Actors: Saoirse Ronan, George MacKay
Directors: Kevin Macdonald
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: February 11, 2014
Run Time: 101 minutes

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

I found out about “How I Live Now” through the composer Jon Hopkins, who asked me to check out his score to the film. Let me tell you the score is outstanding but the film is definitely not. I think it is safe to say now that I am official not a fan of Saoirse Ronan. With this film, which was quite unwatchable topped with last year’s gem and official worst film of the year, “The Host”. I honestly expected more from co-writer Tony Grisoni (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) and Academy Award-winning director Kevin MacDonald (The Last King of Scotland). Skip the film, buy the soundtrack.

Official Premise: Set in the near-future UK, Saoirse Ronan plays Daisy, an American teenager sent to stay with relatives in the English countryside. Initially withdrawn and alienated, she begins to warm up to her charming surroundings, and strikes up a romance with the handsome Edmund (George MacKay). But on the fringes of their idyllic summer days are tense news reports of an escalating conflict in Europe. As the UK falls into a violent, chaotic military state, Daisy finds herself hiding and fighting to survive.

The Blu-ray presentation on this Blu-ray is quite beautiful. It really captures the locations quite well. I enjoyed it very much. The real winner of the release is the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which portrays the music and Jon Hopkins score so well. I love his score, it is soft and deep but also quite dark. In terms of special features, there is only a cheap EPK featurette, “AXS TV: A Look at How I Live Now” and trailer included.

Starring: Peter Cushing, Susan Denberg, Thorley Walters, Duncan Lamont, Barry Warren
Director: Terence Fisher
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Millennium/Hammer
DVD Release Date: January 28, 2014
Run Time: 92 minutes

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

Personally, when I think about Peter Cushing, I think about him as Baron Frankenstein. He became well-known for playing that role through six films spanning from late 1950’s through the 1970’s under Hammer Studios. “Frankenstein Created Woman” is the fourth film in Hammer’s Frankenstein series. The film is such a classic and thanks to Millennium Films, the film is getting Blu-ray treatment for the first time ever. They have big proprietor of Hammer Films and I hope that this trend continues because it great to see classics like this get the spotlight again. A must have for any true horror fan!

Official Premise: A tormented girl (Susan Denberg) drowns herself after her lover is framed for her father s murder and guillotined. Baron Frankenstein (Peter Cushing), experimenting with the transfer of souls, places her lover s soul into her body, bringing Christina back to life. With no memories of her past life, she becomes driven by a ghostly revenge and carries out a violent retribution on those responsible for both deaths.

It is crazy to this that this film is nearly 50 years old…but it is true. Millennium delivered a solid 1080p transfer. It is clean and really sharp looking. I thought it really packed a visual punch. The same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which really captures the essence of what a Hammer film should sound like.  This Collector’s Edition Blu-ray also includes limited edition exclusive collectible cards. They are basically smaller reproduced lobby cards for the film and a must have for any collector.

In terms of special features, this release scores again. There is a fantastic audio commentary track with Derek Fowlds (“Johann”), Robert Morris (“Hans”) and Jonathan Rigby (Hammer Historian). There is also a brand new documentary called “Hammer Glamour”. This is a must watch for any Hammer fan. There are also two “World of Hammer” episodes included. The first is “The Curse of Frankenstein” and “Hammer Stars: Peter Cushing”. Great extras. Lastly, there is an Animated Stills Gallery and trailer included.

Actors: Jim Breuer
Directors: Jay Chapman
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
DVD Release Date: November 26, 2013
Run Time: 58 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

At the beginning of this special, Jim Breuer questions himself about how he should do his latest stand-up special. He does this with multiple impersonations. From Joe Pesci to Ozzy Osbourne. It seems like an odd way to begin his latest special. A moment the live audience won’t see from his dressing room. It’s even more bizarre because it’s not necessarily funny, but if you don’t listen to metal, then you’re not gonna find too much to laugh at in the first 20 minutes.

I’m someone who owns every Iron Maiden, Metallica and Slayer album. Sadly though, I’ve only seen Slayer live. So when he kicks things off by talking about becoming an aging metalhead, he has my full attention. Jim Breuer has always had hard rock and metal as a staple of his stand-up, but this time around he’s hit his 40’s. He compares his usual suburban outings, dressing up and watching musicals, to convincing his wife to see Metallica and surviving the madness of Slayer fans. Just so you’re not too out of the loop, he cleverly compares fans seeing Eddie in Iron Maiden to children watching the plush children’s music group, the Wiggles.

If that’s not your cup of tea, he manages to tell the stories of life. The pitfalls of becoming a father, a “jungle safari” and talking about those unnecessary conversations he has with other parents about why his children don’t own a cell phone. He’s very skillful at weaving his stories and comically acting out the folks in his scenarios. He makes sure to complete his stories with Michael Winslow style, microphone induced sound effects. He manages to mouth everything he can from guttural noises to horns. Instead of joke after joke, it’s more like he’s laying out real and possible scenarios and tells it like a story. He really gets into it making full use of the stage to act out.

There doesn’t appear to be an overall theme to the stand-up, but most of his stand-ups that I’ve watched didn’t seem to have one. If there is an idea to this, it’s about how aging has changed his perspective on many things. He could change his stand-up. He could become more relatable. Maybe he could swear more or not swear at all. Those are the questions he poses at the beginning, but by the end when he recounts the day he decided to stand-up, it becomes clear. He loves what he’s done and there’s no reason to change now.

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Starring: James Stewart, Ellen Geer, James Daly, Dennis Larson, Kirby Furlong, John McGiver
Distributed: Warner Archive
Running Time: 606 minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

James Stewart was such an amazing actor both dramatic and comedic. “The Jimmy Stewart Show” started in 1971 and ran for 24 episodes. The show included guest stars such as M. Emmet Walsh, Cesar Romero, Kate Jackson, Alan Oppenheimer, Fran Ryan, Jack Soo, Will Geer, Nita Talbot, Regis Philbin, William Windom and Gloria DeHaven. It was a real blast from the bast to watch this show. It still has the comedic edge and delivered a few great laughs. If you are a fan of Mr. Stewart, this would come recommended.

Official Premise: James Stewart made a rare sojourn into the world of Situation Comedy on NBC at the dawn of the Seventies. His gift for comedy, on grand cinema display since the dawn of his career, made him a congenial fit for the familial world of episodic comedy. Stewart plays Professor James Howard, an anthropologist struggling to make sense of the generation gap with his college students and just plain struggling to make sense of his own family.

Jim and wife Martha are busy raising an eight-year-old, as is their twenty-nine-year-old first born, Peter (James Daly) and his wife, Wendy (Ellen Geer). And “Uncle Teddy” (Dennis Larson) is sure to demand “the proper respect” from his five-day-older nephew, Jake (Kirby Furlong). It’s a good thing Jim has a Nobel Prize-winning best friend, chemistry professor Dr. Luther Quince (John McGiver) to help make sense of the chaos, especially after a house fire forces Peter’s family to move in with Jim’s!

This series is brought back to life thanks to Warner Archive, who delivered it onto DVD for the first time. The release is MOD or Made-To-Order, so if you do want to get a copy of this show I would recommend doing so quickly because we do not know for how long they will be producing it. The show looks aged a bit and I do not think there was a full restore here but it looks still decent for DVD.  The show is presented in with its original aspect ratio of  1.37:1. There are no additional special features included.

Starring: Agnes Bruckner, Martin Landau, Adam Goldberg, Cary Elwes, and Virginia Madsen
Director: Mary Harron
Distributed by: Sony Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 89 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

When I saw the cover for “Anna Nicole”, I would have sworn that it was a documentary about the late supermodel. Agnes Bruckner (TV’’s ““Private Practice”) is really spot on with the looks and the nails this role. The film is based on the New York Magazine article “”Paw Paw & Lady Love”” by Dan Paul Lee. It also packs a solid supporting cast including Martin Landau, Adam Goldberg, Cary Elwes, and Virginia Madsen. Growing up “adoring” Anna Nicole in her prime as a kid, I really enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look into her troubled life.

Official Premise: Anna Nicole Smith (Agnes Bruckner) was a single mother from Texas, who became one of the biggest supermodels in the world, but her sudden catapult to fame came with a price, as drugs, alcohol and reckless behavior led her down a tragic path. Now you get to see the whole story in this compelling original film, as Anna Nicole’s sexual desires, crippling addictions and her overwhelming need to be famous lead her from incredible fame and fortune to her unfortunate descent.

This film also grabbed by attention since it comes from the Director of “American Psycho”, Mary Harron. I think she had a good vision and it shows both the rise and the fall of this supermodel quite well balanced. It is well-written thanks to John Rice & Joe Batteer (“Blown Away”, “Windtalkers”). If there are any fans out there still of Anna Nicole Smith, I would recommend giving this a watch for sure. Just remember this was made for Lifetime, so don’t expect any skin. The one thing that I was a little upset about that there are no special features included along with this DVD. I would have been curious to see about Agnes transformation into Anna Nicole.

Actors: George A. Romero, Larry Fessenden, Mark Harris, Gale Anne Hurd, Elvis Mitchell
Directors: Rob Kuhns
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: First Run Features
DVD Release Date: January 7, 2014
Run Time: 76 minutes

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

“The Walking Dead” is one of the hottest shows on TV right now. It is a world wide phenomenon. But this zombie madness all started back in 1968 with George A. Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead”. Originally when I heard about “Birth of the Living Dead”, I thought “another documentary?” but I was really pleasantly surprised. The documentary is smart, sharp and very informative. There are a very small list of interviews included, which I feel works for this film because it keeps Romero front and center, as he should be. Highly recommended for any horror fan!

Official Premise: In 1968 a young college drop-out named George A. Romero directed Night of the Living Dead, a low budget horror film that shocked the world, became an icon of the counterculture, and spawned a zombie industry worth billions of dollars that continues to this day. Birth of the Living Dead shows how Romero gathered an unlikely team of Pittsburghers policemen, iron workers, teachers, ad-men, housewives and a roller-rink owner to shoot a revolutionary guerrilla style film that went on to become a cinematic landmark, offering a profound insight into how our society worked in a singular time in American history.

This film delivers some impressive special features. There is an extended interview with George A. Romero, which runs just over 30 minutes. I liked listening to his stories and they interview is quite interesting. There is an audio only extra called “George A. Romero at the Museum of Modern Art, June 16, 1970”, which runs about 10 minutes. Lastly there is also a feature “Bill Hinzman and the World Record-Breaking Monroeville Zombie Walk”, which is worth the price of the DVD only.

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Actors: Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline
Directors: Jon Turteltaub
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: January 28, 2014
Run Time: 105 minutes

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

From the moment this was announced it was referred to as the senior citizen take on “The Hangover”. It doesn’t quite pack that comedic level of that film but it does come back with an all-star cast including Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline. The film has its moments with a few decent laughs but also misses a few as well. I still enjoyed watching this film but it is what I like to call a “one-timer”. I would recommend checking it out if not just to see this wonderful cast together and, of course, the beautiful Las Vegas. This makes me want to take the next trip to the sin city.

Official Premise: Billy (Michael Douglas), Paddy (Robert De Niro), Archie (Morgan Freeman) and Sam (Kevin Kline) have been best friends since childhood. So when Billy, the group’s sworn bachelor, finally proposes to his 30-something-year-old girlfriend (of course), the four head to Las Vegas with a plan to stop acting their age and relive their glory days. However, upon arriving, the four quickly realize that the decades have transformed Sin City and tested their friendship in ways they never imagined. The Rat Pack may have once played the Sands and Cirque du Soleil may now rule the Strip, but it’s these four who are taking over Vegas.

This DVD includes an UltraViolet digital copy as well, which is a nice bonus. In terms of special features there is some decent content but nothing spectacular and again the Blu-ray comes stocked with more. There is an audio commentary track from Director Jon Turteltaub & Writer Dan Fogelman, worth checking out if you love the film, I wasn’t really digging it. There are also three featurettes included. The film is “It’s Going to be Legendary”, which goes behind-the-scenes with main cast. “Four Legends” look at this ensemble cast. Lastly “The Flatbush Four” focuses on the character arcs of these four main characters.

Actors: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman, Catherine Keener, Faysal Ahmed
Directors: Paul Greengrass
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: January 21, 2014
Run Time: 134 minutes

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

Tom Hanks is a such tremendous actor and I have been a big fan of his work recently, especially with “Cloud Atlas”. His performance in “Captain Phillips” was no question some of his best work to date. It is very emotional and very intense. The film was based on real events and is so well done that it literally has you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I originally wasn’t planning on rush out to theaters to see this but I am really glad I did since I really enjoyed this. I just wonder what happened to Hank’s Oscar nod? Either way this comes highly recommended!

Official Premise: Captain Phillips is a multi-layered examination of the 2009 hijacking of the U.S. container ship Maersk Alabama by a crew of Somali pirates. It is – through director Paul Greengrass’s distinctive lens – simultaneously a pulse-pounding thriller, and a complex portrait of the myriad effects of globalization. The film focuses on the relationship between the Alabama’s commanding officer, Captain Richard Phillips (two time Academy award®-winner Tom Hanks), and the Somali pirate captain, Muse (Barkhad Abdi), who takes him hostage. Phillips and Muse are set on an unstoppable collision course when Muse and his crew target Phillips’ unarmed ship; in the ensuing standoff, 145 miles off the Somali coast, both men will find themselves at the mercy of forces beyond their control.

This film works well on DVD, it is a not a film that screams Blu-ray release. The audio and video are still solid since the film relies more on the actor’s performances then flashy effects. What is good at least is that there are the same special features that is included on the DVD as there is on the Blu-ray. That has not always been the same recently either. There is a very interesting audio commentary track with director Paul Greengrass. There is also a three-part featurette “Capturing Captain Phillips” including “Embarkation”, “Full Ahead” and “Stand Fast”. Lastly there is also a UltraViolet Digital Copy, so that is a nice bonus!

Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Jim Caviezil
Directors: Mickael Hafstrom
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Summit Inc/Lionsgate
Release Date: February 4, 2014
Run Time: 115 minutes

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

“Escape Plan” is an action fans dream come true bringing legends Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger together in one film. I know they were in “The Expendables” films together but that felt more like a cameo. “Escape Plan” is pure escapism. It is quite intense and definitely action-packed thriller. It also features an impressive supporting cast including Jim Caviezel (TV’s “Person of Interest”), Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (“Fire with Fire”), Sam Neill (“Jurassic Park”), Vinnie Jones (“X-Men: The Last Stand”) and Vincent D’Onofrio (TV’s “Law and Order: Criminal Intent”). Recommended for sure to all 80’s action fan boys. These action stars are in their 60’s but they still kick-ass.

Official Premise: One of the world’s foremost authorities on structural security agrees to take on one last job: breaking out of an ultra-secret, high-tech facility called “The Tomb.” Deceived and wrongly imprisoned, Ray Breslin (Stallone) must recruit fellow inmate Emil Rottmayer (Schwarzenegger) to help devise a daring, nearly impossible plan to escape from the most protected and fortified prison ever built.

“Escape Plan” is quite the beast of a film. It cost $70 million and it looks quite awesome.  It arrives on Blu-ray as a combo pack with Blu-ray + DVD and Digital HD UltraViolet. The 1080p transfer really looks great and the high-tech prison is very polished looking. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works great with the non-stop action and even work up my daughter upstairs (sorry sweetie). When it comes to these action films you cannot help it but amp it up to 11 and test to see what these audio tracks can do.

In terms of special features, the film packs some decent extras. There is an audio commentary with Director Mikael Hafstrom and Co-Writer Miles Chapman. A little technical but still informative. There are three featurettes are included. “Executing the Plan: The Making of Escape Plan” goes behind-the-scenes in the production. “Maximum Security: The Real-Life Tomb” looks into how they built this prison. “Clash of the Titans” looks into bring our two leads together. Lastly there are a few Deleted Scenes included.

Actors: Michael Sheen, Sam Neill, Lena Headey, Aneurin Barnard, Ioan Gruffud
Director: Jonathan Newman
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Image Entertainment
Release Date: February 11, 2014
Run Time: 98 minutes

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

Right off the bat, I was sold on “The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box” due to this amazing cast including Michael Sheen (Showtime’s “Masters of Sex”, “TRON Legacy”), Lena Headey (HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” “300”), Sam Neill (“Jurassic Park”), Ioan Gruffudd (“Fantastic Four), Aneurin Barnard (Starz’s “The White Queen”, “Ironclad”). There is a lot of great talent here. This fantasy/action/adventure film is quite epic and really fun. “The Adventurer” is a visual film and also packs a decent size budget, which really adds to the scale. I hope they are planning on making this a franchise because there is great position there.

Official Premise: Ancient mysteries. Powerful evil. And a fearless hero’s quest through a fantastical realm of steam-powered wonders and sinister magic… In “The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box”, seventeen-year-old Mariah Mundi’s life is turned upside down when his parents vanish and his younger brother is kidnapped. Following a trail of clues to the darkly majestic Prince Regent Hotel, Mariah discovers a hidden realm of child-stealing monsters, deadly secrets and a long-lost artifact that grants limitless wealth – but also devastating supernatural power. With the fate of his world, and his family at stake, Mariah will risk everything to unravel the Curse of the Midas Box!

Image Entertainment delivered this film with a solid Blu-ray presentation. The 1080p transfer is sharp and looks great with the visual aspect of the film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track holds steady with the action and has some great wall-shaking  moments. There is only one special feature included on this Blu-ray. It is a decent behind-the-scenes look with “The Making of The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box”.  I would have loved to see a commentary track from this amazing cast as well.

Number of discs: 5
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: January 28, 2014
Running Time: 798 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Attentions all husbands, boyfriends and guys all around – Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and let me guess you do not have a gift yet? Well you can thank Warner Bros because they are releasing the Nicholas Sparks Limited Edition DVD Collection. This is the first time that these films are available in one collection, The seven films includes, which are based on the best-selling author’s novels, include “Safe Haven”, “The Lucky One”, “Dear John”, “Nights in Rodanthe”, “A Walk to Remember”, “Message in a Bottle” and “The Notebook”. Along included there is also a special postcard set with images from each film and a letter from Nicholas Sparks.  A must own for any fan of Sparks!

Nicholas Sparks is one successful author.  All of his novels have been New York Times bestsellers, published in more than 50 languages, with more than 90 million copies in print worldwide. Being with my wife for 15 years, I have seen my fair share of his film. I have never read his books though, so I have no comparison there. I enjoyed “Safe Haven” because I love Julianne Hough and what woman doesn’t love Josh Duhamel. Personally “The Lucky One” is a pass, sorry Zac Efron. “Dear John” is great and I love the chemistry between Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried.  “Nights in Rodanthe” was decent. Richard Gere is still one sexy man. “A Walk to Remember” is probably my second least favorite. Lastly both “Message in a Bottle” and “The Notebook” are classics and must watches when it comes to chick flicks.

“Safe Haven” (2013) Official Premise: When a mysterious young woman (Julianne Hough, Rock of Ages) arrives in Southport, her reluctance to join the tight-knit community raises questions about her past. Slowly, she begins putting down roots and gains the courage to start a relationship with Alex (Josh Duhamel, Transformers franchise), a widowed store owner with two young children. But dark secrets intrude on her new life with such terror that she is forced to rediscover the meaning of sacrifice and finds she must rely on the power of love.

“”The Lucky One” (2012) Official Premise: Zac Efron (17 Again) stars with Taylor Schilling (TV’s “Orange is the New Black”) and Blythe Danner (Meet the Parents franchise) in this romantic drama directed by Academy Award®-nominated writer/director Scott Hicks (Shine, 1996). U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault (Efron) returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq with the one thing he credits for keeping him alive — a photograph he found of a woman he doesn’t even know. Learning her name is Beth (Schilling) and where she lives, he shows up at her door, and ends up taking a job at her family-run local kennel. Despite her initial mistrust and the complications in her life, a romance develops between them, giving Logan hope that Beth could be much more than his good luck charm.

“Dear John” (2010) Official Premise: Directed by Lasse Halström, Dear John tells the story of John Tyree (Channing Tatum, Magic Mike), a young soldier home on leave, and Savannah Curtis (Amanda Seyfried, Les Miserables), the idealistic college student he falls in love with during her spring vacation. Over the next seven tumultuous years, the couple is separated by John’s increasingly dangerous deployments. While meeting only sporadically, they stay in touch by sending a stream of love letters which eventually triggers fateful consequences.

“Nights in Rodanthe” (2008) Official Premise:  This rich tale of hearts awakening stars Richard Gere (Arbitrage) and Diane Lane (Secretariat). Gere is Paul, a surgeon who long ago unwittingly traded family for career. Lane is Adrienne, a devoted mother trying to move on after her husband’s infidelity and struggling with his desire to return to their marriage. At a remote inn on the Outer Banks, both separately expect to do some serious soul-searching. But an approaching storm forces each to turn to the other for strength, setting the stage for a life-resonating romance.

“The Notebook” (2004) Official Premise: The Notebook is a story of lost chances, growing up, and the power of enduring love. Spanning six decades, the romantic story focuses on two teenagers from opposite sides of the tracks (Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams) who fall in love during one summer but are tragically forced apart. When they reunite seven years later, their passionate romance is rekindled, forcing one of them to choose between true love and class order.

“A Walk to Remember” (2002) Official Premise: The inspiring coming-of-age story about first love, A Walk to Remember is about two very different North Carolina teenagers: Landon Carter (Shane West, TV’s “ER”), a troubled, unmotivated but very popular student, and Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore, Tangled), the serious and conservative daughter of a preacher. As love pulls them closer, peer pressure and lifestyles seek to break them apart. Directed by Adam Shankman (Rock of Ages), A Walk to Remember co-stars Peter Coyote (Erin Brockovich) and Daryl Hannah (Kill Bill Vols. 1 + 2).

“Message in a Bottle” (1999) Official Premise: In this tale of love lost and found, grieving widower Garret Blake (Kevin Costner, Dances with Wolves) may know how to build boats, but cannot rebuild his life. Theresa (Robin Wright, TV’s “House of Cards”), a lonely divorcee and researcher for the Chicago Tribune, comes to his North Carolina village to find him, knowing that Garret is the author of the message she found inside a bottle on a Cape Cod beach. And she knows the message spoke to her in a way that profoundly touched her heart. Directed by Luis Mandoki (When a Man Loves a Woman), the film co-stars Paul Newman as Garret’s father.

I was really impressed that each of these films also come stocked with their own special features. Usually collection releases come bare bones. “Safe Haven” has the following special features included: Deleted scenes and an Alternate ending. “The Lucky Ones” comes with the following Special Features: Zac Efron Becomes a Marine, Watch the Sparks Fly — The Romantic World of ‘The Lucky One’, Zac and Taylor’s Amazing Chemistry and Zac and Zeus. “Dear John” comes with the following Special Features: Deleted & alternate scenes, Alternate ending, Outtakes, A Conversation with Channing, Amanda and Lasse Hallstrom, Transforming Charleston featurette, Military in Movies: ‘Dear John’s’ Military Advisors featurette, Mr. Tyree, The Mule and Benny Dietz featurette” and “The Story of Braeden Reed.

“Nights in Rodanthe” comes with the following Special Feature: Alternate scenes with director commentary, The Nature of Love: Richard Gere; Diane Lane and director George C. Wolfe Recall, A Time for Love: Keeping Up with Nicholas Sparks, An Intimate Look at ‘Nights In Rodanthe’ with singer/songwriter Emmylou Harris and Love Remains the Same — Gavin Rossdale’s music video. “The Notebook” comes with packed with the most extras Special Features of all including: Audio commentary by director Nick Cassavetes, Audio commentary by The Notebook novelist Nicholas Sparks, All in the Family: Nick Cassavetes featurette, Nicholas Sparks: A Simple Story, Well Told featurette, Southern Exposure: Locating ‘The Notebook’ featurette, Casting Ryan and Rachel featurette, Rachel McAdams Screen Test featurette and Deleted scenes with optional audio commentary by editor Alan Heim

“A Walk to Remember” comes with the following Special Feature: Audio commentary by director Adam Shankman, Mandy Moore and Shane West, Audio commentary by author Nicholas Sparks and screenwriter Karen Janszen and Cry — Mandy Moore music video. Lastly “Message in a Bottle” comes with the following Special Features: Audio commentary by director Luis Mandoki and producer Denise Di Novi, Deleted scenes with optional commentary and Five hidden special effects scenes. Like I said again and I will repeat this…this is a must have for any fan of Nicholas Sparks! I just wish it was a Blu-ray collection personally.

Starring: Danny Trejo, Alexa Vega, Mel Gibson, Amber Heard, Sofía Vergara, Charlie Sheen
Directors: Robert Rodriguez
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Universal Studios
Release Date: January 21, 2014
Running Time: 109 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When I saw the faux trailer for Robert Rodriguez’s Machete in “Grindhouse”, I thought that would make an awesome and fun as hell movie. Well that came true with “Machete” was released in 2010. It was  good but not perfect. “Machete Kills” is a sharp follow up. It is a little more out-there, so to say, but I actually enjoyed it more than the first. The gore is amped up and the comedy is more slapstick. If you are looking for a good laugh and a wild ride then I would definitely recommend checking out “Machete Kills”. I really hope that Rodriguez some how gets to make “Machete Kills Again … IN SPACE!“, because I will be first in line.

Danny Trejo is not only bad-ass, he is beyond bad-ass. The guy is nearly 70 years old and yet he rocks this character like a pro! “Machete Kills” also packs a ridicoulosy insane support cast including Michelle Rodriguez, Mel Gibson, Sofía Vergara, Amber Heard, Charlie Sheen (using his real name of “Carlos Estévez”), Cuba Gooding, Jr., Lady Gaga, Antonio Banderas, Jessica Alba, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexa Vega and Tom Savini. Some of them play out like cameos but still really fun.

Official Premise: Danny Trejo returns as legendary ex-Federale Machete Cortez in this action- packed thrill ride from innovative director Robert Rodriguez. In his latest mission, Machete is recruited by the U.S. President (Charlie Sheen/Carlos Estevez) to stop a crazed global terrorist (Mel Gibson) from starting a nuclear war. With a bounty on his head, Machete breaks all the rules as he faces death at every turn from an all-star cast of deadly assassins.

Universal’s combo pack release is quite amazing containing a Blu-ray and DVD discs along with a Digital HD UltraViolet copy. The 1080p is quite awesome. The film started as a faux Grindhouse trailer. This film is much more polished but still keeps that Grindhouse feeling. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is equally awesome and really impresses ranging from the non-stop action, gunfire and explosions. In terms of special features though, there is not much here. “Making Machete Kills” is a decent 20 minutes behind-the-scenes look into the production. The only other extras are an additional 20 minutes of Deleted and Extended Scenes but they are nothing special. I would have loved for a crazy commentary track for sure on this crazy film.

Actors: Mark Chao, William Feng, Angelababy, Carina Lau, Lin Gengxin
Directors: Tsui Hark
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Well Go USA
Release Date: February 11, 2014
Run Time: 134 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

When I see a film from Tsui Hark, I don’t care what it is I just immediately add it to my list. I did that with his 2011 film, “Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame” and was so glad that I did since it was amazing. “Young Detective Dee: Rise of The Sea Dragon” is a prequel to that film and really amps up the ante. In fact, the prequel improves not only the story but also the visual effects. I felt like huge-budget epic summer film. Epic is the word that comes to my mind. What I also liked most is that this film is well-balanced and is exciting in the beginning, the middle and ridiculously awesome in the third act. Highly recommend to watch this film (but if possible in 3D, see below)

Official Premise: From legendary action director Tsui Hark and the creators of international smash hit “Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame” comes the captivating tale of Dee Renjie s beginnings in the Imperial police force. His very first case, investigating reports of a sea monster terrorizing the town, reveals a sinister conspiracy of treachery and betrayal, leading to the highest reaches of the Imperial family.

I am really upset with not being able view this film in its intended 3D format. The film really sets up a lot of its visual effects with the added dimension and I felt like I missing a lot here. This is not the first time that Well-Go has done this either. They released terrible films like “Dino King 3D”, “Sadako 3D” and “Tormented 3D” all with 3D Blu-ray releases, so I have no idea why they have cheaped out on titles like this one, which would have been AMAZING in 3D. Bad move! To top it off there are no special features either. Great movie, terrible Blu-ray. I would try and import this release and get the 7.1 Dolby HD track with 3D Blu-ray.

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Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Jessica Lange, Alan Cumming, Colm Frere, Laura Fraser, Harry Lennix, Jonathan Rhys
Directed By: Julie Taymor
Distributed by: Twilight Time
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 162 minutes
Release Date: January 21, 2014

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

I remember seeing “Titus” back in 1999 in some little “trendy” theater in NYC since it never received a wide release. It really opened me up to the world of William Shakespeare and his tragedy books. It also introduced me to the wonderful Julie Taymor, who is such a visual director that should be making every film being released, period. She has such a unique way of bringing a film to life, also see for example “Across the Universe”. I haven’t seen this film in years and it still managed to blow to away with its visual experience. A must have for an Shakespeare fan!

Official Premise: Julie Taymor’s stunningly cinematic adaptation of William Shakespeare’s first tragedy, Titus (1999), stars Anthony Hopkins as a noble but misguided Roman general who finds himself ensnared in an unwinnable war of vengeance with an implacable barbarian queen (Jessica Lange). With its time-bending mix of elements from Ancient Rome, Fascist Italy, Fifties America, and Punk Britain, this radical reimagining of a theatrical classic offers a dark vision of violence, murder, rape, and revenge.

This Blu-ray release is an Screen Archives Entertainment Exclusive and is a Limited Edition release with only 3000 copies produced. Since I mentioned that this film is so visual, I was really hoping that the 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 rocked…and boy did it. I can’t believe this film has not received a Blu-ray release prior since this is a must watch on this format. Same goes with the amazing, heart-pounding DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which is just fantastic. Elliot Goldenthal’s haunting score also shines quite well here.

Twilight Time released this Blu-ray with jam-packed with great special features. First we get an amazing Isolated Score Track. There are three fantastic audio commentary tracks included. The first is with Director Julie Taymor, which focuses on the production. Next is with composer Elliot Goldenthal and since the score is so important for this film it is a great listen. Lastly, the next track is with Actors Anthony Hopkins and Harry Lennix, which is a little dryer but still a great listen for hardcore films of this film.

If all those commentary track aren’t good enough for you we still have more. There is a really solid 50-minute behind-the-scenes documentary looking into the making of “Titus”. There is an interesting 30-minute excerpt Q&A with Julie Taymor following a screening at Columbia University. There is another short behind-the-scenes look at the visual sequences with “Penny Arcade Nightmares”. Lastly there are Trailers and TV Spots rounding out the extras. After you enjoy the the film, be sure to check out the extensive Julie Kirgo liner notes and film art included as well.

Starring: Edmond O’Brien, Audrey Totter, Ted de Corsia, Dan Riss
Director: Lew Landers
Distributed by: Twilight Time
Running Time: 68 minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: Jan 21, 2014

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
3D: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

Prior to receiving this Blu-ray in the mail, I had not heard of “Man in the Dark”, which was released in 1953. What I did find out that it was in fact the first 3D ever released by a major studio. I always though that it was Vincent Price’s “House of Wax” but it turns out that “Man in the Dark” actually beat that to theaters by a 48 hours. So there you go, you learn something new every day. This Blu-ray release is an Screen Archives Entertainment Exclusive and is a Limited Edition release with only 3000 copies produced. In terms of the film, I understand now why it is little know since I enjoy it very little but it does come with a great Blu-ray presentation.

Official Premise: The first 3-D motion picture produced by a major studio, Man in the Dark (1953) is a classic film noir, complete with tough-guy protagonist (Edmond O’Brien), heart-of-gold moll (Audrey Totter), and plenty of underworld action—but with handsome stereoscopic imagery directed by the prolific Lew Landers (The Raven). Focusing on a thug who undergoes brain surgery to eliminate his criminal tendencies, the film utilizes spectacular 3-D effects to simulate the newly decent hero’s disorientation as he tries to remember his life of crime, even as he is pursued by former cohorts who want in on the spoils of his latest robbery.

Twilight Time delivers this film on Blu-ray for the first time with Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray on one disc. I have to admit, the 3D experience for this film is no question one of the best that I have ever experience. Right from the minute it starts, the depth is mind-blowing. The 1080p transfers with an aspect ratio of 1.33:1 really shines and looks stunning. There are some great in-your-face stunts but I just really dug the 3D overall, I wish I did the same for the film itself. The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track is also very impressive. There is something about those classic 50’s scores that gets me.

In terms of special features, there is nothing here to enjoy besides a high-def theatrical trailer. There is also an Isolated Score, which is presented in an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. I was quite impressive to find a booklet included with this release. The extensive Julie Kirgo liner notes and film art is a nice read and companion to this release. Overall, I would recommend checking out if you are a 3D buff since I was blown away, otherwise this could have stayed in obscurity and I do know this anyone would have realized.