Directed by: Tate Taylor
Starring: Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer
Jessica Chastain, Sissy Spacek, Mike Vogel, Allison Janney, Chris Lowell,
Mary Steenburgen
Distributed by: Touchstone Pictures
Running time: 146 minutes

Overall Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I missed this film in its original theatrical run and I know now I made a big mistake. In this summer’s mostly lackluster films, this one is easily stands out as one of my favorites, if not of the whole year. The acting in the film is beyond amazing and award worthy. I have never read by novel Kathryn Stockett but I am sure it is amazing if not better than the film. I honestly thought the running time of almost 2 1/2 hours was going to get to me but I feel that it honestly flew by and was very entertaining. The Blu-ray presentation is fantastic and includes clear and crisp 1080p video and a sharp DTS-HD Ma audio track. The release also contains the a DVD of the film as well which is a great feature. Overall if you haven’t seen this film I would pick it up for sure and pick up one for your friends also.

The film is about a young white woman, Skeeter (Emma Stone) who forms a strong relationship with two black maids (Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer)  during the 1960’s. She decides to help these women and writes a book from the point of view of the maids in hopes to expose the racism they deal with working for white families. The performances in the film are just unbelievable. Viola Davis is more amazing than ever, she deserves an Oscar no question. Octavia Spencer is outstanding and also deserve props for her role. Bryce Dallas Howard plays a really wicked baddie and definitely earns the hate from the audience. She was simply fantastic. Lastly Emma Stone was also charming and shows that she has some great acting chops.

The special features on the disc are mostly exclusive to the Blu-ray. Firstly there are about ten minutes from five deleted scenes. They are decent and feature some more character and plot points and also an alternate ending, which is more a downer. There is a great featurette called “The Making of ‘The Help’: From Friendship to Film”, it covers the directors and author’s life-long relationship and also going in depth in the making of the film. Another featurette is including called “In Their Own Words: A Tribute to the Maids of Mississippi”, it is very moving and deals with personal accounts from Taylor’s family. Lastly there is a music video from the amazing song by Mary J. Blige called “The Living Proof”. It is a very strong song and packed by footage from the film.

Director: Fred Cavaye
Starring: Gilles Lellouche, Roschdy Zem, Gerard Lanvin
Distributed by: Magnolia Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Run Time: 84 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

There is something about the French and action films but they know how to do they right. This film does expectational well for kicking some ass. This is jam packed of action including amazing chase sequences and intense violence. I really enjoyed the 1080p video and its 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is really clear and crisp and I highly recommend the French audio track. Magnolia Pictures always works hard to find these gems and hopefully they will find more like these.

The story follows a nurse, Samuel, who is just working his job one day and the next he is involved with dangerous criminals and is hunted by the cops and the baddies. His pregnant wife gets kidnapped and he sets out to save her teaming up with the criminal Sartet. It is a race of time and Samuel finds out that this situation is wrapped in a web of deceit and he doesn’t know who to trust.

The special features includes on the release are a little lacking. The saving grace is the really in depth “Behind-the-Scenes Documentary” which takes you through the making of the film. There are some great interviews and behind-the-scenes footage as well. Also included is the “Point Blank” trailer and more trailers from Magnolia Home Entertainment. Overall if you are fan of action films this is a must purchase.

Directed by: Raja Gosnell
Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofía Vergara, Hank Azaria
Distributed by: Columbia Pictures
Rating: PG
Running time: 102 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have to start with “The Smurfs” was one the biggest surprises of the summer if not the whole year.  This film was funny and just down right fun.  I know most critics if not all definitely feel the complete opposite but regardless I enjoyed this film.  The performances in the film are over the top and fun which adds to the overall feel of the film. On this release it includes not only the 3D Blu-ray (which includes both 3D and 2D versions) but also DVD and digital copy. The 3D on this Blu-ray is phenomenal and really pops out of the screen. The color on video is crystal clear and really sharp.  The audio is also notable and really pops with the action and the film’s effects.  Besides the effects in the film, Hank Azaria is easily the second best part of the film playing the evil wizard Gargamel.

One of the coolest features, which needs to be recognized is called “Smurf-O-Vision: Second Screen Experience”.  It is an application available for download on the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.  It is a one-of-a-kind experiencing to have the Smurfs sing and dance along with the film.  You are also able to interact and engage with the Smurfs throughout the film.  This is a really cool feature and this also makes the experience of watching the film much more fun. Another feature that is brand new is the cloud streaming UltraViolet digital copy. This is catching very fast with studios and is going to be the new norm very soon. Recommend you checked this two features out ASAP.

The rest of the 3D Blu-ray special features great and this disc is jam packed. First since this is a kids movie, there is an interactive game called “The Smurfs Fantastic Adventure Game” played with the remote control. There is an audio commentary with the director Raja Gosnell. It is very informative and covers a lot of the behind the scenes from the film. There is another audio commentary from producer Jordan Kerner, VFX Supervisor Richard Hoover, and writers J. David Stem, David N. Weiss, Jay Scherick, and David Ronn. Some of this one gets covered in the first commentary but it is still worth a listen. There are about eight minutes of deleted and extended Scenes. They are worth checking out especially “Gargamel Enters FAO Schwarz”. “The Smurfs: Comic Book to the Big Screen” is short running about 8 minutes but information taking us from the beginning to today with the Smurfs.

Like I said this disc is packed with features, some more include
“Smurf Speak: Meet the Cast” is a decent chances to meet the voices from the film. I like when this is showcased in an animated film. One of my favorite features is “Going Gargamel” which really goes into Hank Azaria portrayal of this character. I am very upset with the gag real or “Blue-Pers” as it is called as it runs less than 30 seconds. “Happy Music Montage” is just a montage with music and scenes from the film. There are four “Progression Reels” that cover the lighting, CG Smurf work and the effects. Lastly since this is a 3D film, we have some great 3D trailer for “Arthur Christmas”, “The Pirates! Band of Misfits”, and “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”.

Related Content

• DVD Review “The Smurfs: The Legend of Smurfy Hollow”
• DVD Review “The Smurfs: A Magical Smurf Adventure”
• 3D Blu-ray Review “Arthur Christmas 3D”
• DVD Review “The Smurf’s Holiday Celebration”
• Blu-ray Review “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh”

Directed by: Tsui Hark
Starring: Andy Lau, Carina Lau, Li Bingbing, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Deng Chao
Distributed by: Vivendi Entertainment
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running time: 122 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Right off the bat when you see the names Tsui Hark and Andy Lau together it is a guaranteed success. Tsui Hark is known for such greats as the “Once Upon a Time in China” series and “A Better Tomorrow” series. Andy Lau is amazing as usual and definitely adds great comedy to this film and also kick some serious ass in the fight scenes. The tagline on the box really says it all and I really can’t top it…”it’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon meets Sherlock Holmes”. That is a perfect description of this film. It has a little for everyone…it has a funny yet serious story, great choreography in the fight scenes and just visually stunning.

The story takes place in the year AD 690 just prior to the coronation of Empress Wu Zetian (Carina Lau). There are a bunch of mystery murders where men have burst into flames with no explanation. In order to avoid a delay in her coronation, she calls in Detective Dee (Andy Lau) to solve the case. He dives into the issue and uses his Sherlock Holmes-technique to get to the bottom of this mystery…and also does some kick-ass martial arts along the way.

The Blu-ray presentation is simply amazing. The video looks fantastic and only adds to the stunning visuals in the film. The sound is very crisp and the add a lot of the fights scenes. The special features on the film are great. “The Making of Detective Dee” is split into four parts focusing on the shooting and interviews from the cast/crew. “Creating the Characters” and “The World of Dee” are great features which goes into the character development. I think that Detective Dee is a great character and would love to see him in future installments. “Weapons, Stunts and Action” is also great and showcases the “wow” factor of the film. Lastly there is galleries from the production stills, posters and behind-the-scenes.

Starring: Pearl Jam
Director: Cameron Crowe
Vinyl Films/Tremolo Productions
MPAA Rating:
Running Time: 1 hr 49 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Pearl Jam 20” directed by Cameron Crowe tells the story of one of rock more outspoken groups Pearl Jam. This documentary follows the band through its inception nearly 20 years ago. Through new interviews and archival footage you get to see and hear firsthand accounts of the trials and tribulations of one the most popular bands to come out of the 90’s grunge era of music.

Pearl Jam is a band I grew up listening to and I was quite intrigued to hear their complete story. The film does a great job leaving no stone unturned starting with Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament’s previous band Mother Love Bone. Gossard and Ament tell the story of how the passing of their singer led to Eddie Veder coming into the fold and forming a new band. There were a lot of great archival clips that I remember reading about or seeing when they initially happened. I found this very reminiscent. The film was very truthful and the expressions of those in the film proved that. Even when the topic of the controversial Ticketmaster incident was discussed no member shied away. In fact each person provided their perspective of those events based on where they are now. On a personal note I really enjoyed the stories and footage related to the Temple of the Dog album which featured both Pearl jam and members of Sound Garden.

Director Cameron Crowe definitely delivered with this film. The interviews were all very candid and again nothing seemed to be cut or left out. Seeing the members of the band in their natural environment during their interviews brought a real independent feel to this film which almost echoes the bands very being. “Pearl Jam 20” is a must see!

Directed by: Todd Phillips
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 102 minutes

Overall Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Now that the smoke has settled and the reactions have been posted, the sequel to the biggest comedy of all time has been released on Blu-ray. “The Hangover” was a rare comedy that swept up America and created “The Wolf Pack” (Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis). The sequel was expected to out due the first one…except it didn’t. Instead it was just a carbon copy of the first film set in Bangkok. Watching the film a second time was a better experience, especially since the expectations were now gone. Final thoughts were that it was good and definitely fun as hell but doesn’t compare to the first film.

I am surprised like most comedies and the first “The Hangover” that there isn’t an “unrated edition” of this film released. If there is one I am sure it will setup for double dipping from the studio. The Blu-ray presentation is very impressive. Since this is a big budget sequel, the ante is raises and the action is definitely amped up. The video and sound look kick ass and definitely add a lot to the watching experience. Besides the Blu-ray the set also comes with the DVD and the new Ultraviolet digital copy.

The special features on this release are also a little weak in content but funny overall. There is a documentary titles “Unauthorized Documentary: The Documentary About the Documentary They Don’t Want You to See About the Making of The Hangover Part II.” It runs about 25 minutes and is hilarious. “Behind the Story” runs about 13 minutes and consists of three featurettes covering the director, the monkey and Ken Jeong…decent. I am big lover of “gag reel” and this one definitely rules. Lastly there is an action montage of all the key scenes that runs about a minute.

Buy It 12/6 on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with UltraViolet Digital Copy or Download to Own http://bit.ly/nshhvb
Like us on Facebook – http://on.fb.me/s3O4ek
Follow us on Twitter – http://bit.ly/WBHETW

Synopsis: Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifi anakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel to exotic Thailand for Stu’s wedding. What could go wrong? Director Todd Phillips’ explosively funny follow-up to his award-winning smash hit demonstrates that though what happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, what happens in Bangkok can hardly be imagined! Special Features: – Now includes Instant Streaming with UltraViolet Digital Copy – Gag Reel

Directed by: Jesse Peretz
Starring: Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer, Adam Scott, Kathryn Hahn, Steve Coogan, Hugh Dancy, Rashida Jones
Distributed by: The Weinstein Company
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 90 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When I first saw a trailer for this film in theaters, I couldn’t have wanted to stay away more. Bad trailers though do not always mean bad movies. This little gem got overlooked actually deserves some attention. Paul Rudd in my eyes had been on a downward spiral with the films he has chosen to be in. Romantic comedies and just lazy films, he is very funny and this film challenges him quite a bit. The film is funny but it is not a full blown comedy…it is dramatic but is not a drama. I like the mix of both and it works well with the story as well.

We follow Ned (Rudd), who is one of the nicest guys in the world, gets busted selling weed to a cop. Upon getting out of prison, he finds out that he lost his home and his girlfriend and decides to move in with this family. Well, his family consists of his mom and three sisters played by Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel and Emily Mortimer. Ned ends up living with each sister and turns their lives upside down or does he end up shedding light to help each of them?

Besides Rudd performance, which I really enjoyed, the supporting cast is also very notable. Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer play the sisters to Ned and they all really give totally diverse and entertainment performances. Adam Scott, Steve Coogan, and Rashida Jones also appear but have smaller roles but only add greatness to this already stellar cast.

The bonus features on the Blu-ray are basic. The audio commentary includes is with director Jesse Peretz. He gives a real good insight into the making of the film. There are four deleted & extended scenes, including an alternate ending. They are only in SD which is interesting but they are worth a watch. “The Making of Our Idiot Brother” is also in SD but delves into the film and runs a decent 15 minutes.

Related Content

• DVD Review “Ralphie May: Too Big to Ignore”
• Blu-ray Review “Gremlins 2: The New Batch”
• DVD Review “Freak Dance”
• Blu-ray Review “The Three Stooges: The Movie”
• Blu-ray Review “South Park: The Complete Fifteenth Season”

Director: Robert V. Barron
Starring: Jean-Claude Ballard
Number of discs: 17
Rated: Unrated
Studio: A&E Entertainment
DVD Release Date: October 18, 2011
Run Time: 2028 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out 5 stars

Original started in 1985, “Robotech” definitely has the 80’s anime feel. It was never one of my favorites but who can turn down an 85-episode space opera. Even though it is a bit confusion and repetitive throughout the series, this sci-fi series is one of the first-ever animes to import in the US. It contains the remastered versions from the three “Robotech Wars: The Macross Saga, The Robotech Masters and the New Generation” newly titled as “The First-Third Robotech War”. The real star of this set is the disc of special features.  There are hours of additional footage that really makes this worth the purchase. If you are fan of Japanese anime, epsecially 80’s then this is the purchase for you this Holiday season.

“The First Robotech War” starts the series in 1999 when a gigantic spaceship crashes on Earth.  The world tries to unlock the secrets of this technology, known as Robotech.  They get a lot more then they expect when the alien Zentraedi attack and the war begins.  This remastered version of “The Macross Saga” contains 36 episodes of the series.  It starts off slow but once it gets started towards the end is where the fun begins.  “The Second Robotech War” aka “Masters Saga” picks up 15 years following the annihilation of the Earth, the human survivors are try to rebuild their planet, only to be faced with a new threat. This second chapter of the “Robotech” saga includes 24 episodes from the series. “The Third Robotech War” aka “New Generation” take off when the alien Invid have conquered Earth under the Regis.  Their greatest hope for saving Earth lies with the return of Admiral Hunter’s Expeditionary Force. This thrilling conclusion of the saga includes the last 25 episodes in the series.

There are a bunch of new special features that are new to DVD, including “The Making of Robotech Documentary”, new Music Videos for “Robotech”, an overview of Robotech, alternate versions of select Robotech episodes,  there is also new supplementals from the “Robotech: The Movie. Also includes is the original pilot for Macross and lastly there is promotional reel of Robotech launch in China.  These features alone are worth the purchase for sure, but there are still MANY more left.  If you are fan of deleted scenes, there are over 2.5 hours (if you can make sense of them). “Robotech: The Sentinels” includes the first 3 episodes were then spliced together into one movie along with promotional video. Not really needed unless you want to watch the first three episode in one shot.  There is the original part 1 of the pilot for “Mospeada”.  There are original opening and closing animations, always a favorite of mine.  The promotional reel to Galaxy of the Stars – Harmony gold and presentation reels for toy commercial and videogame are also included.  These is pretty cool to check out, especially due to the age of the series and its impact on the industry.  International clips for all three Robotech Wars are also including.  Lastly there are many stills containing character bios, model sheets, pre-production art, comic book covers, and merchandise galleries and much more.

Directed by: Chen Daming
Starring: Andy Lau, Gong Li,
Distributed by: New Video Group
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 116 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When I heard that there was a Chinese remake of the Mel Gibson starer “What Women Want”, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I am a big of of Andy Lau and Gong Li though, so right off the bat I was interested. Well I was definitely surprised since I enjoyed this film very much. The story was similar to the US version but had more of a new interesting feel added to it. It was funny and also had some good drama as well.

We follow Sun Zigang (Andy Lau) who works as an advertising agency and gets a new boss. The thing is the boss, Li Yilong, is a woman and threatens Sun’s position. During their first meeting Li suggests that in order to be able to sell their women’s products that the men should use the products first. After a freak accident Sun is slightly electrocuted, survives but now can hear all women’s thoughts. He uses this to get a head at work but ends up falls for his boss in the process.

The film runs a little long at around two hours but overall is very entertaining. My only real negative comment is that the DVD does not come with any special features at all. Even though it lists the Mandarin audio track with English & Chinese subtitles, but it is not a bonus feature and is in fact the only audio track available. Besides that I would definitely recommend this film.

Directed by: Oliver Schmitz
Starring: Khomotso Manyaka, Lerato Mvelase, Harriet Manamela
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Classics
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running time: 106 minutes

Overall Score: 3 out of 5 stars

If this film sounds familiar, it should since it was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 83rd Academy Awards. The content of the film is so intense and the acting is even more intense. You almost forgot at times that you are watching a movie and think that this is real. The film itself is based on a book called “Chanda’s Secrets” by Allan Stratton. The film is also in it is native language of Northern Sotho and was shot on location in South Africa…so expect to be reading those subtitles.

The story focuses on a young girl Chandra (Khomotso Manyaka) who is trying to work through the loss of her newly born sister, her mother’s sickness and lack of money. Chandra sets out to help her month and find an answer to her problems. The acting in this film is really great. Khomotso Manyaka gives a very powerful performance, as a first-time actress. I will love to see what she does next and I am sure she has a very bright career. I thought the film ran a little slow but it has a really big heart.

This film is released in a Blu-ray + DVD combo pack, which I really enjoyed. The Blu-ray presentation looks great and really captures the environment really well. When it comes to bonus features there is not much…would have loved a commentary from the director. There is a behind-the-scenes featurette called “The Making of “Life, Above All”, which is only available on the Blu-ray.

Related Content

• Blu-ray Review “The Help”
• Blu-ray Review “Ride Along”
• Blu-ray Review “12 Years a Slave”
• DVD Review “Gallowwalkers”
• Blu-ray Review “The Bourne Legacy”

Actors: Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill
Number of discs: 6
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC
Run Time: 585 minutes

Overall Score: 5 out of 5 stars

This series is definitely one of the best of the new reboot. The story line is very intense and if I say it “ballsy”. In the first episode of the series, they “kill off” The Doctor…that takes some guts. Of course they only reveal little bits until the finale, but it is done so well that it leaves your mouth watering for more each episode. I feel that Matt Smith is just such an amazing Doctor. His mannerisms are just so unique and he really dives deep into the role. I can’t wait to see what is going to be happen with the seventh series.

This complete series set comes with all 13 episodes from series six and even includes last year’s Christmas episode “A Christmas Carol”. The special features on this release is really worth the purchase alone though. There are five “Night and the Doctor” recorded scenes exclusive to DVD and Blu-ray.  There are five special episode prequels.  There are two sketches recorded for the UK’s Comic Relief charity event.  Since “Doctor Who” has the best monsters, you can find out about the Doctor’s most challenging opponents in four different “Monster Files”.  I am a big fan of “Doctor Who Confidential” and there is an inside look includes for each episode.  There is also fantastic audio commentary available on a few episodes. So obviously if you are fan of the series, the purchase of this Blu-ray is a no-brainer!

Synopsis: The 6-disc set combines all 13 episodes of the new season from award-winning lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat (Sherlock, The Adventures of Tintin), along with the 2010 Holiday Special, A Christmas Carol, starring Harry Potter’s Michael Gambon, plus hours of bonus features. The series follows the adventures of the Doctor, a mysterious traveler who journeys throughout all of time and space, picking up companions along the way. ©BAFTA nominee Matt Smith (the Doctor), Karen Gillan (Amy Pond), Arthur Darvill (Rory) and Alex Kingston (River Song) are back when the Doctor faces his date with death and learns a lot more about the mysterious River Song. Guest stars include Mark Sheppard (Supernatural, Battlestar Galactica), Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Notting Hill), supermodel Lily Cole (The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus), James Corden (Gavin & Stacey,The History Boys), and David Walliams (Little Britain, Come Fly With Me). Catch a surprise appearance by NBC’s Meredith Vieira in the series finale as well as Michael Sheen (The Twilight Saga, Midnight in Paris), who voices a character in Neil Gaiman’s episode and Imelda Staunton (Cranford, Vera Drake), who voices a character in Tom MacRae’s episode. Executive producers are Piers Wenger (Upstairs Downstairs, Ashes to Ashes) and Beth Willis (Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes). Doctor Who: Series 6, Part 1, Doctor Who: Series 6, Part 2 and Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol are also available for purchase separately on DVD and Blu-ray.

The hugely popular complete sixth season of Doctor Who is available Nov. 22 on Blu-ray and DVD at http://bit.ly/rN2cf5

Directed by: Yves Simoneau
Starring: Romano Orzari
Distributed by: New Video Group
Running time: 36 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are fan of the video game series “Assassin’s Creed”, you shouldn’t even be reading this review. This is a must purchase for any fan of the series. If you are not familiar with the series than this is a good starting point especially since it is a prequel to “Assassin’s Creed II” and “Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood”. This film is complied of three short films made by Ubisoft, so you know it is loyal to the series and it is not just fan films. The production value is very well done and the prequel story is a great setup for the game.

The story centers on Giovanni Auditore, the father of the game’s main character, Ezio Auditore. Giovanni is an Assassin get involved with a government conspiracy that is being plotted to overthrow the powerful Medici family and destroy a unified Italy. Giovanni finds that the plot is deeper that expected and could even go as far at the Vatican. I was totally digging this film and I only wish (as I am sure everyone does) it was longer. This could have been a really kick ass feature. I guess we will have to see what Sony does with their hopefully-upcoming big budget live action adaption. But for now, this is what we have and it certainly kicks some ass.

Now I am sure you are asking if this is really worth purchasing just for the 36 minute film, well the answer is no…it is also jammed packed with extras. The extras are really the main draw for this Blu-ray for sure. “The Making of Assassin’s Creed Lineage” delves into the production of these short films and how they were created with focus on visuals. There is a eight minute motion-comic called “Assassin’s Creed: Ascendance”, which was really cool and also comes with an making of it as well. There also is a sneak preview for the upcoming “Assassin’s Creed: Revelations” game.

Next up there are two separate sections for “Assassin’s Creed” game bonus features. There are three “Developer Diaries” featurettes focusing on Artistic Direction, Freedom and Story. There are various trailers like the TV Launch, E3, Templar and Ubidays trailer. The “Assassin’s Creed II” game bonus features contains six “Developer Diaries”. The first is called “Ezio: A New Assassin”, “Power to the People”, “All Roads Lead To”, “All’s Fair in Love and War”, “Clothes Make the Man” and “Home Sweet Home”. There are two focus features on “Assassination Arsenal” and Factions”. There also is an interview called “Renaissance” featuring Margaret Meserve, Historian from Notre Dame. Lastly there are many trailer from the Teaser/Launch, E3 and Gamestop trailers.

Directors: Mike Fleiss, Mike Piscitelli
Starring: Ozzy Osbourne
Distributed by: Eagle Rock Entertainment
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 135 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Growing up listening to Ozzy Osbourne definitely changed the way I appreciated music in the 80’s. Ozzy has always been one my favorites. This documentary takes an honest look into the life of one of the most iconic figures in rock and also one of the founding fathers of heavy metal. If you are an Ozzy lifelong fan like myself or just discovering this music…this is the documentary to watch. “God Bless Ozzy Osbourne” covers his from Black Sabbath through through his solo success. It also goes into Ozzy’s extreme drug and alcohol issue due to his fast rise to the top, to his appetite for biting the head animals to the tragic death of Randy Rhoads to the reality TV show “The Osbournes” to the sober-still rocking Ozzy today.

The film is packed with new revealing/up close and personal interviews with Ozzy and his family. There are also new interviews from members of Black Sabbath, Sir Paul McCartney, Tommy Lee, Henry Rollins, and others. I did really enjoy that the film wasn’t just covering the positive of his career and really delved into the negative as well. Honestly Ozzy looked really good and better than we have ever seen him on this film. Most people just remember him MTV’s exploitative “The Osbournes” but he is in shape and seems very stable mentally (or at least for Ozzy). He spends a lot of the film reflecting on many different aspects of his career and it just seems very real and brutally honest.

The video on the Blu-ray is good and the archive footage looks decent. The sound is key for a music Blu-ray and definitely is solid. The concert footage definitely sounds great. The bonus features are decent overall. First off we get a pretty cool Q & A with Ozzy and Jack Osbourne. There are eight deleted Scenes, some included are:  Ozzy fighting with the film’s directors, there is a tattoo PSA and an alternate ending. Lastly there is footage from the Tribeca Film Festival.

Directed by: Eli Craig
Starring: Alan Tudyk, Tyler Labine, Katrina Bowden, Jesse Moss, Chelan Simmons
Distributed by: Magnolia Pictures
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 88 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Usually when you mix horror and comedy together it is either hit or miss. This definitely falls into the hit category. It delivers some great laughs, good suspense and great gore. In fact, the gore is very over the top and has tons of it. This is not your typical horror movie and that is why I think I really enjoyed it. It is very unique and is really fun to watch especially after numerous viewings. Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine delivers a great performance as the clueless hillbillies and play off each other really well. If you are looking for a great time and some great laughs, be sure to check out this film.

The story is about two hillbillies, Tucker and Dale, that are heading to their recently purchased cabin in the woods summer home and while doing they have a run in with a pack of college kids doing the same thing. While fishing the hillbillies end up save one of the girls who gets injured and take her back to their house to help her but the rest of the college kids take it as her being kidnapped. That is when all things get out of out of control and the college kids wage war on the hillbillies. Tucker and Dale finds themselves in deeper that then can handle.

The video on the Blu-ray is sharp and very impressive. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track is also impressive also and worked well with the action. The special features on the Blu-ray release are worth checking out. There is a very funny but also insightful audio commentary with director Eli Craig and stars Tyler Labine and Alan Tudyk. “Making of Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil” is a decent featurette that covers behind- the-scenes footage and key interviews. “Tucker and Dale ARE Evil: The College Kids’ Point of View” is a really funny shortened cut of the film turned around from the kids POV. There are quite of bit of outtakes from this film and they are FUNNY! There are just shy of 100 storyboard drawings also included. Like all Magnolia Picture releases. there is an “HDNet: A Look at Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil”, which is a short version of the making of featurette. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer for the film and also previews from Magnolia Home Entertainment Blu-ray.

Director: James Glickenhaus
Starring: Robert Ginty, Christopher George, Samantha Eggar, Steve James
MPAA Rated: R
Studio: Synapse Films
Run Time: 104 minutes

Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

This film was called “One of the most cold-blooded and controversial revenge films ever made, this is a sick example of the almost unbelievable descent into gruesome savagery in American movies” from Roger Ebert during it’s original release. Those words definitely still hold true today and hits Blu-ray in its newly re-mastered uncut version. I have to say that extra violence and gore restored in this release add a lot to the film itself. The video is fantastic for a film made in 1980 and the sound contains a restored DTS-HD MA 2.0 Stereo track. Once again this is a fine release from the great studio, Synapse Films.

This film tells the story of Vietnam vet John Eastland (Robert Ginty), who takes on the scum of the New York underworld when his best friend is brutally beaten by a vicious street gang. John becomes known as The Exterminator. John become higher than the law and is feared by both cops and criminals as his falls deeper and deeper in his revenge-driven murderous rage.

The special features are a little light but include a decent commentary track from James Glickenhaus. Also includes are some TV spots and the original theatrical trailer. I would have liked to see some current features like new cast/crew interviews or a new featurette like the recent Synapse Films release of “Intruder”. But the main sell of this release is definitely the new uncensored version, which is worth the purchase alone for this Blu-ray. If you are a fan of classic 80’s films, this one is not to be missed.