release Date: July 17, 2012
Running Time: 102 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13

Blu-ray Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to action-packed sci-fi movies, I have an extreme weak spot, especially when they are from the author of “Total Recall” and “Blade Runner”. “Impostor” may not be the best film but it is action packed and really captures Philip K. Dick’s essence. The film also packs a great cast including Gary Sinise, Madeleine Stowe (who I loved in TV’s “Revenge”, BTW), Vincent D’Onofrio, Mekhi Phifer and Tony Shalhoub. I mean what a cast right? The film only question I have to Echo Bridge Entertainment is, where is the director’s cut?

The film takes place during a futuristic time when the Earth has been at war with an alien force for over a decade. It is up to the work of government scientist Spencer Olham (Sinise) in order to save the planet. Though things get complicated when Olham is accused of being an alien spy and becomes a fugitive from the law. Olham races to prove his identity, all while still trying to save all mankind.

The Blu-ray presentation on “Imposter” is definitely good stuff. The high definition 1080p transfer looks sharp and it is presented in widescreen with an 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is also delivers with both a Dolby 5.1 DTS and 2.0 Stereo tracks. There are also a few special features, nothing out-of-this-world (get it?). The extras included are “The Impostor Files”, a featurette on the production and the original short film, which is awesome. Looking to escape for a few hours, definitely grab this release as it is worth the money!

Blu-ray Review “Mirror Mirror”

Directed by: Tarsem Singh
Starring: Lily Collins, Sean Bean, Julia Roberts, Armie Hammer, Nathan Lane
MPAA Rating: PG
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: June 26, 2012
Running Time: 106 minutes

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

I am a big proprietor of re-telling of classic fairy tale films, I absolutely love Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” but I felt the urge to turn off “Mirror Mirror” after only 20 minutes. Lily Collins’ was very cute in her first leading performance, which I enjoyed. The film looks very perfect and visual also thanks to Eiko Ishioka’s costume work and Tarsem Singh’s creative and visual style.  The story though was lame and dragged a lot, it was also not funny at all, when aimed as a comedy.  Overall, unless you need to see anything relating to the character Snow White, I would avoid this film.

The film follow an evil enchantress queen (Roberts) who schemes to marry a handsome, wealthy prince (Hammer), after spending all of the kingdom’s money. Although there is a small problem – he’s in love with a princess, Snow White (Collins).  So, the queen sets out to remove Snow White from her own kingdom.  While hiding out she meets and joins up with seven rebellious dwarves.  With there help, Snow White wages war on the queen in order to restore the power and save her kingdom.

When it comes to the Blu-ray presentation though, unlike the film it looks very pretty but also very “shot-on-a-set” feel. The 1080p transfers shines for sure and is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1.  The audio is also impressive with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, which works well with the score.  The release also comes with a DVD of the film, as well as a digital copy.  I wish Fox would get on the bandwagon and start using Ultraviolet digital streaming.  Lastly, it is sad but I think the part I liked most about this release was the lenticular cover.

So bad movie, great Blu-ray presentation and now back to bad.  The special features are a let down as well.  There are a five short deleted scenes including an alternate opening.  “Looking Through The Mirror” is a behind-the-scenes featurette with the cast and crew chatting about the production.  “I Believe I Can Dance” is a feature with choreographer, Paul Becker, on the film’s final dance number. “Mirror, Mirror Storybook” is storybook version of the film, which runs 28 pages and is remote-controlled. “Prince and Puppies” is the stupiest feature on this disc, with a group of puppies that watch the “puppy love” scene and give their thoughts on Armie Hammer…seriously? Lastly there is a theatrical trailer included.

DVD Review “The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan: The Complete Series”

Created by: Earl Derr Biggers
Directed by: William Hanna, Joseph Barbera
Voices of: Keye Luke, Robert Ito, Brian Tochi, Don Messick, Gene Andrusco, Jodie Foster
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Release Date: June 26, 2012
Episodes: 16
Running time: 344 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan” was not a long-running show from Hanna-Barbera but its certainly a fun show. It had an original run from September 9, 1972 – December 30, 1972, which included only 16 episodes. The show resolves Mr. Chan, his ten children and their dog Chu Chu. They go around the world and solve mysteries with the children helping their father in every episode. In fact it actually reminds me a lot of “Scooby-Doo”. They also even travel around in a van, but their’s is much cooler since it can transform into other vehicles with the push of a button. For a show that is aged 40 years, the DVD presentation looks sharp and very impressive.

The voice of Mr. Chan, Keye Luke is the only actor of Chinese descent.  Also another notable voice on the show is Jodie Foster as Anne Chan, that’s right THE Jodie Foster.  I love the cross-overs between about Hanna-Barbara shows like their is one of the characters  disguises themselves as Yogi Bear and their car reminds a lot of Hong-Hong Phooey’s car.  This show was also spoofed in Adult Swim’s “Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law”. Props need to go to Warner Archive Collection for releasing this manufacture-on-demand (MOD).  If you are a fan of classic Hanna-Barbara series, this is a no-brainer to pick up!

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Synopsis: Chinese-American supersleuth Charlie Chan made his cartoon transition with his customary grace, only this time he brought along the clan. Maintaining Hanna-Barbera’s winning formula (kids, mysteries, canine, van), the hit kid show also introduced some innovations (the van transforms, a double-sized team, HOWdunnits not whodunits). Most significant among these is the casting of the amazing Keye Luke (Kato, Master Po) as the voice of Charlie Chan. Not only was this the first time that an Asian-American would play Charlie Chan, it marked an apropos “graduation” for Mr. Luke, the original “Number One Son” Lee Chan of the classic Warner Oland Chan mysteries. Among those joining Mr. Luke on voice duties are Jodie Foster (Anne Chan), Lennie Weinrib (Stanley Chan) and Don Messick (Chu-Chu) in this complete 16-episode, two-disc collection.

DVD Review “Freak Dance”

Directed by: Matt Besser, Neil Mahoney
Starring: Michael Cassady, Megan Heyn, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts, Amy Poehler
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Image Entertainment
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Running Time: 97 minutes

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

I am big fan of Comedy Central TV series “Upright Citizens Brigade”, it was the best sketch show since MTV’s “The State”. This film though is completely un-watchable and extremely painful. I know this film originated on the stage and I have a feeling that it should have stayed on the stage. I give credit to the film’s choreography as it is decent.  The music though, feels like high school theater quality and is so ridiculously over-the-top. I really didn’t dig it at all, not one song.

The film follows, rich girl, Cocolonia (Megan Heyn) who hits the streets to join a dance crew and follow her dream of dancing.  In order to compete in a huge dance underground dance-off, she must team up with partner Funky Bunch (Cassady), she has to prove she has what it takes. Notable supporting cast is not even able to help this film succeed, like Matt Besser, Matt Walsh, Ian Roberts, Horatio Sanz and Tim Meadows. Though for a film that runs only 97 minutes, it feels well over 2.5 hours.

The special features are nothing special and forgettable. There is a commentary with writer/co-director, Matt Besser and co-director, Neil Mahoney, which is quite lame. There are a two deleted scenes and one extended scene, but I thought the film was long enough. “The Dangers of Freak Dancing” is a multi-part featurette on the dance choreography in the film and the effects of its moves.  It is just as stupid as the film is and worth skipping. Lastly there is a trailer included.

DVD Review “Black Limousine”

Directed by: Carl Colpaert
Starring: David Arquette, Bijou Phillips, Vivica A. Fox, Nicholas Bishop, Carla Ortiz
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed: Anchor Bay Entertainment
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Running Time: 101 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

When you see this film it looks like a really trippy look inside Tinseltown, I have to say I was really taken back how decent of a film it is. David Arquette delivered a really stunning and dramatic performance. I had a real problem with the film’s cover art though as it reveals too much. “Black Limousine” also does gets a little too existential but overall it balances out and delivers an interesting little film.

The film follows Jack MacKenzie (Arquette), a divorced father, recovering alcoholic and former Hollywood composer now working as a limousine driver. Jack tries to put his life back in the right direction but constantly ends up with creative frustration, economic desperation and emotional pain. When he crosses paths with sexy and equally unstable, model/actress (Bijou Phillips), Jack’s situation gets edges deeper into madness.

The film also had a decent supporting cast including Vivica A. Fox, Lin Shaye, Tom Bower and Nicholas Bishop. If you are looking for special features, you will be disappointed as this releases does not even come with a trailer. Nonetheless, the film is a wild ride which packs a decent visual journey that will show you the effects a man’s repressed memories, depression and addiction, while trying to succeed in Hollywood.

DVD Review “Adventure Time: Complete First Season”

 Starring: John DiMaggio, Jeremy Shada, Tom Kenny
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Cartoon Network
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Running Time: 286 minutes

Season: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

Not to complain about it…but what took some long? This show is such a cult classic already and loved by both kids and adults a like. I cannot believe there has not been a complete season DVD sooner. “Adventure Time” is Cartoon Network’s #1 hit comedy show and is also an Emmy nominated. This DVD includes all 26 episodes from season one and is packaged with a collectible slipcover that is super cool for all fans of the show. I hope that Cartoon Network plans on releasing season two-four of this show as well. More importantly where is the Blu-ray release?

The show centers around the post apocalyptic adventures of Finn, a human boy with a funny hat, and his friend Jake, a magic and mischievous dog. I have no idea what it is about this show that makes it so super cool but I absolutely love it. It is not just for kids and really aims to please adults as well. The humor is so over-the-top and zany that is leaves your head spinning with each episode. The characters are also so colorful and unique that I found myself wanting more of each one, especially Lumpy Space Princess.

The special features on the DVD are fantastic. There are commentary tracks included on various episodes, which is great to listen to if you are a fan of the series. There are a bunch of great behind the scene featurettes of the crew, the composers and more filmed by creator Pendleton Ward with his very own camera phone. There are also a bunch of animatics featuring commentary by Ward, Adam Muto, Pat McHale and Derek Drymon for the “Rainy Day Daydream,” “Slumber Party Panic,” “Dungeon” and “The Enchiridion!” episodes. There is also episode commentary tracks from cast members and special guests including: “Prisoners of Love” with John DiMaggio, Jeremy Shada, Tom Kenny and Ward; “Ricardio the Heart Guy” with George Takei, Hynden Walch, Kenny, Shada and Ward; “Tree Trunks” with Bettie Ward and Polly Lou Livingston; and “Trouble in Lumpy Space” with DiMaggio, Shada, Kenny and Ward. Lastly there is also music video included on this release.

Season one episodes include: Slumber Party Panic, Trouble in Lumpy Space, Prisoners of Love, Tree Trunks, The Enchiridion!, My Two Favorite People, Memories of Boom Boom Mountain, Ricardio the Heart Guy, Finn the Wizard, City of Thieves, The Witch’s Garden, What Is Life, Ocean of Fear, When Wedding Bells Thaw, Dungeon, The Duke, Freak City, Donny, Henchman, Rainy Day Daydream, What Have You Done?, His Hero & Gut Grinder.

DVD Review “The Great Killing”

Directed by: Eiichi Kudo
Starring: Mikijiro Hira, Yoshio Inaba, Toru Abe
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Animeigo
Release Date: July 3, 2012
Running Time: 118 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

“The Great Killing” is the second film in Eiichi Kudo’s Samurai Revolution Trilogy. This film is quite intense for a 1964 B&W samurai film, it is graphic and contains an amazing ending battle scene to rival all battle scenes. Similar to “13 Assassins”, the film is a slow burn that really nails its finale. AnimEigo is responsible for releasing this series on DVD. The last film in the series “Eleven Samurai” will also be released later this year. If AnimEigo is reading this, I would like to see a Blu-ray set of these films in the near future.

“The Great Killing” follows Shogunate Elder who sets out a plan to rule Japan by making the Shogun’s brother Tsunashige, the next Shogun. The best strategist in Japan, Yamaga, leads a plot to stop the Elder, but the plan doesn’t work out and most of the conspirators are captured and tortured. Yamaga and his remaining swordsmen are left to battle through hundreds of guards in order to kill Tsunashige. One of the most amazing fights filmed BTW.

The DVD quality itself looks very sharp in its widescreen 2.35:1 aspect ratio, especially for a 1964 released film. The B&W print is restored really well. Animeigo released this film in its original Japanese audio with various subtitles to choose from. The extras included are nothing special but include trailers, programs notes, cast & crew bios and image gallery.

Blu-ray Review “Wilfred: The Complete First Season”

Starring: Jason Gann, Elijah Wood
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: June 19, 2012
Running Time: 286 minutes

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

I have to admit, I was not aware of this show during it airing on FX last summer. I am sure glad that I had the opportunity to review the first season’s Blu-ray because it is not one of my favorite shows on television. “Wilfred” is adapted from an Australian-show, also created by Jason Gann. The show is so unique and really delivers some great laughs. Jason Gann is such a laugh riot playing Wilfred the dog, he is subtle and really steals the show. Elijah Wood is also amazing in this role, who is the only person able to communicate with Wilfred. It is a complicated and obscure relationship but very entertaining. I am looking forward to season two very much premiering June 28th on FX.

Elijah Wood stars as Ryan, a suicidal ex-lawyer, who doesn’t have the best luck. He forms a unique relationship with his neighbor’s dog Wilfred. Though Ryan sees Wilfred different from everyone else, as a weed-smoking, foul-mouthed Australian man in a dog suit (Jason Gann). The two spend a lot of time together and also get into a lot of trouble together. As the season goes on Wilfred seems to push Ryan’s sanity of what is real and what he is capable of.

The video and audio on this release are good but nothing special. The 1080p transfer is simple yet effective for this show, especially on its low-budget. The comedy really doesn’t benefit much from its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, though it does sound good. The special features on the Blu-ray are impressive. “Wilfred at Comic-Con 2011” features the show’s Comic-Con panel. There are a good 15 minutes of deleted scenes, some better than others. “Wilfred and Bear: A Love Affair” is a montage of scenes with Wilfred mating with his friend. “Maryjane Mashup” is a montage of pot-smoking scenes. Lastly “Fox Movie Channel Presents: Life After Film School with Jason Gann” is a Q&A with Jason Gann. I would have loved to seen some commentary track included for this season. Maybe on the season two Blu-ray?

 

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Blu-ray Review “21 Jump Street”

Directed by: Phil Lord, Chris Miller
Starring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Brie Larson, Dave Franco, Rob Riggle, Ice Cube
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: June 26, 2012
Running Time: 109 minutes

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

In the mass flood of remakes, this action/comedy easily stands out as one of the best. The duo of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are a great team and really nail their roles in this film.  The film is packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, but also contains some great action as well.  A truly great blend of the genres.  Fans of the original series, will also rejoice to see great cameos from “21 Jump Street” originals Johnny Depp and Peter Deluise. I also really appreciate that first time live-action directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller really went head-in with this film and didn’t deliver a lame PG-13 film, it is balls-to-the-wall raunchy and that is why this film is so bad-ass! So the only question left is…when is “21 Jump Street 2” coming out??

The Blu-ray presentation is good for Sony’s standards.  The 1080p resolution with aspect ratio of 2.39:1, looks good but doesn’t break any records for Blu-ray.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track is great though and really delivers the action well.  This release also comes stocked with an Ultraviolet digital streaming copy, which I will be revisting quite a bit.

The special features are jam-packed with this Blu-ray release. There is an busy-yet hysterical audio commentary including Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and stars Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum.   There are about 30 minutes of deleted scenes included, some of them are fantastic and I would have loved to see an extended cut with some of them possibly included.  There is a decent length gag reel included as well.  This looked like a really fun production.  Next up is “Cube-O-Rama”, which is a short montage of Ice Cube’s scenes, not really my favorite aspect of the film.  “Back to School” and “Brothers in Arms” are two featurettes looking into the production with Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill.  “Johnny Depp on Set” is a short piece on Depp’s cameo. “The Rob Riggle Show” is a laugh-riot with some great behind-the-scenes footage.  Lastly “Peter Pan on the Freeway” focuses on the film’s big action sequence.

Blu-ray Review “Deliverance: 40th Anniversary Edition”

Directed by: John Boorman
Starring: Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, Ronny Cox
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: June 26, 2012
Running Time: 109 minutes

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

It’s really hard to believe that “Deliverance” was released 40 years ago.  I remember the first time I say this film as a kid and being completely mortified.  The film is such a classic and packs some of the most notable quotes and music in film history.  I mean who doesn’t love the “Dueling Banjos”?  This 40th Anniversary Edition release DigiBook is a real improvement from Warner’s last Blu-ray release back in 2007.  I have to say this film probably contains the best performances from its cast Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight and Ned Beatty.  If you are a fan of this movie, it is worth the upgrade if you have it on Blu-ray and if you don’t it is a simple no-brainer.

This 40th Anniversary Edition release of “Deliverance” comes in my favorite packaging, DigiBook.  I am a huge fan of this type of packaging and it really adds a lot of value for fans of the film and much better than an empty plastic case.  This film really excels it its 1080p video transfer and looks amazing with its aspect ratio of 2.40:1.  Though the spotlight of this release has to go to Warner’s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track.  It is a new lossless mix and really adds a lot to the release value.

For those looking for more value, the special features are impressive and contain a newly produced retrospective with the film’s leading men.  “Deliverance: The Cast Looks Back” runs about 30 minutes and features Jon Voight, Ned Beatty, Burt Reynolds and Ronny Cox reflecting back on the production, 40 years backs. It is a great new features.  There is a rehashed “Four-Part Retrospective” from the 2007 Blu-ray release, which covers from author James Dickey’s best-selling novel to the shooting on locations to the notable Dueling Banjos scene and many of the controversies that have surrounded this film.  There is an audio commentary track with Director John Boorma, which is decent but nothing special.  Next up there is a “The Dangerous World of Deliverance” which is an awesome vintage featurette, dated but still super cool.  Lastly there is a theatrical trailer included.

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Premise: Four city men on a weekend canoe trip pit their nerve and muscle against the churning waters of a wild Georgia river — where only three are “delivered” from the heart-pounding experience.

Blu-ray Review “Wrath of the Titans”

Directed by: Jonathan Liebesman
Starring: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Rosamund Pike, Ralph Fiennes, Bill Nighy
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Bros.
DVD Release Date: June 26, 2012
Run Time: 99 minute

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

When I first saw the trailer for “Wrath of the Titans”, I thought it looked super cool and a real improvement from  “Clash of the Titans”. Well, I really did enjoy it but I feel like it stands as an equal with “Clash”.  It improved on somethings but also ran in a few issues of its own.  I would rate the 3D version of this film with 4 stars, as it was really improved since was shot in native 3D. The film’s visual effects, creature designs and action scenes are simply breathtaking. They are also completely amped up from “Clash” and looks perfect in the film’s 1080p transfer. Although I still prefer watching this film in 3D. The audio is also perfect with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track.  My Blu-ray surround sound is still feeling the pain from its wrath.

The special features are decent but are only available within Warner’s Maximum Movie Mode.  There are two different experiences including “The Path of Gods” and “The Path of Men”.  With the “Gods”, you learn about the mythology behind Wrath of the Titans.  With ‘Men” we go behind-the-scenes with the production team.  There are over 30 minutes of Maximum Movie Mode’s Focus Point featurettes included as well.  There are three unfinished deleted scenes, runs over 10 minutes and were decent.  Not sure why they weren’t included in the final product.  If you are fan of the first film, you will love this film easily.  If you are a hater of it, you will also appreciated the improvement.

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Premise: Sam Worthington, Ralph Fiennes and Liam Neeson star once again as gods at war in “Wrath of the Titans”, under the direction of Johnathan Liebesman. A decade after his heroic defeat of the monstrous Kaken, Perseus (Worthington) the demigod son of Zeus (Neeson) is attempting to live a quieter life as a village fisherman and the sole parent to his 10-year old son, Helius. Meanwhile, a struggle for supremacy rages between the gods and the Titans. Dangerously weakened by humanity’s lack of devotion, the gods are losing control of the imprisoned Titans and their ferocious leader, Kronos, father of the long-ruling brothers Zeus, Hades (Fiennes) and Poseidon (Danny Huston). The triumvirate had overthrown their powerful father long ago, leaving him to rot in the gloomy abyss of Tartarus, a dungeon that lies deep within the cavernous underworld. Perseus cannot ignore his true calling when Hades, along with Zeus’ godly son, Ares (Edgar Ramrez), switch loyalties and make a deal, with kronos to capture Zeus. The Titans’ strength grows stronger as Zeus’ remaining godly powers are siphoned, and hell is unleashed on earth. Enlisting the help of the warrior Queen Andromeda (Rosamund Pike), Poseidon’s demigod son, Argenor (Toby Kebbell), and fallen gob Hephaestus (Bill Nighy), Perseus bravely embarks on a treacherous quest into the underworld to rescue Zeus, overthrow the Titans and save mankind.

DVD Review “Some Guy Who Kills People”

Directed by: Jack Perez
Starring: Barry Bostwick, Kevin Corrigan, Leo Fitzpatrick
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Anchor Bay Entertainment
Release Date: July 3, 2012
Running Time: 97 minutes

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

“Some Guy Who Kills People” is one of those films that looks and sounds cool but you know its gonna suck. Then you watch it and it is damn decent, with great gore and a cool story…but then the last 10 minutes of the film happens which ruins it all. Great performances though from Kevin Corrigan and Barry Bostwick. The film is not a really a horror film and not really a comedy but still manages delivers for the most part.

The film follows Ken Boyd, a former mental patient, who now draws comics, lives with his mother and works at ice cream parlor. He also likes to fantasizes about killing people. The reason he was locked away was due to trauma from being beaten and tortured by his fellow basketball team members back in high school. Though suddenly his tormentors, one by one, start dying off viciously. This also happens while Ken finds out he has a daughter, who wants to be a part of his life, which makes things more complicated.

I would like to point out that this film is from the director of of “Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus”, Jack Perez. So I am definitely fan of his work. I wish they would have just followed through with the ending and this would have turned out a lot cooler. I also should note that this film is executive produced by John Landis, which is cool but doesn’t boast much for the film.

The special features included on this DVD are decent. We get a decent commentary track from director/co-producer Jack Perez and producer Ryan Levin. There is featurette focusing on the making of “Some Guy Who Kills People”. There is a cool short film that inspired this film called “The Fifth”. Lastly there is the theatrical trailer included.

Blu-ray Review “Barbarella: Queen of the Galaxy”

Directed by: Roger Vadim
Starring: Jane Fonda, David Hemmings
Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: July 03, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG
Running Time: 98 minutes

Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1/2 out of 5 stars

“Barbarella” may not be the best film ever but it is fun and really entertaining. Jane Fonda is so great in this film and the role. The film itself though does look aged, in the sense of its effects, but I think that is the charm that it holds today. Anyone watch “Star Trek: The Original Series” recently? 40 years has not kind to this film, luckily Paramount did an amazing restoration job and this film is stunning on Blu-ray. The release also comes in a nice slipcover that really is really cool for fans of the film.

I mean who would say no to a zero-gravity striptease, which is featured in the opening credits. You will quickly forget that PG-ratings in the 60’s are equivalent to R-ratings today. The film itself is based on a French comic strip from Jean-Claude Forest and takes place in the 41st-century or at least what the budget could afford for 1968. Still the film is a fantasy sci-fi cult classic that is filled with great camp and Jane Fonda, do you need anything else? She fights robots and monsters and is basically a female James Bond…you have me sold instantly.

The 1080p transfer on this release is near perfect and doesn’t at all look like it is from 1968. Really great job Paramount. The aspect ratio on the disc is presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The audio included is an Dolby TrueHD Mono track, which seems to suite this film quite well. Unfortunately, the only special feature included is the film’s theatrical trailer, at least it is in HD. If you are a fan of the film though it is worth the purchase just for the high-def upgrade.

Blu-ray Review “Red Scorpion”

Directed by: Joseph Zito
Starring: Dolph Lundgren, M. Emmet Walsh, Al White, T.P. McKenna, Carmen Argenziano
Distributed by: Synapse Films
Release Date: June 12th, 2012
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 106 minutes

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

Synapse Films is the company behind this amazing new Blu-ray release for “Red Scorpion”, the action-packed controversial cult classic. This isn’t just your typical Blu-ray release, it is a very impressive 2K high-definition transfer featuring the uncensored version with new footage never before seen in the US. Dolph Lundgren really nails this performance along with M. Emmet Walsh, who is also great. The action in the film is so over-the-top and contains some amazing gore special effects from Tom Savini. If you are fan of 80’s action, this is a must purchase.

Dolph Lundgren plays Nikolai, a Russian Spetznaz agent, who is assigned to murder the leader of an African rebel movement. When he is sees what is going on with the guerrilla faction, he is sympathetic to their cause and falls through on the assassination plans. Due to this he is caught by the rebels and left for dead in the desert. He survives and seeks revenge against his former employers.

The Blu-ray presentation is incredible. Synapse has not let us down yet with their releases. The 1080p transfer is just amazing and also includes its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The audio tracks included are DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, which both are very impressive. This release also comes in a two-disc set, which a Blu-ray and a DVD of the film. Also like all Synapse films, there is a great liner notes included on the Making of “Red Scorpion” by Jérémie Damoiseau. There is also a reversible cover included, I had a hard time deciding which I wanted to display.

The special features are also very impressive. There is a fun and informative audio commentary with Director Joseph Zito and Mondo Digital’s Nathaniel Thompson. “Hath No Fury – Dolph Lundgren and the Road to Red Scorpion” is a basic behind-the-scenes featurette, which goes into the film’s production. “Assignment: Africa” is a decent video interview with Producer Jack Abramoff. “Scorpion Tales” is another video interview with Make-Up Effects Artist Tom Savini. There is also some really cool rare On-Set Behind-the-Scenes footage, great insight and trip back in time. There is an animated still gallery included. Lastly there is Theatrical Trailer and TV Spots included.

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