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.

Created by: Hanna-Barbera
Distributed: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
DVD Release Date: October 8, 2013
Running Time: 615 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Growing up in the 80’s, I was raised quite a bit by the work of Hanna-Barbera. I watched their cartoons for my entire childhood. It didn’t matter which ones they were, if it branded the stamp of Hanna-Barbera, I was interested. Now as an adult these characters are still very relevant, thanks to Cartoon Network and Adult Swim’s animated programming like “Harvey Birdman” and “Space Ghost: Coast to Coast”. “Space Stars” was a short lived series from 1980-1981 but it holds a special place for any fan of 80’s cartoons and finally it is available for the first time on DVD as a complete series, thanks to Warner Archive.

Official Premise: As the entire world went “space action” crazy at the end of the Seventies, Hanna-Barbera reconvened its Sci-Fi superstars Space Ghost and the Herculoids for another round of adventures. Joining the sixties sci-fi faves in their interstellar battle against evil were newcomers Teen Force and Astro and the Space Mutts (yes, that Astro!). But there’s more to the story to know before you blastoff on adventures as big as the cosmos itself! Get ready to enjoy Space Stars complete with the recently-uncovered, never-before-seen “Space Science” segments restored in all their educational glory. Race! – to learn Space Magic tricks with Blip! Streak to learn Space Facts from Space Ace! Rock out to the synth wonder of the Space Mix! Solve Space Mysteries deep in space with Teen Force and join the Herculoids to crack the Space Code. They’re back – for the first time ever!

“Space Stars” consists of four cartoon segments: “Space Ghost”, “The Herculoids”, “Teen Force”, and “Astro and the Space Mutts”. “Space Ghost” and “The Herculoids” were well-known from their shows back in the 60’s but “Teen Force” and “Astro and the Space Mutts” (which features the dog from “The Jetsons”) were new shows. There were 22 episodes of “Space Ghost”, while the others all had 11 episodes. There were also 11 cross-over episodes with each of the segments combined. If you grew up watching this show then this release is a must own.

This series has been newly remastered and released on DVD together for the first time ever. TV networks like Boomerang and Cartoon has shown a few segments here and there over the years but never fully and there was never a complete DVD released either. The episodes are crisp and look great for a show over 30 years old. Besides the 66 episodes included, there are no special features included but if you are a fan of this series, I am sure that you will just be happy enough to finally have these episodes to watch and re-watch at your leisure. Warner Archive, please keep releasing great lost shows like this!

Actors: Gregory Hines, Renee Soutendijk
Directors: Duncan Gibbins
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: November 19, 2013
Run Time: 100 minutes

Film: 1.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

Before the announcement of this Blu-ray release, I have never seen “Eve of Destruction”, nor heard of this 1991 title. I was drawn to this title since it starred Gregory Hines in a action/sci-fi/thriller/horror film, so that interested me. I wish I would have opted out for sure since this title was a big mess, not sure of which genre it wanted to be apart of and ended up failing on all. Some might enjoy this title if they grew up watching it but otherwise steer clear for sure.

Official Premise: Off-beat sci-fi adventure in which a female scientist creates a sexy android version of herself and equips it with both the passionate emotions she lacks and a nuclear bomb. The trouble begins when the android is taken out for a test run and it ends up in the midst of a bank robbery where its internal bomb is accidentally activated. Things get worse, when the robot comes emotionally unglued and launches into a destructive rampage while enacting out its repressed creator’s darkest desires.

In terms of the Blu-ray presentation, Shout! Factory does deliver in that department. For a 1991 film, the 1080 transfer was very solid. The audio track packs a typical DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track for Shout’s catalog titles. There are no special features besides a theatrical trailer included for this Blu-ray.

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Starring: Dean Jagger, Martha Raye, Doris Day, Stephen Boyd, Jimmy Durante
Director: Charles Walters
Distributed: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: G
Running Time: 124 minutes

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

“Jumbo” was a film that was troubled from the star. It took nearly a decade to get made and was a financial disappointment once it was finally released in 1962. The film is based on the 1935 Broadway play of the same name. In fact the film actually brings back Jimmy Durante, who was also the star of the play. This film also was Doris Day’s last screen musical. There is no shortage of talent here and the film is quite the production even for today’s standards. I remember seeing this film as a kid and it just stuck with me over the year and though I haven’t seen it since then I never forgot it. “Jumbo” is not perfect and feels a little bit aged but overall it is still quite enjoyable and worth checking out.

Official Premise: Jumbo is a mighty talented elephant. It’s also the ideal word to describe this big-time, big-top extravaganza bursting with laughter and love, sang and dance, circus stunts and star power. Radiant Doris Day sings beloved Rodgers and Hart tunes and does her own horseback riding tricks in a razzle-dazzle musical based on Billy Rose’s stage spectacular and featuring circus sequences directed by Busby Berkeley. The story revolves around a circus owner (Jimmy Durante) with only two real attractions: his daughter (Day) and popular pachyderm Jumbo. Three-ring pandemonium breaks out when a handsome rival (Stephen Boyd) infiltrates the circus, and father, daughter and Dad’s wise-cracking fiancé (Martha Raye) are suddenly at risk of losing the greatest show on earth!

Since the beginning of this year, Warner Archive has been breaking into the world of Blu-ray. This was not a title that I expect would need a Blu-ray but it still looks quite impressive on the disc. The 1080p transfer is presented with an aspect ratio of 2.40:1. The colors are aged a little but still solid. The DTS HD-Master Audio 5.1 is awesome, period. It works very well with the musical numbers and the film’s dialogue. In terms of special features, there is some decent content included. There is a musical Short titled “Yours Sincerely”. There is a fun Tom and Jerry Cartoon, “Jerry and Jumbo”. The original overture has been rejoined to the film for the first time in over 50 years, so this will be a main draw for hardcore fans of the film. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer included.

Created by: Roy Huggins
Starring: James Garner, Jack Kelly
Distributed by Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
DVD Release Date: October 15, 2013
Running Time: 1300 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Maverick” is a rare thing in television, especially today, since it was a western comedy. It ran for five seasons dating from 1957 to 1962. The third season aired in 1959 and was James Garner’s last season before being replaced by Roger Moore as cousin Beau Maverick. The role of Bret Maverick made Garner very popular as it was such a great character. This season also featured a slew of amazing guest stars, including screen veterans Buddy Ebsen, Edgar Buchanan Henry Daniell, Troy Donahue, Adam West, Joel Grey and even Robert Redford. So there is no shortage of talent. I am not a huge fan of Westerns but it was great to visit this classic show. Still funny and still quite sharp!

Official Premise: James Garner and Jack Kelly ante up for more high-stakes cons and games of chance in Season Three of this smart and witty Emmy-winning series (Best Western, 1959). Luck is still the lady they love best, as footloose gamblers Bret (Garner) and Bart (Kelly) Maverick tangle with Indian war parties, killer cattlemen, feuding families, a stubborn marquesa, their conniving old Pappy (Garner in a dual role) and more, in 26 offbeat adventures packed with quips and twists.

Warner Archive has been behind this series since last year and has been pumping out each season since then through its made to open release structure. If you are a fan of this series, then you probably will not have to wait long until to complete it since I am sure that by the end of 2014, they will have released seasons four and five as well. This DVD does not show to be newly restored but for a show dating back to the late 1950’s it looks quite decent. The episodes are presented in their original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The audio included is the basic DVD Dolby Digital track. No other special features are included.

Starring: Brian d’Arcy James, Sutton Foster, Daniel Breaker, Christopher Sieber
Director: Michael Warren
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: DreamWorks
DVD Release Date: October 15, 2013
Run Time: 120 minutes

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

I am a huge fan of “Shrek”, the first film that is. After the first film I lost interest more and more with the three following sequels. When “Shrek The Musical” came to Broadway, I never really had an interest to run out (spend $200 bucks) and see the show. Now that its been a few years since the last “Shrek” film, the Broadway show is closed and the National US Tour has ended, I figure what could it hurt to finally give this show a try. I liked the idea of being able to watch it in my own living room. Overall, if you haven’t seen the show on stage, you haven’t been missing anything special but it is definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of this franchise.

Official Premise: Featuring a fantastic score of 17 all-new songs, “Shrek the Musical” was filmed on stage to capture the magic of a Broadway performance and stars an amazing celebrated cast including Brian d’Arcy James (Shrek), Sutton Foster (Fiona), Daniel Breaker (Donkey), Christopher Sieber (Lord Farquaad), and John Tartaglia (Pinocchio). The film was shot live with 10 cameras and directed by Michael Warren

“Shrek the Musical” comes equipped as a combo pack with Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet. The Blu-ray transfer looks pretty sharp in its 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Of course, it doesn’t compare to being at the theatre itself and being immersed in the show but it does the trick.  Like the films, the show is very colorful and are presented very clearly here on this release. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 works well with the shows several numbers. The special features are not that impressive. There is a brief “From Swamp to Stage: The Making of Shrek the Musical”, which features Cameron Diaz talks about the show. Lastly there is a “Shrek the Musical Songbook with Sing-Along” with the songs split up, so you can choose your favorite.

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy
Director: Richard Linklater
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 22, 2013
Run Time: 109 minutes

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

I have been loving the 18 year journey that Richard Linklater has set out with this romantic drama series starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. “Before Midnight” is the third film in the series and is a sequel to “Before Sunrise” (1995) and “Before Sunset” (2004). “Before Midnight”, like the prior two films, is very dialogue heavy and very smartly written. It plays like an emotional rollercoaster and is quite exhausting and yet still very charming as we follow-up with this nearly two decade romantic relationship. I have that this trio has plans to continue this series in the next decade since it only gets better with each installment.

Official Premise: Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy) first met in their twenties in “Before Sunrise”; reunited in their thirties in “Before Sunset”; and, now, in director Richard Linklater’s amazing “Before Midnight”, they face the past, present and future: family, romance and love. Now on a writer’s retreat in Greece, the couple looks for a night of passion, but instead their idyllic night turns into a test of their relationship and a discussion of what the future holds for them.

Sony released this film as a Blu-ray combo pack with an Ultraviolet digital copy. Since “Before Midnight” consists of a long scenes of extended dialogue, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sounds good for what it is worth but not really challenged. The 1080p transfer looks great with the film’s location in Greece but there was some major issues with Delpy’s dress throughout the film. It was consistenly giving off some major backlash and it was quite distracting.

In terms of special features, Sony didn’t pack a lot but what they did is very impressive especially for fans of this series. There is a must-listen audio •commentary with all major players including Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy and Richard Linklater. It truly shows how these films are a real labor of love for these three very talent artists. “Revisiting Jesse & Céline” features Hawke and Delpy chatting about their characters for their third go around with these characters. Lastly there is a solid Q&A discussion with Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy and Richard Linklater.

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Actors: Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt, Larry The Cable Guy, Cheech Marin
Directors: John Lasseter
Number of discs: 3
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 29, 2013
Run Time: 116 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
3D: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Cars” is a good Pixar film, it is not my favorite but it is definitely a good film. It has become one of the studios biggest franchises since the kids have been eating it up and cannot get enough. Following in to the vein of “Finding Nemo” and “Monsters Inc.”, Disney is adding the third dimension to Pixar’s landmark classic by converting it to 3D. This is the first time that the film has ever been available in this format. I have to admit, I was quite impressed. “Cars” is one of those films that you can watch over and over and you find little bits that make it more fun. “Cars 2” might have given this franchise a bad name but the original film is still quite solid and has never been faster and more in-your-face…literally.

Official Premise: Hotshot rookie race car Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is living life in the fast lane until he hits a detour on his way to the most important race of his life. Stranded in Radiator Springs, a forgotten town on the old Route 66, he meets Sally, Mater, Doc Hudson (Paul Newman) and a variety of quirky characters who help him discover that there’s more to life than trophies and fame.

The film packs an amazing voice cast including Owen Wilson (Lightning McQueen), Larry the Cable Guy (Mater), Paul Newman (Doc Hudson), Bonnie Hunt (Sally Carrera), Cheech Marin (Ramone), Tony Shalhoub (Luigi), Guido Quaroni (Guido), Jenifer Lewis (Flo), John Ratzenberger (The Abominable Snowplow/Mack/Hamm Truck/ PT Flea Car) and Michael Keaton (Chick Hicks). There is something about these characters that have just clicked with the audience and have become more popular since the films. I have been totally immersed in “Disney Infinity” and my favorite world so far is easily “Cars”.

This Ultimate Collector’s Edition includes a Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy. I am excited that Disney has started to back the streaming digital copy service through Ultraviolet. The 1080p transfer still looks amazing. The 3D really adds a lot of depth to Radiator Springs and the Piston Cup races. The Dolby True HD 5.1 is the same as past releases as well and drives in high-gear and sends gravel flying in your face. Obviously if you have purchased previous Blu-ray’s for this film and are not a fan of 3D, then there is really no need to pick this up but if you care for the 3D, I enjoyed it quite a bit.

The special features are the same as the past Blu-ray release for “Cars”, which are decent but was never too impressive. There is an Epilogue, “Inspiration for Cars”, Five Deleted Scenes, There is a “Cars” Short: “Mater and the Ghostlight”, as well as theatrical short “One Man Band,”. “Cine-Explore” is an interactive in-movie audio-commentary by director John Lasseter, “Car Finder” is interactive BD-Java based game, Lastly there is “Boundin’ Cars” and “Doc” short.

Actors: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Alfred Molina, Charlie Day, Sean P. Hayes, Dave Foley, Nathan Fillion,Aubrey Plaza.
Directors: Dan Scanlon
Number of discs: 4
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: October 29, 2013
Run Time: 104 minutes

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

If you have asked me back in May 2011, I would have said that Pixar could do no wrong. Since then they have released “Cars 2” (which isn’t as bad as people say), “Brave” and now “Monsters University”. “Monsters Inc.” is one of Pixar’s greatest films and introduced us to our favorite characters Mike and Sully. So when I heard that they were making a sequel, I am sure everyone was excited to get to see the boys back in action again with “Monsters University”. I enjoyed the film since I love these characters but it feels like it is missing the charm of the first one and doesn’t deliver anything special. Pixar is taking 2014 off for the first time and not releasing a new film till 2015. Hopefully they are looking to amp it up with “Inside Out” and “The Good Dinosaur”.

Returning for the prequel includes the voices of Billy Crystal (voice of Mike), John Goodman (voice of Sulley) and Steve Buscemi (voice of Randy Boggs). Joining the cast includes great talent including Helen Mirren (voice of Dean Hardscrabble), Nathan Fillion (voice of Johnny Worthington), Alfred Molina (voice of Professor Knight), Joel Murray (voice of Don Carlton), Charlie Day (voice of Art), Sean P. Hayes (voice of Terri Perry), Dave Foley (voice of Terry Perry), John Krasinski (voice of Frank McCay) and Aubrey Plaza (voice of Claire Wheeler). Overall the voice cast is impressive and easily the best part of the film.

Official Premise: Disney Pixar proudly presents the hilarious story of how two mismatched monsters met and became lifelong friends in a movie screaming with laughter and oozing with heart. Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he’s dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer. The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. With their dreams temporarily dashed, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right.

Monsters University will be available for purchase as a 4-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Combo Pack including Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy. I am happy that Disney has gotten on board now with Ultraviolet digital copies. In terms of deliver Disney delivered a fantastic 1080p transfer presentation. The colors are crisp and overall look really great. The Dolby TrueHD 7.1 audio track also sounds quite stunning and really sounds great. I am a huge fan of 3D usually and I even enjoyed “Monsters Inc.” in the third dimension, but I wasn’t overly thrilled with the 3D on “Monsters University”. There was some added depth but nothing that really scream “Damn this film should be in 3D”. I have a feeling that if my daughter ever wants to watch this film again, it will definitely be in 2D.

In terms of special features, they are very impressive for sure despite my feelings on the film. “Campus Life” is a chat with the production crew at Pixar. “Story School” is a documentary takes us through the production and the new story of Mike and Sulley. “Scare Games” talks about the creation of the film’s competitions. “Welcome to MU” talks us into the world that was created for the film. “Music Appreciation” takes us through Randy Newman’s score (which I really was’t thrilled with). “Scare Tactics” talks about bringing the characters to life. “Color and Light” focuses on setting the tone for the film. “Paths to Pixar – MU Edition” features the crew sharing their own back stories. There are four deleted scenes with an introduction from director Dan Scanlon.

Since I didn’t see this film in theaters, I was very curious about seeing Pixar’s latest show “The Blue Umbrella”. When it comes to shorts, they always deliver but my favorite short from Disney has to be “Paperman”, which debuted in front of “Wreck-It Ralph”. “The Blue Umbrella” follows two umbrellas—one blue, one not—fall that fall eternally in love. It is cute and clever but not one of my favorites. Some additional bonus features include an audio commentary track, some promo materials from the college and theatrical campaigns, a “Flythrough” for the sets and an art gallery.

Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: DreamWorks Animation
DVD Release Date: October 15, 2013
Run Time: 154 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

There is something about “Kung Fu Panda” that you can’t help be love. I am a huge fan of the two movies and I have been loving the TV series as well “Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness”. “The Scorpion Sting” is the latest DVD collection of episodes from this series and it is jam-packed with action, comedy and a whole lotta Po, who is everyone favorite Panda. If you love “Kung Fu Panda”, then you are going to love this show for sure! Even my 16 month old daughter loves this show and walks around with her plush doll screaming “Po”, so I think they are on to something here!

Get ready for more high-kicking action and fur-flying fun in this awesome animated TV series based on the Academy Award-Nominated hit movie Kung Fu Panda*! He may not be your typical warrior, but Po packs an arsenal of martial arts skills as big as his heart…and his stomach. Always ready to fight for what’s right, Po and the Furious Five—Tigress, Monkey, Mantis, Crane and Viper—face exotic dangers at every turn, including a pair of magic shoes with an evil “sole,” and Scorpion, one of the sharpest villains in all the land!

This DVD contains over two hours of episodes including the following: “Scorpion’s Sting”, “Crane On A Wire”, “Love Stings”, “Kung Shoes”, “Owl Be Back”, “Qilin Time”, “Monkey in the Middle”. I also recently received a DVD volume for the show “Monsters vs. Aliens” and that also included a Digital copy download for each of the episode, I am surprised that this one did not since it would be a great added feature for sure. Also included though as a bonus is the “Kung Fu Panda: Scorpion Maze” App, which is available for download on iOS and Android devices. It is a fast-paced and addictive arcade-style game and ton of fun. If you enjoyed DVD, this you will be excited to find that that in Spring 2014 the next DVD is being released called, “The Midnight Stranger”. Keep ’em coming!