“The Rise and Fall of the Clash”
Director: Danny Garcia
Number of discs: 1
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Shout Factory!
Run Time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

“The Rise and Fall of the Clash” takes a look at the life-changing effects that The Clash had on a generation. The film tells the fascinating inside story of rivalries, treachery, betrayal and the internal dynamics and managerial interference that ultimately led “the biggest band in the world” to self destruct. Directed by Danny Garcia the film is packed full with rare and candid interviews from surviving band members and those who were with the band on their rocket like rise to stardom and their irrevocable fall from grace.

Being a fan of The Clash I wish I could tell you that this DVD is one you have to have for your collection. Sadly that is not the case. Though not a bad film per say it didn’t live up to the hype of the listed highlights shown the back of the packaging which boasted “new interviews” and “rare performance and archival footage”. Yes there may have been some new interviews however the same story that we all have heard countless times was basically just restated in a poorly edited piece of film. At several points during my viewing of the film I had to stop the movie just to try and figure out where the film/band was chronologically in their history and what relation the story being told had to that place and time. If the poor editing wasn’t enough the interviews sound quality wasn’t anything spectacular nor was the lighting which at times made the scenes that may have actually been interesting very dark and unappealing to the eye.

If anything can be taken from “The Rise and Fall of the Clash” DVD it should be merely accepted as a collective piece for hardcore fans of the band and not something containing “new” material as found very little if anything that truly could be considered new.

Starring: Eric Roberts and Danielle Harris
Directed by: Harrison Smith
Not Rated
Studio: Image Entertainment
Running time: 1 hour 34 mins
Release date: April 15, 2014

Our Score: 1 out of 5 stars

The newly released “Camp Dread” is everything you think it is, yet nothing like you would hope. I have now viewed this movie twice. One reason for this is because I was trying to understand the premise. I understood the premise as a movie, but I couldn’t fully decipher what the characters within the story thought it was.

The second reason I watched this film twice was to double the on-screen time of Danielle Harris, turning her whopping four minutes and thirty seconds of screen-time into a full nine minutes. That’s correct, Danielle Harris, whose visage is on the cover art, is only in this movie for four minutes and thirty seconds. It is her character that bookends the story.

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS: Julian Barrett (Roberts) was the director of the 1980’s “Summer Camp” series of horror films. However, as the series ended so did his career. In an attempt to raise funding for a reboot of his glorious franchise, Julian returns to the camp where he filmed his beloved series. Under the guise of filming a reality TV show with a group of angst-ridden twenty-somethings, his aim is to use this footage as a visual storyboard for his reboot.

The movie begins with a group of people seemingly auditioning for a reality TV series. But when the group arrives at the camp setting it is made known that they are somewhat court-ordered to be there for therapy. They HAVE to be there, yet they were auditioning? At the same time, Rachel Steele (Felissa Rose) arrives. She is the actress whom starred in the “Summer Camp” series; but since then she returned to school and became a therapist. Showing off her skills as a therapist, she proceeds to read private and intimate information of each one of the campers aloud to the entire group; sharing the personal tragedies and traumas that each character has encountered.

Barrett also explains to his campers that they are part of a game of survival, and they all have the opportunity to win $1 million. The story has now become ‘Survivor’ meets ‘The Hunger Games’ as the campers must attend therapy while avoiding a pretend killer whom will take them out of the game; while simultaneously preparing the camp for its re-opening, and still all being a part of the reality TV show whose footage will be used as a storyboard for the reboot of the “Summer Camp” film.

Did you follow all of that?

This is why I had to watch it twice. The story is so convoluted that it borders on making no sense whatsoever.

Besides using the ridiculous gimmick of placing cameras all over the grounds, each camper has a camera attached to their chest; the footage from which I don’t ever recall seeing. The characters are in their twenties, as is repeated in the movie several times, yet they are all portrayed as if they were teen-agers. The characters are one-note and cookie-cutter, they bring no depth or substance to the story at all. There is not one character that doesn’t fall into an obvious cliché’. The dialogue is stilted and obvious; the punch-line to any joke is easy to predict before the set-up is finished.

This movie is not scary, nor is it funny enough to be a satire or a dark comedy. To quote Julian Barrett, “That would be funny… if that were funny.” And for a movie with the tag-line: ‘Pitch Your Tent. Dig Your Grave.’ there should have been at least one tent in the movie: which there is not, since they all stay in cabins.

The only positives I have for “Camp Dread” is that it’s a good-looking cast. The men and women both aren’t bad to look at for an hour and twenty minutes. I also respect the use of practical gore effects over any computer-generated ones. The gore effects are decent enough, yet there are not enough of them for a movie of this genre. There also is a slight twist at the end of the movie, but by the time you get there it doesn’t matter. And when you fully analyze it you see how outlandish it really is.

For being the two main stars, Eric Roberts and Danielle Harris are both underutilized. Roberts could have done his scenes half-asleep and he would still be the best thing about this movie. Likewise, seeing Felissa Rose back in a “Summer Camp” setting is a nice touch of nostalgia; but all it really does is point out how good this movie is not. If you come upon this movie streaming on-line, it’s worth watching with a few friends, a bowl of popcorn and some rum; but there is no need to rush out and track a copy down. If you do watch it, though, watch it twice. That way it feels like it actually is a Danielle Harris movie. If I may suggest a better title: “Camp Dreadful!”

Actors: Adam Green, Joe Lynch, Corri English, Laura Ortiz, Dave Brockie, Dee Snider
Directors: Adam Green, Sean Becker
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
Release Date: April 8, 2014
Run Time: 220 minutes

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

If you are a horror fan, then plain and simple it is in your blood to love “Holliston”. It was created by and also stars Adam Green (“Hatchet” series) along with Joe Lynch (“Wrong Turn 2”, “Chillerama”), who also executive produced. These guys are very talent directors and are taking over the genre. The series also crosses over into horror-metal music as well with appearances from Dee Snider and the late Dave Brockie aka Oderus Urungus from the band GWAR. The show focuses on some hororr themes but is also funny as hell and totally over-the-top. The second season amps up the ante with great new guest stars and takes the show to a whole new level of kick-ass.

Official Premise: The most original, groundbreaking sitcom to ever hit television is back with a whole new level of hilarity and outrageousness! Join Adam (Adam Green, Frozen), Joe (Joe Lynch, Knights of Badassdom), Laura (Laura Ortiz, The Hills Have Eyes), Corri (Corri English, Devil May Call), Oderus Urungus (GWAR’s Dave Brockie), and Lance Rockett (Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider) as they deal with zombies, werewolves, a suicidal horror icon, a cursed videotape, a psychotic 11-year-old girl and so much more!

Personally, this was a little hard for me to review right now with the passing of Dave Brockie last month. I have been a huge GWAR fan for the last 20+ years and he is gone just way too soon. He was hysterical in this show and was a legend in the music business. Some of the toher amazing guest stars from this season include Seth Green (“Family Guy”), Bailee Madison (“Trophy Wife”), Sid Haig (“The Devil’s Rejects”), Kane Hodder (“Friday the 13th” franchise), Danielle Harris (“Halloween” franchise), David Naughton (“An American Werewolf in London”) and more!

So like I said this season really stepped it up for the show. Some of the cool highlights include a Japanese horror inspired episode; a found footage episode and wraps up with an amazing season finale with not one but two musical numbers from the cast. If that doesn’t sound cool enough, also included is the uncut version of the show’s animated Christmas Special episode which bridgess the first and second seasons together.

But wait there is more! This Blu-ray also includes some solid special features. There are commentary tracks for each episodes including Creator/Star Adam Green, Director Sean Becker, Executive Producer/Star Joe Lynch and Star Laura Ortiz. There are is a great behind-the scenes look into the making of the show, which is a must watch for fans. There are some Deleted Scenes and Bloopers included. There are also some bonus Music Videos from the series.

Starring: Olivia Wilde, Sam Rockwell, Michelle Monaghan, Ray Liotta, Jane Fonda
Directors: Geoff Moore, David Posamentier
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Universal Studios
Release Date: April 15, 2014
Run Time: 92 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

“Better Living Through Chemistry” is a film that came out of nowhere for me but packs an amazing cast. Sam Rockwell was amazing in “The Way Way Back” last year. I fell in love with Olivia Wilde due to her role in “TRON Legacy”, Michelle Monaghan was great in HBO’s “True Detective”. Then wrapping up the cast is Ray Liotta, who is always great and Jane Fonda, who is a legend. The film is a fun dark comedy but takes its self a little too serious. I enjoyed this but I consider it a one-timer. It is just a shame that all that talent didn’t have the power to drive this film further.

Official Premise: Rockwell stars as Doug Varney, a small town pharmacist with an overbearing wife (Monaghan) and an uneventful life running the drugstore he bought from his insufferable father-in-law. Following a chance encounter with a lonely trophy wife (Wilde), Doug embarks on an exhilarating drug-and-alcohol-fueled affair with the most glamorous woman he has ever met.

Universal Studios is behind this release giving the film a combo pack release with a Blu-ray + Digital HD UltraViolet Copy. The film comes stocked with the typical comedy 1080p transfer and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. It is nothing special yet not bad either. There are no special features are included on this release, other than a digital copy which is really no longer considered a special feature these days.

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Starring: Scott Bakula, John Billingsley, Jolene Blalock, Dominic Keating, Anthony Montgomery, Linda Park
Number of discs: 6
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: April 29, 2014
Run Time: 1009 minutes

Season: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Well this is the end folks. Season four is the final season of “Star Trek Enterprise”. The series starred Scott Bakula, Jolene Blalock, Connor Trinneer, Dominic Keating, Linda Park, Anthony Montgomery and John Billingsley. These final episodes follows the adventures of the first Earth-built vessel capable of breaking the Warp 5 barrier. The show was no question cut off too show. Season four was one of the best seasons but luckily since being canceled it has spawned a nice new life with fans. Since being canceled though, this marks the first time that the series “Star Trek” has not had a TV show on the air since The Original Series. This is a must own for all Trekkies.

Official Premise: In the final harrowing season of Star Trek: Enterprise, timelines collide as Captain Jonathan Archer and his crew rally with humans and other species to form the Federation and prevent intergalactic war. Starfleet and the crew of the Enterprise are put to the test as they fight to avoid a deadly virus on the ship, deal with an alternate “mirror” universe, battle radical alien factions, and prevent the alteration of history – including a Nazi-occupied America. If the Temporal Cold War is not brought to an end, history and life as they know it will be forever altered.

Episodes included in this season are: “Storm Front, Part I”; “Storm Front, Part II”; “Home”; “Borderland”; “Cold Station 12”; “The Augments”; “The Forge”; “Awakening”; “Kir’Shara”; “Daedalus”; “Observer Effect”; “Babel One”; “United”; “The Aenar”; “Affliction”; “Divergence”, “Bound”; “In A Mirror, Darkly, Part I”; “In A Mirror, Darkly, Part II”; “Demons”; “Terra Prime” and “These Are The Voyages”

“Star Trek: Enterprise – Season Four” boasts the best Blu-ray presentation out of the series. The 1080p transfer on these episodes are fantastic. This season was quite ambitious and really looked great. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks are equally impressive. I am going to miss hearing that theme song circle my surround sound system, luckily these episodes have great replay value. Other audio track included are German 5.1 Dolby Digital, French Stereo Surround and Japanese Stereo Surround as well. The discs also include English SDH, French, German, Japanese and Dutch subtitles.

If you are a fan of this series, you know that they have been jam-packed with amazing new and ported special features. The real highlight to this release was “In Conversation: Writing Star Trek Enterprise”, which is an exclusive, 90-minute writing staff reunion special. It brings together series creator and executive producer Brannon Braga, along with Mike Sussman, André Bormanis, David Goodman, Chris Black, Phyllis Strong, and Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens talking in great detail about behind-the-scenes stories for this series. There is also a newly produced, four-part documentary “Before Her Time: Decommissioning Enterprise,” which includes more in-depth interviews with the cast and crew.

Those two new extras and much of the rest of the extras resides on the sixth disc. Disc one includes a Deleted Scene on “Storm Front”, an Extended Scene and Script Gallery: Original Editing on “Home” and Archival Mission Logs: Enterprise Moments: Season Four. Disco two includes a brand new episode commentary track with Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens and Mike & Denise Okuda on “The Forge”. There is also a text commentary from 2005 with Mike & Denise Okuda on “The Forge”. Disc three includes another brand new episode commentary track with Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens and Mike & Denise Okuda on “Observer Effect”.

Disc Four includes another brand new episode commentary track with Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens and David Livingston on “United”. There is also a Deleted Scene on “The Aenar”. Disc Five kicks off with five commentary tracks. The first is from 2005 with Mike Sussman and Tim Gaskill on “In A Mirror, Darkly, Part I”. On the same episode, there is also an episode commentary with James L. Conway, Mike Sussman and Mike & Denise Okuda, which is brand new. Mike Sussman and Tim Gaskill have a commentary track from 2005 on “In A Mirror, Darkly, Part II”, again also on this episod is a 2005 text commentary from Mike & Denise Okuda on “In A Mirror, Darkly, Part II”. The last episode commentary is with Connor Trinneer and Dominic Keating on “Demons”, which is also brand new. Lastly there is a Deleted Scene from “In A Mirror, Darkly, Part II”, Archival Mission Logs: Inside the Mirror Episodes included.

Disc Six includes yet another three commentary tracks. The first is a brand new track with Connor Trinneer and Dominic Keating on “Terra Prime”. There is a 2005 episode commentary track with Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens and Tim Gaskill on “Terra Prime”. Lastly there is a text commentary with Mike & Denise Okuda on “These Are The Voyages” from 2005. There is a four part featurette including, “New Voices”, “Memorable Voyages”, “Final Approach” and “End of an Era”. Rounding out there extras are a few Archival Mission Logs, Outtakes Photo Gallery and an NX-01 File 10. Great way to close out a series.

Actors: James Spader, Steve Harris, Camryn Manheim, Michael Badalucco
Directors: Dennis Smith
Number of discs: 6
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Shout! Factory
DVD Release Date: April 15, 2014
Run Time: 960 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have to admit, I had never seen David E. Kelley’s Emmy® Award-winning legal drama but I was a HUGE fan of “Boston Legal”, which was this shows spin-off. This eighth and final season of “The Practice” was really awesome and perfectly set up the pass for the equally critically acclaimed spin-off, “Boston Legal”. I am never usually a big fan of law shows but David E. Kelley really knows how to deliver a powerful show.

This season introduced us to not only the debut of Alan Shore, but early appearances from Tara Wilson (Rhona Mitra), Catherine Piper (Betty White), Sally Heep (Lake Bell)… and the legendary attorney Denny Crane (William Shatner). The Alan Shore/Denny Crane relationship was something that can never be recreated on TV. Absolute thing of beauty. This final season of “The Practice” is a must-own for fans of “Boston Legal”.

Official Premise: Major upheavals have left Ellenor (Camryn Manheim), Eugene (Steve Harris) and Jimmy (Michael Badalucco) in charge of the firm. In an attempt to rebuild their ranks, Ellenor hires an old friend: the enigmatic and ethically-challenged Alan Shore (James Spader). Shore’s brilliant-yet-highly-unorthodox methods succeed in winning big cases — but will they also threaten the future of the firm?

I know this show has never received a Blu-ray release but I would have loved to see this season get that treatment. Just like I have been holding out buying the complete series of “Boston Legal” until they get released on Blu-ray. There are no additional special features on this release besides the 22 episodes. I would have loved to had some commentary tracks included on these episodes from the cast/crew.

Starring: Danny Trejo, Danny Glover, Andrew Divoff, Jacqueline Obradors, Jonathan Lipnicki, Dante Basco
Director: Craig Moss
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: April 8, 2014
Run Time: 91 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

When I first saw the film “Bad Ass” with Danny Trejo and Danny Glover. I just knew it was going to be a riot. But after watching it I was really left speechless. The film was so over-the-top and crazy that it has you laughing out of loud screaming “DAMN!”. When I saw that the senior citizen duo were back in business for a second one, I thought to myself “Really?” but if you liked the first one this is still quite the trip.

Official Premise: Vietnam vet Frank Vegas (Trejo) not run an East L.A. Community center where he trains young boxers to survive in and out of the ring. But when his prize student falls in with the wrong crows and turns up dead, Frank teams up with his pal Bernie (Glover) to take matters into their own fists and prove that justice never gets old.

Danny Trejo and Danny Glover are really fun together. I can watch Trejo in anything he does, the guy is really a rock star. Not a huge Glover fan personally but he supports Trejo well. They are also a little more hammy this time around. The film also co-stars Jonathan Lipnicki (“Jerry Maguire”) and Andrew Divoff (“Wishmaster”).

Fox delivered the film as a combo pack including a Blu-ray and Ultraviolet HD digital copy. The 1080p transfer works well with the film and action. Remembering the first film it wasn’t that special either. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is solid as well. There is only one special feature included, which is a “Making of Bad Asses” featurettes, which gives a brief behind-the-scenes looks.

If you enjoyed this film, then don’t worry since the third film in this new franchise just finished being filmed and is called “Bad Ass 3: Bad Asses on the Bayou”, which might be taking this a little too far but strangly enough I am still game. How about you?

Actors: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan
Director: Stephen Fears
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: April 15, 2014

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

Who doesn’t love Judi Dench? The woman is a legend. She continues to show just how amazing she is through her films. She is able to be sly and cool playing M in new James Bond series and then she is able to play very sharp and touching characters like Philomena Lee. The film is based on the 2009 investigative book by Martin Sixsmith “The Lost Child of Philomena Lee”. In terms of acting, WoW! Both Dench and Steve Coogan really give wonderful performances. I really enjoyed the that the film was able to blend nicely the comedy with the drama. It is probably a film I will never watch again but definitely work checking out if you enjoy watching the actors at their best.

Official Premise: Judi Dench stars in the story of Philomena Lee, mother to a boy conceived out of wedlock and given up for adoption. Nearly 50 years later, Philomena meets Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), a former BBC reporter looking for his next big story. Together, they embark on a journey to locate her long lost son. As the pieces of the puzzle come together, the unlikely travel companions form a comic and heartwarming friendship.

“Philomena” gets delivered to us as a Blu-ray combo pack along with an Digital HD UltraViolet copy. The 1080p transfer and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track work well for the simple film that this is. There is nothing really wrong but at the same time nothing really special either. The Blu-ray comes with some decent special features. There is “A Conversation with Judi Dench”, which talks about the character which she takes on in the film. “The Real Philomena Lee” is a nice biography of the featured lady. There is a Q&A with Steve Coogan, who is always brilliant. Lastly there is a audio commentary with Steve Coogan and Screenwriter Jeff Pope, definitely worth a listen.

Actors: Ariel Winter, Sara Ramirez, Wayne Brady, Tim Gunn
Directors: Jamie Mitchell
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: April 8, 2014
Run Time: 118 minutes

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

When I first saw the trailer for “Sofia the First: The Floating Palace”, I was really blown away. I have been a fan of the show from episode one but this new full-length adventure really looked and felt like a feature-film. Plus it featured one of my (and my daughters) favorite princesses Ariel from “The Little Mermaid”. The special was good overall, I personally thought it was quite intense for young kids especially Mr. Cedrick’s transformed character. I love the songs including Sofia’s duet with Ariel “Joining Together” and the fun “Merriway Cove”. “Sofia the First” is a great show and I know it is going to be around for a long time. You can tell that a lot of work went into making this full-length feature and I really hope that they plan more of these in the future for the show.

Official Premise: Do YOU believe in mermaids? You will – when you set sail on a magical full-length adventure under the sea with Sofia The First! After Sofia helps a little mermaid named Oona, Sofia’s amulet grants her the power to transform into a mermaid and visit her new friend’s secret underwater kingdom. But when Cedric (disguised as a sea monster) plots to steal Oona’s enchanted Mermaid Comb, danger surfaces for both worlds. With a little help from special guest, Princess Ariel, Sofia embarks on an adventure to rescue Oona and prevent a typhoon before it’s too late. Overflowing with oceans of song-filled fun – plus three more exciting episodes – “The Floating Palace” proves that when families and friends work together, they can weather any storm and save the day.

Honestly, I have to admit that I am a little disappointed with the bonus features on this DVD. In a typical Disney Junior DVD, there is an extended episode as the feature and usually around five additional episodes. But after “Sofia the First: The Floating Palace”, there are only three additional episodes including “Tri-Kingdom Picnic”, “Finding CLover” and “Make Way for Miss Nettle” (one of my least favorites to date). It obviously doesn’t bother by two year old daughter especially since there was also free bonus Sofia Friendship Bracelets, which have been keeping her occupied as well. Look forward to future releases from this show but hopefully next time there will be more bonus episodes included.

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Actors: Peter Dinklage, Steve Zahn, Ryan Kwanten, Summer Glau, Danny Pudi
Directors: Joe Lynch
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Entertainment One
Release Date: April 1, 2014
Run Time: 86 minutes

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

With a title like “Knights of Badassdom”, how can you really go wrong? With a cast like Ryan Kwanten (“True Blood”), Peter Dinkage (“Game of Thrones”), Summer Glau (“Firefly”), Steve Zahn (“Saving Silverman”), Danni Pudi (“Community”) and Jimmi Simpson (“House of Cards”), how can you really go wrong? Unfortunately “Knights of Badassdom” was shot back in 2010 and has since sat on a shlef waiting to be released. To make things worse, the film was directed by Joe Lynch (“Holliston”, “Wrong Turn 2”) but this film that we get today is not his film. This Blu-ray contains a brutalized producers cut, which is just sad to me. I enjoyed watching the film but I know it could have been so much better. The cast alone makes this worth watching for sure, everyone is gold here.

Official Premise: “Knights of Badassdom” follows three best friends and dedicated LARPers (Live Action Role Players) as they take to the woods to reenact a dungeons and dragons-like scenario fresh out of the mythical Middle Ages. Trouble arises after they unwittingly conjure up some serious evil in the form of a blood-lusting Succubus, from the pits of hell. Fantasy and reality collide on the Fields of Evermore in an all-out epic battle of make-believe wizards, demons and assorted mythical creatures.

The 1080p transfer for this looks decent, I wasn’t really blown away. For me the main start was the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, I was IN LOVE with this film’s score and music. Whether you love this film or not I highly recommend checking out the soundtrack to this film, it is really epic and this track really nails it (check out our review here). In terms of special features, the only meaty extra is a panel from San Diego Comic Con. There is some promotional material including some interviews and fun YouTube shorts included. There is also an interview with the director Joe Lynch talking about the film (in standard definition). Lastly there is a trailer included. Would have loved to see a featurette on the music and the visual/practical effects.

Starring: Will Arnett, Brendan Fraser, Liam Neeson, Katherine Heigl, Stephen Lang, Maya Rudolph, Jeff Dunham, Gabriel Iglesias
Directed by: Peter Lepeniotis
Distributed by: Universal Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: PG
Release Date: April 15, 2014
Running Time: 86 minutes

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

I remember the first time I saw the trailer in theaters for “The Nut Job”, I was literally laughing out loud. The film is made for kids but it is filled with tons of great adult jokes that makes this enjoyable to watch with your kids. The film was released this past January which was perfect timing for kids and parents looking for something new since “Frozen” took over the marketplace and it became a nice little hit. The story itself does not have the most meaty plot but it is entertaining for sure and the jokes are very sharp. Plus you can already expect “The Nut Job 2”, when it gets released in January 2016.

Official Premise: Surly (Arnett) is a mischievous squirrel with a mission: to find the tastiest nuts for winter. When he discovers a whole store filled with his favorite food, he plans a heist of nutrageous proportions. But the place turns out to be owned by ruthless bank robbers so it’s up to Surly and his furry friends to stop the nearby bank heist and save the town.

The film is not only funny and entertaining but also packed an all-star cast, Will Arnett (“Arrested Development”) is tearing up the voice-over world with this film and also stealing the show in “The Lego Movie”. Along with him there is Brendan Fraser (“The Mummy), “Liam Neeson (“The Grey”), Katherine Heigl (“Knocked Up”), Maya Rudolph (“Bridesmaids”), Jeff Dunham (“Spark of Insanity”) and Gabriel Iglesias (“Magic Mike”). Tons of great talent.

Universal released this film as a Blu-ray Combo Pack including a Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD with UltraViolet. I am a little bummed since this was released on 3D Blu-ray also and you can tell that there are some good in-your-face moments in the film. The 1080p transfer is really solid. The animation is not Pixar quality but it is well-done. There is no shortage of color in the film for sure, especially having a purple squirrel. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks works with the comedy, as well as the action and music.

The special features included are pretty good, especially for kids. There are a few deleted scenes that didn’t make it into the final version of the movie. You are able to watch key scenes from the film brought to life from the original sketches in the “Storyboards” section. “The Great Nut Heist” features Will Arnett, the voice of Surly the squirrel talking about the role. “Dance-Off End Credits” is a fun way to get the kids off their feet. Lastly there are two new animated shorts including “Surely Squirrel” and “Nuts & Robbers”.

Starring: Christina Ricci, Billy Campbell, Clea DuVall
Director: Nick Gomez
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: April 8, 2014
Run Time: 91 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

The trailer for this “Lizzie Borden Took an Ax” started off very promising including the very creepy popular children’s skipping-rope rhyme…

“Lizzie Borden took an axe
And gave her mother forty whacks.
When she saw what she had done
She gave her father forty-one.”

…but then I realized that this was a Lifetime Original TV movie and then I lost all expectations. If you know the story of Lizzie Borden, you would expect a very dark and violent film. This film focuses more on the court room battle than on the live of Lizzie Borden and her horrific murder. I have to give it to Lifetime for attempting to tackle a subject like this but personally this needs to be made for HBO or even AMC (they get away with murder -get the pun? haha- on “The Walking Dead”). Lifetime also recently released a bio pic of Anna Nicole Smith, which to be honest felt exactely the same. They both played it too safe for its content. I have always been interested in Lizzie Borden and it blows my mind that even after over 120 years people are still as well. Worth checking out for the performances, if you expect a TV watered down version of the topic.

Official Premise: On a scorching, hot summer day in 1892 in Fall River, Massachusetts, Lizzie Borden (Ricci) returns home to the house she shares with her father Andrew, stepmother Abby and sister Emma (DuVall). But, unlike any normal day, Lizzie encounters the bloody scene of her parents violently murdered. Police quickly question multiple suspects in town, but evidence keeps pointing back to the Borden’s youngest daughter Lizzie, the seemingly wholesome Sunday school teacher, as the prime suspect. Lizzie?s lawyer, Andrew Jennings (Campbell), proclaims her innocence arguing that it is inconceivable a woman could commit the heinous crime of brutally murdering her family with an ax. Or is it? Lizzie is put on trial for the murders, both in the courtroom and in the press, sparking a widespread debate about her culpability. As the case rages on, the courtroom proceedings fuel an enormous amount of sensationalized stories and headlines in newspapers throughout the country, forever leaving Lizzie Borden’s name in infamy.

The best thing about this film is no question Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominee Christina Ricci (TV’s “Pan Am”). She really gets behind Lizzie and nails the role. She is also backed with a great supporting cast including Golden Globe Nominee Billy Campbell (TV’s “Helix”) and Clea DuVall (“Argo”). Unfortunately, the cast cannot make up for the lacking wow factor that this film does not possess. Either way, this film was a huge success like “Anna Nicole”, when it original aired on January 25, 2014 bringing in 4.4 million viewers and making it the night’s number-one telecast among all key demographics. So like it or not, expect more films like this from this station in the near future. No special features at all are included on this DVD.

Starring: Andrew Jacobs
Director: Christopher Landon
Rated: R / Unrated
Studio: Paramount
DVD Release Date: April 8, 2014
Run Time: 84 / 100 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

By this time you are either a hardcore fan of the “Paranormal Activity” series or you are absolutely tired of it. There is no middle ground. “Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones” is the fifth film in the series and the first spin-off (even though it does touch quite a bit on the first four films). Personally, I thought that “The Marked Ones” was one of my favorites in the series. It was very clever how it weaves into the story of the other films in the series without directly being involved. There are some good jumps in the film as well and it is quite creepy. With “Paranormal Activity 5” coming out this October, I can’t wait to see where they are going to go next with the series now.

Official Premise: Another instalment of the widely successful ‘found footage’ horror franchise. This time, we follow a young Latin American, Jessie (Andrew Jacobs), who begins experiencing a number of disturbing and unexplainable things after the death of his neighbor. Quick to investigate, it isn’t long before Jessie finds he’s been marked for possession by a malevolent demonic entity, and it’s only a matter of time before he is completely under its control…

“Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones” is being released as a combo pack including Blu-ray + DVD + HD Digital UltraViolet copy. There are two different cuts of the film included on the Blu-ray, the theatrical version of the film, as well as an extended, unrated cut. Personally, I was very impressed with the unrated cut because it incorporates over 15 minutes of new footage. Usually “unrated cuts” come with like a minute or two of scenes but this one has some solid content. The 1080p transfer works for the most part since the film is very dark and shot with that found footage feel. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works for the scares. There is not a lot in the special features department besides some more additional found footage not seen in theaters.

Starring: Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, Peter Stormare, John Carroll Lynch, Harve Presnell
Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: MGM
Release Date: April 1, 2014
Run Time: 99 minutes

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

Anytime, I watch “Fargo” it never ceases to amaze me. The film is so dark, yet at the same time SO funny. You are just sitting on your couch going “What the hell just happened”, disgusted yet laughing. It has been a few years since I saw it but it is still as good as always. Since MGM is celebrating its 90th Anniversary, they are re-releasing this Blu-ray but as a brand new remastered edition. If you are not aware this was already released on Blu-ray in 2009 and 2011, but with great results. But this new remastered edition looks even better. Now, if you compare it to MGM’s also recently re-released “Robocop”, it is not as impressive since that was a 4K transfer upgrade. If you never owned this film before, this version is definitely the edition you want. If you already own this I would really run out unless you are a HD video junkie and need that perfect transfer.

Official Premise: The “middle of nowhere” has never looked better in this new edition, now remastered for the best high-definition picture yet! In this film Nominated for seven Oscars things go terribly awry when small-time Minnesota car salesman Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy) hires two thugs (Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare) to kidnap his wife so he can collect the ransom from his wealthy father-in-law. Once people start dying, the very chipper and very pregnant Police Chief Marge (Frances McDormand) takes the case. Will she stop at nothing until she gets her man? You betcha.

When I looked back at my old 2009 Blu-ray, I did realize quite the improvement with the new remastered 1080p transfer. You can tell right from that amazing opening shot. The snowy world that engulfs the film looks much clearly and also sharper. When it comes to The Coen Brothers, you should expect specific choices for cinematography, kudos to  Roger Deakins. This film is really a great example of a fantastic well-shot film presented perfectly on Blu-ray. In terms of audio tracks, this Blu-ray re-uses the same DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track from the previous disc, but that doesn’t mean it is bad. The previous releases have sounded quite amazing, specifically Carter Burwell’s score which is outstanding.

I was hoping for something new in the special features department but what we get here is the same extras from the previously Blu-ray’s, which then was also a straight port from the DVD version.  There is an audio commentary track from director of photography Roger Deakins, if you enjoyed the cinematography like I did then this is a great track. There are a few featurettes “Minnesota Nice” and “Trivia Nice”. Lastly, there is an “Article from American Cinematographer” and a theatrical trailer, TV spot and photo gallery included. If there was a little more in this department, this would would have been a must-upgrade for any fan for sure.

Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro, Kevin Hart, Kim Basinger, Alan Arkin
Directors: Peter Segal
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: April 8, 2014
Run Time: 113 minutes

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

Who doesn’t want to see Rocky Balboa go head-to-head with Jake La Motta? Stallone and De Niro are both aging stars but they still have a lot of punch left in them. This is a great match up and a really entertaining film. I think it was overlooked and not given the time of day since it came out during a busy holiday season but if you love these actors then this film is a blast to watch. Plus it packs a fantastic supporting cast including Alan Arkin, Kevin Hart, Jon Bernthal and Kim Basinger. I would recommend getting in the ring with these guys since you will get into extra rounds for sure.

Official Premise: Two retired boxers, Billy “The Kid” McDonnen (De Niro) and Henry “Razor” Sharp (Stallone), have a thirty year-old grudge which has never subsided. The cause of their bad blood? Razor retired the night before a crucial title match, destroying both mens’ careers in the process. Time passes. One boxer becomes a rich playboy, the other lives a modest life. Now they have an opportunity to even the score with one last match.

Warner Brothers delivered another great Blu-ray for “Grudge Match” with this combo pack including Blu-ray + DVD + HD Digital Ultraviolet copy. This is becoming the norm with their films and I loved it. The 1080p transfer is rock solid and really captures the action in and out of the ring with this film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track also doesn’t miss a punch. It is right there ringside and delivers all the action.

There special features are solid like the film. I just would have loved a commentary track to accompany this film afterwards. “The Bull & The Stallion” talks about teaming up these legendary actors together. “In the Ring with Kevin Hart” is Kevin Hart being Kevin Hart and stealing the show. “Ringside with Tyson & Holyfield” features these also legendary fighters giving their commentary. “Blow for Blow with Larry Holmes: Kevin Hart Unedited” is another great feature with the comedian. Lastly there is an Alternate Opening and also Alternate Endings with an Introduction by Peter Segal and finally some Additional Deleted Scenes included.

Own “GRUDGE MATCH” on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD on 4/8