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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Directed by: Andrew Stanton
Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Willem Dafoe
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Distributed by: Buena Vista
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Running Time: 132 minutes

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

Alright, so I think that “John Carter” got a bad rep in theaters. The film is nowhere near as bad as people say. It is a fun sci-fi flick which looks visually amazing. Is it the best plot ever? No, it has it faults but if you are a sci-fi fan it is almost guaranteed to leave you satisfied and if you are like me seeing on the edge of your chair. The actually story of “John Carter” is adapted from “A Princess of Mars” by Edgar Rice Burroughs, which was written around 100 years ago. I think Disney and Andrew Stanton did a great job with this film and I really enjoyed it over all. The 3D also looks absolutely fantastic, especially on Blu-ray. It really assists in creating Mars and adds its depth. The 3D also plays really well off the insane action sequences in the film and wonderful visual effects.

Let’s get to the look and feel of the film. It is one of the sharpest Blu-rays that I own in my collection. The 1080p transfer is perfect, absolutely flawless. If that is not enough the audio is also out-of-the-world boasting Disney’s DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track. It is so impressive my couch felt like it was moving during the action scenes. This release not only came with the 3D Blu-ray but also a really 2D Blu-ray, a DVD and digital copy of the film. Disney really aims to please with this release and does not disappoint. Like I said this is one amazing Blu-ray, whether you like the film or not, this will blow you away!

The special features are definitely worth checking out especially if you enjoyed the film. There is an audio commentary from Director Andrew Stanton and producers Jim Morris and Lindsey Collins. It is a fun commentary track and covers a lot of ground on the film. You can enjoy “Disney Second Screen Interactive Experience” if you use your iPad, laptop, or sync the film with your device in order to explore John Carter’s journal. There are ten deleted scenes included with optional Director’s Commentary, running just short of twenty minutes. “100 Years in the Making” is a great feature but a little short, which goes into depth on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ life and the John Carter’s road from book to film. “360 Degrees of John Carter” is a thirty-five minute extensive production diary covering all aspects of the film’s production. Lastly there is are Barsoom Bloopers, which get a few good laughs off. Overall haters will hate but this is a decent movie.

Directed by: Vincent D’Onofrio
Starring: Bo Boddie, Eric Bogosian, Gwynn Galitzer
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: New Video Group
Release Date: June 12, 2012
Running Time: 83 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

It is not too often that you hear the words, horror movie and musical but in the same sentence. “Don’t Go in the Woods” is a really a great blend of both. It plays like a great combination of “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “Glee”. The music is over-the-top pop music and really adds a lot to the environment of the film. There are fast cuts and a lot of great thrills. The gore is amazing and completely over the top but not campy at all.

This is the directorial debut from Vincent D’Onofrio (Full Metal Jacket, Law & Order: Criminal Intent) and I really hope he continues directing because he is out-of-this-world! The musical/horror hybrid tells the story of a young band who heads to the woods escape everyday life and technology in order to focus on writing new songs. But their hopes of taking a break from everything will only cause them suffering as them find themselves in the middle of a nightmare.

The music in the film is fantastic lead and penned by acclaimed singer-songwriter Sam Bisbee and backed by a gifted ensemble cast. I wish they would have included some extra features concerning blending of music with horror. The special features included is “American Express Presents an Interview with Director Vincent D’Onofrio”, which is a decent look into this first directing effort. There is also a few Behind the Scenes Interviews with the Cast and Crew.

The Jeff Healey Band: Live in Belgium
DVD + CD
Eagle Vision
Total Running Time: 82 minutes

Our Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Eagle Vision’s raid of The Jeff Healey Band vault continues with this latest entry, a July 1993 show from the Peers Blues Festival in Belgium. As was always the case, Jeff and his band mates serve up a full-course meal of fiery blues in which every song features a guitar solo from Healey that usually rates with those played by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton. And the fact that he’s scorching the fretboard is made all the more impressive by the fact that Healey was blind from age one until his untimely passing in 2008 at the age of 41.

Six of the disc’s thirteen songs are culled from the 1992’s “Feel This”, the album that the JHB was touring to support when this show was recorded. Perennial favorites such as “Confidence Man”, “Angel Eyes”, and his cover of “Roadhouse Blues” – which was featured in the 1989 Patrick Swayze star-vehicle “Road House”, a film in which Healey also appeared – are also represented. And the best is saved for last in the form of a gritty cover of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”.

On the whole, the performance is good and has the added bonus of featuring a keyboardist and a female backing vocalist – something that was a rare occurrence within the context of a JHB concert. However, it’s not nearly as energetic as the 1991 show that’s included on as part of the 3-CD + 1-DVD “Full Circle: The Live Anthology” set that was released in November of last year. Whereas 1991 saw Healey full of energy and included bits where he played his axe behind his head and with his feet, he seems somewhat on the sleepier side throughout this gig. The DVD is fairly lackluster on its own but would have been a superb addition to “Anthology” given that it would have sandwiched itself nicely between the 1989, 1991 and 1995 shows that are included in that box set.

The overall audio and video quality of “Live in Belgium” isn’t great, as it’s clear that the source is a low-resolution video tape. The liner notes (which were, for reasons still unbeknownst, not included in “Anthology”) don’t attempt to hide this, though, and freely admit that the source was “a mess”. Their efforts are truly appreciated as the resultant product is one that achieves the goal of preserving one of a scarce number of JHB shows that were actually documented.

Despite its flaws, “Live in Belgium” is a worthwhile DVD and, for those who aren’t already in the know, more than adequately serves as an introduction to this under-appreciated guitar great’s legacy.

Directed by: Todd Bellanca
Starring: Tom Arnold, Casey T. Evans, Bai Ling
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Arc Entertainment
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Running Time: 93 minutes

Film: 1 out of 5 stars
Extras: 0 out of 5 stars

“Knockdown” is a boxing movie that is not about boxing, or at least I don’t think it was. The film jumps around so much that you might be down for the count just because of that, so maybe that’s it gets it’s title. Also whatever you do don’t blink or you will miss Tom Arnold role in the film. With a running time just over 90 minutes, it feels like 2+ hours. The film is a action/thriller but the action makes you want to take a nap and there is no thrill at all. Also to make things better there is zero special features included on this DVD. Pass on this film on all accounts.

Premise: Six years ago, American Boxer, JACK THE RIPPER STEMMONS had his undefeated boxing career destroyed by a bookie, who fixed the fight of Jack s life. In a rage, Jack brutally attacks the bookie and must disappear leaving everything he knows behind. Now, exiled half way around the world in Bangkok, Jack falls victim to the exotic and addictive spell of a prostitute, only to learn she has been set in his path by a scheming gangster eager for Jack to jump back into the ring– this time in Bangkok s notorious underground fight clubs. No matter how hard Jack tries to distance himself from his violent past, it always hunts and knocks him down. When a mysterious fight fan arrives in Bangkok, it is only a matter of time before Jack s past, present and future collide in a twisted climax.

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Directed by: Jourdan McClure
Starring: Bill Moseley, Michelle Page, Lucinda Jenney, Art Alexakis, Chris Coy, Michael Cudlitz
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Lions Gate
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Running Time: 81 minutes

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

I watch a lot of horror films and I usually see a lot of the same. “Rogue River” easily stands out among the rest. It is so brutal yet extremely subtle. The film stars Bill Moseley, who is such a horror legend. He does a lot films where he plays the crazy psycho but this one really stands out as some of his best recent work. If you are looking for a great tribute to slow-burn horror this would be the film for you. This has it all character development and yet stills delivers the thrills and the gore. Kudos to first time director Jourdan McClure as well, can’t wait to see what he does next. The film is produced by Vision Entertainment Group, co-owned by Zachery Bryan (TV’s “Home Improvement”) and if they keep it up with film’s like this they are going to be a force to reckon with.

While heading out into the isolated wilderness of Oregon to scatter her father’s ashes, Mara meets Jon, who offers to give her a ride after she discovers her car has been towed by the local sheriff. She would soon regret this decision as she becomes abducted and cannot leave after attending dinner. That is only in the first few minutes of the film though, the crazy shit starts happening when she is thrust deep into their madness and needs to find a way out before it is too late.

The film was only released on DVD, not Blu-ray unfortunately, though looks good in its widescreen presentation. The audio is impressive with its Dolby Digital 5.1 track. The special features are decent starting with a fun cast and crew commentary track. There is also decent behind-the-scenes featurette called “Rogue River: A Look Inside the Madness”. There is also a mix of deleted and extra scenes with “Rogue River: The Extra Bits”. Lastly there is also a trailer gallery included. Horror fans overall this is a MUST WATCH!

Directed by: John Farrow
Starring: John Wayne, Geraldine Page, Ward Bond, Michael Pate, James Arness
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Paramount Home Entertainment
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Running Time: 83 minutes

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

When it comes to Western’s I usually approach cautiously but when it comes to John Wayne I run like a charging bull.  John Wayne is such a legend and this film has such history behind it and it great to be able to finally see it restored on Blu-ray.  “Hondo” just looks fantastic in its 1080p Blu-ray transfer and is presented in 1.78:1 aspect ratio.  There is a bit of grain in places, but overall still looks out of this world.  The audio though is not as impressive especially with its Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track.  It really doesn’t add much to the film, I would recommend sticking with the Dolby TrueHD Mono track, also included. Since the film was originally shot in 3D, hopefully Paramount has plans of releasing this film on Blu-ray 3D in the near future.

“Hondo” is based on the Louis L’Amour story “The Gift of Cochise,” and features John Wayne as a half-Indian Cavalry scout and meets the strong-willed Angie Lowe (Geraldine Page) and her boy, Johnny (Lee Aaker). It is up to Hondo to protect Angie and her son as she is sitting right in the middle danger coming from nearby Native American tribes. As the two grow close, Angie finds out that Hondo, a man hardened by experience, is still capable of sympathy, kindness and love.

The special features are impressive overall.  There is an amazing audio commentary featuring critic Leonard Maltin, Western Historian Frank Thompson, and Actor Lee Aaker.  They focus on everything from the release to the shooting to the film’s 3D aspects. Highly recommended.  “The Making of Hondo” is a three-part feature which features Leonard Maltin talking about the film, its director, the production and again the aspect of 3D.  The next part is called “Profile: James Edward Grant” is a feature focusing on one of John Wayne’s favorite screenwriters.  Lastly ” The John Wayne Stock Company: Ward Bond” takes a looks at John Wayne’s continuous on-screen companion actor.  “From the Batjac Vaults” is a short feature with Leonard Maltin interviewing Michael Wayne, originally aired on “Entertainment Tonight” in 1994.  “The Apache” run just about 15 minutes and takes a look at the Apache history.  Lastly there is a Photo Gallery and Theatrical Trailer.