Starring: Pamela Franklin, Roddy McDowall, Gayle Hunnicutt, Clive Revill, Roland Culver, Peter Bowles
Director: John Hough
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: August 26, 2014
Run Time: 95 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I remember as a kid seeing the VHS box for this film and never renting it. In fact, I still had never seen the film prior to this Blu-ray release. “The Legend of Hell House” has a sort of Hammer feel to it but takes too long to get going and the pay off is not worth the wait. There is a point when not seeing anything gets old. I expected some of that and then some reveal but it never came. Roddy McDowall is always great to watch though. Hardcore horror fans might dig having this on Blu-ray.

Official Premise: A team consisting of a physicist, his wife, a young female psychic and the only survivor of the previous visit are sent to the notorious Hell House to prove/disprove survival after death. Previous visitors have either been killed or gone mad, and it is up to the team to survive a full week in isolation, and solve the mystery of the Hell House.

I feel like Shout! Factory could have done a bit more with this release to be honest. It is not being released as a combo pack just a Blu-ray. The transfer is good but nothing spectacualr for the age of the film it looks ok but feels a little bit muted to me. The DTS-Master Audio Mono track does work with the successful score and the dialogue. The special features are bit lacking as well. There is a new interview with Director John Hough as well as a new audio commentary With actress Pamela Franklin. Both are good but we usually get more from Shout! Lastly there is an original theatrical trailer included.

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Carl Weathers, Stephen Tobolowsky, Timothy Dalton
Director: Angus MacLane
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 19, 2014
Run Time: 22 minutes

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

One of the best things to happen to “Toy Story” was the continuing of the franchise through Toy Story Toons. These are short and absolutely amazing mini-stories that have been shown in front of Pixar and Disney films since “Toy Story 3”. “Toy Story of Terror!” is the longest of the group and was planned as Halloween special last Fall. The film sees the original talents returning including Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Timothy Dalton, Don Rickles, Kristen Schaal, Wallace Shawn and Carl Weathers as series newcomer Combat Carl.  The film is a little scary but definitely another great installment in this franchise.

Official Premise: What starts out as a fun road trip for the Toy Story gang takes an unexpected turn for the worse when the trip detours to a roadside motel. After one of the toys goes missing, the others find themselves caught up in a mysterious sequence of events that must be solved before they all suffer the same fate.

The Blu-ray edition of Toy Story of Terror! comes in a Combo pack with a Blu-ray and Digital HD copy. The 1080p transfer is gorgeous like you would expect from the Toy Story franchise and Disney/Pixar. It crazy to believe but this special also comes with an epic DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track. I am really impressed with this track.

Toy Story of Terror! Blu-ray doesn’t come alone either as it is comes with three of Toy Story Toons shorts including “Hawaiian Vacation”, “Small Fry” and “Partysaurus Rex”. It also includes some never-before-seen bonus features as well. There are three Vintage Toy Commercials, which can be viewed as act breaks during the film or separately with Director Introductions. There is also an Audio Commentary, Deleted Scenes with Editor Introductions and “Team of Specialists,” in which director Angus MacLane goes behind the scenes.

“Toy Story of Terror!” isn’t the only Toy Story Toons short to get extras though, “Hawaiian Vacation”, “Small Fry” and “Partysaurus Rex” also come with audio commentary tracks. So if you think about you aren’t just buying this for “Toy Story of Terror!”, you are getting much more as well. Lastly there is also a D23 Teaser included. Disney/Pixar is tackling Christmas this year with the new special, “Toy Story That Time Forgot”, so I can’t wait for that and also up next is a new Toy Story Toons short, “Mythic Rock”.

Actors: Brendan Fletcher, Lochlyn Munro, Mike Dopud
Directors: Uwe Boll
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Phase 4 Films
Release Date: August 19, 2014
Run Time: 93 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I know many people are not fans of Uwe Boll at all. There is either a love or absolutely hate when it comes to his films. I have seen them all and I am definitely a fan for sure. In 2009, he released a film called “Rampage”, which was quite awesome in fact. Brendan Fletcher was the star of that and he returns in the sequel “Rampage: Capital Punishment”, which is a decent follow-up to the first film. It is more crazy yet at the same time more subdued. Fletcher is a highlight as Bill Williamson again. It is such a cool character. Boll fans should check this out. Stand tuned for “Rampage 3” as well!

Official Premise: Violent anti hero Bill Williamson has a plan to change the world by exacting vengeance on the rich, and ripping Washington apart. He holds a number of people hostage and uses his captives as his political platform to spread his message and awaken humanity. It’s time to destroy the system, and change won’t happen peacefully.

Phase 4 Films is releasing the film as a Blu-ray + DVD combo pack. The 1080p transfer is decent and definitely doesn’t feel love budget. But the audio track isn’t really up to par. In fact, included is only a Dolby Digital Surround track, I mean come on…this is a DVD track not a Blu-ray track. It sounds fine to be honest but the potential is missed. The special features included are a commentary track from Uwe Boll. I love this guy and it is a real hoot. There is also a making of featurette and a trailer included.

Starring: Jack Palance, Martin Landau, Cameron Mitchell, Kevin Peter Hall, Neville Brand, Sue Ane Langdon
Directors: Greydon Clark
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: August 5, 2014
Run Time: 89 minutes

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

“Without Warning” is a lost horror film that has never received a home release for the last 30+ years. We are even talking VHS here. Thanks to Scream Factory, this film has been given the Blu-ray treatment and rescued from a dark shelf. This 1980 alien horror flick stars Academy Award winners Jack Palance and Martin Landau in early roles. This film is not the greatest entry to come out the 80’s. The aliens looks laughable but for the budget they had in the film, it is acceptable. Worth checking out if you’ve never seen. Leave it to Scream Factory to deliver the classics to their fans for sure!

Official Premise: A group of teenagers head out to the lake for a relaxing camping trip in the mountains. They ignore the warnings of the local truck stop owner and head to their destination. Things go terribly wrong when they run into an extraterrestrial who throws deadly discs that suck the blood of their victims. The group heads back to the truck stop for help from the eclectic group of residents: a crazy war veteran (Martin Landau, Ed Wood) and a determined hunter (Jack Palance, Batman).

Scream Factory (child label of Shout! Factory) delivers this film as a Blu-ray + DVD combo pack. The 1080p transfer in 1.85:1 aspect ratio is not perfect but fairly decent for a film that cost next to nothing in 1980 and has been forgotten about since then. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 surround track, which works well with the film has going. Not a huge fan of the score though.

The special features are solid though. There is a great interview with Christopher S. Nelson and Tarah Nutter called “Greg and Sandy’s Alien Adventures”. “Producers vs. Aliens” is another great interview with the producer of the film, Daniel Grodnik. “Hunter’s Blood with Greg Cannom” focuses on the (laughable) make-up effects. “Independents Day with Dean Cundey” is another interview with the cinematographer. There is an Audio Commentary track with Producer and Director Greydon Clark, which is decent but not amazing. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer and still gallery.

Starring: Rory Calhoun, Paul Linke, Nancy Parsons
Director: Kevin Connor
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Shout! Factory
DVD Release Date: August 12, 2014
Run Time: 101 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Back in 2005, there was an amazing, no a perfect, TV station called Monsters HD. It gave us all our favorites and many lost horror films available in new HD transfers for the first time all in one channel. Of course it didn’t last very long because there is never any love for horrors channel, i.e. FearNET but there are 100+ different reality channels. Either way, on there was the first time that I caught this 80’s classic “Motel Hell”. It is a mix of “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” with “Psycho”. The film is still good for a few laughs and is quite of fun but not really one of my favorites.

This film has one very simple premise and it is either that it or leave it. “A brother and sister use their remote motel to turn tourists into sausage”. HAHA, it doesn’t get anymore basic than that. Classics 80’s slasher horror. It stars Rory Calhoun (“Angel”), Nancy Parsons (“Porky’s”), Nina Axelrod (“Cobra”) and John Ratzenberger (“Cheers”), and is directed by Kevin Connor (“From Beyond The Grave”, “At The Earth’s Core”).

Shout! Factory is releasing this film as a Collector’s Edition including a Blu-ray + DVD. I would love to see them everything start breaking into the world of Digital HD since having some of these films digitally would be great in the future. I have to admit though, The 1080p transfer is quite issue ridden. I was not blown away at all. It felt like I was watching it on a TV, where it was not full HD and there is tons of grain showing throughout. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 isn’t as bad as the video and sounds rather decent, especially Lance Rubin’s score.

The special features, like always for Scream Factory’s releases, deliver the good for horror fans. “It Takes All Kinds: The Making of Motel Hell” is a nice brand new collection of interview and behind-the-scenes retrospective. “Shooting Old School with Thomas Del Ruth” is chat with the film’s cinematographer. “Ida, Be Thy Name: The Frightful Females of Fear” talks about the lead female horror villain. “From Glamour to Gore: Rosann Katon Remembers Motel Hell” is an interview with the star, same goes for “Another Head on the Chopping Block: An Interview with Paul Linke”. There is a brand new audio commentary with director Kevin Connor, moderated by filmmaker Dave Parker, that is worth checking out. Lastly there is a trailer and some photo galleries included.

Actors: Tom Hiddleston, Tilda Swinton, Mia Wasikowska, Anton Yelchin, John Hurt
Directors: Jim Jarmusch
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 19, 2014
Run Time: 123 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

If you aren’t familiar with the work of Jim Jarmusch…let’s just say his films are an acquired taste. Very arty and poetic usually filled with his unique humor. “Only Lovers Left Alive” is no different. This is definitely a visual trip with some great underground music and amazing performances from Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston. They are also backed with great supporting cast including Mia Wasikowska, Anton Yelchin and John Hurt. With those people fed up with the overflow of vampire flicks, this is a unique and interesting spin the genre. Probably not a film that I can watch every day but definitely enjoyed it and worth checking out just for performances.

Official Premise: The tale of two fragile and sensitive vampires, Adam (Tom Hiddleston) and Eve (Tilda Swinton), who have been lovers for centuries. Both are cultured intellectuals with an all-embracing passion for music, literature and science, who have evolved to a level where they no longer kill for sustenance, but still retain their innate wildness. Their love story has endured several centuries but their debauched idyll is threatened by the uninvited arrival of Eve’s carefree little sister Ava (Mia Wasikowska) who hasn’t yet learned to tame her wilder instincts. Driven by sensual photography, trance-like music, and droll humor, Jim Jarmusch’s “Only Lovers Left Alive” is a meditation on art, science, and the mysteries of everlasting love.

Since the film is being released on Digital HD, I would have hoped that Sony Pictures Classics would have included an Ultraviolet code but that is a negative. The studio did the same thing with The recent documentary “Jodorowsky’s Dune” as well. The Blu-ray does includes a solid presentation including a very well shot 1080p transfer. You know that Jarmusch had a specific look he was aiming for this film and it is executed perfectly. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works with the dialogue and the great music. The special features are a bit of a let down though. There is a spotlight on the director with “Traveling at Night with Jim Jarmusch”, a few deleted and extended scenes and a music video for Yasmine Hamdan’s “Hal”

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Starring: Paul Williams, William Finley, Jessica Harper, Gerrit Graham, George Memmoli, Robin Mattson
Director: Brian De Palma
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: August 5, 2014
Run Time: 92 minutes

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

When I first discovered “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in the early 90’s, I set out to find what else was like that film. In my searching I came across the 1974 cult classic “Phantom of the Paradise”, which is Brian de Palma’s take on “The Phantom of the Opera” mashed-up with “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and “Faust”. All of the film’s songs were written and performed by legendary singer/songwriter Paul Williams. The music is always such a blast to review for this film. I got for years without hearing and I can pick it up and continue like I last here it yesterday. Finally, this horror/thriller classic is getting a great treatment on Blu-ray thanks to Shout Factory!

Official Premise: Brian De Palma’s glam rock version of the famous Phantom of the Opera story stars singer-songwriter Paul Williams as Swan, a music business tycoon who steals the work of talented composer Winslow Leach (Finley), along with his girlfriend Phoenix (Harper). Leach plans to get revenge, but his plans soon go horribly wrong and he ends up with a terrible facial disfigurement. Assuming a mask to hide his injuries and his identity, Leach’s next move is to sign a pact with a Swan to write a rock opera version of ‘Faust’.

“Phantom of the Paradise” looks stunning on Blu-ray for film that is literally 40 years old. This film has received several European Blu-ray releases in the past and this one is definitely the best one of the bunch. Shout! has delivered a solid 1080p transfer that is deserving of this epic film. They also includes two audio tracks inclduing a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and also 2.0 track. The music really benefits from the 5.1 track and honestly is a no contest when compared to the 2.0 track.

Shout! Factory is releasing this Collector’s Edition as a combo pack with Blu-ray and DVD. They really have given this release the works and added tons of great special features on both disks. “Brian De Palma Backstage at the Paradise” is a great brand new interview with the director reflecting on the film. “Paul Williams Soul Inspiration” is another great brand new interview with the man behind the film’s music. “Behind the Mask with Tom Burman” is yet another brand new interview with the film’s special effects supervisor on the Phantom.

There is a solid brand new audio commentary with Jessica Harper, Gerrit Graham and the Juicy Fruits (consisting of Archie Hahn, Jeffrey Comanor and Harold Oblong aka Peter Eibling). This is a quite entertaining trip down memory lane for the group. There is also another brand new audio commentary with Production Designer Jack Fisk. It is a bit more technical and not as exciting but still a nice addition. There is an interesting look at 11 alternate takes and are shown in split screen with the final version. Lastly there is a stills gallery includes as well as outtake footage from “Swan Song” and the story behind it from the film.

Normally, I would have been happy with just those extras but Shout! decided to go ahead and include a another slew of special features on the DVD as well. There is an awesome documentary called “Paradise Regained” with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. There is an awesome interview with Paul Williams that is moderated by Guillermo del Toro. There is a 2004 interview with Costume Designer Rosanna Norton. An Interview with Producer Edward R. Pressman and another with Drummer Gary Malaber. “Alvin’s Art and Technique: A Look at the Neon Poster” is a cool piece on poster designer John Alvin. Lastly is “Phantom of the Paradise Biography by Gerrit Graham”, “William Finley and Toy” & some promotional materials.

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Dane DeHaan, Jamie Foxx, Sally Field, Colm Feore
Director: Marc Webb
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony
Release Date: August 19, 2014
Running Time: 142 minutes

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

After the first “Spider-Man” in 2002, I was not a huge fan of the other two sequels, so when the reboot came around, “The Amazing Spider-Man”, I was not thrilled. When I finally saw it though, I was very pleasantly surprised, flawed but definitely a cool flick. So I had a some going into the second one. I have to admit, the film has got it all. This is what a Spider-Man flick should be like. It is a visual marvel and just a shit-ton worth of fun. There is a bit too much going on her but overall, it works out and makes this film a slick action-packed summer popcorn flick. The villains are good but since there are technically three of them in the film it gets a little crowded. Even though, I liked this film, though like the first one it is also a bit flawed and think Sony knows they need to reboot this series again if they want to keep everyone happy. More importantly, I say bring on the “Sinister Six” guys!!

Official Premise: We’ve always known that Spider-Man’s most important battle has been within himself: the struggle between the ordinary obligations of Peter Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of Spider-Man. But in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) finds that a greater conflict lies ahead. For him, there’s no feeling quite like swinging between skyscrapers, embracing being the hero, and spending time with Gwen (Emma Stone). But being Spider-Man comes at a price: only Spider-Man can protect his fellow New Yorkers from the formidable villains that threaten the city. With the emergence of Electro (Jamie Foxx), Peter must confront a foe far more powerful than he. And as his old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, Peter comes to realize that all of his enemies have one thing in common: OsCorp.

Whether you like “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” it is easily one of the best Blu-ray’s release to date this year. Sony really knows how to deliver and amazing release for it’s films without fail. This film comes as a combo pack with a Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet Digital HD copy. The 3D in this film is absolutely amazing. When I saw this in theaters, I was literally blown away. With the Blu-ray, I was curious how it was going to transfer to home release but holy smokes it is just as amazing. This 3D Blu-ray was the first film that I used on my Playstation 4 with the newly added 3D support on my also new curved 65′ TV and I literally was blown away by the presentation. The depth is outstanding and really works with the non-stop action scenes, especially the finale.

In 2D, this film also stands up, it loses that certain depth but it is still watchable for sure. So 2D or 3D, this film just has some unbelievable visual effects and looks just amazing. The clarity is perfect and the colors are so crisp. What I don’t like about this is that the box stated that this Blu-ray was mastered for 4K video but if you read closely it is only for the 2D, which is a bit of a downer to be honest.  For such a big film, I was expecting a 7.1 track but I remember Sony wasn’t as big on them, luckily the given DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless surround track is just perfect. From the action to the music to the dialogue, everything here is spot on and really makes this film even better.

“The Amazing Spider-Man 2” comes stocked with some great special features as well. They even have an audio commentary available on the 3D disc, as well as a trailer for the first film in 3D, so that is something at least. The audio commentary is with Writers Alex Kurtzman and Jeff Pinkner and Producers Matt Tolmach and Avi Arad. If you liked the film you need to listen to the track because it is quite entertaining and educational about the series.  Next up are nine Blu-ray exclusive deleted & alternate scenes with one of them has Peter meeting his father, so that is an interesting aspect that was not included in the film. These are available with optional commentary from Director Marc Webb. “The Music of Amazing Spider-Man 2 with Director Marc Webb” has the director talking about the score and working with Hans Zimmer. There is a music video for “It’s On Again” by Alicia Keys.

The real winner of this release is “The Wages of Heroism: Making The Amazing Spider-Man 2”, which is over 100 minutes long and comprised of six parts looking into the making of the film. The first is “Lessons Learned: Development and Direction”, which goes into the characters and design. “Heart of the City: Shooting in New York” talks about the city being a character of its own. “Triple Threat: Attack of the Villains” simply looks into the films baddies. “A More Dangerous World: Transforming Goblin and Electro” did a little deeper into the work taken to create these characters. “Bolt from the Blue: Visual Effects” goes into the visual effects used for many of the film’s major scenes. Lastly “Spidey Gets His Groove Back: Music and Editing” looks again into the film’s music and how it works with the film.

Starring: Karl Urban, Michael Ealy, and Minka Kelly
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: August 5, 2014
Running Time: 558 minutes

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When I saw that J. J. Abrams was Executive producing a new sci-fi/drama for Fox last Fall, I was psyched to check it out. “Almost Human” starred Karl Urban (“The Lord of the Rings” series, “Star Trek” series), Michael Ealy (“2 Fast 2 Furious”, “Barbershop” series), and Minka Kelly (“Parenthood”, “Friday Night Lights”). The cast is great and it had a cool idea but was rather poorly executed. Due to that this short-lived show was canceled after one season consisting of 13 episodes. Not sure if this show really caught on a fan base but thanks to Warner Archive, the show is available in a Complete Series DVD.

Official Premise: In this action-packed show set in 2048, a worse-for-wear cop teams up with a second-hand synthetic android to fight a strain of urban crime that’s evolved in ever more frightening ways. Detective John Kennex survived a catastrophic attack on the city’s police department that cost him nearly everything. Returning over a year later, he finds the transition difficult. Not only does he suffer guilt for the lethal ambush, but department policy now requires that every cop be paired with a highly evolved human-like android partner. Rejecting policy, Kennex reinstates an outdated Dorian android – whose somewhat dysfunctional platform is based on a “Synthetic Soul” program, allowing it to have emotional responses. It’s this flawed humanity, however, that connects Dorian and John. And together, they set out to keep the city safe, uncover the criminal conspiracy that threatens to destroy their world…and find their common humanity.

I think a show like this could have really benefited more from a Blu-ray release. Since even though it was canceled, the series still received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Special and Visual Effects. This MOD (manufacture on demand) release comes with all 13 episodes on 3 discs and is currently available to U.S. buyers via the studio’s WBshop online store. The episodes included in the complete series are Pilot”; “Skin”; “Are You Receiving?”; “The Bends”; “Blood Brothers”; “Arrhythmia”; “Simon Says”; “You Are Here”; “Unbound”; “Perception”; “Disrupt”; “Beholder” and “Straw Man”. There are no special features included besides the episodes.

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Voices of: Bob Denver, Alan Hale, Jr., Russell Johnson, Jim Backus, Natalie Schafer, Dawn Wells
Directed by: Hal Sutherland
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 292 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When I saw that this was coming out on DVD, I honestly have never even heard of it. I used to watch “Gilligan’s Island” as a kid though, so I know the idea around the show. This was in fact the second animated spin-off of the popular sitcom “Gilligan’s Island”. The first, which was “The New Adventures of Gilligan” aired in 1974-1975. What is cool about this is that the cast of “Gilligan’s Island” actually returned to their respective roles except for Tina Louise who played Ginger Grant. Dawn Wells ended up pulling double duty voicing Ginger as well as her own original character, Mary Ann Summers. Not the greatest of the bunch of cartoons that were born in the 80’s. If you are a hardcore fan of “Gilligan’s Island” and remember this show, it might be worth picking up.

Official Premise: It’s a brand new story about The Castaways! Leaving their tiny island after years and months and days, they built a little spaceship, crude but it could fly. They left their home and lost their way, between the stars and sky, they went from an island to star, lost on Gilligan’s Planet.” It’s true – The Castaways are now lost in space! They’re all here, in this strange, new world, Gilligan (voice of Bob Denver), the Skipper (voice of Alan Hale, Jr.), the Millionaire (voice of Jim Backus), his Wife (voice of Natalie Schafer), the Movie Star (voice of Dawn Wells), the Professor (Russell Johnson) and Mary Ann (voice of Dawn Wells). Now joined by Gilligan’s alien sidekick Bumper, they begin a whole new life on a whole new world, while still trying to repair the now space-worthy SS Minnow and return home from their infinite three hour tour. It’s something old, something new in this Saturday morning cartoon sit-com sci-fi romp!

I can’t imagine why 😉 but this show only lasted for 13 episodes in one season. The episodes are “I Dream of Genie”; “Turnabout Is Fair Play”; “Let Sleeping Minnows Lie”; “Journey to the Center of Gilligan’s Planet”; “Amazing Colossal Gilligan”; “Bumper to Bumper”; “Road to Boom”; “Too Many Gilligans”; “Space Pirates”; “Invaders of the Lost Barque”; “Wings”; “Super Gilligan” & “Gilligan’s Army”. This complete series DVD release is a Manufacture-on-Demand (MOD) release and it is available exclusively through Warner’s online store and Amazon.com. So this also means that if you do want this DVD, I would get it quickly since you don’t know how long it is going to be produced for. The episodes looks as good as you would think they would for this lost show. They are presented in their original aspect ratio: 4 X 3 full frame – 1.37:1. There are no additional special features included besides the episodes.

Starring: Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey, Steve Whitmire, Eric Jacobson, Dave Goelz
Director: James Bobin
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 12, 2014
Run Time: 107 / 119 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

“The Muppets” was easily one of my favorite films of 2011. It may have been a little cheesy but also nostalgic and plain fun, plus the music. I mean Bret McKenzie went on to win the Oscar for the win. I still listen to the soundtrack. So now that the franchise was rebooted, I am sure everyone was dying for a sequel…well unfortunately we got “Muppets Most Wanted”, which really feels like a downgraded version of “The Muppets”. The cast doesn’t do it for me at all either. Not a Tiny Fey fan, Never watched Ty Burrell in “Modern Family” and Ricky Gervais is too good for this film. It is a fun movie don’t get me wrong. There are some good laughs and song good songs but overall it is very forgettable. I guarantee it you I will not be re-watching or singing along to the music over two years later with this one.

Official Premise: There’s plenty of fun for the whole family as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Animal and the entire Muppets gang head out on a world tour. But mayhem follows the Muppets, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper. Now Kermit is behind bars at the mercy of prison warden Nadya (Tina Fey), and the World’s Number One Criminal, Constantine — a dead ringer for Kermit — has taken his place. As Constantine and his dastardly sidekick Dominic (Ricky Gervais) plot the robbery of the century, they are pursued by Sam Eagle and Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon (Ty Burrell). Will Constantine get away with his nefarious scheme? Will Kermit escape in time to save the day?

“Muppets Most Wanted” is being released with an The Unnecessarily Extended Edition, which included a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD Ultraviolet Copy . There are two versions of the film are included: the 107-minute theatrical version and a 119-minute extended cut. The extended cut is a hit and miss, to be honest. The 1080p transfer is good just like “The Muppets”, this has a slightly bigger feel to it and benefits from that aspect. Disney is trying out a new surround track for this release, which is a 2.0Mbps, DTS-HD High Resolution 7.1 track. It is good but not amazing like I would have expect from this kind of a track. The special features are also a let down as well. There is a 10 minute gag reel titled “The Longer Longest Blooper Reel in Muppets History”. “Rizzo’s Biggest Fan” is a Rizzo complain to director James Bobin about screentime. Lastly there is a deleted Statler & Waldorf scene and a music video for “I’ll Get What You Want” by Bret McKenzie.

Starring: James Spader, Megan Boone, William Sadler, Diego Klattenhoff, Harry Lennix, Parminder Nagra
Director: Joe Carnahan
Number of discs: 5
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: August 12, 2014
Running Time: 939 minutes

Series: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I remember the first time my wife made me watch an episode of “Boston Legal” and I was completely in protect since I wasn’t a big fan of procedural law or cop shows. Man, was my world broken open to the wonderful world of Allen Shore, played by James Spader and Denny Crane, played by William Shatner. When I saw that James Spader has a new show, I couldn’t be more excited to check it out. The show really gets your hooked to each episode. They throw out little bread crumbs and lead you in for their reveal to it’s numerous secrets. Spader really gives an outstanding performances as Raymond “Red” Reddington. It is just such a great role for him. I highly recommend this show and those who are fans already this DVD will hold you off until season two premieres on September 22th.

Official Premise: Raymond “Red” Reddington, one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives, surrenders at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C.. He claims the FBI and he have the same interests, that is, getting rid of dangerous criminals and terrorists. Reddington will co-operate, but insists he will speak only to Elizabeth Keen, a rookie FBI profiler. Keen questions Reddington’s sudden interest in her, despite his claim she is very special. After the FBI brings down a terrorist he provided information on, Reddington reveals that this terrorist is only the first of many. In the last two decades, he’s made a list of criminals and terrorists he believes matter the most; a list the FBI doesn’t know exists. Reddington calls it “The Blacklist”.

“The Blacklist: The Complete First Season” comes with some decent extras, even though there is more included on the Blu-ray copy, as well as a digital copy for the episodes. I would have loved to have that available to me as well. To start with the extras there are commentary track on the pilot episode, “Anslo Garrick Part 1” and “Berlin: Conclusion” with Jon Bokenkamp, John Eisendrath and Joe Carnahan. They are very informative and a great way to re-enjoy the show. If you want more you got it since there are literally twenty-two, that’s 22, making-of featurettes called “Beyond The Blacklist”, which looks into each episode. Lastly “The Insider: Behind The Scenes Of Season 1” looks into the making of the season, as a whole.

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Starring: Frank Welker, Matthew Lillard, Grey DeLisle, Mindy Cohn
Directed By: Paul McEvoy
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Warner Bros. Animation
Release Date: August 19, 2014
Run Time: 74 minutes

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

Warner Bros seems to be comes out with a new Scooby Doo original movie a few times a year now. They are usually all decent. The last one, “Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery” was quite awesome actually bringing the gang together with the WWE Superstars. “Frankencreepy” is a decent new movie but it doesn’t reach the level that the one before did. This is obviously aiming to attract the market looking for a Halloween flick to watch but coming out in August is just a little too soon for me to get into it. Might revisit closer to the holiday but overall, it felt like just the typical “Scooby Doo” movie, nothing special.

Official Premise: Scooby-Doo and those “meddling kids” Shaggy, Fred, Daphne and Velma are back in an all-new original movie. Velma discovers she’s inherited her great-great-uncle Dr. Von Dinkenstein’s cursed castle in the terrifying town of Transylvania… Pennsylvania, that is. Just when the Gang persuades Velma to go claim her inheritance, the ghost of Dinkenstein Castle blows up the Mystery Machine as a warning! Now the Crew must spring back into action, but this time it’s personal! Who’s responsible for the Dinkenstein monster? What family secret has Velma been hiding? Will Fred recover from the loss of his beloved Mystery Machine? Can any helpless snack survive Scooby and Shaggy’s monster-sized appetites?

Warner Bros is delivering “Scooby-Doo! Frankencreepy” as a Blu-ray/DVD combo with a HD Digital Ultraviolet copy included. Like all recent 1080p transfer for this franchise, they are very impressive. The animation style is very solid and looks great. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks works perfectly with the mystery/action aspect of the film. In the special features department are a step down from the extras in “Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery” as well. There are only two bonus episodes: “A Gaggle of Galloping Ghosts” and “To Switch a Witch”. Episodes were themed right for this release but not enough to leave you satisfied.

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Starring: Kevin Conroy, Matthew Gray Gubler, Neal McDonough, Troy Baker, CCH Pounder, Hynden Walch
Director: Jay Oliva
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: August 12, 2014
Run Time: 75 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

DCU Animated has been really stepping up their game and delivering some great titles in the last year or so. The latest focuses on the caped crusader and is based on the popular Arkham videogame series. It is definitely one of the best Batman direct-to-video adaptations. It has a solid story and a great cast of characters. If you are a fan of a video game series, I mean who isn’t, this is a must see.  I hope that they are planning on continuing this with more Arkham animated films. At least, this should hold you over until “Batman: Arkham Knight” is released sometime next year. I am curious to see what DCU Animated has planned next for “Justice League: Throne of Atlantis”. Keep them coming guys!

Official Premise: When the government assembles a group of supervillains — code named The Suicide Squad — and forces them to break into Arkham Asylum to acquire top secret information the Riddler has stolen, Batman becomes involved. But things go from bad to worse when one of the Squad, Harley Quinn, frees the Joker, who has the means to not only blow up the asylum, but most of Gotham City as well. Batman must use his super hero wits and strength to thwart the wicked plans of the Joker and the Suicide Squad.

“Batman: Assault on Arkham” features the voice talents of Kevin Conroy as Batman, Troy Baker as Joker, Eliza Dushku as Killer Frost, Hynden Walch as Harley Quinn, Neal McDonough as Deadshot, Matthew Gray Gubler as The Riddler and CCH Pounder as Amanda Waller. Troy Baker does an epic job of the Joker, which is not an easy role to nail. Kevin Conroy is amazing, as usual, as Batman. Eliza Dushku is perfect as Killer Frost and Hynden Walch, known for her work in “Adventure Time”, is spot on with her take of Harley Quinn.

Warner is giving this release the works with a combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy. Recently DCU Animated films have been getting known getting some high quality Blu-ray release, even though the productions are direct-to-video, the animated is extremely polished and look great. They also come with stunning DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround tracks. Nothing is different for this release, it has a strong sound and works well with the score and the action and a solid video presentation.

In terms of special features, fans are given the goods as well. There is a solid audio commentary track from DC Comics Animation creative director Mike Carlin, Assault on Arkham writer Heath Corson and executive producer James Tucker, they go super in-depth into the film and it’s production and it is a must-listen. “The Joker’s Queen: Harley Quinn” looks into the character. “Arkham Analyzed: The Secrets Behind the Asylum” talks about the history of the facility.  “From the DC Comics Vault” consists three episodes including “Task Force X” from Justice League Unlimited, “Infiltrator” from Young Justice, “Emperor Joker” from The Brave and the Bold and “Two of a Kind” from The Batman. Lastly there is a sneak peak of “Justice League: Throne of Atlantis”, the sequel to “Justice League: War”.

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Starring: Shailene Woodley, Ray Stevenson, Kate Winslet, Jai Courtney, Maggie Q, Miles Teller
Director: Neil Burger
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: August 5, 2014
Run Time: 139 minutes

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

When I saw the trailer for “Divergent”, it is just one of those films that right away I knew I was going to hate. I understand that I am not the targeted audience for this film but I did read (or at least attempt to start reading) the book, which I didn’t dig either. “Divergent” just takes way too long to get started and then by the time it gets some speed, it stalls out quickly. With all the hype I was expecting something epic but was left yawning more than sitting on the edge of my seat. If you adore films like “Twilight” and “The Hunger Games” then you should definitely enjoy this film. I don’t and I certainly didn’t enjoy this.

Official Premise: Divergent is set in a future world where society has been divided into five distinct factions. But Tris (Woodley) will never fit into any one group-she is Divergent, and what makes her different makes her dangerous. Targeted by a faction leader determined to eliminate all Divergents, Tris turns to the one person she believes she can trust: Four (James), an instructor for the militant Dauntless faction, and a man full of dark secrets. Together, Tris and Four uncover a mind-bending conspiracy that will put their courage to the ultimate test and forever link their destinies.

Despite for my dislike for the film, it does come with a solid AV presentation. The 1080p transfer in presented with an 2.40:1 aspect ratio. It looks quite amazing for this picture quality, which is sharp and super clear. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 is also quite impressive. It really gives this film a very big feel. The sound effects sound great and are well balance for this surround track.

Special features are ok for this release but nothing screaming Blockbuster. There are two audio commentary tracks. The first with Director Neil Burger, which is a bit of a bore. The next is with Producers Lucy Fisher and Douglas Wick, which is a little better. “Bringing Divergent To Life” is a solid set of four featurettes, running over 45 minutes. “Faction Before Blood” looks into the faction systems. Lastly there are some deleted scenes, a music video and a marketing gallery included.