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.

Related Content

• Blu-ray Review “Outrage: Way of the Yakuza”
• Blu-ray Review “Hell and Back Again”
• Blu-ray Review “Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame”
• DVD Review “Aftershock”
• 3D Blu-ray Review “Stalingrad

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.

Related Content

• Blu-ray Review “Red Scorpion”
• DVD Review “Kill Speed”
• Blu-ray Review “Air Collision”
• Blu-ray Review “Green Lantern: Extended Cut”
• Blu-ray Review “Lawless”

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.

Related Content

• Blu-ray Review “Halloween H20: 20 Years Later”
• Blu-ray Review “Halloween: Resurrection”
• Blu-ray Review “The Devil Inside”
• DVD Review “The Theatre Bizarre”
• DVD Review “Madison County”

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.

Directed by: Ralph Fiennes
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Anchor Bay Entertainment
Release Date: May 29, 2012
Running Time: 124 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I haven’t seen an Shakespeare adaption this good since “Titus”. The story of “Coriolanus” has been revamped and brought forward into modern times. Ralph Fiennes is not a good actor…he is an amazing actor. I mean have you seen him in the “Harry Potter” series and even Hades in “Titans” series. I know he’s won awards for other films in the past but those are my favorites. If you know the story then you know it is not for the squeamish. This film is bad-ass and is a mix of “Rambo” and “Fight Club”, with the dialogue of Shakespeare.

“Coriolanus” is also directed by Fiennes, job well done for sure. Fiennes is also not alone is this film though he is backed by a great supporting cast including Gerard Butler (“300”), Vanessa Redgrave (“Letters to Juliet”), Brian Cox (“Super Troopers”), Jessica Chastain (“The Help”) and James Nesbitt (“The Way”). It is a real team effort with this film and everyone pinches in there’s and more.

The story of “Coriolanus” is one of honor and betrayal, what else would you expect from Shakespeare. It follows Caius Martius aka Coriolanus (Fiennes), who is a Roman General, put up against his people who both respect yet fear him. Coriolanus, fed up against his power-hungry mother (Redgrave) and being rejected by his own people, starts a riot that gets him expelled from Rome. After being banished, he joins up with his enemy Tullus Aufidius (Butler) in order to get his revenge and meet his own destiny.

The Blu-ray presentation is very impressive. The 1080p transfer looks great and the audio sounds great with its DTS HD-MA 5.1 track, especially with the action scenes. The special features are not amazing but decent. There is a interesting/in-depth commentary from director/star Ralph Fiennes, I really love listening to him talk. Lastly there is a decent featurette “The Making of Coriolanus”. This release also comes packaged with a DVD a long side with the Blu-ray disc.

Directed by: Joe Carnahan
Starring: Liam Neeson, Dermot Mulroney
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Universal Studios
Release Date: May 15, 2012
Running Time: 117 minutes

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

Liam Neeson is definitely one bad-ass son-bitch. He proved it recently in “Taken” and “Unknown” and again in this film ‘The Grey”.  This film is the perfect thriller from the moment it starts and really nails the aspect of isolation.  The locations where this film was shot was absolutely beautiful to look at and I found myself just staring.  The pace is slow moving but really gets deep into its characters and leaves you at the edge of your seat.  Also be sure to stay through the credits for a cool bonus scene!

The story follows a group of oil-men, who become stranded in the remote Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash. Ottway (Neeson) leads the group of men, who are forced to survive against a pack of grey wolves who are stalking them.  They have to use more than just brute strength in order to outsmart these vicious pack of wolves in order to survive.

This release comes in a Two-Disc Combo Pack with the Blu-ray and DVD.  As well as a digital streaming copy using UltraViolet service.  The video looks absolutely perfect in its 1080p transfer and wonderful aspect ratio of 2.40:1.  The audio is also perfect with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, you literally almost feel every gust of wind and it keeps you on the edge of your seat.    The special features though are lacking.  There is a decent and information commentary track with director/co-writer Joe Carnahan and editors Roger Barton and Jason Hellmann. Lastly, there is also twenty plus minutes of deleted scenes, which are definitely worth checking out.

Directed by: Kurt Wimmer, Christian Volckman
Starring: Christian Bale, Taye Diggs, Daniel Craig
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Echo Bridge Entertainment
Release Date: April 3, 2012
Running Time: 213 minutes

Equilibrium: 4 out of 5 stars
Renaissance: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I saw “Equilibrium” in the theaters and couldn’t get enough of this film once it hit DVD. I was very excited to see that Echo Bridge was releasing this film on Blu-ray. Now, they released this “Equilibrium” last year to a horrible release. They have made changes to this release to improve the Blu-ray experience overall. The second film on this double feature is “Renaissance”, which I have never seen prior to this release. I have heard of it just never saw it. I feel it is a great companion to “Equilibrium” and is all around a very intriguing and fun movie.

I am a huge sci-fi fan and I am happy get a chance to check out they really cool and imaginative titles on Blu-ray. In “Equilibrium”, it focuses on the best cop aka enforcer in a futuristic society, who soon realizes that things are not as they seem and makes a stand about the ‘man’. In “Renaissance”, we follow a cop that is drawn into the twisted underworld of 2054 corporate espionage. It is very film noir-ish and visually amazing.

Both films are presented in 1080p using the AVC MPEG-4 encode and are presented in their proper 2.35:1 aspect ratios (unlike last year’s release for “Equilibrium”). The audio on both the films are also very impressive with Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks. The only downfall, and really no biggie to me, is that “Renaissance” does not include its native French track, only the dub featuring Daniel Craig. Also like most Echo Bridge releases there is no bonus features on this release but overall big improvement and a fun double feature Blu-ray release.

Directed by: David Cronenberg, John Terlesky, Michael Radford
Starring: Jude Law, Lou Diamond Phillips, Asia Argento
MPAA Ratings: R
Distributed by: Echo Bridge Entertainment
DVD Release Date: May 1, 2012
Running Time: 284 minutes

eXistenZ: 4 out of 5 stars
Malevolent: 2 out of 5 stars
B. Monkey: 3 out of 5 stars

Honestly this triple feature Blu-ray is worth it just alone for the purchase of Cronenberg’s gem “eXistenZ”. This film has never been released on Blu-ray before and this is the first time it has been available. I saw this film in theaters back in 1999 and it instantly becoming a favorite of mine.  If you are wondering why I gave this film 4 out of 5 stars, that is since the film says it is full 1080p but only registers 1080i and only comes with a Dolby Digital 2.0 track.  Now I am not even really complaining but the film does sound and look great on Blu-ray.

Now let’s get to the other films on this release.  I really do not see how “eXistenZ” fits in since it is not really an action movie, per say.  I love me some Lou Diamond Phillips but “Malevolent” just screams B-movie action and really doesn’t rise about that.  It does come with a 5.1 DTS audio track though, which was impressive and best on the entire disc.  “B. Monkey” stars the beautiful Asia Argento, who I can watch in honestly anything.  I saw this film many years ago and it has held up overtime.  It is still nothing to knock your sock off with but it is decent action and she kicks ass, as usual.

“eXistenz” directed by David Cronenberg, stars Jennifer Jason Leigh & Jude Law. It also has appearances from Ian Holm and Willem Dafoe. Leigh plays game designer Allegra Geller, who is responsible for the new groundbreaking virutal game system called “eXistenZ”. While on the run with Ted Pikul (Jude Law) to avoid being assassinated, they take the game for a test drive and become immersed in a dangerous alternate reality.

“Malevolent” stars both Lou Diamond Phillips and Kari Wuhrer. Jack (Phillips) is a cop who is trying to clear his name. After passing out in a bar bathroom and wakes up being framed for murder that he didn’t committ. It is up to him to clear his name and find the person responsible. Oh and Kari Wurher plays stripper (big stretch).

“B. Monkey” was originally released to cash in on the Asia Argento’s role in “XXX”. She plays a thief named B who is trying to get out of the business. While trying to kick her addiction to crime, she finds love with a school teacher. Then her past comes back to haunt her.

Echo Bridge is known for releasing Miramax’s films on Blu-ray, some in combo packs like this one and some solo.  This is obviously not the best Blu-ray that I own but I was just happy enough to see “eXistenZ” get a semi-HD treatment.  I also have to note that each film has zero special features.  There is virtually no room anyway since all three films are crammed on to one Blu-ray 50GB disc.  I hope that Echo Bridge is planning a solo release for “eXistenZ” in the near future and hoping they tack on some extras and fix the audio and video issues.  But for now I recommend snagging this release to add to your collection.

Directed by: Noboru Iguchi, Yoshihiro Nishimura, Tak Sakaguchi
Starring: Yoshihiro Nishimura, Asami, Naoto Takenaka
Distributed by: Well Go USA
Release Date: May 22, 2012
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 89 minutes

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

When some combine the directors of three of the coolest Japanese action-horror-comedy films you are destine for greatness. Noboru Iguchi is known best for the amazing “The Machine Girl”, Yoshihiro Nishimura is known for “Tokyo Gore Police” and Tak Sakaguchi has done “Yoroi: Samurai Zombie”. If you have never seen these three films and you are a horror fan…what is wrong with you? This film is funny, sooo over-the-top and just a riot to watch. I mean come-on a girl whose mutant power is to spawn a chainsaw out of her ass?! Or ninjas with guns for noses?! Does it get any better that that?

The film focuses on the character Rin (Yumi Sugimoto) and her realization that she is an Hiruko, a race of mutant creatures whose can transform their bodies transform and form strange weapons at will. Rin meet up with five other genetically-advanced girls who team up and use their mutant powers in order to defeat an evil prime minister.

The Blu-ray presentation on this film but look and sounds great. There is a lot of action and gore in the film and it is showcased very well. This release also comes with a DVD disc of the film along with the Blu-ray. I was impressed that there was also only a Japanese audio track, no dub. The special features are decent and include two behind-the-scenes featurettes. The first is called “Opening Day”, which focuses on a screening for the film. The second is called “The Making of Mutant Girls Squad”, short but sweet. There is also interviews with filmmakers, obviously which are subtitled, worth checking out for sure. Lastly there is a short film “Yoshi Zero”, which is a prequel to this film. Super cool!

Starring: Hunter Ellis
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Level 33 Entertainment
Release Date: September 20, 2011
Running Time: 90 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

“3D Safari: Africa” really takes you deep into the safari and makes you not want to leave. The film is visually amazing and allows us as viewers to experience the beautiful and exotic Africa in 3D. I really enjoyed that the film was hosted by Emmy award winning, Hunter Ellis. I am not sure what it is but I just love watching films about animals and beautiful landscapes. I always find that with these types of adventure documentaries that I always learn something as well. So sit back and get ready to enjoy a very entertaining 90-minute journey.

“3D Safari: Africa” has got it all from hot air balloon rides to a wildebeest stampede to a zebra up again a crocodile to a mother cheetah searching for her lost cub. The film has emotion and is action packed. Who doesn’t love to watch animals up-close-and-personal in 3D, including lions, leopards, hippos, hyenas, zebras, giraffes and many more.

I have seen many 3D Blu-rays. This one looks sharp in 3D but its overall video quality is decent. The audio is enjoyable though boasting a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track. If you are looking for extras on this disc, you might also be disappointed. There is only one short extra included, a short 3D film called “Living Large: Hippos and Rhinos”.

Related Content

• 3D Blu-ray Review “Jillian’s Travels: Africa”
• DVD Review “Betty White: Champion for Animals”
• Blu-Ray Review “Disneynature’s African Cats”
• DVD Review “The Happiest Baby on the Block”
• Blu-Ray Review “Planet Earth: Special Edition”

Directed by: Craig Tanner
Starring: Taylor Hender, Garrett Ryan
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Level 33 Entertainment
Release Date: April 10, 2012
Running Time: 60 minutes

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

When it comes to education in 3D, I am not going to say no. Africa is a very common subject for this format. Unfortunately, this film would have been a lot more entertaining with the annoying Jillian and her adventures. I know this was aimed at kiddies but I couldn’t even go to that level. The girl was such a snot brat and did not appeal at all. Also the actually safari scenes were ok since she was nowhere to be found besides narrating. If you want to see a cool 3D feature on the Africa check out “3D Safari Africa”.

The film focuses on Jillian Palmer and her brother, Jack as they take a trip with their parents to an African safari. The narrative is told through (annoying) video diaries discussing there journey and trying to educate.   The biggest annual migration of mammals in the world is featured in this which was shot from a hot air balloon while over the Savannah.  Since this is a 3D film, there is focus on cool shots of lions, leopards, hippos, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, vultures, gazelles, flamingos and many more.

Jillian’s Travels: Africa deliver a generally great 3D presentation. It’s video is sharp and looks bright and vibrant. The sound goes well with its Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track, if you can get over Jillian’s annoying voice. The special features are lacking much like the film. There is only one real extra included, which is an short bonus film called “Elephants 3D”. Lastly there is a 3D trailer for “Jillian’s Travels” and More From Level 33 Entertainment.

Directed by: Joseph Lawson
Starring: Dominique Swain, Jake Busey, Josh Allen, Christopher Karl Johnson
Distributed by: The Asylum Home Entertainment
Release Date: April 24, 2012
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 90 minutes

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

With a title like “Nazis at the Center of the Earth”, how can you obviously not be attracted to this film. Throw in zombie Nazis and a robot Hitler and you are in for a real treat. The Asylum is known for these low-budget gems. This film is made with a smirky grin and is one hell of a great time. The special effects are not bad for a film made for under $500K and do I need to repeat there is a robot Hitler in this film. If that doesn’t make you laugh and drawn to this film then this is not for you obviously.

The film follows a group of researchers in Antarctica who fall through the center of the earth and are abducted by a platoon of gas-masked Nazi soldiers. They find that in this hidden continent in the center of the Earth, they discover that Josef Mengele and group of surviving Nazi soldiers are plotting the return of Hitler using advance technology.  They are also planning the invasion of Earth in a UFO spaceship in order to create a Fourth Reich. Sounds fun right?

The Blu-ray looks and sounds great for this low-budget film. The 1080p transfer looks sharp, clear and works well with the film’s visual effects and action scenes. The audio works well with its Dolby Digital 5.1 track and rocks it with the action scenes. I commend Asylum for continuously releasing their films on Blu-ray and really embracing the format even though the film’s are low-budget.

The special features are also decent like the film. There is an audio commentary from Joseph Lawson. It is very entertaining and a real treat. Must listen for fans of the film. There is a brief featurette about the film’s Pre-Production featuring cast and crew interviews. There is a another feature called “Cast & Locations” which focuses on the shooting locations. There is a featurette on the film’s Production looking into the special effects used in the film. Lastly there is a funny Gag Reel and additional trailers for titles from The Asylum.

Related Content

• Blu-ray Review “Project X”
• DVD Review “The Collapsed”
• Tribeca Film Festival Review “Burn”
• Blu-ray Review “J. Edgar”
• Blu-ray Review “There Be Dragons”

Directed by: Gordon Yang
Starring: Lou Diamond Phillips, Nicole de Boer, Greg Evigan, Sophie Gendron, John Maclaren, Alexis Maitland
Distributed by: Arc Entertainment
MPAA Rating: PG
Running Time: 91 minutes

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

I am a total sucker for any film about tornadoes. You throw in a metal tornado…even better. Top it off with Lou Diamond Phillips and Greg Evigan and you’ve got a winner. This film obviously screams low-budget cheesy horror but it is fun, entertaining and packs some decent special effects. Lou Diamond Phillips definitely is the main draw to this film for me and delivered the goods. I mean, HELLO!?, a film about a metal tornado, how can you go wrong?

The film’s premise is fun simple. I mean what do you honestly expect from a film titled “Metal Tornado”. Due to an ground-breaking industrial experiment that goes out of control, Metal objects start being consumed from the developed magnetic tornadoes and, of course, start wreaking havoc everywhere. It is up to Lou Diamond Phillips to defeat the tornado and save the day.

Anyone who would even consider this film knows exactly what they are getting themselves in for and should have a blast watching this film. This plays exactly like an Syfy Original Movie and if you are a fan of those this is for you, otherwise stay away. The DVD comes with zero special features, which is very disappointing.