Actors: Joel Cooper, Donald Fullilove, Mike Martinez, Edmund Sylvers, Craig Grandy, Paul Frees
Directors: Arthur Rankin Jr., Jules Bass
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Classic Media
Release Date: January 15, 2013
Run Time: 506 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I can’t say that I was around for the original broadcast of the Saturday morning cartoon series “Jackson 5ive” but I do remember it from its re-broadcast in mid 80’s. Who doesn’t love the songs of Jackson Five. They are timeless and still resonate and entertain throughout the years. This series was a blend of music with the classic animation from the team of Rankin/Bass. It is not the “animagic” puppet style like Rankin/Bass’ other projects but still hold their charm. This series always reminds me of “The Beatles: Yellow Submarine”, since it has that trippy feel and does not include the original band members voices. I did love hearing legendary voice actor Paul Frees take on various roles through the episodes. Overall, the show is presented beautiful thanks to Classic Media and for the first time ever on DVD or Blu-ray. It is must purchase for sure!

Here is the track listing for each of the 46 songs through the complete 23 episodes:
Episode 1: ABC, Goin’ Back to Indiana; Episode 2: I’ll be There, The Young Folks; Episode 3: I Want You Back, 2-4-6-8; Episode 4: I’ll Bet You, Sixteen Candles; Episode 5: My Little Baby, It’s Great to be Here; Episode 6: The Love You Save, How Funky is Your Chicken; Episode 7: Reach In, Can I See You in the Morning?; Episode 8: The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage, Oh How Happy; Episode 9: The Wall, I Will Find a Way; Episode 10: Maybe Tomorrow, Nobody; Episode 11: (Come `Round Here) I’m the One You Need, (We’ve Got) Blue Skies; Episode 12: My Cherie Amour, Honey Chile

Episode 13: Ready or Not (Here I Come), La La (Means I Love You); Episode 14: Darling Dear, Don’t Know Why (I Love You); Episode 15: Petals, She’s Good; Episode 16: One More Chance, I Found that Girl; Episode: 17: Never Can Say Goodbye, Mama’s Pearl; Episode 18: Sugar Daddy, I Wanna Be Where You Are; Episode 20: I’m So Happy, In Our Small Way; Episode 21: Got to be There, Maria; Episode 22: Love is Here, Girl Don’t Take Your Love From Me; Episode 23: Little Bitty Pretty One, If I have to Move a Mountain

The 46 songs included throughout this series have been remastered songs but only delivers a Dolby Digital 2.0 track on the episodes. This is a little bit disappointing to be honest. The 1080p transfers of the episodes look good and deliver the classic animation feel. The animated though is little dated but still looks very impressive for a show that is over 40 years old. My two issues with the release is the box art, it is very focuses a lot on the 46 remastered songs and less on the show itself and zero mention of Rankin/Bass on the front or back. The second thing is that there are no special features included for this, I would have loved to seen included retro TV spots from the series. Though fans of Rankin/Bass and Jackson Five, should still enjoy the chance to finally own this complete series at home.

Actors: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Scott Adkins, Dolph Lundgren
Directors: John Hyams
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: January 22, 2013
Run Time: 113 minutes

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

First I would like to thank director John Hyams for breathing life back into the “Universal Soldier” franchise with “Regeneration”, which was a fun action packed ride. “Day of Reckoning” packs a nice punch as well but really focuses more in the horror/thriller genre (at least for the first 45 minutes). This installment brings back Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren but in very minor and rather useless roles, yet they are the focus on the box art – which is very misconceiving. The star and main focus of the film is Scott Adkins, who don’t get me wrong kicks some major ass but it really doesn’t feel like a “Universal Soldier” installment. Fans of the franchise should still check it out though (in 3D if possible) but don’t expect an action packed entry.

Official Synopsis: John (Scott Adkins) wakes up from a coma to discover his wife and daughter were slaughtered in a brutal home invasion. Haunted by images of the attack, he vows to kill the man responsible, Luc Deveraux (Jean Claude Van Damme). While John tries to piece his reality back together, things get more complicated when he is pursued by a relentless UniSol (Arlovski). As John gets closer to Deveraux and the rogue army of genetically enhanced warriors led by back-from-the-dead leader Andrew Scott (Dolph Lundgren), John discovers more about himself and begins to call into question everything he believed to be true.

The story itself starts off really interesting with a quite haunting opening scene but where a normal film would then explain the plot, this drags a bit and never really regains focus. I originally had the privilege of watching this film in 3D and it really is the way to watch this film, without it you lose a lot of the added depth especially in the first half of the film. The 2D version still is decent but I honestly wouldn’t recommend it. Unfortunately, there is no 3D US Blu-ray release planned by Sony. I watched it via VOD on DirecTV, so if you can catch it there, I would! Also there is an NC-17 cut of the film, which is also not on this Blu-ray release.  I am not sure why Sony missed the mark on both of these great aspects of the film, it would have made this quite more desirable to purchase. I would just put this Blu-ray now as a renter.

The release looks sharp with its 1080p transfer and watch out for the strobe light scenes (which look better in 3D, sorry I will stop now). The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track really comes in great for the second half of the film, where the action is amped up. The special features are not jam-packed but overall decent. There is a nice audio commentary track from the director John Hyams and Dolph Lundgren. Besides the commentary, there are also three behind-the-scenes featurettes. The first is called “Coming Into Focus”, which takes a look at the production, it’s challenges and the films characters. “There Is No End” is a look at the tools used to create the final scene. Lastly “Production Wrap” is an in-depth look on the last days on set with cast/crew.

Actors: Jackie Siegel, David Siegel
Directors: Lauren Greenfield
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Release Date: November 13, 2012
Run Time: 100 minutes

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

Living in Orlando FL, I was very interested in seeing “The Queen of Versailles”. This film follows the up and down (mostly down) road for the David Siegel, owner of Westgate Resorts, his wife Jackie and their family. It follows the plans of billionaire family to build the biggest house in America and then dealing with the economy crash of 2008. I want to say I really enjoyed this film but I think I enjoyed more seeing them crash and burn and trying to pretend that they are normal people. Overall it is well directed for sure and I would like to see a follow-up in a few years.

Official Synopsis: The Queen of Versailles is a character-driven documentary about a billionaire family and their financial challenges in the wake of the economic crisis. With epic proportions of Shakespearean tragedy, the film follows two unique characters, whose rags-to-riches success stories reveal the innate virtues and flaws of the American Dream. The film begins with the family triumphantly constructing the largest privately-owned house in America, a 90,000 sq. ft. palace. Over thenext two years, their sprawling empire, fueled by the real estate bubble and cheap money, falters due to the economic crisis. Major changes in lifestyle and character ensue within the cross-cultural household of family members and domestic staff.

When comes to documentaries, the Blu-ray presentations are never overly impressive. But the 1080p transfer is still sharp and the dialogue is clear. That 90,000 sq. ft house really would have looked amazing. Director Lauren Greenfield did manage to capture some really nice shots of the riches of Florida. The documentary also took home the U.S. Directing Award for Documentary Film at last year’s 2012 Sundance Film Festival. The special features though are lacking a bit here. There are a few extra deleted scenes and a theatrical trailer. I wasn’t really expecting much more here to be honest.

Directed by: Asif Akbar
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Fleur De Lis Film Studios
Release date: December 12, 2012
Run time: 98 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
No Extras

When I first reviewed the film “Top Priority: The Terror Within” I summed up my reaction to what I had just seen in one word – WOW! As I watched it again in preparation of it’s release on DVD another word registered inside me – ANGER! Not at the film, mind you, but at the lengths that some people (and organizations) will go to in order to validate something that has no business being validated…that the entire “cover your ass” mentality that permeates so many different groups can extend to the willful ruination of innocent people’s lives. Here is my initial review of the film from June of 2012:

Wow!

Knowing I had just seen his new documentary, “Top Priority: The Terror Within,” producer BJ Davis asked me what I had thought of the film. I summed my review up in one word.

Much has been made of the state of the world since the horror of September 11, 2001. As citizens we’ve been told to keep our eyes open…to report anything we may think is suspicious. But what if you worked for the U.S. Government’s Department of Homeland Security and you discovered that no less than 23 “Special Interest Aliens” (read: persons from such countries as Iraq, Libya, Indonesia and others) just walked across the Mexican border into the United States. You’d notify your superiors, right? Apparently not if you want to keep your job.

The central figure in this film is Julia Davis. Born in Kiev, Russia she met and fell in love with American filmmaker BJ Davis while he was making a movie in her country. Emigrating to the USA and armed with Masters Degrees in Aviation and Spacecraft Engineering, she soon found herself working for the Department of Homeland Security as a Customs and Border Patrol Officer. So strong was her knowledge of, and commitment to, the job that she would often appear on national news programs as an anti-terrorist expert to field questions. In an average month, approximately 10-15 “Special Interest Aliens” would be given authorization to enter the USA, usually after a lengthy question and answer session with a DHS agent. While checking her daily work Davis discovered that, in a 10 hour period on July 4, 2004, 23 “Special Interested Aliens” entered the US without so much as one question by anyone in authority. When Davis reported this horrific breach of security all hell broke loose. On her.

It’s often hard to judge a politically themed documentary. Sometimes, as in the case of some of Michael Moore’s work, the information given is slanted. I’m not saying it’s wrong…I’m just saying that sometimes you don’t see all that is to be seen. That is not the case here. Pressing on with her complaint, Davis soon finds herself the target of harassment at work as well as having to deal with fifty-four fraudulent charges leveled at her. Each one of these charges is proven false thanks to an unprecedented glimpse at government video depositions as well as video surveillance tapes. In one instance, Ms. Davis reports that her superior, Linda Boutwell (who Ms. Davis’ attorney humorously refers to as “Miss BUTT-well” when he discusses her) picked up her personal backpack and threw it to the floor so forcefully that the cell phone inside was broken. Boutwell submits a sworn statement claiming to have never touched Ms. Davis’ backpack. When government investigators are confronted by video surveillance tape that shows Boutwell doing exactly what she is charged with, they inexplicably side with her. The case gets even more involving when Boutwell tells her superiors that Davis, while at work for the Department of Homeland Security, is secretly helping her husband and his crew make a local film. According to Boutwell she is told this information by actress Brittany Murphy. When the Davis’ inquire as to why these charges were made, Murphy informs them that, though she is friends with Boutwell’s daughter, she never made those statements. What follows for the next 18 months is an all out assault on the very freedoms Ms. Davis swore to protect. She is followed by helicopters…her house is illegally searched…the government tries to have her deported, calling her marriage to BJ a sham. They even arrange to have local police pull the Davis’ over at pre-scheduled times to prevent them from arriving at court hearings and depositions on time.

Surprising to hear? It was to me. But every accusation is backed up with proof! There is no gray area here. It’s all there in the black and white video footage as well as the notes and documents the Davis’ were able to track down. And they weren’t the only people under surveillance. In an interview shortly before she died at the age of 30, Brittany Murphy told the writer she knew she being watched. In fact, it was much worse. Murphy endured helicopter surveillance, wiretaps, an arrest in the middle of the night and an unsuccessful attempt to deport her fiancée Simon Monjack, whom she later married. That shortly after her statement both Murphy and Monjack suddenly died only makes the case more bizarre!

There are more twists and turns to this film then all of the rides at Disneyland. “Top Priority: The Terror Within” is a film that will make you think and, hopefully, say “Wow!”

For more information on this extraordinary case or to order the DVD please click here.

Actors: Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Landau, Winona Ryder, Robert Capron
Directors: Tim Burton
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: January 8, 2013
Run Time: 87 minutes

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

When I think about stop-motion animation, I immediately think about Tim Burton (sorry LAIKA). He is the creative genius behind one of my favorite films of all-time “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. Well Tim Burton is back at it again with “Frankenweenie”, which is actually a remake of his 1984 short live-action film. It is a homage to the 1931 film “Frankenstein”, based on Mary Shelley’s book…but with a dog. The feature film remake expands quite a bit on the short and takes the story in a new and bigger direction. This film is presented in black and white (even though filmed in color and converted) and also in 3D, which both really add A LOT to this film. This is a might be a hard sell for kids but it is must for all fans of Burton!

I had originally seen this film in 2D and there is really a lot that you miss out, no so much in your face effects but added depth. The 3D has a few really great moments in-your-face and the rest just feels really perfect and adds wonderful depth with the format. Having seen this film three times now, it is one of those films that really grows on your and gets better with repeat viewings. There are tons of odes and tributes to the classic horror genre. I found myself catching different things with each viewing, so that is definitely a big plus for Burton and horror fans.

Burton reunites with many of his usuals on “Frankenweenie” including Catherine O’Hara, Martin Landau and Winona Ryder. Tony Award winner Martin Short also voices Mr. Frankenstein and many other characters, though my favorite is Mr. Bergermeister – the Mayor of New Holland. This character is a purposeful homage to Burgermeister Meisterburger from the classic Rankin/Bass film “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”. As I also expected the most annoying voice role in the film goes to Atticus Shaffer aka the weird kid from “The Middle”. He voices Edgar “E” Gore, who is inspired by Igor. I could have done with less of him personally.

Official Synopsis: From Disney and creative genius Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas”) comes the hilarious and offbeat “Frankenweenie,” a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire
town learn that getting a new ‘leash on life’ can be monstrous.

Let’s get to Disney’s beautiful 4-Disc Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, including a Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy discs. Like I said I highly recommend this in 3D if possible. The 1080p transfer just look absolutely spectacular. The black and white looks very sharp and combine that with the 3D presentation and I am in heaven. To top that the release comes with an even better DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 audio track, which is perfect for the film and Danny Elfman’s score. On a side note, I am a fan more of the standard Blu-ray + DVD box art not the 3D release box art. The standard release features more characters up front and not all background.

This releases comes with equally electrifying (get it…”It’s alive!!”) special features. They are definitely aimed for the younger audience and lacking any commentary but still entertaining.  Firstly there is an all new original short called “Captain Sparky vs The Flying Saucers”. “Miniatures In Motion: Bringing ‘Frankenweenie’ To Life” is an in-depth tour of the London set which also includes never-before-seen footage. “Frankenweenie” Touring Exhibit is a showcase that is currently traveling the world and allows audiences to explore the magic behind the film. Of course a given extra is the original live action short for “Frankenweenie”. Lastly, there is a music video for Plain White T’s “Pet Sematary”.

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Starring: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Kyra Sedgwick, Natasha Calis, Madison Davenport, Grant Show, Quinn Lord
Director: Ole Bornedal
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: January 15, 2013
Run Time: 103 minutes

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

When I here the name Sam Raimi is behind this horror film, I both get excited and nervous at the same time.  He has made great films like “Drag Me To Hell” and “The Evil Dead” but when working with PG-13 horror it always makes me nervous. “The Possession” has a decent cast including Jeffrey Dean Morgan (“Watchmen”) and Kyra Sedgwick (TV’s “The Closer”) but plays it a little too safe for me personally.   There is a few good jumps and overall the average film-goer might dig this but hardcore horror fans might see right through this and just see many missed opportunities.

Official Premise: Clyde (Morgan) and Stephanie Brenek (Sedgwick) see little cause for alarm when their youngest daughter Em (Calis) becomes oddly obsessed with an antique wooden box she purchased at a yard sale. But as Em’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, the couple fears the presence of a malevolent force in their midst, only to discover that the box was built to contain a Dibbuk, a dislocated spirit that inhabits and ultimately devours its human host.

The releases comes with Blu-ray Disc plus a Digital Copy and Ultraviolet option. I am not a fan of Vudu only Ultraviolet though, as I prefer Flixster. The 1080p transfer on the Blu-ray looks good and the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works well for a few jumps. The special features on the film are pretty scant with one featurette focusing on the true story behind “The Possession” in “The Real History of the Dibbuk Box”.  It is worth checking out to find out about the true events, even if you do not dig the film itself.  There are also two audio commentaries with director Ole Bornedal and the writers Juliet Snowden and Stiles White.

Actors: Jennifer Lawrence, Elisabeth Shue, Max Thieriot, Gil Bellows, Will Bowes, Jonathan Higgins
Directors: Mark Tonderai
Rated: PG-13 / Unrated
Studio: Relativity Media
Release Date: January 8, 2013
Run Time: 101 / 109 minutes

Film: 1.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

When this film came and flew threw theaters, I was shocked due to the popularity of Jennifer Lawrence from “The Hunger Games”. I am personally a fan of neither. I am also not a terribly big fan of PG-13 teen horror films but I was hoping that this would have surprised me. Well, I was completely wrong and this film fitted right into the cheesy waste-of-time lack of suspense teen wanna-be horror genre. The Blu-ray release for this film includes the theatrical cut and also a new 8-minute longer unrated cut, which adds a “shocking twist” you wasn’t shown in theaters but doesn’t help the rest of the film from sucking. I would recommend skipping both versions of this film and saving your money.

OFficial Premise: Academy Award® Nominees Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games) and Elisabeth Shue star in this edge-of-your-seat horror hit packed with heart-pounding thrills and gripping suspense. Newly divorced Sarah (Shue) and her teenage daughter Elissa (Lawrence) have just moved to the suburbs for a fresh start. But their hopes quickly shatter as they learn that, years earlier, a grisly murder took place next door when a deranged girl killed her parents and disappeared. The girl’s older brother Ryan (Max Thieriot) still occupies the house, and when he befriends Elissa, his secretive past could become her worst nightmare!

“House at the End of the Street” comes as a combo pack with Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy included. The 1080p transfer looks crisp with no major issues even in the dark scenes. There is a decent DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track included as well, even though it doesn’t add any suspense. The issue I have with this release is that the film is pitched with the unrated cut but the DVD and digital copy included only come with the theatrical cut (even despite the DVD artwork showing the words “Unrated”). The special features are completely missing as well with only one extra included, “Journey Into Terror: Inside the House at the End of the Street”. I would skip this unless you absolutely loved this film.

Directed by: Seiji Kishi
Distributed by: Sentai Filmworks
Rated: Unrated
Release Date: January 15, 2013
Run Time: 365 minutes

Part 2: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

“Persona 4: The Animation” is based on the “Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4” video game (one of my favorites).  This collection of episodes concludes the 26 episodes developed for this show. The beginning of this animation series introduced the show and got into the heart of the story but these episodes are where the shit just crazy leading up to the intense finale. This is the type of show that I feel that I revisit and and tune in to the Midnight Channel very often. Here is our review of Collection 1.  Thanks to Sentai for not delaying to long and releasing Collection 2 so quickly. Though I have to admit though, I hope that they continue the “Persona” series in anime format since I absolutely love this franchise.

Official Synopsis: The mystery of the murders seems to have been solved, but the riddle of the Velvet Room and the lethal Midnight Channel is an enigma that Yu and the other students who form the Investigation Team still have to crack. And that’s to say nothing of the question of how their powers of Persona work in the first place, and how the fictional Teddie can exist in the real world. As conundrums wrap in conundrums, and the school year burns inexorably towards a blistering summer, the team must prepare for the most deadly challenge yet while still pretending to lead normal high school lives. But that won’t be easy under the evil eye of their new homeroom teacher. And when Detective Shirogane reenters the game with new information about irregularities in the police investigation and clues that may lead to an entirely different conclusion; both team and detective find themselves playing the role of prey once more! The body count is on the rise, the Shadows attack and new Persona are about to ascend as the Midnight Channel launches the ultimate cancellation program in the grand finale of PERSONA4!

The Blu-ray presentation on par with the Collection 1. The animation looks just as vibrant and sharp with  each 1080p transfer on the episodes. The audio track works good as well with its DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and does a good job of delivering the scale of this fantastic finale. Like in Collection 1, there is no original Japanese language track.  There is just English dub available, not the fault of Sentai though. Unfortunately unlike the episodes, there is not much in special features department.  Basically the only extra is the clean opening and closing animation sequences. Still a good feature but not enough to leave you satisfied. Lastly, there are trailers for other recent/upcoming Sentai titles.

Actors: Warwick Davis, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
Rating: TV-MA
Studio: HBO Studios
DVD Release Date: January 15, 2013
Run Time: 280 minutes

Series: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

If you are fans of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the comedy duo behind BBC series’ “The Office” and “Extras” and “The Ricky Gervais Show”, then “Life’s Too Short” is definitely for you! The series stars Warwick Davis (“Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” and “Harry Potter” franchise) playing a fictionalized character of himself.  I love the fact that he is able to poke fun at himself and in a very tongue-in-cheek style. Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant also pop in from time to time through the episodes for a good laugh. The show is also ace with cameo celebrity appearances like Liam Neeson (my favorite) and Johnny Depp They appear completely out of their typical context and will leave you on the floor laughing! Can’t wait for season two! Bring it on HBO!

Official Synopsis: Shot faux-documentary style, Life’s Too Short gleefully charts Davis’s every move as he tries to jumpstart his waning career by opening his doors to a reality TV film crew while trying to maintain his pride and self-respect in a series of uncomfortable, often-humiliating situations. Along the way, he seeks advice from his old pals Gervais and Merchant (playing versions of themselves) in hopes that their A-list celebrity connections including Johnny Depp, Liam Neeson, Sting, Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Carell, Cat Deely (who all cameo) will aid his career.

The DVD is jam-packed with bonus features. To start there is a short featurette (get it short?), well not that short called “Making of Life’s Too Short”.  There are ten behind-the-scenes clips from the series.  There are also various deleted scenes and outtakes.  I feel the series works the way it did but I welcome the extra footage, as parts of it were indeed hilarious.  Lastly, there are previews for each episode.  Did I mention that I love Liam Neeson’s episode? I am surprised that HBO is not giving this series a Blu-ray release since in the UK it is getting one.

Directed by: Marko Makilaakso
Starring: Andrew Tiernan, Mark Wingett, Mikko Leppilampi, Jouka Ahola
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Entertainment One
DVD Release Date: January 1, 2013
Run Time: 86 minutes

Our Score: 1 out of 5 stars

Being a sucker for zombie flicks I was anxious to check out “War of the Dead”. Yes there have already been countless films based around zombie wars and Nazi experiments gone array but surely one more couldn’t hurt could it? A slow start and the absence any real recognizable names put this film in the red at the start however at about the 15 minute mark you catch your first glimpse of some zombies and the film starts to take off. Well somewhat.

March 1941. Captain Martin Stone (Andrew Tiernan) leads an American unit on a mission to destroy a secret Nazi underground bunker. Fighting alongside an elite platoon, the soldiers find themselves attacked by the same men they killed in an earlier assault. Now, the remaining officers must struggle to survive against the war’s most terrifying enemy…a flesh hungry army of the living dead.

The overall presentation of the film is decent but far from great. At times scenes appear dark, choppy and are rather chaotic making the film tough to watch especially if you get motion sickness easy. I should also point out that anyone expecting to find Academy Award winning performances from the actors involved should skip this. Though the Blu-Ray version of the film also includes a bonus DVD copy that’s about all you will find in the way of bonuses. Fans of zombie/war films should save their money and continue to wait patiently for the highly anticipated Marc Foster film “World War Z” which is being released in Spring of 2013.

Actors: Al Snow, John Wells, Sebrina Siegel, Erica Goldsmith, James Tackett
Directors: Brian Cunningham, Matt Niehoff
Rated: Unrated
Studio: VCI Entertainment
Release Date: January 1, 2013
Run Time: 81 minutes

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

Alright so let’s talk about “Overtime”…with a tagline of “Guns, Girls, Aliens, Zombie…Cake!”, how can you  go wrong. “Overtime” is far from perfect but it is a fun science-fiction/horror/comedy.  The film has some decent gore, some sharp comedy and Former WWE superstar Al Snow.  That is enough for me.  Overall, the acting is terrible but for some reason, I was totally interested to see where this film was going. Is it the best movie ever? No.  But with all the crappy horror movies that I watch this film was at least worth checking out.

Official Premise: Former WWE superstar Al Snow stars in this action-packed zombie-alien comedy that gives new meaning to working late. Ralph (Snow) is a hitman who has trouble balancing the responsibilities of work and home…especially when his boss calls him in to work on a Saturday. But when Ralph finds himself locked in an alien infested lab with his partner Max (John Wells), he must find a way to save a small group of survivors, keep himself safe from a hoard of zombie aliens and get to his son’s birthday party on time.

This release is presented as a two-disc set combo pack with a Blu-ray and DVD copy of the film.  The 1080p transfer looks good for “Overtime” but nothing amazing.  There are two audio tracks including a PCM 2.0 and 5.1 surround track. There are some decent but short special features included.  There is an audio commentary with stars Al Snow and John Wells, and directors Brian Cunningham and Matt Niehoff.  This is a must listen for fans of the film and works great for a repeat visit.  There are two featurette including “Surviving Overtime” and a behind-the-scenes featurette looking into the production. Lastly there is a press promotional promo and trailer included.

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Actors: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey
Directors: Pete Travis
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: January 8, 2013
Run Time: 95 minutes

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

The character of Judge Dredd made his first appearance in 2000 AD #2 back in March of 1977. After the disappointing attempt to bring to the big-screen, though cult favorite, back in 1995 with Sylvester Stallone in “Judge Dredd”, “Dredd” is the latest attempt and is adapted by Alex Garland from John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra’s legendary comic book and filmed in stunning 3-D. This film is the way that this comic book character should be portrayed. Karl Urban (“Star Trek”, “The Chronicle of Riddick”) really scores with this role, even while keeping his helmet on! Lena Headey (HBO’s “Game Of Thrones”) plays a good baddie as Ma-Ma. Overall the film is a blast to watch. It is action packed, gritty, gory and the way that Judge Dredd should be. I highly recommend checking this out and be sure to watch in 3D if possible.

Official Synopsis: The future America is an irradiated wasteland. On its east coast, running from Boston to Washington D.C., lies Mega City One – a vast, violent metropolis where criminals rule the chaotic streets. The only force of order lies with the urban cops called “Judges” who possess the combined powers of judge, jury and instant executioner. Known and feared throughout the city, Dredd (Urban) is the ultimate Judge, challenged with ridding the city of its latest scourge, a dangerous drug called “Slo-Mo,” and the sadistic crime boss Ma-Ma (Headey) who is using it to take over the city.

Lionsgate is given “Dredd” a very impressive release as it explodes onto 3D Blu-ray.  The releases includes the 3D and the standard 2D version of the film on one disc plus Digital Copy and digital Ultraviolet code. The film looks absolutely stunning with its 1080p High Definition 16×9 Widescreen (2.40:1) transfer.  This works perfectly with the film’s very sharp visual effects sequences and 3D.  The film was shot in 3D using RED MX, SI2K and Phantom Flex high-speed cameras. The film has great depth and really looks amazing on Blu-ray.  The star of the release is easily the Blu-ray’s audio track.  “Dredd” comes packed with an insane 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio that is optimized for 11.1 Neo X.  This is becoming a trend with Lionsgate releases after “The Expendables 2“. I was blown away with this track and as was my surround sound.

The special features are impressive as well on this release. They are made up with six production-based featurettes.  The first is “Mega-City Masters”: 35 Years of Judge Dredd”, which looks into the legacy of this amazing action hero.  “Day of Chaos: The Visual Effects of Dredd 3D” focuses on the film very sharp and stylized visual effects. “Dredd” is a focus on the man that we know as “the law”. “Dredd’s Gear” is a look into all the super-cool goodies taht “Dredd” packs to kick some major ass! “The 3rd Dimension” is a look of introducing this series with the use of 3D. The last featurettes is “Welcome to Peachtrees”, which is a location-based feature on where 95% of the filming takes place in. Rounding out the fantastic special features is a “Dredd Motion Comic Prequel”, which is a nice lead-in to this film.

Actors: Timothy Olyphant, Nick Searcy, Joelle Carter, Jacob Pitts, Erica Tazel
Directors: Adam Arkin, Bill Johnson, Dean Parisot, Don Kurt, Gwyneth Horder-Payton
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: December 31, 2012
Run Time: 541 minutes

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

I have known of FX’s gun-slinging modern day police drama “Justified” but I never really got into it. I am a big fan of Timothy Olyphant though and he is quite amazing in the role. This season also guest stars the great Jeremy Davies in his Emmy-winning role as Dickie Bennett (Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, 2012). This season where we find Harlan County no longer under the rule of the Bennett family.  We also see that Boyd returns to the criminal life, while Raylan has issues with keeping the town under control. The third season is said to be the best of the three and from what I have seen I do not disagree. The show does a good job of hooking you in from the very first episode and even those that haven’t watch from first season are still able to enjoy. Stay tuned because a fourth season of 13 episodes will return on January 8th, 2013 on FX.

Official Synopsis:  Fresh off the epic gun battle that concluded Season One, Season Two of “Justified” finds Bo Crowder dead, and the Crowder criminal grip on Harlan County broken. Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens must now face off against the criminal organizations that are moving to fill the void, and finds himself entangled once again with the mercurial Boyd Crowder and the brutal Mags Bennett.

This three-disc Blu-ray will deliver the goods to the fans of the show for sure. The 1080p transfer for each episodes looks good. It is the standard upgrade as far as high-definition goes. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround track is sharp but doesn’t really blow you away. Still impressive and major upgrade from the episodes on television. Besides the show’s thirteen episodes, this release includes a bunch of deleted scenes and outtakes. I am very impressed with the fact that their is cast and crew commentary on nine episodes. You usually lucky if you get get one episode. There are also three all-new featurettes that look into the making of the third season, as well as the stunts and nice tour of the set. Lastly, If you like the show they you are going to love the exclusive to the Blu-ray sit-down interview with Olyphant and Goggins, called “Talking Shop: Roundtable Discussion”. All the above are all good reasons to revisit this show on Blu-ray.

Actors: Vincent Tong, Kirby Morrow, Michael Adamthwaite, Brent Miller, Paul Dobson
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: December 11, 2012
Run Time: 154 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love LEGO’s? “LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu” is the #1 rated show on Cartoon Network with boys ages 6-11. Well I know I am not in that age-range but this show still has incredible entertainment value, even for a 30 year old. This DVD includes the first seven action-packed episodes from season two of the show. The season consists of 13 episodes, which is actually quite short for an animated series. Since the show is so popular, there is a third season on the way but not until 2014. So if your kids love this show, this will be a good way to hold them over – besides TV repeats, of course. IF you like LEGO (who doesn’t) and ninja (who doesn’t again), this is a no-brainer both for young and old..er kids.

Official Synopsis: ONE NINJA MUST TRAIN TO SAVE THEIR WORLD. The great Devourer has been defeated, but Lord Garmadon is still at large and what’s worse – he now holds the four Golden Weapons of Spinjitzu, and soon he commands both the Serpentine and the Ninjas’ flying ship ‘The Bounty’. The four Ninja must train Lloyd for his confrontation with his father, but with limited powers and without a home, it proves more difficult than they could have imagined. And Lloyd is not exactly an A-student either. Garmadon is bent on preventing Lloyd meeting his full potential. He unleashes a series of devious plots including the ultimate Mega weapon, enemy pirates, dark replicas of the four ninjas and a dangerous race across Ninjago. The destiny of the Green Ninja has yet to be fulfilled.

The episodes included are: “Darkness Shall Rise”, “Pirates vs. Ninja”, “Double Trouble”, “Ninjaball Run”, “Child’s Play”, “Wrong Place, Wrong Time” and “The Stone Army”. “LEGO Ninjago” has quickly become not only the fastest growing but also the top-selling line in LEGO history. Keep an eye out since The complete second season and complete series of “LEGO: Ninjago Masters of Spinjitzu” are scheduled for release on DVD and Blu-Ray in early 2013. But for the time being this release will make a really nice stocking stuffer. Hint-Hint parents! I will be there waiting for the new episodes and releases of this fun show.  Now if you excuse me I need to go put in some hours on my latest purchase from LEGO Ninjago toy line.

Actors: Nigel Havers, Martin Clunes, Sophie Ward, Kevin McNally
Directors: Lawrence Gordon Clark, Bob Mahoney, Rob Walker
Number of discs: 2
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Synapse Films
DVD Release Date: December 11, 2012
Run Time: 265 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Look Deeper into the Face of Fear”.  That is a very effective and very haunting tagline, especially when looking at this extremely eye-catching and eerie box art.  This television series was very short five episode horror anthology that aired in the UK back in 1995. This is the first time that these episodes have seen the light of the day in the U.S., thanks to the amazing Synapse Films. It is weird but something about 80-90’s TV anthologies, this have this unique aspect to them.  I was a big fan of “Monsters”, “Friday the 13th: The Series” and “Freddy’s Nightmare” growing up and this series fits in well with that.  This series starred many of Britain’s leading actors at the time including Nigel Havers (“Chariots of Fire”), Martin Clunes (UK’s “Men Behaving Badly”), Sophie Ward (“Young Sherlock Holmes”) and Kevin McNally (“Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise). “Chiller” obviously has a very English feel behind it but that is where the charm comes form.

Here is the official premise for each episodes included: PROPHECY: When a group of friends hold a séance in the basement of a London cafe, they each receive a prophecy. Five years later, the frightening prophecies begin to come true. TOBY: Ray and Louise Knight tragically lose Toby, their unborn baby, in a car accident.  Louise soon discovers she’s pregnant again, but a routine scan reveals she is not… even though her body feels like she is! HERE COMES THE MIRROR MAN: A social worker helps a young homeless man but may die trying, when she discovers her predecessor was murdered under mysterious circumstances. THE MAN WHO DIDN’T BELIEVE IN GHOSTS: Richard Cramer, a professional de-bunker of the paranormal, moves into Windwhistle Hall with his family, only to find themselves involved in a series of unexplained events and accidents. NUMBER SIX: In Helsby, a small Yorkshire town, police search desperately for a child killer.  Tied somehow to an ancient Druidic site, this killer may strike again at the next full moon.

Horror fans should not miss a chance to own this episodes on DVD for the first time. This show shows it age a little but still has some good spook factor behind it.  The make-up effects hold up well as well. The only thing I wish is that if there were more episodes to this series.  They just don’t make good horror anthology anymore and now there is plans to reboot “The Twilight Zone” (again), which doesn’t interest me at all. Since it will be made for THE CW and turned into another “Twilight” or “The Vampire Diaries”.  These episodes do look nice for this two-disc DVD set.  They are not completely restored but they are presented well and makes me want to go back and re-watch other great 80’s/90’s horror anthologies. There are no special features included on this release besides the episodes but to be honest, I was left satisfied enough just with the episodes for this release.