Director: Ang Lee
Starring: Will Smith, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen
Paramount Pictures
Running Time: 117 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
4K UHD: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Gemini Man” isn’t a film I wanted to see at all. The trailers looks boring to me despite action sequences. After watching the movie, I was proved right in my assumptions. The movie was bland, predictable and packed a real terrible ending. Will Smith tries his best but there is just too much Will Smith here and I didn’t think that was possible. The film does have some solid visual effects though.

Despite my feelings on the film, I was mega impressed with the fact that this 4K Ultra HD release includes a first for Paramount. The 4K Ultra HD disc is encoded in 60FPS (frames-per-second) for exceptional sharpness and clarity. The standard Blu-ray release comes with the film presented in 24FPS, if you are a film buff this is a pretty cool deal. There is also an exclusive visual effects scene breakdown presented by WETA in 60FPS, Ultra HD and High Dynamic Range in the special features.

The 4K Ultra HD disc presents the film in Dolby Vision^®, which brings entertainment to life through ultra-vivid picture quality with spectacular colors, highlights that are up to 40 times brighter, and blacks that are 10 times darker.  This film is the first ever Dolby Vision high frame rate disc to be released.  Also included this disc boasts a Dolby Atmos^® soundtrack. The film comes including a 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital copy of the film.

Official Premise: Will Smith stars as retired hitman Henry Brogan, forced on the run by a young, highly skilled operative who will stop at nothing to eliminate his target.  Now on a race around the globe, Henry must outsmart the mysterious assassin at every step – but how far will he go once they finally come face to face?  Packed with epic fight scenes and groundbreaking visual effects,  “Gemini Man” is the future of action movies.

The bonus features include an Alternate Opening (even though this film needed an alternate ending more so), some Deleted Scenes and a few featurettes including: The Genesis of Gemini Man, Facing Your Younger Self, The Future Is Now, Setting the Action, Next Level Detail and The Vision of Ang Lee. The Visual Effects Progression presented by WETA in 60FPS is only available on the 4K UHD disc. Even though I didn’t like the film this extra was work checking out for sure.

From the creators of The Elf on the Shelf comes their third special called “Elf Pets: A Fox Cub’s Christmas Tale“. The special was adapted from the new book, Elf Pets: An Arctic Fox Tradition and is easily the cutest yet. My daughter has her very own Elf on the Shelf named Zoe and we have loved the Elf Pets series as well. I think this specials are an amazing way to expand The Elf on the Shelf world. I hope these DVDs become a yearly tradition because they are cute and deliver good messages for kids.

Official Synopsis: A Fox Cub’s Christmas Tale gives an all-new glimpse into the magical world of Santa’s North Pole, and answers the universal question: How does Santa travel the whole world in one night? The special features “Newsey Noel,” the North Pole’s ace Scout Elf reporter, who is invited to ride along with Santa on Christmas Eve to learn first-hand how time pauses so Santa can deliver presents undetected and unheard.

Voiced by: Brad Hyland, Leslie Bellair, Tommas Oden, Joe Peery, Brody Rose and Carol Aebersold 

Elf Pets: A Fox Cubs Christmas Tale DVD will be available for purchase at retailers nationwide, and on shop.elfontheshelf.com website, for $9.95. The disc includes the 28-minute animated special as well as a bunch of extras including the trailer, a sing-along version and filmmaker’s commentary. The sing-along version is fun and once you watch it once it was our go-to version for future viewings. The commentary was also a nice gift for daddy to enjoy and get some solid detail about the production.  

Nickelodeon’s latest animated hit preschool series, Butterbean’s Café, makes its DVD debut featuring seven episodes from the series’ first season. I liked this show because it showcases not only creative cooking but also features a curriculum with social-emotional lessons that highlight kindness and gratitude, and leadership skills for kids to enjoy and learn. My seven year old really enjoys this show and honestly daddy didn’t mind it either.

The show follows a fairy named Butterbean and her adventures running her own neighborhood café and bakery. Serving up delicious healthy snacks and sweet treats to the residents in their community of Puddlebrook, Butterbean, her fairy friends-Dazzle, Poppy and Jasper-and her little sister Cricket, combine magic and teamwork to make their cafe the most awesome eatery in town.

Along with the seven episodes, this DVD collection also includes a special double-length episode with a guest voice appearance from celebrity chef Carla Hall (“The Chew”, “Top Chef”). There is also some healthy recipe card included with each purchase, which I can see my daughter and I cooking together giving her a chance to cook just like Butterbean and her friends. 

Episodes include are the following:

• The Grand Opening! (special double-length episode!)
• The Sweetest Ride
• Fluttercakes!
• Friendship Pretzels!
• Grandma Nana Banana Bread 
• Wedding Cake Switcheroo 
• A Grilled Cheese for the Big Cheese!  

To celebrate the Blu-ray release of “Blackkklansman“, Media Mikes would like to give our fans a chance to win a Blu-ray + DVD combo pack of the film. If you want to win this great prize, please leave a comment below your favorite Spike Lee joint. This giveaway will remain open until November 2nd at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to our readers in US only. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

Based on the book Black Klansman by Ron Stallworth, BlacKkKlansman is filled with outstanding performances from an all-star cast led by John David Washington (“Ballers,” Malcolm X), Adam Driver (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Logan Lucky), Topher Grace (Interstellar, “That 70’s Show”) and Laura Harrier (Spider-Man: Homecoming, The Last Five Years) alongside an incredible roster of supporting talent including Alec Baldwin (“Saturday Night Live,” Mission Impossible – Fallout), Corey Hawkins (Straight Outta Compton, Kong: Skull Island), Ryan Eggold (“The Blacklist,” “Sons of Liberty”) and Paul Walter Hauser (I, Tonya, Super Troopers 2).

From visionary filmmaker Spike Lee comes the incredible true story of an American hero. In the early 1970s Ron Stallworth (Washington) becomes the first African-American detective in the Colorado Springs Police Department. Determined to make a difference, he bravely sets out on a dangerous mission: infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan. He recruits a seasoned colleague, Flip Zimmerman (Driver), into the undercover investigation. Together, they team up to take down the extremist organization aiming to garner mainstream appeal. BlacKkKlansman offers an unflinching, true-life examination of race relations in 1970s America that is just as relevant in today’s
tumultuous world.
 

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Actors: Nicolas Cage, Andrea Riseborough, Linus Roache, Bill Duke, Richard Brake
Directors: Panos Cosmatos
Rated: Unrated
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
Release Date: October 30, 2018
Running Time: 121 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

In 2010, I did an interview with Michael Rogers, who was at the time co-starring in the web series, Mortal Kombat Legacy, and he mentioned he had a new film coming out called “Beyond the Black Rainbow”. I ended up watching this film directed by this new guy, Panos Cosmatos, and was blown away at how different, trippy and captivating it was. Fast forward eight years later Panos has done it again this time with his new film, “Mandy”, starring Nicolas Cage, Andrea Riseborough, Linus Roache, Bill Duke, and Richard Brake. If you ever wanted to know what doing acid was like without taking the drug, watch “Mandy” since it delivers the same psychedelic effect. This is literally one of the craziest movies I have seen in years. Guaranteed to be a cult classic for many years to come! Another great performance by Cage, who is beyond insane in this movie! See Mandy now!

Official Premise: Pacific Northwest. 1983 AD. Outsiders Red Miller and Mandy Bloom lead a loving and peaceful existence. When their pine-scented haven is savagely destroyed by a cult led by the sadistic Jeremiah Sand, Red is catapulted into a phantasmagoric journey filled with bloody vengeance and laced with fire.

Director Panos Cosmatos really has a unique vision for his films. I really enjoyed how patient you need to be with “Mandy” and the pay off is beyond rewarding like “Beyond the Black Rainbow“.  The long drawn out shots leave you starring at the screen waiting on their every next move. The special effects are amazing for the low budget film and gives away just enough to make you want more. I would love to see characters and themed expanded in spin-offs or sequels. There is so much great stuff in this movie that I don’t want to ruin anything before you see it.  It does also feature one hell of an amazing score, the last score in fact from the late renowned Oscar-nominated composer Jóhann Jóhannsson (“Sicario”, “The Theory of Everything“). It is haunting and also drives the first half of the movie perfectly!

The Blu-ray A/V presentation is solid. The 1080p transfer is solid. The film relies a lot of color and has some dark scenes but they really looks great. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 works great with Jóhannsson’s haunting score. Personally, I don’t think anyone saw the breakout success of this film when they were planning to release it with a very limited theatrical engagement and  VOD on same day. You can tell that the Blu-ray wasn’t given much love in terms of extras. There is only a brief behind-the-scenes featurette includes as well some deleted and extended scenes. I would have loved a commentary track to get some more info about this crazy production.

Actors: Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr., Claude Rains and Elsa Lanchester
Number of discs: 24
Rated: NR
Studio: Universal Studios Home EntertainmentRelease Date: August 28, 2018
Run Time: 2764 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

As a kid, I grew up loving and also fearing the classic Universal Monsters. I used to be terrified going to Universal Studios Horror Make-Up Show as a kid cause I would see these terrifying creatures and monsters. Just fell in love. Universal Home Entertainment is making horror fans biggest dream come true bringing all these wonderful films together in “Universal Classic Monsters: Complete 30-Film Collection”, available now. The thing that I am more excited about is that I will be able to share these great films with my daughter as she is growing up and continue the wonderful legacy that these films that brought and influenced over the decades! This is the first time ever that these film’s have been available together on Blu-ray.

The Universal Classic Monsters: Complete 30-Film Collection includes Dracula (1931), (1931 Spanish Version of Dracula included as extra feature), Frankenstein (1931), The Mummy (1932), The Invisible Man (1933), The Bride of Frankenstein (1935), Werewolf of London (1935), Dracula’s Daughter (1936), Son of Frankenstein (1939). The Invisible Man Returns (1940), The Invisible Woman (1940), The Mummy’s Hand (1940), The Wolf Man (1941), The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942), The Mummy’s Ghost (1942), The Mummy’s Tomb (1942), Invisible Agent (1942), Phantom of the Opera (1943), Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943), Son of Dracula (1943), House of Frankenstein (1944), The Mummy’s Curse (1944), The Invisible Man’s Revenge (1944), House of Dracula (1945), She-Wolf of London (1946), Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948), Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man (1951), Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954), Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955), Revenge of the Creature (1955) and The Creature Walks Among Us (1956) wraps it up, WHEW!

In the time we live in together were we have films like “Saw” or “The Purge” posing as horror films, it is great to be able to showcase the ORIGINAL most iconic monsters in motion picture history including Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, The Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera and Creature from the Black Lagoon. This collection features the each of their films which stared some of the most legendary actors including Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr., Claude Rains and Elsa Lanchester. These are characters that we can not let disappear they pioneered the horror genre with their with groundbreaking stories and productions.

First time ever hitting Blu-ray are the following films: The Invisible Man Returns, The Invisible Woman, Invisible Agent, The Invisible Man’s Revenge, Revenge of the Creature (first time also in 3D) and The Creature Walks Among Us. I should mention that Revenge of the Creature isn’t even available on the included set at the time of receiving. Universal has already setup a replacement program to receive a corrected Blu-ray disc featuring the 3D version of Revenge of the Creature and 2D version of The Creature Walks Among Us. Hopefully that is correct in future wave of this release. To receive an updated disc, please email [email protected].

To think that some of these films are nearly 90 years old! YES nearly 90! These films simply look amazing. I am not a film specialist but when you are watching these films on Blu-rays, the 1080p transfers are simply amazing. You can see all the fine detail that went into these wonderful productions. Top it off with beautiful scores from each of these films. Music drove these films and it added suspense, which is nothing like we have today. These films are still scary with their DTS-HD Master Audio Mono tracks. Simply beautiful and makes me really miss these types of scores.

The bonus feature in this set are literally jam-packed with great extras. There are great behind-the-scenes documentaries and great featurettes focusing on these legends like Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr., and Jack Pierce. If you are a commentary buff like myself you will be happy to hear that their are 13 feature commentaries with film experts. Lastly there are tons of great archival footage, photos and trailers. I think this giant box set has more content that I can even watch. Additionally this also includes a 48-page collectible book filled with behind-the-scenes stories and rare production photographs. Seriously, just a must have for any horror fans!

PAW Patrol: Halloween Heroes
Street Date: September 11, 2018
Catalog: 59198274000 (US)
Running Time: 77 Minutes
Audio: English 5.1 and Spanish Stereo
S.R.P.: $10.99

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

It’s that time of the year! Halloween season is here, which is easily my favorite time of the year! The latest PAW Patrol DVD collection is jam packed with spooktacular adventures from the hit Nickelodeon series. I love the spooky episodes of “PAW Patrol” and this new collection of seven episodes are a must have for any fan of the show. There is even a super ghoul double-length special episode! This is a perfect collection of episodes to get you in the Halloween mood!

“PAW Patrol: Halloween Heroes” includes the following episodes: “Pups and the Ghost Pirate”, “Pups Save a Ghost”, “Pups and the Ghost Cabin”, “Pups Save a Bat”, “Pups Fall Festival”, “Pups Save the Corn Roast” and “Pups Save a Show”. I have SO MANY memories of my daughter and I watching “Pups Save a Ghost” I knew when she was little this episode used to scared her and yet she still watched it (proud horror fan daddy). These episodes are fun and yet still convey a good message for kids.
 

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Actors: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Neve Campbell, Chin Han, Roland Moller, Noah Taylor
Directors: Rawson Marshall Thurber
Rated: PG-13
Studio: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 9, 2018
Run Time: 103 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
4K UHD: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Usually when I see anything with the Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson it immediately has my attention. But I have to admit, “Skyscraper” was never one of them. I just knew from the moment I saw the trailer that I wasn’t going to like this movie. It just seemed so generic and forgettable…and I was right. It’s basic, predictable and suffers due to that. People who are looking for a Johnson puts up 110% and it shows but this movie is just a CGI filled lame action film that I will not remember in a few months.

Official Premise: Fueled with adrenaline and high impact verticality,Skyscraperis led by superstar Dwayne Johnson who plays former FBIHostage Team leader, U.S. war veteranand amputeeWill Sawyer. While on assignment in Hong Kongas an assessor for security in skyscrapers, he comes to find the tallest and safest building in the world suddenly ablaze, and he has been framed for it. Wanted and on the run, Will must find those responsible, clear his nameand save his family who is trapped inside the building… above the fire line.

Outside of our megastar Dwayne Johnson, the film does have a solid supporting cast including Neve Campbell (“House of Cards”, “Scream” franchise), Chin Han (“The Dark Knight”), Roland Møller (“Land of Mine”), Pablo Schreiber (“American Gods”, “Orange is the New Black”) and Hannah Quinlivan (“Moon River”). The film will be available on 4K Ultra-HD combo pack which includess a 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray + standard Blu-ray + Digital copy. I felt like the CGI showed through way too much in this film and it really had that sound stage feel…but the 4K transfer didn’t suffer. It is pretty solid for damn sure and it’s detailed beyond belief. I did a pause test and was blown away. They also didn’t cheap out on the soundtrack giving this film a rocking Dolby Atmos track as well as an Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track. Meh movie. Great A/V.

The special features here aren’t anything too special at all but I got to give the director credit for being very hands on. There is a solid Feature Commentary track by Director Rawson Marshall Thurber as well as some deleted and extended scenes also with commentary. There is a quick behind the scenes featurette called “Dwayne Johnson: Embodying a Hero–Go” and it shows some character development for the lead star. “Inspiration” introduces us to the real life amputee and motivational speaker Jeff Glasbrenner, the inspiration for Dwayne Johnson’s role of Will Sawyer. There are a few other featurettes including focus on the women characters in “Opposing Forces” and the stunts in “Kids in Action”. Decent but not amazing.

Voice Cast: Matt Danner; Melanie Harrison; Dee Bradley Baker; Ben Diskin; Eric Bauza; Jessica DiCicco; and Jenny Slate
Number of discs: 1
Rated: Not Rated
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: August 14, 2018
Run Time: 92 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Growing up in the 80’s, I was a huge fan of the original “Muppet Babies” series and when I heard that the show was being re-imagined for Disney Junior audience, I couldn’t have been happier, now with a 6 year old of my own to enjoy. Let me start with the fact that my daughter honestly has never been a fan of The Muppets at all, so I was hesitate introducing this show. Let me tell you from the moment that theme song hit her eyes lit up and she was hooked. Since her first viewing, this show has people her favorite to watch, she has seen each episode numerous times now.

The voice cast is legit for this re-imagination. There is some amazing talent brought in here for this show including Matt Danner as Kermit the Frog; Melanie Harrison as Piggy; Dee Bradley Baker as Animal; Ben Diskin as Gonzo; Eric Bauza as Fozzie Bear; Jessica DiCicco as a brand-new Muppet Baby, Summer Penguin; and Jenny Slate as Miss Nancy. Disney went all out for this one and delivered for the parents as well as kids.

“Muppet Babies: Time To Play!” is the first volume DVD released for this The episodes included “Sir Kermit the Brave/Animal Fly Airplane”; “Super Fabulous vs. Captain Icecube/Piggy’s Time Machine”; “The Great Muppet Sport-A-thon/You Say Potato, I Say Best Friend”; “Hatastrophe/Fly South”; and even two bonus episodes “How Kermit Got His Groove/One Small Problem” and “Playground Pirates/The Blanket Fort”.

There are also 10 “Muppet Babies: Show & Tell” Shorts with each of the characters. Other special features include The Great Muppet (Short) Musical and 6 Music Videos including “What’s So Scary About The Dark?”; “Never Have To Say Goodbye (To The Summer)”; “Get Back In The Game”; “Good Things Come To Those Who Wait”; “You Can Be A Dancer”; “Muppet Pirate Shanty”. Honestly I was impressed to see so many special features on a kids DVD but this one is jam packed! Can’t wait for future volumes!

To celebrate the Blu-ray release of “Breaking In“, Media Mikes would like to give two of our fans a chance to win a Blu-ray + DVD combo pack of the film. If you want to win this great prize, please leave a comment below your favorite revenge thriller. This giveaway will remain open until August 13th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to our readers in US only. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

Shaun Russell (Union) takes her son and daughter on a weekend getaway to her late father’s secluded, high-tech vacation home in the country side where the family soon receives an unwelcome surprise from four men who break into the house in search of a hidden safe. After managing to escape, Shaun stops at nothing to turn the tables on the thieves and rescue her two children being held hostage in a house designed with impenetrable security. No trap, no trick and especially no man inside can match a mother with a mission in BREAKING IN. Directed by James McTeigue (V for Vendetta, Sense8), BREAKING INalso stars Billy Burke (TwilightSeries), Aijona Alexus (“13 Reasons Why,”Acrimony) and Seth Carr (Black Panther).

Actors: Jason Ritter, Alex Hirsch, Kristen Schaal, Linda Cardellini
Number of discs: 7
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: July 24, 2018
Run Time: 900 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“Gravity Falls” was a brave and very different show for Disney XD. I caught an episode of this show by accident one day nearly at the end of the first season and right away I was hooked. This show had it all. It created this wonderful world with these characters. There was great mythology and planning that went behind this show. I loved how each episodes was leading to something bigger in the next. The show really engaged it’s viewer with deeper meanings and hidden Easter eggs. This show was definitely one of a kind and due to that it never really got the love it deserved. I had the chance to chat with the show’s created years ago after watching that first episode and I found, read here, out how much really went into the making of this show and I got a really appreciation for it. If you are a fan of the show, this is a must purchase for all fans! Shout! Factory doesn’t disappoint again!

Official Premise: Welcome To Gravity Falls! Twin brother and sister Dipper and Mabel Pines are sent to the small town of Gravity Falls, Oregon to spend their summer vacation with their great uncle (Grunkle) Stan. Upon arrival, Grunkle Stan enlists the siblings’ help in running The Mystery Shack, a self-owned tourist trap that overcharges unsuspecting customers. While Dipper has a hard time getting used to his new surroundings, Mabel’s upbeat optimism comes in handy in her quest to find true love. But there may be more to Gravity Falls than meets the eye as Dipper and Mabel encounter strange occurrences and weird creatures. When Dipper stumbles upon an elusive book, he discovers it is the answer to uncovering the town’s mysterious happenings. Soon, Dipper and Mabel realize they must rely on each other to navigate this unfamiliar place. Meanwhile, Grunkle Stan guards a secret of his own: one that just might hold the key to unlocking the deeper mystery that is Gravity Falls.

The Collector’s Edition will be a seven-disc Blu-ray box set that includes all 40 episodes of this show. There is also an entire disc of bonus features, including audio commentaries on all 40 episodes with series creator Alex Hirsch and members of the cast and crew…that’s right ALL 40!;. There is a new feature-length documentary “One Crazy Summer,” featuring interviews with Alex Hirsch, actors Jason Ritter and Kristen Schaal, director and storyboard artist Matt Braly, writers Jeff Rowe, Shion Takeuchi and Josh Weinstein, composer Brad Breeck and over a dozen additional members of the cast and crew. This doc is a must watch for all fans. Lastly we have a over an hour of never-before-seen deleted scenes as well as a few shorts and promos from the show’s run.

You can tell  that there was a lot of planning and love that was put into this these extras and the Blu-ray in general. The 1080p transfer of these episodes look great with the animation style and the colors. I love the palette for this show. The exterior slip cover case is a really sturdy hard stock and I  really like it. It feels like they actually delivered a solid product all around here. If you don’t have Blu-ray, there will also be a six-disc retail DVD edition that includes all 40 episodes of the series and the accompanying audio commentaries, but does not include the bonus feature disc.  Shout! has got us fan covered! Don’t miss this!

WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT AND DC ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT

BATMAN: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition

COMING OCTOBER 16, 2018 TO BLU-RAY™ BOX SET AND DIGITAL

BURBANK, CA (July 23, 2018) – Batman: The Animated Series, the most acclaimed animated super hero television series in history, arrives this fall in an all-encompassing package befitting its revered place in the annals of fan-favorite entertainment. Remastered for the first time since its broadcast airing from 1992-1995, Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition will be available from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital and in a stunning Blu-ray™ box set ($112.99 SRP) on October 16, 2018.

Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, the Emmy Award-winning series captured the imaginations of generations, setting the standard for super hero storytelling for the past quarter-century with its innovative designs, near-perfect voice cast and landmark approach to DC’s iconic characters and stories.  Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition box set includes all 109 thrilling episodes, plus two bonus disks containing the recently-remastered, fan favorite animated films Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero.

The impressive Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition package features approximately 2,700 minutes of entertainment spread over 10 Blu-ray™ discs, plus the two bonus discs – not counting 11 specially-selected episodes with audio commentaries by cast and crew. In addition, Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition includes an exclusive ensemble of collectibles highlighted by three Funko mini-figurines (Batman, Joker, Harley Quinn) and seven beautifully-designed lenticular art cards. The entire box set is housed in a stunning layflat-book with a dazzling slipcase.

This ultimate collectors Blu-ray box set will be individually numbered for a Limited Edition release of 30,000. More than 2,000 copies were pre-ordered within the first 24 hours of availability on Amazon.

Batman: The Animated Series had a ground-breaking initial run from 1992-1995, garnering a Primetime Emmy Award in 1993 for Outstanding Animated Program, along with three additional Emmy wins and 13 total Emmy nominations.

The creative team behind the breakthrough animated series was headed by the producing quartet of Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Alan Burnett and Eric Radomski, alongside executive producers Jean MacCurdy and Tom Ruegger. Shirley Walker composed the award-winning score, while 8-time Emmy Award winner Andrea Romano guided an unparalleled collection of actors as casting/dialogue director. Kevin Altieri, Boyd Kirkland and Frank Paur handled the majority of episodic animation direction, along with Dan Riba, Dick Seabast, Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski and Kent Butterworth.

The Batman: The Animated Series cast rivaled that of any animated series in its time. The cast featured actors with laurels totaling one Academy Award, 11 Oscar nominations, 65 Emmy Awards, 283 Emmy nods, 15 Gold Globe Awards, 85 Golden Globe nominations, four Grammy Awards, a Peabody Award, and 17 actors forever honored with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Kevin Conroy led the voice cast as Batman, quickly and forever establishing himself as the fan-favorite voice of The Dark Knight. The core cast featured Golden Globe Award winner Efrem Zimbalist Jr. as Alfred Pennyworth, Robert Hastings as Commissioner Gordon, Loren Lester as Robin, and Robert Costanzo as Detective Harvey Bullock.

The extraordinary villains guest cast was led by Mark Hamill as the now-preeminent voice of The Joker, along with Richard Moll as Harvey Dent, Adrienne Barbeau as Catwoman, and Arleen Sorkin as Harley Quinn – the first character to be created initially for animation (by Bruce Timm & Paul Dini) to jump to comic books. Harley Quinn is now recognizable worldwide in film, television, videogames and comics and is one of DC’s most popular female characters, and Super Villains.

Other notable guest cast included actor/singer/songwriter Paul Williams as Penguin, Melissa Gilbert as Barbara Gordon, George Dzundza as Scarface, Brock Peters as Lucius Fox, Ed Asner as Roland Daggett, David Warner as Ra’s al Ghul, Marilu Henner as Veronica Vreeland, Ron Perlman as Clayface, Roddy McDowall as the Mad Hatter, Helen Slater as Talia al Ghul, Diana Muldaur as Dr. Leslie Thompkins, John Glover as Edward Nygma, Marc Singer as Dr. Kirk Langstrom, Pat Fraley as Bat-Mite, Kate Mulgrew as Red Claw, Ed Begley Jr. as Germs, Michael Ansara as Dr. Victor Fries, Harry Hamlin as Anthony Romulus, Alan Rachins as the Clock King, and Adam West as Simon Trent.

Also lending their voices were entertainment luminaries Elisabeth Moss, LeVar Burton, Elizabeth Montgomery, Paul Winfield, Seth Green, Jeffrey Tambor, Tim Curry, Michael York, Megan Mullally, Alan Young, Brad Garrett, Heather Locklear, Ken Howard, Joseph Campanella, Matt Frewer, Dick Gautier, Treat Williams, Richard Dysart, Peter Scolari, Meredith MacRae, Rene Auberjonois, Tim Matheson, Joe Piscopo, Thomas Wilson, Bud Cort, William Windom, Bill Mumy, Robby Benson, Dorian Harewood, Lindsay Crouse, John Rhys-Davies, Bess Armstrong, Michael Gross, Henry Silva, Paul Dooley, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Micky Dolenz, Ernie Hudson, David Lander, Kevin McCarthy, Roscoe Lee Browne, Peter Strauss, JoBeth Williams, Jeffrey Jones, Loretta Swit, William Katt, Nichelle Nichols, Alan Oppenheimer, Hector Elizondo, Katherine Helmond, Robert Picardo, Melissa Manchester, Jean Smart, Stephanie Zimbalist, Brian George, Bruce Weitz, Vincent Schiavelli, Richard Jeni, Andrea Martin, and Adam Ant.

“Batman: The Animated Series set the standard for super hero animation for decades to come, and we’re proud to present this remastered box set to allow new generations – and the series’ vast, avid fanbase – to enjoy this landmark entertainment in the highest quality possible,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Vice President, Family & Animation Marketing. “This is truly a box set for the ages with an array of bonus features to perfectly complement all 109 episodic masterpieces – plus the full-length, remastered films Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and Batman and Mr. Freeze: SubZero.”

Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition Enhanced Content includes 25 featurettes – led by an all-new, 60+ minute definitive Batman: The Animated Series making-of documentary, “The Heart of Batman” – as well as introductions to five episodes by producer Bruce Timm, and commentary on 12 episodes by various combinations of the production team: Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski, Paul Dini, Kevin Altieri, Michael Reaves, Boyd Kirkland, Shirley Walker, Glen Murakami, Dan Riba, and James Tucker.

Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition Enhanced Content

The Heart of Batman (All-New Documentary) – A rare gathering of talent defined Batman for a generation. Twenty-five years later, Batman: The Animated Series continues to inspire fans and myth makers all over the world. This hour-long documentary takes an in-depth look at the renowned storytellers behind the landmark series.

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (Feature-Length Film) – When the city’s most feared gangsters are systematically eliminated, the Caped Crusader is blamed. But prowling the Gotham night is a shadowy new villain, the Phantasm, a sinister figure with some link to Batman’s past. Can the Dark Knight elude the police, capture the Phantasm and clear his own name? Unmasking the Phantasm is just one of the twists in this dazzling animated feature. Discover revelations about Batman’s past, his archrival the Joker, and Batman’s most grueling battle ever — the choice between his love for a beautiful woman and his vow to be the defender of right. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is “a mystery that is genuinely absorbing, suspenseful and moving” (The Cincinnati Enquirer ).

Batman and Mr. Freeze: SubZero (Feature-Length Film) – Batman faces his coolest case ever when Mr. Freeze returns to Gotham City and kidnaps Batgirl. While unraveling the mystery of Batgirl’s disappearance, Batman and Robin discover that she is part of Mr. Freeze’s frigid plan to save his dying wife – no matter what the cost. With time running out, Batman and Robin must find Gotham’s most cold-blooded villain and prevent him from putting Batgirl “on ice” forever. Batman and Mr. Freeze: SubZero includes all of the special features included on the original release: All four episodes of the animated “Mr. Freeze Saga” – Heart of Ice (Batman: The Animated Series), Deep Freeze (Batman: The Animated Series), Cold Comfort (The New Batman Adventures) and Meltdown (Batman Beyond); Art of Batman: Music Montage (Featurette); Get the Picture: How to Draw Batman (Featurette); Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes (Featurette); and an Audio Commentary featuring Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Glen Murakami and James Tucker.

The Dark Knight’s First Night Pilot Promo: Hosted by Bruce Timm (Featurette) – Witness the 1991 Batman promo reel as producers Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski discuss the origins of Batman: The Animated Series.

Batman: The Legacy Continues Retrospective (Featurette) – DC luminaries join BTAS creators as they explore the combination of exquisite design and in-depth storytelling that helped create a once in a generation show.

Robin Rising: How the Boy Wonder’s Character Evolved (Featurette) – The evolution of Dick Grayson from young ward to crime fighter.

Gotham’s Guardians: The Stalwart Supporting Characters (Featurette) – Batman is not the only hero safeguarding Gotham City. This documentary focuses on the importance of the Dark Knight’s allies in the Batman mythology.

Voices of the Knight (Featurette) – Actors Mark Hamill, Kevin Conroy, Adriene Barbeau, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., and Andrea Romano discuss the process of bringing their iconic characters to life.

Gotham’s New Knight (Featurette) – Barbara Gordon swings into focus in this exciting look at Batman’s trusted ally and equal, Batgirl.

Video Commentary: “House and Garden” – Watch along as Producer Bruce Timm, Director Boyd Kirkland and writer Paul Dini take viewers behind the scenes of an exciting episode of Batman: The Animated Series.

In-Movie Experience – Watch along as Producer Bruce Timm, Director Boyd Kirkland and writer Paul Dini take viewers behind the scenes of an exciting episode of Batman: The Animated Series.

Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: Introduction (Featurette) – Bruce Timm, Dan Riba, James Tucker, Paul Dini, Alan Burnett and Andrea Romano discuss Gotham’s most popular rogues.

Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: Clayface (Featurette) – Clayface personnel file revealed by Bruce Timm, Dan Riba and James Tucker.

Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: Harley Quinn (Featurette) – Alan Burnett, Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski, Paul Dini and James Tucker discuss bringing Harley Quinn to life.

Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: The Joker (Featurette) – Alan Burnett, Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski, Paul Dini, Andrea Romano and Dan Riba discuss Mark Hamill’s inimitable Joker.

Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: Mr. Freeze (Featurette) – Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Andrea Romano and Dan Riba discuss MR. Freeze and the Heart and Ice Origin story.

Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: The Penquin (Featurette) – Bruce Timm, Andrea Romano, Alan Burnett, James Tucker, Dan Riba and Eric Radomski discuss The Penguin.

Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: Poison Ivy (Featurette) – Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, Andrea Romano, Alan Burnett, Dan Riba and Eric Radomski discuss designing Poison Ivy.

Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: Ra’s Al Ghul (Featurette) – Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, and Dan Riba discuss why Ra’s Al Ghul is such an exciting villain.

Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: The Riddler (Featurette) – This file discusses The Riddler and how creators differentiated him from the Batman ‘66 Riddler with: Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Andrea Romano, Eric Radomski and Dan Riba.

Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: Scarecrow (Featurette) – Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Andrea Romano and Dan Riba discuss the various iterations of the Scarecrow.

Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: Two Face (Featurette) – Discussing Batman’s key nemesis are Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, James Tucker, and Dan Riba.

Arkham Asylum: Examine the Top-Secret Case Files of the Dark Knight’s Many Foes: Ventriloquist & Scarface (Featurette) – Lively discussion about one of Batman’s most unique villains with creators Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Eric Radomski, Andrea Romano, and Dan Riba.

“Concepting Harley Quinn” (Featurette) – Producer Paul Dini discusses how Harley Quinn was incorporated into the series.

Tour of the Batcave (Featurettes):

• Batman 
• Utility Belt 
• Bat-Vehicles
• Alfred

Audio Commentaries:

“On Leather Wings” – Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski.

“Heart of Ice” – Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, and Eric Radomski.

“Robin’s Reckoning, Part One” – Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski

 “Heart of Steel, Part Two” – Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski and Kevin Altieri

“Almost Got ‘Im” – Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski and Paul Dini

“Harley and Ivy” – Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski and Boyd Kirkland

“Read My Lips” – Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Michael Reaves, Boyd Kirkland and Shirley Walker.

“Harlequinade” – Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Shirley Walker and Eric Radomski

“Over The Edge” – Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Glen Murakami, and James Tucker.

“Critters” – Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Dan Riba, Glen Murakami, and James Tucker.

“Legends of the Dark Knight” – Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Dan Riba, Glen Murakami, and James Tucker.

Actors: Sylvester Stallone;Dave Bautista;Curtis Jackson
Directors: Steven C. Miller
Rated: R
Studio: LIONSGATE
Release Date: June 29, 2018
Run Time: 94 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

The first “Escape Plan” back in 2013 was an “ok” movie, not great and definitely didn’t warrant a franchise. Iam not sure what Sylvester Stallone was thinking about when he agreed to do not one sequel but TWO for “Escape Plan”. Oh wait I know…$$$$$. What’s sad about this film is that it is the truly first low budget direct-to-video release for Stallone since “Eye See You” in 2002. Anyone remember that bomb? I didn’t think so. Stallone just got nominated for an Oscar back in 2015 and then this…so I am honestly sad because this film is such a mess that it is nearly hard to watch…and I seen it twice now. I was hoping that I missed something the first time but it is a true bomb and the whole film just wastes time to setup the third film! WHY?!

Arnold Schwarzenegger smartly stays away from this sequel but Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson returns for what feels like a useless role. Same goes to Dave Bautista! This dude is on the top of his game with the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise etc and yet he is in a film like this. I don’t understand. I don’t even think any of these people of in the same scene together. “Escape Plan 2: Hades” is directed by Steven C. Miller. He has become the go-to low budget action direct-to-video guy with recent forgettable films like “Extraction (2015)”, “Marauders (2016)” and “First Kill (2017)”, which all happen to star Bruce Willis (another actor that has gone to the straight home video market). Let’s hope the third movie makes up for this one.

Official Premise: Years after Ray Breslin [Academy Award nominee Sylvester Stallone (Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture, Creed, 2016)] fought his way out of the escape-proof prison called “The Tomb,” he’s organized a new top-notch, for-hire security force. But when one of his team members goes missing inside a computerized techno-terror battle-maze known as HADES, Breslin together with Trent DeRosa (Dave Bautista, Guardians of the Galaxy) must now decipher a way to break into the world’s best hidden prison, release their kidnapped team, and make it out alive.

Even though the film is what it is, the Blu-ray is solid and comes stacked as a combo back with a Blu-ray + DVD (anyone still use these) and a digital copy. The film feels low budget and doesn’t carry the same scale as the first film (which had a $70 million budget). The look of the film is cheap but the sound is solid. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 works well with the action, when there is any. I was honestly shocked to see there was extras included. There are three features including: “Making Escape Plan 2: Hades”, “Creating the Look of Escape Plan 2: Hades” and “Building the Robot of Escape Plan 2: Hades”. Lastly there are a few more Extended Cast / Crew Interviews, worth taking a look if your really bored.

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Created by: Mike Judge, John Altschuler, Dave Krinsky
Starring: Thomas Middleditch, Josh Brener, Martin Starr, Kumail Nanjiani, Zack Woods
Episodes: 8
Release Date: June 11, 2018
Original network: HBO

Season: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Season 5 is all about changes for “Silicon Valley”, not only in the show but also behind-the-scenes. This is the first season that doesn’t have T.J. Miller in the cast but honestly the show still delivers with a shorter yet effective season. The returning series regulars Thomas Middleditch as Richard Hendricks, Zach Woods as Jared, Kumail Nanjiani as Dinesh, Martin Starr as Gilfoyle, Josh Brener as ‘Big Head’, Amanda Crew as Monica Hall, Matt Ross as Gavin Belson, Jimmy O. Yang as Jian Yang and Suzanne Cryer as Laurie Bream. Missing a lead, this season we got to explore a little more of the main cast but I would like to see some drastic changes in future season but I feel this current path might be wearing thin.

Season Official Premise: “The future is now. Pied Piper finally has enough funding for proper offices and new employees, and to bring its peer-to-peer internet to the world – but leveling up introduces a whole new class of obstacles. While Richard struggles to lead a larger team and play with the big dogs, the rest of the team adjusts to new staff, new digs and new anxieties. Meanwhile, Hooli rival Gavin Belson has returned to power, but finds the threat of Pied Piper, and its boldness, hard to shake.”

“Silicon Valley: Season 5” is available as of June 11th for Digital Download. The Emmy Award-winning show tightens things up a bit this season delivering eight 30-minute episodes. If you purchase on digital streaming services like Vudu, you get three extras including “Silicon Valley: Pied Pipers Highs and Lows”, which is short and runs 2 minutes. You can see where Richard and his Pied Piper pals are headed in Season 5 of the hit comedy series ‘Silicon Valley’ trailer included. Lastly you can take a peak back at Season 4 of ‘Silicon Valley’ in case you need a refresher or just wanted a quick recap of the season.

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Anthrax “Kings Among Scotland”
Director: Paul M Green
Metal Blade Records
Not Rated
2 Discs

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Multi-Grammy nominated thrash icons Anthrax have just released their long-awaited live-in-concert DVD “Kings Among Scotland.” The release is available on CD, DVD and digital formats and features the bands two hour set from their sold out February 15, 2017 concert at the historic Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow, Scotland. Also included on the two disc set are interviews, behind-the-scenes footage along with other B-roll footage shot on the band’s bus, backstage and in hotels elsewhere, plus “gear rundowns” from each band member.

This release has been on my radar since it was first announced quite a few months ago and, upon receiving it I can say that it was certainly worth the wait! Even before I opened the packaging the artwork grabbed my attention as the band chose to riff on the classic Kiss “Rock and Roll Over” motif which was nicely embossed on the multi fold packaging. Inside along with the discs were a collection of live shots from the show as well as a sticker of the albums cover art (another nod to “Rock and Roll Over” which also came with a sticker). Even before I had this in the player I was already digging it. From the opening notes of “A.I.R.” to the closing notes of “Antisocial” some eighteen songs later the band appears to be at the top of their game and have never sounded better. Disc one is the live portion of the release featuring classic tracks like “Madhouse” and “Medusa” intertwined with newer songs like “Fight’ Em ‘Til You Can’t” and “Breathing Lighting” before giving away to an entire “Among the Living” set which is closed out by the bands anthemic cover of “Antisocial”. If all that wasn’t enough Disc two is jammed packed with candid, behind the scenes footage that gives you a glimpse of what it’s like to be on the road and the work it takes to makes a show like Anthrax’s happen each night.

Director Paul M Green and Mixer Jay Ruston did a phenomenal job with the look and sound of the live show. The variety of camera angles used gives viewers the best experience possible without actually being there. The audio is equally top notch and sounds great no matter if you are watching it with headphones or using your home theater system. Anthrax really delivered something special with this package and, even though I would have liked to hear a few more songs from some of the bands more recent releases the new material they did play combined with all the classics was really great. Throw in all the material featured on Disc two including the in-depth gear segment and you will be hard pressed to find a similar package offering as much as “Kings Among Scotland” does.

Track Listing:
1.) A.I.R.
2.) Madhouse
3.) Evil Twin
4.) Medusa
5.) Blood Eagle Wings
6.) Fight’Em ‘Til You Can’t
7.) Be All, End All
8.) Breathing Lightning
9.) Among the Living
10.) Caught In A Mosh
11.) One World
12.) I Am The Law
13.) A Skeleton In The Closet
14.) E-Lnikufesin (N.F.L.)
15.) A.D.I./Horror Of It All
16.) Indians
17.) Imitations of Life
18.) Antisocial

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