Blu-ray Review “Doctor Strange”

Actors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Mads Mikkelsen
Directors: Scott Derrickson
Rated: PG-13
Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Release Date: February 28, 2017
Run Time: 115 minutes

Film: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Doctor Strange” is easily of the best films that I have seen. It is definitely one of the best Marvel flicks that I have seen in a long time. I am honestly getting a little or more like a lot superhero fatigued. This film deals with time-traveling, world-bending and supernatural powers, which really interested me a lot. A must see for any fan. Cumberbatch is perfect in the role and I can’t wait to see what he does in “Avengers: Infinity War” and hopefully “Doctor Strange 2” on day soon.

Official Premise: From Marvel Studios comes “Doctor Strange”, the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident renders his hands useless. When traditional medicine fails him, he travels to remote Kamar-Taj in search of a cure, but instead discovers the mystical arts and becomes a powerful sorcerer battling dark forces bent on destroying our reality.

“Doctor Strange” is a visual marvel (no pun intended). I love this film and the way it looks is just perfect. The 1080p transfer looks amazing on Blu-ray. I am sure it looks even better in 4K. I personally prefer this film in 3D, which just looks so amazing. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 is amazing. I believe that this is in the running for top Blu-ray A/V merits for this year already.

The special features are quite awesome. Kicking off with a exciting and fun audio commentary track with director Scott Derrickson, which gives awesome into into the film and it’s production. It was recorded a day before the film was released, I would have preferred to have Scott cover more post release tidbits from fan requests etc otherwise it is great.

There are five featurettes that dive into the production. The first is “A Strange Transformation” which covers the basics – the cast, locations, story etc. “Strange Company” dives more into the character development. “The Fabric of Reality” looks at costumes and set construction. “Across Time and Space” looks into the stunts and digital effects.  Lastly there is “The Score-Cerer Supreme”, which focuses on Michael Giacchino’s score.

There is a piece called “Marvel Studios Phase 3 Exclusive Look” which looks at the films in the phase and Doctor Strange’s place within them. “Team Thor: Part 2” is follow up to the short film that nearly broke the internet last year! Can’t wait till “Thor 3”! Lastly there are a few deleted and extended scenes  included as well as a fun gag reel.

Blu-ray Review “Manchester By The Sea”

Actors: Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, Lucas Hedges
Directors: Kenneth Lonergan
Rated: R
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: February 21, 2017
Run Time: 137 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

“Manchester By The Sea” is a very rare film that I was unable to finish. I made it halfway through this film twice but I cannot finish it. I couldn’t stand it from the moment it started. This doesn’t mean that the acting isn’t good. Casey Affleck definitely did a great job. Was he better than Denzel Washington in “Fences”? No way! People have loved this movie I am sure but I am not one of them and its not the first time I heard someone else say that they couldn’t finish it either. Congrats to Amazon Studios but I will take a pass on this.

Official Premise: Casey Affleck heads a powerhouse cast in this acclaimed and deeply moving film from award-winning writer-director Kenneth Lonergan. After a solitary Boston janitor (Affleck) unexpectedly becomes the sole guardian of his 16-year-old nephew, he must come to terms with a past that separated him from his wife (Michelle Williams) and his hometown, as uncle and nephew unite for an unforgettable journey of love, community, sacrifice, and hope.

The Blu-ray presentation are solid but at the same time nothing special. The 1080p transfer doesn’t have any visual aspect that wowed me very much at all. It looks good though. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sounds good with the music and score but again nothing groundbreaking. The special features are rather weak as well. There is a “A Conversation with Director / Writer Kenneth Lonergan”, which is more like an audio commentary but I didn’t listen much there. There is also an EPK “Emotional Lives: Making Manchester by the Sea” and some deleted scenes included.

Blu-ray Review “Moonlight”

Actors: Naomie Harris, Trevante Rhodes, Janelle Monae, Mahershala Ali
Directors: Barry Jenkins
Rated: R
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: February 28, 2017
Run Time: 111 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

First of all let’s start with a BIG congrats to “Moonlight” for winning Best Picture during the 2017 Oscars and also to Mahershala Ali for winning Best Supporting Actor, in which he deserves for another impressive performance.  This wasn’t a film that I originally rushed out to see and it features some great acting. Personally not my cup of tea and definitely not the best picture of 2016, but worth checking out for the performances.

Official Premise: A timeless story of human connection and self-discovery, Moonlight chronicles the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough neighborhood of Miami. Anchored by extraordinary performances from a tremendous ensemble cast, Moonlight is profoundly moving portrayal of the moments, people, and unknowable forces that shape our lives and make us who we are.

The Blu-ray looks fantastic. I really love the way that this film was shot. The 1080p transfer is presented with a 2.38:1 aspect ratio. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is also very effective with the film’s score. The special features are decent and worth checking out if you enjoyed the movie. There is an audio commentary with the film’s director Barry Jenkins. I enjoyed this during a second viewing to get some great insight. There are also three featurettes on the production. The first is “Ensemble of Emotion: The Making of Moonlight”, next is “Poetry Through Collaboration: The Music of Moonlight” and last is
“Cruel Beauty: Filming in Miami”. Overall pretty solid release!

Blu-ray Review “Allied”

Starring: Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard, Jared Harris, Simon McBurney, Lizzy Caplan, Daniel Betts
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Rated: R
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: February 28, 2017
Run Time: 124 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Allied” is a solid film with a solid cast and a solid director but doesn’t deliver a completely satisfying film. “Allied” is what I call a one timer. I definitely enjoyed it but it is no likely to be something that I would watch again. I like the way that film was shot. Pitt and Cotillard really look the parts from the makeup to their attire. There was alot of detail put into this production to capture the specific era.

Original Premise: Oscar winners Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard star as Max Vatan and Marianne Beauséjour, two of the world’s deadliest spies, who fall in love while undercover on a top-secret mission and marry during World War II. But when Max learns his wife may be secretly conspiring with the enemy, he has only 72 hours to prove her innocence and save his family before he must do the unthinkable.

The combo pack comes with a Blu-ray and UV/iTunes digital copy. The 1080p transfer works perfectly with the way the film is shot and the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is on point with the film’s score and dialogue. The special features consist of ten featurettes covering the entire production from the story to the costumes to the vehicles, music and much more.

Blu-ray Review “Contract to Kill”

Actors: Steven Seagal, Russell Wong, Jemma Dallender
Directors: Keoni Waxman
Rated: R
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: February 28, 2017
Run Time: 90 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

I have to admit I have a sweet spot for anything with Steven Seagal. “Contract to Kill” though just feels like him collecting a paycheck for really no effort. This film is lazy as is Seagal’s performance. It’s hard to critique him because I am a fan but he just is sleep walking through this film and it really shows. Hopefully his next role (aka cash-in check) will be better. I will still loyally watch, I am sure.

Official Premise: Action star Steven Seagal stars as a government enforcer investigating a terrorist plot that leads him and his team to Istanbul. There, they uncover an extremist plan to use drug-smuggling routes to bring deadly weapons — and leaders — into the U.S. To prevent an attack on America, Harmon must turn these two savage forces against one another before his time — and luck — runs out.

Lionsgate is releasing this film as a Blu-ray and Digital HD combo pack. The A/V on the Blu-ray aren’t anything special. The shaky camera used in the film makes it annoying to watch and keep track of Seagal. Like the film itself, there isn’t much content in the special features department. The other extra included is “The Making of Contract to Kill” featurette, which is a brief look into the production.

Blu-ray Review “Nocturnal Animals”

Actors: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Directors: Tom Ford
Rated: R
Studio: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: February 21, 2017
Run Time: 116 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

“Nocturnal Animals” is easily one of the worst films I saw in 2016. I was so damn bored watching this movie. The story was so interesting at first but after a little bit it just lost me and I was left waiting for a big payoff that might have not made me feel like I wasted two hours of my life…but it never came. Acting wise the film is a hit, Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon and Aaron Taylor-Johnson are all outstanding and that is where the two stars came from in my rating. If you are a hardcore Tom Ford fan, you might enjoy but I am not and I didn’t. Hard pass on this one folks!

Official Premise: Susan (Amy Adams) is living through an unfulfilling marriage when she receives a package containing a novel manuscript from her ex-husband, Edward (Jake Gyllenhaal). The novel is dedicated to her but its content is violent and devastating. Susan cannot help but reminisce over her past love story with the author. Increasingly she interprets the book as a tale of revenge, a tale that forces her to re-evaluate the choices that she has made, and reawakens a love that she feared was lost.

Universal released “Nocturnal Animals” as a combo pack including Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD copy. The 1080p transfer looks solid. I did like the way the film was shot. It was very well done. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track works well with the score to build up suspense. The special features are a bit of a let down three-part featurette called “The Making of Nocturnal Animals” including the following “Building the Story,” “The Look of Nocturnal Animals,” and “The Filmmaker’s Eye: Tom Ford.” No commentary with the cast/crew or anything else included.

Blu-ray Review “Bad Santa 2”

Actors: Billy Bob Thornton, Brett Kelly, Tony Cox, Kathy Bates, Christina Hendricks
Directors: Mark Waters
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Broad Green Pictures
Release Date: February 21, 2017
Run Time: 94 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

Billy Bob Thornton, Brett Kelly, Tony Cox all return for the completely unnecessary sequel. The 2003 film was a great film and that’s it. We never needed a sequel to this…did they see what happened to “Anchorman 2” or “Zoolander 2″…they didn’t learn. Kathy Bates and Christina Hendricks are to the cast but add no value, in fact I usually love Bates but she was flat out terrible in this. A few funny jokes but overall this just shouldn’t have happened.

Official Premise: Fueled by cheap whiskey and greed, Willie Soke (Academy Award-winner Billy Bob Thornton), teams up once again with his angry sidekick, Marcus (Tony Cox), to knock off a Chicago charity run by curvaceous Diane (Christina Hendricks). But the arrival of Willie’s horror story of a mother, Sunny (Academy Award-winner Kathy Bates), and “the kid” – Thurman Merman – may upset their plan. You better watch out, Bad Santa 2 is coming to town!

The Blu-ray presentation is nothing special but works for what it is. No complaints. If you want a Digital HD copy of this film included, you would need to shell out for the 4K Ultra HD release…but I wouldn’t waste your money. The special features aren’t anything special either. There are two versions of the film included. The Theatrical Version runs 1:32:16 and the Unrated Version runs 1:34:50. So it is really nothing extra included here making this worth it.

The special features included are “Thurman Then & Now” is as look into the actor between the two films. Next is “Just Your Average Red Band”, which looks at how raunchy the film is.  “That’s My Willie” Original Animated Series is a collection of animated shorts. “Jingle Balls” is (not a shocker her) the song “Jingle Bells” giving a dirty twist. Lastly there are a few deleted scenes, an alternate opening/ending and gag reel included.

Blu-ray Review “The Edge of Seventeen”

Actors: Hailee Steinfeld, Woody Harrelson, Kyra Sedgwick, Haley Lu Richardson
Directors: Kelly Fremon Craig
Rated: R
Studio: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: February 14, 2017
Run Time: 105 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

I am honestly surprised that “The Edge of Seventeen” didn’t get more attention. It packs some really solid performances from Woody Harrelson and Hailee Steinfeld. Woody has had a really nice comeback recently and I am glad to see him getting some great roles. Same goes for Hailee Steinfeld, she was amazing in this film. She is a far better actor that she is a singer. Typically coming-of-age aren’t my bag but this one is definitely worth checking out.

Official Premise: In the vein of classic coming-of-age films like Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club, The Edge of Seventeen is a poignant and hilarious look at what it’s like to be a teenager today. Growing up is hard, and life is no easier for Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld), who is already at peak awkwardness when her best friend Krista (Haley Lu Richardson, Ravenswood) begins dating her all-star brother Darian (Blake Jenner). All at once, Nadine feels more alone than ever. With the help of her reluctant sounding-board (Woody Harrelson), she soon discovers that what feels like the end of the world may just be the beginning of growing up.

Universal delivers “The Edge of Seventeen” as a combo pack including Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet copy. The 1080p transfer is nothing special but looks good enough for a coming-of-age film. The surprise here is the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track. It works with the film’s music but doesn’t really get used to it’s full potential. In terms of special features, this release is a major let down only including a gag reel and three very short deleted scenes.

Blu-ray Review “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk”

Actors: Joe Alwyn, Kristen Stewart, Chris Tucker, Garrett Hedlund, Makenzie Leigh
Directors: Ang Lee
Rated: R
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: February 14, 2017
Run Time: 113 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

Ang Lee’s latest film, “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk” was one that came and went so fast, but no one even noticed. Especially with a supporting cast including Co-starring Kristen Stewart, Chris Tucker, Garrett Hedlund, Vin Diesel and Steve Martin. I mean are you serious? This film was also the first 4K presentation of the film to be showed at 60 FPS…but watching it on Blu-ray you are missing most of the “experience”. The 4K Ultra HD (with 3D) is where this film would shine more…but we did not receive that version to feature. If you can get your hands on that edition, it is worth watching one. Not anything that I would see again but I did enjoy the performances.

Official Premise: The story is told from the point of view of 19-year-old private Billy Lynn (Joe Alwyn) who, along with his fellow soldiers in Bravo Squad, becomes a hero after a harrowing battle in Iraq and is brought home temporarily for a victory tour. Through a sequence of flashbacks, the truth about what really happened is revealed – contrasting the realities of the war with America’s distorted perceptions of heroism.

The standard Blu-ray’s 1080p transfer with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track are still both impressive not faults there at all but when you look at the potential of this film it is like watching it on VHS tape. You missing a lot of the purposeful detail. The special features are not great either. There are a few deleted scenes and four featurettes included about the production. Again, the 4K Ultra HD disc has more content.

CD Review: Mastodon “Emperor of Sand”

Related Content

Blu-ray Review “The Take”

Actors: Idris Elba, Richard Madden, Charlotte Le Bon, Kelly Reilly, Jose Garcia
Directors: James Watkins
Rated: R
Studio: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: February 7, 2017
Run Time: 92 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

I find it shocking that a film like “The Take” haven’t been given much attention at all, especially sine it stars Idris Elba, which is quite popular right now from “Star Trek Beyond” and upcoming “The Dark Tower” adaption of the Stephen King novels. The film is a by-the-book action thriller. It has some great moments but then gives into the typical “saw that coming” moments. This is worth checking out on a rainy day.  Just go in blind and keep expectations low.

Official Premise: Idris Elba (Star Trek Beyond) stars as Sean Briar, a rogue CIA agent who isn’t afraid to step on a few toes to solve a case. While roaming the streets of Paris, a pickpocket (Richard Madden, TV’s Game of Thrones) swipes a bag containing a bomb and inadvertently ruins a bank heist attempt by corrupt French government officials. Now labeled as a terrorist threat and running for his life, the only person who can save him is Sean. This unlikely duo joins forces to solve the case before they become victims in a devious plot of international conspiracy.

“The Take” arrives as a combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD. The Blu-ray is presented in 1080p with DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround. I was impressed with the audio track for sure and it definitely showed up during the action sequences. The special features are strongly lacking. There is only one extra included, which is “Making The Take”, which briefly takes us behind-the-scenes into the film.

4K Ultra HD Review “John Wick”

Actors: Keanu Reeves, Willem Dafoe, Dean Winters, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen
Director: Chad Stahelski
Rated: R
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: February 7, 2017
Run Time: 101 minutes

Film: 4.5 out of 5 stars
4K Ultra HD: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“John Wick” was easily one of the best films of 2014. It is fresh, raw and not afraid to give you the middle finger. Keanu Reeves is beyond badass in this movie…simply beyond. It is just an insane movie and has become the start of a fantastic new franchise. This new combo pack includes a 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital HD + UltraViolet copy. Let me just say that if I wanted to show off my 4K TV and player with movie. I have a new flagship Blu-ray to demonstrate the features, no questions. This is a must purchase.

Official Premise: An ex-hitman comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that took everything from him. With New York City as his bullet-riddled playground, “John Wick” (Keanu Reeves) is a fresh and stylized take on the “assassin genre.”

“John Wick” is one of the movies that I would highly recommend this is worth the upgrade to 4K UHD. The 2160p transfer in 2.40:1 looks outstanding. There is a huge increase in detail for this film obviously due to the higher resolution. When I compared the Blu-ray to this, I was literally blown away. This release contains the same Dolby Atmos track that was included on the Blu-ray release, and it is still as amazing. Wall-shaking! The 4K Ultra HD disc comes with the same set of special features as the previous Blu-ray release. There is an audio commentary track, six featurettes and a trailer.

Related Content
  • Blu-ray Review “Live by Night”
  • Blu-ray Review “Justice League Dark” Deluxe Edition
  • Blu-ray Review “Life on the Line”
  • Blhttps://mediamikes.com/2017/01/blu-ray-review-roger-cormans-death-race-2050/u-ray Review “Keeping Up With The Joneses”
  • Blu-ray Review “Roger Corman’s Death Race 2050”
  • Blu-ray Review “Justice League Dark” Deluxe Edition

    Actors: Matt Ryan, Camilla Luddington, Jason O’Mara, JB Blanc, Ray Chase
    Directors: Jay Oliva
    Number of discs: 2
    Studio: Warner Brothers
    DVD Release Date: February 7, 2017
    Run Time: 76 minutes

    Film: 3 out of 5 stars
    Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

    “Justice League Dark” is the 27th DC Universe Animated Original movie believe it or not. They have been cranking them out recently. Honestly, it took me third sittings to complete this film. It really didn’t interest me much in the first half as it got the story ready and then I felt like it was rushed in the second half. It is rated R, which definitely gives it the edge it needed but it wasn’t what I was really hoping for from “Justice League Dark”. At least it brought back Matt Ryan, who plays Constantine in the story lived recent TV series to voice the character.

    Official Premise: When innocent civilians begin committing unthinkable crimes across Metropolis, Gotham City and beyond, Batman must call upon mystical counterparts to eradicate this demonic threat to the planet. Enter Justice League Dark, reluctantly led by the Hellblazer himself, John Constantine. Like Batman, Constantine is a cunning, often cynical loner who is the best at his chosen profession – but quickly realizes the sinister forces plaguing the planet will require help from other supernatural alliances. Forming a new “league” with sorceress Zatanna, otherworldly Deadman, and Jason Blood and his powerful alter ego Etrigan the Demon, this team of Dark Arts specialists must unravel the mystery of Earth’s supernatural plague and contend with the rising, powerful villainous forces behind the siege – before it’s too late for all of mankind.

    Other than Matt Ryan reprising his role, the rest of the voice cast is impressive as well. Jason O’Mara (“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D”) voices Batman again, Camilla Luddington (“Grey’s Anatomy”) voices Zatanna, Nicholas Turturro (“NYPD Blue”) as Deadman, Ray Chase (“Final Fantasy XV”) as Jason Blood/Etrigan, Roger R. Cross (“24”, “Arrow”) as John Stewart/Swamp Thing, Jeremy Davies (“Justified”) as Ritchie Simpson, Rosario Dawson (“Daredevil” TV series) as Wonder Woman, Jerry O’Connell (“Stand By Me”) as Superman, Enrico Colantoni (“Flashpoint”) as Felix Faust, and Alfred Molina (“Spider-Man 2”) as Destiny. So no shortly are talent here!

    The deluxe edition combo pack includes a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD copy in addition it also comes with a pretty kick ass Constantine collectible figure. The special features are solid as usual for a DC Original Movie. There is a cool “Sneak Peek at Teen Titans: The Judas Contract”, the nextDC Universe Original Movie. “The Story of Swamp Thing” gives a look at the fan favorite character. “Did You Know?: Constantine origin, Color of Magic, Black Orchid, and Deadman Casting” goes behind-the-scenes with cast/crew. There is the 2016 NY Comic Con Panel included as well as two bonus episodes “From the DC Vault”: Batman: The Brave and the Bold, “Dawn of the Dead Man!”Batman: The Brave and the Bold, “Trials of the Demon!”.

    Blu-ray Review “Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man”

    Actors: Leonard Cohen, Martha Wainwright, Teddy Thompson, Nick Cave, Kate McGarrigle
    Directors: Lian Lunson
    Rated: PG-13
    Studio: Lionsgate
    Release Date: February 7, 2017
    Run Time: 103 minutes

    Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

    “Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man” is a film that is over 10 years old but this is the first time that the documentary focusing on the legendary singer-songwriter, Leonard Cohen, and features performances of his songs by those musicians he has influenced is being released on Blu-ray. If you are a Leonard Cohen fan, I mean who isn’t, and have never owned this film, this is a good time to honor this very talent individual and his music. Crazy to thing that he is gone from us but at least we have films like this celebrating him.

    Narrated by Cohen himself, the film features performances by artists like U2, Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Jarvis Cocker, Antony, Martha Wainwright and Beth Orton and others singing Cohen’s songs. Here is the official premise: Sure to please both die-hard Cohen fans and the newly initiated, this film is full of captivating music and offers an intimate portrait of a truly singular artist — poet, songwriter, cultural icon.

    Lionsgate is releasing this film as a combo pack with a Blu-ray and Digital HD copy included. There are some solid bonus features included on this Blu-ray. There are exclusive performances not seen in the movie by Martha Wainwright, Perla Batalla, The Handsome Family, and Teddy Thompson that are worth checking out for sure. There is also “A Conversation with Leonard Cohen” and an audio commentary with the director, Lian Lunson, included. Worth checking out if you are a hardcore fan.

    Blu-ray Review “Vice Principals: The Complete First Season”

    Actors: Danny McBride, Walton Goggins, Kimberly Hebert Gregory, Georgia King, Sheaun McKinney, Busy Philipps
    Directors: Jody Hill, Danny McBride, David Gordon Green
    Number of discs: 2
    Studio: HBO
    DVD Release Date: February 7, 2017

    Season: 3.5 out of 5 star
    Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

    “Vice Principals” is the latest project from HBO’s “Eastbound & Down” co-creators Danny McBride and Jody Hill. It is a set series with two seasons and 18 episodes total. The first season consisted of 9 episodes was pretty kick ass and definitely left me wanting more. Definitely excited to see what they have cooked up for the second half of the series. Danny McBride and Walton Goggins are awesome together and play off each other really well. I would have loved to see this series go longer than just two seasons but I also appreciate when something has a proper beginning and end. Definitely worth binging on before season two airs this year.

    Official Premise: In this new comedy series “Vice Principals”, the longtime principal of a suburban high school steps down, leading ambitious vice principals Neal Gamby (McBride) and Lee Russell (Goggins) to both set their sights on the vacated top spot. But when new rival Dr. Belinda Brown (Kimberly Hébert Gregory) enters the picture, these bitter antagonists must form an unholy alliance to bring down the outsider by any means necessary.

    HBO is releasing this season as a combo pack with a Blu-ray and Digital HD copy included for this show. The special features are decent and worth checking out if you enjoyed the show. Who doesn’t love a good Blooper Reel?! This Blu-ray packs a bunch of solid laughs with this one included. There are audio commentaries for each of the episodes, which is awesome with cast/crew participating. This was a great way to re-watch the season and get to enjoy it more due to the comments. Lastly there are a bunch of deleted/alternate scenes included that are worth checking out.

     

    Related Content

    Blu-ray Review “Life on the Line”

    Actors: John Travolta, Kate Bosworth, Devon Sawa, Gil Bellows, Julie Benz
    Directors: David Hackl
    Rated: R
    Studio: Lionsgate
    Release Date: February 7, 2017
    Run Time: 98 minutes

    Film: 3 out of 5 stars
    Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

    “Life on the Line” is the latest film starring John Travolta and surprisingly packs a solid supporting cast including Kate Bosworth, Devon Sawa and Sharon Stone. Besides the fact that Travolta looks terrifying on the cover with his facial hair and strange hairline. I am still a fan at heart! This film definitely has problems but it also has some decent action-packed moments. So I will call it a toss up for everyone and a maybe for us Travolta fans.

    Official Premise: As a huge electrical storm sweeps towards Texas, lineman Beau (John Travolta) is haunted by memories of his brother’s death by lightning years earlier. Bailey (Kate Bosworth), the niece he helped raise, has a secret she needs to share with her boyfriend Duncan. But he and Beau’s brave team are racing to replace miles of power cables before the tempest strikes. Also starring Sharon Stone, Life on the Line is a tribute to the heroes who risk it all to keep us safe.

    “Life on the Line” is being released as a combo pack with Blu-ray and Digital HD included here. The Blu-ray is presented in 1080p with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround. Both looks and sounds great especially when the action kicks in. The special features aren’t great though. There is a “Life on the Line” Music Video by Fiona Culley featuring Darius Rucker and some Behind the Scenes with Cast/Crew Interviews included.

     

    Related Content

    Copyright: MediaMikes.com © 2017 · Powered by: nGeneYes, Inc. · Login

    All logos and images used on this website are registered trademarks of their respective companies. All Rights Reserved. Some of the content presented on our sites has been provided by contributors, other unofficial websites or online news sources, and is the sole responsibility of the source from which it was obtained. MediaMikes.com is not liable for inaccuracies, errors, or omissions found herein. For removal of copyrighted images, trademarks, or other issues, Contact Us.