Actors: Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, Lamorne Morris, Hannah Number of discs: 3
Rated: Unrated
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Run Time: 526 minutes

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

I have always been a big fan of Zooey Deschanel since she was in 2004’s “Elf”.  This show is so cute, smartly written, smart and quirky.  It is also rare that you watch a show where you literally love every single character in the series. Dermot Mulroney is a laugh riot, as he guest stars as Jess’ older boyfriend and reminds us to be sure to hang that sweater…not fold it. Classic.  This first season had entire scenes that I literally missed the jokes due to almost crying in pain laughing, thank God for being able to rewind (numerous times).  I also think that this show is extremely re-watchable like another one of my favorite comedy series, “The Big Bang Theory”.  One of my favorite new shows of 2011 and I can’t wait for season two.

Official Premise: “New Girl” is a charming, offbeat comedy about friends, flings and modern relationships.  After a bad breakup, free-spirited optimist Jess (Zooey Deschanel) moves in with three bachelors who have plenty of issues of their own.  Winston (Lamorne Morris) is a former athlete, Nick (Jake Johnson) is a law school dropout, and Schmidt (Max Greenfield) is a wannabe womanizer in love with…himself.  Together with her super-hot BFF Cece (Hannah Simone), this New Girl discovers that hanging out with the guys can be a challenging – and hilarious – adventure!

The special features are very impressive for this season.  There is a commentary track on the pilot, “Bad in Bed” and “See Ya” episodes, all highly recommended..  If you love Zooey’s fashion in the show, be sure to watch “Dress Like Jess”.  There are auditions with Lamorne Morris, very glad he replaced Damon Waynes Jr from the pilot. There are also a bunch of deleted/extended scenes, alternate jokes and an outtake reel.  I will take any more of this show that I can get, so I was all in for these extras.  “New Girl: Evolution of an Episode” is a nice look into the show’s production. Overall highly recommended for fans of this show.

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Actors: AnnaLynne McCord, Traci Lords, Roger Bart, Malcom McDowell, Ariel Winter
Directors: Richard Bates, Jr.
Rated: Unrated
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Run Time: 81 minutes

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

“Excision” is one of those films that doesn’t leave you after watching it.  This film isn’t a horror film per se just a very disturbing thriller filled with some really great blood and gore.  For a genre film, this also packs some really great performances. AnnaLynne McCord went through such a transformation in this film and she really committed to the role. Traci Lords was so mean, she ended up being likable (if that makes sense).  The film is short and doesn’t waste anytime getting started.  If you looking for one hell of a disturbing 80 minutes, look no further.

Official synopsis: A disturbed and delusional high school student, Pauline (AnnaLynne McCord) goes to extremes to earn the approval of her controlling mother (Traci Lords). While dealing with being an outcast teenager and obsession over curing her sister’s cystic fibrosis, Pauline becomes continually deranged as her fascination of the surgery and the human flesh grows into something abysmal and demonic.

Anchor Bay delivers the goods with this Blu-ray. This film looks beyond awesome in its 1080p transfer and its 2.39:1 original aspect ratio. The audio includes a hauntingly perfect Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track. Though the special features are not as exciting. There is an audio commentary track with director Richard Bates, Jr. and AnnaLynne McCord. The only other extras is a short behind-the-scenes featurette.

Actors: Adam Green, Joe Lynch, Dee Snider, Dave Brockie, Laura Ortiz
Directors: Adam Green
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 223 minutes

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

“Holliston” is a FEARnet original series created by Adam Green (“Hatchet”, “Frozen”).  It is a super bizarre mix of situation comedy with a touch of horror and heavy metal. Holliston is definitely not your typical TV comedy, this one breaks all the rules.  It has a laugh track, which I thought was a riot. No offense to Adam Green and Joe Lynch, the acting is not grade A but I didn’t expect acting performances from these well-respected directors.  This show doesn’t aim to be anything that is isn’t and succeed.  If you watch this show when it aired on FEARnet, you will be happy to know that the original extended episodes are included. So sit back, grab your jar and peanut butter and get ready for some mindless laughs.

Official Synopsis: Adam (Adam Green, Hatchet) and Joe (Joe Lynch, Wrong Turn 2) are two down-on-their-luck aspiring horror movie filmmakers trying to break out of their small hometown of Holliston, Massachusetts, and into the Hollywood big leagues while struggling to make ends meet and learning to deal with the opposite sex. Joe’s adorably demented girlfriend Laura (Laura Ortiz, The Hills Have Eyes) joins Adam’s ex – and greatest heartbreak of his life – Corri (Corri English, Unrest) in rounding out the ensemble cast of this hilariously original and offbeat re-imagining of the traditional American sitcom that has both comedy and horror fans loving its hard hitting laughs, tremendous heart, and slapstick violence.

The episodes included are: The Hooker, Camera Rental, Skunked, Candyman, Laura’s Little Twitter, Weekend of Horrors. Besides Adam and Joe, this series also co-stars Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) playing the glam rock wanna-be Lance Rockett and Dave Brockie aka GWAR’s “Oderus Urungus. Horror fans will also rejoice at the numerous celebrity genre cameos including Bill Moseley, Seth Green, Tony Todd and Danielle Harris (just to name a few). If you enjoyed this show, get ready for season two on FEARnet scheduled for summer 2013.

The Blu-ray presentation is sharp and impressive. The 1080p transfer for the episodes look great and also sound great with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. “Holliston: The Complete First Season” packs as much of a punch in its special features as it does with its series. There are a bunch of great audio commentaries from the cast/crew, which are very entertaining. There are a few worth-wild deleted scenes, as well as hysterical outtakes. There is a behind-the-scenes feature at the production of the series, also highly recommended. Lastly there are very promos for “Road to Holliston” and and TV Special Sneak Peek.

Actors: Jet Li, Kun Chen
Directors: Hark Tsui
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Indomina
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Run Time: 122 minutes

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

“Flying Swords of Dragon Gate 3D” is a re-imagining of 1992’s “New Dragon Gate Inn”. It is a real kick-ass action film, which gives Jet Li a chance to shine. After seeing “The Expendables 2”, his role was so trivial and  I was dying for some real Jet Li action. If that isn’t cool enough this is directed by Tsui Hark. who has directed some of my favorite films like “Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain” and the “Once Upon a Time in China” series, also starring Jet Li. The film was shot entirely in 3D and really looks amazing, thanks to Chuck Comisky, the visual-effects supervisor for James Cameron’s “Avatar”. Highly recommended for all fans of Li or action in general.

Official Synopsis: Three years after the disappearance of the enigmatic innkeeper Jade and the massive fire that consumed the Inn, a new Dragon Inn has risen from the ashes, staffed by a band of marauders. Masquerading as law-abiding citizens by day, they use the cover of night to continue their true calling as fortune hunters. For legend says that the Dragon Inn is the site of a lost city buried in the desert – and a treasure that spans dynasties hidden deep within. As they await a storm strong enough to unearth the hidden fortress, they are surprised by the arrival of a pregnant concubine and her mysterious protector, Ling. They have come seeking the sanctuary of the Inn – as two factions from the Imperial City close in on them to claim her unborn child. Leading the Imperial Assassins is the merciless Eunuch, Yu who hopes to reclaim the Emperor’s child before she can fall into the hands of the righteous General Zhao.

The 1080p transfer is extremely impressive within its 2.39:1 aspect ratio.  Besides the 3D action, which is amazing, Cinematographer Choi Sung-fai delivers some beautiful colored landscapes, which real pop. This also goes the same for the 2D version of the film, I just prefer and recommend watching it in 3D. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track is perfect but only its original Mandarin language.  The English track is unbearable to listen to and turns the film into a comedy with the voice overs.  The only problem is that I am not a big fan of reading subtitles in 3D but it is really the only way to watch it.

The special features are found on the standard 2D Blu-ray disc and are good but they are also only in SD.  Firstly, there is a two part “Making of Flying Swords of Dragon Gate”, which both together runs about 15 minutes.  There is a look into some of the film’s production but looks like it was shot on a cell phone.  There is about 20 minutes of interviews with the film’s cast and filmmakers.  There is another 30 minutes feature looking behind-the-scenes, which includes some good detail but has some sound issues.  Lastly there is a trailer included for the film.

Starring: Julia Dietze, Peta Sergeant, Götz Otto, Udo Kier, Christopher Kirby, Kym Jackson
Director: Timo Vuorensola
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Entertainment One
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Run Time: 93 minutes

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

“Iron Sky” had me locked in from the minute I read its premise.  I mean, Nazi’s on the dark side of the moon, how can you go wrong? Well this film doesn’t really deliver much in the laughs department…but it definitely makes it up in the visual effects department. There is some really top-notch CG work here, it reminded me a bit of this year’s “Lockout” as well. The film has Udo Kier playing the Führer but does not use him to his potential and let’s just say he doesn’t stick around that long. Nonetheless, I honestly think that this film is worth checking out JUST for the visual effects.  The word is that there is going to be a prequel and sequel for this as well, so this story isn’t done yet.

Official Premise: In the last moments of World War II, a secret Nazi space program evaded destruction by fleeing to the Dark Side of the Moon. In the intervening 70 years, the Nazis constructed a gigantic space fortress with a massive armada of flying saucers. Their plan: travel back to Earth and re-colonize the planet. Now, mankind’s greatest enemy is no longer history as the Reich strikes back in this eagerly-anticipated worldwide box office phenomenon which has enjoyed a U.S. theatrical release – demanded in over 70 markets. When American astronaut James Washington (Christopher Kirby) puts down his Lunar Lander a bit too close to the secret Nazi base, the Moon Führer (Udo Kier) decides the Fourth Reich must act, so two Nazi officers, ruthless Klaus Adler (Götz Otto) and idealistic Renate Richter (Julia Dietze), travel to Earth to prepare the invasion. In the end, when the Moon Nazi UFO armada darkens the skies, ready to strike at the unprepared Earth, every man, woman and nation alike, must unite to save humanity!

“Iron Sky” looks awesome on Blu-ray. It’s 1080p transfer looks amazing in its 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Since the film is jam-packed with action, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track really delivers. The special features are not as impressive though, but still decent. There is an audio commentary track with Producer Samuli Torssonen and Director Timo Vuorensola. There is a lot of focus on the visual aesthetics. “Making of Featurette” focuses on the production and runs just over 15 minutes. There is another look Behind the Scenes which focuses on various featurettes focusing on the film. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer and teasers included.

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Actors: Mike Starr, Joey Fatone, Matt Kawczynski, Jake Matthews
Directed by: Frank Vain
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 100 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Every since “The Hangover” scored with fans, ever comedy has tried to compare. “Mancation” is no different. The only good thing about this film though is *NSYNC’s Joey Fatone and Danica McKellar from “The Wonder Years”. The film starts off well with using its unrated director’s cut well and then, in so many words, pussies out. It become a tale to find true love and overall gets lame very fast. But the time this film kicks it into gear again, it just seems way too late and way too disgusting.

Official Synopsis: Vince has carefully planned out every aspect of his seemingly successful life until his plans come crashing down around him just one day after his wedding, leaving his three under-qualified friends to pick up the pieces. As they head to Atlantic City for the wildest and most spontaneous weekend of their lives they’ll be sure that this “Mancation” will be one that will never be forgotten!

The DVD includes the film in an unrated director’s cut. The special features included in this release are decent but overall too short. There is a behind-the-scenes featurette called “Jake Cam! with Jake Matthews”. There is a funny commercial for Bonerall. There are some outtakes and about 10 minutes of deleted/extended scenes. “Booch to Boots” is a short feature on one of the characters in the film. Lastly there is a trailer gallery.

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Actors: Kevin Van Hentenryck, Denise Coop, Annie Ross, Gil Roper
Directors: Frank Henenlotter
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Synapse Films
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 90 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

When it comes to the “Basket Case” series, it has always been a great mix of comedy and horror. “The Progeny” has always been one of my favorites. The film is completely over-the-top and doesn’t care what anyone thinks. The practical makeup effects alone in the film are stunning. I would have love to see this film put out and restored on Blu-ray. Synapse Films delivers this DVD with its widescreen presentation with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The audio included is a Dolby Digital 2.0 track. The one downside is that this DVD doesn’t include any special features besides the original theatrical trailer.

Official Synopsis: He’s back. He’s bad. And he’s a dad! Belial, everyone’s favorite beast-in-a-basket, is back in this sensational third film in the wildly macabre horror series. After being separated again from his conjoined twin brother Duane (Kevin Van Hentenryck), Belial finds out he’s going to be a deformed daddy! Mrs. Belial ( Eve, played by Denise Coop) delivers a litter of bouncing baby monsters, but the blessed event turns into a nightmarish ordeal when the police kidnap the little critters. They should know it’s not safe to anger Belial! Attacking the cops in a climactic, gory rampage, everyone’s favorite mutant mauler stops at nothing to get his newborns back!

Directors: James Whale, Arthur Lubin, George Melford, Karl Freund, George Waggner, Jack Arnold
Starring: Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr., Edward Van Sloan, Dwight Frye, Claude Rains, Colin Clive
Number of discs: 8
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Universal Studios
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Running Time: 644 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When it comes the the Classic Monsters, there is hands down nothing better in horror.  It’s all starts from these films.  This Essential Collection includes eight of Universal’s most popular monster films, including “Dracula” (1931), “Frankenstein” (1931), “The Wolf Man” (1932), “The Mummy” (1932),  “The Invisible Man” (1933), “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935), “The Phantom of the Opera” (1943) and “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954).  These films have been digitally restored and released on Blu-Ray for the first time ever in this release. These are some of the most iconic films in history with creatures that are simply timeless.  Of course Universal timed this release perfectly to compliment Halloween.  And what better way to get in the mood for the holiday than enjoying these great films in beautiful in perfect high-definition picture and perfect high-definition sound for the first time ever.

This wonderful release not only comes packed with goodies but also looked fantastic.  It is very sleek and sharp.  The inner case holding the discs comes on nice stock and with beautiful art displaying for each film.  Also included in the case is a collectible 48-page book, perfectly titled “The Original House of Horrors: Universal and a Monster Legacy”. This book features some really amazing behind-the-scenes photographs, original and foreign posters, trivia facts and much more.  This year is the celebration of Universal’s 100th Anniversary and they just went all out on this release. Each classic monster film is also accompanied with a massive amount of bonus features. Also a major draw for myself included is the rarely seen “Drácula”  [Spanish-language version], now also in high-def.  But the disc that I rushed to put in first and watch has to be the 3D Blu-ray presentation of “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954).  This is the first time that this film has been released in 3D, since it’s original theatrical release.  Wow, let me tell you I think this was worth the purchase alone.

When I put in the disc for “Dracula”, I have to admit I was rubbing my eyes since I was just blown away by its restoration.  This film is 81 years old…81 years! The film look glorious on Blu-ray, I have seen films together that don’t even come close to this scale of greatness.  The same is the case for the rest of the films as well, I seriously couldn’t find anything wrong with this restoration.  Each film is presented in its 1080p transfer in full frame 1.33:1 aspect ratio.  Each film also comes with a perfect DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track.  I couldn’t have wished for a more perfect audio presentation for these films.  Universal has really put a lot of love into these since I believe that they are fans of these classics themselves and are doing it as fans.  Trust me, they could have just plopped these films onto Blu-ray and you know that we still would have bought it, no questions.  But with this release, you know you are really getting both quality and quantity.  All fans of these classic films, should be left with their most open and their tongue rolling out at the screen.

Now let’s get to the massive amount of special features.  Which are presented in a variety of formats including 1080i/p and 480i/p.  They are also mostly include a Dolby Digital 2.0 audio track, “Dracula” and “Creature” also include a DTS-HD Master Audio track for the extras. The extras on “Dracula” are easily the spotlight (if you don’t count “Creature” in 3D as an extra).  “Dracula: The Restoration” is a new featurette available for the first time and it is amazing to watch how this film was done. The 1931 Spanish version of “Dracula” comes with an introduction by Lupita Tovar Kohner.  There are also three other featurettes covering this production and legacy including “The Road to Dracula”, “Lugosi: The Dark Prince” and “Dracula Archives”. I really enjoyed watching the film with the “Monster Tracks: Interactive Pop-Up Facts About the Making of Dracula”.  There is an extra focusing on the brilliant Score by Philip Glass performed by the Kronos Quartet. If you are of a fan of commentary tracks, this contains two completely different angles.  The first is with Film Historian David J. Skal and the second is with Steve Haberman, Screenwriter of Dracula: Dead and Loving It.  Lastly we get a trailer gallery, which closes the extras for “Dracula”.

Next up is “Frankenstein” and it also delivers some really great features. First off we have “100 Years Of Universal: Restoring the Classics”, focusing on the companies plan to restore and release numerous films this year.  There are also a bunch of great featurettes including “The Frankenstein Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster”, “Karloff: The Gentle Monster”, a look into the world of “Universal Horror” and lastly “Frankenstein Archives”. Like “Dracula” there is also a great “Monster Tracks: Interactive Pop-Up Facts About The Making of Frankenstein”. Boo!: A Short Film, which is comedy directed and written by Albert DeMond. It contains clips of famous horror films including The Cat Creeps (1930), Frankenstein (1931) and Nosferatu (1922). There are two very interesting and details audio commentaries with Film Historian Rudy Behlmer and Historian Sir Christopher Frayling. Lastly we get a trailer gallery.

The Mummy” follows the similar path of the others as well. First off we have “100 Years of Universal: The Carl Laemmle Era”, which I highly recommend. There are also a bunch of great featurettes including “Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed”, “He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce”, “Unraveling the Legacy of The Mummy” and lastly “The Mummy Archives”. These featurettes were among some of my favorites. “The Mummy” also includes two of the best audio commentaries with Rick Baker, Scott Essman, Steve Haberman, Bob Burns and Brent Armstrong and also Film Historian Paul M. Jensen. Lastly we get a trailer gallery.

The Invisible Man” includes the only two featurettes. The first one is the only one specifically aimed at the production, “Now You See Him: The Invisible Man Revealed”.  There is also “100 Years of Universal: Unforgettable Characters”.  There are Production Photographs, which are a must to view.  There is also only one audio commentary with Film Historian Rudy Behlmer.  Overall this film included the least features but still some good content.  “Bride of Frankenstein”  includes two featurettes including “She’s Alive! Creating The Bride of Frankenstein” and “The Bride of Frankenstein Archive”.  It also included a duplicate from the “Frankenstein” extras “100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics”.  There is also a commentary track with Scott MacQueen and a trailer gallery.

Are you tired yet of special features? Besides we are just getting started, with next up “The Wolf Man”. First off we have “100 Years of Universal: The Lot”, this shows the lots in the good ‘ole days.  There are also a bunch of great featurettes including “Monster by Moonlight”, “The Wolf Man: From Ancient Curse to Modern Myth”, “Pure in Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney, Jr.”, “He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce” and lastly “The Wold Man Archives”. These are some really quality featurettes and left me howling (What…too much?). “The Wolf Man” also includes an audio commentary track Film Historian Tom Weaver. Lastly we again end with a trailer gallery.

“Phantom of the Opera” has always been a favorite creature of mine.  I have always loved the makeup in this film.  There is one featurette for this film “The Opera Ghost: A Phantom Unmasked”, which is good enough for me.  There is also some Production Photographs, liked “The Invisible Man” and a repeat for “100 Years of Universal: The Lot” from “The Wolf Man”. There is also a commentary track with Film Historian Scott MacQueen and a theatrical trailer included. Last up but not least is “Creature from the Black Lagoon”.  This includes both the 2D and 3D versions of the film There is also one featurette “Back to The Black Lagoon” and a repeat from the previous two “100 Years of Universal: The Lot”.  There are also Production Photographs, an audio commentary track with Film Historian Tom Weaver and Trailer Gallery included.

There is not much more that you can ask for…except maybe to release now a Blu-ray restored collection of all of these films classic sequels. Some greats are “Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man” (1943), “House of Frankenstein (1944)”, “The Mummy’s Tomb” (1942), “The Mummy’s Curse” (1944), “The Invisible Man Returns” (1940), “The Invisible Man’s Revenge” (1944)”, “Revenge of the Creature” (1955) and yes even “The Creature Walks Among Us” (1956). I also just realized that “The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923)” is missing, so maybe a second Essential Collection might should in the cards! Fingers crossed.

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Director: Darren Lynn Bousman
Actors: Stephen Moyer, Mia Kirshner, Erik Knudsen, Allie MacDonald, Shawn Ashmore
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
DVD Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 97 minutes

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

Writer/director Darren Lynn Bousman is known best for this work “Saw II-IV”. I am not sure why his films seem to get no respect. “Repo! The Genetic Opera” tanked in theaters, but is now a cult classic. “Mother’s Day” was also great and never even made it to theaters. “The Devil Carnival” was only in theaters since it was completely self-funded. You would think that “The Barrens” would be different especially with a cast like Stephen Moyer (“True Blood” and Mia Kirshner (“The Vampire Diaries”). The film focuses on the legend of the Jersey Devil and does take a while to get started but once it does it delivers in terms of horror.

Official Premise: It’s known as the Jersey Devil, the winged beast spawned 400 years ago by Satan himself. Some say this creature still inhabits the dense pine forests of southern New Jersey, where Richard Vineyard (Stephen Moyer, True Blood) takes his family for a rustic weekend camping trip. As the Vineyard family ventures further into the woods in search of the perfect campsite, Richard teeters on the edge of sanity. And it seems that the blood-crazed demon called The Jersey Devil may no longer be just a myth.

This release comes in a combo pack with a Blu-ray and DVD disc. The 1080p transfer doesn’t really break the barriers of the format but did look sharp and clear. The audio track works well with its Dolby TrueHD 5.1. The special features are nothing special either. There is a decent audio commentary with Writer/Director Darren Lynn Bousman and Director of Photography Joseph White. Besides that there is only a deleted scene left for the extras.

Actors: Freddie Mercury
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Release Date: September 25, 2012
Run Time: 107 minutes

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

Freddie Mercury is one of those musicians that had such an amazing personality and yet also  had this very different side to him besides his persona in Queen.  “Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender” is a rare documentary that really does deep into this career and gets you to know the real Freddie Mercury.  The film is packed with amazing archival interview footage. His interviews are slightly awkward but that just adds to the mystery behind his character.  If you are Queen fan, you don’t need me to tell you how you need to see this. This is highly recommended.

Official Premise: Created by the same team behind last year’s widely acclaimed “Queen: Days of Our Lives” BBC documentary, “The Great Pretender” in similar vein presents a compelling insight into its subject matter, unearthing previously undiscovered or rarely seen footage and presented for the first time in High Definition. Produced and directed by Rhys Thomas, the programme uses extensive archive footage to reveal more than ever before the inside story of Freddie’s life and career and the solo projects he worked on outside of Queen, including rare interviews with Freddie, concerts, video shoots and personal material, much of it being seen for the first time, along with newly filmed contributions from fellow Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor, Queen manager Jim Beach, soprano Montserrat Caballé, composers David Arnold and Mike Moran, lyricist Tim Rice, comedian and lifelong fan Matt Lucas and many more.

Eagle Rock Entertainment is the company behind this release and behind most great music  releases.  The video quality only is presented with its 1080i transfer, like most Eagle Rock releases.  There are mixed aspect ratios ranging from 1.78:1 and 1.33:1 for the interview  and concert footage. So don’t expect full HD for the archival footage. The audio track included a solid LPCM 2.0 track, which works well with the music and dialogue. The special features included are also decent.  “Freddie Mercury Goes Solo” is from a April 1985 interview discussing first solo album.  There is an extended interview with Montserrat Caballé, with subtitles, about her work with Mercury.  Lastly there is “Making Barcelona: Special Edition 2012” showcases Stuart Morley as he tries to re-created the original album.

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Created by: Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk
Actors: Connie Britton, Dylan McDermott, Taissa Farmiga, Jessica Lange, Evan Peters, Frances Conroy, Kate Mara.
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Rated TV-MA
Release Date: Sep 25, 2012
Running Time: 534 minutes

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

When I first saw a promo for “American Horror Story”, I thought to myself that it was going to be absolutely amazing but not going to last.  Before shows like “The Walking Dead”, horror does not have a good track record. To my surprise this show became one of the best shows of last year.  It was nominated for 17 Emmy’s and brought Jessica Lange home a Golden Globe.  Well it really did deserve it…every bit of it.  This show is really sharp writing, fantastic acting and really sticks with you after watching each episode.  It there is a definition of must-see TV, this is it.

Official Premise: Brace yourself for an addictive thrill ride! American Horror Story is TV’s most original new drama, a deeply stylish psychosexual haunt devised to keep you on the edge of your seat. The Harmon’s (Dylan McDermott, Connie Britton) fresh start in a new home deviously twists to reveal discoveries of love, sex and murderous revenge. Featuring a Golden Globe-winning performance by Jessica Lange, Season 1 scares up a host of engrossing extras.

The Blu-ray presentation of the the show delivers, thanks to 20th Century Fox.  The three-disc set presents the show in 1080p transfers with its 1.78:1 broadcast aspect ratio, as well as it’s very effective DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks. The music and score in the film is just as haunting as the show itself and it plays well on this release.  The show was in HD on TV but only 1080i (and if you ever DVRed the show, it would be lower), so this is a nice upgrade from broadcast to high-def TV.

The special features are great but could have used just a little more umph. They add up to over sixty minutes of additional content, but luckily all of it is actually impressive. ?There is a commentary track on the pilot episode by Ryan Murphy, must listen for fans.  There is a tour of the “The Murder House” presented by Eternal Darkness Tours of Hollywood, good for a laugh.  Then there are four very in-depth behind-the-scenes featurettes including “Behind the Fright: The Making of American Horror Story”, “On the Set of American Horror Story Season One”, “Overture to Horror: Creating the Title Sequence” and “Out of the Shadows: Meet the House Ghosts”.  I liked learning about the ideas that went into the show’s creation and hearing from all the cast/crew about their experiences.  I think if you are a fan of this show this release is going to leave you very satisfied and at least hold you off until season two begins this Fall.

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Directed by: Daniel E Catullo III
Starring: Steel Panther
Guitar Anarchy Studios
Mixing: Jay Ruston
Rated: N/A
Concert Feature: 90 min
Special Features: 60 min

Our Score: Concert- 4 out of 5 stars
Special Features- 5 out of 5 stars

“British Invasion” is the long awaited DVD/Blu-Ray release from the spandex clad band Steel Panther. Release dates for this film go back as far as March of 2010 however the wait is finally over. There are two versions of the film being released in the U.S. on Oct. 22nd with the first being a 2 disc DVD version that will have the concert and special features on two separate discs along with a 16 page color booklet. The Blu-Ray release of the film will feature all of the same material and packaging but contained on a single disc. Shot on location in London, England at the famous Brixton Academy director Daniel E Catullo III (Nickelback, Rush, Godsmack) does a great job capturing all the hairspray filed hijinx as the concert was shot on 16 HD cameras which give the film a really stunning look.

I have been waiting patiently since the first announcements of this DVD were released over 2 years ago so when I finally received the Blu-Ray version of the film for review I couldn’t wait to see what was in store. Satchel, Michael, Lexxi and Stix deliver with every song and cheesy choreographed dance move as they make their way through the 90+ minute set shot during one of their sold out shows at London’s Brixton Academy. Lots of jokes and scantily clad women fill in the empty spaces making this a hysterical watching experience. At times the music does seems a bit too crisp and clean for a live recording however it’s not enough where it distracted my attention. The only other negative I could really find was that because of the film being shot during the highly successful “Feel the Steel” tour the set does not include any songs from the group’s latest release “Balls Out”. However the band does a good job making up for that during the bonus features.

The Special Features portion of the disc was chocked to the brim with over 60 minutes of bonus material. The first is a hysterical 40 minute documentary which takes you behind the scenes of the band known as Steel Panther. Next is a video of the bands performance from this year’s Download Festival which not only features performances of “Just Like Tiger Woods” and “17 Girls in a Row” both off of the “Balls Out” album but a very special guest vocal performance by Corey Taylor of Slipknot on the bands song “Death to All But Metal”. Closing out this portion of the disc are several deleted scenes that even though were obviously staged still managed to garner a number of laughs.

Great laughs and great music is what you find on Steel Panther’s “British Invasion”. So do yourself a favor. Pick up a copy of this film, tuck the little ones away for the night and get prepared to ROCK!!!

Main DVD:
1.) Eyes of a Panther
2.) Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin’
3.) Fat Girl
4.) Hair Solo
5.) Party All Day
6.) Hell’s on Fire
7.) Stripper Girl
8.) Asian Hooker
9.) Turn Out the Lights
10.) Girl From Oklahoma
11.) We Want Pussy
12.) Community Property
13.) The Shocker
14.) Death to All But Metal

Bonus Disc:
40 Min. Documentary
Deleted Scenes

Download Festival 2012:
1.) Supersonic Sex Machine
2.) Community Property
3.) Just Like Tiger Woods
4.) 17 Girls in a Row
5.) Death to All But Metal (Feat. Corey Taylor)

Directed by: Kieth Merrill
Actors: Danielle Chuchran, D.B. Sweeney, Sean Patrick Flanery
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 102 minutes

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

I saw the first “12 Dogs of Christmas” on TV a few years ago. I wouldn’t really call it a holiday classic but it was cute. I was assuming the same would happen with this sequel. This really has that ABC Family/Lifetime TV movie quality. It is cute but really doesn’t feel like much of a Christmas film until the end, which is a little too late for me. I wish they would have focused more time around the musical event and less on basketball games etc. This is also said to be “song-filled”, that isn’t really the case. To be honest this is best served a rental or just watch on cable TV.

Synopsis: The dogs of Doverville are in trouble again…but Emma O’Connor (Danielle Churchran) is back to save them in a song-filled, seasonal extravaganza. Mean-spirited mogul Finneas James (Sean Patrick Flaner) plots to shut down the local puppy orphanage, unless Emma can come up with the money to save it. With the help of some friends, she races against time to put together a musical holiday event that might just save the day.

The special features are not bad for a glorified TV movie. They include five featurettes which go behind-the-scenes and up close with the puppies. The first is ““What’s Your Favorite Dog?” with the cast and crew discuss their personal favorite. ““Behind 12 Dogs of Christmas” looks into the production. ““Working With Writer//Director Kieth Merrill” features the cast chatting about their experience on the film. “The Basketball Game Sequence” and ““The Christmas Finale” go in-depth into how those scenes were done.

Director: Joe Dante
Starring: Haley Bennett, Chris Massoglia, Nathan Gamble, Teri Polo, Bruce Dern, Quinn Lord
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Big Air
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Run Time: 92 minutes

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

Firstly, let me start off that I am very disappointed that this film was not released on 3D Blu-ray.  The film was shot back in 2009 and was never released in the US until now. It is available on 3D Blu-ray in other countries but not US. The film itself was even shot in 3D, which only adds insult to injury. Joe Dante is known for creating such amazing films as “Gremlins” series, “Innerspace” and “The “Burbs”. This film is a great combination of horror and comedy. Even though it is PG-13, there is still a few great spooks and suspense. I am not sure why this was shelved so long, but this film screams classic Joe Dante and is a must for all fans of his work. Keep an eye out for regulars like Dick Miller, as well.

SYNOPSIS: From director Joe Dante comes a 3D thriller that explores the fears and secrets buried deep within the human mind. After moving into a new neighborhood, brothers Dane and Lucas, along with their neighbor Julie, discover a bottomless hole in the basement of their home. They find that once the hole is exposed, evil is unleashed. With strange shadows lurking around every corner and nightmares coming to life, they are forced to come face to face with their darkest fears to put an end to the mystery of THE HOLE.

The release itself doesn’t come in 3D but it does come in a combo pack with a  standard Blu-ray and DVD of the film. The 1080p transfer of the film does look very nice though.  I would have loved the seen the last 15 minutes in 3D, which probably would have benefited much more. The audio is also impressive with its DTS-HD Master Audio track.  The special features included are decent as well but would have loved to see a commentary track. There are two featurettes which expand deeper into the film with “The Keyholder” and “Relationships (Family Matters)”.  There is also two Behind the Scenes extras the first going a “A Peek Inside The Hole”, definitely recommend and the other looks into the production with “The Making of The Hole”. Lastly there are movie stills included.

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Director(s): Kenji Misumi, Buichi Saito, Yoshiyuki Kuroda
Actors: Tomisaburo Wakayama, Akihiro Tomikawa
Distributed by: AnimEigo
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: September 25, 2012
Running Time: 507 minutes

Films: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

Animeigo delivers once again in 2012. They are releasing “Lone Wolf and Cub: Complete 6-Film Collection” in its original unedited, uncut presentation, which have also been remastered on HD from new prints. To top things off they are in their original Japanese language with English subtitles. Included in the set will be 1972′s “Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance”, 1972′s “Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart at the River Styx”, 1972′s “Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart to Hades”, 1972′s “Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in Peril”, 1973′s “Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in the Land of Demons” and 1974′s “Lone Wolf and Cub: White Heaven in Hell”.

Earlier this year, Animeigo released “Shogun Assassin – 5 Film Collector’s Edition” which included the “Shogun Assassin”, “Shogun Assassin 2: Lightning Swords of Death”, “Shogun Assassin 3: Slashing Blades of Carnage”, “Shogun Assassin 4: Five Fistfuls Of Gold” and “Shogun Assassin 5: Cold Road to Hell”. They were cut together from The “Lone Wolf and Cub” series and presented only in English dub. The “Lone Wolf and Cub” release is a much better way to view these film, no question.

These films show their age a little bit in their high-def transfers but I feel that any noise on these films just add texture to the films themselves. Since they have been completely reconstructed from new prints, overall the 1080p 2.35:1 transfer looks sharp. The audio included is the original Japanese LPCM mono tracks, which is actually a great thing and work very well with these. The special features are…well…there really isn’t any. There are some production notes and trailers but that is all. Lastly, the case presentation is also not as nice as the release for “Shogun Assassin – 5 Film Collector’s Edition”. But nonetheless, hardcore fans of the “Baby Cart” series are going to need to get this release.

Here are the official premises for each of the six-films:
“Sword of Vengeance”: Betrayed by the fiendish Yagyu, Ogami Itto and his son begin their bloody journey towards revenge. Their first commission: to save the life of a Daimyo and kill the traitors and ronin that plot his death.

“Baby Cart at the River Styx”: The Evil Yagyu Retsudo sets a band of deadly female Ninja on Ogami’s trail. Meanwhile, Ogami must kill a traitor who seeks to sell a Clan’s secrets to the Shogun — a traitor guarded by three men known as “The Gods of Death!”

“Baby Cart to Hades”: After undergoing torture to demonstrate his honor and buy the freedom of a girl about to be forced into a life of prostitution, Ogami is hired by his very-impressed torturers to kill a corrupt governor. The governor figures out he’s the target when Ogami turns down the governor’s own commission, and the body-count soon starts rising to monumental proportions!

“Baby Cart in Peril”: Ogami is hired to kill a tattooed female assassin, but the job is not as straightforward as it seems. Meanwhile, Gunbei Yagyu, disgraced by Ogami in a duel before the Shogun, happens upon Ogami’s son Daigoro, and sees his chance for revenge. In the end, Ogami will have to defeat a horde of Yagyu warriors before he can face his arch enemy, Retsudo Yagyu!

“Baby Cart in the Land of Demons”: 5 warriors challenge Ogami to duels. Each has 1/5th of his usual fee, and 1/5 of the information he needs to complete his new assignment. Ogami has to be skillful enough to not only kill them, but kill them in such a way as to allow them to tell him what he needs to know, or he’s not the man for the job. His mission is to kill a mad Daimyo before he destroys his clan — a Daimyo guarded by a legion sworn to give their lives in his defense, even though they’ve just hired Ogami to kill their master!

“White Heaven in Hell”: The final film, and the final confrontation between Ogami and Retsudo. With most of his family already dead at Ogami’s hands, Retsudo launches one last plot to destroy him, and when that fails, unleashes the fury of every remaining member of the Yagyu Clan. Outnumbered 5000 to 1, Ogami might be in a little over his head (and thus, lose it!) this time!