Directed by: Eiichi Kudo
Starring: Koutaro Satomi, Ko Nishimura, Chiezo Kataoka, Ryohei Uchida
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Animeigo
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Running Time: 125 minutes

DVD Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Film Score: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras Score: 2 out of 5 stars

When it comes to 1963’s “13 Assassins”, I know this film is the original but I liked Takashi Miike’s 2010 adaption far more. Though, this black and white adaption is virtually bloodless tough it still manages to be semi-effective. The one aspect I had major trouble with was Animeigo’s subtitles. They chose the most annoying font and they continue to change the color with each person that speaks.  This is very distracting, especially with a black and white film.  Not sure if that was the best decision here.

The film’s story is about a group of top class assassins, who set out to remove Lord Naritsugu before he enters into a political position. The Lord does follow any rules and kills anyone that crosses his path. It is up to the 13 chosen assassins to bring him down before he reaches his destination.

The DVD is presented in widescreen with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. It also only included a Japanese audio track with its Dolby Digital Stereo, no dub track. There are a few special features but nothing worth checking out. Included are Trailers, Program Notes, Cast & Crew Bios and Image Gallery. Overall if you are fan of samurai films, it is worth checking out but definitely not my favorite. I prefer the 2010 remake for sure.

Directed by: Menahem Golan
Starring: Chuck Norris, Lee Marvin, Martin Balsam
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox / MGM
Release Date: June 5, 2012
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 128 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

I remember the first time I saw “The Delta Force”, I was blown away. You have the amazing Chuck Norris topped off with the amazing Lee Marvin and Martin Balsam. This film has a lot of ass-kicking kick-ass action, say that 5x fast. Honestly one of the best 80′s action films that I have seen. Currently this film is a Walmart exclusive release and is only available to purchase there. It is cool to have this film on Blu-ray but it is a bit of a letdown with its bare bones release. I feel that this is really a cash-in to capital on Norris’ return to theaters in “The Expendables 2″.

This film focuses around terrorism on a plane, wow, not even Chuck Norris would be able to do that today.  After a 707 aircraft on its way from Athens to Rome and then to New York City is hijacked by Lebanese terrorists, but the terrorist don’t realize they are up again Chuck Norris.  Major McCoy and by Colonel Alexander are called in to eliminate the threat and retake the plane before the terrorists kill all the hostages.

“The Delta Force” looks good on Blu-ray presentation for a 1986 film, with its 1080p transfer. It is also presented in a slightly altered aspect ratio of 1.78:1. But like the other recently released Norris films, the audio track is disappointing with no surround track, only a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono. Nonetheless, if you are Chuck Norris loyal fan like myself, you will be happy enough just to have this film in HD. I can live without special features.

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Directed by: Lance Hool
Starring: Chuck Norris, Soon-Tek Oh, Steven Williams
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox / MGM
Release Date: June 5, 2012
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 95 minutes

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

If you haven’t seen Chuck Norris kick some major ass in “Missing in Action”, then you just haven’t lived. This film is a great follow-up to a great 80’s action film. Currently this film is a Walmart exclusive release and is only available to purchase there. It is cool to have this film on Blu-ray but it is a bit of a letdown like “Missing in Action”. I feel that this is really a cash-in to capital on Norris’ return to theaters in “The Expendables 2”.

This film is a prequel to the first “Missing In Action”, it flashbacks to when Colonel Braddock was captured during a rescue mission in the Vietnam war. It focuses around him and the other American POWs in a prison camp and his plans to escape. Braddock becomes a one-man fighting machine with his only mission to free himself and his men at any cost.

The Blu-ray presentation for “Missing In Action 2: The Beginning” looks good with its 1080p transfer. It is also presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. But like “Mission in Action”, the audio track is disappointing with no surround track, only a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono. Nonetheless, if you are Chuck Norris loyal fan like myself, you will be happy enough just to have this film in HD. I can live without special features.

Directed by: Joseph Zito
Starring: Chuck Norris, M. Emmet Walsh, David Tress
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox / MGM
Release Date: June 5, 2012
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 101 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

When its comes to Chuck Norris, I am completely bias. I love of his films and they just crack me up. I don’t laugh at him, I am just in awe of his coolness. I am the Chuck Norris fan that wears his shirts, recite his “facts” and respects the beard. Currently this film is a Walmart exclusive release and is only available to purchase there. It is cool to have this film on Blu-ray but it is a bit of a letdown. I feel that this is really a cash-in to capital on Norris’ return to theaters in “The Expendables 2”.

“Missing in Action” was a big franchise for Norris. It was followed by two sequels, both equally as good as the first. The first film follows, Colonel James Braddock, an American officer, who after escaping from a Vietnamese POW camp, he heads back to locate and save remaining MIAs. with the help of an attractive State Department official (Lenore Kasdorf) and a former Army buddy (M. Emmet Walsh), Braddock prepares to blast his way into Vietnam and save the day.

This release gives “Missing in Action” a decent presentation with its 1080p transfer. It is also presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The audio track is disappointing though with no surround track, only a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono. Nonetheless, if you are Chuck Norris loyal fan like myself, you will be happy enough just to have this film in HD. I can live without special features.

Directed by: Craig Moss
Starring: Danny Trejo, Charles S. Dutton, Ron Perlman, Joyful Drake, Patrick Fabian
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Running Time: 90 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

Finally a film that lives up to its title! “Bad Ass” is totally bad-ass (sorry, couldn’t resist). Danny Trejo is one of my favs and really kicks some major ass in this film. I thought he was awesome in “Machete”, this film gives it a run for its money. I found myself completely sitting on the edge of my chair, laughing and routing for Trejo. Yes it is cheesy.  Yes it is campy.  But if you are looking for a fun time and complete over-the-top action, do not miss “Bad Ass”.

The film follow Vietnam War veteran Frank Vega (Trejo) who after stopping hate crime on a city bus, footage of him beating down goes viral online and become an overnight celebrity. The fun does not last long when his best friend is murdered and the police are not willing to find his killer.  Vega decided to put his new Bad Ass nickname to work and hit the streets in pursuit of some ole’ fashion justice!

The Blu-ray presentation itself is impressive.  It’s video resolution on the 1080p looks good and comes with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1.  The audio also impresses with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track.  I mean how can you not laugh in when Trejo walks down the street in slow-motion with his own “Bad Ass” theme song in the background blasting through the surround speakers.  The special features included are not as great as the film.  They only have included an audio commentary track and a brief behind-the-scenes featurette “Birth of Bad Ass”.

Directed by: Nina Montee
Starring: Dr. Harvey Karp
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Release Date: June 12, 2012
Running Time: 40 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Timed to the 10th anniversary of these NY Times best-sellers, Lionsgate is re-releasing “The Happiest Baby on the Block”. The DVD arrived for review perfect timing since my wife and I just welcomed our first child about two weeks ago. And honestly who is going to turn down a chance to have the following tagline “The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Baby Sleep Longer”, that is something that new parents are going to jump all over.

This program follows, Dr. Harvey Karp, one of America’s most trusted pediatrician. Some of the techniques that Dr. Karp shares with its viewers range from finding out about the calming reflex and the ability to use the 5 S’s to turn “off” crying. My main concern with the DVD is that it is rather short running only about 40 minutes but I guess there is only so much you can cover about one topic. I would like to thank Dr. Karp for sharing his secrets helping my newborn babies stay happy.

The special features are not out of this world but worth checking out for new parents. Dr. Karp Answers 25 Hot Topic Parenting Q&As, which included some interesting and informative information. Lastly there is a bonus sneak peek of “The Happiest Toddler on the Block”. If you are a new parent, I would recommend this release even though it is a bit short.

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Created by: Hanna-Barbera
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Running Time: 280 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to “Sealab 2020”, I can’t help but relate it back to the Adult Swim take-off “Sealab 2021”, which pokes fun at the series and one of my favorites TV series. “Sealab 2020” may not be one of Hanna-Barbera’s best projects but it is fun series. I mean who doesn’t like shark attacks, giant octopus and squids…this show has got it all.

Thanks to Warner Archive for finally releasing this show in its complete entirety. All 13 episodes are include in this collection. It is presented full screen with aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The show looks great on DVD as to all releases from Warner Archive. If you are a fan of this zany-yet-fun cartoon series, I would highly recommended this release.

Synopsis:
“This is the year two thousand and twenty. The place is the Challenger Sea Mount, the top of an underwater mountain, a complex beneath the sea. Two hundred and fifty men, women and children live here. Each of them, a scientist pioneer. For this is our last frontier, a hostile environment which may hold the key to tomorrow. Each day, these oceanauts meet new challenges as they build their city beneath the sea. This is Sealab 2020.”

With these words setting the stage, and some funky bass riffs setting the tone, Saturday morning TV took the 70s underwater Sci Fi adventure plunge. Ably overseen by Hanna-Barbera’s ace action animators and voiced by a superb cast (including John Stephenson, Ross Martin, Jerry Dexter and Ann Jillian), the oceanauts of Sealab face seaquakes, sharks and falling satellites while finding the time to serve up lessons on environmentalism, tolerance, and teamwork across this 2-Disc, 13-Episode Collection

Directed by: Jonathan Louis Lewis
Starring: Heather Murphy, Natasha Talonz, Christine Svendsen, Erika Branich, Precious Cox
Distributed by: CAV Distributing
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Release Date: October 27, 2009
Running Time: 72 minutes

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

Let me start with the fact that I am a big fan of the horror genre.  Thought this really doesn’t fall in that genre per se, it is still a very entertaining film.  Well actually let me clarify, it is a very offensive and racist film but still entertaining if that makes sense.  I mean who doesn’t want to see a racist puppet go around and bang then kill white woman.  Sounds like a riot right?  When I first saw a trailer for this film back in 2008, I know it had to be completely over-the-top if it was to be any good.  Well let’s just say it is over-the-top and then some.  While the film basically sits on the border of a soft-core porno, it still manages to get some good laughs pack in some funny vulgar one liners, a lot of breasts and gore, so overall a good time.  Definitely not for the easily or even moderately offended.

The premise of the film is laughable simple, Heather (Heather Murphy) makes the mistake of playing with a oujia board one night some how (of course not explained) summons the soul of Mubia, a black militant serial killer. Though there is a twist, the soul ends up taking form into a ventriloquist dummy thus becoming the “Black Devil Doll.”  While though Heather instantly falls for this doll, though he is unable to cannot control his urge to rape and kill white woman or white bitches, in his terms.

I really liked the DVD presentation.  The cover sleeve is double-sided with some nice artwork on the front and back. Also included is a very nice poster/booklet, which is rare to have included recently When it comes to special features, this disc is packed. There are a few trailer including original previews and exclusive festival clips.  There are two commentary tracks included, one from the filmmakers and then one from Black Devil Doll himself, which is highly recommended! There is a stills gallery included and if you’ve seen the film you will want to check out the gallery. Lastly there is a few behind-the-scenes featurettes including footage from the World Premiere at New Beverly Cinema.

Directed by: Kate Bass
Starring: Nick Carter, Andrew Keegan, Greg Grunberg, Bill Goldberg, Robert Patrick
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Naedomi
Release Date: June 12, 2012
Running Time: 113 minutes

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

“Kill Speed” is a mix of “Fast & Furious” and “Top Gun”, but unfortunately it falls a little short on the delivery. The film runs a long at almost two hours, could have worked a lot better at 90 minutes. There is no shortage on talent (or at least notable names) including Adam Goldberg (Ex WWE Champion), Greg Grunberg (“Heroes”), Robert Patrick (“Terminator 2”), Tom Arnold (True Lies) and the Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter.

The film follows group of speed-freak pilots who spend their time transporting crystal meth across the Mexican border with the use of their supersonic planes. They also indulge themselves in the Hollywood lifestyle with their endless cash. Though their luck changes, when they take on their biggest shipment yet, 900 pounds or $2.7million of meth. The FBI catches on their situation and they end up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

The DVD is presented in widescreen and included a decent Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track. There is no sign of special features on this DVD, not even a trailer, which is a little disappointing. Honestly, I could recommend this film for the decent action scenes and the cast. I just wish they would have used them more to their full potential.

Directed by: Stuart Baird
Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Wesley Snipes, Jr. Robert Downey, Joe Pantoliano, Kate Nelligan
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Distributed by: Warner Brothers
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Running Time: 131 minutes

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

While it is hard to match the amazing “The Fugitive”, “U.S. Marshals” does well and is a fun and entertaining sequel.  Tommy Lee Jones, returns to his Oscar-winning role from “The Fugitive” joined by Wesley Snipes (remember him?) and Robert Downey Jr. (pre-Iron Man). The effects in this film are great and the performances are action-packed.  If you are looking for a good time with some great action, check out this Blu-ray. Great idea for a Father’s Day gift, hint…hint!

I have to tell you I am very impressed with the Blu-ray presentation from this film. Warner’s 1080p transfer looks amazing, it is really clear and sharp especially from a film shot over almost 15 years ago. The audio presentation is outstanding with its DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround track. The action sequences really shine and gave my speakers on my surround system a real workout.

The special features have been pulled from Warner’s 1998 DVD, but only a few of them not all. There is a commentary track from Director Stuart Baird, which is not the most engaging. “Anatomy of the Plane Crash” is a step-by-step breakdown of how the crash sequence was done. “Justice Under the Star” runs just about 20 minutes and looks into the history of the U.S. Marshal’s Service. Lastly there is Theatrical Trailer included.

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Synopsis: Ladies and gentlemen, be alert. We are going to initiate a hard-target search for a fugitive in an ever-widening perimeter. We will wade through swamps, prowl Manhattan streets, search every house and doghouse. We’ll eat on the run, sleep tomorrow, watch our backs. And since Marshal Sam Gerard leads the hunt, we will experience suspense, action and daring twists every breathless step of the way. Returning to his Oscar-winning role from The Fugitive, Tommy Lee Jones is Gerard, joining an A-team including Wesley Snipes, Robert Downey Jr. and director Stuart Baird. (Executive Decision) to deliver adrenaline-rush excitement. The suspect: armed, extremely dangerous, perhaps linked to a spy ring. The chase: highlighted by an out-of-control 727, a death match in a ship’s cargo hold, a 12-story plunge onto a moving train and more heart-pounding sequences. The movie: U.S. Marshals.

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Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Kevin Costner, Clint Eastwood and Laura Dern
MPAA Rating: PG 13
Distributed by: Warner Bros
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Running Time: 2 hours 18 mins

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1/2 out of 5 stars

The first film directed by Eastwood after he won his much deserved Oscar for “Unforgiven,” A Perfect World” is a great cat and mouse game pitting two of the best, Costner and Eastwood, at the top of their game. Costner is Butch Haynes, an escaped convict who, among his adventures, adds kidnapping to his list of charges when he abducts 7-year old Phillip “Buzz” Perry. As the two keep one step ahead of the law, led by U.S. Marshall Red Garnett (Eastwood) they discover they have a lot in common.

Thanks to a tight script by John Lee Hancock and Eastwood’s always steady direction, “A Perfect World” is an emotional roller coaster with Costner giving one of his best performances. The presentation is top notch, which is to be expected on Blu-ray. The only extra on the disc is the theatrical trailer. What a disappointment. Both Eastwood and Costner had won directing Oscars in the few years preceding and it would have been a treat to eavesdrop on two acclaimed filmmakers while they worked together.

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Synopsis: Academy Award winners* Kevin Costner and Clint Eastwood confront each other from opposite sides of the law in A Perfect World, an acclaimed, multilayered manhunt saga (directed by Eastwood) that rumbles down Texas backroads toward a harrowing collision with fate. Costner plays Butch Haynes, a hardened prison escapee on the lam with a young hostage (T.J. Lowther in a remarkable film debut) who sees in Butch the father figure he never had. Eastwood is wily Texas Ranger Red Garnett, leading deputies and a criminologist (Laura Dern) on a statewide pursuit. Red knows every road and pothole in the Panhandle. What’s more, he knows the elusive Haynes ? because their paths have crossed before.

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Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Jeff Daniels and Anjelica Huston
Distributed by: Warner Bros
MPAA Rating: R
Release date: June 5, 2012
Running time: 1 hour 50 mins

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

Eastwood stars as Terry McCaleb, a former profiler for the FBI who retired after having a heart transplant. A well known name in his former occupation, McCaleb is approached Graciella (Wanda De Jesus), who asks him to find the murderer of her sister, Gloria. McCaleb says no but is swayed to take the case when he learns it is Gloria’s heart now beating inside his body.

The story is based on the novel by Michael Connelly with a top notch screenplay adaptation by Oscar winner Brian Helgeland (“L.A.Confidential”). Not as flashy as some of Eastwood’s earlier investigative films (“Tightrope,” “True Crime”) but still enjoyable. To see Eastwood not at his peak form (the heart transplant has left McCaleb very weak…he requires daily naps and can’t drive himself) is a rarity and he obviously has fun with the characterization. Also look for Clint’s missus, Dina Eastwood, as a reporter which she was when she met him. Like pretty much all of the Warner Brother Blu-rays I’ve seen the transfer is clean and sharp. Even the many night scenes jump off the television screen.

The extras included are Teaser Trailer, Theatrical Trailer, Making of “Bloodwork” featurette and “A Conversation in Spanish” with Wanda De Jesus, Paul Rodriguez and Clint Eastwood. Another disappointing group of extras, though better then those on “A Perfect World.” Besides the trailers there is a pretty much by-the-book “making of” piece. The best “extra” is “A Conversation in Spanish,” in which De Jesus and Rodriguez try to explain their roles in the film in Spanish. Clint drops in halfway through and you can see that the stories about his cast and crew loving him on set are not exaggerated.

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Synopsis: FBI profiler Terry McCaleb almost always gets to the heart of a case. This time, that heart beats inside him. He?s a cardiac patient who received a murder victim?s heart. And the donor?s sister asks him to make good on his second chance by finding the killer. That?s just the first of many twists in a smart, gritty suspense thriller that?s ?vintage Eastwood: swift, surprising and very, very exciting? (Jim Svejda, KNX/CBS Radio). Clint Eastwood produces, directs and stars in this edgy, acclaimed mystery based on Michael Connelly?s novel and scripted by Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential). With a superb cast brought to a hard boil playing characters to quicken your pulse and hold you spellbound, Blood Work works exceptionally well.

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Directed by: Jesse T. Cook
Starring: Dave Foley, Art Hindle, Robert Maillet, Kevin Nash, Jimmy Hart
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed: Image Entertainment
Release Date: June 12, 2012
Running Time: 88 minutes

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

I wanted this film to be totally kick-ass, soooooo bad. Well it is a great idea that is just really poorly executed. When you mix monsters like Frankenstein, Mummy and Wolfman with WWE stars like Kevin Nash and Jimmy Hart. It should be a run romp but this film gets old after the first 15 minutes. I am big fan of Dave Foley but the jokes just weren’t there. UFC rep Herb Dean was a draw for me but he was killed off too quickly. The best part easily was Lance Henrickson narrating in a “Mortal Kombat”-style…Finish Him!

The film plays like a Pay-Per-View event featuring eight classic monsters who are fighting to the death in an wrestling tournament inside an abandoned and cursed graveyard. The monsters compete with each other find out who is the most feared and powerful monster of all time. Like I said, it got old fast right after the first match. I would have rather preferred a narrative leading up to the event instead of a straight forward match after match.

The Blu-ray looks just ok only sporting a 1080i transfer with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The audio comes through a little better with a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track. The special features on the disc are slim. There is an audio commentary track with writer/director Jessie T. Cook and producers Matt Wiele and John Geddes. There is a brief behind-the-scenes featurette and lastly there are some outtakes included.

Directed by: Nigel Levy
Starring: Adam Burton, Des O’Malley, Harry Napier, Tim Maltin, Bill Ratner
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Smithsonian Channel
Release Date: May 29, 2012
Running Time: 92 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I am sucker when it comes to programs about the Titanic. This program which originally aired on the Smithsonian Channel is not only informative but also very interesting. The CG effects are decent (not the best I’ve seen, but good). The program is presented in (almost) HD with a 1080i resolution, but it still looks clear and sharp. The audio track included is good even if it is only presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, not surround.

The sinking of Titanic, which occured over 100 years ago, still remains one of history’s most mysterious tragedies in living memory. This documentary attempts to reveal reveal and explain some of the missing pieces in our knowledge of the infamous sinking over a century ago. There are tons of programs about the mysteries of the Titanic and this one stands out among them. It proves that there is much more to the story than has been revealed.

This documentary is also interesting because it provides re-enacted interviews from the people involved with that fateful night over 100 years ago. Like I said the CG involved is not groundbreaking or Discovery Channel standard but still looks good and assist this program to entertain. If you are Titanic buff like myself, you will definitely enjoy this unique approach to the Titanic’s Final Mystery…even though I am sure there will many future mysteries.

Directed by: Marc Fields
Starring: Steve Martin, Bela Fleck
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: New Video Group
Release Date: June 12, 2012
Running Time: 82 minutes

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

There is something about the banjo that is just fascinating. This film is narrated by actor/comedian/musician Steve Martin. He is known for being an master of the banjo and has recorded a few albums as well. The film really goes deep into the history behind the banjo. It also features numerous interviews with banjo musicians and archive footage dating back to the beginning of the banjo. If you are a music fan, you will appreciate this documentary.

“Give Me The Banjo” takes a musical journey through 300 years of American history and culture. The contemporary banjo musician that appear in the film are Pete Seeger, Earl Scruggs, Bela Fleck, Taj Mahal, Mike Seeger, Alison Brown, Sonny Osborn, Don Vappie, Cynthia Sayer and Abby Washburn. The interviews are very interesting and personal. The performance footage included takes a fantastic look into the banjo world. There is also a lot of great rare stills and recordings.

The special feature are decent overall. Firstly there is 30 minutes of extended performances from Taj Mahal, Cynthia Sayer, Ralph Stanley, Riley Baugus and Rhiannon Giddens. The footage is great and banjo lovers will enjoy the extended footage. Lastly there is a feature called “Profile of Uncle Dave Macon”. Would love liked to see more about Steve Martin perhaps, or a commentary track but overall still very impressive.

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