Directed by: John Irvin
Starring: Alec Guinness, Michael Jayston, Anthony Bate, George Sewell, Bernard Hepton
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Acorn Media
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Running Time: 324 minutes

Mini-Series: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I was not a fan of 2011’s remake of “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” at all and thought it was completely confusing and boring. The original 1979 mini-series on the other hand is a lot more entertaining and stars the wonderful Alec Guinness (“Star Wars”) in the lead role. I think it was the fact that this complex and in-depth story was spread out over 5+ hours instead of being crammed into a 2+ hour movie. There is just something that is so classy about the PBS aired British series. In this American re-cut “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”, the series is spread out over six episodes.

The mini-series reveals that a mole has infiltrated the Circus, code name for the British Secret Intelligence Service. Agent George Smiley (Guinness) gets the job of find out who can be the mole and finds that it can only be one of four men who sit at the very highest level. Throughout this task of digging through the world of Cold War-era espionage and also his own past. Alec Guinness really nails the heart of John le Carré’s character and gives a new view to the definition of a spy.

This new HD transfer comes packed with sharp and bright 1080p transfer. The audio overall is decent but only boasts a Dolby Digital 2.0 track. Overall this Blu-ray release is not the best restoration ever but if you are a fan of the series, it is worth checking out and it definitely expands on the issues that the past DVD releases have had.

The special features are impressive including some new extras for this release. There is a very interesting exclusive interview with John le Carré, author of the book, who talks about the mini-series and his book. There is an all-new interview with Director John Irvin talking about the production and its cast. There are eleven of deleted scenes that were a part of the original series, which was cut down from seven episodes to six. It is also exclusive to this Blu-ray release. The production notes are included in text format and gives some interesting information about the series. There is a glossary of main characters and terms, which comes in very handy with this film, I would recommend printed them off the internet and keeping on you while watch. Lastly there are cast filmographies and John le Carré biography included.

Directed by: Chris Boger
Starring: Glory Annen, Jeannie Collings, Jennifer Guy, Katherine Kath, Martin Potter
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed: Redemption Films
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Running Time: 109 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

The film is written and narrated by Marquis de Sade himself, though is rather bland a bit boring. The other notable aspect was that Roger Deakins, shot this film and has since went onto films like “The Shawshank Redemption” and “No Country for Old Men”. Though beautiful shot, the film does not have any legs to keep you entertained and interested throughout. If you are looking to check out the work of Sade in films, I recommend his related work in 2000’s “Quills”. Though “Justine” is one of his more notable novels, I just wasn’t completely drawn in for the feature version.

The film is a story story of two sisters, one morally pure and one full of lust, who are cast out into a world ruled by crude desires. The girls are faced with the murder, prostitution, bondage and branding. These are all aspects that can only be told by Marquis de Sade. It is a tale of desires, pleasures and corruption of the innocence. The two completely different sisters needs to find a way to break free of this world before they are encompassed.

The 1080p transfer is good but not out of this world. Redemption has done a lot better in the past for sure. The audio includes a LPCM 2.0 track, which works well but is also nothing special for this film. The special features are also not very impressive. There are some standard definition interviews from director Chris Boger and screenwriter Ian Cullen. There is “Alternate Title Sequences”, which includes the English and French titles. Lastly there is also the Theatrical Trailer and Photo Gallery included.

Directed by: Peter Newbrook
Starring: Robert Powell, Robert Stephens, Jane Lapotaire, Alex Scott, Ralph Arliss
MPAA Rated: PG
Distributed by: Redemption Films
Release Date: April 17, 2012
Running Time: 83 minutes

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

“The Asphyx” is a decent little-seen British sci-fi/horror film from the early 70’s. It feels like something that should have come out from Hammer and packs an eerie Victorian setting and decent special effects. The spooks in the film are low-key but its story still delivers some creepy aspects. Kudos also needs to go to the widescreen cinematography by Freddie Young, which adds a lot to the films charm. This release includes both the theatrical cut (86 minutes) and an extended version (99 minutes). Fans of 70’s horror should give this little gem a chance and should be plenty surprised.

The film follows Hugo, a well respected turn-of-the-century scientist, who becomes obsessed with a mysterious apparition found in the photographs of his dying subjects. During a family party, Hugo brings his latest invention, a motion picture camera but it ends up capturing the tragic drowning of his wife and son. Hugo believe that he has uncovered The Asphyx, the spirit of the dead from Greek mythology, and will stop at nothing until he gets to the bottom of it.

The extended cut’s quality isn’t as good as the theatrical cut and the film actually carries a disclaimer before it is as well that it “blends HD footage mastered from the 35mm negative with SD footage mastered from a U.S. release print (of inferior quality)”. Despite that, this is one of the best releases, I have seen from Kino and Redemption Films. The film also packs a comparable LPCM 2.0 audio track, also very impressive. Although, the special features do not impress as well as the film does. The only extras are a theatrical trailer and a photo gallery.

Directed by: Andres Baiz
Starring: Quim Gutierrez, Clara Lago, Martina García
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Running Time: 90 minutes

Film: 1.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 0 out of 5 stars

From the box and premise, this film is spun as an supernatural thriller but in fact it is anything far from thrilling. It is actually quite laughable at points. The story is told in two intertwining stories that come together for a supposed twist ending but the twist is way too obvious to be surprising. The only props goes to actor, Quim Gutierrez, who got to get with not one but two beautiful women in the film. I would steer clear of this film unless you are really bored and got nothing else to do.

“The Hidden Face” has one of the stupidest plots of all-time. It focuses on the relationship of conductor (Quim Gutiérrez) and his jealous girlfriend (Clara Lago). She decides to lock herself in a secret panic room in their house to test their love (no idea why, doesn’t make any sense). Of course her plan back fires and ends up not working the way she plans.

The film’s audio is Castilian (similar to Spanish) with English subtitles and comes with a decent Dolby Digital 5.1 track. I will also like to point out that the back cover art, literally gives away a key plot point in the film, if not the only plot point. There are also no special features included at all on this DVD. Overall, I found myself literally pacing waiting for this film to end.

Directed by: George Mendeluk
Actors: Jason London, Judd Nelson, Robert Carradine, C. Thomas Howell
MPAA Rated: Unrated
Distributed by: Anchor Bay
Release Date: April 10, 2012
Running Time: 82 minutes

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

Whatever you do avoid this film like the plague it is. For a cheesy b-horror film, it is odd that this film can pack a cast like Jason London, Judd Nelson, Robert Carradine, C. Thomas Howell and still is impossible to watch. I watch a lot of cheesy horror films but this one was just unbearable to complete. It is a zombie outbreak film really without the the zombies.  I mean they are really useless zombie, some even just laying around.  Lazy just like the movie itself. The style of shooting was just so erratic and poorly planned, it just became discouraging to watch.

The film follows a terrorist who sets off an explosion in the Federal Building, which unleashes a toxic gas throughout the building.  This deadly virus starts to turn the buildings occupants into aggressive and vicious zombies, reminiscent of “28 Days Later”.   Outside the building the government officials are trying to deal with avoiding this issue from leaking to the public, planning a cover-up. Inside, the survivors need to find a way to escape the building, which is on lockdown, alive and without become infected themselves.

The Blu-ray presentation is watchable but nothing special. It’s 1080p transfer has issues with clarity, but not terrible. The film says it boasts a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track but only really gives out a Dolby Digital 5.1 track. The special features are also baron of content like the film is. There is only an audio commentary with Executive Producer/Director George Mendeluk. He does a good job of entertaining you but with the film in the background it is just hard to watch.

Directed by: Tony Zierra
Starring: Wes Bentley, Chad Lindberg, Brad Rowe, Greg Fawcett and Tony Zierra
Distributed by: MBB Group
MPAA Rating: Not Rating
Release Date: July 25, 2011
Running Time: 102 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

This documentary is a real honest portrayal of what it takes it make it big in Hollywood. If you are able to get your big break, one minute you are in and one minute you are out. I was aware of all these actors documented in the film prior to watching but, besides Wes Bentley, was unaware of their struggle. Although at times a little crude and raw, this is just such a great inside look into these actors road to success or in some cases lack their of.

“My Big Break” was filmed over 10 years and follows five roommates who are trying to make it big in Hollywood: Wes Bentley, Chad Lindberg, Brad Rowe and Greg Fawcett. With Wes Bentley, it documents his success with “American Beauty”, with Chad Lindberg, it follows his success with “October Sky”, Brad Rowe, with his indie hit “Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss” and Greg Fawcett, who was the least lucky in the group. It also focuses on Tony Zierra road to Hollywood himself and his work documenting his roommates over these years.

It is rare for a film to really show this side of an actor’s struggle. It is sometimes a little hard to watch and depressing but it is more importantly REAL. For many struggling actors, the road is not always paparazzi and parties. Overall, this is definitely one-of-a-kind and worth watching if not only to support these actors and their journey. The DVD does not include special features but they are available on the film’s website mybigbreakmovie.com. I will support this decision, especially since this was self-released with the assistance of no major studio.

Directed by: Jeremy Leven
Starring: Marlon Brando, Johnny Depp, Faye Dunaway, Rachel Ticotin, Bob Dishy
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Distributed by: Warner Bros.
Release Date: April 10, 2012
Running Time: 97 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

1997 was an odd time for Johnny Depp, he is popular but not yet guaranteed to be bankable. The star of this film really though is Bryan Adams for his song “Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?”, easily one of the best love songs ever. The film itself has problems but looks great hitting Blu-ray for the first time, thanks to Warner Bros. Since Johnny Depp has become this giant international star, it is a lot easier to watch his earlier films (if that makes sense).

Johnny Depp plays John Arnold DeMarco, a man who believes he is Don Juan, the greatest lover in the world. He examined by psychiatric Dr. Jack Mickler (Brando) in order to cure him of this delusion. During the treatments, it becomes more apparent that this is a medical issue, especially when the Dr. rekindles the romance in his own marriage. Great co-starring cast including Marlon Brando and Faye Dunaway.

The Blu-ray itself looks beautiful with its 1080p transfer. Some of the locations in the film are just breathtaking. The audio packs an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio, which works some amazing with the film’s score. In fact the special features, though very dismal, include an isolated score track which I highly recommend. The only other extra is the music video for Bryan Adams’s “Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?”. Of course it is great to watch it but it is also easily available right on YouTube in high quality.

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Synopsis: Two time Academy Award winner Marlon Brando (On The Waterfront, The Godfather), Academy Award winner Faye Dunaway (Network) and Johnny Depp (Pirates Of The Caribbean, Blow) deliver tour de force performances in this critically acclaimed romantic comedy. John Arnold DeMarco (Depp) is a man who believes he is Don Juan, the greatest lover in the world. Clad in a cape and mask, DeMarco undergoes psychiatric treatment with Dr. Jack Mickler (Brando) to cure him of his apparent delusion. But the psychiatric sessions have an unexpected effect on the psychiatric staff and, most profoundly, Dr. Mickler, who rekindles the romance in his complacent marriage.

Directed by: Jeff Bleckner
Starring: William Petersen, Charles Martin Smith, Karen Sillas
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Timeless Media Group
Release Date: August 4, 2009
Running Time: 180 minutes

Our Score: 2 out 5 stars

Peter Benchley changed my life with “Jaws” and due to that his work will always hold a special place for me. “The Beast” was never my favorite adaption of his work but it is not terrible either. This release though by Timeless Media Group is a bit disappointing and doesn’t even equate to a proper Blu-ray release. I hate to keep putting this down but I feel like it is more of a DVD upscale than a Blu-ray.

“The Beast” stars William L. Petersen (“CSI”) as Whip Dalton in this battle of man against the darkest secrets of the ocean deep. When a large, strange claw is discovered in the small town of Graves Point, marine biologist Dr. Herbert Talley (Ronald Guttman), identifies it as belonging to a rare giant squid. The Dr. and Whip Dalton set out to hunt this beast. What is cool about this release is that it is the full uncut Special Extended Version. It features almost 80 minutes of restored footage from the original TV mini-series release.

The Blu-ray packaging is lame and badly photoshopped. The video resolution only includes an 720p transfer, with an aspect ratio of 1.33:1. I will give this a little bit a leeway since it was made in the 90’s but the standard 4:3 release just eeks me on Blu-ray. The audio is only Dolby Digital 2.0 track, no bad overall but nothing special. To top this off, there are absolutely no special features. All you get is the movie and a scene selection menu.

Directed by: Cameron Crowe
Starring: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church, Colin Ford, Elle Fanning
MPAA Rating: PG
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: April 3, 2012
Running Time: 124 minutes

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

Matt Damon can do just about anything. He ranges from kicking ass as Jason Bourne to father who buys a zoo, and he does it really well. Maggie Elizabeth Jones definitely is the cutest thing ever and easily steals the show though. The film is from writer/director Cameron Crowe (“Jerry Maguire”) who really knows how to take a film and make it booth funny/dramatic and also inspiring. Though not the best movie of the year and easily the worst titled film of 2011, this film still has a lot finds a way to warm up your heart. Too cheesy? Oh well, I don’t care…I enjoyed it.

This inspirational true story is based on the memoir by Benjamin Mee. Matt Damon stars as Ben Mee, a man who’s wife recently passed away decided to take his two kids and move into a new house. Of course it happened that where they move just happens to be a zoo. With the help of the zookeeper (Scarlett Johansson), Mee and her family get the zoo from rundown to operational in order to get a fresh start. Notable performances from Thomas Haden Church, Colin Ford and Elle Fanning as well.

The Blu-ray release of “We Bought a Zoo” is fantastic. The 1080p transfer looks great and really sharp picture. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track is subtle but showcases Sigur Ros’ Jonsi score very well. Besides the Blu-ray, this also includes a DVD version of the film and bonus digital copy disc as well. To top it all off this release comes with a free child’s Zoo admission coupon, thanks to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

The special features are extremely impressive. There are a crap load of deleted & extended scenes, almost running 40 minutes. Crowe is known for his alternate shots, ever see the extended cut of “Almost Famous”? “We Shot a Zoo” is an amazing 75 minute comprehensive five-part making-of documentary. It covers just about ever aspects of the production. There is an audio commentary from director Cameron Crowe, editor Mark Livolsi, and actor JB Smoove (who if you blink you’ll miss in the movie). It is no the most exciting commentary but I enjoyed Crowe’s comments. “Their Happy Is Too Loud” focuses on the score from Sigur Ros frontman, Jonsi. “The Real Mee” talks about the real Benjamin Mee. There is a Gag Reel included which is also set to inspirational music by Jonsi. Lastly, there is Photo Gallery and Theatrical Trailer included.

Director(s): Robert Houston, Kenji Misumi, Buichi Saito, Yoshiyuki Kuroda
Actors: Kayo Matsuo, Masahiro Tomikawa, Tomisaburo Wakayama
Distributed by: AnimEigo
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Running Time: 427 minutes

Box Set: 3 out of 5 stars
Films: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Let me start with that fact that I have been a long time fan of the “Lone Wolf and Cub” series, which are the films that “Shogun Assassin” series has been morphed into.  This series is so influential for recent films like “Kill Bill” and artists like RZA. AnimEigo is the team behind the Blu-ray box set and they did a pretty decent job overall.  For “Shogun Assassin”, they completely reconstructed the movie using pristine masters of the original two “Lone Wolf and Cub” films. Basically every frame has been restored using uncompressed 24p 1080p 2.35:1 anamorphic source materials.  So that is very impressive but the rest of the films, I can’t really say the same.

This set does not only include “Shogun Assassin” but also its 4 sequels, “Shogun Assassin 2: Lightning Swords of Death”, “Shogun Assassin 3: Slashing Blades of Carnage”, “Shogun Assassin 4: Five Fistfuls Of Gold” and “Shogun Assassin 5: Cold Road to Hell”. It is a fantastic to be able to get all these films released on Blu-ray in once box set for the first time. The box set itself seems a little cheap though and low production, with repeated artwork and lacks of documentation on the restoration process. The first film is included on its own Blu-ray, which honestly does looks amazing. But I do not feel that the same TLC really went to the following four films, which are crammed onto the second Blu-ray disc.  For the price of this box set it just seems like you would get a little more on presentation of the discs.

The special features on the disc are not out of this world but does included some new material.  There is an exclusive interview with Samuel L. Jackson, which I can listen to him talk about just anything.  There is a new commentary included which features producer David Weisman, illustrator Jim Evans, and Gibran Evans (narrator of Daigoro).  It is very informative and fun to listen to, I recommend this.  Lastly there is also another audio commentary by film scholar Ric Meyers and martial arts expert Steve Watson.  Let’s just say I prefer the first commentary more.  I would have also love to seen more production special features from these films.

Created by: Alex Toth
Voices of: Jerry Dexter, Janet Waldo, Barney Phillips, Don Messick
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Episodes: 36
Running Time: 389 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Warner Archive does it again! They have revived another great Hannah-Barbara series called “Shazzan”.   “Shazzan” is not to be confused with “Shazam!”, the 1970’s super hero Captain Marvel TV series. This release contains the complete series of this fun show.  All 36 episodes are included in this set.  I really enjoyed this show and the episodes look great and especially for a show that premiered in 1967.  Either way, fans of Hanna-Barbara and animation alike will want to pick up this fantastic set immediately.

The series follows the adventures of brother and sister team, Chuck and Nancy, who travel around a mystical Arabian world on a flying camel, named Kaboobie. The couple also seem to find themselves in some sort of  dangers.  In the time of need, they put together their magic rings and summon a magic genie, Shazzan.  With the help of Shazzan, the twins seeks the wizard who lives “behind the beyond” in order to return them home.

“Shazzan” has even popped up in one of my favorite shows “Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law”, in the episode “Mufti Trouble”.  The episodes are presented in 4 X 3 Full-Screen and also in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1.  The audio includes a Dolby Digital Mono track. Besides the 36 episodes, there is also a special feature included called  Saturday Morning Collection “The Power of Shazzan”.

Shazzan: The Complete Series is now available from Warner Archive at http://bit.ly/Hf1V8b

Synopsis: When two adventurous, twin teenagers, Chuck and Nancy, recombine the halves of a mysterious ring, they are instantly transported to ancient Egypt…as masters of an all-powerful genie named Shazzan. Now, with the help of the mighty Shazzan, the twins seek the wizard who lives “behind the beyond,” the only person able to help them return home. But even as the teenagers pursue their quest, every evil sorcerer in the desert kingdom desires the twins’ magic ring and will stop at nothing to gain the power it grants over Shazzan.

Directed by: David Lickley
Starring: Dr. Birute Mary Galdikas, Dr. Dame Daphne M. Sheldrick
MPAA Rated: G
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: April 17, 2012
Running Time: 45 minutes

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

“Born to Be Wild is such an uplifting story and packs a really important message of the bond that occurs between animals and humans. If you are a fan of nature movies are guaranteed to enjoy this.  If that is not enough there is always Morgan Freeman…he is the narrator for the film.  The film was originally presented in 3D but the 2D version also works well, although I prefer the 3D version much more. This film was released on Earth Day in 2011 and its seems Warner Bros is taking a page from Disneynature and releasing a new film every year.  2012’s entry is called “IMAX: To The Arctic” and it looks even better.  I recommend this film very fun and my only major complaint is that it is only 45 minutes, I would have love to seen this in a full length format.

The film follows various orphaned jungle animals like the orangutans and elephants in their day-to-day behavioral interactions with the individuals who rescue them and raise them to adulthood. The film is split two sections.  The first follows Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas through the rainforests of Borneo as she is helping the orangutans.  The second story takes place in the Kenyan Savannah with Dame Daphne M. Sheldrick and her elephants.

The Blu-ray presentation is simply beautiful even though it is not in 3D.  The video includes a wonderful 1080p transfer, in a slightly changed aspect ratio of 1.78:1.  The audio is very impressive boasting a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track.  It works really well with the score and music in the film.  This releases comes with a two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + UltraViolet Digital Copy.  The special features a little light but still enjoyable.  There six amazing webisodes including the following: “Borneo”, “Kenya”, “Camp Leakey”, “Coming Home to Tsavo”, “‘Wild’ Filmmaking” and “Caregivers”.  Definitely a must buy overall.

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Synopsis: Narrated by Academy-Award® winner Morgan Freeman, Born to be Wild 3D is an inspiring story of love, dedication and the remarkable bond between humans and animals. This film documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them?saving endangered species one life at a time. Stunningly captured in IMAX 3D, Born to be Wild 3D is a heartwarming adventure transporting moviegoers into the lush rainforests of Borneo with world-renowned primatologist Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas, and across the rugged Kenyan savannah with celebrated elephant authority Dame Daphne M. Sheldrick, as they and their teams rescue, rehabilitate and return these incredible animals back to the wild. Born to be Wild 3D is a presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures and IMAX Filmed Entertainment. Directed by David Lickley and written and produced by Drew Fellman, the behind the scenes team includes supervising line producer Diane Roberts, associate producer Jill Ferguson, director of photography David Douglas and editor Beth Spiegel. Music is composed by Mark Mothersbaugh.

Directed by: Phyllida Lloyd
Starring: Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Distributed by: Anchor Bay
Release Date: April 10, 2012
Running Time: 105 minutes

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

Well it’s very clear why Meryl Streep won the Oscar for her role in this film. It is also quite clear why it also won for Best Makeup, such a phenomenal job. Look at DiCaprio’s makeup hack job in “J. Edgar” and this look at this fantastic film for both Meryl Streep and Jim Broadbent, but very stunning. There were talks about this film that it didn’t show Margaret Thatcher in the best light. Instead of focusing on her wonderful political career and accomplishments, the story is said to focus on an older, senile and hallucinatory Thatcher. I actually really enjoy it, nonetheless. I feel it worked better as a film and less like a biopic. We all know her life story, I was excited to see Meryl Streep nail her as a character and tell an interesting story.

The story switches between an old Margaret Thatcher (Meryl Streep) and the confident Prime Minster and even a young adult Thatcher.  We focus on Thatcher dealing with today’s world, which is much more different socially and technologically than she is familiar with.  She spends time reflecting back to her past and and fighting with herself as she get spends time talking with her deceased husband (Broadbent).  It also shows her rise to Prime Minster and some of the events with her in office.  They don’t spend a lot of time in the politics but that is what I like most about this movie.  It would have been safe to stick with politics but more risky to take another route.  I commend them.

The Blu-ray presentation itself is also a thing of beauty. It features a wonderful 1080p high definition transfer, just looks fantastic. The audio is also very fantastic, where it is from the subtle dialogue to the explosions with its superior DTS-HD MA 5.1 track. Besides the Blu-ray disc, the release itself comes jam back with a DVD copy of the film and also a digital disc. I wish they would have left out the digital copy disc for an streaming Ultraviolet copy.

Unfortunately, the special features are not so glorious. I enjoyed them all but they are also are only in standard definition and run very short.  The first extra is called “Making The Iron Lady” which features cast and crew as they talk about bringing Margaret Thatcher to the film. “Recreating the Young Margaret Thatcher” is a short feature that focuses on the role taken on by Alexandra Roach.  “Denis: The Man Behind the Woman” is feature on Jim Broadbent.  “Battle in the House of Commons” talk about shooting in locations.  “Costume Design: Pearls and Power Suits” focuses on the work of Consolata Boyle.  Lastly “History Goes to the Cinema” is a look into the following films and their real life stories “My Weeks with Marilyn”, “W.E.”, “Coriolanus”, “The Iron Lady”, and “The Artist”.

Directed by: Elia Kazan
Starring: Marlon Brando, Vivien Leigh, Kim Hunter, Karl Malden
MPAA Rating: PG
Distributed by: Warner Brothers
Release Date: April 10, 2012
Running Time: 122 minutes

Restored Version: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Who hasn’t seen the cinematic masterpiece called “A Streetcar Named Desire”. Thanks to Warner Bros for bringing us this wonderful celebration of the 60th anniversary and including the Original Restored Version.  Due to the 1951 Legion of Decency censorship, there was three minutes of previously unseen footage including the sexual tension between Blanche DuBois (Vivien Leigh) and Stanley Kowalski (Marlon Brando). Watching this film always leaves me yelling “Hey, Stellaaaaaa!” the rest of the day.  This is a wonderful release and is highly recommended for all fans of the film to experience this amazing film on Blu-ray.

This is the first time that this classic is making its way onto Blu-ray with a really stunning restoration.  It looks wonderful in its digitally remastered 1080p transfer in its original aspect ratio: 1.37:1.  The audio track included is an DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track, which preserves the original charm. I really enjoyed the fact that this book was released as a Digibook.  It comes with a 40-page book format with behind-the-scenes photography, production notes and biographies.  I really love these edition, instead of a boring empty case.

The special features are a bit disappointing for the Blu-ray debut.  This is not due to content but since the extras are presented in standard definition and not high definition.  There is a commentary track featuring producer Laurent Bouzereau with comments from co- star Karl Malden and historians Rudy Behlmer and Jeff Young.  This is highly recommended, Laurent Bouzereau knows so much about film and is fantastic to listen to.  There is a great documentary, which runs about 75 minutes, “Elia Kazan: A Director’s Journey”.  It is narrated by Eli Wallach and looks into Kazan’s career in depth.  “A Streetcar on Broadway” focuses on the original Broadway version. “A Streetcar in Hollywood” features Kazan’s chatting about the film’s road from the stage to the screen. “Censorship and Desire” is a big topic with this film and focuses on its dealings during time of release with Rudy Behlmer.  “North and the Music of the South” is a focus piece on composer Alex North. “An Actor Named Brando” is short feature on the legendary actor. “Marlon Brando Screen Test” is a really amazing rare behind the scenes look. There Outtakes that run about 15 minutes and also Audio Outtakes, which run about 17 minutes.  Lastly there are a bunch of trailers including original 1951 Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox 1958 Reissue and United Artists 1970 Reissue.

Synopsis: “A Streetcar Named Desire: the Original Restored Version” is the film moviegoers would have seen in 1951 had not Legion of Decency censorship occurred at the last minute. Making its Blu-ray debut, stunningly restored and digitally remastered to brilliant 1080p clarity, this classic is presented in a collectible, premium 40-page Blu-ray book format, with behind-the-scenes photography, production notes, biographies and more! Elia Kazan masterfully directs Tennessee Williams? masterpiece starring Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, Karl Malden and Kim Hunter. Nominated for an unprecedented 12 Academy Awards,® including Best Picture, and winner of 4,* its contributions to film continue to be celebrated, holding its place on the AFI’s list of Top 100 Films.

In celebration of the 60th Anniversary, “A Streetcar Named Desire” will debut on Blu-ray Book on April 10th, 2012.
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Starring: Merrell Fankhauser
Best Of Tiki Lounge Volumes 1 & 2
Distributed by: Gonzo MultiMedia
1 DVD, 1 CD / Per Volume
DVD Running Time: 180 minutes / Per Volume
CD Running Time: 40 minutes / Per Volume

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Surf music legend Merrell Fankhauser has released two volume DVD’s with his ‘Best Of Tiki Lounge’.  Tiki Lounge is Fankhauser’s TV show and each volume contains three-hours for some of the best episodes of the series. The DVD’s really scream 90’s production, they are really low quality including the menus.  Obviously this was self-produced, so I will give it some leeway.  The interviews are definitely dated as well especially since these episodes aired along time ago.   Fans of Fankhauser though will enjoy the flashback to that period and his music with many cool guest stars.

Merrell Fankhauser is known best for being on the main innovators of surf music and psychedelic folk rock.  He was also the leader of the instrumental surf group The Impacts who had the international hit “Wipeout”. Merrell’s credits include over 250 songs published and released. The first volume includes the following episode content “Instrumental Surf Show”, “Merrell Fankhauser and Friends”, “Fast Cars and Rock and Roll”, “In Concert with Willie Nelson and Friends”. “Show with the Stars from the 50’s and 60’s” and “Spirit Tribute”. The second volume includes the following episode content “Road to Oregon”, “Nevada Desert Show (UFO Special)”, “A Night of Classic Rock”, “Mary Ramsey of 10,000 Maniacs”, “Rhino Event: L.A. Nugget’s Release”, “Fourth of July Show”.

The first volume is definitely my favorite of the two.  I am not a big fan of his UFO inspired work.  I do enjoy his surf music though quite a bit.  The DVD quality of the programs are very home video recordings but again, I am really listening for the music so I can give a little bit back.  Also these programs are from the 90’s, so there was obviously no high definition recording.  If each three hours volume DVD is not enough for you, the package also includes a 40-minute audio CD that has music from the Tiki Lounge program.

Tiki Lounge Volume 1 CD Tracks: 1. Tiki Lounge , 2. We Love Tikis , 3. Island Life , 4. Excited , 5. Race Night , 6. Stolen Guitar Blues , 7. Since I Don’t Have You , 8. Magic Chorus Line , 9. Lucille , 10. Dont Give Up The Rock .
Tiki Lounge Volume 2 CD Tracks: 1. Show 1 – Road Trip to Oregon , 2. Show 2 – Nevada Desert Show (UFO Special) , 3. Show 3 – Merrell Fankhauser and Friends: A Night of Classic Rock , 4. Show 4 – Mary Ramsey of ‘10,000 Maniacs’ , 5. Show 5 – Rhino Event For The Release of ‘Where The Action Is! L.A. Nuggets 1965-1968’ , 6. Show 6 – 2010 Fourth of July Show .

To purchase Merrell Fankhauser ‘Best Of Tiki Lounge’ DVDs www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15360