Actors: Steven Seagal, Steve Austin, Michael Pare, Bren Foster
Directors: Keoni Waxman
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
DVD Release Date: November 6, 2012
Run Time: 98 minutes

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

When I saw that Steven Seagal and Steve Austin were starring together in “Maximum Conviction”, I could request this faster to review.  I don’t care what people say but I think that Seagal can still kick some major ass.  Austin is also such a bad-ass.  The duo is also also behind-the-scenes producing on the film.  Steve Austin is executive producing, while Steve Seagal is producing.  You can tell that they are behind this film 100% and it is not just some cheesy action/thriller. If you are a fan of kick-ass action films, this is a no-brainer. Sit back, relax and get ready to have the Steve’s kick some ass!

Official Premise: When former black ops operative Tom Steele (Steven Seagal) and his partner Manning (Steve Austin) are assigned to decommission an old prison, they must oversee the arrival of two mysterious female prisoners. Before long, an elite force of mercenaries assault the prison in search of the new arrivals. As the true identities of the women are revealed, Steele realizes he’s caught in the middle of something far bigger than he had imagined. Fists will fly and bones will shatter as the situation escalates with every passing minute.

Anchor Bay is delivering “Maximum Conviction” as a DVD + Blu-ray combo pack. The Blu-ray looks sharp, especially with the action in the film. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track also sounds great on the Blu-ray. The special features are quite decent for this action/thriller. There is an audio commentary with Executive Producer/Director Keoni Waxman and Co-Executive Producer Binh Dang. There is a short but effective behind the scenes featurette. “Icons: Working with Legendary Action Stars” is a feature on these two get action stars Seagal and Austin working together. Lastly there is an interview with Steve Austin and Bren Foster.

Actors: Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney, Kaitlin Olson, Danny DeVito
Directors: Matt Shakman, Randall Einhorn
Rated: Unrated
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 286 minutes

Episodes: 4 out of 5 Stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 Stars

Official Synopsis: In season 7 see the Gang prepare for the apocalypse, hit the beach at the Jersey Shore, produce a child beauty pageant, and take a walk down memory lane at their high school reunion. As they say, some things never change. So prepare for more depraved schemes, half-baked arguments and absurdly underhanded plots to subvert one another.

First airing in 2005, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has never failed to tackle timely subject matters through the uniquely twisted eyes of the Paddy’s Pub gang. Season seven, which kicked off with a dead hooker (“Frank’s Pretty Woman”) and covered everything from social networks to child beauty pageants, was no exception.

If Sweet Dee’s (Kaitlin Olsen) pregnancy was the notable addition to the sixth season, season seven was the year of “Fat Mac.” Series creator and executive producer Rob McElhenney put on fifty pounds for the sake of trying out its comedic possibilities. While McElhenney has shed the weight in the current season which began on October 11th, the decision paid off in spades in episodes on this set such as “How Mac Got Fat” and “The Gang Goes to the Jersey Shore” (where Mac and Danny DeVito’s Frank introduced the world to getting drunk off of Rum Ham).

The Jersey Shore episode was definitely a season highlight in a year where the gang was so often found outside of their base at Paddy’s pub–a major leap forward for Charlie Kelly (Charlie Day), who up until this season just couldn’t seem to make it out of the city limits successfully. Other season highlights include “Chardee Macdennis: The Game of Games” featuring a twisted combination drinking-board-physical-challenge game that only the Always Sunny gang could devise, and the two part High School Reunion finale. The latter of which corralled, for all intents and purposes, the rogues gallery of Always Sunny nemeses from past seasons including guest stars Judy Greer, Jason Sudeikus and my personal favorite David Hornsby as downward spiraling Rickety Cricket.

This season does find some weaker moments than earlier years of Always Sunny such as the flashback-heavy “Frank’s Brother”, however I can’t think of another show that is as consistently hilarious and surprising, especially after seven years. As far as sitcoms go, it also has one of the highest rewatchability factors as the writers continue to flesh out this alternate universe Philly with supporting characters and callbacks to past plots.

The extras on the Blu-Ray set are not as extensive as some of the previous sets, featuring four episode commentary tracks (of thirteen episodes), an enjoyable blooper reel and a drunken tour of Philly with recurring character Artemis. One misses the behind the scenes featurettes from past releases. On FX, the show is aired in HD and continues to look and sound great on this Blu-ray transfer.

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Actors: Christian Slater, Stephen Dorff, Wes Bentley, Ryan Donowho
Directors: W. Peter Iliff
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Run Time: 102 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

“Rites of Passage” packs a decent cast including Christian Slater, Stephen Dorff and Wes Bentley. Not A-list but definitely notable stars. The story itself takes too long to get started and ends up not delivers much before its close. There is some decent laughs, even though they are not really warranted. It ends me being a bit too formulaic for me, personally. I would say if you have nothing better to do on a rainy day, this might be worth a rent but its not special.

Premise: An anthropology student, invites a few of his classmates, and their professor to his family’s abandoned ranch – once a sacred Chumash burial ground – to recreate an ancient ceremony. There they meet Nathan’s psychotic older brother and his drug fueled friend. The students then embark on a rite of passage that no one will ever forget.

The Blu-ray presentation is good enough and holds up for the format. The 1080p video works well for the film. The audio included is a sharp DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. The special features are lacking quite a bit. There is only a short “The Making Of” featurette and a trailer included. So if you are looking for commentary or anything decent to companion the film, you will be disappointed.

Starring: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Dee Wallace, Robert MacNaughton, K.C. Martel
Directors: Steven Spielberg
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Universal Pictures
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 115 minutes

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

“E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial” is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year and this film time being released on Blu-ray.  It has been digitally remastered from the high resolution 35MM original film elements,  supervised and approved by Spielberg himself. This release also only the original theatrical version of the film.  The 20th Anniversary edition version with the alternate cut is not present here.  Not sure the reasoning for that but the original is always the best especially for this classic.  I wish they would release the original cuts of the “Star Wars” trilogy.  E.T. reminds me of a time when Spielberg was at his best. Let’s just say this film’s today don’t have the charm that they once did.  Fans of this film should be thrilled with this high-def upgrade.

The Blu-ray presentation is honestly one of the best of the year.  The combo pack includes Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet.  I am very excited about the digital streaming copy since this is one of those films that I would want to watch whenever/wherever. The did a wonderful job on restoring this film in its 1080p transfer.  The real stare of this release has to be its DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track.  It sounds like it’s from another planet…and works perfectly with John Williams’ timeless score.  Overall, this film has honestly never looked or sounded better.

The special features are just as amazing as the film.  There is a new retrospective called “Steven Spielberg & E.T.”, which the director reflects on the film and its response through the years.  Another Blu-ray exclusive is “The E.T. Journals”, which runs about an hour consisting of original behind-the-scenes footage shot during the production.  To sup up the HD extras, there are two short deleted scenes, which are well cut.

The rest of the extras are presented in standard definition and ports from the 20th Anniversary Edition DVD. “A Look Back”  is a documentary on the production, which runs about 40 minutes. “The Evolution and Creation of E.T.”  includes some good interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. “The E.T. Reunion” is a reflections with Spielberg, Thomas, MacNaughton, Barrymore, Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote and producer Kathleen Kennedy on the film. “The 20th Anniversary Premiere” is featurettes with composer John Williams and a full symphony orchestra. “The Music of E.T.” is an interview with the master composer John Williams. There are six images galleries including designs, photographs and marketing.  Lastly, there is Special Olympics TV Spot and Theatrical Trailer included.

Starring: Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Victor Buono, Anna Lee, Maidie Norman, Marjorie Bennett
Director: Robert Aldrich
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 134 minutes

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

Bette Davis and Joan Crawford were known for there feuding both on and off the screen during making “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?”. After 50th years, they still deliver some great performances in this film. Warner’s is releasing this film in their trademark Digibook release and it is definitely worth the upgrade for fans of this classic film. Warner Brothers delivers a real nice 1080p video, within its new digital transfer taken from the original camera negative and restored audio elements. This really makes the picture pop off the screen and looks amazing in black and white still after all these years. The original DTS-HD Master Audio Mono also works well with the 50 year old film.

The special features are great but nothing new for this 50th anniversary release. There is a commentary track from Charles Busch and John Epperson Epperson, which is relatively funny. “Bette and Joan: Blind Ambition” looks back on the legendary careers of both iconic actresses. “Behind the Scenes with Baby Jane” is short but neat vintage featurette on the production. The is an excerpt from “The Andy Williams Show” on 12/12/1962, when Bette was a guest on the show. “All About Bette” is a TCM special focusing on Davis and hosted and narrated by Jodie Foster. There is a “Film Profile” on Joan Crawford, which runs just under 30 minutes. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer.

Synopsis: Two icons from the golden age of Hollywood, Oscar® winners* Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, take their famous feud onscreen in Robert Aldrich’s newly restored thriller. In fierce, no-holds-barred performances, Bette Davis portrays aging ex-child star Baby Jane Hudson while Joan Crawford plays Blanche, the crippled sister Jane torments psychologically. As the sisters descend into madness, the tension builds to a shocking ending in this unforgettable Academy Award®-winning classic.

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Actors: Jonathan Sadowski, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Jesse McCartney, Nathan Philips
Directors: Brad Parker
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Run Time: 86 minutes

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

When I first heard about “Chernobyl Diaries”, I thought it was just another Summer horror movie.  Then I saw that it came out of Oren Peli, the man behind “Paranormal Activity”, I became immediately interested. He serves as both co-writer and producer and this film. and the man known how to do reality-horror right! “Chernobyl Diaries” is not another found-footage film though and takes a different (and cool) route from the “Paranormal” series.  There are a few good jumps here and thought harshly criticized during its theatrical release is not as bad as everyone says.  Good watch for Halloween season.

Another cool aspect of this film is where it was shot, this they were unable to film in the real Pripyat since there is still-present nuclear dust from the Chernobyl disaster, they shot in  abandoned an Soviet Air Force Base and in underground tunnels used as Nazi headquarters in World War II under Belgrade, Serbia.  We also had the chance to chat interview quite a few people from this film including the director Brad Parker, co-writer/producer Oren Peli and star Jonathan Sadowski.  Click on their respective names, if you want to hear the inside scoop about the film.

Warner Bros’ delivers a really nice release, within its Blu-ray/DVD/UltraViolet Digital Copy combo pack.  The film looks sharp in its 1080p transfer in its 1.85:1 original aspect ratio.  This works really well with the film’s locations as well.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works well with the score and the suspense. The special features on the disc are decent overall.  The main extra here is the alternate ending, which is pushed as a big deal on the cover of the box.  It is decent but I still prefer the theatrical ending…yes I do.  There is one deleted scene included, also nothing special.  The last two features are neat though, including a informerical for “Uri’s Extreme Tours” and a viral video for “Chernobyl Conspiracy”.

Official synopsis: The film follows a group of six young tourists who, looking to go off the beaten path, hire an ‘extreme tour’ guide. Ignoring warnings, [their guide] takes them into the city of Pripyat, the former home to the workers of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor, but a deserted town since the disaster more than twenty-five years ago. After a brief exploration of the abandoned city, however, the group soon…[realizes] that they are not alone.

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Actors: Andrew Pozza, Liddy Bisanz, Joey Oglesby, Donny Boaz, Devin Bonnée
Directors: Derek Lee Nixon
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Well Go USA
Release Date: November 6, 2012
Run Time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 0 out of 5 stars

There has been no shortage of spoof’s since the genre became popular again after “Scary Movie”.  Unfortunately 95% of them are absolutely ridiculous. “Supernatural Activity” is absolutely no different and, in fact, probably the worst that I have ever seen.  There is maybe one joke in the whole film that warrants a laugh.  “Supernatural Activity” tries spoofs films like “The Last Exorcism”, “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”, “Cloverfield”, “The Blair Witch Project” and of course the “Paranormal Activity Series”. With the overuse of the found-footage genre, there is plenty to spoof on, though this takes advantage of none of them. The DVD comes bare-bones with no extras besides the film. which doesn’t matter to me at all. If you are looking for a spoof just wait out for “Scary Movie 5” next year.

Official Synopsis: In the realms of reality TV, ghost hunting is big business. And the Supernatural Activity team is at the top of their game, debunking myths, ghouls, and spooky places, for freaked-out viewers everywhere. The world’s most beloved illusionist, accompanied by a crack team of paranormal investigators, embark on what might be their most terrifying assignment yet which works out great, since it s the last episode of the season. Besides, everyone knows there s not really such a thing as ghosts. What could go wrong? Terrorized at every turn, this witch-hunting, ghost-busting, creature-questing supernatural spoof-tacular is the funniest footage ever found! Turn the lights out. Watch with a friend you trust. Keep your eyes on the screen. Order me a sandwich. I m sorry what was I talking about?

Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Jake Johnson, Mark Duplass, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Jeff Garlin, Kristen Bell
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 30, 2012
Run Time: 86 minutes

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

I forget which Blu-ray I was watching earlier this Summer but I saw this trailer and normally I would skip to the menu but this really captured my attention. It is just a simple dramedy but it looked like it would be really interesting. It is also from the Producers of “Little Miss Sunshine”, which only adds more points. It also helps that I am MEGA big fan of Fox’s TV series “New Girl” and this film co-stars Jake Johnson. This movie just really grabs you for the moment it begins and doesn’t let off. It is a nice mix of drama and comedy and delivers a great story. Highly recommended!

Official Synopsis: An unusual classified ad inspires three cynical Seattle magazine employees to go looking for the story behind it. They discover its author is a mysterious eccentric named Kenneth (Mark Duplass), a likeable but paranoid supermarket clerk, who believes he’s solved the riddle of time travel and intends to depart again soon.

The Blu-ray release both looks and sounds sharp with its 1080p transfer and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Neither is really challenged much but still delivers. The special features are a little light and no commentary tracks. There are two featurettes included here. The first is called “A Movie Making Mission” which goes behind-the-scenes for the making of the film with director Colin Trevorrow and cast. “The Ad Behind the Movie” looks into the original ad that inspired the movie. Lastly there is “Time Capsule-Easter Egg” that wraps up the included extras.

Starring: Mae Whitman, Lucy Hale, Timothy Dalton, Lucy Liu, Megan Hilty, Anjelica Huston, Matt Lanter, Jesse McCartney
Directors: Peggy Holmes, Bobs Gannaway
MPAA Rating: G
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Run Time: 75 minutes

Film: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

The Disney Fairies brand and film franchise is one of the smartest moves that Disney has ever created.  Having a little daughter, I can’t wait to introduce her to these characters and these wonderful films.  What is really the best part is that these are actually getting better and better with each installment. Tinker Bell is such a cute character and this series just worked so well for her and her friends. The world of Pixie Hollow is so amazingly beautiful and now this installment introduces us to the Winter Woods, which is timed perfectly for the Winter season. “Secret of the Wings” is also the first in the Disney Fairies series to be featured in 3D.  Let me tell you this format works absolutely perfectly with this film.  If you are a fan of this series, there is still more to come! The next feature-length film, “Quest for the Queen”, is scheduled to be released in Spring 2014.

Official synopsis: Journey with Tinker Bell and her fairy friends into the forbidden world of the mysterious Winter Woods, where curiosity and adventure lead Tink to an amazing discovery and reveal a magical secret that could change her world forever.  “Secret of the Wings” features the vocal talents of Mae Whitman (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World), Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars), Anjelica Huston (The Darjeeling Limited), Timothy Dalton (Licence to Kill), Lucy Liu (Charlie’s Angels), Raven-Symoné (Dr. Dolittle), Megan Hilty (NBC’s Smash), Pamela Adlon (Tinker Bell) and Matt Lanter (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

This Blu-ray comes in a four-disc set with a Blu-ray 3D disc, a standard Blu-ray, DVD copy and a digital copy disc as well. The 1080 transfers just really shines on Blu-ray, especially in 3D.  The colors are beautiful and Pixie Hollow just really lights up on this film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works so well, especially with Joel McNeely’s score. The special features are decent but a little bit of a let down.  The main star is “Pixie Hollow Games”, which is TV special 22 Minute bonus adventure and only has aired on Disney Channel last November prior to this release. There is a Never-before-seen Pixie Preview: “Fright Light”.  Lastly there are two music videos “The Great Divide” from McClain Sisters and Zendaya’s “Dig Down Deeper” from “Pixie Hollow Games”.

Starring: Gary Owen, Capone, Lil’ Duval, Tony Roberts and Jay Pharoah
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 67 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam – Live From Orlando” is the fourth time that Shaq has presented these hilarious comedy specials. In the previous specials he has showcased the following amazing talent including, Cedric the Entertainer, Kevin Hart, Tommy Davidson, Mo’Nique and D.L. Hughley. This time around Gary Owen known best for his roles in the film “Think Like A Man” and TV series, Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne”, hosts this latest installment. Shaq has also personally handpicked some of stand-up comedy’s most talented comedians including Capone, Lil’ Duval, Tony Roberts and Jay Pharoah. If you are looking for some laugh-out-loud laughs…look no further.

Media Mikes had the privilege to chat with Gary Owen and he is one of comedy’s best comedians, click here to check it out!  “All-Star Comedy Jam – Live from Orlando” was filmed at Hard Rock Live in front of a live audience in Orlando FL and you can just feel the energy during this show.  The only bad thing about this release is that it is just over an hour, I would have loved to see this expanded longer. I would have also expected extended sets on the extras.  Though they are also not available on the extras. The special features included are a “Backstage Jam” behind-the-scenes featurette, which is some fun stuff. Lastly there are also some trailers included.  Hey Shaq, when’s the next one coming out?

Actors: Mark Hamill, Alan Ford, Gemma Atkinson, Julian Glover, Billy Murray
Director: Dominic Burns
Rated: Unrated
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Run Time: 78 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When I first heard about “Airborne”, I was thrilled to find out about this “Twilight Zone”-infused horror/thriller, which stars Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill (“Star Wars” Trilogy).  The film also reunited Hamill with his “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” co-star, Julian Glover, who played  General Veers. The film does well on the suspense but runs a little too short just when it starts to get good. The score also adds to that suspense. If you are looking for a turbulence filled wild ride, then check out “Airborne”. Did I mention Mark Hamill is in this BTW?

Official Synopsis: When a storm starts closing in, air traffic controller Malcolm (Hamill) sends one last plane into the sky – but after takeoff, the passengers aboard discover the pilots have been brutally murdered. Suddenly the plane disappears from radar, and one by one, the people aboard turn into dangerous, bloody psychopaths. With time running out, the survivors must unlock the deadly mystery in their midst – and find a way to land the plane before their ultimate nightmare is unleashed!

The film runs a very short 78 minutes but I liked the film overall but I just wish there was a little more Hamill delivered throughout the film. Though if you are looking for his best performance to date, be sure to check out “Sushi Girl”, which comes to VOD on November 27th.   Lastly, this DVD comes completely bare-bones, not even a trailer. The DVD cover is also a little bland as well, nonetheless, there are far worse horror/thriller’s out there than this and this is still worth checking out.

Actors: Mickey Rooney, Jim Dale, Sean Marshall, Helen Reddy
Director: Don Chaffey
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Run Time: 128 minutes

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

“Pete’s Dragon” has always been a favorite of mine (and my wife). Disney’s classic musical adventure has some of the most memorable songs, including the Academy Award® nominated “Candle On The Water” and of course “Brazzle Dazzle Day”. This 1977 film was a nice mix of Disney’s tradition animation blended perfectly with live action. This 35th Anniversary Edition of “Pete’s Dragon” boasts an all-new digital restoration and boy does it look and sound great at 35! I look forward to sharing this film with my daughter and singing along with Pete and his green friend Elliot”

Official Premise: When Pete, an orphan, and his best friend Elliott – an invisible green dragon – wander into the seaside village of Passamaquoddy, the townspeople think he’s behind a slew of hilarious mishaps. But after a daring rescue, they change their tune and believe in Pete’s fire-breathing buddy.

Disney does not disappoint with this release. The new 1080p digital restoration high definition release really looks sharp. The animation in film looks aged a bit but still has a lot of charm. The film is presented in widescreen with an 1.66:1 aspect ratio. Like most of the recent Disney Blu-ray releases, this one includes both a Blu-ray and DVD of the film within.

The special features are good but not overly special. They include only a few extras from the 2009 DVD release (not all included, which is strange). “Brazzle Dazzle Effects: Behind Disney’s Movie Magic” looks into how Elliott was brought into the film. There is a Deleted Storyboard Sequence called “Terminus & Hoagy Hunt Elliott”. Lastly there isn the original song concept for “Boo Bop Bopbop Bop (I Love You, Too)”. I expect a little bit more from the “35th Anniversary Edition”.

Starring: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen, Cedric the Entertainer
Directors: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath and Conrad Vernon
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Run Time: 93 minutes

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

When it comes to the “Madagascar” franchise, they are nothing but plain and simple fun. The third film in the series “Europe’s Most Wanted” is definitely the biggest and most ambitious. This film was released in 3D in theaters and really looked nice within the format.  We are reviewing the 2D version of the film here and it still is entertaining with the third dimension effects.  If you are a fan of the series and looking to escape for a few minutes, while keeping the kiddies entertained this will be the film for you.  Since this installment takes place in a circus, this release comes with a Rainbow Wig, so you can party like Marty! If you are a fan, there is still lots more to come.  “The Penguins of Madagascar” feature-film should be next in 2015, followed by “Madagascar 4”. So stay tuned!

Official Synopsis: Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo, and Melman the Giraffe are still fighting to get home to their beloved Big Apple and of course, King Julien, Maurice and the Penguins are all along for the comedic adventure. Their journey takes them through Europe where they find the perfect cover: a traveling circus, which they reinvent – Madagascar style.

“Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted” comes in a sweet Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy + UltraViolet release, along with Marty’s Rainbow Wig.  The star of the film has to be the audio track included, which is Dolby TrueHD 7.1.  It really works with the films music and action scenes, which there is quite a bit of both. The special features are also quite impressive.  Under the category of “High Flying Fun”, we have Filmmakers’ Commentary, Big Top Cast, Deleted Scenes, Mad Music Mash-Up and Circus Acts. All of these features are flashy, fun and even great for kids. There are three deleted scenes including, “Melman Picks a Circus Act”, “Next Performance: New York City” and “Lion Meets Venom”, fun but well cut. Lastly there are two featurettes “The Animators’ Corner” and
“Get Them to the Train”, as well as a trivia track included.

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Director: Frank Capra
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Number of Discs: 5
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: September 27, 2012
Running Time: 450 Minutes

Our Score: 4 out 5 of stars

Frank Capra is one of Hollywood’s most beloved directors, though many of his earlier films have never been made available on DVD….until now. This release features five key films which showcase his career before he became the legendary director we all knew him as. “The Frank Capra: The Early Collection” is available exclusively through TCM’s online store as part of the TCM Vault Collection. The five films includings includes re-mastered editions of “Rain or Shine” (1930), and four early collaborations with his legendary leading lady Barbara Stanwyck: “Ladies of Leisure” (1930), “The Miracle Woman” (1931), “Forbidden” (1932) and “The Bitter Tea of General Yen” (1933). If you are a fan of Capra’s work, I would HIGHLY recommend this release.

The following are the five films included in Frank Capra: The Early Collection:
“Ladies of Leisure” (1930) – This drama marked Frank Capra’s first collaboration with Barbara Stanwyck. The film tells of a Depression-era romance between a working-class model and a high-society artist, played by Ralph Graves. The film is based on the 1924 play Ladies of the Evening, written by Milton Herbert Gropper.

“Rain or Shine” (1930) – This rollicking comedy-drama follows the ups and downs of a struggling traveling circus. Joe Cook, Louise Fazenda, Joan Peers and William Collier Jr. star in this film, a non-musical version of a Broadway musical of the same name. {Note: The International version of the film is included here}

“The Miracle Woman” (1931) – In this dramatic exposé of religious charlatans, Barbara Stanwyck stars as a female preacher modeled on Aimee Semple McPherson. David Manners co-stars as the blind man who falls in love with her.

“Forbidden (1932)” – This charming, romantic drama depicts the intense relationship between librarian Barbara Stanwyck and a wealthy married man, played by Adolphe Menjou. Ralph Bellamy and Dorothy Peterson co-star.

“The Bitter Tea of General Yen” (1933) – This once-controversial drama depicts an affair between the fiancée of an American missionary, played by Barbara Stanwyck, and a Chinese warlord, played by Nils Asther. Toshia Mori shines as General Yen’s concubine, Mah-Li. The film, which was the first ever to play Radio City Music Hall, also features a memorable dream sequence in which Yen seduces the young missionary. The interracial aspect of the story led the film to be banned in many areas where miscegenation laws were in place.

These films are presented for the first time on DVD and have been restored and remastered. Each film looks equally fantastic, especially for their age.  This release has a lot of love behind it.  It also comes with a nice presentation flip-found case. There are also some decent special features including introductions from Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard on “The Bitter Tea of General Yen”. Ron also intros on “The Miracle Woman” and Michel Gondry intros on “Rain or Shine”.  There is an audio commentary track from Jeanine Basinger on “Forbidden” and Jeremy Arnold on “Ladies of Leisure”.  Each disc also comes with a “Digital Image Gallery” including Scene Stills, Movie Posters, Publicity Stills, Behind the Scenes Photos and Lobby Cards.  There is a “Screen Snapshots” featurette included as well.  Lastly there is a “Frank Capra Biography” on “Ladies of Leisure” and “TCMDb Articles” on each disc as well.

Directed by: Dinesh D’Souza, John Sullivan
Starring: Dinesh D’Souza
Distributed by: Lionsgate
MPAA Rating: PG
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Running time: 89 minutes

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

It is rare that a documentary makes this big of a splash. With 2012 being a Presidential election year, it is not unexpected though. Back in 2004, Michael Moore released “Fahrenheit 9/11”, which didn’t shine light well on George Bush. “2016: Obama’s America” is Dinesh D’Souza’s attempt to show the unknown story of Obama. It is like a repeat of 2004 for me personally, except this time I am on the other-side of the table. The film has grossed over $30 million at the box office, so it has this hype behind it but I wasn’t going for it at all. Having voted for Obama myself back in 2004, and will again in 2012, even though the film is anti-Obama I still thought I would give it a shot. I wasn’t looking to be converted to the “dark side”, just curious to see his points.  Let’s just say that 89 minutes felt like over 3 hours.

Official Premise: Immersed in exotic locales across four continents, best-selling author Dinesh D’Souza races against time to find answers to Obama’s past and reveal where America will be in 2016. During this journey he discovers how “Hope” and “Change” became radically misunderstood, and identifies new flashpoints for hot wars in mankind’s greatest struggle. The journey moves quickly over the arc of the old colonial empires, into America’s empire of liberty, and we see the unfolding realignment of nations and the shape of the global future.

The film is based on the New York Times best seller by Dinesh D’Souza, “The Roots of Obama’s Rage”, who is a former staffer for President Ronald Reagan and member of the American Enterprise Institute. I may not agree with Dinesh’s speculation about where America may be four years from now if President Obama is re-elected but he isn’t really bashing our president just providing his views focusing on the negative angles.  Love it or hate it.  Everyone is able to have their own opinions and this is expected around election time.  The DVD was obviously rushed from theaters and released to be timed with events this November comes completely bare-bones with no extra content at all. It also is only available on DVD, no Blu-ray. This will definitely find a market within the conservative parties but will not appeal to any supporters of our current President.