Directed by: Ben Affleck
Starring: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively
MPAA Rating: R (Theatrical) / Not Rated (Extended)
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: March 6, 2012
Running Time: 125 minutes (Theatrical) / 153 minutes (Extended)

Overall Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Before reading this review, if you have never seen this film…stop reading and go out to the store and by this release. It is simple as that. This film was one of my favorite films of 2010. This Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray is the perfect set release for this amazing film. “The Town” is most definitely going to become a classic like other robbery films like “Dog Day Afternoon” and “The Italian Job”. Ben Affleck does a flawless job not only directing but also acting, easily the best work he has done to date.

This new 3-disc (2 Blu-ray, 1 DVD) release feature a a new cut of the film including an alternate ending with audio commentary available as well. It is actually the third cut of the film and is even different from the recent extended cut. There is also an amazing 30 minute documentary called “Director’s Journey”. If that is not enough this release comes with amazing packaging and really cool goodies. There is a 48-page book filled with high quality photos. There is a letter from director Ben Affleck.  There is a huge poster-size map of Charlestown with notes from the film.  Wait…there is still more…including a confidential folder packed with a fifteen-page FBI report, four mugshot cards, a Vericom employee file and a sheet of rub-on tattoos. I think they went above and beyond with these extras.  It is very impressive and a great collectable for fans.

The video quality of the Blu-ray are just perfect and so clear.  I think they really put a lot into this film and it shows for sure.   The audio also comes packed with a fantastic DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track.  You literally feel like you are being caught in the gun fire throughout the film.  Really top notch.  Here is a break down of the discs included in this release. The first Blu-ray comes with the new extended cut with alternate ending on its own Blu-ray. The second Blu-ray has the other extended up and the theatrical cut. There is also a DVD included as well.  Also included is a streaming Ultraviolet digital copy, which will be added to my Flixster account immediately.

Let’s get to some of the special features now.  This release has no shortage of commentary tracks, in fact, it comes with three.  The first is for the theatrical cut of the film and Ben Affleck does a wonderful job of complementing the film in a very entertaining commentary.  The next is the extended cut audio commentary is similar to the theatrical cut but gets into the meat of the extra footage.  Like I mentioned above, this release also features a new commentary for the extended cut with alternate ending.  It is an extension of the extended commentary track.  Too much commentary for you? I do not think so.  Definitely at least give a listen to the commentary for the alternate ending for some great info about the changes.

“The Town: A Director’s Journey” is a new documentary for this release and it runs about 30 minutes.  It dives a lot into the film’s production and you get a lot of Ben Affleck but if you love the film then you would love this.  “Ben’s Boston” Focus Points run about 30 minutes spread out among six behind-the-scenes featurette. They are able to be played during watching the film.  The featurettes  include “Pulling Off the Perfect Heist,” “The Town,” “Nuns with Guns: Filming in the North End,” “The Real People of the Town,” “Ben Affleck: Director & Actor” and “The Cathedral of Boston.” The next feature is so simple but I really like it, which is an “Extended Cut Scene Indicator”.  It features an icon on the screen when there is new footage from the theatrical version of the film.  Lastly there is a theatrical trailer also included. Amazing features + Amazing movie = Amazing release.

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Synopsis: Ben Affleck follows his acclaimed Gone Baby Gone directorial debut by directing, co-writing and starring in a taut thriller about robbers and cops, friendship and betrayal, love and hope and escaping a past that has no future. He plays Doug MacRay, leader of a Boston bank robber gang but not cut from the same cloth as his fellow thieves. When Doug falls into a passionate romance with the bank manager (Rebecca Hall) briefly taken hostage in their last heist, he wants out of this life and out of the town. As the Feds close in and the crew questions his loyalty, he has one of two choices: betray his friends or lose the woman he loves. Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively, Titus Welliver, Pete Postlethwaite and Chris Cooper also star.

Directors: Nick Willing
Actors: Rhys Ifans, Charlie Rowe, Anna Friel, Bob Hoskins and Keira Knightley
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Vivendi Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 13, 2012
Run Time: 169 minutes

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

This film has a lot of positive traits right from the start.  It has one of the best casts in Syfy mini-series including Rhys Ifans (“Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1”, “The Amazing Spider-Man”), Anna Friel (“Pushing Daisies”), Bob Hoskins (“Snow White And The Huntsman”, “Hook”), Keira Knightley “Pride & Prejudice”, “Pirates Of The Caribbean” series). and Charlie Rowe (“Never Let Me Go”, “Pirate Radio”).  Secondly it is directed by Nick Willing, who’s recent work includes the fantastic mini-series “Alice” and “Tin Man”.  Lastly it is a never-before-told origin story based on J.M. Barrie’s beloved classic fairytale “Peter Pan”. This film delivers and takes you on a wonderful fantasy adventure for the whole family.

“Neverland” follows a young pickpocket named Peter (Rowe), his group of “lost boys”, and their leader Jimmy Hook (Ifans). The group is transported to a magical place called “Neverland” when they encounter a strange orb while on a hit. They meet the leader pirate, Elizabeth Bonny (Friel), who has ruled the seas of Neverland for nearly two centuries, who also wants her hands on the orb. Hook is enchanted by her ways and joins her team. Peter and his group are left to fight for what is right and ends up in a war Bonny and his friend Hook.

The Blu-ray presentation is very impressive and works well with the film’s special effects. The audio track is also great packing a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track.  The special features are decent and start with a great commentary track from Nick Willing. “The Story Behind The Story” features a bunch of interviews Rhys Ifans, Anna Friel, Charlie Rowe, Raoul Trujillo, Bob Hoskins and director Nick Willing, “Green, Screen to Scene: Journey Into ‘Neverland” shows the films journey through production. “Art Gallery” includes various storyboards from the film. Lastly “Neverland: Access All Areas” takes us behind the scenes on this production.

Directed by: Drake Doremus
Starring: Felicity Jones, Anton Yelchin
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Studio: Paramount Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Running Time: 90 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

“Like Crazy” starts off very well and draws you into the story and its characters but then leaves you very disappointed. I would have love to see more a better conclusion with this film. I am not sure if it just lost direction or focus. The romance is strong in the beginning but then looses its spark quickly. The acting though is superb and includes great performances from Felicity Jones and Anton Yelchin.

The film follows the first real love between a British college student (Felicity Jones) and her American classmate (Anton Yelchin). During a short period the couple falls deep in love and are inseparable. When she violates her visa in order to stay a few more weeks before returning home, the real challenges are presented to the couple. They are unable to reunite due to issues with her re-entering the US due to visa issues. From there the couple needs to find how strong there relationship is and what they need to do to stay together.

The only special feature included on the DVD is a commentary track by director Drake Doremus, editor Jonathan Alberts and cinematographer John Guleserian. Worth a listen if you enjoyed the film otherwise passable. the Blu-ray contains a bunch more special features including deleted and alternate scenes both with pptional commentary.

Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Ben Kingsley, Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz, Sacha Baron Cohen, Richard Griffiths, Frances de la Tour, Ray Winstone, Emily Mortimer, Jude Law, Christopher Lee
Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
Release date: February 28, 2012
Running time: 128 minutes

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

“Hugo” is a very enchanting tale with amazing storytelling.  It is really rare that you watch a film and it takes you on a two hour journey.  At the 2012 Oscars, “Hugo” was awarded five Academy Awards for Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing. I felt that it also deserved the Best Director and Best Picture awards as well. I feel that Scorsese did an amazing job with this picture. This film gets better and better which each viewing and looks spectacular on Blu-ray.

The film follows Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield) who lives in a Paris train station. He lives to maintains its clocks and roams within in the walls and above the trains platforms. He has no family since his father’s death and his uncle, station’s timekeeper, who took his in and then vanished. Hugo has only one thing left from his father, a mechanical person, who was created to write independently but needs a special key to do so. Hugo wants to find that key in hope to find a message from his late father. He meets Isabelle (Chloë Grace Moretz) and the two embark on an unexpected journey.

The Blu-ray presentation is just absolutely flawless. The 1080p video conversion is absolutely perfect. The colors are extremely sharp and showcases this film’s amazing cinematography perfectly. The audio boasts a fantastic DTS-HD MA 7.1 track. It also works very well with Howard Shore’s score, which is so perfectly intertwined within the film. Also included in the Blu-ray combo pack is with a DVD copy of the film. They also include an Ultraviolet copy of the film, which is a great feature. The film works well in 2D but I feel that it loses a lot of the atmosphere created from the 3D version. I definitely prefer the 3D version over the 2D version.

The special features are great but are lacking a commentary track from Martin Scorsese and cast. The first feature is called “Shoot the Moon (The Making of Hugo)”, it runs about twenty minutes and includes great both cast and crew discussing the film and its production. “The Cinemagician, Georges Méliès” focuses on the filmmaker and his role in this film. “The Mechanical Man at the Heart of Hugo” is an informative feature that focuses on the history of automaton and its use in the film. “Big Effects, Small Scale” it is a brief look at the film’s effects, I would have loved for this to be a lot longer since the effects are critical in this film. Lastly there is a short piece about the Station Inspector, called “Sacha Baron Cohen: Role of a Lifetime”, short but sweet. Overall great features for a great film.

Directed by: Chris Miller
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Bob Thornton, Amy Sedaris, Zeus Mendoza, Constance Marie, Guillermo del Toro, Bob Joles
Distributed by:Paramount Pictures
Release date: February 24, 2012
Running time: 90 minutes

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

When this film was released in the theaters, I had no interest in seeing it. I saw all of the “Shrek” films and I thought that each one was worse than the last. I have always thought that Puss in Boots was one of my favorite characters and it is great to see him get his solo story. Well when I watch this film on Blu-ray, I really enjoyed it. I thought it was so well-done, it was very sharp and funny. I thought the trailers for “Puss in Boots” didn’t capture any of the film charm. I really think this stands alone from the “Shrek” franchise and really entertains. I would love to see more installments from this series.

The story serves as an origin story for Puss in Boots. Puss (voiced by Antonio Banderas) works with his old schoolmate Humpty Dumpty (voiced by Zach Galifianakis) and female feline Kitty Softpaws (voiced by Salma Hayek) as they chase down criminals Jack and Jill (voiced by Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris). They are in search of magic beans which will create a beanstalk to the clouds.  Up the beanstalk, there is a castle which contains the legendary golden goose who lays golden eggs.

The Blu-ray presentation is absolutely spectacular. The 1080p Blu-ray transfer is superb and looks so sharp and colorful. The film’s sound is also extremely notable boasting a fantastic Dolby TrueHD 7.1 lossless track. It works so well with the films action and music. The Blu-ray combo pack also comes packed with a DVD copy of the film and also a digital copy. It is not an Ultraviolet digital copy but still enjoyable to take the film on the road with you. I enjoyed the 2D version of this film but I still prefer the 3D much more, if you have the preference.

The special features on the disc are very impressive just like the film. Firstly it includes an all new adventure short called “Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos”. This runs about thirteen minutes, it is very fun and worth checking out. There are a few Blu-ray exclusive features, the first is called “A DreamWorks Fairy Tale”, an interactive feature to create your own rhymes. The second is called “Puss’ Paw Pouncing Challenge”, which is a fun game using the remote for the kids. “The Animators’ Corner”, which is a picture-in-picture feature with director Chris Miller and producers Joe Aguilar and Latifa Ouaou. It contains comparisons from storyboards and animation tests and an interesting look at the film’s production. It is a must-watch if you enjoyed the film. Lastly there is a trivia track which provides cool facts and information throughout the movie.

Some of the additional features included are “Purr-Fect Pairing: The Voices Behind the Legend”, which is a look into the voice work from Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis, and Billy Bob Thornton. There are a three test deleted scenes including “Humpty Plots with Jack & Jill”, “Humpty Repays His Accomplices” and “Puss in Boots Fights the Giant”. “Kitten to Cat” is a feature with focus on the development of Puss in Boots’ character. “Glitter Box Dance Off!” focuses on the dance choreography from the film. “Klepto Kitty” follows Dusty, a real-life cat burglar. “Kitty Keyboard” includes feline versions of “3 Blind Mice”, “Humpty Dumpty”, “Jack and Jill”, and “Little Boy Blue”. “Fairytale Pop-Up Book” includes the ability to view your favorite scenes and lines from the film’s characters. “Kitty Strikes Again” is a fun ‘find the differences’ game for the kids. Lastly there is “World of DreamWorks Animation”, which includes trailer and music from other Dreamworks films.

Directed by: Martin Guigui
Starring: Dennis Quaid, Tony Oller, Aimee Teegarden, Devon Werkheisser, Brett Cullen
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Image Entertainment
DVD Release Date: February 28, 2012
Running Time: 96 minutes

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

The only real draw to this film is Dennis Quaid playing one sick son-bitch. It is a role that he does not usually play and he does it really good in this film. Besides that this has nothing going for it. The suspense in the film is so tame that it comes off as non-existent. Although only run just over 90 minutes, the film drags quite a bit and its climax is a big let down as well. I would watch it if you are curious to see Quaid’s baddie turn otherwise I would avoid this film for sure.

This teen thriller follows a group of high school kids who believe that their local mortician is actually a vicious serial killer. Dennis Quaid plays Mr. Ely, the well-respected mortician.  The teens investigate his house his they believe it is haunted but they find out that the truth is much more evil than they expect. When the kids try and contact the police, they find out that no one will listen to them and side with Mr. Ely.  It is up to them to prove the truth before it is too late.

The Blu-ray presentation is ok but not great. The film is very dark and the video does an ok job of making it look decent. The sound is also decent but nothing special, especially since there was no “jump” moments, which is a major fault. The special features are also horrendous, only including one very short extra. The behind-the-scenes featurette runs just over two minutes and is a few short clips from the production. Also there is a trailer included, which gives away the whole movie.

Directed by: Ernesto Di­az Espinoza
Starring: Marko Zaror, Alejandro Castillo
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Running Time: 88 minutes

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

“Mandrill” is a Spanish James Bond-esque movie. I did not expect that when I watched this but it was exactly what you got. The film is also a real ode to the 70’s grindhouse style action films. Mandrill is one bad-ass mother…shut your mouth. He packs some awesome martial arts moves and is not afraid to show off his skills. It is a mix of assassin film mixed with a revenge twist. The storyline is very campy and over-the-top but that is expected, though the action really takes the lead in this film.

The film follows Antonio “Mandrill” Espinoza who is a hired assassin with a deadly vengeance on the burner from when his parents were brutally murdered during his childhood. When Mandrill gets a job that would avenge his parents death, he looks at it as his final job. Although he gets a lot more than he bargains for when he falls for the target’s daughter.

The Blu-ray presentation is excellent boasting a sharp high-def video and impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track. The video although shot in HD has a real grindhouse gritty feel on purpose. The fight scenes specifically both looked and sounded amazing. The extras though on the release was very disappointing. There is a brief less than three minute behind the scenes featurette. “Anatomy of a Fight Scene” lasted less than eight minutes and focused a a few of the film’s fight scenes and lastly there are some trailers included. They are all presented in standard definition and were way too short.

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Directors: Michael Feifer
Actors: Val Kilmer, Shawn Roberts, Matt Dallas, Daniel Booko, Scott Whyte, Trace Adkins
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 6, 2012
Running Time: 93 minutes

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

When it comes to Westerns, the topic of Wyatt Earp is one of the most well-known. Although, this one lacks the real Western feel. If you are watching this primarily due tot the draw of Val Kilmer and Trace Adkins, like me, you will be disappointed as they have extremely small roles. Val Kilmer plays old and fat Wyatt Earp, with one of the worst fake mustaches in movie history. He tells the story, which leads to the flashback where the film takes place. Trace Adkins was in it so briefly I blinked almost missed him. Maybe it was a bad idea for me to watch this film the same day as the Clint Eastwood classic “Unforgiven”, only made it look that much worse.

The film is based off the true story recounted from legendary lawman, Earp, as he tells how he formed the best group of men to avenge the vicious murder of his love, Dora. The “best of the west” group was formed of Bat Masterson, Charlie Bassett, Bill Tilghman and Doc Holliday. The group heads after the Kenedy brothers, who are protected by their powerful father and are untouchable by the law. Of course they find out how far Earp and his posse will go to get revenge.

If you are looking special features, this will only disappoint you more. Since there is only one mega brief behind the scenes extra. “Riding Along with Wyatt Earp” runs a mere three minutes and includes on behind the scenes look and interviews with cast/crew. Overall it is too short and leaves you unsatisfied just like the film does.

Directed by: Sean Becker
Starring: Felicia Day, Jeff Lewis, Amy Okuda, Sandeep Parikh, Robin Thorsen
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Distributed by: New Video
DVD Release Date: March 13, 2012
Running Time: 95 minutes

Season 5: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

Season 5 is the most ambitious yet for this fantastic web series and this DVD includes all 12 episodes uncut. The scale has been expanded well beyond the past seasons. The plot features the group going on a road trip to attend a video game convention, MegaGame-O-RamaCon. Even though they are at a gaming convention there is little video game playing and more focus is giving to individual characters and their plots. I really enjoyed the direction that this show is going in and with the up-scaled plot makes the show feel well beyond just a web series.

Felicia Day, who again wrote and starred in this season, mentioned that this season was her dream route to take the show to a new level. I think that the writing is much better and the performances from the cast are so sharp this season. There is also many more cameos this season including Maurissa Tancharoen Whedon, Doug Jones, Nathan Fillion, Erin Gray, Brent Spiner and of course Wil Wheaton. Like I mentioned each character has it own stories, Codex (Day) focuses on saving their game from being sold to a corporation.  Vork (Lewis) and Bladezz (Caso) decide to get a booth and take advantage of the Cheesybeard Pirate fame. Clara (Torsen) joins up with a Steampunk group. Tink (Okuda) get a real back story involving her family. Last but not least, Zaboo (Parikh) starts a seat-saving clan during convention. Each story was really sharp and was fine-tuned to each actor skills perfectly.

The special features are excellent as always for this series. Since this show is available online, these extras are the main draw. There are a bunch of cast interviews, talking about their experience with this season. The music is cheesy but the interviews are good. There is three featurettes included, the first is called “Double Trouble”, which tells about Leslie Crystal road from extra to co-star. The next is called “How to Build a Con” and really shows how much work goes into this show. The last is called “Steampunk Verite” and tells about the Steampunk booth was created. Like past DVD releases there are also two audio commentaries, one with the cast and one with creator Felicia Day, director Sean Becker and producer Kim Evey. Both are great and a lot of fun. There is a four minute gag reel, which is a riot. Lastly there is a video of the first episodes table read, which is cool to see but is shot from a terrible angle. Overall, another impressive DVD release! Look forward to season 6!

Directed by: Suzan Beraza
Starring: Jeb Berrier
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Distributed by: New Video
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Running Time: 78 minutes

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

Well, when you think about watching a documentary on plastic it might not sound that exciting but this one delivers. It is funny but also very informative. This film features in-depth interviews with activists and City Council members but also more importantly just regular people. He makes some really good points that reducing the use of plastic your everyday lives in order to improve the environment. Just a note, the film doesn’t need to show the birth scene of his child, it was completely unnecessary and rather graphic. I do appreciate his journey though and how it develops and changes over the course of time. Jeb Berrier is just a normal guy and his main plan is to show that anyone can make a difference.

Some really interesting facts include the following: “The average American uses about 500 plastic bags each year and “Two million plastic bottles are consumed in the U.S. every five minutes”. There are also a few disturbing ones like “14 million pounds of trash end up in the ocean each year” and “An estimated 100,00 marine mammals and sea birds die each year from becoming entangled in or ingesting plastic debris”.

The special features are decent but are a little short overall. There is an extended scene with Jeb in the Netherland, short and runs about 2 minutes. There are the pros and cons presents for Bioplastic, also about two minutes. Also included are a bunch of extended interviews with Dr. Shanna Shaw, who talks about the chemical effects of plastic overuse, Sylvia Earle who talks about life before plastic, Wallace J. Nichols who talks about the environmental movement and lastly Dr. Richard Thompson who explains plastic and POPs.

Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: February 21, 2012
Run Time: 131 minutes

2012 Release: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Unforgiven” celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with a newly restored Blu-ray, releases in the Digibook format, which is one of my favorites. I feel that the Blu-ray Book, not only looks cooler than a boring case but also includes some really great information. The commemorative book contains 54 pages of great behind the scene images, script and rare photos. I recently reviewed Eastwood’s “J. Edgar” and I made a comment that I am not the biggest fan of his work, though this film an exception. It is a must purchase for fans of this movie, especially if you don’t own it.

Clint Eastwood delivers a great performance. He won an Oscar for his amazing job directing this Western, it is his best effort to date easily. I also really enjoy Gene Hackman’s role as he is one kick-ass baddie, he also won an Oscar for his role. Morgan Freeman always did a fantastic job as the loyal Ned. The Blu-ray video was definitely an improvement over 2006’s release with a cleaner 2.39:1 original transfer. The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio surround track was also impressive especially during the shoot-out scenes.

The special features includes on the release are decent but nothing new from 2006’s Blu-ray release. There is a commentary track from Eastwood’s biographer Richard Schickel, disappointing that Eastwood himself is not on this track though. There are four behind the scenes documentaries covering the making of the film. The first is called “All on Accounta Pullin’ a Trigger”, which features 2002 interviews with Eastwood, Freeman and Hackman. The second is called “Eastwood & Co.: Making Unforgiven”. “Eastwood…A Star” is the next feature is focuses on the film’s actor turned director, my least feature by far. Lastly and also my favorite is “Eastwood on Eastwood” a 108-minute documentary produced and directed by Schickel. Next up where is a classic episode “Duel at Sundown” of the Western show “Maverick” (not HD) and also a trailer is included. Decent features if you don’t own this movie already but nothing special to make you run out to buy if not.

“Unforgiven’ comes to Blu-ray for the first time on February 21!  Celebrate the 20^th Anniversary with this new release.  Buy it on Blu-ray™ Book or Download to Own http://bit.ly/zmaba6
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Directed by: Emilio Estevez
Starring: Martin Sheen, Deborah Kara Unger, James Nesbitt, Yorick van Wageningen, Emilio Estevez
Distributed by: Arc Entertainment
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running time: 121 minutes

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

When I originally heard of this film, I thought Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez, how can they go wrong? I was very impressed. Emilio Estevez really knows what he is doing behind the camera in his fifth directorial attempt. Martin Sheen is just fantastic in the role and really gives it his all. The story is slow moving but aims with a purpose and delivers full on. Also notable performance is Yorick van Wageningen, who would be known better as the Lisbeth’s abusive guardian in US “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”. If only they could have made those painful spots for AMC theaters better, maybe more people would have seen this film. It is a very emotional journey with great direction and even better acting.

The film follows Thomas Avery on his journey to France, following the death of his son who died while walking the Camino de Santiago. His son was exploring Europe and attempting to complete a walk called the “Way of St. James”, which is a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. When Thomas goes to retrieve his son’s body, he decided to complete the walk in tribute to his son. Along the way he meets a few friends, who assist him in his grieving process during his journey.

The Blu-ray presentation is decent, though nothing special. The video should have taken advantage of the beautiful locations in Europe but since the film was shot on 16mm film, it is good not underwhelming. Although, Estevez has said that was the focus since though the film is a character piece. The sound is impressive boasting a nice DTS-HD MA 5.1 track and works with Tyler Bates’ amazing score.

The special features included on the release are very impressive for an independent feature. If you enjoyed the film, there an interesting commentary from Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez and producer David Alexanian. The primary focus is on the location shoot and its challenges. There are three featurettes are short but worth checking out. The first is called “Camino Americana: Taking The Way on the Road”, which focuses on the the cross-country bus tour to promote the movie. “Pilgrimage: Behind the Camera” it is a quick behind-the-scenes look from the film. “Father and Son: Uncovering the Characters” is an interview with father and son Sheen and Estevez talking about the film. Lastly the last feature is called “Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son—A Dual Memoir by Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez”, which promotes an upcoming book by Sheen and Estevez.

Directed by: Craig Brewer
Starring: Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough, Andie MacDowell, Dennis Quaid
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running time: 113 minutes

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

Who doesn’t love Kevin Bacon, the original “Footloose” is definitely a classic, but this remake really holds its own. It is packed with more heart and a better laid out story. The film runs almost two hours but is so fast-paced, you don’t even feel it. You will also notice though that this remake aims plenty of odes to the original film, especially with the opening scene and various outfits throughout.  There is more back story in the beginning of the film explaining the accident that caused the ban of dancing, which was just a mention in the original. All-in-all, if you love the original that’s fine, but this definitely takes the classic and pumps it up a little.

The music is the film is extremely infectious, with the exception of one song. Holding Out for a Hero” remade by Ella Mae Bowen is absolutely dreadful. They took one of the most energetic songs and made it into a sleepy ballad. “Where The River Goes” by Zac Brown was even nominated for a Grammy it is so good. As much as I like Kenny Loggins, “Footloose” by Blake Shelton is quite a bit of fun as well. Fans of the 80’s don’t fret, also included are original tracks like “Bang Your Head (Metal Health)” by Quiet Riot and the original “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” by Deniece Williams. Music is very important in this film and it does not disappoint.

Props need to go to the film’s acting as I enjoyed every performance. Dancing with the Stars’s Julianne Hough did an amazing job and obviously we all know that she can dance. Kenny Wormald is not a huge name but he sure knows how to dance also having toured with Justin Timberlake and The Pussycat Dolls. Dennis Quaid gave a very emotional performance. The underdog performances needs to go to Miles Teller, who played Willard, since he got all the good laughs in the film.

The Blu-ray presentation is very impressive. The video is extremely sharp and packs a crystal clear picture. Most importantly, the sound is excellent featuring an DTS-HD MA 5.1 track and it really scores with the music in the film. Also included with the Blu-ray is a DVD copy of the film and an Ultraviolet digital copy of the film as well. This new feature enables you to watch the film streaming wherever you want like on your smart phone or online. Really great feature!

The special features are also very notable. There is an audio commentary with director Craig Bower. He discusses every aspect of the film from coming on board to completion, great listen. “Jump Back: Re-Imagining Footloose” focuses on the original film with comments from the cast and crew and its remake process. “Everybody Cut: The Stars of Footloose” focuses on the cast of the film. “Dancing with the Footloose Stars” is a great features and focuses on the film’s dance choreography. There are about five short deleted scenes with optional director commentary, worth a watch but nothing amazing. There are various music videos including “Footloose” by Blake Shelton, “Fake ID” by Big & Rich and “Holding Out for a Hero” by Ella Mae Brown. Lastly there is a video from Emily Whitcomb doing a Footloose-inspired Rap. Overall great features for an awesome film.

Directed by: Sean Durkin
Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Hugh Dancy, Brady Corbet, Christopher Abbott
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Run Time: 102 minutes

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

“Martha Marcy May Marlene” is the powerful and at times disturbing debut feature for both director Sean Durkin and star Elizabeth Olsen that is now available to own.

Olsen plays the eponymous Martha who, having just escaped a cult commune isolated in the Catskills, takes shelter in the Connecticut lake house of her sister (Sarah Paulson) and brother-in-law (Hugh Dancy) whom she hasn’t seen in over two years. Martha struggles to fit back into her sister’s upper middle-class world and Durkin cuts seamlessly between her life at the lakehouse and flashbacks to the cult’s farm. The pacing of the flashbacks is incredibly effective and helps to build the rising tension that Martha feels as she clashes with resuming normal life.

At the forefront of the flashbacks is cult leader Patrick, played by an equal parts seductive and sinister John Hawkes. At first an appealing father figure to Martha, he evolves into a rapist (though his followers would disagree) and worse. The most fascinating aspect of Martha’s escape is perhaps how believably conflicted she still feels about leaving. It is evident Martha’s relationship with her sister is not a warm one and so we can only conclude that it was some immovable survival instinct, rather than an act of rebellion, that would finally send Martha from the the cult. For all the abuse, Martha still yearns to share a bed with Patrick. In some of Olsen’s most powerful scenes she quotes his indoctrinations verbatim at her relatives with a steely chilling confidence that tells us she’s not out of the woods yet.

Durkin doesn’t offer a clear resolution to Martha’s story, but that’s fitting for a character who is so deeply damaged. As it is, this is a fascinating character study that warrants revisiting on Blu-ray.

The main special feature on this Blu-ray include ‘Mary Last Seen’, the short that Durkin wrote and directed prior to the full feature. It introduced the world of the film while also working as a standalone story. Fortunately it didn’t have to stand alone and now it makes for an eerie precursor ‘Martha’. In addition to the short, the Blu-ray offers insightful featurettes on the making of the film, including the filmmakers’ views on cults, and John Hawke’s hauntingly beautiful full rendition of Jackson C. Frank’s “Marcy’s Song”.

Starring Carlos Santana
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Run Time: 204 minutes

Concert: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Santana has been around since 1969 and shows zero signs of slowing down. His guitar work is something of magic. This concert includes 23 of their greatest hits from then to now and also a bunch of fantastic covers. The show is over three hours and it was filmed during Switzerland’s Montreux Jazz Festival. If all this isn’t enough the concert also features some great special guests including Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and Cindy Blackman-Santana.

Obviously, every track is notable but these are some of my favorites. Two of my favorite tracks from Santana are “Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen” and “Oye Como Va”. “Europa (Earth’s Cry Heaven’s Smile)” is also so amazing! “Soul Sacrifice” is very notable including drum solo from Dennis Chambers. Lastly there is a really sharp cover of AC/DC’s “Back In Black”.

The Blu-ray presentation is very impressive. It was filmed in high-definition, so the video looks great and includes a great DTS-HD Master Audio track. With a concert Blu-ray, the release is based surely upon amazing sound. This one definitely kick-ass in the sound department. If a three plus hour was not enough, there are some great special features including various interviews with the band and a really cool behind the scenes look at the show. Very impressive release overall.

Track Listing:
1) Spark Of The Divine
2) SOCC
3) Back In Black
4) Singing Winds, Crying Beasts
5) Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen
6) Oye Como Va
7) Maria, Maria
8) Foo Foo
9) Corazon Espinado / Guajira
10) Benny & Cindy Solo
11) Jingo
12) Carlos Speaks / Novus
13) Europa (Earth’s Cry, Heaven’s Smile) / I Want You
14) Batuka / No One To Depend On
15) Duende / Open Invitation
16) Make Somebody Happy / Right On Be Free
17) Evil Ways / A Love Supreme
18) Sunshine Of Your Love
19) Smooth / Dame Tu Amor
20) Soul Sacrifice / Dennis Drum Solo
21) Samba Pa Ti
22) Into The Night
23) Love, Peace And Happiness / Freedom

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