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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Directed by: Ivan Reitman
Starring: Bill Murray, Harvey Atkin, Kate Lynch, Russ Banham, Kristine DeBell
MPAA Rating: PG
Distributed by: Lionsgate Films
Release Date: Jun 12, 2012
Running Time: 92 minutes

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

Who doesn’t love Bill Murray, especially in his early days.  “Meatballs” is his first film and introduced us to his zany personality.  It is one of the best summer camp films ever made in fact, along with “Wet Hot American Summer”, which I am sure it influenced. The film still holds up after all these years and is funny and entertaining.  It is not a film I would necessarily rush out to buy on Blu-ray but for the low price, it is worth the purchase.

Bill Murray stars as Tripper, the over-the-top trainer of a motley crew of camp counselors.  Though  Tripper is just barely more mature than the kids he’s is paid to look after. Even though Tripper is a bit of a screw-up he proves to still have a heart of gold and takes a special interest in camper Rudy.  It will surely be a summer that they will never forget.

The Blu-ray presentation is decent but nothing to write home about.  The 1080p transfer looks good for a comedy from 1979 and is presented in 1.78:1 aspect ratio.  The audio has a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, which isn’t amazing but worth for the antics in the film.  The special features are lacking a bit with only including an audio track with Director Ivan Reitman and Co-Writer and Co-Producer Dan Goldberg.  It is fun and informative still but those looking for more will be disappointed.

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Directed by: Nima Nourizadeh
Starring: Thomas Mann, Jonathan Daniel Brown, Oliver Cooper
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures
Release Date: June 19, 2012
Running Time: 88 minutes

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

Maybe I am getting old but to have a film with this kind of warning…I just shake my head.”No one should attempt to recreate or re-enact any of the scenes, stunts or general activities portrayed in the film.”  I have seen all the “Jackass” movies and they do not come even close to this trash.  The film has aimed to be a comedy but is jokeless, it contains no plot and just proves that our teen society is out of control.  I can tell you one thing my kid will never see this film, its like having too much candy…it will rot your brain.

Since the film shot with handcam, it is choppy and raw, so it is not really a film that shines on Blu-ray.  It is still presented well in its 1080p transfer.  It’s audio contains a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which work with the film’s madness.  Warner’s delivered the goods like normally, including a Blu-ray/DVD Combo + UltraViolet Digital Copy.

The special features are terrible just like the film.  “The Pasadena Three” is a featurette on the three idiot teens and how they got their roles “acting”, if you can call it that. “Declassified” is a basic behind-the-scenes look at the production or lack their of.  There is “Xpensive: Tallying Up the Damages” which looks into the aftermath of the crazy night. Lastly there is two cuts of the film, the theatrical and the extended cut.  Though the theatrical cut was enough “Project X” for me for a lifetime.

Premise: “Project X” is an out-of-control comedy that follows a group of buds who set out to throw the most epic 17th birthday party ever. The film documents a high school party that gets completely out of control, shot from the perspective of the digital cameras that the kids have with them.

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Directed by: Michael R. Roskam
Starring: Matthias Schoenaerts, Jeroen Perceval, Jeanne Dandoy
Distributed by: Image Enterainment
Release Date: June 26, 2012
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 124 minutes

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

“Bullhead” was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film in the 84th Academy Awards, last year.  The film is dark and intense though runs a little long.  Matthias Schoenaerts does give a very powerful performance though and definitely gained my notice from this film.  Drafthouse Films is getting a good rep for releasing some pretty great films.  This year alone it has released the awesome “The FP” and will be releasing the upcoming “THE ABCs of Death” later this year. The Blu-ray presentation is also notable with its 1080p transfer and DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 track. If you are looking for a slow-moving but decent crime film, give “Bullhead” a shot.

The film follows young cattle farmer Jacky Vanmarsenille, who after being approached from a mafia meat trader with a shady deal gets lead down a dangerous road of revenge and torment. Jacky must confront his past when a federal agent is killed and and a mysterious secret from Jacky’s past come forward. Jacky needs to decide his path in order to final the meaning of manhood.

The special features included are very impressive as well.  Firstly there is a special collector’s edition booklet included, which seems to be a trend for Drafthouse Films.  There is a decent length behind-the-scenes featurette called “The Making of Bullhead”. There is an interview with star Matthias Schoenaerts and director Michaël R. Roskam, as well as a commentary track from Roskam. Lastly included is Roskam’s 2005 Short Film starring Matthias Schoenaerts, called “The One Thing You Do”. Worth checking out.  There is also a digital copy of the film included for download.

Directed by: Michel Hazanavicius
Starring: Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller
Distributed by: Sony Pictures
Release Date: Jun 26, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 100 minutes

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

“The Artist” won Best Picture in the last year’s 84th Academy Awards. I love the film but it was not my favorite film of the year. It is unique, obviously, since it is a silent/B&W period film and don’t take me wrong it is really quite enjoyable. Berenice Bejo is so cute and completely lovable.  She has this amazing film presence. Jean Dujardin deserved his Best Actor award, since what he did in this film was extremely challenging and he gave an amazing performance. “The Artist” not only has comedy, it also has romance and plenty of drama. So if you can handle a  wordless film driven by an amazing score, then I would highly recommend this, just don’t expect to see 2011’s best film.

The film takes place in a 1927 Hollywood. Silent movie superstar, George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is facing the biggest challenge of his career…the rise of the talkies. This rise is also leading to his fall into oblivion. Though it has a complete opposite effect for his love interest the young Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo). She started off as an extra with George but hits stardom big with the talkies. Through these stories our two stars destinies are intertwined.

The Blu-ray comes in a really neat slipcase cause, that is definitely worth mentioning. This release also comes with a Blu-ray + UltraViolet streaming copy, which I absolutely love. The video resolution looks stunning and sharp with its B&W 1080p transfer, presented in widescreen with an aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The audio included is phenomenal with its Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track. It is funny when you comment on a silent film’s audio track as being great…but the score just sounds amazing.

The special features are decent but lacking any commentary tracks. There is a Q&A with the Filmmakers and Cast, which is fun. “The Artist: The Making Of A Hollywood Love Story” is a great behind-the-scenes look at the production. “Hollywood As A Character: The Locations of The Artist” takes a look at the filming locations showcasing them as members of the cast in a sense. Lastly there is a very funny Blooper Reel included. Overall decent but I expected a little more from the Best Picture of the Year’s Blu-ray release.

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Directed by: David Blair
Starring: Stephen Graham, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, David O’Hara
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Well Go USA
Release Date: June 26, 2012
Running Time: 108 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

“Best Laid Plans” caught my eye due to the fact it is an urban reworking loosely inspired by John Steinbeck’s novel “Of Mice and Men”..but meets MMA fighting.  The film itself is slow-paced in the beginning but is packed with really wonderful performances.  Stephen Graham, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and David O’Hara are absolutely fantastic in this film.  I mean fantastic!  David Blair is a amazing director and he really nails it with this powerful British Drama.  I would highly recommend this film, especially for MMA fans.

The film revolves around two friends, Danny (Stephen Graham) and Joseph (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), who is the muscle of the two but has a mental age of seven.  Danny gets really deep in debt to a crime boss and had no choice but to use Joseph in a series of underground cage fights in order to help Danny pay his debt.

The film is very thrilling and makes you want to re-watch a second time the minute it ends.  It is also very gritty and the violence is very raw and real.  Although the film does not contain any special features at all, Well-Go USA released this film as a combo pack.  There is a Blu-ray and DVD disc included in this set.  I wasn’t sure what to expect from this film overall I am very glad I saw it and I highly recommend it.  BTW did I mention that Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje gives one of his best performances of his career.

Directed by & Starring: Jackie Chan
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment
Release Date: November 29, 2011
Running Time: 386 minutes

Operation Condor: 3 out of 5 stars
Operation Condor- Armour of God 2: 3 out of 5 stars
Jackie Chan’s Project A: 3 out of 5 stars
Jackie Chan’s Project A2: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I remember dating back to 1994 when I first saw Jackie Chan’s “Rumble in the Bronx”, still one of my favorites. It changed my life and introduced me to kung-fu films. Since then Jackie’s films have been ported to the US over the years. The films included in this set are not his best but are still entertaining. Though since they are American versions of the films, they are badly cut and edited. They also are only available with a dubbed track not the original language with subtitles. Though with the low price, fans of Jackie Chan will enjoy a chance to see this films on Blu-ray.

“Operation Condor” features Jackie Chan as the world’s greatest secret agent, code name Condor, who is sent to track down stolen Nazi gold. “Operation Condor: Armour of God 2” features Chan back as the fortune hunter whose ex-girlfriend is kidnapped and held for ransom by an evil cult. “Jackie Chan’s Project A” features Chan as Dragon, a coast guard officer on patrol in late 19th century Hong Kong, who battles with a vicious gang syndicate for control of the waters. “Jackie Chan’s Project A2” follows its predecessor where Dragon is assigned to lead the local police force but discovers and aims to remove police corruption.

The Blu-ray transfers on these films are not the greatest. They are all presented in 1080p though, which is a plus at least. The video quality on “Operation Condor 2: Armour of the Gods” is the best on the disc but it only comes with Dobly Stereo 2.0 audio track, as does “Project A”. “Project A” and “Project A2” transfers are also very grainy and rough, despite the 1080p transfer. “Operation Condor” and “Project A2” comes with Dobly Digital 5.1 surround tracks. Overall mixed results on these films, leading up to barely satisfactory. But when it comes down to it, you can find this Bluray for $10 or less and for that it is worth your money.

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Directors: Patrick Lussier, Robert Harmon
Starring: Christopher Plummer, Jason London, Jonny Lee Miller, Omar Epps, Roy Scheider
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment
Release Date: November 29, 2011
Running Time: 364 minutes

Dracula 2000: 4 out of 5 stars
Dracula II: Ascension: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Dracula III: Legacy: 3 out of 5 stars
They: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray Score: 3 out of 5 stars

The main draw for me to this release was the three “Dracula” films, all presented by Wes Craven. “Dracula 2000″ was a really clever and fun film. The two “Dracula” sequels are decent but have a direct-to-video feel, still the three together are worth the purchase alone. I was never a huge fan of “They” but it is also a decent bonus to this release. Wes Craven’s name personally to me does not bare much weight recently I feel that he has really lost his street cred…I mean have you see “Scream 4″? Nonetheless, they films are worth purchasing for horror fans, especially for the low cost.

“Dracula 2000” takes the tale of Dracula into the 21 century where a team of techno-savvy thieves break into a vault they find a crypt unopened for 100 years. Dracula is unleashed and wreaks havoc. “Dracula II: Ascension” follows a group of medical students who discover the body of the Dracula and will wish that they hadn’t. “Dracula III: Legacy” follows vampire hunters Father Uffizi and Luke as they follow Dracula back to Eastern Europe they aim to end his reign again. “They” follows a student who experienced night terrors only to find out that the monsters in their closets are real and they are coming for her.

The Blu-ray presentation of these discs are not the greatest like most Echo Bridge multi-feature releases but they are honestly worth it to have these films on Blu-ray. The first two “Dracula” films are the best two films but also the worst presented here. They both included 1080i transfers and are only equipped with Dolby Stereo 2.0 tracks. This is a bit disappointing as they have full 5.1-channel versions on the DVDs. Though “Dracula III” & “They” both are presented in 1080p and both have 5.1 surround tracks. I wish that Echo Bridge will focus on unifying their releases and include 1080p and 5.1 sound on all films in these sets. Fans of these films, will still be happy for these HD upgrades.

Directors: James D.R. Hickox, Greg Spence, Ethan Wiley, Kari Skogland
Starring: Terence Knox, Daniel Cerny, Ron Melendez, Paul Scherrer, Naomi Watts
Distributed by: Echo Bridge Entertainment
MPAA Rating R
Release Date: Nov 29, 2011
Running Time: 341 minutes

Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest: 4 out of 5 stars
Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror: 3 out of 5 stars
Children of the Corn 666: Issac’s Return: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

The “Children of the Corn” series is a guilty pleasure.  The films in the franchise were never my favorite horror films but I could never say no to a new sequel.  Over the years there has been a total of eight films in this series, so this Blu-ray is just the tip of the iceberg.  Echo Bridge is behind this release, which they are very well-known for their Miramax Multi-Features.  This release is a great pick-up for horror fans, especially for its extremely low price.  It is also a great place to get all these films in one place and it is a step up from DVD for sure.

“Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest” is one of my favorites and follows a couple who adopts a pair of orphaned brothers, but the boys may not be as sweet an innocent as they seem.  “Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering” follows a young medical student who must solve the mystery that plagues the children of a small Midwestern town, starring a young Naomi Watts.  “Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror” follow six college students who take a wrong turn in a deserted rural town to discover that this place hides a murderous cult of evil children. “Children of the Corn 666: Issac’s Return” follows Hannah Martin, who while looking for parents picks up a dark stranger, who ends up assisting her in completing a sinister prophecy.

Let’s get to the Blu-ray presentation which is actually surprisingly decent.  The video transfer for “Children of the Corn 3, 4 & 6” are only presented in 1080i but honestly look pretty good. “Children of the Corn V” is presented in 1080p.  The picture has solid clarity and the colors are sharp.  It is definitely a step up from the previous DVD transfers.  The audio for all four movies include only an Dolby 2.0 Stereo track. They work though I always prefer 5.1 audio on Blu-ray, since 2.0 just screams DVD quality. Nonetheless, this is still a great purchase if you enjoy the series.

Directors: Robert Rodriguez, Scott Spiegel, P.J. Pesce
Starring: George Clooney, Marco Leonardi, Robert Patrick, Harvey Keitel, Michael Parks, Bruce Campbell
Distributed by: Echo Bridge Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Release Date: Nov 29, 2011
Running Time: 290 minutes

From Dusk Till Dawn: 4 out of 5 stars
Full-Tilt Boogie: 2.5 out of 5 stars
From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Blood Money: 3.5 out of 5 stars
From Dusk Till Dawn 3: The Hangman’s Daughter: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“From Dusk Till Dawn” is such a great film and kick started the careers of Robert Rodriguez and George Clooney. It is such a unique and fun film. It’s two sequels, also included in this release, are good but don’t reach the same level of kick-ass. Don’t forgot the feature-length and well-respected documentary “Full-Tilt Boogie” which is also included here. These are conveniently included all on one release thanks to Echo Bridge. Now with that said, this isn’t the best presentation of the films ever but it is in high-def and for the low-price it is definitely worth the purchase. Horror fans should not miss this release!

“From Dusk Till Dawn” follows the Gecko brothers (George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino) as they head south to a seedy Mexican bar to hide out in safety. Of course it isn’t just your typical strip joint and has to fight for their lives to survive from the creatures it inhabits. “Full-Tilt Boogie” is a full length documentary which goes behind the scenes of on the production of the first “From Dusk Till Dawn”. “From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Blood Money” features a gang of misfits who head to Mexico for the perfect heist. But when they cross the wrong vampire, they get involved with a lot more than they can handle. “From Dusk Till Dawn 3: The Hangman’s Daughter” follows Johnny Madrid, who is on the run from the hangman along with the hangman’s daughter Esmeralda by his side. They embark on an adventure that leads them straight into the fight of their lives.

All four films are presented with 1080p transfers and they looks decent at the best but are still a step up from DVD. “Full-Tilt Boogie” is easily the worst quality of the three but it doesn’t bother me because I will watching the films more often than this doc. The audio is also decent with the first and third “From Dusk Till Dawn” pack a 5.1 surround track, but the second “From Dusk Till Dawn” and “Full-Tilt Boogie” are only Stereo 2.0 tracks. Also latestly there are no special features included, if you don’t count “Full-Tilt Boogie”.

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