Directed by: Brad Peyton
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Josh Hutcherson, Vanessa Hudgens, Luis Guzman
MPAA Rating: PG
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Running Time: 94 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars (4 stars if it was in 3D)
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When you approach “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” if you have to just let go and enjoy yourself. It is cheesy and over-the-top but that is where it gets its charm. The film is funny and really improves over the its predecessor. I mean Dwayne Johnson really steals this franchise and runs with it. I can’t wait for the next installment of this franchise! Now unfortunately, I was not able to review this Blu-ray in 3D but I have previously seen the film in theaters in 3D and let say that I prefer it that way. This film uses the 3D to the fullest extent with amazing visuals and in-your-face effects. Though still decent to watch in 2D, I would recommend if you have a preference to check out this film in the third dimension.

While the first film, took us on the Jules Verne adventure the story of “Journey to the Center of the Earth”. The film was also cheesy and over-the-top thanks to Brendan Fraser. This film focuses on the story of “The Mysterious Island”. Josh Hutcherson returns playing Sean who receives a coded distress signal from a mysterious island from his missing grandfather. Sean immediately leaves to attempt to find this island along with his new stepfather (Dwayne Johnson). Together with a helicopter pilot (Luis Guzman) and his daughter (Vanessa Hudgens), they set out to find the island in order to rescue Sean’s grandfather.

The Blu-ray tracks looks great on Blu-ray, really sharp and colorful, even though it is not in 3D. The audio is out of this world with its amazing DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. The releases comes with a combo pack including a Blu-ray, DVD and Ultraviolet digital streaming copy. The special features though are not as amazing as the film, though decent. “Are You Strong Enough to Survive Mysterious Island?” is a fun interactive map that takes us on a journey through the Mysterious Island. There are five deleted scenes, unfinished and nothing really special. Lastly there is a funny-as-hell gag reel included.

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Starring: Ben Lewis, Anna O’Byrne
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Universal Studios
Release Date: May 29, 2012
Running Time: 121 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

When it comes to “The Phantom of the Opera” it is a hard act to follow. So pretty much it doesn’t matter how good “Love Never Dies” is, it will be hard to compare to its predecessor. Luckily, it doesn’t disappoint and still captures some of the charm. I really enjoyed the show’s music and it’s production scale was out of this world. The sets on this show spared no expense and looks beautiful…even on Blu-ray, you still feel like you are there. If you are fan of “The Phantom of the Opera” and expect the same kind of magic, you might be disappointed. But if you are open-minded and looking for a stunning wonderful journey revisiting the wonderful story, you will enjoy this quite a bit.

“Love Never Dies” takes place in the year is 1907, 10 years after the Phantom’s disappearance from the Paris Opera House. He has started new in New York, where he setup show living in Coney Island. In this new electrically-charged world, he has finally found a place for his music to soar. The Phantom still yearns for his love, Christine. When she travels to New York and perform at a renowned opera house the Phantom lures Christine in a final attempt to win her love.

If you have ever been a Broadway film, there is nothing like seeing a live production. Of course luckily Blu-ray is the closest way to experience this. With shows like “Love Never Dies”, it is presented in beautiful 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Since this is a musical, the audio presentation is very important and sounds amazing with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. The special features on this release are lacking with only one behind the scenes feature “The Making of Love Never Dies”, running just shy of 15 minutes. It features not only cast and crew but also Andrew Lloyd Webber focusing on the musical’s extensive production.

Starring: Danny Glover, Mel Gibson, Joe Pesci
Number of discs: 5
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Running Time: 476 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love the “Lethal Weapon” franchise? This collection includes all four films from this action-packed franchise, “Lethal Weapon”, “Lethal Weapon 2”, “Lethal Weapon 3″,”Lethal Weapon 4”. It is rare that franchise continues to be entertaining as the series goes on and that is the case with these films. This Blu-ray collection is a fantastic representation of the “Lethal Weapon” series. Warner Brothers did a really good job with this release and really aimed to please the fans of this series. Even if you own this series already, this really stacks up to be an excellent release with a bunch of new content. This Blu-ray looks and sounds completely amazing. Each film received a fantastic overhaul in its video presentation and it such an improvement from previous Blu-ray releases. With the video, this release really pushed the HD 1080p format! In the sound department, each film comes with an extremely impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, which was blowing up my system. The track for “Lethal Weapon 1 & 2” is the most impressive since there was issues with the audio in the past releases.  So, all this greatness and we haven’t even touched on the special features yet.

The special features are jammed back as well. In “Lethal Weapon”, there is an audio commentary with Richard Donner. Fourteen deleted scenes running about 30 minutes, presented in sharp HD. There is a music video for “Lethal Weapon” by Honeymoon Suite. Lastly there is a theatrical Trailer. “Lethal Weapon 2” also comes with an audio commentary with Donner again. There are three deleted scenes for this film, presented in SD. There a vintage featurette called “Stunts & Action”, runs short. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer. “Lethal Weapon 3” includes an audio commentary with Donner, yet again. There is three deleted and extended scenes, presented in SD. There is a music Video for “It’s Probably Me” with Sting and Eric Clapton. Lastly there is a teaser and theatrical trailers included. “Lethal Weapon 4” brings the best commentary track with Donner, producer J. Mills Goodloe and associate producer Geoff Johns. One of my favorites features is “Pure Lethal! New Angles, New Scenes and Explosive Outtakes”, which runs just over 30 minutes. It complies all four films and is hosted by star Danny Glover. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer included.

The fifth disc in this release consists solely of newly produced documentaries, all presented in HD. Like I said Warner Brothers went to town on this release. “Psycho Pension: The Genesis of Lethal Weapon” runs just over 20 minutes and features Donner, Gibson, Glover, writer Shane Black and many more talking about ’80s culture, the script and characters and the birth of “Lethal Weapon”. “A Family Affair: Bringing Lethal Weapon to Life” runs about 30 minutes and takes us into the world of the “Lethal Weapon” series with Donner, Gibson, Glover, Black again talking about their experiences. “Pulling the Trigger: Expanding the World of Lethal Weapon”, runs about 30 minutes Home video success stoked the flame for the Lethal Weapon sequels, but it took more than a hungry audience, an audacious director and a willing cast to make it happen. It required an ever-expanding story, new characters, new actors, and new obstacles for Riggs and Murtaugh to overcome, bigger action and set pieces, higher and higher stakes, and something more than “more of the same” to complement the original. The last doc, “Maximum Impact: The Legacy of Lethal Weapon” looks deep into the franchise and what made it work.

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Synopsis: Lethal Weapon (1987) With over seven minutes of previously unavailable scenes, the director’s cut of Lethal Weapon is a long-overdue present for fans. Riggs’s solitary homelife and the tragic loss spurring him in a reckless disregard for his own safety now come into greater focus. We see that recklessness is new scenes underlining the differences between the two cops. Murtaugh, just 50, needs reassurance about his skills at a firing range. Riggs, not caring if he sees another birthday, coolly walks into a schoolyard sniper’s field of fire. All the humor and adrenaline that made this original an entertainment milestone are here, too. No scenes have been removed. But new action and new insight are now included. Include yourself in the excitement. Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) Riggs wows the pretties of a hotel spa before getting to Getz. Murtaugh receives bad bodywork news from an auto repairman after his beleaguered station wagon sees some Riggs-piloted street action. Plus, feisty Leo shares a newly included scene in which he recalls a suspect’s address by complex spins of numbers that, well, no one can tell it like Leo. And no one would follow his lead but Riggs and Murtaugh. It’s police procedure, Lethal style. And it’s yours to enjoy as the duo draws a bead on criminals hiding behind diplomatic immunity. Lethal Weapon 3 (1992) Riggs and Murtaugh are back again. This time, they must stop a former cop who has become an arms dealer to L.A. street gangs. Lethal Weapon 4 (1998) Mel Gibson and Danny Glover return as buddy cops Riggs and Murtaugh, with Joe Pesci riding comedy shotgun as chatterbox Leo. Murtaugh is still the family man. Riggs is still the gonzo loose cannon and – what’s this? – family man. His will-he/won’t he marriage to Cole (Rene Russo) is one of the new wrinkles in this powerhouse crowd-pleaser that also stars comedy favorite Chris Rock and international action star Jet Li. This sequel involves an action packed battle with a Chinese ganglord.

Director: Mike Newell
Starring: Charlton Heston, Susannah York, Jill Townsend, Stephanie Zimbalist
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Running Time: 101 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When you put Charlton Heston and mummies together, it immediately grabs my interest. The film is based of Bram Stoker’s “Jewel of the Seven Stars”. It is directed by Mike Newell, who went on to direct “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”. The film overall drags a bit but does have a snappy ending, which I really enjoyed.

The film follows Egyptologist (Heston), who becomes obsessed with a sorceress whose return has been prophesied and also whose tomb was opened the exact moment his daughter was born. Will his obsession take him over and what is the fate of his daughter?

If you enjoy classic horror films, this 1980 film, should do the trick. “The Awakening” is presented on DVD in widescreen 16×9 with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1. It both looks and sounds good. There is no special features included, unfortunately.  But either way, thanks to Warner Archive for finally releasing this film on DVD.

Directed by: Fred Olen Ray
Starring: Jeff Fahey, Christian Slater, Tim Abell, Perry King, Jerry Lacy
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Distributed by: Lions Gate
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Running Time: 90 minutes

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

Alright so, who doesn’t love a good Western?  Especially one about the always interesting feud of Hatfields & Mccoys.  Well I made the terrible mistake with watching the new History Channel mini-series also called “Hatfields & Mccoys” with Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton.  That puts this film to shame extremely quick and makes this feel like a bargain discount DVD.  Jeff Fahey is bad-ass as usual and Christian Slater is relatively missing throughout the film popping up here and there.

The story follows two families who seek vengeance against each other, while also aiming to destroy each other’s loved ones. When it comes to Hatfields & Mccoys, you expect this intense drawn out bloody feud. Unfortunately with this film it is very anti-climatic and doesn’t really ever take the plunge over the bad-ass side.

Overall if I had to make a recommendation it is a total no-brainer.  For better acting (besides Fahey, since he’s a god) check out the new History Channel mini-series if you need your Hatfields & Mccoys fix. The DVD actually does comes with a decent Dolby Digital 5.1 track. The special features are lacking just like the film. The only real extra is a commentary track from director Fred Olen Ray. There is also a stills gallery, which is next to useless anyway unless you are an animation film.

Directed by: Aimee Lagos
Starring: Brittany Snow, Evan Ross, Christian Serratos, David Oyelowo
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Arc Entertainment
Release Date: May 29, 2012
Running Time: 95 minutes

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

I am a big fan of films that take your on a journey though a specific event while constantly changing pace and telling the story from all different perspectives.  This film though falls flat and I found myself only losing interest as each minute progressed.  The pay-off is meant to be this thrilling climax but I found myself completely disinterested in the final outcome.

“96 Minutes” follows the intertwining story of four people that come together after a carjacking. The story flip-flops between the carjacking and the individual background of each of the young people; Carley, Dre, Lena and Kevin. Their worlds are turned upside after this one night and they will never be the same.

The film definitely really goes dark and gritty.  It also has some impressive acting, especially from Brittany Snow and Evan Ross.  The story overall though is too intertwined and has focus issues.  The special features are baron just like the film. The only extra is a commentary track from directed Aimee Lagos and actor David Oyelowo.

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Simply Red: Live at Montreux 2003
Blu-ray (also available on DVD)
Eagle Vision
Total Running Time: 124 minutes

Our Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As the great philosopher Billy Joel once said, “It’s all about soul.”

It’s clear that Simply Red’s lead singer, Mick Hucknall, knows this to be true. He doesn’t just sing songs: he feels them. Because of this, it’s pretty much impossible not to be mesmerized by his silky smooth vocal – one that hasn’t diminished in power or range since Simply Red’s inception in 1985.

“Simply Red: Live at Montreux 2003” captures the band supporting their then latest studio outing, “Home”. Six of the tracks from that LP are included in this show’s set list, including a cover of The Stylistic’s “You Make Me Feel Brand New” that is one of the show’s two best moments. Given that the original song featured three different vocalists singing in three different vocal ranges, it’s a hearty challenge for one guy to perform the song – especially in a live setting. But, from note one, it’s clear that Hucknall’s multi-octave voice can handle all three vocal parts perfectly and that a sole singer can deliver a version that’s equally as good – if not better – than the original.

But “Holding Back the Years” – penned when Hucknall was a mere 17 years of age – is the show-stopper. Performed as the first song of the encore set, Mick wanders back onto a stage devoid of other musicians, slowly strumming an acoustic guitar. The two chords he gently plays are generic enough to be indistinguishable as any specific song – until he sings and, mid-way through, is joined by the rest of his bandmates. In a day and age of “unplugged” renditions, this one avoids being cliché and stands out as a great reinterpretation of a timeless classic – and one that clearly demonstrates why Simply Red were one of the best bands to come out of the 80’s.

By the time this show was recorded, Mick Hucknall was the only original member left in Simply Red, but the 2003 iteration of Simply Red is comprised of a solid group of great musicians that work together flawlessly. The same line-up is featured on the Blu-ray’s closing segment culled from the band’s 2010 farewell tour. Unfortunately, only seven tracks from this show are included as not to double-up on any songs that appeared in the 2003 show. It would have been great to have the full concert – dupes and all.

The usual array of audio options that we’ve come to expect from Eagle Vision releases are all here: LPCM 2.0 stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS-HD. Each have a superior range of dynamics and are superbly mixed. Both the 2003 and 2010 shows were filmed in high-definition and the resulting 1080i video transfer is crisp and clean and the editing perfectly matches the show’s pacing and overall mood.

Since the demise of Simply Red, Hucknall has become a member of a newly reformed Faces, replacing Rod Stewart. Even though his onstage persona is nowhere near as flamboyant as Rod the Mod’s, it’s hard to imagine a better choice to carry that seminal band in a new and fruitful direction. Despite his immense vocal prowess, Hucknall has always proven that all one needs to lull the listener in with a vocal is one that is powerfully heartfelt and unpretentiously delivered. In that regard, he is – and Simply Red was – simply amazing.

Directors: Russell Mulcahy, Toby Wilkins, Tim Andrews
Starring: Tyler Posey, Crystal Reed, Holland Roden, Tyler Hoechlin, Linden Ashby, Jill Wagner, Eaddy Mays, Melissa Ponzio
Episodes: 12
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Running Time: 522 minutes

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

When it comes to “Teen Wolf”, there is really only one version the 80’s film with Michael J. Fox…and well maybe Jason Bateman in “Teen Wolf Too”, just for fun. This MTV version of this franchise feels a lot like a Twilight-infused version of the series.  The first episode is rather hard to get through and the series doesn’t particular get much better from there.  It is not unwatchable but definitely not a show that I would brag how good it is to watch.  The show will probably be loved by it’s core audience teenage girls or crazy “Twi-moms”.  Either way I will stick to the 80’s for “Teen Wolf”

This series takes us back to the beginning, unrelated 80’s franchise, of how one night will forever change or transform (literally) one teenager’s life.  Scott McCall (Tyler Posey) gets bit by a werewolf bite which introduces him to amazing supernatural powers. He has to deal with everyday angst in High School, keep his identity a secret while dealing with being a werewolf. “Teen Wolf” stars some of a hip young cast, including Tyler Posey (Scott McCall), Crystal Reed (Allison Argent), Tyler Hoechlin (Derek Hale) and Holland Roden (Lydia Martin).

For a DVD set, this contains some decent special features. There is an Extended Finale for “Code Breaker”. There is a bunch of Deleted, Alternate and Extended Scenes, as well as a Gag Reel. There is also a Behind-The-Scenes featurette. The cast provide commentary on select episodes. Teenage girls will go crazy for the Shirtless Montage. “Following The Pack: Meet The Cast Of Teen Wolf” introduces this new young cast and feature them talking about the show. Lastly there is footage from the red carpet in “Teen Wolf: Working The Red Carpet”. If you are a fan of this show, this set is for you definitely and don’t forget to tune into season two June 3rd 2012.

Season One Episodes:
“Wolf Moon”, “Second Chance at First Line”, “Pack Mentality”, “Magic Bullet”, “The Tell”, “Heart Monitor”, “Night School”, “Lunatic”, “Wolf’s Bane”, “Co-Captain”, “Formality” and “Code Breaker”

Directed by: McG
Starring: Chris Pine, Tom Hardy, Reese Witherspoon
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Running Time: 97 minutes

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

I have been a fan of the MAD comic strip “Spy vs. Spy” since I was a kid. When I saw this trailer for the first time, I was really excited to see it. When you put Star Trek’s Captain Kirk up against The Dark Knight’s Bane only sweetens the pot.  Unfortunately you then throw in Reese Witherspoon, it all goes bad. The teases you with kick ass action in the opening scenes only to make you wait until the last scene in order to get your second helping.  The in-between included a few laughs but nothing we haven’t seen from the trailer.

The story follows two covert CIA operatives, FDR (Chris Pine) and Tuck (Tom Hardy), who are also best buddies …that is until they both fall for the same girl Lauren (Reese Witherspoon). They wage an all out epic battle against each other for her affection using their super cool CIA surveillance skills and high-tech gadgetry. It’s Spy vs. Spy and may the best spy win!

This Blu-ray included two cuts of the film, one being an extended cut, which runs about seven minutes longer and also  theatrical version.  Besides the Blu-ray disc, there is also a DVD disc and a Digital Copy disc included as well.  The 1080p video resolution looks good especially during the action scenes…well the two only action scenes. It is also presented with an aspect ratio of 2.40:1.  During the action scenes, the audio track also shines with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track.

The special features are decent and includes some interesting content.  There is a very honest audio commentary from Director McG, usually not a big fan of his but this works.  There is an epilogue scene taking place at Lauren’s Vegas bachelorette party. There are six deleted scenes, with optional commentary by McG, which run about 15 minutes.  There is also three alternate endings,  also with optional commentary.  There is an alternate opening concept scene, which would have been taken place in Dubai.  There is a funny uncensored Gag Reel. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer.

Created by: Oren Peli
Starring: Bruce Greenwood, Joe Anderson, Paul Blackthorne
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: ABC Studios
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Running Time: 344 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“The River” is a great combination of “Lost” and “Blair Witch Project and really takes the found footage genre to the next level. Oren Peli, the genius behind the “Paranormal Activity” series created and produced this show and his involvement is very apparent. My main issue with the show is that it is short running only eight episodes, although it also keeps the show tighter and not stuffed with a lot of filler. Unfortunately this show was not renewed for season two, so the season cliffhanger will have the serve as the series finale. Who knows maybe Netflix will revive this fantastic show! Hint…Hint!

The premise of the show follows the disappearance of Dr Emmet Cole, the host of a wilderness reality show, into the depths of the Amazon.  He is presumed dead by friends and family until a signal from his communication device shows up on radar. His son & wife along with, his producer and colleagues head out to into the jungle to try and rescue him. While on this journey they decide to bring a camera crew along to document.  The group finds that Dr. Emmet Cole was in a lot deeper than everyone thought and they might have a hard time leaving the jungle once they enter it.

Besides coming from the amazing mind of Oren Peli, this series was also Executive Produced by Steven Spielberg.  Having a horror thriller on TV these days are incredible rare and like this one they unfortunately don’t last.  This DVD does not only include the complete first season, there is also some decent special features.  There are various deleted scenes included, worth checking out since you can imagine how much footage they shot for this season.  There is a making of featurette, which is a little short but still worth watching.  There is also commentary available for the episode “The Magus” and “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”  They are two of my favorite episodes and the commentary tracks are very welcomed.

Directed by: Justin McConnell
Starring: Vincent Thomas, Steve Vieira, Stefano Gallo
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Anchor Bay Entertainment
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Running Time: 82 minutes

Film: 1.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

When it comes to apocalypse/end-of-the-world film, I am always intrigued. This one fails to entertain at all though until the closing minutes, which is too much of an obvious payoff. The film is also doesn’t decide what it wants to be. Is it a zombie film? ghost story? rouge government conspiracy? Either way I still can’t put a fingers on what its goal was. The gore is also missing from the film. I am also just plain shocked that Fangoria has called the film “Genuinely Shocking”. Did they see the same film?

The premise follows a family of four who are trying to survive in the wake of the end of the world. They are looking to exit the city and escape to the their rural home. As they travel, they find that they are not alone and they find that their greatest nightmares may just be the least of their problems.

Even though the film had me bored out of my mind, the special features are decent. A little unique but decent. There is two commentary track included. One with writer/producer/director Justin McConnel and co-producer Kevin Hutchinson. The other one is with actor John Fantasia. Thre is a music video for Rob Kleiner’s “Devil in Disguise”. There is also trailers, photo gallery and cast/crew bios. The next features are unique, there is a QR code to unlock a making of documentary called “Apocalypse on a Budget”. There is also online downloads available to get the original score and screenplay.

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Directed by: Gregory Widen, Patrick Lussier, Joel Soisson
Starring: Christopher Walken, Eric Stoltz, Viggo Mortensen, Virginia Madsen, Vincent Spano
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment
Release Date: April 3, 2012
Running Time: 344 minutes

The Prophecy: 4 out of 5 stars
The Prophecy 3: The Ascent: 3.5 out of 5 stars
The Prophecy IV: Uprising: 3 out of 5 stars
The Prophecy V: Forsaken: 3 out of 5 stars

First off, Christopher Walken delivers one of his best roles as Gabriel in this franchise. I am psyched to have this series available on Blu-ray.  Though, I am very disappointed with that fact that “The Prophecy II” is M.I.A and why isn’t it included in this box set. I am absolutely clueless on that one but it is a little irritating overall. This collection does include the first and third, both with Christopher Walken and then also its back-to-back sequels four and five. Overall this series is always fun to watch and continues to be entertaining throughout each viewing.  Not the best Blu-ray transfers but still enough to make this worth the purchase.

“The Prophecy” follows an L.A. homicide detective, who while fighting to stop the forces of evil, finds an unlikely ally in an elementary school teacher. Together they race against time and terror to save the world as we know it. “The Prophecy 3: The Ascent” concludes the Gabriel trilogy, as fearsome armies of rebel angels wage war in heaven and on Earth, Pyriel, the brutal Angel of Genocide, rises to power and intends to destroy mankind. The only one on Earth with the ability to stop the bloodshed is Danyael, who was born of an angel and a woman. “The Prophecy: Uprising” jump starts the series again, when an ancient religious manuscript lands in the hands of an unsuspecting young woman, she is suddenly thrust into the center of an epic battle between ruthless fallen angels. “The Prophecy: Forsaken” follows the fighting for control of the Lexicon – an ancient religious text that reveals the arrival of the Antichrist – a group of fallen angels will stop at nothing to capture it and the young woman who possesses it.

The Blu-ray presentation on these collection sets are usually lacking the perfect Blu-ray quality but are still better than DVD. What I found is weird is that all these films are packed with 1080p high definition transfer except “The Prophecy 3: The Ascent” which is only 1080i. Each film is also presented with an impressive 5.1 Dolby Digital track, which is an impressive stand for Echo Bridge. Like most Echo Bridge releases there is no special included for any of these films, unlike the past DVDs. But if you are a fan of the series, and don’t mind missing the second film, this is a cheap and quick way to get the films on Blu-ray.

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Directed by: Joe Chappelle
Starring: Donald Pleasence, Paul Rudd, Kim Darby, Marianne Hagan, Mitch Ryan
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment
Release Date: May 10, 2011
Running Time: 88 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 0 out of 5 stars

“Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers” is a very touchy release. Following the the impressive fourth and fifth films, it its harshly criticized. I have always been a fan of this film, especially since it also was the first in the series that I saw in the theaters. Personally though, I am a fan of the producer’s cut or “Halloween 666” as the fans know it by. Even though it is not the best release kudos to Echo Bridge for bringing the “Halloween” franchise to Blu-ray.

The best part of this film is that it brings back Donald Pleasence in what was unfortunately his last role. The film follows the terror of Michael Myers six years after he was presumed dead in a fire and he returns to kill his bloodline again.  Long-hidden secrets of the maniacal murderer are revealed and end with shocking results. The film also stars Paul Rudd. who was just coming off his role in “Clueless”.

The Blu-ray release is not the best I have ever seen but far from the worst. The high definition transfer only clocks in at 1080i and is decent but not amazing. Though I am a not a major big fan of the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track, it is decent but I would have preferred a surround track. The special features on this release are also M.I.A and comes with no extras. If you are reading this Echo Bridge, make the “Halloween” fans happy and finally release the “Producer’s Cut” of this film. I guarantee you will not regret it.

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Directed by: Steve Miner
Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Josh Hartnett, LL Cool J, Michelle Williams
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment
Release Date: May 3, 2011
Running Time: 85 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 0 out of 5 stars

“Halloween H20” was never really my favorite installment in the “Halloween” franchise. I felt like it was a bit too much Hollywood and lost its edge. Nonetheless it is still a “Halloween” film. Laurie Strode is also one of the best strong female horror icons, so it is always great to see Jamie Lee Curtis take on the role. Echo Bridge did not put a lot into this release though and fans of this franchise will not be happy overall with this. It is barely a step up from a DVD release.

The film picks up with Laurie Strode (Curtis), who is now a headmistress of a private school and still struggling with her 20-year-old memories of Michael Myers. Of course guess who suddenly reappears looking to continue to stalk his sister. Michael also sets his sights on the school’s students and staff including Laurie’s son (Josh Hartnett), his girlfriend (Michelle Williams) and the school security guard (LL Cool J). It is up to Laurie to conquer her greatest fears and go up against her brother, Michael, once and for all…or at least until “Halloween: Resurrection”.

This Blu-ray presentation is extremely disappointing with a weak 1080p transfer, which looks bland and lacking sharpness. The film is presented in 1.78.1 but was shot in 2.35.1, so you can expecting cropping. The audio track is also a bit disappointing with its DTS-HD MA 2.0 and no surround track. What is even more disappointing is that the DVD release at least offered a 5.1 track. If you are looking for special features you will be disappointed again. This film is baron, there is no extras, trailers or even subtitles. Sorry Echo Bridge, very weak release.

Directed by: Rick Rosenthal
Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Sean Patrick Thomas, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Tyra Banks, Busta Rhymes
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment
Release Date: April 17, 2012
Running Time: 90 minutes

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

Alright we all know that “Halloween: Resurrection” is not the best in the series, but it is far from the worst. I mean, who doesn’t want to see Busta Rhymes kung fu kick Michael Myers? When this was released back in 2002, it a smart way to pick up from “Halloween: H20” and a great way to continue the series, although it didn’t turn out that way. With horror franchises like “Halloween” it’s fans just want to watch Michael Myers continue his killing spree, the film itself can just be so-so. I wish they would continue stop constantly rebooting these franchises and just continue with sequels like this one. They are fun and able to be re-watched over and over.

With the rising craze of reality TV, this installment of the “Halloween” franchise adds that aspect the Michael Myers story. Reality TV producers (Rhymes, Banks) pick a group of teenagers who are chosen to spend a night investigating in the childhood home of serial killer Michael Myers. . The live streaming broadcast takes a turn for the worse when Michael Myers himself shows up and starts killing the shows contestants.

The Blu-ray presentation is damn impressive. Of course there is a big focus on head cams in the dark, so completely clarity is not expected. The 1080p transfer looks great overall and the film is presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1. There also is a great variety of audio tracks included a Dolby Digital 5.1 HD, DTS-HD MA, and LCM 2.0 Stereo tracks, very impressive. Kudos to Echo Bridge for stepping up with this release.

Unlike most Blu-ray releases from Echo Bridge, “Halloween: Resurrection” comes packed with some decent special features, even if they are only in 480p. There is an audio commentary track from Director Rick Rosenthal and Editor Robert Ferretti, which is very informative and interesting. There are about 10 minutes of Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes. There is a tour of the set with Production Designer, Troy Hansen. “On the Set with Jamie Lee Curtis” focuses on the role of Laurie Strode in the film. “Head Cam Featurette” takes a look at the cameras used in the film. Lastly there is a storyboard split screen which compare various scenes in the film, decent but a little short. Overall very impressive features for fans of the series.