Actors: Samuel L. Jackson, Ray Stevenson, Victor Garber, Felicity Huffman, Ted Levine
Format: Blu-ray, Widescreen
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
DVD Release Date: August 25, 2015
Run Time: 87 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

Samuel L. Jackson playing the President of the United States?! Sounds like a winner! “Big Game” is a fun film but it is also a very simple film. It is a straightforward tribute to 80s/90s adventure movies. It is definitely predictable and the a bit generic but at the same time it is fun due to its simplicity. Other than Jackson, the film posts an impressive cast including Onni Tommila (Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale), Ray Stevenson (Insurgent, Starz’ “Black Sails”), Victor Garber (Argo, Starz’ “Power”), Ted Levine (Shutter Island, American Gangster), Felicity Huffman (Cake, Transamerica) and Jim Broadbent (Cloud Atlas). All together this makes this film worth checking out as a rental.

Official Premise: In the rugged countryside of Finland, a young thirteen-year-old (Onni Tommila) embarks on a traditional quest to prove himself by spending twenty-four hours alone in the wild, armed with only a bow and arrow. After witnessing a spectacular crash, he discovers the escape pod from Air Force One, containing the President of the United States (Samuel L. Jackson). When they realize a group of kidnappers is hot on their trail with the intention of taking the president, this unlikely duo must escape their hunters as they search for the American Special Forces team sent out to find them.

The Blu-ray itself both looks and sounds great. The 1080p transfer really highlights all the films beautiful shooting locations and action scenes. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also works well with the big scope of the film. The only “special feature” included is an unrated cut of the film (not really a special feature though). The PG-13 cut runs just over 86 minutes while the unrated version runs about 90 minutes, so there is a little more there but nothing life changing plus the unrated cut features only a Dolby Digital 2.0 audio track, so it is definitely not the ideal way to view the film.

Actors: Nathan Fillion, Stana Katic, Seamus Dever, Jon Huertas, Tamala Jones
Number of discs: 5
Studio: Walt Disney Studios
DVD Release Date: September 1, 2015
Run Time: 982 minutes

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

It is really rare for a show to last seven seasons and then actually still be good. “Castle” is a show that gets better with each season. The cast rounds one one of the best ensembles for a show on television. Season seven was easily the best season to date. It featured our couple Castle and Beckett finally getting married, which was a great culmination of the seven seasons. I just love how this show was developed over the years and never ceases to include non-stop laughs as well as very intense drama. This show really knows how to blend the two so well. I can’t wait to see what they have planned for season eight. Bring it on guys! No slowing down!

Official Season Premise: The wedding bells are ringing, but will Castle and Beckett really tie the knot? An astonishing turn of events tears television’s most lovable couple apart in a captivating new season of ABC’s beloved and inspired series. Experience every unforgettable moment with Castle: The Complete Seventh Season. On the biggest day of his life, Castle is nowhere to be found…and it’s not because he has cold feet. Now, in a season of brilliant twists and turns, Castle and Beckett take on New York City’s most fascinating cases while they try to solve the mystery of their own relationship. Join them as they hunt for an “Invisible Man,” travel to the Old West and witness the return of their deadly rival, Dr. Kelly Nieman.

Even though ABC has never released this series on Blu-ray, this DVD has some good special features for us hardcore “Castle” fans. There are two audio commentary tracks included. The first is on the episode, “Driven” with Director Rob Bowman, cast Jon Huertas and Seamus Dever, and Writer David Amann. The other episode is “Reckoning” with Nathan Fillion and Michael Mosley, Creator/Executive Producer/Writer Andrew W. Marlowe and Executive Producer/Director Rob Bowman. There is an uncut webmerical for “Raging Heat” included, which is great.

There is an outstanding never-before-seen DVD exclusive music video created by Ryan and Esposito for Castle and Beckett’s wedding called “Definition of Love” performed under the name of Shay-Jean The Dynamic Duo.  Ryan and Esposito are two of my favorite characters ever and this video is absolutely amazing! Next is “The Cast Behind The Cast”, which goes into the shows background and stand-ins for “Castle” and their essential role in the show introduced by the cast. Lastly, there are some bloopers and deleted scenes, which are a fantastic treat for any fan of the show. You can tell that this cast really has a blast on this show.

Actors: Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Kathy Baker, Harrison Ford, Ellen Burstyn
Directors: Lee Toland Krieger
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: LIONSGATE
Release Date: September 8, 2015
Run Time: 112 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Blake Lively is definitely one of Hollywood most underrated actors. She is goregous firstly and secondly she can really act. “The Age of Adaline” was lost in the midst of a wave of summer blockbusters. It is a romantic film but it has this magical quality about it that really interested me throughout. I really though that the two leads also had good chemistry and really clicked. Other than  Blake Lively (“Gossip Girl”), she is joined by Michiel Huisman (“Game of Thrones”), Kathy Baker (“Edward Scissorhands”), Harrison Ford (“Star Wars”) and Ellen Burstyn (“Requiem for a Dream”)! Sick cast right? Definitely worth checking out.

Official Premise: After miraculously remaining 29 years old for almost eight decades, Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) has lived a solitary existence, never allowing herself to get close to anyone who might reveal her secret. But a chance encounter with charismatic philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman) reignites her passion for life and romance. When a weekend with his parents (Harrison Ford and Kathy Baker) threatens to uncover the truth, Adaline makes a decision that will change her life forever.

“The Age of Adaline” is released as a Blu-ray Combo Pack with a DVD and digital copy included.  The 1080p transfer looks amazing through all the different generations that Adaline experiences. The winner is definitely the Dolby TrueHD audio which features a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack, which really works with the period explored in the film. The special features are decent as well including deleted scenes, three features entitled “A Love Story for the Ages”, “Style Throughout the Ages” and “Discovering Young Harrison Ford: Anthony Ingruber, An Online Sensation”. Lastly there is  an audio commentary with the director giving some good behind-the-scenes insight.

Actors: Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins, Mark A. Sheppard
Producers: Robert Singer, Jeremy Carver, Phil Sgriccia, McG, Adam Glass
Number of discs: 4
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 8, 2015

Season: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Supernatural” hit a huge milestone mark this year with its approach to its tenth season! A lot of very successful shows have never even hit this mark yet “Supernatural” seems to have an ever growing and very loyal fan base. Plus the show itself seems to be getting better with each season. WB has been fully behind this season from the start and has committed to this show. The shows leads Jared Padalecki (Friday the 13th, “Gilmore Girls”) and Jensen Ackles (“Smallville,” My Bloody Valentine), who play Sam and Dean Winchester, seem to really love playing these characters. The Complete Tenth Season contains all 23 episodes from Season Ten and is also packed with over four hours of bonus content. Plus this show shows no signs of slowing down with “Supernatural” returns for its eleventh season this fall on The CW.

Official Premise: What do you do when embracing your bad self is the only option? Dean Winchester lost his battle with power-mad angel scribe Metatron, only to be resurrected by the power of the First Blade and now transformed into a demon, cursed with the Mark of Cain. The road to recovering wayward Dean takes brother Sam down sinister paths himself, with consequences that will shake the boys to their core. The Winchesters’ angelic comrade-in-arms Castiel must pick up the pieces in the aftermath of Metatron’s campaign to overtake Heaven. With his grace failing and rogue angels still loose, Cass faces the ticking clock of his own mortality while all-new and ages-old threats again push our heroes to their human and otherworldly limits. The 6-Disc, 23-Episode Season 10 will hold you spellbound.

The Blu-ray comes with a combo pack including a digital HD copy of the season. The show packs some great visual effects and they looks fantastic with the show’s 1080p Full HD Video. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio for English 5.1 track which sounds amazing with each episodes. The special features are also impressive as well. There is fun features like “A Very Special Supernatural Special” and “Supernatural Theatre: Staging the 200th Episode”..that’s right 200 episodes!! “The Winchester Mythology: Battling the Mark and the Blade” is good extras as well looking into that exciting fan. There is some nods at the fans with “Supernatural Fans” and “Supernatural at Comic-Con 2014”. There are also three audio commentaries included as well as various deleted scenes and a fun gag reel included rounding out the special features.

Starring: Ben McKenzie, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sean Pertwee, Robin Lord Taylor, Zabryna Guevara, Erin Richards
Number of discs: 4
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 8, 2015

Season: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Gotham” honestly was not my favorite show starting off. The first season takes a REALLY long time to get started, I would say close to ten episodes. The only really why I stuck along with it was because I felt that Robin Lord Taylor was enthralling as Penguin. I just loved his portrayal of that character in fact he ends up stealing the entire show. In fact, “Gotham” ended up having me favoring the villains over the good guys. Everyone from The Riddler to The Joker are getting their origin story here by the end of the season and that is when I fell in love with this show. So thanks to the wonderful villains, I stuck with this series and enjoyed it overall. I did notice that the season season focuses A LOT more on the bad guys and I think I was not the only one who wanted that more! Season two starts September 21st. Can’t wait!

Official Premise: The good. The evil. The beginning. When rookie Gotham City detective James Gordon, dedicated to restoring his crime-ridden metropolis back to its decent and illustrious past, catches the case of a murdered socialite couple, he promises their shattered, surviving son Bruce Wayne he’ll find their killer. It is an obligation and an obsession that will cost him dearly – and set the stage for the gritty and exciting world of Gotham. Inspired by DC Comics characters beloved by generations, this gripping hit series from the talents behind The Mentalist, CSI, Nikita and Gossip Girl reaches deep into Batman lore to uncover the sinister layers of corruption that secretly rule Gotham City, spawning ground of the world’s most iconic villains. Delve into the circumstances created the bizarre personas who would become Catwoman, The Penguin, The Riddler, Two-Face and The Joker in an entirely new chapter that’s never been told.

The Blu-ray comes with a combo pack including a digital HD copy of the season. Honestly, I wasn’t really too impressed with the “Gotham” that was created for this show. It felt very small and when spanned out quite CGI but it still looks solid with the the show’s 1080p Full HD Video. The DTS-HD Master Audio for English 5.1 track also works well with the occasion action. The special features are decent but include no commentaries, which is a bit of a bummer. First off we have “Gotham Invented”, which is a three-part behind-the-scenes look into the series. “Designing the Fiction” looks more into the visuals and locations and more from the series. “The Game of Cobblepot” looks depper into Robin Lord Taylor role. “The Legend Reborn” focuses on the show’s pilot. “DC Comics Night: Comic-Con 2014” showcases shows like Gotham, Arrow and The Flash. Lastly there are Character Profiles, a few unaired scenes and a funny gag reel included.

Starring: Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder
Number of discs: 3
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 1, 2015

Season: 3 out of 5 stars
Season: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extra: 3 out of 5 stars

I have been a long time fan of “The Vampire Diaries” since the first episode but since season five, I feel like it is losing me quickly with each new episode. I am tired of how they keep killing people off and then immediately bringing them back (*cough Bonnie cough*). This season is a big one for the show though since it is the final season with Nina Dobrev, the lead of the show, who is not returning for season seven. Honestly, this season was a bit shocking and definitely an improvement from the last. I am very curious now for season seven, and how they are going to continue this show without her.

Official Premise: The Vampire Diaries continues for a sixth season with delicious drama to sink your teeth into. Last season, after a passionate summer with Damon, Elena headed to Whitmore College with Caroline, not knowing Bonnie sacrificed her life for Jeremy’s. Meanwhile, Stefan and Caroline’s friendship deepened as they stood up to the Travelers, a nomadic witch tribe driven to strip Mystic Falls of magic and cast out its supernatural residents. In the shocking season finale, Damon, fearing he would lose his loved ones on the crumbling Other Side, made a huge sacrifice to bring them all back – with catastrophic and heartbreaking results. Season six follows the characters’ journey back to each other as they explore the duality of good versus evil inside themselves.

The Blu-ray comes with a Digital HD copy. The 1080p transfers are solid and the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks work well with the show. The special features are decent and worth checking out if you enjoy the show. “The Vampire Diaries: Good Bite and Good Luck” is final farewell to Nina Dobrev. “The Vampire Diaries: Best.Reaction.Ever.” include fan reactions from social media to seasons important moments. There is also the “The Vampire Diaries: 2014 Comic-Con Panel” included. As well as a PSA “Come Visit Georgia”, some deleted scenes and a gag reel included.

Starring: Joseph Morgan, Daniel Gillies, Phoebe Tonkin and Charles Michael Davis
Number of discs: 3
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 1, 2015

Season: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Season: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extra: 3 out of 5 stars

The first season of “The Vampire Diaries” spin off “The Originals” took some time to get started. The second season it starts to build up some steam but still doesn’t really stand alone for me. Maybe it is the supporting cast that I haven’t gotten on board with since I love the characters Klaus, Elijah and Rebekah (obviously this season is lacking Clarie Holt). Honestly, I am really losing interest in this whole “The Vampire Diaries” world lately. I really stopped watcing that show around season 5 and missed the sixth season all together. I am not sure if I plan to continue watching “The Originals” either, this season didn’t really win me over but it wasn’t terrible either. If you love these characters you will enjoy otherwise this is good for background noise.

Official Premise: As Original vampire-werewolf hybrid Klaus Mikaelson returned to the vibrant, supernaturally charged city of New Orleans, he was stunned to learn – along with siblings Elijah and Rebekah – that Hayley, a werewolf, was pregnant with his child, and his vampire protégé, Marcel, whom the Original siblings had thought long dead, was ruling the French Quarter. Soon a bloody war escalated between vampires and witches, the stakes raised by powerful teenage witch Davina, and by Klaus’s bond with Cami, a student with a painful past, and a ruthless pack of wolves seized the opportunity to stage a violent coup. Now, in season two, a new status quo must be adjusted to, as the newly empowered werewolves control the city. Plus, Klaus struggles with weaknesses and Elijah fights to save Hayley – now a hybrid – from a vicious spiral of self-destruction.

The Blu-ray comes with a Digital HD copy. The 1080p transfers are solid and the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks work well with the show. The special features are decent and worth checking out if you enjoy the show. “The Originals: Always and Forever” focuses on the cast and creators on season two. “The Awakening Web Series” takes a look into this companion series with Kol Mikaelson (Nathaniel Buzolic), also includes a behind the scenes look with the cast and creators of the digital series. there is also the “The Originals: 2014 Comic-Con Panel” included. As well as a PSA “Come Visit Georgia”, some deleted scenes and a gag reel included.

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Actors: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Morrison, Josh Dallas, Emile De Ravin, Colin O’Donoghue
Number of discs: 5
Studio: Walt Disney Studios
Release Date: August 18, 2015
Run Time: 966 minutes

Season: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Once Upon a Time” is a show that has been better with each season. With the star of a new season, the series adds so many great characters into this fantasy world. ABC (aka Disney) has an endless number of characters to choose from to continue this series for quite some time. This season has been split into two halves, The Snow Queen, which mixes in the world of “Frozen” and introduces Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, Kristoff to the show. The second half is the Queens of Darkness, which features a trio of villains including the return of Maleficent, and newcomers Cruella de Vil and Ursula. Other new characters introduced are the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Little Bo Peep, and Poseidon rounded out a very impressive fourth season. I can’t wait to see what they have planned for season five.

Official Premise: Soon after Emma and Hook unwittingly bring Elsa of Arendelle to Storybrooke, they encounter the mysterious Snow Queen, whose relentless obsession with both Emma and Elsa has chilling consequences. Meanwhile, it appears Regina has at last found true love with Robin Hood, but how will she react when her happy ending is thwarted yet again by a maddening twist of fate? Then, a banished Rumplestiltskin enlists the Queens of Darkness (Maleficent, Ursula, Cruella De Vil) in an insidious scheme to rewrite their own stories and corrupt the Savior by turning her newly blissful heart pitch-black.

The Blu-ray presentation is very impressive. All 23 episodes from season 4 look amazing with their 1080p transfer. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround tracks also impressive as well. There are some decent never-before-seen bonus features included. “Defrosting Frozen” looks into the introduction from “Frozen” into the series. “Behind the Magic Tour” features Josh Dallas and Ginnifer Goodwin taking us backstage. “Three Who Stayed” focuses on the lasting three residents from Storybrooke. Lastly there are some bloopers, deleted scenes and some fun audio commentaries included rounding out this impressive release.

Studio: Cartoon Network
DVD Release Date: July 14, 2015
Run Time: 561 minutes

Season: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

“Adventure Time” continues to be one of my favorite shows on Cartoon Network. The show is so inventive and plain out weird as hell. It has creativity slipping out from every scene. The colors are so rich and trippy. There is never an episode that doesn’t make me laugh out of loud yet at the same time a little freaked out. The fifth season is easily one of the best season’s to date as well. I love how the each episode of the show is able to be watched individually yet hardcore fans are able to appreciate the season’s continuity. I can’t get enough of this show…period!

Official Premise: Are you a Jake fan? Great! Because Season 5 has a ridiculous amount of momentous Jake moments!! Like when he became Jake the Dad. That time he tracked down Jake Jr.’s kidnapper (sort of). Who can forget the masterpiece that is his Most Delicious Sandwich?! And he shares these moments with his best bro Finn and friends in a total of 52 episodes, all for you!

Here is a full list of episodes: 1. Finn the Human, 2. Jake the Dog, 3. Five More Short Graybles, 4. Up a Tree, 5. All the Little People, 6. Jake the Dad, 7. Davey, 8. Mystery Dungeon, 9. All Your Fault, 10. Little Dude, 11. Bad Little Boy, 12. Vault of Bones 13. The Great Bird Man, 14. Simon and Marcy, 15. A Glitch Is a Glitch, 16. Puhoy, 17. BMO Lost, 18. Princess Potluck, 19. James Baxter the Horse, 20. Shh!, 21. The Suitor, 22. The Party’s Over, Isla de Señorita, 23. One Last Job, 24. Another Five More Short Graybles, 25. Candy Streets, 26. Wizards Only, Fools

Episodes Continued… 27. Jake Suit, 28. Be More, 29. Sky Witch, 30. Frost & Fire, 31. Too Old, 32. Earth & Water, 33. Time Sandwich, 34. The Vault, 35. Love Games, 36. Dungeon Train, 37. The Box Prince, 38. Red Starved, 39. We Fixed a Truck, 40. Play Date, 41. The Pit, 42. James, 43. Root Beer Guy, 44. Apple Wedding, 45. Blade of Grass, 46. Rattleballs, 47. The Red Throne, 48. Betty, 49. Bad Timing, 50. Lemonhope (1), 51. Lemonhope (2), 52. Billy’s Bucket List

If you are an “Adventure Time” fan then this a set is awesome because it features a whopping 52 episodes as listed above. That adds up to nearly 600 minutes of cartoon genius. The 1080p transfer looks awesome and really impresses on Blu-ray. There are two main downfalls to this Blu-ray though. The first is the audio track, which only boasts a poor Dolby Digital 2.0 track, which is barely DVD quality. The “Adventure Time” Blu-rays have all been the same with this feature and even though it sounds ok, we deserve better. The other is that that the only special feature included though is an exclusive Behind the Scenes featurette, which is cool but I would love some commentary for sure.

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Starring: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Anna Chlumsky, Tony Hale, Reid Scott, Timothy Simons, Matt Walsh, Sufe Bradshaw, Kevin Dunn, Gary Cole
Rating: TV-MA
Studio: HBO
Release Date: July 20, 2015

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

Normally, I would never find myself watching a political satire like “Veep” but I am so glad that I have since it is easily one of the best shows on TV right now. It is not only smart but hysterical at the same time. This show has been developed so well over its run and in it’s fourth season it is the best that it has been to date. The characters are fleshed out so well and only getting better. Can’t wait for season five to start!

Official Premise: Having become president after her predecessor stepped down, it remains to be seen whether Selina Meyer’s team will outlast that of America’s shortest-serving president, William Henry Harrison. With the stakes for Selina and her team higher than ever before, she must still run for election, and in the weeks to come they will grapple with how to make her seem “presidential.”

So since we are reviewing this season for digital HD, which was available since July 20th, there are still a good amount of special features included. Like the also recently released season for Silicon Valley, only thing missing that I would like would be commentary tracks. Included are two featurettes, exclusive, never-before-seen deleted scenes and a trailer. “Great Debates” includes some very funny moments from the season. “Invitation to the Set” features Julia Louis-Dreyfus and the cast previewing the season.

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Sofía Vergara, Michael Mosley, Robert Kazinsky, Matthew Del Negro, John Carroll Lynch
Director: Anne Fletcher
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: August 11, 2015
Run Time: 87 minutes

Film: 1 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

“Hot Pursuit” is literally an embarrassment of a film. It is sad to say that this film stars Academy Award® winner actress Reese Witherspoon (“Walk the Line,” “Legally Blonde”) and Sofía Vergara, who won be over in “Chef” last year, completely lost me after this disaster. Even running less than 90 minutes, this film is painful to watch. Stay away from this unless have absolutely nothing better to do…and then still stay away.

Official Premise: In Hot Pursuit, an uptight and by-the-book cop (Witherspoon) tries to protect the sexy and outgoing widow (Vergara) of a drug boss as they race through Texas, pursued by crooked cops and murderous gunmen. The film is directed by Anne Fletcher (The Proposal) from a screenplay written by David Feeney (TV’s New Girl) and John Quaintance (TV’s Ben & Kate).

Warner Bros is delivering this film as a combo pack. The 1080p transfer is good enough and the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround works as well for the action that’s here. The extras are nothing special either with three features included. “The Womance” looks into Reese and Sofía’s team-up. “Say What?” has the actresses trying to speak each others languages. “Action Like A Lady” is an action montage. Lastly there is an Alternate Ending included.

Own “Hot Pursuit” on Blu-ray Combo Pack or DVD August 11th or Own it Early on Digital HD July 28th

Actors: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Octavia Spencer, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller
Directors: Robert Schwente
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: August 4, 2015
Run Time: 119 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“The Divergent Series” is really not one of my favorite franchises in Hollywood right now. The first film was rather painful to watch, the sequel is a bit more entertaining. I do believe that Shailene Woodley (The Fault in Our Stars, The Descendants) is quite awesome though and definitely a really talent actress (but a girls gotta make a buck I guess). There is more action in this and I am sure it looks cool in 3D (thought not reviewed here) but still lacks the compelling story and drive to keep the audience interested. But I guess we still have two more films in this franchise left to try and make a good film.

Along with co-star Theo James (Underworld: Awakening), this film does back a solid co-starring cast including Octavia Spencer (The Help), Jai Courtney (Terminator: Genesis), Ray Stevenson (Thor), Zoe Kravitz (Mad Max: Fury Road), Miles Teller (The Fantastic Four), Ansel Elgort (The Fault in Our Stars, Carrie), Maggie Q (TV’s “Nikita”), Mekhi Phifer (Showtime’s “House of Lies”), Daniel Dae Kim (TV’s “Hawaii Five-O”), Ashley Judd (Double Jeopardy), Naomi Watts (King Kong) and Kate Winslet (Titanic)…too bad it can’t translate this film.

Official Premise: Based on Veronica Roth’s #1 New York Times best-selling novel Insurgent, The Divergent Series: Insurgent raises the stakes for Tris (Woodley) as she searches for answers and allies in this star-powered, action-packed second installment of the Divergent series. On the run and targeted by ruthless faction leader Jeanine (Kate Winslet), Tris fights to protect the people she loves, facing one impossible challenge after another as she and Four (James) race to unlock the truth about the past—and ultimately the future—of their world.

Lionsgate is releasing the film as a combo pack with a Blu-ray + Digital HD. Even though the film is not great, the Blu-ray is very impressive. The 1080p transfer is really solid and the CGI looks sharp. I am curious to check this out in 3D since the virtual reality scenes could be cool. The audio track is also impressive boosting a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, which does rock with the action and Joseph Trapanese’s score. If your system can’t support Atmos, it will convert till Dolby TrueHD 7.1, which does sound amazing still.

The special features are actually quite impressive even though it kicks off with a lacking audio commentary with Producers Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher. Not a super chatty piece but decent. The save grace is a kick-ass feature extra “Insurgent Unlocked: The Ultimate Behind-the-Scenes Access”, which has picture in picture options and bunch of production featurettes. “From Divergent to Insurgent” features cast and crew interviews. “The Others: Cast and Characters” focuses more on the characters. “Anatomy of a Scene: The Train Fight” looks into this film. “The Peter Hayes Story” looks into Miles Teller’s character. Lastly “Divergent: Adapting Insurgent to the Screen” features some more interviews and behind the scenes footage.

Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 18, 2015
Run Time: 79 minutes

Shorts: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

We all know that everyone buying this Blu-ray would be mostly for “Frozen Fever”, one of Disney’s biggest hits ever. Honestly, it is an amazing short and we have easily watched it ten times already. The new song is easily one of the best song Disney has ever created. Other than “Frozen Fever”, this Blu-ray contains two never before released on video shorts including “Tick Tock Tale”, and “Lorenzo”. “Paperman” is one of my favorite shorts…probably ever, same goes for “Tangled Ever After”, which is full of laughs and “Feast”, which definitely gets a smile on your face. I can easily watch this shorts over and over.

Official Premise: From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes an extraordinary new collection of award-winning and beloved short films featuring Disney’s Frozen Fever, starring Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Sven and Kristoff, and the Oscar®-nominated Lorenzo (Best Animated Short, 2004). The Short Films Collection includes contemporary shorts starring classic characters, such as the groundbreaking 2013 Mickey Mouse cartoon, Get A Horse! And the holiday treat Prep & Landing: Operation: Secret Santa, as well as celebrated Oscar winners Paperman (2012) and Feast (2014). Enjoy them together for the first time in this must-own collection with all-new extras including an inside look at the Disney Animation shorts, featuring introductions and interviews with the acclaimed filmmakers themselves.

Here are the complete list of the short films included: “Frozen Fever” (2015), originally premiered with “Cinderella”; “Feast” (2014), originally premiered with “Big Hero 6”. “Get A Horse!” (2013), originally premiered with “Frozen”; “Paperman” (2012), originally premiered with “Wreck it Ralph”; “Tangled Ever After” (2012), originally premiered with “Beauty and the Beast 3D”; “The Ballad of Nessie” (2011), originally premiered with “Winnie the Pooh”; “Tick Tock Tale (2010)”, previously unreleased; “Prep & Landing: Operation Secret Santa” (2010), originally premiered on ABC TV; “How to Hook Up Your Home Theater” (2007), originally premiered with “National Treasure: Book of Secrets”; “The Little Matchgirl” (2006), originally premiered with “The Little Mermaid Platinum Edition DVD”; Lorenzo (2004), originally premiered with “Raising Helen”; and lastly “John Henry” (2000), originally premiered in “Disney’s American Legends”.

Disney delivered a great release with a combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD and digital HD copy. The 1080p transfer is flawless as expected from Disney. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track is also amazing especially with Paperman’s score and Frozen Fever’s song. There are a few bonus features for nothing great. There are intros from the filmmakers before each short but they are like 30 seconds each and don’t give much info at all. There is also an interview with “Big Hero 6” star T.J. Miller. Lastly there is a final short film, “Runaway Brain” starring Mickey Mouse…but it is only available online using the Disney Movies Anywhere app or website.

Actors: Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Booboo Stewart, Sofia Carson, Mitchell Hope
Directors: Kenny Ortega
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: July 31, 2015
Run Time: 112 minutes

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

When I heard about Disney making a film focusing on the kids of their most famous villains, I knew that this was going to be a good idea. Top it off with extremely talent actors like Dove Cameron from Disney’s “Liv and Maddie”, Cameron Boyce from Disney’s “Jessie” and Booboo Stewart from “The Twilight Saga” and you’ve got a winner…not to mentioned that you have director and choreographer Kenny Ortega of the “High School Musical” franchise on board. The film is a bit long running near two hours but I enjoyed the talent and music was really run. My daughter has not stopped singing “Evil Like Me” since watching it. Highly recommended for Disney families.

Official Premise: Meet the next generation of villains in Disney’s DESCENDANTS! Imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost, home of the most infamous villains who ever lived, the kids of Maleficent (Kristen Chenoweth), the Evil Queen, Jafar and Cruella De Vil have never ventured off the island… until now. Sent to idyllic Auradon to attend prep school alongside the children of beloved Disney heroes, these villainous kids must execute a plan that helps their evil parents achieve “world domination” once again! Will Maleficent’s daughter (Dove Cameron) and the other rebel teens follow in their rotten parents’ footsteps or will they choose to embrace their innate goodness and save the kingdom?

The special features on the DVD include exclusive dance rehearsal footage and bloopers. The dance numbers in the film are fun and very fun to watch. So it was cool to see some of the work that went into making them. The bloopers were also a blast. My daughter loved watching them…in fact, we watched them a few times actually. Also include with the DVD is a free “Isle of the Lost” bracelet, which my daughter also hasn’t taken off since receiving it and makes sure to have it on during the three times we have watching this film this week. I hope that Disney high tails it with a sequel for next summer because we want more.

Actors: Robert Vaughn, David McCallum
Number of discs: 11
Release Date: August 4th, 2015
Run Time: 1560 minutes

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

To celebrate the release of the new reboot hitting theaters this August, Warners is releasing the original 1960’s series “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” on DVD in The Complete First Season. This release includes all 29 episodes. Even though this international spy spoof show was released over 60 years ago, it still has its charm and is a blast to watch. The series was nominated for 7 Emmy Awards over its four seasons.  If you are looking to catch up before you head to the theaters, this is a great way to get introduced or refreshed on the series that inspired the upcoming movie.

Official Premise: In this hit spoof of the spy genre, actors Robert Vaughn and David McCallum play the roles of top agents Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin who use their charm, wit, and a never-ending assortment of gadgets to defend the world from evil, chaos and bad taste. The successful series also stars Leo G. Carroll as Alexander Waverly and features guest stars such as William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, of Star Trek, Kurt Russell, Ricardo Montalban and longtime comedy favorite Ken Murray. From trying to save the world from fear gas to trying to save themselves from a pack of bloodthirsty cheetahs, these serious spies bring the suspense and fun to life. You may even forget it’s in black and white!

“The Man From U.N.C.L.E.: The Complete First Season” is just the beginning. I would expect the following three seasons to be released probably by the end of year or early next year. These episodes have been digitally remastered and look great. Personally, I would have loved an upgrade to Blu-ray but this is a good release. There are also some special features included. There is a featurette called “The Cloak and Swagger Affair: The Untold History of The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”. There is the original pilot shown in color “Solo”. Lastly there is a bonus feature called “U.N.C.L.E. V.I.P.S: A Celebration of The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Guest Stars”, of which there were MANY!.

Episode List:
1. The Vulcan Affair
2. The Iowa-Scuba Affair
3. The Quadripartite Affair
4. The Shark Affair
5. The Deadly Games Affair
6. The Green Opal Affair
7. The Giuoco Piano Affair
8. The Double Affair
9. The Project Strigas Affair
10. The Finny Foot Affair
11. The Neptune Affair
12. The Dove Affair
13. The King of Knaves Affair
14. The Terbuf Affair
15. The Deadly Decoy Affair
16. The Fiddlesticks Affair
17. The Yellow Scarf Affair
18. The Mad, Mad Tea Party Affair
19. The Secret Sceptre Affair
20. The Bow-Wow Affair
21. The Four-Steps Affair
22. The See-Paris-And-Die Affair
23. The Brain-Killer Affair
24. The Hong Kong Shilling Affair
25. The Never-Never Affair
26. The Love Affair
27. The Gazebo in the Maze Affair
28. The Girls of Nazarene Affair
29. The Odd Man Affair