Actors: Fred Grandy, Henry Polic II, Buck Kartalian, Michael Lane, Julie Newmar
Directors: James Sheldon, Herman Hoffman
Number of discs: 2
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: VCI Entertainment
DVD Release Date: September 18, 2012
Run Time: 312 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Not to be confused with the 80’s movie of the same name, “Monster Squad” was a campy Saturday morning kid’s action adventure series. It was created by the same team that was behind the 1960’s “Batman” series and has the exact same camp feel. Thanks to VCI Entertainment, all 13 episodes of this cult classic series are available again on DVD after being out of print for a long time. They are fully restored and are a great way to experience this 1976 series again on DVD. The episodes are still very fun…and did I mention they are campy?  This is a must own for all horror fans and lovers of classic monsters.

Official Premise: Originally screened on Saturday mornings on NBC in the late 70s The show stars Fred Grandy (The Love Boat) as Walt, a criminology student working as a night watchman in a wax museum. To pass the time, Walt built a prototype “Crime Computer”. When Walt plugged in his Crime Computer, the “oscillating vibrations” brought to life three legendary monsters. Dracula, The Werewolf and Frankenstein. These creatures hated and feared for centuries are now determined to make up for their past misdeeds by using their unique abilities to fight crime and bust super villains wherever they find them. Together they are the Monster Squad!

All 13 episode are included over two discs, the first disc includes 1: Queen Bee, Episode 2: Mr Mephisto, Episode 3: The Tickler, Episode 4: The Ringmaster, Episode 5: Music Man, Episode 6: No Face, Episode 7: The Astrologer.  The second disc includes – Episode 8: Ultra Witch, Episode 9: The Wizard, Episode 10: The Skull, Episode 11: The Weatherman,  Episode 12: Lawrence of Moravia and Episode 13: Albert/Alberta. Each episodes does look quite nice for a show that is over 35 years old. There is a little grain throughout but still impressive. There are really no special features on the release but to be fair, there is a stills gallery included. Lastly, there is an episode Synopsis on the inside of the DVD case.

Actors: Alastair Sim, Kathleen Harrison, Jack Warner, Mervyn Johns, Hermione Baddeley
Directors: Brian Desmond Hurst
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: VCI Entertainment
Release Date: November 6, 2012
Run Time: 86 minutes

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

When you think about “A Christmas Carol”, you think about Alastair Sim portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge.  It is one of the times and will always be one of my personal favorites.  The Charles Dickens’ story in general is my favorite Christmas tale, in general though.  Thanks to VCI, yet again, for keeping this classic alive and delivering a release that complements this wonderful film. This Blu-ray edition has been digitally restored with a new 1080p, 24fps high definition transfer master produced from the 35mm negative and fine grain.  The film couldn’t look any better.  There are two audio tracks included. The original LPCM Mono track, which I prefer and then the upgraded LPCM 5.1, which I feel doesn’t really suit the film and its time.  I look forward to sharing this film with my daughter as she grows and she will get to experience it in it’s wonderful presentation here.

Official Synopsis: Alastair Sim’s tour-de-force performance as the ultimate miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, has almost single-handedly made this beloved version of Charles Dickens’ story into one of the best-loved Christmas films of all time. Some of Britain’s best filmmakers united behind Sim, who was joined by a delightful cast of accomplished and acclaimed English actors; creating what many today believe to be the best and most faithful production of Dickens’ immortal tale. Cranky and curmudgeonly Scrooge learns the error of his unkind ways and is taught the true meaning of the holidays when he is visited by the ghost of his late business partner and the spirits of Christmas past, present and future.

This 2012 release comes in a combo pack with both the Blu-ray and DVD of the film.  The film is packed with some wonderful extras on both the Blu-ray and DVD. Let’s start with the DVD, which besides including the film in standard definition includes exclusive extras which are not on the Blu-ray.  The first is “Campbell Playhouse: A Christmas Carol”, which is the original 1939 radio dramatization that is narrated by Orson Welles and stars Lionel Barrymore.  This is a real treat for sure.  Lastly, there is a Biblographic Essay from Fred Guida on the film, which has such a vibrant history.

The special features on the Blu-ray are also extremely impressive and all presented in HD (which is shocking). There is an decent length introduction from Leonard Maltin. “Dead to Begin With: The Darker Side of a Classic” is a 30-minute feature with commentary by Sir Christopher Frayling talking about the production during the post-World War II era. “Scrooge by Another Name: Distributing A Christmas Carol” is look into the life of Richard Gordan, the distributor for Renown Pictures. “The Human Blarney Stone: Life and Films of Brian Desmond Hurst” is career retro wiht great-great nephew Allan Esler Smith. Alastair Sim Version: Too Good to be Shown only at Christmastime” is a chat about the film with Fred Guida, author of “A Christmas Carol and it’s Adaptions” Lastly, “Silent Dickens” is a collection of Dickens’ silent work from 1922 now in HD, “Scrooge” and “Bleak House”. There are some features missing from last year’s 60th Anniversary release including the trailers, a featurette “Scrooge Revisited”, the commentary track from Marcus Hearn and George Cole and the Reproduction of the American Pressbook insert.

Actors: Charles Durning, Tonya Crowe, Larry Drake, Lane Smith
Directors: Frank De Felitta
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: VCI Entertainment
DVD Release Date: September 11, 2012
Run Time: 96 minutes

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

If you are a fan of horror, then you surely know about “Dark Night of the Scarecrow”.  The film has never had love from studios and was only just finally released on DVD for the first time in late 2010, thanks to VCI Entertainment.  It is hard to believe that this was a made-for-TV movie back in the day. Even for a TV movie, the film is still extremely disturbing and unsettling.  If it wasn’t for VCI, this film might still be missing and might have never seen the light of day. This Deluxe Collector’s Edition includes some great new special features and worth the purchase you don’t already own this.  There are certain horror films that have stood the test of time and this is certainly one of them.  Thanks to VCI, the film was given a wonderful restoration for the DVD release and really looks amazing.

Official Premise: When young Marylee Williams (Tonya Crowe) is found viciously mauled, all hell breaks loose in her small rural town. Officious postmaster Otis P. Hazelrigg (Charles Durning) leads a gang of bigots in pursuit of the suspect: her mentally challenged friend Bubba Ritter (Larry Drake). Finding him hiding inside a scarecrow, they exact brutal mob “justice”…only to discover a tragic mistake! Now a strange apparition stalks the land seeking each of them out, as the legend of the Scarecrow begins.

This DVD comes with two fantastic audio tracks, a Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono & 5.1 Surround track.  I prefer the 2.0 since it feels original but the later is very well-done.  Like I mentioned above, the transfer is very sharp and the colors look brand new and not from 1981 at all, especially within its original aspect ratio – 1.33:1. There special features are a nice improvement from the 2010 release.  There is a commentary track from director Frank De Felitta and writer J.D. Feigelson.  There are two trailers including the Original CBS World Premiere Trailer and CBS Rebroadcast Trailer.  There is also a great Behind the Scenes Photo Gallery included.  The new features include “Bubba Didn’t Do it: 30 Years of the Scarecrow” (2012 Extended Version) it is directed by Daniel Griffith and produced by Ballyhoo Motion Pictures.  It includes a new video interview with composer Glenn Paxton.   There is also the “DNOTS Cast Reunion Q & A” -that was recorded at the 2011 Frightfest Film Festival in Louisville, KY.

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Starring: Adam G. Sevani, Kathryn McCormick, Ryan Guzman
Director: Scott Speer
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Summit Entertainment
Release Date: November 27, 2012
Run Time: 99 minutes

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

When it comes to the “Step Up” franchise, this series has really developed into more than just a movie.  The series all have decent plots and acting but really shine in the music and the dancing.  That is what these movies are all about and they really succeed in doing so.  “Step Up 3: The Streets” was the first to enter the third dimension, which may have seen like a way to get more money but the film really benefited from it.  “Revolution” takes the 3D effects on step further or if I can say a step up (sorry).  I was blown away by the dancing and the use of the 3D in this film.  I was wondering how they would out due themselves this time around but they definitely delivered. If you are a fan of great dancing, fantastic choreography and looking for an overall good time…be sure to join the revolution (sorry again!).  Bring on “Step Up 5”!

Kathryn Renée McCormick and Ryan Guzman take the lead in this new installment. Kathryn is known best for appearing on various seasons of the dance competition show “So You Think You Can Dance”. Even though this fourth film in the series features two new leads, it saw a flood of returning characters from the previous films. Alyson Stoner returned playing Camille Gage from the first and third films. While
Adam G. Sevani (“Moose”), Mari Koda (Jenny Kido), Harry Shum, Jr. (Cable) and Stephen “Twitch” Boss (Jason) have been with this series since “Step Up 2: The Streets”. I liked they there is that continuity and these characters return each film.

Official Premise: Emily (McCormick) arrives in Miami with aspirations of becoming a professional dancer and soon falls in love with Sean (Guzman), a young man who leads a dance crew in elaborate, cutting-edge flash mobs, called “The Mob.” When a wealthy businessman threatens to develop The Mob’s historic neighborhood and displace thousands of people, Emily must band together with Sean and The Mob to turn their performance art into protest art, and risk losing their dreams to fight for a greater cause.

Since “Step Up” franchise relies heavily on music, it is always an important aspect for me. This Blu-ray comes with a very impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, which sounds amazing…but actually gets a little showed up. I was really shocked to see that this release includes the brand new 11.1 DTS Neo:X Surround Sound track (compatible with Any DTS Neo:X-Enabled AV Receiver). That’s right kiddies, this track allows you to watch and experience this film in a room-shaking 11.1 surround sound. “The Expendables 2” was the first Blu-ray to utilize this features and Lionsgate is doing it again with “Step Up Revolution”. This is a high intensity audio experience which truly elevates the 3D home theater entertainment to a new level. DTS Neo:X is presenting the film the way it was meant to be heard. I would expect to see this quite a bit in the future.

“Step Up Revolution” comes in a combo pack with a 3D Blu-ray, which has the film also in 2D.  There is also digital copy included, as well as an Ultraviolet digital streaming copy. The box presentation is also very unique.  If you look at the cover, the people on it are imprinted onto a plastic cover that goes over the typical Blu-ray case.  When you remove it, it is just a sunny reflection of Miami  behind it. Pretty neat and clever and a nice extra touch. The film itself really looks sharp on Blu-ray.  Like I said earlier, the 3D really pops well on this 1080p transfer.  The colors are very vibrant and alive as well!

The special features are very impressive for this release.  There is an audio commentary track with director Scott Speer, choreographer Jamal Sims and cast members Kathryn McCormick and Ryan Guzman.  This is a really a must listen for all fans of the film, don’t miss it.  There are four solid featurettes focusing on all aspects of the production in “Becoming A Star”, “Choreography” (my favorite), “Dancing On Their Own” and “Making The Mob” (pretty amazing). Adding to the mob featurette is also “Flash Mob Index”, which gives you a 1-click stop for all their dance sequences. There are two music video including “Goin’ In” – J Lo featuring Flo Rida & Lil Jon and “Hands In The Air” – Timbaland featuring Ne-Yo.  Lastly there are a few deleted scenes, rounding out this very impressive release.

Actors: Cheryl Ladd, Kaitlyn Maher, Josh Feldman, Danny Woodburn, Richard Kind
Directors: Robert Vince
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: November 20, 2012
Run Time: 88 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

The Disney Buddies franchise has been non-stop, ever since “Air Bud” in 1997. This series just keeps expanding, though this latest edition “Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups” is definitely one of the cutest.  I was also a big fan of this past Spring’s “Treasure Buddies”, which was also a lot of fun.  But I have to admit, I am sucker though for the Christmas-themed installments. Did I mention this was cute? I am looking forward to watching this again with my wife and daughter, while getting into the holiday mood.  I was just left with such a nice smile on my face and in a great mood after watching this. I have become a big fan of this series and I look forward to the next installment “Super Buddies”  due out Fall 2013. But Disney if you are reading this, I want more “Santa Paws”  sequels as well!

Dad’s if you are wondering why Mrs. Clause is so smoking hot…that is became it is played by Cheryl Ladd aka Kris Munroe from “Charlie’s Angels”.  “Santa Paws 2” also features “The Search for Santa Paws” co-stars Danny Woodburn and Kaitlyn Maher (“Treasure Buddies”) reunite in this latest installment. Kaitlyn is really the cutest thing on the planet and sings beautifully. Which brings me to the original music in the film, which was really cheerful and great. Thanks in that department have to go to Brahm Wenger, who also worked on “The Search for Santa Paws” and “Treasure Buddies”. I think the addition of music to this franchise has really benefited it, especially the holiday installments.  I found myself humming the tunes…but where’s the soundtrack?

Official Premise: he North Pole has a new litter of playful pups. However, when the frisky foursome—Hope, Jingle, Charity and Noble—practically destroy Santa’s Workshop with their mischievous gamboling, they realize the best way to prove that they’re responsible enough to become Santa’s helpers is to show how well they can spread the Christmas spirit all by themselves. With help from a magic crystal, they start granting everyone’s wishes. But their good intentions backfire when one unhappy boy asks that Christmas go away forever! With his wish impetuously fulfilled, and the joyous spirit quickly disappearing from the planet, Mrs. Claus and the pups have to find a way to reverse the spell—or risk losing Christmas forever.

“Santa Paws 2” comes in a combo pack with Blu-ray and DVD disc. The 1080p transfer is sharp and works well the very colorful Christmas town that is created.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also complements Wenger’s music very well. The special features are a little light for Disney but kids will still enjoy.  There is a fun featurette where the pups take over the radio station from the film in “Santa Pups Music Mash-Up”, featuring clips from the film’s songs.  “Blooper Scooper” is some funny outtakes and other on-set Antics from the production.  Lastly, there are some great trailers for upcoming Disney Blu-ray trailers for “Return to Neverland” and “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh”, which we can expect in Spring 2013. Hooray! Can’t wait for both of those releases!

Starring: Dominic Monaghan, Shawn Ashmore, Shannyn Sossamon, Ashley Bell, Michael Eklund, Cory Hardrict
Director: Douglas Aarniokoski
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: November 27, 2012
Run Time: 84 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

I have seen a lot of post-apocalyptic movies and they never seen to get it right. “The Day” was very satisfying in that department. It packed a great cast delivering strong performances, as well as some fantastic gore. The film was obviously on a low-budget so the apocalyptic part is implied but still works well. The film has this black and white tone to it except when there is bloodshed…and their is quite a bit of that. It also reminded me of “Sin City” in that sense. WWE Studios, that’s right the wrestling company, is behind this film and like it’s recent film “Barricade”, read my review here, they are picking some great titles to stand behind!

Official Premise: A group of five survivors, armed with shotguns, axes and machetes, wander the back roads of a ravaged landscape looking for refuge in The Day, a terrifying look into a post-apocalyptic future. As war ravages humanity, destroying civilization and most of life on earth, the survivors realize they must do whatever it takes to stay alive. Lost, starving, and exhausted, they seek shelter in a seemingly safe abandoned farmhouse. However, while searching for food and resources, they unwittingly set off a trap signaling to their ruthless predators lying in wait to begin their deadly attack. With food and ammunition dwindling, the group must make a desperate final stand—over a 24 hour period—battling for their ultimate survival.

Even though this is a low-budget film it still has a fantastic young cast including Shawn Ashmore known best for Bobby Drake / Iceman in “X-Men Trilogy”, Ashley Bell from “The Last Exorcism”, Cory Hardrict  from “Battle Los Angeles”, Shannyn Sossamon from “One Missed Call” and “40 Days and 40 Nights” and lastly, Dominic Monaghan from “Lost” and “The Lord of the Rings Trilogy” pops in but let’s just say he doesn’t last long.

“The Day” is being released as a combo pack including both Blu-ray and DVD discs. The 1080p transfer works well with the color and shading, as described above. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track is also very impressive, which adds great atmosphere into the film.  The only special features though is an audio commentary with executive producer/director Doug Aarniokoski, producer Guy A. Danella and writer Luke Passmore. It is good if you are a fan of the film, since there is a lot of technical talk.  I would have loved to seen more production aspect featurettes and maybe even a cast commentary track.

Starring: Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill, Rosemarie DeWitt, Will Forte, Richard Ayoade
Director: Akiva Schaffer
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: November 13, 2012
Run Time: 102 minutes

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

“The Watch” is raunchy hilarious comedy with a nice sci-fi/action twist.  When this film was released in theaters, I literally had zero interest in seeing it.  The marketing on the film was terrible and it just sort of came out of nowhere.  Also it wasn’t sure if it was a comedy or a sci-fi film.  I think they should have just went full alien, “Men in Black”-style.  I wasn’t sure what to expect but this film was a whole shit load of fun.  It was completely over-the-top and offensive but it really delivers a lot of funny moments. This may not be the best film of the year but it was completely overshadowed by superheroes this summer and deserves to be given a chance.

Ben Stiller is great but he is overshadowed by the rest of the cast, who completely out-comedy him. Vince Vaughn is the star of the show and really tears up the jokes. The nesting doll scene is priceless. Every word his says was simply magic.   I can only imagine there were many many multiple takes on the lines.  After “@1 Jump Street”, I was a become a member of the Jonah Hill fan club (no, not literally) but this film just sealed the deal.  I wasn’t familiar with Richard Ayoade prior to this film but he really nailed some good one-liners playing Jamarcus. Will Forte cracked me up as  Sergeant Bressman and R. Lee Ermey has a nice cameo.  Lastly, well known creature-actor Doug Jones plays the role of the alien.

Official Premise: Four everyday suburban guys come together to form a neighborhood watch group, but only as an excuse to escape their humdrum lives one night a week.  But when they accidentally discover that their town has become overrun with aliens posing as ordinary suburbanites, they have no choice but to save their neighborhood — and the world — from total extermination.

“The Watch” comes with a three disc combo pack, with a Blu-ray, DVD and digital copy. The film looks awesome with its 1080p transfer.  Even though there isn’t a lot of special effects in the film, the finale looks sweet.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track also delivers for the mix of sci-fi and comedy.

The special features are good but not great since the main extra are 12 deleted scenes that fun about 25 minutes. They are unrated and definitely where the “Caution: Ruder, Cruder and Lewder” comes from on the box cover. There is a four minute gag reel that has me literally crying. “Jonah Alternate Takes”  includes various improved takes on Franklin’s lines. “Watchmakers” is a decent making-of behind-the-scene featurette. “Alien Invasions and You” has the cast talking about a real alien invasion. “Casting the Alien” is an faux interview with the “alien” who played the alien. Very funny. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer.

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Starring: Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Guy Pearce, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska, Shia LaBeouf
Director: John Hillcoat
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
Release Date: November 27, 2012
Run Time: 116 minutes

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

When I first heard of “Lawless”, a film about bootlegging brothers in a Prohibition-era Virginia, I wasn’t completely sold.  Then I found out about this all-star cast including Shia LaBeouf (“Transformers” franchise,) Tom Hardy (“The Dark Knight Rises”), Gary Oldman (“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”), Mia Wasikowska (“Alice in Wonderland”), Jessica Chastain (“The Help”) and Guy Pearce (“Prometheus”), and I was instant sold.  The performances in this film are honestly Oscar worthy.  Tom Hardy is amazing, as is Gary Oldman and Guy Pierce.  All three of them are having a great year with “The Dark Knight Rises” and “Prometheus”. This is easily one of my favorite films of the year with a hell of a wild-kick ass showdown. Highly recommended.

Official Premise: They were brothers who became outlaws, and outlaws who became heroes… The three Bondurant boys (Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Jason Clarke), along with their sultry new hire (Jessica Chastain), command the most lucrative bootlegging operation in Franklin County, Virginia. The locals consider them “indestructible.” But the law — in the form of a corrupt special deputy (Guy Pearce) — wants a cut of their action, at any cost. When youngest brother Jack (LaBeouf) gets a taste of power with a deadly gangster (Gary Oldman), the whole business blows sky high. Based on the astonishing true story, the Bondurant brotherhood is the stuff of legend.

The film is releases as a Blu-ray combo Pack.  It comes a Blu-ray, a DVD and a digital copy disc.  The Blu-ray resolution looks sharp with its 1080p transfer and it’s original aspect ratio: 2.39:1.  The sound is also sharp with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track.  The bullets are literally flying by your head and the period music sounds great.  The special features include an audio commentary with Director John Hillcoat and Author Matt Bondurant; two featurettes: “The True Story of the Wettest County In The World” and “Franklin County, VA: Then and Now”; Willie Nelson’s “Midnight Run” music video; and deleted scene.  Overall they are very impressive and are a nice compliment to the film.

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Starring: Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, George Carlin, Dan Shor, Tony Steedman, Rod Loomis
Director: Stephen Herek
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: MGM
Release Date: November 13, 2012
Run Time: 90 minutes

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

I remember seeing this film in the theaters and going crazy.  Well nothing has really changed in over 20 years.  Every time that watch this film it just seems to get better and more funny.  This is the first time that this film has been been released on Blu-ray and I highly recommend it.  I can’t wait to share this film with my daughter (in a few years since she’s only five months now).  Overall, it is totally excellent and will satisfy all fans of the film.  One question though…where is “Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey”? Hint-Hint!

Official Synopsis: Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves) have spent so much time forming their rock band that they’re flunking history. Ted’s dad threatens to send him to military school if he doesn’t pass. Luckily, Rufus (George Carlin), a guardian angel from the future, has a time-traveling phone booth to take them into the past to learn about the world. Their journey through time turns out to be a blast…but will they learn enough to pass their class and keep their rock band together?

The Blu-ray looks and sounds great.  The 1080p transfer with its widescreen 2.35:1 aspect ratio holds up well and deliver the goods. The film also sounds great since a lot of the film is music based.  This is given an excellent DTS-HD-MA 5.1 surround track. The special features are decent but nothing new for this release.  They are extras from the 2005 DVD release which have been ported. First, we have a featurette focusing on the writers Ed Solomon and Chris Matheson.  I think this was the film (music inspiration was from Rush) that made me want to air guitar, so the tutorial here is always fun. There is an episode of the animated “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventures”, which is a nice features.  Lastly there are some radio spots and also a theatrical trailer.  All around decent.

Click here for a totally excellent Bill and Ted infographic!

Starring: Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, Alex Kingston,
Number of discs: 2
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
Release Date: November 13, 2012
Run Time: 225 minutes

Episodes: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

“Doctor Who” is one of my favorite series on television. I have been a hardcore fan since the first series and have been watching it grown into this now worldwide phenomenon. It is very trending in the US now amongst us nerds or as we are called “Whovians”. Series six was a very tough act to follow, its story line was the most epic yet, which encapsulated the whole series. Matt Smith has really grown on me quite a bit since series five. He is quickly becoming a fav of mine as well. Karen Gillan was a terrific companion for the Doctor in the last two seasons and, get ready “SPOILERS”, if you don’t know this is also her’s and Arthur Darvill’s (plays Rory) last. I am sure that BBC will be releasing a complete series seven at the end of this run but I recommend this release for this who are looking to section it as a turning point in the show. If you are a fan of Doctor Who, this will hold you over till the Christmas 2012 episode and get you psyched for what’s to come in part two.

Official Premise “Join the Doctor, his companions Amy and Rory (aka the Ponds) and numerous friends on their latest escapades through space and time where they puzzle an unexpected invasion of Earth, save a spaceship full of dinosaurs, don Stetsons in a Wild West adventure and are even kidnapped by the Doctor’s oldest foe. The explosive series concludes with Amy and Rory’s heart-breaking farewell a race against time through the streets of Manhattan. Will the Doctor really lose the Ponds forever? There’s only one way to find out.”

Episodes included are: “Asylum of the Daleks”, “Dinosaurs on a Spaceship”, “A Town Called Mercy”, “The Power of Three” and “The Angels Take Manhattan”. “Asylum” was a good season kick-off. I do love me some Daleks. I do not feel that it as epic as season 6’s opener but you can’t always kill the Doctor. “Dinosaurs” was campy and very funny. Great visuals on this one. “A Town Called Mercy” was a fun Western spin the series but with cyborgs. “The Power of Three” was my least favorite of the five and is a big slow paced, cool idea with the cube’s planning a slow invasion but it was a little too slow for me. “The Angels Take Manhattan” was amazingly epic and probably one of my favorite episodes ever. I love the Angels and they literally scare the shit out of me. I also loved Amy and Rory and this is where there story ends.

Jenna Louise-Coleman will joining on as the Doctor’s new companion starting with the Christmas 2012 Special. She was well-placed in “Asylum of the Daleks”, playing Oswin Oswald. I actually really liked her and though she was fun, so I am excited and opened-minded to see where Steven Moffat, the Lead Writer, will take this show in the second half of this season. Moffat was quoted saying that the reason for choosing her what that “she worked the best alongside Smith and could talk faster than him.” Classic reasoning!

The episodes look and sound stunning on Blu-ray. BBC America has finally upgraded to HD (or 720p on TV), so at least now it is watchable but they look even better with their 1080p transfers, and presented in their original aspect ratio: 1.78:1. There are some great special features included in “Doctor Who: Series Seven – Part One”. There are five-part mini-adventure prequel to series seven called “Pond Life”, which puts the Doctor in more situations when attempting to visit AMy and Rory on Earth. There is a “Asylum of the Daleks Prequel” included where the Doctor receives a message from a mysterious hooded woman called Darla Von Karlsen. “The Making of The Gunslinger” shows us the origin of The Gunslinger in “A Town Called Mercy”. Lastly, “The Science of Doctor Who” and “Doctor Who at Comic Con” are great BBC America specials.

Lastly I must give a future nod to an upcoming “Doctor Who” release from BBC. On Nov.20th, the “Doctor Who: Limited Edition Gift Set” is hitting the stories. It comes packed with over 70 hours of “Doctor Who” spread over 41-discs. It is the perfect gift for all Doctor Who fan’s this holiday season. It includes the complete series one-six featuring Christopher Eccleston (the ninth Doctor), David Tennant (the tenth Doctor) and Matt Smith (the eleventh Doctor). It also includes hours and hours of bonus features including three new Doctor Who Specials coming to DVD for the first time ever, a collectible eleventh Doctor Sonic Screwdriver, three original art cards and the comic book, “Doctor Who at Comic Con.” If you are wondering how all this can fit on to one gift set just remember that it’s bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside 😉

Starring: Peter Frampton
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Eagle Rock Ent
Release Date: November 13, 2012
Running Time: 189 Minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I remember the first time that my father introduced me to Frampton’s “Do You Feel Like We Do” in the early 90’s.  Since then I have been a fan of not only the song but all of this work. Frampton celebrated the 35th anniversary of his multi-platinum selling live album Frampton Comes Alive in 2011 and kicked off a world tour.  This Blu-ray contains footage from shows at New York City’s Beacon Theater and Milwaukee’s Pabst Theater. It is split into two parts.  The first is “Frampton Comes Alive!” performed in its entirety, while the second part focuses on tracks from recent albums such as “Fingerprints”, “Now” and “Thank You Mr Churchill”.  If you have never seen Grammy winning guitarist Peter Frampton live, I highly recommend it. He is one of rock’s most iconic guitarists and gives on hell of a live performances.  This concert captures that quite well.  A must for all fans!

Eagle Rock is behind this impressive release. “FCA! 35 Tour: An Evening with Peter Frampton” has been put up with a super nice 1080p (yes, 1080p) transfer, which is rare for Eagle Rock, and presented in 1.78:1 aspect ratio. There are two audio tracks included, obviously the first is my favorite.  There is a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, as well as an uncompressed LPCM 2.0 stereo. I am a big fan of Frampton’s classics like “Show Me The Way” and “Do You Feel Like We Do” and they sound simply awesome on this release.  There are no other special features includes in this release. I should note that the release doesn’t come in a standard Blu-ray casing.  It is hard-stock paper fold book like case.  It is very thin and surely space efficient.

Track Listing:
Disc One
1. Somethin’s Happening
2. Doobie Wah
3. Lines On My Face
4. Show Me the Way
5. It’s A Plain Shame
6. Wind of Change
7. Penny For Your Thoughts
8. All I Wanna Be (Is By Your Side)
9. Baby, I Love Your Way
10. (I Wanna) Go to the Sun
11. (I’ll Give You) Money
12. Shine On
13. Jumpin’ Jack Flash
14. Do You Feel Like We Do
15. Asleep at the Wheel
16. Restraint
17. Float
18. Boot It Up
19. Double Nickels
20. Vaudeville Nanna And The Banjolele
21. Road to the Sun
22. I Don’t Need No Doctor
23. Black Hole Sun
24. Four Day Creep
25. Off the Hook
26. While My Guitar Gently Weeps

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Actors: John Cho, Kal Penn, Neil Patrick Harris
Directors: Jon Hurwitz, Danny Leiner, Todd Strauss-Schulson, Hayden Schlossberg
Number of discs: 3
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: November 13, 2012
Run Time: 285 minutes

Ultimate Collector’s Edition: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Before we even get started, I am a huge fan of this series.  The first film is one of the most outrageous and funny comedies in the last then years. The second was good but didn’t really trump its predecessor, besides NPH.  “A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas” is the latest and one of my favorites from 2011.  No it is not best film ever but it gets some amazing laughs, especially in 3D.  But it is not released in 3D on this release, so that is a big disappointing.  I think it would have been at least a half a star added on the score if it did. The package offers a total of four cuts of the three films, including the extended editions of each and also the theatrical cut of “A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas”.

Besides the film, this Ultimate Collector’s Edition comes in a “collectible tin, ideal for stashing the movies and any other necessities a Harold and Kumar fan might have.” This includes fun extras like a White Castle-scented car fresheners and White Castle-scented drink coasters.  If you don’t already own any of these prior releases and don’t care of 3D, then this release is for you. Otherwise, the coasters and car fresheners aren’t worth the re-purchase.

Each film in this collection are delivered in their original aspect ratio – “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” and “Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay” are presented in 1.85:1 and “A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas” is presented in 2.39:1. Like the previous releases they all looks nice in thei r 1080p transfers, though I still prefer “A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas” in 3D over 2D.  They are also all accompanied with a sweet 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio tracks. Not going to complain for the original Blu-ray release of “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle”, what happened to it’s DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track?

All of the previous special features from the prior releases are all included on this Ultimate Collector’s Edition. “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle” includes three really fun commentary tracks with director Danny Leiner and actors John Cho and Kal Penn and also a commentary track with writers Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg. There is also an “Extreme” commentary with Danny Bouchard, highly recommended. “John Cho and Kal Penn: The Back Seat Interview” chat about the their roles with co-star Bobby Lee. “Art of the Fart” focuses on the sound effects editing for the bathroom scene with the two Princeton girls. “A Trip to the Land of the Burgers” is a featurette on the animated sequence. “White Castle Cravers’ Hall of Fame” is a look into the annual awards ceremony the burger chain holds in Columbus, Ohio. “Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay Sneak Peek” is a sneak peak into the sequel and well as the trailer. There is 20 minutes of interviews and commentary from the cast and crew along with another 15 minutes of deleted and alternate scenes. Lastly there is a music video for “Yeah (Dream of Me)” by All Too Much and two trailers included.

“Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay” special features include 27 additional scenes and an interactive feature called “Dude Change the Movie” that puts you in control of Harold and Kumar’s trip and allows you to select from new and alternate scenes to change the course of the film! There is two commentary tracks with the Directors and Stars and also the real “Harold Lee”, and the guy who plays George W. Bush. Lastly there is a “The World of Harold and Kumar” featurette and a Bush PSA included.

Lastly we have “A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas”, which has the least impressive of the special features. They include a few of EPK shorts hosted by Thomas Lennon called “Through the Haze with Tom Lennon”. They are hilarious and definitely worth checking out as Lennon was a great asset to the film. There is a look into the claymation sequence and includes picture-in-picture with its animated storyboard reel and the final scene. Lastly there are about four minutes of deleted scenes…funny but not hilarious. Again did I mention that this release doesn’t include the 3D version of the film?

“Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle”: 3.5 out of 5 stars – Directed by Danny Leiner (“Dude Where’s My Car?,” TV’s “Backwash”), Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle follows John Cho (“American Pie” films, “Star Trek”) and Kal Penn (TV’s “House”, “The Namesake,” “National Lampoon’s Van Wilder” films) as they set out on a journey to satisfy their craving for White Castle’s delicious burgers and find themselves on a hilarious all-night adventure as they run into one wacky obstacle after another.

“Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay”: 3 out of 5 stars – The second installment of the franchise marks the triumphant return of these two hilarious, slacker anti-heroes. The movie stars John Cho (“American Pie” films, “Star Trek”) as Harold and Kal Penn (TV’s “House”, “The Namesake,” “National Lampoon’s Van Wilder” films) as Kumar, two stoners who can’t seem to get a break. Their last adventure found them traveling across country to find a White Castle hamburger in order to satisfy a weed-induced case of “the munchies.” This time, the boys get themselves in trouble trying to sneak a bong onboard a flight to Amsterdam. Now, being suspected of terrorism, they are forced to run from the law and try to find a way to prove their innocence. What follows is an irreverent and epic journey of deep thoughts, deeper inhaling and a wild trip around the world that is as “un-PC” as it gets.

“A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas”: 4 out of 5 stars Following years of growing apart, Harold Lee (Cho) and Kumar Patel (Penn) have replaced each other with new friends and are preparing for their respective Yuletide celebrations. But when a mysterious package mistakenly arrive at Kumar’s door on Christmas Eve, his attempts to redirect it to Harold’s house ends with the “high grade” contents – and Harold’s father-in-law’s prize Christmas tree – going up in smoke. With his in-laws out of the house for the day, Harold decides to cover his tracks, rather than come clean. Reluctantly embarking on another ill-advised journey with Kumar, through New York City, their search for the perfect replacement tree takes them through party heaven – and almost blows Christmas Eve sky high.

The ‘highly flammable’ three-movie set, Harold & Kumar Blu-ray Ultimate Collector’s Edition, blazes into stores November 13!
Official WB Shop Link: http://bit.ly/XVP2KW
Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HaroldandKumarMovie

Cast: Kunihiko Mitamura, Yoshiko Tanaka, Yasuko Sawaguchi, Emi Kodaka, Masanobu Takashima, Turu Minegishi, Ryunosuke Kaneda, Koji Takahashi
Director: Kazuki Ohmori
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Miramax Echo Bridge
Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 104 minutes

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

When it comes to ANYTHING Godzilla, I come running.  This 1989 title puts the King of the Monsters, Godzilla up against the even bigger monster Biollante. Thanks to Echo Bridge, this is the first time that “Godzilla vs. Biollante” stomps its way onto Blu-ray.  The film itself hasn’t aged at all and is still as fun as it was back in the 90’s, which was the first time I saw this. I hope that Echo Bridge has some more Godzilla films in its catalog waiting to release. If so count me in for sure!

Official Synopsis: Dr. Shiragami has been genetically engineering a form of indestructible plant life using a rare supply of Godzilla cells. This experiment has brought a strange new form of plant life into existence: Biollante, massive, yet peaceful in every way…until Godzilla returns to wreak havoc upon Japan. It is only then that something within Biollante stirs and the plant must fight to save her creator and the land she loves. It’s the super-beast Battle of the Century when Godzilla and Biollante come face to face in an explosive fight to the finish.

Echo Bridge really delivered a fantastic Blu-ray presentation.  The film is beautifully presented in with a sharp 1080p transfer.  The audio tracks included is a perfect 5.1 DTS Original Japanese Language track and also a 2.0 DTS Japanese Language track.  If you prefer the always “good for a laugh” dubbed track, there is a 1.0 Dolby Digital English Language track.  There are a few decent extras included on this release.  There is a Making of “Godzilla vs. Biollante” featurettes included, as well as a short but nice “Behind the Design” extra.  Godzilla fans should not miss this release, especially due to the sweet price.

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Cast: Jennifer Grey, Craig Sheffer, Daniel Lapaine, Kristen Wilson, Gabriel Casseus, Tim Curry
Director: Avi Nesher
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Miramax Echo Bridge
Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 106 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

Every since I saw “Tales from the Crypt Presents: Bordello of Blood” back in 1996, I was eagerly waiting for what was next. I heard about “Ritual” but it was shelved due to the ended of the show on HBO and other distribution issues. I waited and waited years to see this film till around 2001, when I believe I got a bootleg online. The result? Well, its just plain ‘ole “Tales from the Crypt” fun. This third film installment of the popular HBO series “Tales From the Crypt” is actually remake of the 1943 film “I Walked with a Zombie”.

Official Synopsis: Jobless after having her medical license revoked, Dr. Alice Dodgson (Jennifer Grey, Dirty Dancing) accepts an offer to travel to Jamaica and treat American Paul Claybourne’s (Craig Sheffer, A River Runs Through It) mysteriously ailing brother. But immediately upon her arrival, Alice finds herself immersed in the exotic rhythm and harmony of this foreign civilization…and besieged by the locals with terrifying tales of zombies and demonic possession. As her long-held faith in science clashes with her new experiences in the supernatural, Alice must ultimately submit to the strange native culture to save her patient, while fighting to escape with her own life. Also starring Tim Curry (Kinsey).

This is the first time that this film has been released on Blu-ray.  It looks good but not great.  The video is only presented with a 1080i transfer but then again this film has never looked perfect even on DVD (when it finally got poorly released).  The audio track is also a decent yet not stunning 2.0 Stereo track.  No special features are available on this release.  So I would really recommend this to the biggest hardcore fans of “Tales from the Crypt” but otherwise, it is not anything to write home about overall.  But for the low-price, you horror fans might consider this a guilty pleasure

Starring: Jude Law, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Ian Holm, Willem Dafoe, Don McKellar, Callum Keith Rennie
Director: David Cronenberg
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Miramax Echo Bridge
Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 97 minutes

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

“eXistenZ” is one of the most unrated film of the 90’s and got completely blindsided due to “The Matrix”, which was released the same year.  This film has never been released as a single disc Blu-ray before, so I am very excited to get it and spread the word. It was released by Echo Bridge earlier this year in “Miramax Triple Feature” with Malevolent / B. Monkey.  But has anyone even heard of those others? I saw this film in theaters back in 1999 and it instantly becoming a favorite of mine. Thanks Echo Bridge for finally giving this film the love it deserves with improved audio, video and even special features!

Official Synopsis: During the first closed-door demonstration of an amazing new virtual reality game called eXistenZ, the system’s brilliant designer, Allegra Geller (Leigh), is violently attacked by a crazed assassin intent on killing her and destroying her creation. Forced into hiding, Allegra enlists a young assistant (Law) to help her in testing the damaged system…by convincing him to join her inside eXistenZ. The action explodes as their world’s real-life dangers begin to merge with the fantasy of the game.

This time around Echo Bridge did this film upright delivering it in full high-definition 1080p transfer. The audio tracks are improved upon from the “Miramax Triple Feature: eXistenZ / Malevolent / B. Monkey” release. This time around they include both an DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, which to be honest both sound great. Lastly this time around there is some decent special features included.  It is nothing earth-shattering but it is extras nonetheless.  Included are three interviews with Jude Law, Willem Dafoe and the film’s Special Effects Supervisor.