Actors: Paul Burke, Horace McMahon, Carroll O’Connor, Christopher Walken, Dennis Hopper
Directors: Alex March, Arthur Hiller, Buzz Kulik, Elliot Silverstein, John Brahm
Number of discs: 29
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
DVD Release Date: November 5, 2013
Run Time: 6063 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Naked City” is a show that I only was introduced to within the last year. This show has never been released as a complete series, but thanks to Image Entertainment this is the first time ever we can experience the complete series on DVD. This collection includes all 4 seasons, consisting of 138 episodes, on 29 DVDs from the acclaimed Emmy Award-winning classic TV series. “Naked City” is sharply written, contains an amazing collection of talent and also delivers an beautiful yet gritty black and white New York City. I loved revisiting this show and look forward to finally having all the episodes together in one collection.

The guest stars include tons of great talent including: Dustin Hoffman, Gene Hackman, Robert Redford, Carroll O’Connor, William Shatner, Burgess Meredith, Robert Duvall, Ed Asner, Rip Torn, Peter Falk, Claude Rains, Leslie Nielsen, Walter Matthau, Dennis Hopper, Barry Morse, Brett Somers, Roddy McDowall, Martin Balsam, Jack Warden, Mickey Rooney, Martin Sheen, Peter Fonda, George C. Scott, Jean Stapleton, Jon Voight, Vic Morrow, Christopher Walken, Robert Blake, Robert Loggia, Murray Hamilton, Ed Begley and a few dozen more.

There was absolutely no shortage of talent into this show. Of course these great actors weren’t huge when they start in the show in the late 50’s and early 60’s but it is amazing to look back at the show and see if you can recognize everyone. “Naked City” was featured as a half-hour series during the first season but the other three seasons were switched over to hour-long episodes. The episodes look quite awesome like past TV releases from Image. If you are a fan of this series, this release is a must own. In closing, there are eight million review of “Naked City”. This has been one of them.

Starring: Kevin Sorbo, Kristy Swanson and C. Thomas Howell
Directed by: Craig Clyde
Rated: PG
Running time: 1 hour 30 mins
Stone Five Studios
Release date: 10/22/2013

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Surrounded by her numerous championship ribbons, Dani (Danielle Chuchran) takes to the ring again astride her prize horse, Admiral. Soon she will add another ribbon to her collection. If only things at home were going as well. With her father (Howell) facing a lengthy prison term for his “business dealings,” her step-mother (Sam Sorbo) leaves home, taking her step-brother with her. Dad tries to make a deal but that causes him to lose everything…including Admiral. Dani is sent to live with her “Uncle Sam” (Kevin Sorbo), a man she has met exactly once. It’s not going to be a good summer.

Beautifully photographed, “Storm Rider” is one of those small “family” films that major studios don’t (or won’t) make anymore. It is also a story about adapting and learning to care for those around you, be they two legged or four. Dani is used to having everything and now finds herself living on a farm. It is only after Sam, a veterinarian, introduces her to a baby mule who was found huddled in some trees afraid of a storm that she begins to lighten up. Naming the creature “Stormy,” she begins to treat it as if it was the horse she had to give up. As always, there is a lesson to be learned.

The cast does an admirable job, bringing some light heartedness to a film with some pretty dark moments. Kevin Sorbo brings to mind Keith Carradine with his performance. Silent yet strong. Chuchran occasionally overplays the spoiled brat card but all in all her performance is solid. Sam Sorbo is icy as the former wife who is only looking out for herself. Halfway through the film she returns just to drop her son off – which is really surprising since Uncle Sam is her ex-husband’s brother. Swanson brings light to her scenes with Kevin Sorbo as a friend/love interest with the right advice.

High praise indeed for cinematographer Brandon Christensen whose camera captures the beautiful mountains and countryside featured in the film. Though sometimes a little dramatic, composer Russ Whitelock’s score sets a nice tone for the onscreen action.

“Storm Rider” is also now available on Video on Demand (VOD)

Narrated by: Michael York
Starring: Jim Cummings, John Fiedler, Ken Sansom, Kath Soucie, Peter Cullen, Nikita Hopkins, Michael Gough, William Green
Directed by: Jamie Mitchell
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: November 5, 2013
Run Time: 64 minutes

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

I have always a huge of that silly ole bear and his friends of the 100 acre woods. “Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year” was a direct to video film released in 2002, which consists of the 1991 Christmas TV special “Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too” and the (then) new film, “Happy Pooh Year”. Maybe it is me but you can never go wrong with Pooh and his friends. It is always a win/win! This Blu-ray is Tigger-ific and a great way to get ready for the upcoming holiday season! My 17 month old daughter loves these characters as well, so I have a feeling this is going to get quite a lot of play for many years to come!

Official Premise: Join Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Roo and the whole gang as Rabbit discovers the true spirit of the season after his pals make misguided New Year’s resolutions to change… with hilarious and heartfelt results. Featuring beloved characters and delightful songs, this special “Gift Of Friendship Edition” also includes fun-filled bonus goodies.

This “Gift of Friendship Edition” for “Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year” comes as a combo pack including Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy. You have no idea how happy it makes me that that Disney has started backing Ultraviolet digital streaming copies. The 1080p transfer looks good for the direct-to-video animation of “Happy Pooh Year” and the 1991 Christmas TV special “Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too” looks like it was made yesterday but still with that classic Pooh look and feel.

In terms of special features, first we get one of my favorite new features that Disney has been behind, which is the “Disney Intermission”. When you pause the movie, you and your kids can discover fun family games and activities. It is really a great addition to the film. There is a sing-along option with the film, as well as a song selection. Lastly there is an interactive walk-through of the “Enchanted Environment”. So besides the “Disney Intermission”, nothing really spectacular unlike the recent “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” Blu-ray release.

Directors: Burny Mattinson
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Run Time: 26 minutes

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

“Mickey’s Christmas Carol” is easily my favorite holiday special of all-time! Yes, I am serious. As a kid, I literally wore out our VHS copy, which we recorded off TV in the early 80’s. It is crazy to believe that this film is celebrating its 30th anniversary but I couldn’t be happier to have this film available in glorious Blu-ray. I have been getting very fed up with the ABC Family hack-job cut that they air each year, which cuts out various classic scenes. This Blu-ray is the complete and uncut special and has never looked better. I am looking to sharing this with my daughter each year with hopes that she can enjoy as much as I have for the last 30 years.

Official Premise: Mickey, Goofy, Donald and all their pals star in a heartwarming retelling of Dickens’ unforgettable holiday tale. Ebenezer Scrooge (Scrooge McDuck) is far too greedy to understand that Christmas is a time for kindness and generosity. But with the guidance of some wise ghosts (Goofy and Jiminy Cricket) and a bunch of newfound friends, Scrooge learns to embrace the spirit of the season. Share this wonderful holiday treat with the whole family.

This 30th Anniversary Special Edition gets the treatment from Disney delivering it as a combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy. I can’t wait to use the digital copy, during our upcoming holiday vacation and it’s good to have just in case we wear out of the Blu-ray disc. Haven’t grown up with this film on VHS tape, this special has never looked better. 30 years old? Humbug! “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” is beautifully digitally restored. The character outlining is so crisp and sharp, as is the colors, which really pop so well.

In terms of special features, the only let down for me is that they didn’t include the fantastic “The Making of Mickey’s Christmas Carol”, which has been available only on Youtube (see below, it is a must watch). Otherwise the Blu-ray includes some fun extras, especially for kiddies. There are five bonus animated shorts, which all equally look amazing in HD. “Yodleberg” is the first (and all-new) Mickey Mouse short, which really aired on Disney Channel this Fall. There are also classic shorts including “The Hockey Champ”. “Pluto’s Christmas Tree”, “The Art of Skiing” and “Corn Chips”.

Also included is one of my favorite new features that Disney has been behind, which is the “Disney Intermission”, in which Mickey invites viewers to sing Christmas Carols with all his pals when the film is paused. This is such a great addition to the release and makes pausing fun. There are three songs to enjoy including “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”, “Deck the Halls” and “Jingle Bells”. I really hope that Disney continues this trend, since it is one of my favorites and added a lot to the Blu-ray. Do not miss this release for sure Disney fans!

Starring: Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, AnnaSophia Robb, Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph
Directors: Nat Faxon, Jim Rash
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Fox Searchlight
DVD Release Date: October 22, 2013
Run Time: 104 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I did not have any interest in seeing this sleeper summer hit at all. Steve Carell films don’t really win me over to well. But this ensemble cast did and this little surprise was a real treat to watch. Besides Carell, this all-star cast includes Maya Rudolph, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, AnnaSophia Robb, Sam Rockwell, and Amanda Peet! The film isn’t hysterical funny but it overall very entertaining and yet also quite dramatic at the same time. Do not miss this film this year!

Official Premise: While 14-year-old Duncan (Liam James) is being dragged on a family trip with his mom (Collette) and her overbearing boyfriend (Carell), he finds a gregarious friend (Rockwell) at a local water park. The two form a powerful bond as Duncan learns to swim through the challenges of life, love, family and friendship, resulting in a vacation he’ll never forget.

Fox delivered “The Way Way Back” as a combo pack including the following Blu-ray + Digital HD copy with Ultraviolet. The 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 is quite impressive for this digitally shot indie. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, which works with the dialogue focused film and great score.

In terms of special features this release is not great though. There is collection of featurettes with “Behind the Scenes with the Hilarious Cast and Filmmakers”, which runs about 30 minutes. Next up is “Theatrical Behind the Scenes”, which includes “Tour of the Water Park”, “The Filmmakers: Jim and Nat” and an “Ensemble Featurette”. Lastly, there are a few short Deleted Scenes and Theatrical Trailer included.

Actors: Lori Petty, Naomi Watts, Ice-T, Malcolm McDowell
Directors: Rachel Talalay
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: November 19, 2013
Run Time: 103 minutes

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

I remember the first time I saw “Tank Girl”, which was actually in theaters with an old friend on his mother at the young age of 12 years old. Yes, this film is rated R for Violence, Language and Sexuality (sorry mom). I remember being completely blown away thinking that this film was completely out there and outrageous! Not much as changed over the last nearly 20 years (ouch makes me feel old). “Tank Girl” is still a fun, ridiculous and campy wild ride. It also packs an impressive visual effects and solid cast including Lori Petty, Ice-T, Naomi Watts and Malcolm McDowell. It is not the best comic adaption ever but it does translate this comic quite well.

Official Premise: The year’s 2033 and since a humongous meteor hit earth, the world just hasn’t been the same. No movies, no cable television, no water! A mega-villain, Kesslee (Malcolm McDowell), the leader of Water & Power, holds the world in his grasp since he controls all the water…or so he thinks. Two colossal enemies stand in his way: (1.) The Rippers, an army of half-men/half-kangaroo people whose sole purpose is to bring down Water & Power and (2.) a chick with a tank and tons of attitude: aka Tank Girl (Lori Petty). Kesslee had better get a grip on reality and his water jugs because not even a run in her stockings is going to stop her from saving the world!

Thanks to Shout! Factory, the riot-grrl classic “Tank Girl” is making its Blu-ray debut as a Collector’s Edition Blu-ray + DVD. The 1080p transfer looks solid within its 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The film has a pretty big scale and still looks great for a early 90’s film. It also showcases the creature design by Stan Winston quite well. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is also quite awesome. The music in the film is funky and fun, I remember (and probably still do) that I had the soundtrack on cassette. So it works great with that and also the film’s campy yet fun action scenes.

In terms of special features, they are not overflowing but still worth checking out. There is a fun audio commentary with director Rachel Talalay and actress Lori Petty. There are some great interviews with director Rachel Talalay, actress Lori Petty and production designer Catherine Hardwicke (aka director of “Twilight”). There is a pretty fun (but a little short) Vintage Featurette. Lastly there is a Theatrical Trailer included. Overall definitely worth the purchase for this cult classic!

Actors: Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Rose Byrne, Max Minghella, Aasif Mandvi
Directors: Shawn Levy
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested) / Unrated
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: October 22, 2013
Run Time: 119 / 125 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

When I saw the trailer for “The Internship”, I couldn’t help but to roll my eyes and say “Oh boy”. This film would have been perfect if it was released right after “Wedding Crashers”, which also starred our two leads and the writer and director, but that ship has sailed. This film just seems outdated and these guys are so much better than that. Luckily, I love Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson and easily the best part of the movie is both of them just playing off each other back and forth. Worth a view but nothing special as this is quite predictable and way too long. Let’s hope the duo’s next collaboration has a bit more wit.

Official Premise: Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson team up to crash the digital world in this laugh-out-loud buddy comedy you’ve been searching for! Trying to reboot their obsolete careers, old-school salesmen Billy (Vaughn) and Nick (Wilson) talk their way into an internship program at the state-of-the-art Google campus, vying for a handful of spots among tech-savvy college students who are half their age and twice as smart. The competition is fiercely funny as Billy and Nick break all the rules in a hilarious quest to land their dream jobs!

Fox delivers this film as a combo pack including Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD copies. The 1080p transfer in 2.35:1 aspect ratio works for the comedy advantage. It definitely showcases some of California’s impressive locations including Golden Gate Bridge and of course Google’s headquarters. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track, does what it can with the film’s dialogue and delivers a good sound.

In terms of special features, there isn’t much here like the film itself. There are two cuts of the film included here. The theatrical is 119 minutes and the unrated is 125 minutes. Nothing special if you don’t view unrated. There are a few brief deleted scenes to start. “Any Given Monday” is a fake documentary about the film’s Quidditch Match. There is an audio commentary with director Shawn Levy, though only available on the theatrical cut only. Informational but not a must listen for sure. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer.

Actors: Christian Pitre, Matthew Marsden, Kristanna Loken
Directors: Henry Saine
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Arc Entertainment
Release Date: October 29, 2013
Run Time: 92 minutes

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

Where the hell did “Bounty Killer” come from and why didn’t this film get more attention? This is a “Mad Max” meets “Doomsday” with a vengeance. The film takes place in the year 2042 and is a non-stop action packed rollercoaster right that goes strong for 90 minutes. The lead, Christian Pitre, is smoking hot and really steps up as the heroine kick-ass female assassin, named Mary Death. She is backed by a pretty awesome cast including Matthew Marsden, Kristanna Loken, Eve, Beverly D’ Angelo, Kevin McNally and Gary Busey. The visual effects are quite awesome and the scale of the film is huge. Highly recommended and get ready to have a blast.

Official Premise: It’s been 20 years since the corporations took over the world s governments. Their thirst for power and profits led to the corporate wars, a fierce global battle that laid waste to society as we know it. Born from the ash, the Council of Nine rose as a new law and order for this dark age. To avenge the corporations reckless destruction, the Council issues death warrants for all white collar criminals. Their hunters — the bounty killer. From amateur savage to graceful assassin, the bounty killers now compete for body count, fame and a fat stack of cash. They are ending the plague of corporate greed by exterminating the self serving CEO and providing the survivors of the apocalypse with retribution. These are the new heroes. This is the age of the Bounty Killer!”

Arc Entertainment is releasing this film in two platforms, the first is just Blu-ray only and the second is a Blu-ray + DVD combo pack. The 1080p transfer looks very solid and works extremely with the non-stop action. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also works well with the fast paced action and score. Unfortunately, I was really hoping that Arc was going to include some extras but this Blu-ray is absolute bare bones. I am very upset with that. I would have loved to see some featurettes on the production, specifically the visual effects and maybe even a commentary track.

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Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Peter Sarsgaard, Sharon Stone, Robert Patrick, Juno Temple, Adam Brody
Directors: Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Run Time: 92 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

I have to admit, I have never seen “Deep Throat”. I know about it but never really interested in seeing it. The story behind the film though is a little more interesting, especially with the gorgeous Amanda Seyfried playing the lead role. Too bad, the film is quite the bore even running at just over 90 minutes. Seyfried is amazing as always. Even Sarsagaard does what he does best, which is play the guy you hate. There are tons of others pop in for a scenes or two also including Sharon Stone, Robert Patrick, Juno Temple, Adam Brody and James Franco. Other than the cast, I wouldn’t recommend watching this. Even though “Lovelace” tells a story about making the biggest porn in the world, it leaves you rather limp.

Official Premise: In 1972—before the internet—Deep Throat was a phenomenon: the first scripted pornographic theatrical feature film, featuring a story, some jokes, and an unknown star, Linda Lovelace (Amanda Seyfried). Escaping a strict religious family, Linda discovered freedom and the high-life when she fell for and married charismatic hustler Chuck Traynor (Peter Sarsgaard). As Linda Lovelace she became an international sensation, fully inhabiting her new identity, Linda became an enthusiastic spokesperson for sexual freedom. Six years later she presented another, utterly contradictory, narrative to the world—and herself as the survivor of a far darker story.

Anchor Bay delivered the film on Blu-ray, solo with no combo pack or Ultraviolet copy. I guess they knew what a dud they had on their hands after the horrific box office and didn’t want to put any extra effort into this release. The 1080p transfer looks good with no major compliants. The film is low budget and feels like it was made in the 70’s, so props to them for that. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works well with the film’s score and music throughout. Like the film itself, the special features are a letdown, the only extra included on this release is “Behind Lovelace”, which is a making-of featurettes on the production.

Starring: Matt Lanter, Ashley Eckstein, James Arnold Taylor, Corey Burton, André Sogliuzzo, Mat Lucas,
Director: Dave Filoni
Number of discs: 2
Rated: TV-PG
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: October 15, 2013
Run Time: 447 minutes

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

That’s it folks, here is the final (and fifth) season of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”. This show was easily one of the best things on television for the last 5+ years. The show got increasingly better with each season as it matured. It also got quite darker with its storylines. I liked that they weren’t afraid to take that route and give the hardcore “Star Wars” fans what they were looking for while still adhering to the younger audience. Easily the best arc in this season has to be the one around Ahsoka Tano. I was blown away with this season and I feel that it just ended too soon. Luckily, LucasFilm has big plans for its next animated series “Star Wars Rebels”, which premieres next year. I will be anxiously waiting and hope that it can hold the same charm and excitement that “Clone Wars” did.

Season Five Official Premise: In its Emmy-winning fifth season, the gripping Star Wars story moves closer to the grim events of Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and several major players face their destinies as the galaxy plunges into darkness. Planets are rocked by revolution, ancient Jedi secrets are explored, and Ahsoka Tano — the spirited Padawan so central to the series — faces a major crisis that will change her forever.

One thing I loved (loved…tear) about “The Clone Wars” was that it is extremely cinematic and each arc feels like a mini movie. The 1080p transfers like past seasons doesn’t cease to impress. The animation is extremely sharp and the details are extremely meticulous. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also delivers for each episode completely. These episodes are so epic and action packed and you get a perfectly balanced track from every ship flying by to lightsaber activating.

The 2-disc Blu-ray release of “The Complete Season Five” delivers all 20 episodes bring the series to a close (another tear). It includes two episodes in their director’s cuts, which were never seen on TV. Get ready for this, there are an audio commentary track on EACH episode, so yes that’s 20 commentary tracks! Fans, including myself, are going to love going through each episode of this great season once again to get the inside tip. Also exclusive to Blu-ray (for a limited time) is “Jedi Archives”, which is an extensive database of early animation, concept art and 3D turnarounds for the season.

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Actors: Sam Jones, Nana Visitor, Bumper Robinson, Garry Walberg, Les Lennom
Directed by: Michael Schultz
Studio: Warner Archive Collection
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
DVD Release Date: October 15, 2013
Run Time: 69 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

It is almost sad to try and think of a time for superheros before Marvel created the world we live in now. In the past, comic book characters and their movies were made to be very campy and cheesy like the 1960’s “Batman”. You know know Sam Jones from his (failed) portrayal in “Flash Gordon”. He takes on the role of the superhero again in this made for TV movie that barely runs an hour long. Still I can’t lie and say that I didn’t enjoy it since I did. I am a sucker for cheesy 80’s action films. This film was made to kick off a show based around “The Spirit” sadly it never too off. So if you are a fan of the tongue-in-cheek comedy from Will Eisner’s comic, then you should enjoy this.

Will Eisner’s famed comic book hero makes his live-action debut in this rarely seen TV adaptation starring Sam Jones (Flash Gordon) as Central City’s most rumpled crimefighter. Shot in the line of duty, police detective Denny Colt (Jones) is thought to be dead when his body turns up missing. Allowing his enemies to believe he died, Colt dons a blue suit and mask and proceeds to fight crime as The Spirit. Aided by Police Commissioner Dolan (Garry Walberg) and in love with Dolan’s daughter Ellen (Nana Visitor), The Spirit works outside the law as he attempts to bust an art forgery racket run by the notorious femme fatale P’Gell (McKinlay Robinson).

As far as I can tell “The Spirit” has never been released on DVD, so this would be the first. Warner Archive does it again and delivers another lost gem to its fan (if this film has fans). In terms of presentation though, it is not the best I have ever seen. The transfer has been manufactured from the best-quality video master currently available and has not been remastered or restored. It looks like a made-for-TV movie, nothing more – nothing less. There are no additional special features included on this release.

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Actors: Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, Demian Bichir, Marlon Wayans, Michael Rapaport
Directors: Paul Feig
Rated: R (Restricted) / Unrated
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: October 15, 2013
Run Time: 117 / 120 minutes

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

When I first saw a trailer for the “The Heat”, I thought it looked alright but I wasn’t planning to run out and see it first weekend. Then the positive responses starting coming out and people were calling this “The Funniest Movie of the Year”. I thought that McCarthy had run her course and was starting to get on my nerves but that thought was quickly debunked about her role in “Identity Thief”. So I gave in and watched “The Heat” and it was quite funny, in fact very funny, but it is also a felt just a little too predictable for me to make it perfect. Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy are epic together though. I love the female team-up and these each play so well off each other. Definitely worth checking out and get ready to laugh!

Official Premise: Oscar Winner Sandra Bullock and Oscar Nominee Melissa McCarthy team up in this outrageously funny comedy from the director of Bridesmaids, Paul Feig. Uptight FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn (Bullock) and foul-mouthed Boston cop Shannon Mullins (McCarthy) couldn’t be more incompatible. But when they join forces to bring down a ruthless drug lord, they become the last thing anyone expected…buddies.

Fox delivered “The Heat” as a combo pack included Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD copy. The Blu-ray contains two cuts of the film as well. The theatrical cut runs 117 minutes, while the unrated clocks in at 120 minutes. So there is nothing to get terribly excited about if you don’t watching in the extended cut. I was just happy the film was rated R to being with since they were able to make it edgier and that let to funnier moments. The 1080p transfer presented in an 2.40:1 aspect ratio works with the films mix of action/comedy. The same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, which is very effective with not only the dialogue but also the action.

The special features are quite impressive and contain a lot of good short features. We start with “Welcome to the Bonus Features”, which features Paul Feig enjoying a good fart joke. Next up, we have eight featurettes, which include a funny intro from Feig. “Mullins Family Fun” included about ten minutes of deleted scenes involving Shannon’s family. “Acting Master Class” features the cast engaging in funny jokes. “Let’s Get Physical” are more bloopers, same goes for “Von Bloopers”. “Police Brutality” and “Supporting Cast Cavalcade” are more outtakes. Rounding out is “Over and Out” is Feig closing out with yet another fart joke. If all those outtakes and gag reels weren’t enough there is still more in “All the Stuff We Had to Take Out but Still Think is Funny”, which includes more Deleted Scenes, Extended Scenes and Alternate Scenes. “How The Heat Was Made” is a great (and only) behind-the-scenes featurette.

There are four commentary track included. The first with with Paul Feig and is only available on the Unrated Version of the film but it is a blast and very funny as well. The next track is with Melissa McCarthy, Paul Feig, Katie Dippold, Mike McDonald, Adam Ray, Jesse Henderson. Again this one is a laugh riot and this one though is only available on the Theatrical Version. The next track features “Some of the Mullins Family” and Feig, also only available on the Theatrical Version. Lastly is a track featuring the original lineup from “Mystery Science Theater 3000”, which is the best since I love MST3K and it was great to have the gang together. This was very clever and I have to give the team kudos for coming up with it.

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Starring: Danny Cooksey, Vincent Price, Jonathan Winters, Cloris Leachman, Don Knotts
Directed by: Ray Patterson
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 71 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I may be a boy but I did grown up in the 80’s with a little sister. I remember watching “The Cabbage Patch Kids’ First Christmas”, which originally aired in 1984. It has been many years since then but now with a daughter of my own. I was excited to introduce her to the classic 1980’s Christmas special. Along with that special also included is the 1987 special “The Little Troll Prince Holiday”. This one I am not too familiar with but I certainly know the all-star voice cast including Vincent Price, Jonathan Winters, Don Knotts and Cloris Leachman. My daughter really seemed to enjoy both films quite a bit and wouldn’t take her eyes off the TV for “Cabbage Patch Kids”. This films aren’t overly Christmas themed but it was nice to start getting into mood even though it isn’t even Halloween yet, but that won’t stop me. I am sure we will be revisiting these too titles quite a bit over the next few months.

Official Premise: Fire up your Yule log and get set for an early Xmas, courtesy of Xavier Roberts and a wannabe gnome! The Cabbage Patch Kids First Christmas (1986) finds the magical brood leaving the safety of their Georgia hidden patch in search of the Christmas spirit in the big city courtesy of  Ruby Spears. Beyond the protection of their human guardian Xavier Roberts and Colonel Casey the stork, the kids find that the big city has its own brand of menace, one very similar to their own… Can they find the Christmas Spirit in time to help a very special orphan? The second feature, The Little Troll Prince (1984), finds Hanna-Barbera mixings Scandinavian folklore with traditional holiday spirit for a charming concoction about a royal monster that trades in menace for a simple life of domestic gnome-dom.

These films have never before been released on DVD and thanks to Warner Archive for making this DVD possible. I swear, a month doesn’t go by that this company doesn’t give live to some rare and unique film that was collecting dust. I did notice though that the transfers of the films were not the greatest. On Warner’s website, it says that they have been manufactured from the best-quality video master currently available, but they also haven’t been remastered or restored. Nonetheless, they still were completely watchable presented in their original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The Dolby Digital audio track included works well with the music, especially the songs in “The Little Troll Prince Holiday”. There were no additional special features included.

Starring: Austin Stoker, Darwin Joston, Laurie Zimmer, Martin West, Tony Burton, Charles Cyphers
Director: John Carpenter
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: November 19, 2013
Run Time: 91 minutes

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

“Assault on Precinct 13” was never my favorite film from John Carpenter but it is still quite impressive and holds up with time. I mean, the director must be doing something right since his films keep getting remade like “Halloween”, “The Thing” and “Assault on Precinct 13”. Of course none of the remakes even come close to the originals. This film really shows the scale for John Carpenter and that he was able to really rock any genre not just horror. This film was action packed and super intense. This is not the film’s first go on Blu-ray as it was released back in 2008 from Image. So I would recommend this for hardcore Carpenter fans since the last release is still pretty solid.

Official Premise: John Carpenter directs this tense remake of the classic Howard Hawks western Rio Bravo. Set in modern-day Los Angeles, it concerns a mob of crazy guerilla gunmen who lay siege to a soon-to-be-closed police station, trapping a single cop (Austin Stoker) and a couple of secretaries (Laurie Zimmer and Nancy Loomis) inside. The gunmen unleash wave upon wave of attacks on the beleaguered station, but the cop proves himself a resourceful foe.

Shout! Factory released “John Carpenter’s Assault on Precinct 13” as a Collector’s Edition in a Blu-ray + DVD combo pack. The 1080p transfer is very sharp and looks great for a film nearly 40 years old. Especially since the film was low-budget, the colors are sharp and the overall presentation still holds up very well after all those years. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is the same one from the 2008 Image Blu-ray, which is a very solid track. Also included is the DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track.

The special features are the real draw of this new release. There is a new audio commentary track with Art Director and Sound Effects Editor Tommy Lee Wallace, There are two new interviews with actress Nancy Loomis Kyes and actor Austin Stoker. There also a ported audio commentary with writer/director John Carpenter and an interview also with with John Carpenter and Austin Stoker. Lastly there is a Theatrical Trailer, Radio Spots and Still Gallery included. One thing I noticed that I would have loved to see is the isolated score track which was included in the 2008 Image Blu-ray.

Actors: Tobe Hooper, Robert Carradine, Stacy Keach, David Warner, Mark Hamill
Directors: John Carpenter, Tobe Hooper, Larry Sulkis
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: November 12, 2013
Run Time: 95 minutes

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

“Body Bags” was a made-for-TV anthology that aired on Showtime. Originally it was planned to be a television series, similar to HBO’s “Tales from the Crypt” but never panned out. The film is jam-packed with great genre talent including Mark Hamill (“Star Wars”), Robert Carradine (“Revenge of the Nerds”), Tom Arnold (“True Lies”), Sam Raimi (“Evil Dead”), Stacy Keach (“Up In Smoke”), David Warner (“TRON”) Deborah Harry, Sheena Easton, Twiggy (Member of Marilyn Manson), David Naughton (“An American Werewolf In London”), John Agar (“Tarantula”) and great cameos by Wes Craven, Tobe Hooper and Roger Corman. Overall, this may not be the best anthology but it is still a blast to watch and a must have for any true horror buff.

Official Premise: Two Masters of Horror John Carpenter (“Halloween”, “The Thing”) and Tobe Hooper (“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre”, “Lifeforce”) come together to create a chilling anthology of terror. Alex Datcher (“Passenger 57”) stars as a woman working the late shift at The Gas Station while a killer is on the loose. Then, Stacy Keach (“Road Games”) can’t stand the thought of losing his Hair and he’ll do anything to keep it. And finally, Mark Hamill (“Star Wars”) portrays a baseball player that submits to an Eye transplant after he loses an eye in a car accident.

Shout! Factory delivered this film as a Blu-ray + DVD combo pack. The 1080p transfer looks decent for a made-for-TV film and the DTS-HD Master Audio track works with the film’s suspense and score. In terms of special features, there is some great content here for horror fans. There are three audio commentary tracks included, the first is with director John Carpenter and actor Robert Carradine on “The Gas Station”. The second is again with director John Carpenter and joined by actor Stacy Keach on “Hair”. The last with with producer Sandy King on “Eye” and is moderated by Justin Beahm. There are some some great new interviews with John Carpenter, Producer Sandy King and actors Stacy Keach and Robert Carradine. Lastly there is a trailer included as well.