Directed by Bill Philputt
Starring: Cast of Return of the Living Dead
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 240 minutes

Overall score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are horror fan then it’s simple… you love zombie movies. Everyone loves zombies. It is something about them every since George Romero brought them into the spotlight in the late 60’s. “Return of the Living Dead” one the horror gems and has become a major cult classic and legacy in the genre. The film has spawned four sequels and has one hell of a following. The feature “More Brains! A Return To The Living Dead” proposes itself as the definitive “Return of The Living Dead”. It does that in fact and more. It focuses solely on the first film and comes together as a great documentary. The team behind this film has done previous genre documentary like “His Name is Jason” and “Never Sleep Again”. This one definitely stands out as their best work.

This film gathers amazing interviews from the cast and crew of the film starting with Writer/Director Dan O’Bannon, Co-producer Graham Henderson and the cast Clu Gulager, James Karen, Don Calfa, Beverly Randolph, Thom Mathews, John Philbin, Jewel Shepard, Miguel A. Nunez Jr., Brian Peck, Linnea Quigley, Allan Trautman, as well as many of the special effects team. It presents some amazing stories from the film that I never knew as well as archive footage from the shoot. The stories are fun and it looks like the cast/crew is having a really good time. I honestly can’t wait to see what these guys are going to do next. Would love their take on a documentary about “The Exorcist” or “Halloween”.

The special features are packed and include ANOTHER two hours of footage. The first is called “A Conversation with Dan O’Bannon: The Final Interview” and it covers his experience working on the film. Great stuff. Next up, we have coverage about the 2nd and 3rd films in “They Won’t Stay Dead: A Look at Return of the Living Dead Part II” and “Love Beyond the Grave: A Look at Return of the Living Dead 3”. I think the coverage from the second film is a bit of a downer, it seems like it was a bad experience. I think about Roy Schneider talking about “Jaws 2” compares to “Jaws”. The third film has always had a special place for me and I love Brian Yunza. I am surprised but not shocked that there is no mention at all on the disc about the 4th and 5th film in the series. But like any respecting horror fan, I just ask myself…”What 4th and 5th film?” The music video for Stacey Q’s “Tonight” is cheesy but you can’t help but love that song (and think about the graveyard dance scene). “Even More Brains: Deleted Documentary Interviews” covers alternate footage cut from the film but it works really well. I am happy with the flow of the film though and think it was well cut. “Return of the Living Dead in 3 Minutes” features the cast today revisiting lines from the film during their interviews. Very funny. “Resurrected Settings: The Filming Locations Today” takes us back to the sets from the film and it is cool to see where it was shot.

Directed by: Stephen Anderson, Don Hall
Narrated by John Cleese
Starring: Jim Cummings, Tom Kenny, Craig Ferguson, Travis Oates, Bud Luckey
Jack Boulter
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
Rated G
Running time: 63 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love Winnie The Pooh? Everyone young and old at some point in their lives have been affected by Pooh and his friends from the 100 acre woods. This film is a really brave move on Disney’s part. In a world of CGI animation, there is little room or (gasp as I type this) want for traditional animated films. This film does hold it own though and really stands out from other animated films CGI or not. This film is very funny and even had me belly laughing. It has you singing…if you got the soundtrack prior to watching like me. It will also deliver a lot of hard that the brand the series is best known for.

The film is based on three stories found in the A.A Milne books and it is very simple and sweet. We follow Pooh on a quest for honey (shocked right?) but he gets sidetracked when he meets up with Eeyore who cannot find his tail. The whole gang from the 100 acre woods start a quest to find Eeyore a new tail or ‘tael’, as they say spell it in the film. While on that quest they go to visit Christopher Robin’s house and find a note at his door. They gang discovers that he has been kidnapped by a monster called the “Backson”. From there we follow the gang on their quest to rescue Christopher Robin…and eeyore’s tail…and find honey for Pooh…Oh bother!

The video looks so perfect in glorious 1080p. The colors are vibrant and so crystal clear. I also loved the fact that you see the traditional drawing lines from the animators. The sound is also superb delivers a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Very impressive. Speaking of music, there are a bunch of songs by actress Zooey Deschanel. She is brillant and brings so much to the film with her beautiful folk songs. They really add so much to the film.

The extras are impressive like most Disney releases. “Winnie the Pooh and His Story Too” provides a look into the history of A. A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh. It is quick and worth a watch. There are about five deleted and alternate scenes included with introduction by the directors. The scenes total about 15 minutes and includes the following “The Tummy Song,” “Rabbit’s Friends and Relations,” “Original Eeyore Intro,” “Original Tigger Intro” and “Pooh Searches for a Tail”. There are two animated shorts are available: “The Ballad of Nessie” and “Mini Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Pooh’s Balloon”. Both very cute and worth a watch for sure. Included in most Disney films with songs you can jump to each of the film’s songs “Winnie the Pooh Theme Song,” “The Tummy Song,” “A Very Important Thing to Do,” “The Backson Song,” “It’s Gonna Be Great,” “Everything is Honey” and “The Winner Song Finale”. If you are a fan of the soundtrack there is a sing-along track that you can watch during the movie. “Creating the Perfect Winnie the Pooh Nursery” is actually a perfect feature for myself since my wife and I are currently expecting. It gives tips on designing a Pooh-themed nursery. Lastly there are about 8 minutes of Disney sneak previews. Overall this is a great set and totally worth the purchase. Don’t miss this.

Directed by: Jalmari Helander
Starring: Tommi Korpela, Per Christian Ellefsen, Jorma Tommila, Jonathan Hutchings, Onni Tommila, Risto Salmi, Peeter Jakobi, Rauno Juvonen, Ilmari Järvenpää
Distributed by: Oscilloscope
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 84 min.

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

There is definitely something about this film that makes it stick. I have had numerous viewings of this film and it definitely gets better with each viewing. Christmas is my favorite holiday and I love holiday films but this is not your snuggley feel good film. Since it is considered a horror film though, it is almost virtually bloodless. I would have like to see more carnage but overall I was left relatively satisfied. I have a feeling that it is going to be ranked up there as a cult classic. along with “Black Christmas” and “Gremlins”. The film has a very large scale feel to it though doesn’t try to go overboard. The Blu-ray presentation is fantastic and really clear and the sound is also very impressive.

The story follows a young boy who believe that the Santa Claus is coming to town…literally, but he is not the happy giving St. Nick we know and love.  During an American-lead dig on Korvatunturi mountain, which sits right outside the village, the secret of Santa Claus might have been discovered.  With Christmas right around the corner it is up the boy to save the children of the village from being put on the naughty list.

The film is packed with great bonus features.  The original two short films “Rare Exports Inc.” (2003) and “Rare Exports – The Official Safety Instructions” (2005) are included, which inspired this movie.  “The Making of Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale” is definitely worth since the behind the scenes is very interesting. “Blood in the snow” is a  look at the concept art from the film.  My favorite feature is definitely the comparison for the animatics & computer effects since the film does have quite a bit of visual effects.  Also included is a photo gallery featuing behind the scenes production shots. Lastly there is the original theatrical trailer from Finland, which made me want to see this film to begin with and is far better than the American trailer.

SYNOPSIS:
It’s the eve of Christmas in northern Finland, and an ‘archeological’ dig has just unearthed the real Santa Claus. But this particular Santa isn’t the one you want coming to town. When the local children begin mysteriously disappearing, young Pietari and his father Rauno, a reindeer hunter by trade, capture the mythological being and attempt to sell Santa to the misguided leader of the multinational corporation sponsoring the dig. Santa’s elves, however, will stop at nothing to free their fearless leader from captivity. What ensues is a wildly humorous nightmare – a fantastically bizarre polemic on modern day morality.

RARE EXPORTS: A CHRISTMAS TALE is a re-imagining of the most classic of all childhood fantasies, and is a darkly comic gem soon to be required perennial holiday viewing.

Related Content

• DVD Review “Duck Dynasty: I’m Dreaming of a Redneck Christmas”
• DVD Review “12 Dogs of Christmas: Great Puppy Rescue”
• DVD Review “The Dog Who Saved The Holidays”
• 3D Blu-Ray Review “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”
• Blu-ray Review “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians”

Directed by: Jesse Holland and Andy Mitton
Starring: Cassidy Freeman, Anessa Ramsey, Laura Heisler
Distributed by: Vivendi Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 99 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

There has been many adaptions of “The Wizard of Oz” and this is another one but it takes a totally different angle. In this we find the themes of “Oz” used as just background and it actually makes the film get an interesting edge. I think that it is very creative and a very interesting take. The film does take a while to get started but has good character development and decent gore.

This film takes the found footage route about a group of researchers who set out to find out a 70 year old mystery of how the entire population of Friar, NH disappeared. The group set down an ancient trail down the “yellow brick road”. The group heads down this road which they may never return from.

If you are coming into this film looking for a slasher horror film, you will be left upset. There are no creatures and villains as this is more of a slow burning character driven thriller. Also unfortunately this film features no extras and only includes a directors audio commentary. It is worth a listen and definitely provides so good insight into the film.

Director: Jonathan Vara
Stars: Shea Whigham, Diora Baird, Jon Gries, Thomas Jay Ryan, Aaron Nee, Adam Nee
Distributed by: Synapse Films
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 97 Minutes

Our Score: 1 out of 5 stars

I almost turned this DVD off at least five times. I think this film wasted too much time trying to mimic a Quentin Tarantino film that it ended up failing terribly.  I appreciate when a film is inspired by another and is trying to copy its magic.  This film is not exciting at all and does not have anything interesting happening throughout. I swear I have no idea what was going on in story and it was very confusing. The only thing I liked was that it was very violent and had a certain cartooney feel to it. besides that I hated this movie.

The film focuses (I think) on Roy Coop coming home from Navy, gets mistaken for his brother Dale and gets attached by two violent criminals. He is visited again and again and ends up eight fingers less and burnt to a crisp. Somehow he survives and is set to have his revenge. There is another story being intertwined with another criminal Mad Dog Mantee, Roy’s brother Dale and Lily. Roy ends up in the final act meeting with with them and things go array. If the movie isn’t bad enough, the other extras on the disc are three audio commentaries and three short films from Director J.L. Vara. Nothing special at all and I wish I didn’t waste my time.

Directed by: William Lustig
Starring: Bruce Campbell, Tom Atkins, Laurene Landon, Richard Roundtree, Robert Z’Dar
Distributed by: Synapse Films
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 85 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I remember seeing “Manic Cop” in the late 80’s and it scaring the crap out of me.  It doesn’t anymore but it is still a damn great film.  The genre cast is the film is so great and fits so well.  The gore in the film is fantastic and definitely holds up in today’s standards.  This release is the first time this film is being presented in high definition and is released from up-and-coming Blu-ray studio Synapse Films.

The film hits the streets of New York City where innocent people are being brutally murdered by police officer. A Young copy, Jack Forrest (Bruce Campbell) is being framed for the murders and had to clear his name.  With the help of his friends Theresa (Laurene Landon) and McCrae (Tom Atkins) they set to find who the killer is before he strikes again.  Bruce Campbell is fantastic in the film and genre favorite Tom Atkins is perfect for the role.  Robert Z’Dar also kicks some major ass and it is too bad you don’t get to see his face more until the end of the film.

I am very happy with the the Blu-ray transfer in 1080p and it looks really clear and crisp.  The soundtrack is really impressive boasting a fantastic DTS-HD MA 6.1.  If you are a fan of this film you will not be disappointed with this great release. The film is also packed with special features.  The first is “Maniac Cop Memories: Interview with Robert Z’Dar” which has him chat about his career and working on the film.  The next is “Out the Window:  Interview with Tom Atkins”, discussing his role in the role. “Three Minutes with Danny Hicks” talk about his role in the film as well.  There are three trailers, one being a French trailer, as well as two television spots and a Spanish radio spot.  There is also an series of images of promotional art backed from the film’s music.  Lastly included is additional footage filmed for Japanese TV, which focuses on the New York City Mayor character.

Director: Lisa Mulcahy
Starring: Marla Sokoloff, Mark Webber and Glynis Casson
Studio: Vivendi Entertainment
Rated: Unrated
Run Time: 85 minutes

Our Score: 1.5 out of 5 stars

I am all for watching holiday movies year round as it is my favorite holiday. I will pretty much watch anything released it is Christmas themed. This film failed to hold on to any Christmas spirit at all. It is not cheerful and fun. The movie focuses more on lying and infidelities of our two main people. This film originated on the Hallmark Channel and it is easily one of the worst that I have seen recently.

The story two newlyweds Jim and Della Young, that do not have a lot of money and are having trouble finding the perfect gift for each out. The two sacrifice a lot for each other in order to make Christmas special. Though due to trying to keep it secret things the true meaning of their actions get lost. But if you are familiar with the gift of the magi, you know how it will end…and its a Hallmark movie, so come on it a happy ending.

The acting is nothing worth noting at all and the production value is low. Since this is a Hallmark film, I will cut Marla Sokoloff and Mark Webber a break. As if the film isn’t bad enough, there are no extras on this disc at all. If you are looking to get into getting into the Christmas spirit early this is not the film to do it with.

Directed by: Jean-Christophe Averty
Starring: Ray Charles
Distributed by: Eagle Vision Entertainment
Running Time: 111 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

This DVD consists of concert footage from the 1961 Antibes Jazz Festival that has been lost for the last 50 years. These newly discovery concerts add up to about an hour and 45 minutes of footage. Just to be able to watch this is considered a treat. The footage was transferred and restored from its original 16mm and really looks great for what it is. I love Ray Charles and his music is just genius. This early concert with him is a great insight into his music prior to being a legendary star.

The concerts from the 1961 Antibes Jazz Festival are split over two days July 18th and July 22nd, 1961. Some of the tracks included are “Let the Good Times Roll”, “Georgia on My Mind”, “Sticks and Stones” and “Hallelujah, I Love Her So”. Since it is two different concerts over two days there are some duplicate songs from each day. There are also some bonus tracks includes on this disc from July 19th and July 21st, 1961, including “The Story”, “Yes Indeed”, “I Believe My Soul”, “What’d I Say”, “Wonder”. Also notable included on this disc is Nat King Cole track “With You On My Mind”, which is a song that Ray never recorded.

It is amazing getting to watch Ray Charles perform especially on the old black and white 16mm transferred film. His band is also really great to listen to especially the Raeletts. These concerts in France are the first time that Ray Charles has performed in Europe. The DVD case and inserts are very impressive as well. Lately these days little goes into the sleeve-art and pamphlet. The pamphlet is an informational and colorful 15 pages.  This is definitely worth the purchase and I recommend it for sure.

Directed: Nicholas Goldbart
Starring: Daniel Hendler, Federico Luppi, Jazmiin Stuart, Yayo Abian Vainstein, Carlos Bermejo, Sun Kim Chang, Patricia Guitierrez
Distributed by: Vivendi Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 95 minutes

Overall Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

The idea an epidemic is at no shortage in film in the recent days with films like “Contagion” and “[REC]”. This film isn’t focusing on the scares of films like “[REC]” series and has a little more comedy. The film is setup in the beginning to be pretty interested but it falls short a little in the middle. This film was picked up by Bloody Disgusting Selects who has picked up fellow foreign imports like “Rammbock: Berlin Undead” and “Coldfish”. If you are looking for a film about building under quarantine I would watch “[REC]” over this.

The story focuses around Coco (Daniel Hendler) and his pregnant wife Pipi (Jazmin Stuart), who become quarantined in there apartment complex when an epidemic hits Argentina. They soon find that some of their neighbors are hunting and accusing each other. Coco gets involved with his neighbor who is trying to help him but things get out of control when one of the other neighbor starts going on a killing spree.

The film is very low-key and doesn’t really go much into the epidemic. There are no zombies or infected people attacking anyone. The most action in the film takes place towards the end when the neighbors go out on a shoot out but besides that nothing much else happens. The extras only really include deleted scenes, which doesn’t add much more. I watched film in English dub and I thought it was pretty decent unlike most subbed films. Overall the film doesn’t deliver past the first thirty minutes or so and leave you wanting more.

Directors: Charles Band
Actors: Tim Thomerson, Helen Hunt, Michael Stefani
Number of discs: 5
Rated: Unrated
Studio: New Video Group
Run Time: 392 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have always been a big fan of Charles Band/Full Moon and their films. The “Trancers” series has always had a special place, no matter how “bad” they are. Included in this Ultimate Deth Collection is “Trancers”, “Trancers II: The Return of Jack Deth” (both directed by Charles Band), “Trancers III, “Trancers 4: Jack of Swords” and “Trancers 5: Sudden Deth”.

The franchise focuses on cop Jack Deth who starts in the future and is sent back in time to 1985 to whip out the Trancers. Basically he spends the whole franchise chasing these Trancers. The series contains appearances from great talent like Helen Hunt, Art La Fleur, Jeffrey Combs, Richard Lynch and Andrew Robinson. Tim Thomerson is such campy fan dream to watch in this films. As the series progresses he reminds me a little bit of Bruce Campbell from “Army of Darkness”.

The extras on the disc are not packed but do include the making of each film, which is definitely a good addition to this great set. Fans of Tim Thomerson, this character Jack Deth and Full Moon should definitely pick up this series for sure. The DVD is not the best presentation and probably could use some cleaning up but I guess that is also what ads the charm for these films.

Director: Fernando Barreda Luna
Starring: Rafael Amaya, Jose Masegosa, Chus Pereiro, Cristian Valencia
Studio: The Collective
MPAA Rating: R
Run Time: 74 minutes

Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Sure, every films wants to be like “Paranormal Activity”, this one isn’t but doesn’t disappoint either. Bloody Disgusting Selects picks up this Spanish shakey cam film and they should be proud with their decision. This film is creepy and very suspense. It doesn’t show much and leaves you want more but that is what adds to the suspense. It runs a very short 70 minutes put I feel it works well and doesn’t overstay it welcome.

The story is about about a family who is spending the holiday at their summerhouse.  Cristian and July Quintanilla, brother and sister, start investigating a local urban legend in a wood maze close by.  It turns out that the legend might be real and the kids are in for more than they expected.

The first half of the movie sets up and introduces us to the characters. The last half hour grabs you and doesn’t let you go. The ending is not expected and really awesome. Even though the film is supernatural it is believable and scary. The only extras on the disc is a short 15 minute making of feature hosted by director Fernando Barreda Luna. He talk about the the production, casting, shooting and locations. Even though it is short it definitely informative and enjoyable.

Related Content

• DVD Review “George: A Zombie Intervention”
• Blu-ray Review “Shock Waves”
• Blu-ray Review “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: 40th Anniversary Collector’s Edition”
• Film Review “At The Devil’s Door”
• DVD Review “Anthrax: Chile on Hell”

Starring: Queensrÿche
Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Recorded: October 13, 14, & 15, 2006 – Seattle, WA
Running Time: 179 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have seen Queensrÿche live twice and they sure can put on a pretty intense show. These guys are known for pretty much ruling the progressive metal for almost 30 years. In fact I will be seeing them again in November 2011 for their 30th anniversary tour. I came into this band later in their game but I think I am still able to appreciate their music. This concert showcases one of their well known albums “Operation Mindcrime Part I” and its 2006 follow up “Operation Mindcrime Part II”. Both which are great albums for sure.

One problem I have with this release is…why 1080i??? I have no idea why most concert films are released in 1080i. If we can get kids shows like “Thomas The Tank” on Blu-ray in 1080p, why not concerts. Despite my complaining the video looks amazing though and is really a fantastic production. The sound is the best part of this release and total rocks its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. The music does not overpower Geoff Tate’s singing, as it is very crisp and clear. I was just at a Bush concert and I had a bitch of time hearing the words beyond the over-amped guitars. This release manages to get that perfectly right!

The extras on the disc are not amazing and only in standard definition. The first feature is tour documentary which includes footage with fans of Queensryche, behind the scenes at the concerts and additional footage with Ronnie James Dio, bassist Rudi Sarzo, the Seahawks’ Drum Line. There is an extra song “The Chase” performed with the late Ronnie James Dio. Lastly there is “Rock & Ride Charity Motorcycle Ride” which includes raw foot from the NYC event from September 20, 2006. Honestly though event though the special features of light, don’t forget this disc includes an amazing 3 hour concert which is worth the price of the set alone!

Operation Mindcrime Part I
1. I Remember Now
2. Anarchy-X
3. Revolution Calling
4. Operation: Mindcrime
5. Speak
6. Spreading The Disease
7. The Mission
8. Suite Sister Mary
9. The Needle Lies
10. Electric Requiem
11. Breaking The Silence
12. I Don’t Believe In Love
13. Waiting For 22
14. My Empty Room
15. Eyes Of A Stranger

Operation Mindcrime Part II
16. Freiheit Ouverture
17. Convict
18. I’m American
19. One Foot In Hell
20. Hostage
21. The Hands
22. Speed Of Light
23. Signs Say Go
24. Re-Arrange You
25. The Chase
26. Murderer?
27. Circles
28. If I Could Change It All
29. An Intentional Confrontation
30. A Junkie’s Blues
31. Fear City Slide
32. All The Promises

Encore
33. Walk In The Shadows
34. Jet City Woman

Directors: Andrew Rossi
Starring: David Carr, Carl Bernstein, Richard Perez-Pena, Tim Arango, Bill Keller, Brian Stelter
Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Run Time: 92 minutes

Overall Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I guess this film interested me because I definitely am a believer that print newspaper is dead or if not dead dying. Don’t get me wrong The New York Times itself is not dead especially with social medias like Facebook, Twitter and now digital subscriptions. I was hoping for a real inside look into the New York Times and the end of the newspaper debate but what this film was about was more the David Carr story. David is a drug addict turned newspaper journalist. He is interesting at first being knowledgeable and such but grows old fast.

“Page One” gives an inside access to The New York Times newsroom and it’s Media Desk. Some of the issues that are presented are the growing internet, which is surpassing print as the public’s main news source. We get to see some debates and discussion about that issue but not enough. Basically we get an inside look at people complaining about what to print and how they are concerned for their jobs. I guess every documentary needs a star and a focus so for this one they chose David Carr. He is very well spoken but not an interesting choice for this documentary.

The extras on the are ok but not great. They include over twenty minutes of additional scenes, with some that are entertaining and worth a watch. There are also some extended interviews which work better edited in the film. The next feature “Journalists React to Page One,” is the impressions from media moguls as they leave a screening…nothing special. There is brief 15 minute edit of Q&A with the Cast and Filmmakers” from various festivals and screenings. There is a feature called “Tim Arango with Joao Silva in Iraq”, which goes into more detail from the film about Arango. I thought the storyline in the film didn’t fit well and seemed too short. This feature is decent. Of course a Magnolia Pictures release would be the same without a bunch of sneak peaks.

Starring: Zane Lamprey, Steve McKenna
No. of episodes: 24
Original channel: HDNet

Overall Score: 3 out of 5 stars

This show is about comedian Zane Lamprey explores the United States and the local drinking culture of their various cities. The format of the show is not too complex as he drinks pretty much anything. The show isn’t just drinking though as his friend Steve McKenna usually focus on eating challenges throughout this cities. After 24 episodes it gets a little bit repetitive but luckily each city has different options to offer. The show is entertaining overall but I still prefer the show “Three Sheets” which is currently airing on Spike.

Season one consists of Zane and his crew visiting the following cities Phoenix, Sante Fe, Austin, Dallas, New Orleans, Florida, Atlanta, Virginia, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver, Salt Lake City, Boise, Portland, Napa, San Francisco, Las Vegas, San Diego and Los Angeles. Some of the highlight stops on the season come from New York, New Orleans, Florida and Vegas. The show also features Zane and Steve in a competition called “Six Six-Pack Challenge”, these were typical lame. Zane also tries to learn the history behind each location.

The special features on the disc great and jam packed. The first feature is almost an hour footage from the “Drinking Made Easy” Comedy Tour. If you are looking for deleted scenes you are in the right place as this has over an hour of deleted scenes. Unlike most deleted scenes they are worth watching. Lastly each episode has commentary from Zane and his crew, this is really funny stuff and adds a different aspect to the show.

Directed by: Rob Marshall
Starring: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush, Ian McShane, Kevin McNally
Distributed by Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running time: 136 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I know that most are not big fans of “At World’s End” but I am a fan of it for sure. This film is definitely ranks better though and does not disappoint. I really enjoyed the 3D version of the film since it is not over baring effects. I felt that it is very subtle and very vibrant use of the beautiful landscapes. The “Pirates” series succeeds due to Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow. He doesn’t do much different from his last go as the Captain but he could honestly just stand in place the whole film and people will flock. All in all this is a great release and a must buy for fans of the series.

This time Captain Jack Sparrow sets his sights on the fountain of youth. Standing in his way is his lost love Angelica, played by Penélope Cruz and his latest enemy Blackbeard, played by Ian McShane, who is the most feared pirate. Geoffrey Rush also returns and shines in the film as his changes sides and also seeks the fountain of youth.

The picture on this Blu-ray is fantastic and very clear. The landscapes were the film was shot were so vibrant and colorful. The film was actually shot in 3D and it plays off all that very well and is such a sight to watch. Disney’s 3D releases have yet to disappoint and I am sure they will only get better and better with each release.  The sounds like most if not all Disney Blu-rays impresses with 7.1 sound and really captures the score and effects really well.

The special features are a little light for Disney standard and especially for such a large scale film but still are worth a watch. First off we have audio commentary from executive producer John DeLuca and director Rob Marshall. It is not most entertaining commentary but it is worth a listen to hear about some production insights. The next feature “Legends of On Stranger Tides” features producer Jerry Bruckheimer, writer Terry Rossio, Johnny Depp, Rob Marshall and more about they chat about the behind the scenes of the fourth installment. “In Search of the Fountain” chats about the Fountain of Youth and the legends behind it. “Last Sail, First Voyage” focuses on our villain Blackbeard. “Under the Scene: Bringing Mermaids to Life” is a really cool feature as we delve into the film’s visual effects. There are five deleted and extended scenes; “Old Bill,” “Smart Now,” “Tonight,” “Tango” and “Voodoo Doll”, definitely worth the watch. “Johnny Vs. Geoffrey” is self-explanatory from its title putting Captain Jack with Captain Barbosa. There are few scenes from “LEGO: Pirates of the Caribbean”, which I would love to see as a feature. Lastly there is bloopers, which are very funny. One cool feature that called “Disney Second Screen”, which allows you to sync with your computer or iPad and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes content and more.