Actors: Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Lena Headey, Hans Matheson, Rodrigo Santoro
Directors: Noam Murro
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: June 24, 2014
Run Time: 102 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 of 5 stars

When I heard about the plans for a sequel to “300”, I have to admit, I did roll my eyes a little. Honestly though, “300: Rise of the Empire” is a actually a really solid follow up to “300” and in same way even a better film than the first film. It is adapted from a screenplay by Zack Snyder and Kurt Johnstad, and based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel “Xerxes”. It has a great cast lead by the gorgeous Eva Green (“Dark Shadows”) along with Lena Headey (“Game of Thrones”) and Rodrigo Santoro (“Love Actually”) who return to reprise their roles. After watching this I was left just saying “Wow, that was crazy”. Highly recommend.

Official Premise: “300: Rise of an Empire” takes the action to a fresh battlefield — the sea — as Greek general Themistokles (Stapleton) attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge that will change the course of the war. Themistokles must face the massive invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes (Santoro) and Artemisia (Green), vengeful commander of the Persian navy.

Warner Bros is releasing the film as a combo pack with a Blu-ray, DVD and an Ultraviolet Digital Copy. This film was made to be seen in 3D and I am sure it is amazing in 3D but the film also worked very well in 2D. The 1080p transfer is easily one of the best that I have seen all year. It is flawless and really pops off the screen and that is not in 3D. I just love the style and this is just visually stunning. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track is literally insane and such a powerhouse! It had my walls shaking and my wife screaming to lower it, so that means it was very effective!

In terms of special features, there are some decent extras here. The main powerhouse here is “The 300 Effect”, which consists of four featurettes focusing on the film including “Brutal Artistry”, “A New Breed of Hero”, “Taking the Battle to the Sea”, which focus on taking the fighting to the sea and 3 Days in Hell” looks into the how the battle scenes were created. “Real Leaders & Legends” and “Women Warriors” shows us some of history legends that changed history. “Savage Warships” gives us an inside look into their creation. Lastly “Becoming a Warrior” looks into the challenge that was required to get ready for shooting.

Own “300: Rise of an Empire” on Blu-ray 3D combo pack, Blu-ray combo pack, 2-disc DVD special edition and Digital HD on 6/24

Starring: Colin Farrell, Russell Crowe, Jessica Brown Findlay, Jennifer Connelly, Will Smith
Director: Akiva Goldsman
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: June 24, 2014
Run Time: 120 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to fairy tales and supernatural tales, I am a big of a sucker despite the film being perfect or not. “Winter’s Tale” is one of those. It is far from perfect but I found something magical about it that drew me in and kept me entertained. Even though I was not a fan of “Saving Mr. Banks”, Colin Farrell was quite amazing in it. After “Les Miserables”, I am gung ho for Russell Crowe and he continues to nail it, even in this film. Jessica Rose Brown-Findlay is best known for playing Lady Sybil Crawley in “Downton Abbey”. What I want to know is how the hell did Will Smith end up in this film. That’s right Will Smith in a rather small but nice role. Even though this film was smashed by critics and failed at the box office, if you are looking to escape for two hours, I would still recommend it.

Official Premise: New York City is subsumed in arctic winds, dark nights, and white lights, its life unfolds, for it is an extraordinary hive of the imagination, the greatest house ever built, and nothing exists that can check its vitality. One night in winter, Peter Lake (Farrell), orphan and master-mechanic, attempts to rob a fortress-like mansion on the Upper West Side. Though he thinks the house is empty, the daughter of the house is home. Thus begins the love between Peter, a middle-aged Irish burglar, and Beverly Penn (Findlay), a young girl, who is dying.

Warner Bros is releasing this film as a combo pack with Blu-ray + DVD and Ultraviolet Digital Copy. One thing about this film that I did like very much was the way that it was shot and its use of colors. The 1080p transfer really looks phenomenal. I loved looking at this probably more than I did watching it as a whole.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track also has a certain magical feel to it, probably thanks to Hans Zimmer’s score. In the special features department, there is some but not much included. There is a look into the production, which was based on the 1983 novel in “Winter’s Tale: A Timeless Love”. There is a profile on the “Characters of Good & Evil” with cast. Lastly there are a few additional scenes included.

Own “WINTER’S TALE” on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD on June 24^th

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Starring: Daniel Tosh
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Comedy Central
DVD Release Date: June 17, 2014
Run Time: 462 minutes

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

There are two kinds of people either you are a Tosh.0 fan or you aren’t. I couldn’t stand him when it first started on Comedy Central but damn has he grown on me overtime and now I can’t get enough. After releasing the past seasons and “Tosh.0: Hoodies” and “Tosh.0: Deep V’s”, Paramount Home Entertainment is delivering us another collection of the best of the worst internet videos and viral celebrities from the latest season of “Tosh.0” brought to us by Host and comedian Daniel Tosh. If you love the show and looking for a few great laughs then I would definitely recommend “Tosh.0: Collas & Exposed Arms”.

Official Synopsis: Tosh.0 delves into all aspects of the Internet, featuring razor sharp humor and biting commentary from comedian Daniel Tosh. From the absolutely absurd to the incredibly ingenious, the series features viral clips, sketches, and “Web Redemptions” which give subjects of infamous viral videos a second chance to redeem themselves from the embarrassment with which they’ve become synonymous. It’s cable TV’s most trusted source for exhibitionist weirdos, injurious idiots and all things Web.

“Collas & Exposed Arms” comes presented in 1080p with a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track. Since a lot of the video were not shot in 1080p, there isn’t really anything too impressive here. It looks and sounds great but nothing special. Besides the 21 episodes includes, in the special features department, there are some Extended Redemption Interviews, which are definitely a must watch. Lastly, “Tiptoes Spoiler Uncut” is quite the hoot for sure. I can’t wait to see what Paramount has planned next for this great show.

Actors: Graham Skipper, Josh Ethier
Director: Joe Begos
Rated: Unrated
Studio: IFC Midnight
Release Date: June 17, 2014
Run Time: 79 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When you see the amazing poster for “Almost Human”, it is simply impossible for any horror fan to say “No” this checking this film out. Unfortunately after the opening scene, this film falls terribly apart and really loses its momentum. I can honestly tell you that we are going to see great things from writer/director Joe Begos for sure. But “Almost Human” suffers from a terrible cast and no budget. If they could have got some money behind this, they really could have hooked this film up good. There is some good gore for those horror hounds and it feels like an old school slasher but I was overall left quite bored.

Official Premise: Two years ago, Mark Fisher (Ethier, Contracted, Scavengers) disappeared from his home in rural Maine in a brilliant flash of otherworldly blue light. His friend Seth Hampton (Skipper) was the last to see him alive. Now, Seth is having disturbing premonitions that Mark has returned as something other than human. When grisly, violent murders start taking place in the community, Seth and his girlfriend Jen Craven (Leigh, The Last Halloween) discover that Mark is indeed back, and that there is something terribly evil inside of him.

In the special features department, there is a commentary track from writer/director Joe Begos and Josh Ethier. There is also another audio commentary track from Begos and Ethier (again) along with Graham Skipper and Cory Lockman. There is a feature-length making of behind-the-scenes look into the production. There is a on-set visit with Graham Skipper. There is the short film called “Toxin”. Lastly, there is a theatrical and alternate trailers, vintage TV spot and a photo gallery. This is a rare film where the special features are worth watching more than the film itself. I did enjoy the film more honestly with the commentary track.

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Starring: David Bradley, Jessica Raine, Brian Cox, Sacha Dhawan, Lesley Manville, Jamie Glover
Director: Terry McDonough
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
Release Date: May 27, 2014
Run Time: 90 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4.5 out of 5 stars

When I saw the advertisement for “An Adventure in Space and Time”, I thought it was another “Doctor Who” special or documentary, I had no idea that it was a docudrama about the origin of the show itself. The film stars David Bradley as William Hartnell, the actor who portrayed the First Doctor, along with Jessica Raine, Jamie Glover, Sacha Dhawan, Lesley Manville, Jemma Powell, Reece Shearsmith, Mark Eden and Brian Cox. The film has a certain television feel to it but I was literally in love with it from the movie it started. David Bradley is such an amazing actor and it was nice to see him take the spotlight for once and really shine. As a huge “Doctor Who” fan, I encourage everyone to see this if you are a fan of the series. It is a great story, well done and at the same time very entertaining.

Official Premise: Travel back in time to witness the dramatic birth of Doctor Who. Actor William Hartnell (David Bradley, Filch from the Harry Potter films, Game of Thrones) felt trapped by a succession of tough-guy roles. Wannabe producer Verity Lambert (Jessica Raine, Call the Midwife) was frustrated by the TV industry’s glass ceiling. Both of them were to find unlikely hope and unexpected challenges in the form of a Saturday afternoon drama, time travel and monsters! Allied with a brilliant creative team, they went on to introduce the world to the longest running science fiction series ever, currently in its 50th year and counting.

BBC Home Entertainment deliver this release as a 3-disc set Blu-ray + DVD combo pack. The Blu-ray includes the film “An Adventure in Space and Time” presented with a very impressive 1080p transfer and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround and a slew of extras. First off, we have “William Hartnell: The Original” features cast/crew talking about the actor.  “The Making of ‘An Adventure in Space and Time” is narrated by Carol Ann Ford and goes behind-the-scenes with cast/crew.  “Reconstruction: Four Sequences” has the producers talking about recreating the title shots. There are also two deleted Scenes included.

The second disc, which is a bonus DVD, is a real winner.   It includes “An Unearthly Child” from 1963, which is the original broadcast version of the very first “Doctor Who” series, in 4 episodes. It also includes the “Original Pilot of An Unearthly Child”, which shelved and never used. There is also commentary track available on both episode 1 and 4 of the original “An Unearthly Child”, as well as commentary for the 40 minute pilot. Lastly there are various theme music videos, comedy sketches and a photo gallery included. Disc three is a DVD version of “An Adventure in Space and Time” wrapping out this amazing combo pack.

Actors: Mike McFarland, Matthew Mercer
Directors: Tetsuro Araki
Number of discs: 4
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Funimation
Release Date: June 3, 2014
Run Time: 325 minutes

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

Starting off as a manga back in “Attack on Titan”, has quickly taking over the anime world. If you watch the first episode, there is literally no way you can’t get hooked. It is currently one of my favorite anime series out right now. This Part 1 release includes the first 13 episodes of the 25 episode series. I literally burned through the first 13 episodes in one day wanted more immediately. Funimation already set a release date of September 23rd for Part 2 for this series. I really hope they include the 2 OVA episodes as well. The series is also being re-adapted into two animated theatrical films set to be released Winter 2014 and 2015. The word is that there is also a live-action movie that will begin filming in summer 2014 for a planned summer 2015 release. So stay tuned “Titan” fans, there is still a lot of come!

Official Premise: When the man-eating giants called Titans first appeared, humans retreated behind massive walls. After a hundred years of safety, a colossal-sized Titan smashes through the defenses, unleashing a flood of giants and carnage in the streets. Eren Jaeger watches helplessly as one of the creatures devours his mother. He vows to kill every Titan walking the earth. Eren and his surviving friends enlist to fight against the insatiable monsters. The future looks bleak, but there’s more to Eren than meets the eye: he may be humanity’s last hope against extinction. The Titans have come to feast. Anything can happen. No one is safe.

Funimation is really delivering to its fan for this Limited Edition release. There is such a fanbase for this and they probably would have been happy with just the episodes on Blu-ray but Funimation went a step further and included tons of great goodies for this release. It comes with a 4-pin collection consisting of the Military Police Regiment, Scout Regiment, Garrison Regiment, and Cadet Corps. There is a replica of Eren Jaeger’s key necklace and also a sword necklace featuring the Titan flesh paring blades. There is a 3-D lenticular Art Card included. Lastly “Notes From Beyond the Wall: Part 1” is a 24 page digibook that is a great addition.

The 1080p transfer of these episodes look outstanding. I really love the style of this show. The announcement of the English dub cast was a big deal for this show and I was very happy with it myself. Bryce Papenbrook voices Eren Jaeger, know best for Rin Okumura from “Blue Exorcist” and Kirito from “Sword Art Online”. He does a great job. Also get voice actors include Mike McFarland and Matthew Mercer. The Dolby TrueHD: English 5.1 really delivered for sure. Of course also included is the original audio Dolby TrueHD Japanese 2.0 and English 5.1 surround tracks.

If the episodes and goodies wasn’t enough for you, there are over 100 minutes extras included on this release. First off we have “The Making of Attack on Titan”, which is a great behind-the-scenes look in this amazing anime. “Monster Character Theater – Fly! Trainee Corps” is a funny series of Flash animated shorts featuring the characters in Chibi form based on designs by Yuupon. There are two audio commentaries included on episodes 3 and 13. Lastly there is a photo gallery, textless songs and trailers included. I can’t wait to see what they drum up for Part 2!

Actors: Nicolas Cage, Tye Sheridan, Ronnie Gene Blevins, Gary Poulter
Director: David Gordon Green
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: June 17, 2014
Run Time: 117 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Everyone gives Nicolas Cage a hard time but I think the guy is amazing. “Joe” is no question of his best recent roles. It is powerful and very intense. This is the old Nicolas Cage. He is back! Director David Gordon Green has done indie films like 2000’s “George Washington” to big comedies like “Pineapple Express”, but it is nice to him him get back to his indie roots. Tye Sheridan broke out big after his role in Jeff Nichols’ “Mud” and this just continues the trend. This film got no attention in theaters, which is a shame since it deserves it. I highly recommend it!

Synopsis: Nicolas Cage delivers an intensely powerful performance as Joe, an ex-con with a hair-trigger temper who is trying to stay out of trouble, making an honest yet meager life for himself, and the unlikeliest of role models. But when he meets a troubled 15-year old homeless boy (Sheridan) in need of help from a violent and destitute father, Joe is faced with the heart-breaking choice of redemption or ruin.

Lions Gate is releasing this film as a combo pack with Blu-ray and Ultraviolet Digital Copy included. The 1080p transfer is very impressive. Green’s eye for picking out amazing shots have always been impressive. It is also complemented by the amazing visuals shot by Tim Orr. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is also very effective. The special features are a nice bonus as well. There are two featurettes “The Making of Joe” and “The Long Gravel Drive: The Origins of Joe” and some deleted scenes. Lastly there is a solid audio commentary track with director David Gordon Green, composer David Wingo and actor Brian D. Mays.

Actors: Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman
Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: June 17, 2014
Run Time: 100 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

Who does love playing with LEGO sets? I am in my 30’s and have love it as a kid and still as an adult, even my 2 year old loves playing with her Duplo sets already. “The LEGO Movie” came at the perfect time and really delivered one of the best animated film in a long time. The film is visually amazing, action packed and also extremely funny. As if LEGO wasn’t big enough, this film just a perfect addition. I loved the CG-animated style and the touch of stop motion animation was also brilliant for this film. It is just so creative and unique. I watched this film and already I can’t to wait to again very soon.

Official Premise: The original 3D computer-animated story follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as The Special, the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.

“The Lego Movie” features a fantastic voice cast including Chris Pratt (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) voicing Emmet, Will Ferrell (“Elf”) voicing Lord Business, Elizabeth Banks (“The Hunger Games”) voicing Wildstyle, Will Arnett (“Arrested Development”) steals the show voicing Batman, Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation”) as Metal Beard, Alison Brie (“Mad Men”) as Unikitty and Charlie Day (“Pacific Rim”) as Benny, the 1980-something Spaceman, Liam Neeson (“Taken) as Bad Cop and Morgan Freeman (“Now You See Me”) as Vitruvius. Since directorsPhil Lord, Christopher Miller directed “21 Jump Street”, the films stars Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill also pop in as Superman and Green Lantern.

The “Everything is Awesome Edition” comes as a combo pack with Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet digital copy. There is also bonus 3D copy of the film as well also includes an exclusive LEGO Vitruvius minifigure, collectible 3D Emmet photo and exclusive bonus content. What I love about this film is that you can enjoy it either in 3D or 2D. I watched it 3D for myself and then 2D with my daughter. Either way the film is still amazing. The 1080p video is so crisp and colorful. This film literally jumps off the screen whether it is 3D or not. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track is pumping as well. The action sounds great and of course the film’s hit single is…well…AWESOME!

The special features are also awesome for this release. “Dream Job: Meet The LEGO Builders” is an exclusive extra with the “Everything is Awesome Edition” release. There is an must listen audio commentary track with directors Miller and Lord, along with Pratt, Brie, Arnett and Day and even Banks calls in for a little bit). “Batman: A True Artist”, “Enter the Ninjago” and “Michelangelo and Lincoln: History are two funny short featurettes on the characters. “Bringing LEGO to Life” goes behind-the-scenes into the making of the film.

Who doesn’t love the song “Everything is Awesome”? It is so catchy. There is a great Sing-Along included. “See it! Build it!” shows you how to build things in the film like Emmet’s double-decker couch and his car. “Stories from the Story Team” mixes storyboards and animatic on scenes that didn’t make the final cut. “Fan-Made Films: Top Secret Submissions” are fan films introduced by Pratt. There are also outtakes, additional promotional content, Alleyway test footage and deleted scenes rounding out the extras.

Own “THE LEGO MOVIE” now on Digital HD and on June 17th on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD 2-Disc Special Edition http://bit.ly/LEGOMovieWBShop

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Starring: Tim Jenison
Directed: Penn Jillette & Teller
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: June 10, 2014
Run Time: 88 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Tim’s Vermeer” is a film that is film written by magician-duo Penn Jillette & Teller, directed by Teller, and produced and narrated by Penn Jillette. This was a film festival favorite and is making it’s way home to Blu-ray. It is definitely quite a unique documentary film. Tim Jenison is not only a fascinating topic, the film is also very entertaining and very funny, as the inventor attempts to solve one of the art world’s greatest mysteries. Since the magician-duo are know for their illusion, there is a certain magic aspect of the topic as well, since art does have that certain feeling. If you got 88 minutes to spare, “Tim’s Vermeer” is a very compelling film that will leave you very satisfied.

Official Premise: Tim Jenison, a Texas-based inventor, attempts to solve one of the greatest mysteries in the art world: How did Dutch master Johannes Vermeer manage to paint so photo-realistically 150 years before the invention of photography? Spanning a decade, Jenison’s adventure takes him to Holland, on a pilgrimage to the North coast of Yorkshire to meet artist David Hockney, and eventually even to Buckingham Palace. The epic research project Jenison embarks on is as extraordinary as what he discovers.

“Tim’s Vermeer” debuts on Blu-ray Combo Pack with a UIltraviolet digital copy. There is some great special features included as well. There is an awesome commentary with Teller, Tim Jenison, Penn Jillette & Farley Ziegler. If that isn’t enough there, is no joke, more than two and a half hours of deleted, extended & alternate scenes. Right there that is worth the purchase of the Blu-ray alone. Lastly there is a Q&A, which was taken from the Toronto International Film Festival.

Starring: David Carradine, Chris Potter
Created by: Ed Spielman
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed: Warner Archive
Release Date: May 27, 2014

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

“Kung Fu: The Legend Continues” is a spin-off of the 1972–1975 TV series “Kung Fu”. It ran from 1993-1997. I remember watching “Kung Fu as a kid and loving every single minute of it. Then I started watching the spin-off and I honestly just never got into it. It picks up after “Kung Fu: The Movie” with Kwai Chang Caine (David Carradine), grandson of the legendary hero of the Wild West, who teams up with his policeman son, Peter (Chris Potter), to tame the new Wild West – 90’s urban America. I guess it plays better if you are watching this in the 90’s, even though I wasn’t even thrilled then, but this show does not hold up today. If you are a hardcore fan, you may dig it otherwise it would have been better off getting lost in the wild west.

Official Premise: When we last saw Kwai Chang Caine, in “Kung Fu: the Movie”, he was united with the son he never knew he had in turn-of-the-century Wild West. Now, the son of that son, also named Kwai Chang Caine (David Carradine), must emerge from seclusion to save the son he thought lost. Like his legendary namesake, this Caine is also a warrior monk, operating a Shaolin temple in Northern California. After an evil priest, Tan (Ernest Abuba), destroys the temple, Caine and his young son, Peter (Nathaniel Moreau) each believe the other has perished. The two embark on very different paths ­ Caine wanders the Earth, while Peter (Chris Potter) becomes a cop. When fate brings the two together, they work to overcome their differing philosophies to battle Tan, and then help the innocent and bring justice to the new Wild West ­90’s urban America.

The best part of watching this show today is no question picking out all the guest stars from back in the day including Neve Campbell, Colm Feore, Katie Griffin, James Hong, Martin Kove, George Lazenby, Mako, Barry Morse, Sandra Oh, Regis Philbin, Mickey Rooney, John Schneider, Scott Speedman, Tara Strong, George Takei and of course Richard Carradine (Note these listed are throughout the whole series not just the first season). There are no special features included on this release, like most TV DVD series releases from Warner Archive. I assume that they are going to burn through the rest of this series mostly likely before the end of the year. So if you are a fan of this show, the next three seasons should be available soon so you can get all your 90’s cheesy goodness out.

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Starring: Robert Taylor, Katee Sackhoff, Bailey Chase, Adam Bartley, Cassidy Freeman, Lou Diamond Phillips
Developed by: John Coveny, Hunt Baldwin
Number of discs: 6
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Archive Collection
DVD Release Date: May 27, 2014
Run Time: 1003 minutes

Seasons: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Have to admit, I do watch a lot of A&E TV, thanks you “Duck Dynasty” but I am not super familiar with this show, “Longmire”. This crime drama premiered in June 2012 on A&E and is based on the “Walt Longmire” series of mystery novels written by best-selling author Craig Johnson. In fact the release of The Complete First and Second Seasons coincides perfectly with the third season, which premiered on June 2, 2014. The show has that Western feel for me, set in Wyoming. The show reminded me of the recent HBO series “True Detective”, it is slow to reveal but still entertaining. If you dig this show, saddle up since this Blu-ray debut will definitely rope you in.

Official Premise: Long shadows of secrets and murder hang over Absaroka County, Wyoming, jurisdiction of the tough and brooding Sheriff Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor) who’s been struggling since his wife¹s death a year ago. At the urging of his attorney daughter, Cady (Cassidy Freeman), Walt knows he must turn his life around. Aided by a new female deputy, Vic (Katee Sackhoff) and his oldest friend, Henry Standing Bear (Lou Diamond Phillips), he becomes re-energized about his job and runs for re-election ­ even though his ambitious younger deputy Branch (Bailey Chase) is a rival candidate. The unraveling truth about Walt¹s wife’s death will astonish the stoic lawman and his daughter.

Besides the main cast, the first two seasons have had a nice variety of guest stars as well including Louis Herthum (“The Last Exorcism”), Katherine LaNasa (“The Campaign”), Charles S. Dutton (“Roc”), Gerald McRaney (“Major Dad”), Michael Mosley (“Last Resort”), Lee Tergesen (“Oz”) and Peter Weller (“Robocop”). Since all this solving of murder cases take place under the big skies of Wyoming, I have to admit that the 1080p high definition transfer are quite impressive with their original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. Also Warner Archive delivered their best audio track yet with this DTS HD-Master Audio 5.1.

Also in a rare move for Warner Archive, they have a decent set of special features included. “The Camera’s Eye: Realizing the World of Longmire” talks about the shooting locations for the setting of the show. “Longmire Justice: Exploring the Cowboy Detective” takes us into the lead character. There are extended episodes for “Sound and Fury” and “Election Day” both with Intros by Executive Producers. Lastly, there is a featurette, “Testing Courage: The Storm Defines The Man”. Pretty impressive Warner Archive for sure. If they would have had some commentary track it would have been perfect.

75^th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition Arrives September 30 Limited & Numbered, With New Collectible Packaging, New Memorabilia and New Special Features Nationwide Celebrations Scheduled

Burbank, Calif., June 3, 2014 – On September 30, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) will honor one of the most celebrated motion pictures of all time with the Gone with the Wind 75^th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition on Blu-ray™ and Digital HD with UltraViolet.

Gone with the Wind — the quintessential Hollywood epic and still history’s all-time domestic box-office champion ($1.6 billion[1]), with more tickets sold than any other movie ever made – is a “must have” for classic film collectors. It will be fittingly presented in limited and numbered sets, with new collectible packaging, new enhanced content and new collectible memorabilia. The memorabilia includes a replica of Rhett Butler’s handkerchief and a music box paperweight playing Tara’s theme with an image on top of the Rhett-Scarlett kiss. Also included is a 36-page companion booklet featuring a look at the immortal style of Gone with the Wind, written by New York fashion designer and Project Runway finalist Austin Scarlett, whose signature look reflects the romantic elegance of the Gone with the Wind era.

The new special features include footage of Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh attending the original movie premiere in Atlanta and Old South/New South, a journey through today’s South, revisiting the real-life locations depicted to see how the world of the Old South continues to inform life in the New South’s cosmopolitan world. Gone with the Wind 75^th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition will be available for $49.99 SRP.

75^th Anniversary Celebrations Nationwide

To commemorate the 75^th anniversary of Gone with the Wind, the Harry Ransom Center at The University of Texas at Austin will launch the exhibition, “The Making of ‘Gone With The Wind.’” For the first time in more than 25 years, three original gowns worn by Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara, including the iconic green curtain dress, will be exhibited together along with replicas of the film’s other gowns. Additionally, more than 300 items from producer David O. Selznick’s archive will be displayed, including behind-the-scenes photographs, storyboards, correspondence, production records, audition footage and fan mail. Turner Classic Movies is one of the sponsors of the exhibition which runs from September 9 – January 4, 2015.

On September 22, WBHE will partner with The Actors Hall of Fame in a special 75^th Anniversary Gone with the Wind fundraising gala to benefit dramatic arts education in schools. Hundreds of stars and industry leaders will arrive ‘in costume’ at the historic Culver Studios where many key scenes of the movie were filmed. The gala will be streamed live from the Mansion on digital and social media around the world. Planned highlights of this special evening include the dedication of the Olivia de Havilland Dramatic Arts Education Center and a recreation of the famous Virginia Reel dance scene from the movie, with student actors in period costumes and a silent auction including Gone With The Wind memorabilia. For additional information on the events, go to www.hrc.utexas.edu and http://actorshalloffame.org/  respectively.

About the Movie

Gone with the Wind, lauded as one of the American cinema’s grandest, most ambitious and spectacular pieces of filmmaking, was helmed by Victor Fleming in 1939, the same year as the director’s The Wizard of Oz. It captured 10 Academy Awards^®[2] including Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress for Hattie McDaniel, the first Oscar awarded to an African-American actor. Margaret Mitchell’s Pulitzer-prize winning novel, on which the film is based, has been translated into 16 languages, has sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide, and even now, continues to sell 50,000 copies a year.

Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Olivia de Havilland, Leslie Howard and Hattie McDaniel star in this classic epic of the American South. On the eve of the Civil War, rich, beautiful and self-centered Scarlett O’Hara (Leigh) has everything she could want – except Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard). As the war devastates the South, Scarlett discovers the strength within herself to protect her family and rebuild her life. Through everything, she longs for Ashley, unaware that she is already married to the man she really loves (Gable) – and who truly loves her – until she finally drives him away. Only then does Scarlett realize what she has lost … and tries to win him back.

Special Features:

• Featuring footage including Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh attending the original movie premiere in Atlanta

• Old South/New South NEW! Take a journey of discovery through today’s South, revisiting the real-life locations depicted in Gone With the Wind, from Gettysburg to Atlanta to New Orleans, to see how the world of the Old South – and the themes depicted in the film – continue to inform life in the cosmopolitan world of the New South.

Gone with the Wind 75^th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition

Street Date: September 30, 2014

Order Due Date: August 26, 2014

Pricing: $49.99 SRP

Cat/UPC: 1000446620/6000079798

Note: All enhanced content and premiums listed above are subject to change.

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About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees, as well as directly to consumers through WBShop.com and WBUltra.

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Starring: Johnny Knoxville, Brian Cox, Katherine Heigl, Jed Rees, Geoffrey Arend, Luis Avalos
Director: Barry W. Blaustein
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: June 3, 2014
Run Time: 95 minutes

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

“The Ringer” is no question my favorite film of ALL TIME…about the Special Olympics. It is also one of Johnny Knoxville’s best roles to date alongside “Bad Grandpa”. The guy can actually act quite well when he is given the chance. This film is not only very funny but also has a big heart. ‘The Ringer” is a film that grows on you over time…and also is extremely quotable as well. I do not think a week goes by without either myself or my wife quoting this film. We will never be able to have ice ever again or talk about scratching a CD without thinking of “The Ringer”. I highly recommend checking this film out if you missed it over the years you will not be sorry.

Official Premise: Pressured by a greedy uncle (Brian Cox) and a pile of debt, loveable loser Steve Barker (Knoxville) resorts to an unthinkable, contemptible, just-crazy-enough-to-work scheme. He pretends to be mentally challenged to rig the upcoming Special Olympics and bring home the gold. But when Steve’s fellow competitors get wise to the con, they inspire him to rise to the greatest challenge of all: becoming a better person

The Blu-ray presentation for this release is good and what you would expect from a basic comedy. Solid 1080p transfer and good DTS-HD-Master Audio 5.1 track. I would have loved this release even more if Fox included a digital copy. In terms of special features, there is a jam packed audio commentary with director Barry W. Blaustein, screenwriter Ricky Blitt, producer Peter Farrelly and actors Johnny Knoxville, Edward Barbanell and John Taylor. There are some deleted scenes, a behind-the-scenes look with”Let The Games Begin: A Look at The Ringer” and a theatrical trailer included.

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Actors: Robin Williams, Gene Hackman, Nathan Lane, Hank Azaria
Directed by: Mike Nichols
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Release Date: June 3, 2014
Run Time: 119 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

“The Birdcage” is such a fantastic and very funny film. It was released during the peak time for stars Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. Topped with an amazing Gene Hackman, Dianne Wiest and Hank Azaria, who comes very close to stealing the whole show. It has been a while since I have last seen this film and it is still just as funny as the very first time that I saw it. “The Birdcage” is making it’s Blu-ray debut and it is crazy to believe that this wildly funny and successful film has never been released on Blu-ray before.  This is a great film but it is a not an overall fabulous debut on Blu-ray

Official Premise: Robin Williams and Nathan Lane team up with a top-notch cast in this hilarious comedy. Williams delivers an uproarious performance as Armand, a gay cabaret owner whose son announces he’s marrying the daughter of a right-wing politician (Gene Hackman). It’s an outrageously funny culture clash as Armand and his drag-queen partner Albert (Lane) try to transform themselves into straight shooters at a dinner party and pull the chiffon over the eyes of the uptight senator and his wife (Dianne Wiest).

This Blu-ray release was planned for the 90th anniversary of MGM and that seems to be the extent of it. There are no special features at all included for this release, which is just honestly lazy and a bit of a letdown. The 1080p transfer is solid and looks great for sure. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio track. If you have never owned this film on DVD and really don’t care about special features, I could see someone buying this release. But personally, I do not feel that it is worth the upgrade to Blu-ray if you already have the DVD unless you absolutely in love for this film.

Actors: Andrea Libman, Anna Cummer, Ashliegh Ball, Britt McKillip, Ingrid Nilson, Janyse Jaud, Kathleen Barr, Paul Dobson, Scott Mcneil, Shannon Chan-Kent
Director: Bob Hathcock
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: May 13, 2014
Run Time: 71 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Growing up in the 80’s and having a younger sister, I had been exposed to the world of “Strawberry Shortcake”. The franchise was rebooted in 2009 with the CGI animated series “Strawberry Shortcake’s Berry Bitty Adventures” based on the “Strawberry Shortcake” Franchise. Now I have a daughter of my own and she loves this new series. The animation is great. It is very colorful, fun and also educational. If you have a little girl, this is highly recommended for sure. We have had this for only two days now and already have watched it at least five times. So I have a feeling we are going to be getting a lot out of this DVD.

Official Premise: Join Strawberry Shortcake and her berry best pals on some sweet sunshine adventures! Blueberry makes a berry big blunder when she overhears Strawberry and thinks her friend is taking all the pals on a tropical vacation. After Blueberry makes some very funny attempts to make things right, Orange Blossom tries to build the girls their own fabulous resort. When they all work together to make it Berry Bitty City-style, it’s perfect…so perfect, in fact, that TV host Mavis Maraschino decides to do a segment on Cherry Jam right then and there! Will the girls ever get the Fun Under the Sun they’ve been dreaming of?

There are three episodes including on this DVD. “No Blueberry is an Island”; “Where the Berry Breeze Blows” and “The Berry Best Vacation”. Fox also included a digital copy of this and it has already been downloaded onto our iPad. There is really not a ton here in terms of special features but wasn’t expecting much for this kids release. There is a music video for “It’s A Beautiful Lovely Wonderful Day” and some printable coloring pages. If you want more of this show, like my daughter, season four of this show is set to air this year, so I had my DVR set and can’t wait for the new episodes. Hopefully Fox has a few more DVDs releases in the cards for this year!