CONTINUE THE EPIC ADVENTURE WHEN
“THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG,”
A PRODUCTION OF NEW LINE CINEMA AND METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURES,
ARRIVES ONTO LIMITED COLLECTOR’S EDITION BLU-RAY 3D COMBO PACK, BLU-RAY 3D COMBO PACK, BLU-RAY COMBO PACK, 2-DISC DVD SPECIAL EDITION and DIGITAL HD
ON APRIL 8 FROM WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Burbank, CA, February 18, 2014 – Adventures abound as Bilbo, Gandalf and the Company of Dwarves continue their Quest through Middle-earth in “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), arriving onto Limited Collector’s Edition Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD on April 8 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” the second in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, is directed by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson, who also produces together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh.  “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” was the number one 2013 home entertainment title across physical and digital accounts in the U.S.

Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, with Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins, and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield. The international ensemble cast is led by Benedict Cumberbatch, Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, Ken Stott, James Nesbitt and Orlando Bloom as Legolas. The film also stars Mikael Persbrandt, Sylvester McCoy, Aidan Turner, Dean O’Gorman, Graham McTavish, Adam Brown, Peter Hambleton, John Callen, Mark Hadlow, Jed Brophy, William Kircher, Stephen Hunter, Ryan Gage, John Bell, Manu Bennett and Lawrence Makoare.

“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” will be available on Limited Collector’s Edition Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack for $105.43, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack for $44.95, Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99 and 2-disc DVD Special Edition for $28.98.  The Limited Collector’s Edition Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack includes two Gates of Erebor replica bookends from the Noble Collection and features the theatrical version of the film in 3D hi-definition, hi-definition and standard definition; only 25,000 will be available in the U.S. The Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack features the theatrical version of the film in 3D hi-definition, hi-definition and standard definition; the Blu-ray Combo Pack features the theatrical version of the film in hi-definition on Blu-ray; and the DVD features the theatrical version in standard definition.  All versions include a digital version of the movie on Digital HD with UltraViolet.* Fans can also own “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” in Digital HD on April 8 via purchase from digital retailers.

SYNOPSIS

“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” continues the adventure of the title character Bilbo Baggins as he journeys with the Wizard Gandalf and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, on an epic quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor.

Having survived the beginning of their unexpected journey, the Company travels East, encountering along the way skin-changer Beorn and a swarm of giant Spiders in the treacherous forest of Mirkwood. After escaping capture by the dangerous Wood-elves, the Dwarves journey to Lake-town, and finally to the Lonely Mountain itself, where they must face the greatest danger of all–a creature more terrifying than any other; one which will test not only the depth of their courage but the limits of their friendship and the wisdom of the journey itself–The Dragon Smaug.

BLU-RAY AND DVD ELEMENTS

“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” Limited Collector’s Edition Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack and 2-Disc Standard Definition DVD Special Edition contain the following special features:

• Peter Jackson Invites You to the Set: In the Company of the Hobbit and Peter Jackson Invites You to the Set: All in a Day’s Work – Experience the film’s challenges and demands, and journey alongside the director into Mirkwood, Lake-town and Dale as the movie’s most intense, pivotal scenes are created
• Production Videos – Watch production come to life as Peter Jackson gives you an inside look at the making of the film
• New Zealand: Home of Middle-earth, Part 2 – Travel with Peter Jackson and his team across the stunning locations of New Zealand transformed by the filmmakers into Middle-earth
• “I See Fire” Music Video – Ed Sheeran’s beautiful theme song from the film is illuminated with this intimate music video

KEANU REEVES STARS IN THE 3D EPIC ACTION-ADVENTURE

47 RONIN

BE THE FIRST TO OWN IT ON DIGITAL HD MARCH 18, 2014
AND BRING HOME THE BLU-RAY™ COMBO PACK INCLUDING
BLU-RAY, DVD & DIGITAL HD WITH ULTRAVIOLET™ ON APRIL 1, 2014

NOW MOVIE FANS CAN WATCH 47 RONIN ANYWHERE ON THEIR FAVORITE DEVICES

Universal City, California, February 4, 2014— Keanu Reeves (The Matrix trilogy, The Day The Earth Stood Still) stars in a reimagining of one of Japan’s timeless tales, 47 Ronin, available on Blu-ray™ 3D and Blu-ray™ Combo Packs, DVD, DIGITAL HD including UltraViolet^™ and On Demand on April 1, 2014, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.­­­

Based on an epic story, this extraordinary tale of inspiring courage has its origins in the early 18^th century. After a treacherous warlord kills their master and banishes their kind, 47 leaderless samurai vow to seek vengeance and reclaim their honor. Transformed into a thrilling, visually stunning 3D film by director Carl Rinsch, 47 Ronin tells the story of a small group of warriors, or ronin, on a quest to avenge the death of their master. Battling across a savage world of mythical beasts, shape-shifting witches and wondrous terrors, the ronin must seek help from kai (Reeves), an enslaved half-breed they once rejected – in their ultimate fight for redemption.

Keanu Reeves leads an international cast that includes Hiroyuki Sanada (Sunshine, The Last Samurai) as Oishi, the leader of the ronin; Tadanobu Asano (The Wolverine, Thor: The Dark World) as Lord Kira, the treacherous villain who will stop at nothing to destroy his enemies; Academy Award^®-nominated actress Rinko Kikuchi (Babel, Pacific Rim) as the Witch, a siren who executes Kira’s deadly plans; and Ko Shibasaki (The Lady Shogun and Her Men, One Missed Call) as Mika, the forbidden love of Kai’s life.

The Blu-ray™ Combo Pack includes a Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD with UltraViolet^™.

• BLU-RAY™ disc unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6x the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
• DVD offers the flexibility and convenience of playing movies in more places, both at home and away.
• DIGITAL HD with UltraViolet^™ lets watch movies anywhere, on any device. Users can instantly stream or download movies to watch on iPad^®, iPhone^®, Android^™, smart TVs, connected Blu-ray players, game consoles and more.

EXCLUSIVE 3D BLU-RAY™ COMBO PACK AND BLU-RAY™ COMBO PACK BONUS FEATURES:

• KEANU & KAI — Keanu Reeves embodies one of cinema’s most richly imagined heroes as Kai, the outcast who leads a small band of rebels against an army and supernatural enemies. Along with Reeves, director Carl Rinsch and other key voices from the filmmaking team reveal how this adventure would not be possible without Reeves’ mastery of martial arts and total immersion in the role.
• STEEL FURY: THE FIGHTS OF 47 RONIN — This featurette explores the intense research, choreography and rehearsals that went into creating the film’s unique action sequences, including Kai’s epic battle against the silver Samurai and the heart-stopping Kirin hunt sequence.
• MYTHS, MAGIC & MONSTERS:  THE FX OF 47 RONIN — 47 Ronin’s world-class creative team reveals the technological magic it used to bring to life the creatures of ancient Japanese folklore, including The Kirin (a giant hybrid beast with the head of a dragon and the body of a deer), the Kitsune witch, the Oni troll and the demonic Tengu Monks.

 3D BLU-RAY, BLU-RAY and DVD BONUS FEATURES:

• RE-FORGING THE LEGEND — The story of 47 Ronin is one of Japan’s most time-honored legends. The filmmakers talk about how they brought this “dream world” to the big screen, from script to costumes, visual design, and culture.
•  DELETED SCENES

NEVER GIVE UP THE FIGHT WHEN
Grudge Match
ARRIVES ONTO BLU-RAY COMBO PACK, DVD and DIGITAL HD ON APRIL 8 FROM
WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Blu-ray and Digital HD include bonus content featuring interviews with the all-star cast!
All disc versions feature UltraViolet

Burbank, CA, February 19, 2014– Past-their-prime boxers pack a comic punch in “Grudge Match,” arriving onto Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD on April 8 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. “Grudge Match” stars Oscar® winner Robert De Niro (“Raging Bull,” “Silver Linings Playbook”) and Oscar® nominee Sylvester Stallone (the “Rocky” films, “The Expendables”) as old boxing rivals who come out of retirement for one final match.

Peter Segal (“Get Smart”) directs the comedy, which also stars Kevin Hart (“Think Like a Man”) as Dante Slate, Jr.; Oscar® winner Alan Arkin as Razor’s former trainer, Louis “Lightning” Conlon, who gets to put Razor through his paces again; and Oscar® winner Kim Basinger (“L.A. Confidential”) as Sally Rose, who was once the love of Razor’s life.

“Grudge Match” will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99 and on DVD for $28.98. The Blu-ray Combo Pack features the theatrical version of the film in hi-definition on Blu-ray, and the DVD features the theatrical version in standard definition. Both include a digital version of the movie on Digital HD with UltraViolet.* Fans can also own “Grudge Match” in Digital HD on April 8 via purchase from digital retailers.

SYNOPSIS

In “Grudge Match,” Billy “The Kid” McDonnen (De Niro) and Henry “Razor” Sharp (Stallone) are two local Pittsburgh fighters whose fierce rivalry put them in the national spotlight.  Each had scored a victory against the other during their heyday, but in 1983, on the eve of their decisive third match, Razor suddenly announced his retirement, refusing to explain why but effectively delivering a knock-out punch to both their careers.  Thirty years later, boxing promoter Dante Slate, Jr., seeing big dollar signs, makes them an offer they can’t refuse: to re-enter the ring and settle the score once and for all.

But they may not have to wait that long: on their first encounter in decades, their long-festering feud erupts into an unintentionally hilarious melee that instantly goes viral.  The sudden social media frenzy transforms their local grudge match into a must-see HBO event.  Now, if they can just survive the training, they may actually live to fight again.

BLU-RAY AND DVD ELEMENTS

“Grudge Match” Blu-ray Combo Pack contains the following special features:

• The Bull & The Stallion
• In the Ring with Kevin Hart
• Ringside with Tyson & Holyfield
• Blow for Blow with Larry Holmes
• Kevin Hart Unedited
• Alternate Opening
• Alternate Endings with an Introduction by Peter Segal
• Deleted Scenes

Standard Definition DVD contains the following special feature:

• Deleted Scenes

Starring: Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson and Amy Poehler
Director: Jimmy Hayward
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: February 4, 2014
Run Time: 91 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Free Birds” is not a bad movie, it is just not a great movie. The story is kinda blah and rather bland. The animation is solid and there are some good jokes but just nothing special. What the film does have is a solid voice cast including Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson and Amy Poehler. In fact, this film was released in theaters in 3D and that was actually the best aspect of the film…yet there is no 3D Blu-ray. Kids might enjoy. Parents will hate.

Official Premise: From the Academy Award-Winning producer of Shrek comes a hilarious animated adventure about two turkeys from opposite sides of the tracks who travel back in time in order to keep their species off the Thanksgiving menu. Featuring an all-star voice cast, including Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson and Amy Poehler, Free Birds is loaded with laughs and stuffed with fun for the whole family!

The 1080p transfer is sharp and like I said the animation is quite vibrant and crisp. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works well the film’s antics. The special features are decent. There consist of a few featurettes: Birds Flipping History, Animating Free Birds: The Main Course, Winging It: Animators in Action, Talking Turkey with Composer Dominic Lewis, Shake a Tail Feather and a theatrical trailer. The extras aren’t very kid friendly but do have some good behind-the-scenes content.

Starring: Tim Thomerosn, Helen Hunt, Art La Fleur
Directed by: Charles Band
Distributed by: Full Moon Features
Release Date: November 2013
Running Time: 30 minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated

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

If you are a fan of Full Moon, then you know about the lost original sequel to the classic series “Trancers”. Trancers: City of Lost Angels” was post of an unreleased anthology film that Charles Band directed back in 1988 called “Pulse Pounders”. It consisted of three short films, the first was the “Trancers” sequel, the next was “H.P. Lovecraft’s The Evil Clergyman” and the last was a sequel to “The Dungeonmaster”. For the last 25 years, these were though to be lost…until now.  “Trancers: City of Lost Angels” otherwise known as “Trancers 1.5” sees the return of Tim Thomerosn, Helen Hunt and the rest of the “Trancers” cast. A must have for any Full Moon fan!

In 2011, a once thought lost workprint of “Pulse Pounders” was found and the first segment “The Evil Clergyman” was digitally restored. It received such praise from fans that Full Moon decided to move forward on the digital restore of “Trancers”. According to the DVD disclaimer, it was a painstaking process that took over a year to bring this basically stock footage into a film and augmenting the soundtrack with music from the classic first “Trancers” film. So if it wasn’t for the fans, this would have never seen the light of day.

Official Premise: Jack Deth, the super cop from the future, has put away three centuries worth of time traveling criminals. But Deth’s most dangerous collar, the ultraviolent assassin Edlin Shock, has escaped from her maximum security holding cell and won’t rest until she’s exacted revenge. Meanwhile, Deth is trying to make a life for himself as a private eye in 1988 Los Angeles with his hot-blooded girlfriend Lena (played by Academy Award winning actress Helen Hunt). Relationship troubles are just the beginning of Deth’s problems when he learns that Edlin Shock has followed him back in time. Aided by his former police chief McNulty, whose consciousness is inhabiting the body of a 13-year-old girl, Jack Deth will have to use his wits, as well as his fists, to save the past, present, and future!

The lost sequel might only be 30 minutes long but following it there are some decent special features included. There is a Tim Thomerson Intro Video. There is “Flashback Weekend Premiere Documentary”.There is a “Pulse Pounders Show West Promo” included. Lastly there is an un-restored 60-second preview of “The Dungeonmaster” segment. This segment is also planned to be released on Full Moon’s streaming channel online and in fact all three segments will be shown there together as the original “Pulse Pounders” anthology. Leave it to Full Moon to deliver the best for their fans. If you are not a subscriber to Full Moon’s streaming channel, I would highly recommend it!

Related Content

• DVD Review “Rock Jocks”
• “Rise of the Fellowship” Now on DVD
• Blu-ray Review “Bad Milo!”
• DVD Review “My Kingdom”
• Comedy Classic “Some Like it Hot” Heading to Omaha

Starring: Lionel Barrymore, Lew Ayres
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
DVD Release Date: January 23, 2014
Running Time: 737 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

With all the flashy films being released today with ridiculous large budgets, some times it is great to revisit simple classics from an earlier era of film. Dr. Kildare is a character created by the author Frederick Schiller Faust, under the pen name Max Brand. This movie collection release includes the series of films that he was featured in, which were released in the late 1930s and early 1940s. The character continues right through the 70’s with a radio series in the 50’s, a TV series in the 60’s and 70’s. If you are a fan of this character, then these films are a must to revisit.

The collection included the following 9 films: “Young Dr. Kildare” (1938), “Calling Dr. Kildare” (1939), “The Secret of Dr. Kildare” (1939), “Dr. Kildare’s Strange Case” (1940), “Dr. Kildare Goes Home” (1940), “Dr. Kildare’s Crisis” (1940), “The People vs. Dr. Kildare” (1941), “Dr. Kildare’s Wedding Day” (1941), “Dr. Kildare’s Victory” (1942). Also as an added bonus, there DVD set contains the unaired 1960 MGM-TV pilot film for the “Dr. Kildare” series starring Lew Ayres and also co-starring Robert Redford!. This is a real treat for any fan as well.

Official Premise: Although not the first actor to don the scrubs of Max Brand’s idealistic young intern, Lew Ayres owned the role for a series of superlative medical dramas that cemented in place all the ample talent that had long been on display, starting with All Quiet on The Western Front (1930). Ayres’ costar, the needs-no-superlatives Lionel Barrymore, who, as the grumpy, garrulous and brilliant Dr. Leonard Gillespie found a regular supporting role that was roomy enough to showcase his prodigious gifts that would continue in a series of flicks even after Ayres departed the title role.

When it comes to the quality of these films you have to consider that they are all over 70 years old. According to Warner Archives site, they have been manufactured from the best-quality video master currently available and has not been remastered or restored for this DVD release. So they are not perfect but still have that classic quality about them.  They are also presented in their original aspect ratio of 1.37:1.

If you are looking for the more “Dr. Kildare”, Warner Archive Collection have released the TV series available in their Manufacture-on-Demand (MOD) sets. “The Complete First Season” was released back in April 16, 2013 and “The Complete Second Season” was just put out this year on January 28 2014. They are available via available via WBShop.com & Amazon.com like this release as well. Like this release since they are MOD, we do not know how long they will be produced so get them while you can!

“Gravity,” Alfonso Cuaron’s space masterpiece and “American Hustle,” David O’ Russell’s look back at the ABSCAM scandal of the 1970s, led all films nominated today for the upcoming 86th Annual Academy Awards. Both films received a total of 10 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director.

A total of 9 films were nominated for Best Picture this year, and those films nominated earned the lion’s share of other nominations. Right on the trail of “Gravity” and “American Hustle” comes “12 Years a Slave,” which earned 9 nominations. Three other Best Picture nominees earned 6 nominations each: “Captain Phillips,” “Dallas Buyer’s Club” and “Nebraska.” Two very difrerent films, Martin Scorsese’s tale of excess, “The Wolf of Wall Street” and Spike Jonze’s technical romance “Her” each had 5 nominations. Bringing up the rear is surprise nominee “Philomena,” which takes home 4 nods. Surprisingly missing from the list is the box office and critical favorite from earlier last year, “Lee Daniels The Butler,” which was shut out of every category it was eligible for.

“American Hustle” becomes the 15th film in Oscar history to receive nominations in all four acting categories. Ironically, director Russell’s previous film, “Silver Lining Playbook,” also duplicated that feat. “Silver Lining Playbook” was the first film to achieve this record since Warren Beatty’s “Reds” did it in 1981. Two of the “American Hustle” actors – Best Supporting Actor nominee Bradley Cooper and Best Supporting Actress nominee Jennifer Lawrence – were nominated in the Best Actor and Best Actress categories last year, with Lawrence taking home the Oscar. They are joined this year by Best Actor and Best Actress nominees Christian Bale and Amy Adams.

“Gravity”‘s only other major nomination was for Sandra Bullock as Best Actress. The majority of the film’s nomination are for technical achievements, including film editing and production design.

Bullock is among four previous Oscar winners in the Best Actress category which includes Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine”, Judi Dench (“Philomena) and three time winner Meryl Streep (“August: Osage County”). Only Amy Adams of “American Hustle” is currently Oscar-less.

Best Actor is a contest between both Hollywood veterans and newcomers. Former Best Supporting Actor winner Christian Bale is nominated for “American Hustle,” while Bruce Dern earns his first Academy Award nomination since 1979’s “Coming Home” for “Nebraska.” Leonardo DiCaprio earns his fourth nomination for his work in “The Wolf of Wall Street.” These three are joined by Oscar newcomers Matthew McConaughey (“Dallas Buyers Club” and Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave”).

Best Supporting Actor nominees include newcomer Barkhad Abdi (“Captain Phillips”), Cooper, Michael Fassbender (“12 Years a Slave’), Jonah Hill (“The Wolf of Wall Street”) and Jared Leto (“Dallas Buyers Club”). Best Supporting Actress noms went to Sally Hawkins (“Blue Jasmine”), Lawrence, Lupita Nyong’o (“12 Years a Slave”), previous Best Actress winner Julia Roberts (“August: Osage County”) and June Squibb (“Nebraska’).

Joining Cuaron and Russell in the Best Director category are Alexander Payne (“Nebraska”), Steve McQueen (“12 Years a Slave”) and previous winner Martin Scorsese (“The Wolf of Wall Street”).

“Frozen” leads the nominees for Best Animated Feature, which also includes “The Croods,” “Despicable Me 2,” “Ernest and Celestine” and “The Wind Rises.”

The 86th Annual Academy Awards will be presented live on March 2, 2014 on ABC Television.

Actors: Ken Marino, Gillian Jacobs, Patrick Warburton
Directors: Jacob Vaughan
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Release Date: January 21, 2014
Run Time: 84 minutes

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

When I saw the poster for this film, I literally what “What the F*ck” and knew that I immediately had to see it. I wasn’t surprised at all that after watching this film I had the exact same reaction. An alien that lives inside of a man’s ass? It’s just so crazy that it has to work. This was easily some of the most fun I have had watching a movie all year. It is a great blend of horror and comedy. “Bad Milo!” features some quite impressive creature effects and puppet work with smartly placed CG as well. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a good time. I see this becoming a cult classic for sure!

Official Premise: Duncan’s (Ken Marino) mounting stress starts to trigger an insufferable gastrointestinal reaction. Out of ideas and at the end of his rope, Duncan seeks the help of a hypnotherapist, who helps him discover the root of his unusual stomach pain: a pint-sized demon living in his intestine that, triggered by excessive anxiety, forces its way out and slaughters the people who have caused Duncan stress. Out of fear that his intestinal gremlin may target its wrath on the wrong person, Duncan attempts to befriend it, naming it Milo and indulging it to keep its seemingly insatiable appetite at bay.

Ken Marino (“Children’s Hospital”) is at his best and really stands tall with this leading role. He is funny as well and I have always been a fan of his work since MTV’s “The State”. Only a great character actor like himself can pull off playing a guy with an alien in his ass. Patrick Warburton (“Rules of Engagement”) is always fun at playing the douche bag and he does it quite well here as Duncan’s boss. Peter Stormare (“Fargo”) plays Duncan’s hypnotherapist and is a riot as well. If that is not enough, Stephen Root (“Office Space”) plays his stoner father with a secret of his own.

The Blu-ray presentation is solid in both video and audio. The 1080p transfer is solid and works well with the creature effects. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works well with the jokes and the crazy antics, especially in the film’s finale. The special features are also a must watch as well. There is a great audio commentary track featuring the cast and crew. It is a must listen a great way to revisit this fun movie. There is a great interview with Ken Marino included. There are a few decent deleted scenes and outtakes. “AXS TV: A Look at BAD MILO!” is an EPK piece looking behind-the-scenes. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer included.

Related Content

• Blu-ray Review “End of a Gun”
• Blu-ray Review “True Story”
• Blu-ray Review “Interstellar”
• Blu-ray Review “Blackthorn”
• DVD Review “Happy Christmas”

Exclusive U.S. DVD Distribution Rights for Season 9 of the #1 Paranormal Show

LOS ANGELES, CA – Grand Entertainment Group (GEG), an independent multi-platform content and distribution company, has obtained exclusive DVD rights from Pilgrim Studios to Season 9 of their hit Syfy original series “Ghost Hunters.” Under the deal brokered by GEG President David Rand, Michael Purleski, Vice President of Legal Affairs for Pilgrim Studios and Executive Producer Alan David. Grand Entertainment Group will produce market and distribute the latest season on DVD throughout the United States.

“Ghost Hunters,” the #1 paranormal reality television series and longest-running series on the Syfy network, is executive produced by Craig Piligian, Mike Nichols, Thomas Thayer and Alan David. “We are very excited to be working with Pilgrim Studios and the ‘Ghost Hunters’ franchise,” states David Rand. “The show has a loyal fan base and past DVD sales have performed well — we anticipate as much success with Season 9.”

In Season 9 of “Ghost Hunters,” Jason Hawes and his team from The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) continue conducting chilling investigations across the country.  Locations include Los Angeles’ historic Sowden House, said to be the site where Elizabeth Short — more famously known as “The Black Dahlia” — was brutally murdered; the eerie Peoria Asylum in Bartonville, IL, where an estimated 16,000 people perished under gruesome conditions; and Sylvan Beach Amusement Park on Lake Oneida, NY which, according to its owners and patrons, is a rollercoaster of paranormal activity.

“Ghost Hunters” Season 9 will be available second quarter at major retailers and online distributors.

Pilgrim Studios | www.pilgrimstudios.com

Craig Piligian’s Pilgrim Studios produces a wide variety of unscripted programming for television, including Fast N’ Loud for Discovery; Ghost Hunters and Killer Contact for Syfy; The Ultimate Fighter for FOX Sports 1; Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy for History; Orange County Choppers for CMT; Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s and Raising Whitley for OWN; David Tutera: Unveiled for WEtv; Wicked Tuna for National Geographic Channel, and Swamp Pawn for CMT. In the scripted realm, Pilgrim’s original movies for Lifetime include Amanda Knox: Murder On Trial In Italy; Abducted: The Carlina White Story and the crime thriller Stalkers.  Pilgrim’s most recent scripted projects include a pilot for ABC Family and a mini-series for Spike about the 2012 terrorist attack on the American diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya.

Grand Entertainment (GEG) | www.GrandEntertainmentGroup.com

Grand Entertainment Group (GEG), launched in early 2012, as a complete destination for programming.  With the ability to distribute DVD; digital; streaming; television and limited theatricals, Grand Entertainment gives filmmakers and their films the platform they deserve. GEG is a subsidiary of Grand Distribution Group, which produces and distributes diversified products, services, and technologies.  With a line-up of films slated for 2014, GEG is moving forward in a “Grand Way.”  

Related Content

• Win Two Free Tickets to see Robert Redford in “All is Lost”
• “Breaking Bad: The Complete Series” Arrives on Blu-ray & DVD on November 26th
• “American Graffiti” heading to Omaha!
• Ashley Eckstein Reveals Special Events and Exclusive Her Universe Merchandise for Star Wars Celebration VI
• 2012 JawsFEST Kicks off on Martha’s Vineyard

Available February 25, Release Contains More Than Four Hours of Episodes Plus Episode Commentaries for All 26 Episodes, an Interview with Pendleton Ward & Alternate Show Intro – All Packed Into a Custom, Collectible BMO Die-Cut Slipcase!

This February, Cartoon Network will release the third full-season installment of its most mathematical animated series on both Blu-ray™ and DVD as Adventure Time: The Complete Third Season hits retail. Continuing the franchise’s home entertainment momentum which has included a series of top-selling releases to date, the Blu-ray and DVD both feature all 26 episodes from the series’ third season, as well as must-have bonus features including episode commentaries for ALL 26 episodes, an interview with series creator Pendleton Ward, an alternate show introduction. Plus, further satiating even the most passionate Adventure Time fans, it’s BMO! Fans and collectors are in for a special treat with a custom die-cut BMO slipcase, which transforms the Blu-ray and DVD packaging into their very own collectible BMO figurine. Available on February 25 for the suggested retail price of $32.07 and $26.95 for Blu-ray and two-disc DVD, respectively.

“Adventure Time has become a phenomenon that has resonated with audiences of all ages – and we’re thrilled to keep up with the demand for full-season and Blu-ray sets for those most passionate fans with today’s announcement,” said Erik Resnick, vice president of Cartoon Network Enterprises, the home entertainment division of the network. “Our third full-season release will bring more of what Adventure Time fans love about these collectible sets: hours of their favorite episodes bundled with great bonus features created for fans by the show team, all in unique, collectible packaging.”

As one of Cartoon Network’s most popular series, Adventure Time continues to grow and thrive since its on-air debut in April 2010. With strong on-air success through its fifth season, critical acclaim, passionate fan base and strong consumer products program, the brand has become a massive hit among audiences of all ages. During its fifth season, the series was the #1 show among boys 6-11, as well as a top-rated show among kids 6-11, and kids and boys 9-14, according to Nielson Media Research. With a huge social following of more than 10 million fans on Facebook, Adventure Time consistently ranks as a top digital brand as well, with top-rated apps and online games featured on CartoonNetwork.com. Additionally, the Adventure Time consumer products program attempts to satiate the fan base’s desire to interact with their favorite characters with a robust licensing program that includes toys, apparel, publishing, accessories, interactive games, youth electronics, comic books, posters and much more. Some recent successes for the brand range from the Adventure Time Encyclopaedia from Abrams Publishing debuting on the New York Times Best Sellers list this summer to the monthly comic book line from Boom Studios winning the 2013 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids (Ages 8-12) at 25^th annual Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards ceremony at Comic-Con.

From the mind of series creator Pendleton Ward and produced by Cartoon Network Studios, Adventure Time follows the unlikely heroes Finn and Jake, best buddies who traverse the mystical Land of Ooo and encounter its colorful inhabitants – and always find themselves in the middle of heart-pounding escapades. Finn, a silly kid with an awesome hat and Jake, a brassy dog with a big kind heart, depend on each other through thick and thin. The Land of Ooo is teeming with imposing mountains, lush green plains, accessible forests, ubiquitous prairies and winding rivers, the cities and towns are filled with bizarre characters in need of unique assistance. Whether it’s saving Princess Bubblegum, defeating zombie candy, mocking the “oxy-moronic” Ice King, or rocking out with undead music wiz Marceline the Vampire Queen, with Finn and Jake it’s always Adventure Time.

Adventure Time: The Complete Third Season BASICS

Blu-ray SRP: $32.07

DVD SRP: $26.95

Street Date:  February 25, 2014

Order Date: January 21, 2014

Running Time: 286 minutes

Blu-ray UPC: 883929365548

DVD UPC: 883929365531

Languages: English

Subtitles: English

About Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com) is regularly the #1 U.S. television network in prime among boys 6-11 & 9-14. Currently seen in 99 million U.S. homes and 194 countries around the world, Cartoon Network is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for kids and families. In addition to Emmy-winning original programming and industry-leading digital apps and online games, Cartoon Network embraces key social issues affecting families with solution-oriented initiatives such as Stop Bullying: Speak Up and the Move It Movement.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles

For more information on this and other titles distributed by Warner Bros Home Entertainment Group, visit www.whvdirect.com.

“12 Years a Slave,” the harrowing true tale of a free black man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery, took home the lion’s share of awards at the 47th Annual Kansas City Film Critics Circle Awards, earning nods in six categories, including Best Film of 2013.

Other films recognized include Spike Jonze’s “Her,” Alfonso Cuaron’s “Gravity” and the documentary feature “The Act of Killing.” Cuaron and “12 Years a Slave” director Steve McQueen tied for the Robert Altman Award as Best Director. Another tie saw “Frozen” and “Despicable Me 2” sharing the Best Animated Feature prize.

The Kansas City Film Critics Circle, of which I am a member, was formed by Dr. James Loutzenhiser and is the 2nd oldest critics group in the nation.

The award winners:

BEST PICTURE: “12 Years a Slave”

ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTOR: Alfonso Cuaron – “Gravity” and Steve McQueen – “12 Years a Slave”

BEST ACTOR: Chiwetel Eliofor – “12 Years a Slave”

BEST ACTRESS: Sandra Bullock – “Gravity”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Michael Fassbender – “12 Years a Slave”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Lupita Nyong’o – “12 Years a Slave”

BEST ANIMATED FILM: “Despicable Me 2” and “Frozen”

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: “Blue is the Warmest Color”

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: “The Act of Killing”

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Spike Jonze – “Her”

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: John Ridley – “12 Years a Slave”

VINCE KOEHLER AWARD FOR BEST FANTASY, SCIENCE FICTION OR HORROR FILM: “Her”

Christina Milian has had such a diverse career to date. She started her singing career at 19 and had hit singles like “Dip It Low”. She has starred in various films including “Be Cool” and this year’s “Baggage Claim”. She was also recently a contestant on season 17 of ABC’s hit reality show “Dancing with the Stars”. Her latest venture is wine, as she recently became part owner and spokesperson for the company, Vida Diva Wine. Media Mikes had a chance to chat wine with Christina and talk about her upcoming bottle signing.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us a little bit about Vida Diva Wine and what made you become a part owner and spokesperson for the company?
Christina Milian: I feel like it was just meant to be honestly. I met Robyn Santiago from Illumination PR at a MTV gifting suite. Robyn was just so sweet and was handing out glasses of their Moscato wine. I tried out the mango and strawberry and thought it was so delicious. Just as a wine lover, I have always thought “One day, I would love to have my own winery”, but you never think in the near future that would happen. She told me that I should do something with this brand and I said “I would love to”. It seemed right because if you look at the name Vida Diva Wine…that is so me. It just screams loud and confident, so personally it says many things to me with its name and brand alone. Robyn was really on it as well since from that point on after meeting it was a really quick turnaround. I signed on as part owner of the company shortly after. I started doing tastings, had meetings with the CEO and learned about where our wines come from. I consider myself a wine connoisseur and I enjoy drinking it and bonding with my girlfriends. So I hope that others can do the same with Vida Diva Wine.

MG: How many difference products are there and what is your personal favorite?
CM: I actually have two but my absolute favorite is our Vida Diva Pineapple Coconut Moscato. It is delicious. It is like a Piña colada but very light. I love that our Moscatos are not too syrupy. You get a nice cool feeling when you drink and not overwhelmed with sugar. The flavor is very tropical and feels like a vacation in a glass. My second favorite favorite is our Pinot Grigio. I love white wine and I think that it has this classic feel. Our Pinot Grigo is paired very well for dinner like a nice fish or something. Also our simple Strawberry Moscato is a favorite of mine, I think that is everyone’s favorite. So I had to add a third favorite as well [laughs].

MG: Where else do you have planned with your nationwide bottle signing tour?
CM: We are doing a bottle signing on December 14th in Miami at Sedano’s, which is very exciting. We have done four other signings and I got to meet some really great fans. I like being able to come to the people. That is what I love most about these signings. Sometimes people feel so far away and not very tangible. To me I am very about my fans and this is a great opportunity for me to get out there and meet them and give them a taste of Viva Diva Wine. So I am so lucky to get a chance to present this to them. We are working additional tour dates right now actually. The next couple of stops we are looking at for 2014 are going to be in New York, New Jersey and California. So I am very excited and I can’t wait.

MG: If people are looking to purchase this where can they do that?
CM: For online and retail, we are currently available in over 27 states. We are in the following retail chains including Walmart, Sedano’s, Spec’s, Rouses, Glory Supermarkets and coming soon to Vallarta’s in California. So we are expanding quickly nationwide and hopefully people can get a chance to try it and spread the word!

As JRR Tolkien fans the world over await the upcoming release of “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” Phase 4 films has released the highly anticipated love letter to Tolkien, the new comedy “Rise of the Fellowship.”

Starring Justin Moe, Emma Earnest, Alyssa Jacobsen and Cole Matson, the film follows a group of “The Lord of the Rings” fans on an amazing and amusing journey. Similar in tone to the popular “Star Wars” themed “Fan Boys,” the film was written with online gamers and Tolkien fans in mind.

The DVD is now available at Amazon.com and Walmart via Vudu and can also be obtained via iTunes.

Big dreams and even bigger laughs! Your favorite speedy snail is now available on Blu-ray Combo Pack, complete with a limited edition Turbo pullback racer toy and super-charged bonus features!

For more info or to buy now, go to http://bit.ly/Turbo_BluRayComboTR

Related Content

• #1 Racing App “Turbo Racing League” Launches Amazing Camaro Sweepstakes
• DVD Review “Monsters vs Aliens: Cloning Around”
• Watch “Croodaceous Moments” from the film “The Croods” on Blu-ray and DVD October 1st
• DUN DUN DAHHH! Dreamworks Animation’s Epic Comedy-Adventure, “The Croods”, Arrives on Blu-ray™ Deluxe Edition and DVD on October 1st
• “Shrek The Musical” arrives on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD Oct 15th