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.

Related Content

• Blu-ray Review “Cosmopolis”
• Blu-ray Review “Suddenly (1954)”
• DVD Review “iCrime”
• Film Review “Beware the Gonzo”
• Blu-ray Review “U.S. Marshals”

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.

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.

Own it on Blu-ray Combo Pack or Digital Download 6/5! http://bit.ly/J2WBSHOP
Like us on Facebook – http://on.fb.me/WBEntFB
Follow us on Twitter – http://bit.ly/WBHETW

Related Content

• Blu-ray Review “Winter’s Tale”
• DVD Review “Weekend of a Champion”
• Blu-ray Review “Delivery Man”
• Blu-ray Review “Sweetwater”
• Blu-ray Review “The Host”

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.

Buy It 5/22 on Blu-ray™ http://bit.ly/K6kWM3
Like us on Facebook – http://on.fb.me/WBEntFB
Follow us on Twitter – http://bit.ly/WBHETW

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.

Related Content

• Blu-ray Review “Shame”
• Blu-ray Review “I Melt With You”
• 3D Blu-ray Review “Fright Night”
• Blu-Ray Review “Exporting Raymond”
• Blu-ray Review “Joe”

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.