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.

Actors: John Cusack, Alice Eve, Luke Evans, Brendan Gleeson, Kevin McNally
Directors: James McTeigue
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 110 minutes

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

When I heard they were making a film about Edgar Allen Poe, I was very excited and also a little upset.  I saw a play in California back in 2009, called “Nevermore” and starred Jeffrey Combs.  It was literally one of the best plays I have ever seen.  His performance was so intense and on-key.  Flash-forward to “The Raven”, I am a Cusack fan but he doesn’t have the skill to really tackle a character like Poe.  The film itself also takes a boring murder-mystery approach and doesn’t take advantage of this wonderful  character and possibilities.  I hope that Stuart Gordon is still planning on bringing “Nevermore” to the screen.  If not the play has recently been revived at the Steven Allen Theater in CA and will play one show on Halloween this year, so don’t miss it.  As for the film, it is work checking out but will leaving you yawning a bit and wanting more.

Official Premise: Baltimore, 1849. While investigating a horrific double murder, police detective Emmett Fields (Luke Evans, Clash of the Titans) makes a startling discovery: the killer’s methods mirror the twisted writings of Edgar Allan Poe (John Cusack, High Fidelity). Suspecting Poe at first, Fields ultimately enlists his help to stop future attacks. But in this deadly game of cat and mouse, the stakes are raised with each gruesome slaying as the pair races to catch a madman before he brings every one of Poe’s shocking stories to chilling life….and death.

The Blu-ray presented looks nice in its 1080p transfer, especially with all the dark scenes.  The  DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 really showcases Lucas Vidal’s score very well.  The special features are step up from the film itself. There is a good not great commentary track from the director James McTeigue and producers Marc D. Evans, Trevor Macy, & Aaron Ryder. If you are looking for behind-the-scenes featurettes, this release has no shortage, including “The Raven Guts: Bringing Death to Life”, “The Madness, Misery, and Mystery of Edgar Allan Poe”, “Behind the Beauty and Horror”, “The Raven Presents John Cusack and James McTeigue”, “Music for the Raven: The Team”. This really delves into different aspect of the production and gives a nice insight. There are also six deleted/extended scenes included, all of which were rightfully cut. Lastly there is a the theatrical trailer included.

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Starring: Scout Taylor-Compton, Travis Van Winkle, Michael Copon, Tyler Mane
Directors: Levan Bakhia and Beqa Jguburia
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Run Time: 90 minutes

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

I have been following this film for quite a while and I was glad to finally see that Anchory Bay is giving this film its release. It also marks the reunion of Scout Taylor-Compton and Tyler Mane for the first time since “Rob Zombie’s Halloween” series. The film also features Travis Van Winkle from “Friday the 13th” remake. So the horror genre is represented very well here. The film is decent and have some good tension through. It leans more on the thriller than horror side but still leaves you feeling rather claustrophobic.

Official Premise: Jenna (Scout Taylor-Compton) is traumatized when she is trapped in a small vehicle after a car accident, forced to observe the mangled corpse of her fiancée in the driver’s seat until help arrives. Fast forward three years, Jenna and her three friends travel to a lakeside cabin for a carefree weekend. The fun quickly becomes a nightmare when three of them end up locked in a compact, hot sauna. As fear sets in and Jenna reconnects with the horror of “the incident,” every minute counts and every degree matters as they fight for their lives in heat that is quickly approaching 247°F – the temperature when the human body expires.

The Blu-ray presentation is sharp as always for Anchor Bay, they rarely disappoint. The 1080p transfer is very crisp and sharp, along with an amazing Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track, really captures David Laurie’s music. The special features though are not as decent as the film. There is an audio commentary with writer/producer/director Levan Bakhia, nothing special really. Then there are a few short deleted scenes, almost completely missable. Overall if you are looking for something to heat your Saturday night and are a genre fans, this could be the ticket.

Starring: Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell
Directed by: Kirk Jones
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Run Time: 100 minutes

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

When I saw the trailer for “Everybody’s Fine” in theaters, I was hoping it would be a heartwarming holiday film. It isn’t a really bad movie. There are good performances from the chase and it is well written and directed. But it is also nothing to call home about. I call a movie like this a one-timer. So why is this film from 2009 being released on Blu-ray now after three years? I am assuming to cash in on the holiday season since the Blu-ray presentation itself is not special and just is a HD version of the DVD. Nonetheless if you are looking for some good acting and about $10 bucks to spare this could work in that department.

Official Premise: Robert DeNiro leads an acclaimed all-star cast- Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale and Sam Rockwell- in Everybody’s Fine, the heartwarming film that will move you to laughter and tears. When Frank Goode’s (DeNiro) grown children cancel a family reunion, the recent widower sets off on a cross country journey to reconnect with each of them. Expecting to share in the joys of their happy, successful lives, his surprise visits reveal a picture that’s far from perfect. A family separated by physical and emotional distance finds a way to come together in a story that will touch your heart.

The 1080p transfer looks clear and sharp but doesn’t really kill the format.  Same goes for its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which works well with the score and music but otherwise nothing spectacular.  If you own this film on DVD, there is really no reason for the upgrade. The special features are the same included as on the DVD release.  There is a featurette focusing on the making of Paul McCartney’s end credits song “(I Want to) Come Home”.  Next and last including a collection of seven deleted and extended scenes, running just over 10 minutes.

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Actors: Vincent Price, Barrie Ingham, Basil Rathbone, Val Bettin, Susanne Pollatschek
Directors: Ron Clements, Burny Mattinson, Dave Michener, John Musker
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 74 minutes

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

“The Great Mouse Detective” is one of Disney under-appreciated animated titles. It was originally released theatrically in 198 and is a play on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and is based on Eve Titus’s book “Basil of Baker Street”. I have always been a fan of this film since I was a kid but it never really got the respect it deserves. This film packs some great voice talent as well, I mean Vincent Price playing the villain. Can you ask for anything better? Like all Disney releases, this release comes in a combo pack with a Blu-ray and DVD discs of the film. This is a must for Disney fans to add to their collections!

Official Premise: When the diabolical Professor Ratigan – voiced by the late Vincent Price – kidnaps London’s master toymaker, the brilliant Basil of Baker Street and his trusted sidekick Dawson – voiced by Barrie Ingham and Val Bettin respectively – try to elude the ultimate trap and foil the perfect crime. This family classic on Disney Blu-ray proves big heroes come in small packages.

The film looks stunning on Blu-ray.  Disney has been releasing a bunch of archive titles and this one is among the best. It’s 1080p transfer looks fantastic and is framed at 1.78:1.  The colors are very sharp and I love seeing the drawing lines on the characters.  I really watched this film on Disney Junior and let me tell you, it looks like VHS compared to this amazing HD upgrade.  The audio on this release included an DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track.  It delivers for the most part like past Disney archive releases and works wel with the songs.

The special features are really nothing special.  “So You Think You Can Sleuth?” is a short 5 minute look into the history of the detective. “The World’s Greatest Criminal Mind” includes sing-along lyrics to sing along with Vincent Price. Lastly there is “The Making of The Great Mouse Detective” is another short behind the scenes look into the film’s production and how it used computers to assist in the animation.

Actors: Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, David Krumholtz, Eric Lloyd
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Disney / Buena Vista
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Running Time: 293 minutes

The Santa Clause: 5 out of 5 stars
The Santa Clause 2: 3.5 out of 5 stars
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause: 3.5 out 5 stars

When it comes to Christmas, there is no better film to watch than “The Santa Clause”.  Tim Allen is nothing short of brilliant in the role and it is easily one of my favorite holiday films ever. This 3-movie collection includes all the films in this series, “The Santa Clause”, “The Santa Clause 2” and “The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause”.  This is the first time that “The Santa Clause” and “The Santa Clause 2” (also celebrating its 10th Anniversary) have ever been released on Blu-ray and Disney has done them up right.

It is really hard to compare to the first film since it is such a classic.  But the sequels are still fun, silly and successfully do their job of delivering some Christmas cheer. The name Scott Calvin and Santa Clause will forever be associated with the holiday season. Let’s also not forgot “Topo Gigio”. Anyone who is tired of seeing these films in fake HD on ABC Family, can now enjoy them for the first time in full HD (except “Santa Clause 3”, which was released back in 2007). This is a real treat for anyone looking to get some holiday cheer.

Official Synopsis: Christmas gets a little nuttier when Scott Calvin (Allen) unknowingly inherits the role of the legendary St. Nick. His ordinary life snowballs into a hysterical series of outrageous events as he fills out his Santa suit, meets the future Mrs. Claus (Elizabeth Mitchell, Lost), and faces his ultimate test against the mischievous Jack Frost (Martin Short, Three Amigos!).

Let’s talk about the packaging now for Disney’s three-disc box set.  They are basically three individual releases, which are housed with a nice slipcase.  All three films looks great in their 1080p transfers and are presented in their 1.85:1 original aspect ratio with 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio tracks. “The Santa Clause” shows its age a little but still looks very sharp for its first time in HD.

Since each film has its own disc, each film comes with its own set for special features.  If you are looking massive extras in the first film, you will not find them here.  But “The Santa Clause” includes two great featurettes, including “So You Wanna Be An Elf?” and “Making Santa Snacks With Wolfgang”. Lastly there is also a short film “The Night Before Christmas”. I was hoping for a little more love hear but who knows 2014 is the film’s 20th anniversary, so maybe they will do it up again.

“The Santa Clause 2” packs a bit of goodies than the first film on Blu-ray.  First up, we have a decent commentary track from the director Michael Lembeck.  There are three behind-the-scenes featurettes included are “Inside The North Pole With Curtis”, “Director’s Tour Of Elfsberg” and “True Confessions of The Legendary Figures”. All of them dive into the production, with some good cast/crew interviews.  Lastly there are seven deleted scenes and a gag reel included.

The most special features comes from the latest in the series, “The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause”.  There is another commentary track from director Michael Lembeck.  There are three behind-the-scenes featurettes including “Creating Movie Magic: Visual Effects Secrets”, “Jack Frost & Mrs. Claus: A Very Different Look”, “The New Comedians: On The Set with Tim and Marty”.  There is a great karoke sing-along called “Christmas Carol-oke: Sing Your Favorite Songs of The Season”.  “Deck The Halls: Virtual Holiday Decorator” is a fun interactive feature. There is an alternate opening and gag real including, as well as the music video for “Greatest Time Of Year” by Aly & AJ.

Starring: Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Julianne Hough, Russell Brand, Bryan Cranston
Director: Adam Shankman
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Bros.
DVD Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 123 minutes

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

When it comes to Broadway plays being converted into feature films, it is hit or miss.  “Rock of Ages” is an amazing play that translates into a good movie with great music.  This film features the amazing musical hits of Def Leppard, Foreigner, Journey, Poison, REO Speedwagon, Twisted Sister and more.  The movie gets lost a little in the music, which is a good thing. This release features the extended edition of the film, which features over 13 additional minutes of more songs, more dancing and more laughs.  I really enjoyed the extended cut much more, which is rare in a release. Director Adam Shankman knows how to correctly turn a stage play into a feature-film, like he did with “Hairspray”.   Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, Catherine Zeta-Jones are great but for me personally Alec Baldwin and Tom Cruise really steal the show. Must watch for fans of great 80’s music, you will easily find yourself air-guitaring and singing along.

Warner delivers a fantastic Blu-ray presentation.  The 1080p video transfer really looks perfect and showcases the film’s fantastic set designs.  Since music in the film is very important, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 really gets a chance to shine and really belt out the hits.  The special features are equally as good as the film itself.  “Rock of Ages: Legends of the Sunset Strip Hosted by Bret Michaels” let’s you hear from the musicians like Def Leppard, Poison, Whitesnake, Foreigner, Twisted Sister, and more as they chat about the good ‘ole days. “The Stories We Sing” gives the behind the scenes stories on our favorite rock anthems of the 80’s. “Defining a Decade” features the cast/crew as they show us how they created the 80’s.  There is a music featurettes for “Any Way You Want”. Lastly there is a look into the “Rock of Ages” premiere with “Def Leppard – LIVE!”.

Premise: “Rock of Ages” tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock ‘n’ roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake, and more.

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