A killer Christmas title that’s “Surprising, effective, and brutal”* to stuff your stocking with!

The festival favorite An American Terror, from visionary director Haylar Garcia, releases this week from Uncork’d Entertainment (DVD/VOD).

Set to be one of the most talked about films around the dinner table this holiday season, the controversial film tells of three teens, marginalized by their schoolmates, tho decide to turn their gray existence around and be noticed. To do it they come up with a macabre plan, consisting of carrying out a massacre at school. But while they’re preparing the bloodbath, they’ll run into something much darker and more perverse than their own bloody ideas.

A movie with a chronicle lifted straight from front page headlines, An American Terror leaves spectators breathless.

Starring Jennifer Wilde (Halloween : The Night He Came Back), Graham Emmons (The Mission), and Kathryn Gould (The Highwayman). Written, directed, and edited by Haylar Garcia; produced by Sam Sleiman and Tarik Heitmann; and executive produced by Jim Brennan and Roland Salameh.

Starring: Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson and Gabrielle Union
Directed By: Chris Rock
Rated: R
Running Time: 101 minutes
Paramount Pictures

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

It’s really been a year for meta commentary in entertainment. Everything from “The Lego Movie” to the bizarre internet phenomenon of “Too Many Cooks” has left viewers scratching their heads or having to turn on their brain when consuming their favorite pop-culture substance. I’m sure someone at some point, will compare “Birdman” to “Top Five” for how it depicts its main character, but I’d be a little offended if someone was to put these two movies at the same level.

“Top Five” is written and directed by Chris Rock, who also stars in the main role, Andre Allen. Sometimes Dre for short. He’s a comedian powerhouse who’s known for his franchise about a bear cop by the name of Hammy. That part of his life is over now, along with a heavy drinking problem. He’s sober and trying to reinvent himself by turning to a serious role, a Haitian rebellion leader in the movie Uprize. Changing from an actor in a bear suit to an angry slave wielding a machete draw some of the biggest laughs for me, but sadly the movie strays from this rich, fruitful tree of humor.

Allen also has to worry about his upcoming television wedding with the reality star sensation Erica Long (Union), promoting Uprize to people who are more interested in asking him if he’s doing another Hammy movie, and doing an interview for Chelsea Brown (Dawson). On his busy day, there are some detours that include a visit to his extended family. There’s also the constant struggle with sobriety. Hidden bottles of liquor, store fronts lined with a rainbow of alcohol, all tempt him. So much is cramped into its short runtime; it feels choppy and rushed at moments. Andre is struggling to find his identity and reclaim his confidence, but not enough time is given to focus on his emotional tussle.

It’s also a movie that’s highly interested in ridiculing critics, reality TV, cellphones, the media circus, and celebrities, but it also has very little to say and simply eases into a predictable storyline. It’s unfortunate that Rock couldn’t take a more ambiguous approach to Andre’s life instead of having to verbally explain everything, sometimes twice, to the audience. Chelsea, through a day of connecting and learning one another’s feelings, becomes the obvious romantic interest as Andre slowly realizes Long is in a relationship for the ratings.

The amount of humor might lead audiences astray from whatever noble point Rock is trying to make about comedy. There’s the sense that under the raging sexual debauchery and hot sauce tampon jokes, there’s something to be said. But its voice is barely heard above the loud squeals of laughter from the audience and the sights of many prominent comedians. There’s a great message to be told about comedy and how art has an amazing power to heal, but I’m afraid Chris Rock couldn’t quite hit the nail on the head.

FEATURING THE VOICES OF Danny DeVito, Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman, Rhea Perlman, Tony Randall and more

 Los Angeles, CA – Travel back in time to the 1980s, MY LITTLE PONY-style! My Little Pony: The Movie is coming to DVD on January 27, 2015 in the U.S. and Canada from Shout! Kids in collaboration with Hasbro Studios.  The animated film has been newly restored, making Ponyland look brighter than ever!

 The first day of Spring is on its way and the Little Ponies are preparing for it with a big festival. But all the fun may come to an end if the witch Hydia has her way! Can the Ponies defeat Hydia and her evil daughters, Reeka and Draggle? More importantly, can they save Ponyland from the witches’ concoction, the strange purple goo called Smooze, that’s threatening to bury the whole town?

 With an all-star voice cast, including Danny DeVito, Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman, Rhea Perlman, Tony Randall and more, My Little Pony: The Movie is a rollicking adventure you’ll want to see again and again!

Also Includes:

Sing-Alongs

Actors: Lou Ferrigno, Arnold Schwarzenegger
Directors: George Butler, Robert Fiore
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Lionsgate
Run Time: 85 minutes

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

“Pumping Iron” is now available on Digital HD for the first time. This critically-acclaimed 1977 documentary that put the world of bodybuilding on the map and started the career for Arnold Schwarzenegger in Pumping Iron. This film still holds up today and is cool to see the ‘ole “Austrian Oak” in his prime again. This is a must own for any Schwarzenegger fan out there!

Original Premise: Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in this documentary about the 100 days leading up to the 1975 Mr. Olympia contest. Five-time former champion Schwarzenegger is pitted against shy newcomer Lou Ferrigno (TV’s “The Incredible Hulk”) in a showdown that is as mental as it is physical. With psychological warfare, intense determination, trash-talking, and the easy charm that would later catapult Schwarzenegger to stardom, “Pumping Iron” changed the world of bodybuilding forever and launched both men’s careers.

Even though this is a digital release, fans of “Pumping Iron” are going  to get much more than just the movie with never-before-released content in the US. There are two bonus features included additionally with the digital HD release. The first is “Still Pumping” is a group of newly recorded interviews with Arnold Schwarzenegger talking about his life and career. Also included is “The Hard Science of Bodybuilding”, which features Schwarzenegger and other top bodybuilders talking about the sport.

Related Content

• Blu-ray Review “Miss Sloane”
•  Blu-ray Review “This Is Where I Leave You”
•  Blu-ray Review “Escape Plan”
•  Film Review: “Avengers: Infinity War”

Starring: Colin Firth, Marcia Gay Harden, Emma Stone, Jacki Weaver, Eileen Atkins, Erica Leerhsen
Director: Woody Allen
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: December 16, 2014
Run Time: 97 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

Every since “Midnight in Paris”, Woody Allen has been on fire. “Magic in the Moonlight” is the latest winner. The film is set in the south of France in the 1920s smack during the peak of the Jazz Age. The film starts Colin Firth anad Emma Stone, who are amazing in the film together. The film certainly lives up to the first word in its title and is quite enchanting. The music and shooting locations are just beautiful. This is easily another hit for Allen! Can’t wait to see what he has planned for 2015!

Official Premise: Acclaimed magician Stanley Crawford (Colin Firth) dazzles his audiences with feats of supernatural amazement. But when it comes to the inexplicable, Stanley is a dedicated skeptic. Enter Sophie Baker (Emma Stone), psychic, soothsayer, and stunning seductress. As Stanley and Sophie embark on misadventures up and down the French Riviera, will they discover proof of a world beyond the laws of physics or have they fallen under the sway of a more earthly chemistry? Woody Allen pulls the strings with precision in this enchanting romantic comedy that explores the realm between what’s understood in our minds and what’s known in our hearts.

Sony Pictures Classics is releasing this as a combo pack with a Blu-ray and Digital HD copy. The 1080p transfer is solid for this Blu-ray. It really captures the look and feel of the 1920’s from the costumes to the settings. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works great with the film’s music, which I loved. The special features are a little light on the magic. There is a making-of featurette called “Behind the Magic”. The only other extras is “On the Red Carpet: Los Angeles Film Premiere”.

Starring: Harry Connick, Jr., Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Nathan Gamble, Kris Kristofferson
Director: Charles Martin Smith
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: December 9, 2014
Running Time: 107 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Living in Florida, I knew that I had to watch “Dolphin Tale”. It was a good film and after watching it I even took my daughter to go see Winter at the Clearwater Aquarium, which was cool. Honestly, this wasn’t really a film that was screaming for a sequel. The story is cute but it doesn’t stand up to the first film, to be honest. Same cast returned, which is always nice but it doesn’t help either. At least they dropped the terrible 3D gimmack from the first film, which was an incredible waste of time in my opinion. Some kids might enjoy this but it is quite slow moving and at times sad, so be wary there for sure.

Official Premise: The inspiring true story of Winter isn’t over. Several years after receiving a prosthetic tail, Winter loses her surrogate mother, leaving her alone, grieving and unwilling to engage with anyone, even her best human friend, Sawyer (Gamble). Worse, she may have to be moved from her home at the aquarium due to regulations requiring dolphins to be paired. When Dr. Clay Haskett (Connick Jr.) and his dedicated team can’t find her a companion, it looks like they may lose their beloved Winter… until an unexpected turn of events brings them Hope.

Warner Home Video is releasing this as a combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet digital HD code. The 1080p transfer is good looking but nothing special. The audio though delivers a surprise DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track, which is good but not really fully taken advantage of either. The special features are ok  but all quite short. “Underwater Magic” features Writer/director Charles Martin Smith, producer Broderick Johnson, cinematographer Daryn Okada, and actors Nathan Gamble and Cozi Zuehlsdorff discussing shooting in water.

“Look Who’s Running the Show” features Smith, Gamble and Zuehlsdorff talking about the sequel. “Bethany Hamilton Meets Winter” focuses on the cameo from Champion surfer Bethany Hamilton. “The Mission” is a featurette about Clearwater Marine Academy. “True Story” looks into the events that inspired the film. Lastly there is a music video for Zuehlsdorff’s “Brave Souls” and Gavin DeGraw’s “You Got Me” and a blooper reel included.

Dolphin Tale 2 arrives onto Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD on December 9 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Starring: Hilary Swank, Tommy Lee Jones and John Lithgow
Directed by: Tommy Lee Jones
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hours 2 mins
Roadside Attractions

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Meet Miss Mary Bee Cuddy (Swank). Strong, healthy…single. Mary has an impressive ranch, livestock, money in the bank and a nice home. What she doesn’t have is a husband. She often entertains gentlemen callers, making them a fine dinner and then singing for them. But no luck. When she finally takes the bull by the horns and proposes marriage to one of her callers she is flatly turned down. “Sorry,” the would be beau says as he leaves the house, “you’re too bossy!”

A story about resilience, forgiveness and redemption, “The Homesman” is a well-cast, well-intentioned film that hopefully read better in its original novel form. The basic plot concerns three women (Grace Gummer, Miranda Otto and Gro Svendsen) living in the Nebraska Territory who have “taken ill” and are now believe to be mentally unstable. They have done horrible things and are being shipped to a minister in Iowa and his wife for caretaking. Mary volunteers to take the women on their journey and, after coming across a claim-jumper (Jones) on the verge of being hanged, has him accompany her in exchange for saving his life. With the women secured in the back of an enclosed wagon the two set out on the nearly five week adventure, bonding somewhat along the way. Somewhat.

As co-star, director and co-writer/producer, Tommy Lee Jones wears many hats (including an impressive black one in the film). He moves the story along well, not spending a lot of time on any external storylines. Unfortunately this sometimes works against him as a majority of the film feels like a series of clever “moments” that occur when the story calls for them. The cast does fine, with familiar names like Tim Blake Nelson, James Spader, William Fichtner and Barry Corbin doing good, solid work.

Another positive is the beautiful, picture-like scenery that Jones and Rodrigo Prieto, his cinematographer, discover on location. The work here is similar to his Oscar nominated achievement with “Brokeback Mountain.”

Starring: Jean Arthur, James Stewart, Claude Rains, Edward Arnold, Guy Kibbee, Thomas Mitchell
Director: Frank Capra
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Sony
DVD Release Date: December 2, 2014
Digital Copy Expiration Date: December 31, 2014 (Click here for more information)
Run Time: 130 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” is celebrating its 75th anniversary and it has never looked better. This film earned Jimmy Stewart his first Academy Award® nomination, along with 11 other nominations. It is easily one of Frank Capra’s best films. It was also Capra’s final film for Columbia. This film does in a wonderful collectible Digipak packaging with an all-new essay by Film Historian Jeremy Arnold. Easily one of the best restored Blu-ray releases this year.

Official Premise: An idealistic, newly-appointed senator (James Stewart) heads to Washington, where he single-handedly battles ruthless politicians out to destroy him. Winner of the 1939 Academy Award® for Best Writing (Original Story), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a timeless and stirring ode to the power of democracy.

“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” looks simply stunning on Blu-ray. For this release it was restored and mastered with 4K transfer in 1080p. The black and white film is presented in its original 4×3 aspect ratio but looks outstanding. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio Mono surround track. It works well with the dialogue and score.

The special features are another win for this release. There is an audio commentary with Frank Capra’s son, Frank Capra Jr. There are a bunch of vintage features included. “Frank Capra Jr. Remembers…’Mr. Smith Goes to Washington'” focuses on the director from Capra’s son. There is “Conversations with Frank Capra Jr.: The Golden Years”, which looks into his father again and the 1930’s in Hollywood. “Conversations with Frank Capra Jr.: A Family History” features Capra’s son looking into his family life. “Frank Capra: Collaboration” is a look back into Capra’s life and career.

“The Frank Capra I Knew” features Jeanine Basinger, Curator of the Frank Capra archives at Wesleyan University, talking about the director. “Frank Capra’s American Dream” is easily the best feature, which is a feature-length documentary, narrated and hosted by Ron Howard with interviews including Martin Scorsese, Garry Marshall, John Milius, Robert Altman, Michael Keaton, Richard Dreyfuss, Angela Lansbury, Garry Marshall, Marshall Herskovitz, Bill Duke, Oliver Stone, and Peter Falk. Lastly there are trailers included.

Just in time for the holidays “Hart To Hart: The Complete Third Season” hits DVD on December 9, 2014. This is a 24-episode collection includes all the episodes from the third season which stars Robert Wagner (It Takes A Thief) and Stefanie Powers (The Girl From U.N.C.L.E.). Who doesn’t remember that catching opening line:

“This is my boss: Jonathan Hart, a self-made millionaire. He’s quite a guy. This is Mrs. H — she’s gorgeous. She’s one lady who knows how to take care of herself. By the way, my name is Max. I take care of both of them — which ain’t easy; ‘cause when they met, it was murder.”

When there’s a mystery to be solved…you’ve gotta have Hart!

Robert Wagner (It Takes A Thief) and Stefanie Powers (The Girl From U.N.C.L.E. ) star in Hart to Hart: Season Three, a 24-episode collection of the stylish Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated detective drama. As Jonathan and Jennifer Hart, a wealthy and glamorous couple who always manage to find themselves caught up in mystery and adventure, Wagner and Powers charmed audiences with their lighthearted chemistry and thrilling adventures. Assisting the Harts in their jet-setting life of intrigue, the loyal and gravel-voiced servant Max (Lionel Stander) provided an earthy counterpoint to the elegance of his employers. Together, the three made for a team that viewers found irresistible.

Created by Sidney Sheldon, both a bestselling novelist (Master of the Game, Windmills of the Gods) and hit television producer (I Dream of Jeannie, The Patty Duke Show), Hart to Hart is a smart and sexy detective drama reminiscent of the Thin Man movies as well as modern mystery series such as Castle. Join the Harts on their globetrotting tour of danger and romance with Hart to Hart: Season Three.

Related Content

• Blu-ray Review “Homeland: The Complete Second Season”
• Blu-ray Review “The Newsroom: The Complete First Season”
• Blu-ray Review “Mad Men: Season Five”
• Blu-ray Review “Bored to Death: The Complete Third Season”
• DVD Review “Dead Season”

Starring: Sir John Mills, Dame Peggy Ashcroft
Directed By: Jimmy T. Murakami
Distributed by: Twilight Time
Run Time: 75 minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: November 11, 2014

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I have always been a fan of Raymond Briggs’ “The Snowman”. I simply love it. I also happen to be a huge Pink Floyd fan, so combining the work of Raymond Briggs with the music of Roger Waters is a match made in heaven and that is what we got with “When the Wind Blows”. The film itself, even though animated, is not aimed at kids it is a quite heavy and definitely is a blend of comedy/horror themes. It is definitely unlike any animated film that I have ever seen, very unique and still holds up today. There is also a great title song from David Bowie and contributions from Genesis, Squeeze and Paul Hardcastle. also included along with the film is the documentary from Sé Merry Doyle, “Jimmy Murakami: Non-Alien (2010)”. This Blu-ray release is an Screen Archives Entertainment Exclusive and is a Limited Edition release with only 3000 copies produced. So if you are a fan, get it quick before they sell out.

Official Premise: TWhen the Wind Blows (1986)—writer Raymond Briggs’ adaptation of his own graphic novel, brought to the screen by director Jimmy T. Murakami—is an enchantingly collage-like animated film (featuring drawn, stop-motion, and live-action sequences) on a very grim subject, indeed: the effects of nuclear holocaust on an ordinary English couple. James and Hilda Bloggs (perfectly voiced by acting legends John Mills and Peggy Ashcroft) are a happy, near-elderly pair living in the lovely rural countryside when—seemingly out of nowhere—disaster beyond all imagining strikes.

Twilight Time is releasing this film on a region free Blu-ray disc. The 1080p transfer is solid and really looks solid. There is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track included. I am a huge fan of Roger Waters’ score from this film and the special features are a great continuation of this film including a Isolated Music and Effects Track. . Thre is also an audio commentary track with First Assistant Editor Joe Fordham and Film Historian Nick Redman. After that we get “The Wind and The Bomb – The Making of When the Wind Blows”, which goes behind-the-scenes. Lastly, there is an interview with Raymond Briggs, the creator himself. Also like with all of Twilight Time’s releases be sure to enjoy the extensive Julie Kirgo liner notes included to enjoy. I just wish there was a little more here in the extras department.

Starring: Rye Miyazawa, Ren Ohsugi, Mitsuru Fukikoshi, Hirouki Sanada, Nenji Kobayashi
Directed By: Yoji Yamada
Distributed by: Twilight Time
Run Time: 129 minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: November 11, 2014

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

“The Twilight Samurai” was nominated for the Academy Award, Best Foreign Language Film back in 2002. It didn’t win but it did end up winning 12 Japanese Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay. It deserves the praise cause it is a fantastic samurai period film. Star Hirouki Sanada has since gone on to big things in the U.S. as well including “The Wolverine” and “47 Ronin”. This Blu-ray release is an Screen Archives Entertainment Exclusive and is a Limited Edition release with only 3000 copies produced. So if you are a fan, get it quick before they sell out.

Official Premise: The Twilight Samurai (2002) is a contemplative character study of Seibei (Hiroyuki Sanada), a traditional samurai reduced—in a rapidly modernizing Japan—to working as an accountant. A widower, Seibei has to care for his senile mother and his two young daughters; his financial problems are so severe that he finally, humiliatingly, must pawn his sword. And then, his clan comes to him with one last job. Directed by veteran Yoji Yamada, best known for helming Japan’s beloved “Tora-san” films.

Twilight Time is releasing this film on a region free Blu-ray disc. The 1080p transfer is solid and really looks solid. There is only a Japanese audio DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track included. The special features include an Isolated Score Track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 by Isao Tomita (“Zatoichi”). Lastly there are the film’s Original Theatrical Trailers. Also like with all of Twilight Time’s releases be sure to enjoy the extensive Julie Kirgo liner notes included to enjoy. I just wish there was a little more here in the extras department.

Starring: Elvis Presley, John McIntire, Dolores Del Rio, Barbara Eden, Steve Forrest
Directed By: Don Siegel
Distributed by: Twilight Time
Run Time: 92 minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: November 11, 2014

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to Westerns, Don Siegel is your man! He created one of the finest, “Dirty Harry”. Top that with the wonderful talent of the legendary Elvis Presley and you are an instant winner. “Flaming Star” is easily one of the King’s best films in his career. The film is approaching its 55th anniversary and it still holds up and is quite entertaining. This Blu-ray release is an Screen Archives Entertainment Exclusive and is a Limited Edition release with only 3000 copies produced. So if you are a fan, get it quick before they sell out.

Official Premise: Don Siegel (Dirty Harry) directs Elvis Presley in Flaming Star (1960), a tough-minded Western that many have pegged as the legendary singer’s best film. Presley plays a half-white/half-Kiowa youth in post-Civil War Texas, caught up in a tragic war between whites and Indians, his loyalties and allegiances tested at every turn. The terrific supporting cast includes John McIntire as Presley’s father, who just wants to live in peace; Dolores Del Rio as his mother, determined to keep her son safe; Steve Forrest as his conflicted brother from another mother; and Barbara Eden as an understanding local girl.

Twilight Time is releasing this film on a region free Blu-ray disc. The 1080p transfer is solid and really looks solid. There is a fantastic DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track inlcuded. The special features include an Isolated Score Track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 by Cyril Mockridge (“Miracle on 34th Street”). There is also an audio commentary with Film Historians Lem Dobbs and Nick Redman. Lastly there are the film’s Original Theatrical Trailers. Also like with all of Twilight Time’s releases be sure to enjoy the extensive Julie Kirgo liner notes.

Related Content

• Win Passes to the Kansas City Premiere of “American Sniper”
• Digital HD Review “Pumping Iron”
• DVD Review “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman: The Complete Series”
• Blu-ray Review “An American Hippie In Israel (Limited Edition)”
• Blu-ray Review “Gone with the Wind: 75th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition”

Parker Sawyers is co-starring in the upcoming film “Monsters: Dark Continent”, which is a follow-up to the 2010 film “Monsters”. Parker also appeared this year in the film “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat about “Monsters: Dark Continent” with him and what we can expect.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you get involved with “Monsters: Dark Continent”?
Parker Sawyers: I’ve been acting for nearly three years now and try to hit every meeting I am lucky enough to get. I see it as practice. So, “Monsters: Dark Continent” was another meeting to me. Interestingly, I had a short film to shoot 15 minutes after my meeting time and I was so worried about missing the call time, I don’t really remember what I said or did in the room. Whatever it was worked, thankfully.

MG: Were you familiar with the original film prior?
PS: In preparation for the meeting for Monsters: Dark Continent, I watched the original film, Gareth Edwards’ “Monsters”. I was pleasantly surprised as I watched the two central characters develop a relationship amidst such dire conditions. To me, the original film was about humanity and how even in the face of extreme adversity or in their case an alien invasion we would still find love, fight for one another, and even bicker. Perhaps we’re not much more than that.

MG: Give us some background on your character Shaun Williams?
PS: Shaun is a kid from Detroit. I see him as a multi-talented, cool kid who never got “that break”. He is a sportsman, clever and chilled. Though I now live in London, I’m originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, just a few hours away from Detroit. To play a guy from the Midwest with heaps of heart and a laid back attitude was exciting and refreshing. I think the Midwesterners who watch the film will relate to Shaun and his friends; the hustle, the hunger, the decency, the loyalty.

MG: Tell us about where the film was shot and what was the most challenging aspect?
PS: We shot the film in Amman, Jordan and Detroit, Michigan. The people in Amman are some of the most hospitable and warmest people I’ve ever met. It was my second time being there, the first time was to film “Zero Dark Thirty”. I’m itching to return for a vacation. As for a challenge, I’d say the amount of work that needed to be completed by the end of each day, to stay on schedule. But, we worked hard and Tom Green, the director, never made any of us feel rushed. But, of course, we can read a call sheet and we knew we had a limited amount of time. Ultimately, we made it work. Detroit was cool. Talk about smiling through adversity, the people were wonderfully American and hardworking.

MG: How was it going from low-budget indie to big budget action, “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit”?
PS: All jobs are the same to me. Whether it’s working with an Oscar winning director or an up and coming talent like Tom Green, I put forth the same amount of effort. I must say though, the Monsters cast was and still is like a family. We stay in touch, attend each other’s birthdays, and cheerlead whenever possible. I’d never had that experience before.

MG: What else do you have on the cards for 2014?
PS: I’m off to Bulgaria in March to film James McTiegue’s spy thriller, “Survivor”. It’s an amazing script and I’m fortunate to be part of the project. Other than that, it’s pilot season, so non-stop meetings as far as the eye can see!

LOS ANGELES, December 1, 2014 – Lony Ruhmann, Blanc/Biehn Productions and Give & Take Productions have announced the new thriller PSYCHOPHONIA. With a story Sent from my IPHONE
www.thebbbasement.com

Psychophonia stars Vedette Lim (Chicago Fire, True Blood) in the lead role of Lilly Tarver. Rounding out the cast; Andrew W. Walker (The Torturer, 2 Bedroom One Bath), Kellee Stewart (Hot Tub Time Machine 1 & 2, The Soul Man) Adam Rose (Up In The Air, The Bounty Hunter), Daniel Quinn (Fetish Factory, Wrong Cops), Mark Gantt (Hidden In The Woods, The Night Visitor 2), Mitchell Fink (Granit Flats, Zodiac), Lucie Pohl (Magi, Not Fade Away), Sean Hemeon (Husbands), Nikita Black (who will star in Blanc/Biehn’s upcoming Fembot) and Jenimay Walker (Fetish Factory).

After her husband Jeremy is brutally murdered, artist Lilly Tarver struggles with his secret sex life and coming to terms with who he really was. While diving into his dark and potentially dangerous world, a mysterious caller might hold the answers to his death.

The film is Executive Produced by Michael Biehn (Terminator, Aliens, The Victim), Jennifer Blanc-Biehn (Everly, Havenhurst, The Vicitim), Lony Ruhmann (Bite This Book, Fetish Factory, The Girl), Brianne Davis (Among Friends, Jarhead, Prom Night), The Richard (Fetish Factory) and produced by Mark Gantt.

About Blanc/Biehn Productions:
Blanc Biehn Productions is the partnership of famed actors Michael Biehn and Jennifer Blanc-Biehn. The pair decided to put their passion for acting and filmmaking together, creating their own production company. The duo produced and starred in Biehn’s directorial debut, The Victim, a grindhouse film which co-stars scream queen, Danielle Harris. The company recently released Treachery through Traverse Media and completed post on Jennifer Blanc-Biehn’s directorial debut The Night Visitor and The Girl. They are currently in the sales process with WFT Films on Hidden In The Woods – The Remake. Other films include Altered Perception, She Rises, starring Angus MacFadyen, The Night Visitor 2 , Hellavatorman, and Fetish Factory. Currently in preproduction on Fembot and developing The Lincoln, Killer Weekend, The Fairy, The Four, Good Family and many more. Look out for more releases on their slate as well as festival screenings in the near future, as well as a new list of fabulous directors being added to the roster. For more information on upcoming BBP features, please go to www.TheBBBasement.com and sign up for news and updates. Many projects are currently in post-production with partner and creative executive Lony Ruhmann.

About Give & Take Productions:
Give & Take Productions is a Los Angeles based TV and Film Production Company started in 2013 by award winning filmmaker Mark Gantt and Brianne Davis. They are currently in post production on The Night Visitor 2: Heather’s Story and in pre-production on A Place Apart, a dark drama written by Jackie Blakely, directed by Mark Gantt, starring Brianne Davis and executive produced by Solipsist Film’s Stephen L’Heureux (Sin City: A Dame For Hire). They have several film and TV projects in development. www.giveandtakeproductions.com

Starring: George Sanders, Hurd Hatfield, Donna Reed, Angela Lansbury, Peter Lawford, Lowell Gilmore
Director: Albert Lewin
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Archive Collection
DVD Release Date: November 11, 2014
Run Time: 110 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Based on the classic by Oscar Wilde, “The Picture of Dorian Gray” is a nice blend of horror/drama with a pinch of supernatural. The film is just a year sort of its 70th anniversary and it still holds up today. Albert Lewin writes and directs with Angela Lansbury and Donna Reed star. I think this is Warner Archive Collection’s best release to date!

Official Premise: George Sanders commands the screen as the acerbic, cynical Lord Henry Wotton whose errant musings unwittingly plunge a soul into a leprotic existence of amoral degradation. Hurd Harfield plays the eponymous Gray whose unchanging, placid beauty is enabled by his cursed portrait that embodies his age and decay.

The 1080p HD presentation is nothing short of pristine. It really showcases Cinematographer Harry Stradling, Sr. use of shadow very well with this black and white film. He went on to also win the Oscar for this cinematography for this picture. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono works perfect for the film. It is clear and sharp and sounds amazing with the score by Herbert Stothart.

The special features are decent as well (even thought they were taken from Warner’s 2008 DVD release). There is a commentary track with Angela Lansbury and Film Historian Steve Haberman, which is very informative and entertaining. Also included is the Oscar-winning short”Stairway to Light”, the Tom and Jerry cartoon, “Quiet Please!”, which also won the Oscar for Best Short Subject, Cartoons, for 1945 and a Theatrical Trailer rounds out the extras.