Director: Merlin Crossingham
Distributed by: Lions Gate
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Running Time: 174 minutes

Series: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

I was very disappointed when I started watching this “Wallace & Gromit” release especially since it doesn’t really feature much of the duo. Instead it is a science-based show hosted by them, only introduced and closing segments. Though the show is light on the science aspect as well. It only really features brief rather useless clips that discuss a variety of scientific facts and gizmos. While Wallace introduces each of the inventors from around the world, he also reveals a few of his own creations. I wish it was a lot more of that and a lot less of the cheesy science clips.

The Wallace and Gromit animated sections looks great even though only presented in 1080i. Since the series uses a lot of stock and archive footage there is a lot of graininess in those segments and they don’t look great on Blu-ray. The audio track uses an DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and works well but doesn’t blow you out of the water. I do not think that there is a rush for BBC One to create a second season of this show, one was plenty.

There is only one extra on this release but it is not completely worthless. There are six “World of Invention Shorts” presented in HD and running almost 40 minutes. They are a consisted of fun do-it-yourself construction experiments. Kids might need some help from their parents but overall they are pretty cool. The six segments are: Atmosphere Railway, Wind-Powered Sprinkler, Fin Ray Grabber, Air Rocket, Spy Camera and Upside-Down-O-Scope.

Directed by: Olallo Rubio
Starring: Edward Furlong, Peter Coyote, Edi Gathegi
Distributed by: Kino Lorber
MPAA Rating: R
Release Date: March 20, 2012
Running Time: 99 minutes

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

The title says it all this is not a movie, this is the Edward Furlong show. He plays not only one role but three. You need to have a real tolerance for him to enjoy this film. It deals with the end of the world but its scope doesn’t leave the hotel room where he is staying. I was very interested in the first 10 minutes with this film and then I realized it was going nowhere. The only thing that made this film watchable was its fake trailers like “The System Strikes Back”, “Regan Force” and “The Jesus Chainsaw Massacre”.

This movie is really about nothing, it is a surreal, psychedelic, apocalyptic trip into nothing. With the end of the world less than 48 hours away, Pete Nelson (Furlong) spends it inside a Las Vegas hotel with his alternate personalities. He spends it fighting with them and just wasting time but like I said overall doesn’t really do anything. Edi Gathegi from “Twilight” pops in as a ghost for a split second and I have no idea why he was necessary in the story.

The Blu-ray presentation was ok with not much really pushing its limits.  The video itself looks clear and well presented though overall. The audio track was also nothing special.  The music in the film was by Slash (former Guns ‘n’ Roses) but it isn’t mind-bending and doesn’t really stand out.  I expected this kick-ass soundtrack but was left disappointed.

The bonus features are nothing special either like the movie. There are a few few deleted scenes nothing that would have helped this movie though. There is an interview with Peter Coyote and Slash, worth checking out. Lastly there is a photo gallery and trailer for the film. I would have liked a see a directors commentary to get some back insight as to what the hell was the point of this film.

Directed by: Alan Birkinshaw
Starring: Anthony Forrest, Tom Marshall, David Jackson, Hilda Braid
Distributed by: Kino Lorber/Redemption
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Running Time: 90 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

This film reminds me of a poor combination of “A Clockwork Orange” and “I Spit On Your Grave”. They film was banned in the UK with a X-rating back in the day due to its rape and gore scenes but in comparison to today’s films they are tame. The story is also tame and has no direction causing the film to drag on for its short 90 minutes. It doesn’t really get a chance to take off and therefore falls flat quickly.

The film follows a group of school girls that become stranded in the woods and looking for a place to spend the night, they are unaware that they are actually in a lot of danger. There are being stalked by four mental patients, who escaped from their clinic and to make it worse are also being used as medical experiments. They are stuck in a dream-like state and believe that there is no consequence to their actions.

The remaster is from the original 35mm negatives. It looks good with its high def upgrade but not overall impressive. The audio is like the video nothing really impressive boasting an uncompressed LPCM 2.0 track. Redemption is usually know for their impressive remastered editions but this one really doesn’t cry out amazing.

The special features are not really great either besides the audio commentary track. It features James Blackford from Redemption chatting with director Alan Birkinshaw and actress Joanna Good about the film and their recollections. Besides that there are two trailers that are in HD and photo gallery also in HD. Then there is two separate interviews with the director Alan Birkinshaw and actress Joanna Good. They are only in standard definition and run about 12-15 minutes each. Even those the features aren’t packed it is much better than the last few releases from Redemption like “Virgin Witch” and “Hills Have Eyes: Part 2”, which had none.

Directed by: David Cronenberg
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley, Vincent Cassel
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Classics
Release Date: March 27, 2012
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 94 minutes

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

David Cronenberg is honestly one of my favorite directors of all-time. Even though I feel that he has lost his bizarre charm that made me love him so much with films like “Naked Lunch”, “Videodrome” or “eXistenZ”, but he still really knows how to direct the hell out of a film. To make it even easier he has gotten a super A-list cast on this film with Viggo Mortensen, Michael Fassbender and Keira Knightley. They all give these amazing performances that are award worthy. The film is also a short 94 minutes, so I really enjoyed that. It wasn’t another drawn out 2+ hour period piece. It is not Cronenberg’s best film ever but it delivers the goods for sure.

The film is an adaptation of Christopher Hampton’s play which focuses on on the dissipating relationship between Sigmund Freud (Mortensen) and Carl Jung (Fassbender). Carl Jung is a disciple of Freud and has been using his teachings for his patients. Though Jung’s develops a relationship with his Russian-Jewish psychiatric patient Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley) and as it develops, it causes issues with his relationship with Freud.

The video resolution is sharp 1080p and is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The film doesn’t really push the Blu-ray format but it definitely doesn’t disappoint. The audio in the film is mostly dialogue but works well the score works really well with the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track.

The special features are great and working checking out for fans of Cronenberg. There is a great commentary from the director himself. It is very informative about the film’s production and development. Next up there is a feature called “The Making of ‘A Dangerous Method'”, it is a behind the scenes looks into the film with the cast and crew, definitely worth checking out. Lastly there is AFI’s Master Seminar with David Cronenberg includes. His directing style is so unique and this is a very interesting feature.

Directors: Roman Polanski
Actors: Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, John C. Reilly
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 20, 2012
Running Time: 80 minutes

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

I never had the chance to see the play “Gods of Carnage”, which this film is based on but I am sure happy to get a chance to see this film. I really enjoyed it. I felt that it was very intelligent and sharp. The film really carries a stage feel basically stay inside one apartment the entire time. Though I think that was the feel that director Roman Polanski was aiming for. The film works best as a stage play, so I say keep it in stage play format.

The cast is so extraordinary in this as well. Of course I can’t compare to the various Broadway casts. Prior to this film, I was at a point where I would honestly avoid an film from Jodie Foster…well this just changed it. She was absolutely hysterical and necrotic at the same time. Kate Winslet is also hysterical as well and really nails the role. Christoph Waltz shows his comedic side very well after his amazing performance in “Inglorious Basterds”. Last but not least John C. Reilly delivers yet another notable comedic performance.

The story itself feature two sets of parents that come together to discuss an incident between each of their sons. The incident starts off civil but then slowly stirs out of control into this comedic explosion of events.  The group going from have a drink of water to liquor to fighting up a storm.  It is really well directed by Polanski and perfectly executed by its cast.

The Blu-ray presentation is decent but doesn’t really get challenged. It does looks good with its 1080o high def resolution and its carries a slightly modified aspect ratio of 2.34:1. The film is all dialogue and definitely contains a clear DTS-HD Master Audio 5.0 track.

The special features are decent overall and lacking any notable commentary tracks. The first feature is called “Actors’ Notes” which runs about 10 minutes and features the four stars talking about the film and its production. “An Evening with John C. Reilly and Christoph Waltz” runs almost 40 minutes and features a Q&A with the actors about the film. There is a short feature with cast/crew interviews called “On the Red Carpet”. Lastly there just the film’s theatrical trailer.

Directed by: David Fincher
Starring: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Release Date: March 20, 2012
Running Time: 158 minutes

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

Stieg Larsson’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is one of the best novels released in the recent years. The series has spanned two sequels, both which have Swedish films already made. This film is a US remake of the Swedish film based on the novel…get all that. I am sure I don’t have to explain though because of America’s wide awareness of this film. Rooney Mara really does an amazing job taking the role of Lisbeth Salander from Noomi Rapace. Although Noomi’s portrayal just feels a little more rigid and brutal. Daniel Craig just a match up job with his role of Mikael Blomkvist. Very impressive job overall from both. The aspect of this film that I loved the most was easily the cinematography, some shots are just downright breathtaking. You really get Fincher’s vision coming through with the film and it adds a lot to the film itself.

My only issue with the film is that it felt a little too much like the Swedish films. I enjoyed them both equally in fact with this film. I really can’t compare the two because they are so a like. In fact, after viewing this film, I spent a lot of time comparing the two and I was able to pick out bits and pieces of each from each film that I really enjoyed. The score is by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (known for the Oscar-winning “The Social Network” score) is so stunning, haunting and really intense. “The Immigrant Song” cover by Trent Reznor and Karen O is truly an instant classic and will be used for many years following. It really drives this film and adds a lot of direction. The film is also 158 minutes but easily feels like it is only 90 minutes.

The only special feature available on the DVD is a commentary with David Fischer. It is a great feature in fact but I assume that the Blu-ray will have tons more features covering the film’s production more in depth. Also as I said that the film’s has such amazing shots, which would also looks much better on Blu-ray than DVD. Overall though this film is worth the purchase easily no matter what format you are able to view it on. I really hope that Fincher is able to make the other two books in the series because I would like to see how his vision is portrayed in them as well.

Directed by: Tomas Alfredson
Starring: Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, Toby Jones, Mark Strong
Benedict Cumberbatch, David Dencik, Ciarán Hinds, Simon McBurney
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Release date: March 20, 2012
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 127 minutes

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

I do not think I have been as confused during a movie as I was with “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”.  I even found myself rewinding back to try and figure it out.  I know the film was a spy picture with a lot of surprises but this was a little too much for me.  It was not the worst movie I saw last year though, it packed some really fantastic performances.  Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, John Hurt really brought their A-game and really transformed into their characters.

This is the second film from director Tomas Alfredson, who previously directed the original Swedish horror film “Let the Right One In”.  The film is a takes place in 1973 London during the height of the Cold War.  It is also based on the best selling novel by John le Carre. It focuses on an attempt to capture a Russian mole inside Britain’s MI6 organization. It goes wrong and it is up to Smiley (Oldman) to get to the bottom of it.  But who can be trusted?

The Blu-ray itself though is very impressive posting an really clear and sharp 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is also impressive especially during the films action scenes.  This release besides the Blu-ray disc, also comes packaged with a DVD of the film and an Ultraviolet digital copy.  The Blu-ray also takes advantage of the following cool features: pocketBLU app and BD Live.

The special features are worth checking out despite enjoying the film or not.  It is packed with great interviews from actors Gary Oldman, Colin Firth and Tom Hardy, irector Tomas Alfredson and screenwriter Peter Straughan.  Each interview runs about 7-8 minutes give or take.  There are five deleted scenes, short and totally about 6 minutes.  There are also four short featurettes, including “Smiley”, “Inside the Circus”, “Shadow World” and “John Le Carre”.  Lastly there is also a photo gallery and teaser and full trailers included.

Directed by: Kinji Fukasaku
Starring: Beat Takeshi, Chiaki Kuriyama
Number of discs: 4
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Anchor Bay
Release Date: March 20, 2012
Running Time: 368 minutes

Collection: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out 5 stars

It is really sad that it took this film this long to get released properly in the US. “Battle Royale” has been proclaimed by many as “One Of The Most Controversial Film Series Of All Time”. It is definitely that for sure…and then some. The reason for this release occurs due to the unbelievable hype from the upcoming movie “The Hunger Games”. There has been talks of doing a US version of “Battle Royale” for many years but those were silenced since “The Hunger Games” came along. They are relatively similar in a sense besides the fact that “Battle Royale” is a no-holds barred kick-ass movie not backed by a teeny-bopper/Twilight-esque following like with “The Hunger Games”. Nonetheless, I am happy to finally see this film and its sequel “Battle Royale II: Requiem” released in the America and in glorious high definition.  So if you enjoy “The Hunger Games”, you should enjoy this release as well, no question.

The complete collection consists of four discs within fantastic case/box. The box comes with great photos from the films through the case. The first disc is the director’s cut of “Battle Royale”. The second disc is the theatrical cut of “Battle Royale”. The third disc is the sequel “Battle Royale II: Requiem”, less superior that the first but still very enjoyable. The fourth and final disc is jam packed with bonus content. The video resolution looks great with its 1080p transfer, with its original aspect ratio: 1.85:1. The audio is also fantastic specifically with its Japanese track boasting a very impressive Dolby TrueHD 7.1. The English dubbed track only included a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track.

Kinji Fukasaku’s violet yet poetic “Battle Royale” follow a group of Junior High students forced by the government to hunt and kill their classmates for sport. Sounds similar to “The Hunger Games” huh? When they are flown to a remote island, the rules are laid out for the game. Each student is put in a group with another student, given a weapon and set against their fellow classmates. Only one group will be allowed to leave the island alive. Of course what separates this from “The Hunger Games” is that one your team member is killed the device around the team members neck will explode in a few seconds.

“Battle Royale II: Requiem” follows right about the events of the first film. The survivors of previous Battles Royale, led by Shuya Nanahara have formed a rebel group called the “Wild Seven”. A class of teenagers are kidnapped by the Japanese government again. Instead of being forced to kill each other, like the first film, the students are sent off to war and ordered to attack and kill terrorist group and its leader.

The special features on this release are so fantastic and include more than 3 hours of extras. The main issue with these is that they are only presented on DVD, it would have been great to see these presented on Blu-ray and in high definition. The extras includes the following: The Making of Battle Royale, TV Spot: Tarantino Version, Basketball Scene Rehearsals, Tokyo International Film Festival 2000, Special Edition TV Spot, Original Theatrical Trailer, Battle Royale Documentary, Special Effects Comparison Featurette, Filming On-Set, Behind-The-Scenes Featurette, Audition & Rehearsal Footage, Instructional Video: Birthday Version, Battle Royale Press Conference. If you previously purchased the Special Edition International versions, then this is nothing new here just with subtitles now.

Directed by: Ray Austin
Starring: Ann Michelle, Vicki Michelle, Keith Buckley, Patricia Haines, James Chase
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Kino Lorber/Redemption
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Running Time: 88 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

Redemption does it again! The Blu-ray release of “Virgin Witch” is fantastic.  It was mastered in HD from the original 35MM negative.  You get such quality with the film and know that it is well taken care of when you see a release from Redemption. The 1.66:1 1920x1080p transfer is extremely sharp and clear.  The audio is also very notable working really well with Ted Dicks fantastic/haunting score.  Ann and Vicki Michelle are just so amazing together, not to mention quite a sight to look at.

The film follows Christine (Ann Michelle) and her sister Betty (Vicki Michelle) during their trip to London.  Christine get a job modelling at Sybil Waite’s talent agency.   The girls take a trip into the country to spend the weekend and for a photo shoot. Though we find out that Sybil (Patricia Haines) has more plans then she is letting up.  It turns out that the castle where they are staying is witches’ coven and they are looking for two new virgin recruits.

Like past releases from Redemption, unfortunately the special features do not match this fantastic release.  There is only a photo gallery and trailer included. In the future if they are able to produce a wonderful remastered edition of this great films and then top it off with some amazing special features, Redemption will be on their way to rule the world. Horror fans needs to pick this up, it is a must purchase.

MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Distributed by: Lions Gate
Release Date: March 20, 2012
Running Time: 70 minutes

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

With my daughter two months away from being born, I look at the film from a different stand point then I normally would. This is an instant hit with kids, especially girls, they will easily eat it up. Lalaloopsy dolls are one hot ticket and are extremely popular with kids. What better than to make a full-length film to cash in on the success. Growing up in the 80’s this reminds me of a modern day “Strawberry Shortcake”. I wouldn’t be surprised if this franchise makes its way to the small screen in a TV series any day now. Either way if you have kids, this will be a must purchase.

When Pillow Featherbed goes missing, the Lalaloopsy girls set out on an adventure to find their friend. This is the first (of I am sure many coming) full-length features and it definitely includes many surprises and challenges for our girls.  It is also a very smart and makes the kids think while watching and figure out problems like dealing with a pending thunderstorm.  Each girl uses their individual abilities and talents and they realize that working together is the best way to find their last friend in time.

For a kids film, I am impressed that there are special features included on this film. There is five additional mini adventures with the Lalaloopsy group. There is also a sing-a-long included. All of these features will easily provides kids busy for a while they hang out with favorites like Jewel Sparkles, Bea Spells-a-Lot, Crumbs Sugar Cookie, Spot Splatter Splash and many more.

Directed by: Robert Kline
Starring: Betty White
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Distributed by: Image Entertainment
Release Date: March 27, 2012
Running Time: 89 minutes

Our Score: 1.5 out of 5 stars

Alright, I know everyone thinks that Betty White is a national treasure but I don’t. Don’t get me wrong she is loveable and very entertaining, especially in her prime days. But I think recently she has been in the spotlight quite a bit, a little too much for me. To make it worse in the whole 90 minutes she is only it in maybe 10 minutes tops. It is mostly about animals and their conservation. It plays like a 90 minute infomercial.

Even though, I feel that Betty White is not my favorite, in this I think the best parts where when she shared her experiences about the animals and discusses her devotion to them. The rest of the film travels to national parks, zoos and aquariums without her just meeting different animals. It tries to teach about their conversation but just comes off as preachy and overall is barely watchable.

The release does not include any special features at all, not that I could honestly bare any more. I think that this could have actually succeeded if it was more like a travel program and we followed Betty from place to place and having her narrate the film. I believe this could have at least made this watchable. I won’t be able to get my 90 minutes back on this one. Instead I would suggest watching Discovery Channel and actually learn something.

Directed by: Howie Askins
Starring: Ryan McCoy, Brett Rosenberg and Abigail Richie
Distributed by: Showbox Home Entertainment
Classification: 15
Release Date: March 12, 2012
Running Time: 76 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Found-footage movies are exploding in the horror genre and there is nothing you can do to stop it. Following in the like of recent films “Paranormal Activity” and “[REC]”, “Evidence” is a great combination of both films. It is a rare to actually see an original idea recently in Hollywood, especially in the found footage genre but this one does it well.  It actually reminds me a little bit of the recent television series “The River”, due to its crazy twists.  Ryan McCoy not only stars but only wrote the film and it is great to see this unique twist on the genre. It packs some great gore and also some good spooks.

The film follows four friends as they set out to film a documentary during a camping trip in the wilderness. When the group decides to camp out during the first night, that is when things take a turn for the worse.  They hear screams and feel like something is lurking in the shadows.  When one of their friends goes missing, the group realizes that they are being hunted…but by what?  The group needs to find out a way to survive before it is too late.

Some films have twists but this film literally has a 360 flip! It feels almost like two different movies in the second half. Make sure that you watch ALL the way through the credits, this film keeps going and going. Once you think it is over it only get more crazy and fucked up. This film has only currently been release on DVD in the UK so be sure to pick it up if possible or you can try and win it during out DVD giveaway contest.  Horror fans are going to want to see this film, it will definitely not disappoint.

Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date: March 13, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running time: 107 minutes

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

When I first saw “The Adventures of Tintin”, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The trailer looked “just-ok”. Let me tell you, once I saw it I was blown away. Steven Spielberg’s films have been hit and miss the last few years but this was a sure fire hit. I loved it so much and in fact was one of my favorites from 2011. The performance capture in the film was just so astounding. Some of the action scenes in the film were absolutely breathtaking. This film is not all action though it is also very funny as well. You can tell that a lot of time and effort when into making this film look amazing. I also originally saw it in 3D and I felt it really worked well with the film. If you have a chance to see the film in 3D, I would suggest you checking it out rather than this 2D version. The 2D version still works but the effects really get a lot of depth in 3D and just feels so much more exciting.

The film follows Tintin (Jamie Bell) a young reporter and his dog as they in pursuit for a mysterious model ship. The two travel from Europe to the Sahara and Morocco in hopes to solve the case. They meet up with drunken captain, Haddock (Andy Serkis), who aids them in their search. The team find that Ivan Ivanovitch Sakharine (Daniel Craig), has plans to also find this model ship since it holds the key to finding a long lost treasure. Due to the lack of interest in the US for this film, I am not sure if there will be future additions to the series but I really hope so because this could make such a great franchise.

The film looks perfect in video and really shines. It also looks the best with its performance capture, easily the best that I have seen to date. The audio is beyond amazing DTS-HD MA 7.1 track. This is becoming a tradition for Paramount who has also included 7.1 for “Hugo” and “Puss in Boots”. Besides the Blu-ray copy of the film, this release also includes a DVD Copy, an Ultraviolet digital copy and BD-Live. These are all great features and really gives many options for this film to watch.

The special features includes in this release are great but missing any commentary tracks from Steven Spielberg or Peter Jackson. There is a two part feature called “Toasting Tintin” which celebrates the beginning and the end of the film’s production. “The Journey to Tintin” is a short feature with director Steven Spielberg chatting about his road to bringing “Tintin” to the big screen. “The World of Tintin” is a look into the character of Tintin himself. “The Who’s Who of Tintin” focuses on the character and the performance capture in the film. “Tintin: Conceptual Design” focuses on how the film wanted to stay true to the original Hergé design. “Tintin: In the Volume” is a piece on shooting in 3D and focusing on the production. “Snowy: From Beginning to End” focuses on the dog from the page to the screen. “Animating Tintin” is an in depth look into the films animation. “Tintin: The Score” is a feature on composer John Williams Lastly “Collecting Tintin” is a short features on the films toys.

Directed by: Ralph Nelson
Starring: Jim Brown, George Kennedy, Fredric March
Distributed by: Warner Bros Archive
MPAA Rating: G
Running Time: 97 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Jim Brown is always known for being bad ass, this film just continues to prove it. I came into this career late experiencing “Original Gangstas” first, even then he was still awesome. This film focuses on a small town with a black sheriff that is taking over. Of course the racist town does not like the idea and set out to cause issues. Jim Brown is perfect for this role and really kick some major ass. Fans of “Naked Gun”, should enjoy this film for a truly amazing performance from George Kennedy. He is one tough son-bitch in this movie and joins up with Brown’s character to help keep the town in order.

I have no idea how this film is rated G because it deals with some real tough issues like rape and murder but it is not called “Tick…Tick…Tick…” for no reason.  Once this film gets started it is a slow burn to the amazing conclusion. WB Archive is known best for their remastering of classics and releasing them on DVD. This film is not different and looks great on DVD. It also includes a great widescreen transfer 16×9 2.40:1 of the film. The audio is also very sharp and clear. Like all releases though from Warner Archive, there are no special features. But since this film is not currently available on DVD at all this is a real treat on its own. If you are fan of Jim Brown, this is a must purchase for sure. You can only get for the WBShop, here.

Synopsis: Ralph Nelson, director of Lilies of the Field, returns to the subject of race relations in America for a thoroughly different take in Tick…Tick…Tick…. Tensions are taken off the back-burner slow simmer and are placed on full boil in Tick…Tick…Tick…’s tale of a black Southern sheriff trapped between the rock and a hard place of two communities separated by skin color and decades of bigotry. Newly elected, Sheriff Jimmy Price (Jim Brown) offers no favors or privileges to either community, and quickly earns the ire of both. Warned by the mayor against consulting outsiders (the great Fredric March in his penultimate film performance), Price navigates the tensions until one arrest places him directly in the eye of a hurricane of hate. With only the former sheriff to support him (George Kennedy) Price must try to defuse the tensions before the town explodes.

Directed by: Jonathan Kaplan
Starring: Jim Brown
Distributed by: Warner Bros Archive
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 91 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Jim Brown is one bad motherfucker…period. Everyone knows that. They do not make movies like this anymore like they used to back in the 70’s. It is not only extremely gritty but also very rough around the edges.  I have seen plenty of prison movies and this one just takes the cake.  It is a great combination of both between a heist movie and also a prison movie.  It is also action packed and suspenseful, due to the fantastic score from Luther Henderson.  I really enjoyed this and look forward to future viewings.

Fans of genre films needs to keep an eye out for Dick Miller, one of my favorites.  WB Archive is known best for their remastering of classics and releasing them on DVD.  This film is not different and looks great on DVD.  It also includes a great widescreen transfer 16×9 1.85:1 of the film.   The audio is also very sharp and clear.  Like all releases though from Warner Archive, there are no special features.  But since this film is not currently available on DVD at all this is a real treat on its own.  If you are fan of Jim Brown, this is a must purchase for sure. You can only get for the WBShop, here.

Synopsis: $1.5 million cached in a secret stash. And only Curtis Hook (Jim Brown) knows where it’s at. The hitch? He’s tied up doing time in the stir, and his hidden kitty’s spot is scheduled for demolition. Looks like Curtis is going over the wall. Too bad for him there’s a legion of mooks and mugs anxious to know what Curtis did with the stolen mob moolah. And if he can survive his fellow cons, he still needs to get past the corrupt screws “guarding” the slam’s inmates. What good is a trunk full of bucks when your life ain’t worth a dime? The Slams was an early effort by prolific indie turned journeyman pro Jonathan Kaplan, whose many credits include the cult favorites White Line Fever and Over the Edge (featuring Kaplan’s discovery, Matt Dillon). His more mainstream accomplishments include directing Jodie Foster’s Oscar® winning performance in The Accused. The Slams also features a rare movie score from legendary Broadway arranger Luther Henderson.