Actors: Eric Porter, Angharad Rees, Jane Merrow, Keith Bell
Directors: Peter Sasdy
MPAA Rated: Not Rated
Studio: Synapse Films
DVD Release Date: July 9, 2013
Run Time: 85 minutes

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

Something about Jack the Ripper has always fascinated me. I think I am not the only one either. The mystery behind this character has been reproduced in cinema for many many years and it never gets old. Hammer delivered yet another Gothic and very brutal, while still unique approach to the character in this film. This film has also been noted as being one of the most gruesome Hammer horror films ever made and that is not an exaggeration. This Blu-ray also features footage never before seen and is completely uncut. So that should make fans very happy. Synapse Films has been behind releasing these classic films on Blu-ray with fantastic transfer and a wealth of special features. Keep them coming guys! A must purchase for any fans of Hammer.

Official Premise: An infant girl watches in horror as her father, the infamous Jack the Ripper, brutally murders her mother. Years later, young Anna (Angharad Rees) is now under the care of a fake psychic and has been forced into prostitution. At the end of a séance one evening, a woman is mysteriously killed. Dr. John Pritchard (Eric Porter) suspects Anna is the murderer but cannot understand how she could do this unspeakable act. Using new Freudian psychoanalysis techniques, Pritchard experiments on Anna and discovers a shocking secret. The spirit of the Ripper is alive and well, and may be possessing his own daughter! Can this evil be stopped before it’s too late?

Synapse Films is releasing “Hands of the Ripper” as part of their Hammer Horror Collection and as a Blu-ray + DVD combo pack. The film has been completely restored in high-definition and released uncut for the first time on Blu-ray in the U.S. The 1080p transfer looks stunning with its widescreen (1.66:1) presentation. There is a fantastic DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track included as well, which complements every scream and the film’s amazing score.

The special features are not too bad and worth checking out for Hammer fans. There is a great featurette in “The Devil’s Bloody Plaything: Possessed by Hands of the Ripper”, it clocks in just short of 30 minutes and packs some interesting interviews. “Slaughter of Innocence: The Evolution of Hammer Gore” is a neat motion still gallery. There is the U.S. television introduction and original theatrical trailer and TV spots. But the real score of this release for myself is the isolated music and effects audio tracks included. I would highly recommend that for any true Hammer fan!

Actors: Marlon Wayans, David Spade, Matthew Lillard, Rip Torn, Brad Dourif
Director: Penelope Spheeris
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 26, 2013
Run Time: 93 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

After getting “Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood”, “Senseless” may not be the most smartest comedy but is damn funny. The thing is that you kind of expected a little more from director Penelope Spheeris, who is known for great comedies like “Wayne’s World” and “Black Sheep”. But I don’t care this film still makes me laugh, it is zany over-the-top and just plain stupid. Call it a guilty pleasure I guess but there isn’t a week that goes by that my father or myself do not quote this film. “CORN!!! I didn’t eat no CORN!!!” Classic!

Official Premise: Perpetually poor Darryl (Marlon Wayans) is destined to lose his dream Wall Street job to a wealthy snob (David Spade)…until he volunteers for a high-paying scientific experiment that gives him superhuman senses and the competitive edge he needs. But when the side effects start, he finds his chances for success sabotaged by attacks of sensory overload.

Echo Bridge released this film on Blu-ray for the first time with a damn impressive high definition 1080p transfer.  I know the film is just a comedy but it is sharp and real step up from the last DVD release.  It is presented in widescreen 16×9 with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 also does the trick for the film and is very impressive as well. Since this film is all about the senses, the Blu-ray really does a good job of successfully deliver in both the audio and visual department.  Unlike most Echo Bridge releases “Senseless” actually comes with a Behind the Scenes featurette called “Play N Hockey”.  It is not much but at least it is a special features and better than a bare bones release.

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Actors: Luke Evans, Adelaide Clemens, Lee Tergesen, Derek Magyar, Beau Knapp, America Olivio, Brodus Clay, Linsay Shaw.
Directors: Ryûhei Kitamura
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: August 20, 2013
Run Time: 86 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

Last year, I was sent a film “Barricade” from WWE Studios and I loved it. So when the opportunity came up to watch Anchor Bay Films and WWE Studios’ latest horror film, I couldn’t say yes quick enough.  “No One Lives” is violent, super gory and delivers some really impressive twists and turns. The film is helmed by director Ryûhei Kitamura, who is known for “Midnight Meat Train”, “Versus ” and “Godzilla: Final Wars”.  This guy really knows horror and I am very excited to see what he has planned next. I watch many horror films a year and I couldn’t help but watch this twice in a row, just since I was so blown away. I highly recommend this brutal and intense horror thriller.

Luke Evans is absolutely amazing in this film, read our interview, here. If you don’t know him by name he is the main baddie in “Fast and Furious 6” and co-stars in “The Hobbit 2 & 3”. Adelaide Clemens is one of my favorite new actresses as well, you might know here from “Silent Hill: Revelation”. Since the film is produced by WWE, you have to expect a wrestler involved, we get Brodus Clay, read our interview here.  I should also mention that Brodus and Luke really get close in this film, you need to watch the film to understand.

Official Premise: When a ruthless criminal gang takes a young couple hostage and goes to ground in an abandoned house in the middle of nowhere, all hell breaks loose. When tragedy strikes, the tables are unexpectedly turned, and the gang finds themselves outsmarted by an urbane and seasoned killer determined to ensure that no one lives.

Anchor Bay released this title as a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack edition. “No One Lives” packs a very sharp 1080p transfer.  Since the film is very dark, it still look great and really works with the action and gore. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track works well with the action and insanity that comes out of this film. My biggest disappointment in this release is the special features. The only extra is “From the Script to the Crypt”, which briefly goes into the behind-the-scene. The film has some of the most creative kills that I have seen in a while and I would have loved to seen a featurette on the special effects as well as a commentary track.

Actors: David Argue, Carl Weathers, Jurgen Prochnow, Louise Mc Donald
Directors: Colin Budds
Studio: Warner Archive Collection
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Run Time: 86 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I can’t explain why but I am big sucker for cheesy 80/90’s action films. I can’t help it. It is like an addiction. Plus who doesn’t love Carl Weathers. Before this film, I grew up watching him as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” series and Dillon in Predator. Of course everyone knows him as Chubbs Peterson from “Happy Gilmore”. He is just such a kick-ass guy and he does just that in “Hurricane Smith”. Like I said, this movie screams 90’s action but that is what makes it so good. It is not trying to hide anything. If you feel the same way that I highly recommend you picking up this DVD.

Official Premise: He’s been taken for a ride, roughed up and dumped in the gutter. But that won’t stop him. He’ll tear through Bribane, like a…well, his nickname is “Hurricane”! The man who put the Action in Jackson now puts the Hurricane in Smith. Determined to locate his sister, Billy travels from small-town Texas to Australia’s teeming Gold Coast. There, his search plunges into the street war of drug mobsters who’ll soon wonder what hit them. Jurgen Prochnow (Das Boot) costars as stone-cold evil gangster Charlie Dowd. And Cassandra Delaney is the good-hearted hooker who helps Billy as he blasts through a Down Under of high-rise chic and quaint Victoria buildings, of glorious beaches and back-alley gambling. For action that’ll blow you away, brace for Hurricane Smith.

Warner Archive is behind this release and it is the first time that “Hurricane Smith” is getting a DVD treatment. This film has been newly remastered and looks pretty awesome, especially for a 90’s film.  The film comes with an 1.85:1 aspect ratio and looks very impressive. The audio included is also an impressive Dolby Digital track, it works for the film’s action and cheesy yet funny dialogue.  There are no additional special features included here. I just need to say that Warner Archive deserves an award for giving these great titles some love and attention that would otherwise just remain stuck in the VHS age.

Created by: Joe Ruby, Ken Spears
Voices of: Mel Blanc, Laurel Page, Marilyn Schreffler, Vernee Watson
Number of discs: 2
Studio: Warner Archive Collection
DVD Release Date: July 23, 2013
Run Time: 440 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I just loved Captain Caveman! When was I kid, I would run down my hallway screaming the “Captain CAAAAAVEMAAAAAAANNNN!” The show was originally aired as a segment on “Scooby’s All-Star Laff-A-Lympics” (1977-79) for the first 24 episodes and after that the remaining 16 episodes shown in its own timeslot in 1980. Captain Caveman’s voice was provided by none other than Mel Blanc (aka voice of Bugs Bunny and hundreds others). There is just something about Hanna-Barbera’s cartoons that always bring my back to a great time from my childhood. They seem all very similar yet they are just so much fun. If you grew up with this show like myself or just discovering it, I would highly recommend this latest addition to the Hanna-Barbera Classic Collection.

Official Premise: As originally announced by Gary Owens’ stupendous stentorian tones: “Set free by the Teen Angels from his prehistoric block of glacier ice, comes the world’s first superhero, Captain Caveman! Now the constant companion to the Teen Angels, Brenda, Dee Dee, and Taffy, in their hilarious, and sometimes scary mystery missions. Get ready for Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels!” Originally a segment on Scooby’s All-Star Laff-a-Lympics (and utility player on the field for The Scooby-Doobies), the Mel Blanc-voiced Neolithic Wonder became a Saturday super-star in his own right, and he and the Teen Angels graduated to headliner status on their own show. This 2-Disc, 40-Episode collection contains every mystery solved by the Teen Angels and the Captain. So, beware villains and miscreants, the trademark battle-cry of “Caaaptain Caaaavemaaaan!!!!” is heard across the land again!

Thanks to Warner Archive, we finally get all 40 episodes of “Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels” for the first time. The episodes looks amazing for a show that is nearing 40 years old. They have been newly remastered and very impressive. They are presented in their original full frame aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The audio is also impressive with a Dolby Digital track. There are no additional special features included. Warner Archive has been a big proprietor of Hanna-Barbera’s cartoons and I can’t wait to see what they have planned next. Sorry just need to scream it one more time…”Captain CAAAAAVEMAAAAAAANNNN!”. Ok I am done…for now!

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Actors: Joe Don Baker, Martin Balsam, John Saxon, Linda Evans, Morgan Paull
Directors: Andrew V. Mclaglen
Studio: Warner Archive Collection
DVD Release Date: July 23, 2013
Run Time: 97 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I came across “Mitchell” like I am sure many people have through “Mystery Science Theater 3000”. I absolutely loved that episode of the show and it introduced me to the actor Joe Don Baker and his great roles for film’s like the “Walking Tall” series. I know it pokes fun at the movie “Mitchell” but it also gave me an appreciation for the film as well. I am able to quote various lines from it and it always makes for a fun time watching it with friends. Even without the funny commentary track from “MST3K”, “Mitchell” is still a very entertaining film.  It may not be perfect but it is fun and action packed.

Official Premise: Told to lay off a case involving an attorney who shot an intruder in his home, headstrong police detective Mitchell ignores the order — and proceeds to get tangled up in an investigation that connects the lawyer (John Saxon), the head of an import racket (Martin Balsam) and a scheme to unload a million-dollar cache of stolen heroin. Joe Don Baker, who made a name for himself as club-wielding sheriff Buford Pusser in the drive-in classic Walking Tall and whose later credits include a notable role in 2013’s Mud, plays the title role in an action film that’s gained a following among connoisseurs of guilty pleasures. At the center of all the action, of course, is Mitchell, giving as good as he gets in pell-mell sequences involving shootings, brawls, car chases, suicidal dune buggy jousts and a rappel from a police helicopter onto the racketeer’s speeding getaway boat. Linda Evans and Merlin Olsen are also in the cast.

The film previously was only available on DVD as part the “Mystery Science Theater 3000”, so it is great that Warner Archive is giving this film some solo love and diving people a chance to enjoy it outside of the spoof series.  I personally look forward to sharing this with my friends and enjoying it for numerous repeat viewings over the years.  The DVD transfer itself looks good, I am not sure if Warner Archive has done any more restoration but I was used to watching it on a crappy TV bootleg copy. I would have loved to see this get the Blu-ray treatment especially since Warner Archive has been getting into that market recently. In terms of special features, there is nothing additional included on this DVD release.

Starring: Will Hutchins, Slim Pickens, Sheb Wooley and Dennis Hopper
Created by: Michael Fessier
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 982 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I have to admit, I have never been the biggest fan of the Western genre.  In fact, “Sugarfoot” was never on my radar in the past.  I have heard of it but never saw any episodes. Will Hutchins really does a great job on his role and I really loved that character. The show itself is filled with guest stars right from the pilot including Slim Pickens, Sheb Wooley and Dennis Hopper as Billy the Kid. This show has also brought fame to many other well known talent including Bob Steele, Guinn Williams, Don Barry, Paul Fix, Dan Blocker, Pernell Roberts, James Garner, Charles Bronson and many more.  “Sugarfoot: The Complete First Season” features the first 20 episodes of the series over this 5-disc set.

Official Premise: Based on The Boy from Oklahoma (1954), an easygoing Western starring Will Rogers Jr., Sugarfoot debuted on ABC-TV on September 17, 1957, where it alternated every other week with Cheyenne. Will Hutchins ably ambled into the boots of Tom Brewster, a peaceable lad aiming to get a law degree via a correspondence course, with a nose for danger and a heart of steel. Sarsaparilla sipping “sugarfoot” Tom has one major difference from the likes of Layne and Bodie, however, he would rather reach for his thinking cap than for his pistols (Not that he can’t ping a peso from twenty yards, mind you!

Since this first season DVD release only includes 20 episodes, this show ran for four seasons with nearly 70 episodes. So I assume that Warner Archive is planning to releases the remaining seasons as well in the coming months.  So if you are a fan of this classic Western show then this show be music to your ears.  The episodes looks great for a show that is nearing 60 years old.  I am not aware if Warner Archive did a full restore on them but I was impressed enough.  Even though Westerns are not my cup of tea, I look forward to the rest of the seasons just to enjoy the timeless action and amazing cameos.

Actors: Gerard Christopher, Stacy Haiduk, Sherman Howard
Number of discs: 3
Studio: Warner Archive Collection
DVD Release Date: July 16, 2013
Run Time: 560 minutes

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

Warner Archive is responsible for bringing this complete third season of “The Adventure of Superboy” to DVD for the first time.  They originally released the first season back in 2006 but there was a huge gap for the second season, which was released December 2012. So hopefully the fourth and final season of the show is not far behind. This show is a half-hour live-action television series based on early year of Kal-El aka Superman. The show ran from 1988–1992 and aired over 100 episodes. The title of the show was renamed in fact from “Superboy” to “The Adventures of Superboy” at the start of the third season.

I personally was not a huge fan of this show.  I think Superman works best when he is Superman.  I am not really interested in his younger days, nor does anyone else. Anyone see “Man of Steel” – fast forward to the good stuff. But this show came at a time in our TV history in the early 90’s where it was considered a little campy as well.  The idea of superhero films or TV shows were focusing more on camp then the darker and more serious tones. Hardcore fans of DC Comics, might want this to complete their collection but I was not a big fan.

Official Premise: Celebrate the Summer of Steel by diving into Kal-El’s adventures… when he was just a “boy” – and by boy we mean a fully-employed young adult! The show’s third season ushered in more changes as the hit syndicated show redefined itself for a new decade. Now named The Adventures of Superboy, the show leaves Shuster University behind, as Clark (Gerard Christopher) and Lana (Stacy Haiduk) take on internships in Capitol City at The Bureau of Extra-Normal Matters, a government agency dedicated to investigating aliens and the paranormal – years before anyone put an ³X² on a file. Working alongside fellow bureau member Matt Ritter (Peter Jay Fernandez) and under bureau chief C. Dennis Jackson (Robert Levine), Clark and Lana delve deep into the unknown as the show cooks up a comic-flavored confection of SciFi Noir. Fans will want to keep their eyes peeled for a pair of special guest stars in this 26-Episode, 3-Disc Collection – Stuart Whitman as Jonathan Kent and Ron Ely as …Superman!

Actors: Frank Welker, Mindy Cohn, Matthew Lillard, Wayne Brady, Peter Macnicol
Directors: Victor Cook
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: August 20, 2013
Running Time: 78 minutes

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

When it comes to Scooby-Doo!, Warner Bros. Animation has been behind this series for the last few years and keeping it alive and fresh. “Scooby-Doo! Stage Fright” is the latest direct-to-video original animated movie and one heck of a fun time. It features the great voice talents of Frank Welker, Mindy Cohn, Matthew Lillard, Wayne Brady, Peter Macnicol and Ariel Winter. There is something about Scooby-Doo! that really still entertains time after time. This film is filled with great laughs, thrills and hijinks, all the great things that make up a great Scooby-Doo! movie. Keep them up Warner Bros!! Next up in the world of Scooby-Doo!, this September brings “Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales Run For Your ‘Rife!”, which is a collection of 13 action-packed adventures.

Synopsis: Join Scooby-Doo, Shaggy and the Mystery Inc. crew as they head to Chicago for a talent show, a few museum tours and a whole lot of pizza. The windy city is home to the hit TV show, Talent Star, in which songwriting duo Fred and Daphne are finalists with high hopes. Not to be left out, Scooby and Shaggy have a secret act in the works, which they’re betting will take the contest by storm. Unlucky for all involved, the competition becomes frightful as the show is being broadcast from an opera house with a history of horrors and a particularly vengeful phantom that has cursed the show’s production.

Warner Home Entertainment is releasing this latest film, like the past ones, in a Blu-ray combo pack including the Blu-ray, standard DVD and UltraViolet™ editions of the film. The 1080p transfer of the film looks great. The animation really is sharp and the colors are crisp. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works with the laughs and hijinks from the film. In terms of bonus features there is not much concerning the production itself but there are two bonus Scooby-Doo! episodes. Included episodes are “Never Ape an Ape Man”, which is the seventh episode of the first season of “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” and “Don’t Fool with a Phantom”, which is the eighth and last episode of the second season of “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!”.

Actors: Ralph Richardson, Ian Holm, Christopher Lambert, Andie MacDowell
Directors: Hugh Hudson
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Bros.
Release Date: July 16, 2013
Run Time: 137 minutes

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

“Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes” might not be considered the most popular portrayal of Tarzan but has always been one of my favorites. It is far for the worst, has anyone ever seen “Tarzan and the Lost City” back in 1998. Christopher Lambert aka Connor MacLeod from “Highlander”. took on the lead role in the film and does a great job. This version on the Blu-ray is the same extended version of the film which is roughly six minutes longer than the theatrical cut. This production is quite lavish and very beautifully shot.  It also focuses on the character’s dual nature as King of the jungle and as John Clayton, seventh Earl of Greystoke, heir to one of Scotland’s great estates. So I liked that angle of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ story being explored within the film. If you have never seen this film, this would be the way to watch it for sure.

Official Premise: Hugh Hudson’s refreshingly adult revisionist take on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ immortal apeman arrives on Blu-ray like a blast of warm rain forest air. Robert Towne’s script (writing as P.H. Vazak) hews close to Burroughs’ origin as found in Tarzan of the Apes by way of modern anthropology. The second half may thread in some movie mythos (like Jane as English gentry) but plays out its savage vs. civilization theme. Gorgeously shot by John Alcott (The Shining, Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?), Greystoke also boasts an acting pedigree worthy of Burke’s peerage, including Ralph Richardson, Ian Holm , David Suchet, James Fox, and Nigel Davenport with Andie MacDowell and Glenn Close handling Jane physicality and vocality respectively. But the film belongs to Lambert’s heart-wide open performance as Tarzan and Rick Baker’s amazing simian simulations.

Thanks for Warner Archive for giving this film some love to this.  This film has never looked better on this Blu-ray.  Warner Archive has been slowly crossing over into the world of Blu-ray with these classics and this one really benefited from the format. This Blu-ray was set to be released numerous times but was held back in order to perfect the transfer and damn, did it make a difference. The 1080p transfer looks stunning and it has been taken from impressive sources that have been restored with a very close eye to attention.  The film was originally with Dolby Stereo on 35mm and even had a 70mm release with 6-track sound and this film sounds amazing on Blu-ray with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. It works very well with the action and jungle scenes.  The special features are not jam-packed but still work checking out.  There is a fine commentary track with Director Hugh Hudson and Line Producer Garth Thomas, which is quite detailed and thorough.  Lastly there is a trailer included.

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Actors: Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, Dave Goelz
Directors: James Frawley
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Run Time: 95 minutes

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

Who doesn’t love The Muppets! Like many, I grew up watching the Muppets and have already loved their “The Muppet Movie”. Disney is releasing this film for the first time on Blu-ray in it’s Nearly 35th Anniversary Edition (34 years technically). This is the first and probably the best Muppets feature film to date. It stars Kermit and the Gang, Austin Pendleton, Charles Durning, Mel Brooks and Dom DeLuise. It is also jam packed with great cameos including Steve Martin, Richard Pryor, Bob Hope, Orson Welles, James Coburn, Elliott Gould, Carol Kane, Madeline Kahn and Cloris Leachman. After nearly 35 years, this film is just as entertaining and a pleasure to revisit with the family. It has great movie and will guarantee a smile be put on your face! Plus with the The Muppets’ new movie, “Muppets Most Wanted” in theatres March 21, 2014, they are hotter than ever!

Official Premise: Celebrate the Nearly 35th Anniversary of the ultimate frogs-to-riches story with the one that started it all: The Muppet Movie. From the very first “plunk!” of Kermit’s banjo playing “The Rainbow Connection” (Oscar nominee, Best Original Song, 1979), to the hysterical road trip that brings the fearless frog together with Fozzie, Gonzo, Animal and most importantly of all, Miss Piggy, join the jam-packed heartwarming hilarity, outrageous antics and big-shot Hollywood cameos.

Disney brings this film on Blu-ray in a nice combo pack with a digital copy included, which can be redeemed to Vudu or Amazon Instant Video. I am very excited that Disney is finally getting away from the physical digital copy discs and jumping on the streaming digital copy bandwagon. “The Muppet Movie” has never looked better, its 1080p transfer is gorgeous. Any fan of this movie should be blown away at how impressive it looks. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also sounds amazing and works very well with the music in the film like “The Rainbow Connection”, very impressive.

The special features included on this release are a must-watch as well. Firstly, there is director “Jim Frawley’s Extended Camera, which includes previously unseen footage. This is a must watch for any fan of the film. “Interactive Disney Intermission, Starring the Muppets” is a great new feature that really encourages extended and numerous bathroom breaks. Disney has actually made pausing the movie cool with great in-between footage that will entertain along with the film. There is featurette included for Pepe Profiles – “Kermit: A Frog’s Life”. There is an all-new Interactive Frog-E-Oke Sing-Along, which is a ton of fun as wel. Lastly there is a Doc Hooper’s Commercial and Original Trailers included. Left me feeling very satisfied here!

“The Best of Fridays”
Shout Factory
Starring: Larry David, Michael Richards, Melanie Chartoff
Rated: N/A
Runtime: 13 hr. 30 min.

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Fridays” was the west coast’s answer to “Saturday Night Live” and is responsible for launching the careers of Michael Richards, Larry David and Melanie Chartoff. Skit comedy and live musical performances make up the 5 DVD set from Shout Factory titled “The Best of Fridays”. Over 13 hours of material make up this release which is a must have for both music fans and fans of sketch comedy.

The people at Shout Factory have done it again with their latest compilation release titled “The Best of Friday’s”. “Fridays” aired live from 1980-1982 and was probably best known for some of its musical performances by the likes of The Clash, Kiss and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The collection is laid out on four discs which feature the chosen highlights from that particular season with the 5th disc consisting of bonus material. Though the compilation features some interesting appearances by Andy Kaufman, William Shatner and Peter Fonda the musical performances were really what I enjoyed the most. It was great seeing these performances for the first time. Some of which I didn’t even know existed. Kiss performing songs off the ill fated “The Elder” prior to Ace Frehley’s departure, The Clash’s first television appearance along with Devo performing their classic hit “Whip It” was really special to watch. At times the audio is not the greatest however the video which is crisp and clear more than makes up for any other short comings.

The special features portion of the disc was ok however there was nothing out of the ordinary. Cast and crew interviews/stories make up the majority of this section along with a photo gallery and a skit documenting the making of an episode. Fans of sketch comedy will surely want to make room in their collection as will fans of the bands also featured on the collection.

Actors: Simon Rex, Ashley Tisdale, Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan, Katt Williams
Directors: Malcolm D. Lee
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Anchor Bay/Weinstein Company
Release Date: August 20, 2013
Run Time: 88 minutes

Film: 1 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

I have always been a fan of the comedy spoof genre. “Airplane” was and still is my favorite comedy of all-time. “Scary Movie” came in 2000 and was a nice change to the genre. “Scary Movie 2” was not a great follow-up, “Scary Movie 3” was amazing and very funny (before Charlie Sheen went crazy) and then “Scary Movie 4” was another disappointment. So this franchise hasn’t had the best track record, well “Scary Movie V” just puts the nail in the coffin.

One thing, this latest installment does have is an interesting collection of cast including Ashley Tisdale, Simon Rex, Molly Shannon, Heather Locklear, J.P. Manoux, Jerry O’Connell, Snoop Dogg, Usher, Bow Wow, Terry Crews, Mike Tyson Charlie Sheen and Lindsay Lohan. But unfortunately this is just one boring gags after another that have no connection to each other and its gets old after the opening scene. Stay away from this at any cost!

Official Synopsis: The Scary Movie series lampoons the greatest in horror and genre fare, and has grossed over $800 million worldwide. This latest installment includes send ups of Paranormal Activity, Mama, Sinister, The Evil Dead, Inception, Black Swan, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and pop culture featuring Ashley Tisdale, Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan, Snoop Dogg, Katt Williams, Molly Shannon, Terry Crews, Simon Rex, Jerry O’Connell, Sarah Hyland, Katrina Bowden, Tyler Posey, Shad Moss aka Bow Wow, Kate Walsh, Heather Locklear, Mac Miller and Mike Tyson.

Despite the film being horrendous, Anchor Bay delivered an impressive Blu-ray release with a sharp 1080p video and an DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track sounds good. They released this on a combo pack with a Blu-ray, DVD and an UltraViolet digital copy. In terms of special features like the film, there is nothing worth wild watching here either. There are a bunch of additional boring deleted and extended scenes, come to about 10 minutes more footage.

Actors: Brina Palencia, Josh Grelle, Christopher R. Sabat, Sonny Strait
Number of discs: 4
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Funimation
Release Date: August 20, 2013
Run Time: 320 minutes

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

“Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine” is a new Japanese anime series from 2012 that is based on Monkey Punch’s “Lupin III” manga. I have always been a huge fan of the original animated series as well. So I am excited to see the franchise come back with a new series. There are over 200 episodes of “Lupin the Third” over it’s past three series, so I am a little upset that there are only 13 episodes included but they are still 13 fantastic episodes. I haven’t seen this show in year and yet picking up with this series it is like I just finished watching series three yesterday. FUNimation is behind this Blu-ray release and I hope they know that they NEED to be releasing the first three “Lupin the Third” series after this. This is a must for any fan of this great franchise.

Official Premise: She’s a thief. A killer. A saint and a scandal. She’s whatever you need her to be to get the job done. After sizing you up with one sinful glance, she disarms you with a touch. You’re powerless to resist. She’s walking seduction, with an insatiable itch for the priceless and a fetish for mischief. She takes your breath away to get what she wants. She takes everything else just because she can. It’s all in a night’s work for the woman called Fujiko Mine. She’s the slinky, sultry thread that holds Lupin III’s crew together – and this is the heist that started it all.

The episodes included in this series are “Master Thief vs. Lady Looter”, “.357 Magnum”, “The Girl and the Samurai”, “Living in Love, Living in Song”, “Blood-Stained Pyramid”, “Prison of Love”, “Music and Revolution”, “Death Day”, “Steamy Desire”, “Dead City”, “Feast of Fools”, “The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, Part 1”, “The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, Part 2”.

Funimation delivers “Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine” with two releases, a standard version and a limited edition version also including an art book. Both versions are 4-disc BD/DVD combo releases. I love how Funimation always delivers both a Blu-ray and DVD release for their shows.  This series comes with both Japanese and English audio tracks.  Having found this show on Adult Swim many years ago, I am a fan of the English track the most. The special features are worth checking out as well after you finish watching this series.  There are commentary track for episodes 6 & 9. There is a “Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine” Cast Reunion. “Fujiko Mine at OkraTron 5000” is a look into the show at the audio production company.  There is also an Textless Opening & Closing Songs and trailers included.

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Actors: Ross Clarke-Jones, Tom Carroll, Ben Matson, Kelly Slater, Toni Collette
Directors: Christopher Nelius, Justin McMillan
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Xlrator
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Run Time: 95 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
3D: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I am not a surfer. I have always wanted to learn to surf. But then I watched “Jaws”. Laugh if you want but I know I am not the only one. Nonetheless, I am still fascinated by the craft and the amazing people that master it like surfing legends Tom Carroll and Ross Clarke-Jones that the film follows. The main draw for me to this film is the fact that it was shot with state-of-the-art miniature 3D cameras. You are literally brought inside the barrel of the waves and I loved every minute of it. If you enjoy watching some amazing surfing in some beautiful locations like Australia and the Great Southern Ocean, then this is a must.

Official Synopsis: Combining cutting-edge 3D technology and bravura filmmaking, STORM SURFERS 3D is the ultimate big-wave thrill ride. The film follows best friends and surfing legends Tom Carroll and Ross Clarke-Jones, along with surf forecaster Ben Matson, as they track and chase giant storms in their quest to ride the Pacific’s biggest and most dangerous waves. Using state-of-the-art miniature 3D cameras that put audiences inside the barrel of the waves, STORM SURFERS 3D is a visually stunning cinematic adventure unlike any other.

Xlrator is delivering “Storm Surfers 3D” in a combo pack with a Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray included. Like I mentioned about the 3D is the main draw for this release, but I also tried it in 2D and it still works. The 1080p transfer is absolutely stunning and makes you want to jump through the screen and right into the waves. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track really sounds amazing. Ever since Jack Johnson really hit it big, I have become big fan of surf music. The special features are not amazing but worth checking out. “Behind the Scenes with the Directors” is a short featurette on the production. “Profiles” thats a look into careers of Tom Carroll, Ross Clarke-Jones and Ben Matson. “Ross & Tom’s Need for Speed” feature the duo behind the wheel instead of the water. Lastly there is a “Storm Surfers” trailer.