Starring: Dolph Lundgren, Frank Langella, Meg Foster, Courteney Cox, Robert Duncan McNeill, Chelsea Field
Director: Gary Goddard
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Run Time: 106 minutes

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

I am a child of the 80’s and I grew up watching “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe”. So you could film came out in 1987, that I was one happy five-year old. Well as an adult, I have realized that this film isn’t that great after all. I am still a big fan of Dolph Lundgren even though he wasn’t the best He-Man. I mean come on “Adam” use your damn sword already. It is not surprised that this film was a critical and box office disappointment. Still this film is still fun to watch (and make fun of). It helps that that it looks nice on Blu-ray well, good job Warner Brothers! Be sure to watch through the credits! I am still waiting for Skeletor to return in a better sequel.

Warner delivered a nice Blu-ray release for this film celebrating its 25th Anniversary.  It’s  1080p transfer does a good job of showcasing this film’s action and special effects.  The release also includes the original audio track, DTS-HD MA 2.0.  It works well with the action but nothing spectacular that makes you stand up and scream “I have the power!”. Ok, so the for quarter century anniversary, I was hoping for a lot more in the special features department. There is a commentary track with Director Gary Goddard. It is cool to hear his comments on the film but overall is nothing special. Lastly there is a (laughable) theatrical trailer. I won’t why this film tanked?

Synopsis: Planet Eternia and the Castle of Greyskull are under threat from the evil Skeletor who wants to take over the planet. A group of freedom fighters, led by the heroic He-Man are accidentally transported to Earth by a mysterious Cosmic Key which holds the power to make Skeletor all-powerful. Once on Earth, He-Man joins alliances with two teenagers as they attempt to find the key and return home.

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Director: Michael Reeves
Cast: Boris Karloff, Elizabeth Ercy, Ian Ogilvy, Victor Henry, Catherine Lacey
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 87 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Boris Karloff was known best for playing the classic horror monster “The Mummy”. “The Sorcerers” was done later in his career, though is still a good film.  He gives a great performance as Professor Marcus Monserret.  I have to admit, this was the first time that I had seen this film and I am very glad I did. If you are looking for a great way to companion the recent release of “The Mummy” on Blu-ray, then this would be your answer.

Warner Archive is yet again behind this release, which is the first time this film has been put out on DVD. This title has not been remastered or restored but has been made from the best-quality video master currently available. It looks sharp for a film that is almost 50 years old. It is presented within its original aspect ratio of 16X9 full frame. The audio track included is the typical Dolby Mono track. Overall I probably do not see myself watching this film again but with Halloween right around the corner, it will definitely get you ready.

Boris Karloff is at his mesmerizing best in this hypnotic chiller costarring Catherine Lacey (The Lady Vanishes) and directed by Michael Reeves (Witchfinder General). A disgraced hypnotist, Professor Marcus Monserret (Karloff) is about to have the last laugh. Inventing a machine that can control the minds of others, he lures Mike Roscoe (Ian Ogilvy) to his dingy flat to take part in a grand experiment. Discovering he can experience Mike’s sensations as well as his actions, Monserret envisions his device as a boon to science. His maniacal wife (Lacey), however, embittered by years of poverty, soon overpowers her husband and proceeds to use Mike for her own selfish gain.

Director: Don Sharp
Cast: Christopher Lee, Nigel Green, Joachim Fuchsberger, Karen Dor, James Robertson Justice, Howard Marion Crawford, Tsai Chin
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 96 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I am a huge fan of Christopher Lee and his role of Fu Manchu is one of the classics. Of course it doesn’t compare to Dracula but he is one bad-ass villain.  I remember seeing this film as a kid and not knowing what the hell is going on…well not much has changed to be honest. This does make me want to check out Sax Rohmer’s novels though for sure. The film is still a little weird and confusing but I have learned to appreciated it more for what it is. If you are a fan of this series, than this is a must-have.

Warner Archive is yet again behind this release, which is the first time this film has been put out on DVD. This title has not been remastered or restored but has been made from the best-quality video master currently available.  It looks good but has some spots with issues,  It is shows in it original aspect ratio 2.40:1 and presented in 16X9 full frame. The audio track included is the typical Dolby Mono track. If you want more, “Vengeance Of Fu Manchu”, also starring Christopher Lee, was released on September 25th. Warner Archive needs to keep these film coming.

Synopsis: The world can breathe easier. Fu Manchu, the crimelord who knows the hidden powers of the mind, is dead. No less than Scotland Yard’s Nayland Smith witnessed the execution. But beware. Don’t expect Fu Manchu to die so conveniently when there’s still so much evil to perpetrate. Christopher Lee plays the malevolent anti hero of the popular Sax Rohmer novels for the first time in The Face of Fu Manchu. World domination is the ingenious fiend’s goal, one increasingly within his long-nailed grasp now that he’s discovered a secret potion so toxic that one drop can kill thousands. Pay heed, you Nayland Smiths of the world: The forces of evil are very much alive! Are you so foolish as to believe you can oppose the will of Fu Manchu?

Director: Albert Zugsmith
Cast: Vincent Price, Linda Ho, Philip Ahn
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 85 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When it comes to Vincent Price, I am always interested in his film.  I have never heard of  “Confessions of an Opium Eater” and I am not shocked why.  This film is very – let’s say –  out there.  This film takes a little while to get started but definitely packs a bunch. It is not one of his best but it is still Vincent Price, so sign me up. A neat fact is that is was directed by the producer of the classic “Touch of Evil”.

Warner Archive is yet again behind this release, which is the first time this film has been put out on DVD. This title has not been remastered or restored but has been made from the best-quality video master currently available.  It looks decent overall.  It is presented within its original aspect ratio of 16X9 full frame. The audio track included is the typical Dolby Mono track. Overall I probably do not see myself watching this film again but with Halloween right around the corner, it will definitely get you ready.

Synopsis: Vincent Price faces the death of 1,000 cuts in this delirious pulp adventure directed by Touch of Evil producer Albert Zugsmith. Returning to San Francisco after a long stay in the Orient, two-fisted mercenary Gilbert De Quincey (Price) finds himself caught in the midst of a Tong war. Descending deep below the surface of Chinatown, he plays one side against the other in a daring attempt to break up a human trafficking ring, where slave girls are auctioned for opium.

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Starring: Ilene Woods, Eleanor Audley, James MacDonald, Verna Felton, Rhoda Williams
Directors: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Run Time: 75 minutes

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

“Cinderella” is the next in line to receive Blu-ray treatment for the time from Disney. This fairy tale princess is one of the most recognizable and even has her own real-life castle located her in Orlando FL 😉 “Cinderella” looks glorious on Blu-ray with this simply magical restoration and video transfer. There are also two spectacular audio track include. The first is a remix track of DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 and of course there is also the original audio, DTS-HD Master Audio Mono. This is a must for all Disney fans but if you are then you probably aren’t reading this. The ultimate fan would definitely want to check out the Limited Edition Collectible Jewelry Box of this release, which includes all three “Cinderella Films”: “Cinderella, “Cinderella II: Dreams Comes True” and “Cinderella III: A Twist in Time”. Keep ’em coming Disney, still have plenty more classics to upgrade to Blu-ray.

The special features are just as magical as the film itself.  There is a brief introduction to the film from Diane Disney Miller. I will start on the HD special features first.  “Cinderella Alternate Opening Sequence” is a short but still worthwhile extra, which is showcased in the film’s original storyboards. “Backstage Disney: Diamond Edition” include three newly produced featurettes together running about 30 minutes. The first is my favorite on the release called “The Real Fairy Godmother”, really an amazing piece of work (got me teary). The next is called “Behind the Magic: A New Disney Princess Fantasyland””, which takes a look into Walt Disney World’s renovation and expansion of Fantasyland. Lastly, “The Magic of a Glass Slipper: A Cinderella Story” is a French short film about famed shoe designer Christian Louboutin.  To top off the HD extras is the equally amazing and retro “Cinderella” companion, “Tangled Ever After” short film.  This was originally released in 3D with “Beauty and the Beast” in theaters.

The rest of the special features, which are still great are taken from the 2005 Special Edition DVD, and are in standard definition. “From Rags to Riches: The Making of Cinderella” is an extensive documentary and still amazing. “The Cinderella that Almost Was” shows other concept designs for our princess.  “From Walt’s Table: A Tribute to the Nine Old Men” is a nice tribute to the legendary Disney animators from the old days. “The Art of Mary Blair” focuses on the female artist, who was very important to the film.  “Storyboard-to-Film Comparison” focuses on movie’s opening sequence.  There is an animated “Laugh-O-Gram” of the Cinderella story from 1922.  There is also a 1956 excerpt from “The Mickey Mouse Club”.  There are three deleted scenes displayed with original art and storyboards and six theatrical and reissue trailers.

The last feature consists of audio only content.  There are archive audio recordings of the “Cinderella Title Song,” seven “Unused Songs,” a 1948 “Village Store” excerpt, a 1950 “Gulf Oil Presents” excerpt, and a 1950 new program called “Scouting the Stars”.  If you are have a compatible mobile device or table you can enjoy the “Personalized Digital Storybook: Bibbidi-Bobbidi-You”, which is an interactive Disney Second Screen storybook. Also like other classic animation films on Blu-ray, you can fill the black bars on sides of your TV with artwork by Disney background painter Cristy Maltese using “DisneyView”. This Diamond Edition release does not disappoint in any scene whatsoever. I should also mention that this Blu-ray release also comes with a DVD of the film and a discount for a online streaming copy, so you can watch this film wherever you go.

Premise: Everyone orders Cinderella around: her cruel stepmother, her awful stepsisters — even the big clock in the church tower tells her when to start another day of drudgery. But they can’t stop her from dreaming, and Cinderella has faith that someday her wishes will come true. When an invitation to the royal ball arrives, Cinderella is sure her time has come — until her stepsisters, with the encouragement of Lady Tremaine, tear her gown to shreds. Just when Cinderella believes all is lost, her Fairy Godmother appears, and with a wave of her wand and “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” transforms an ordinary pumpkin into a magnificent coach and Cinderella’s rags into a gorgeous gown, then sends her off to the Royal Ball. But Cinderella’s enchanted evening must end when the spell is broken at midnight. It will take the help of her daring animal mice friends and a perfect fit into a glass slipper to create the ultimate fairy tale ending.

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Created by: Linda Denham, Elena Kucharik
Starring: Billie Mae Richards, Jim Henshaw, Dan Hennessey, Chris Wiggins, Melleny Brown, Luba Goy, Eva Almos, John Stocker, Tara Strong
Number of discs: 6
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 923 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

It is hard to believe that The Care Bears are approaching 30 years already.  I remember watching them on television every day when I was a kid. Now with a child of my own, I am looking forward to her growing up watching this series as well. The message that this show represented was sharing and caring and those are two great qualities to have.  Let’s just say that some television shows today for kids aren’t that classy.  Thanks to Lionsgate for releasing this limited edition 30-year anniversary collectors’ set. This 6-DVD set features 64 classic episodes and a full-length movie, “Care Bears: The Nutcracker”.

Synopsis: Originally created by American Greetings, the lovable bears of Care-a-lot – Cheer Bear, Share Bear, Harmony Bear and all their buddies – with unique belly badges and a caring mission – have been delighting fans for 30 years! Whether it’s learning the value of friendship, helping someone in need or using their special powers to brighten up the day, the adorable Care Bears are always ready for caring, sharing and giving goodness!

All of your favorite Bears are included in this collection including Cheer Bear, Share Bear, Tenderheart Bear and all of the Care Bear Cousins. Though 30 years old, the Care Bears are not going anywhere soon.  They have resurfaced in the last 10 years and have been more popular than ever appearing in various new series and films including this year’s “Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot”.  The original 80’s episodes are still very colorful and eye-catching though and still fun to watch.  The DVD has the episodes presented in 4×3 Full Screen (1.33:1) and with an audio track of 2.0 Dolby Digital.  A must for all kids that grew up in the 80’s and are still young at heart…or have kids now.

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.