Starring: Marilyn Burns, Allen Danziger, Paul A. Partain, William Vail, Teri McMinn, Edwin Neal
Director: Tobe Hooper
Number of discs: 4
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Dark Sky Films
Release Date: September 16, 2014
Run Time: 83 minutes

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

Love it (myself) or hate it (my wife), “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” is an absolutely classic in the horror genre. It is iconic and has stood the test of time. Speaking of time, the film is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary this year. MPI Media Group is re-releasing the film on Blu-ray presenting the original restored film in an all-new 4k scan authorized by Tobe Hooper and a ridiculous all-new 7.1 channel soundtrack. If you think you have seen “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” before, think again because watching this Blu-ray is like an entirely new experience.

Official Premise: It has been called grisly, sick, and perverse, as well as raw, unshakeable, and the movie that redefined horror. It was attacked by churches, banned by governments, and acclaimed by only the bravest of critics. It stunned audiences worldwide and set a new standard in movie terror forever. Today writer-producer-director Tobe Hooper s dark, visionary tale remains unparalleled in its impact as perhaps the most frightening motion picture ever made.

“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: 40th Anniversary Collector’s Edition” is released as a kick ass DigiPack  combo pack with two Blu-Rays and two DVDs. If this only had a digital Ultraviolet copy, it would be absolutely perfect. The film itself is gritty and was shot on 16mm film, so this film never looked really amazing. I remember watching it on VHS tape and if you could compare that to this new Blu-ray, it would be like two different films. For this release, the film was mastered in 4K and presented on Blu-ray in 1080p high definition. It just looks terrific. Horror fans get ready to do a back flip.

I never thought I would be seeing a film like “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” with DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track on Blu-ray but that is what we get here. You would expect this track from a big-budget summer action but never a 40 year old horror film. This track is fantastic and works so well with all aspects from the revving of the chainsaw to the  famous flash photography sounds. Along with this epic track, there are three other tracks including a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, LPCM 2.0 and LPCM Mono. So there are tracks for everyone whatever you are craving

The special features are split over two discs. The first disc is purely audio commentary tracks. Anything you ever wanted to know about this film is included in these tracks. The first track is with Producer-Director Tobe Hooper, Actor Gunnar Hansen, and Cinematrographer Daniel Pearl. The second is with Production Designer Robert Burns and Actors Marilyn Burns, Allen Danziger, and Paul A. Partain. The third is Writer-Producer-Director Tobe Hooper. The last is withCinematographer Daniel Pearl, Editor J. Larry Carroll, and Sound Recordist Ted Nicolaou. One is better than the next.

The second disc includes “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: The Shocking Truth”, which runs over 70 minutes. “Flesh Wounds: Seven Stories of the Saw” is another 70 minute featurette. Between these two extras, you will be exhausted with knowledge. “A Tour of the TCSM House with Gunnar Hansen” is a chat with Leatherface himself. “Off the Hook with Teri McMinn” and “The Business of Chain Saw: An Interview with Production Manager Ron Bozman” are interviews with the respective actors.

“Grandpa’s Tales: An Interview with John Dugan” features the actor reflecting on his iconic role. “Cutting Chain Saw: An Interview with Editor J. Larry Carroll” talks about his work on the film. There are 15 minutes of BRAND NEW Deleted Scenes and Outtakes along with the previous released 25 minutes of additional Deleted Scenes and Outtakes. There is also a Blooper Reel, Horror’s Hallowed Grounds, Still Gallery, Trailers, TV and Radio spots included.

Starring: Ai Weiwei
Directed by: Andreas Johnson
Not Rated
Running time: 1 hour 26 mins
International Film Circuit

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

A couple of years ago the film “Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry” gave many their first look at the man often referred to as the most influential artist in the world. Known as much for his politics as his talent, the film followed the career and life of the man before and after his rise to fame. A new documentary, which deals with the after-effects of Ai Weiwei’s “disappearance” courtesy of the Chinese government, has recently been released and it’s just as insightful and powerful as the artist himself.

The film begins as Ai Weiwei returns home after he has been held in confinement charged by the government with tax evasion. After almost 3 months away he is surrounded by journalists who hurl questions at him about his time away. Resignedly, the artist informs them that he “can’t say anything.” Now home, he spends his days quietly, spending time with his son. Whether meeting the neighborhood dog or picking vegetables from the garden, the two are inseparable. It is obvious that being away from his family has taken its toll.

We later sit in on a conversation between Ai Weiwei and his mother. Her husband had also been persecuted by the government and she sees many similarities in the way her husband and son have been treated, with one major difference. “It’s like living on the top of a wave,” she says, noting that if it was 1957 the Chinese government would have “already killed you.” While working on various art projects he quietly talks about his situation. He relates that when you are arrested by the government you are not allowed a lawyer…you cannot contact your family. It is like being kidnapped.

Because of his status, he is often besieged by foreign journalists, looking to get an interview. Not about his art, but about his ideas. They fawn over him, hoping to be the one to get the exclusive. But Ai Weiwei has learned that to say anything too negative could once again cost him his freedom. He is content to work in his studio or relax in his apartment. The view from his high rise windows include the United States Embassy right next door, a reminder of the freedom he longs for in his native country. A freedom he knows can be taken away in the blink of an eye.

Actors: Liam McIntyre, Andy Whitfield, Manu Bennett, Lucy Lawless, Peter Mensah
Directors: Joshua Donen, Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi, Steven S. DeKnight
Number of discs: 13
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: September 16, 2014
Run Time: 2136 minutes

Series: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 5 out of 5 stars

“Spartacus” is a show that I never got to watch during its original run since I was not a subscriber to Starz. I caught the show after it was completed. The entire series can be easily summed up in three words: stylish, sexy, and brutal. The series started off strong with “Blood and Sand”, then had a hard turn with the loss of it’s star Andy Whitfield due to cancer but bounced back with its prequel series “Gods of the Arena” and then got back on track with the official second season “Vengeance” and finished off strongest with “War of the Damned”. I love a show that can see its potential and then end while it is on top. This was a strong show and Anchor Bay has re-released every season of the hit Starz TV show into a very impressive collectible bundle.

Official Premise: Spartacus tells the classic tale of the Republic’s most infamous rebel, who comes alive in the series’ first season, Blood and Sand. Then comes Gods of the Arena, a prequel that explores a deadly history before the arrival of Spartacus, and the death he now carries with him. The second season, Vengeance, continues to follow Spartacus as he is faced with a choice to either satisfy his personal need for vengeance, or make the sacrifices necessary to keep his growing army from breaking apart at the seams. Finally, in War of the Damned, Spartacus carves his name into history as he plots to avenge his wife’s death and leads Batiatus’ slaves in a bloody uprising that will not be forgotten or equaled. All four seasons are currently available on Blu-ray.

The series features an all-star cast with Andy Whitfield getting his star-making title role for first season. Liam McIntyre ended up taking over as Spartacus for Seasons two and three after his passing. Other notable cast in the series includes John Hannah (“The Mummy”, “Four Weddings and A Funeral”), Peter Mensah (“300”, “The Incredible Hulk”), Manu Bennett (“30 Days of Night”), Nick E. Tarabay (TV’s “Crash”), Dustin Clare (“Underbelly”), Dan Feuerriegel (“Home and Away”), Simon Merrells (“The Wolfman”), Todd Lasance (“Cloudstreet”), Cynthia Addai-Robinson (“FlashForward”) and the scene-stealer and still smoking hot Lucy Lawless (“Xena: Warrior Princess”, “Parks and Recreation”).

This Limited Edition release includes the 13 discs within a very detailed (and quite graphic) statue inside of its base. Anchor Bay is known for their stunning “Limited Edition” releases like the outstanding sets from “The Walking Dead” series. It is great to see a series like this get this kind of attention and respect. The set itself besides the pretty collectible comes with some new extras including three commentaries tracks from season one and an exclusive bonus disc with several featurettes as well as including all the old special features as well. Along with the Blu-ray discs, Anchor Bay really sweetened the deal including the entire series with UltraViolet Digital HD copies.

“Spartacus: The Complete Series” includes each episode with stunning 1080p transfers backed with even better Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround tracks. They look and sound outstanding throughout the entire series and get with each season. The new special features include Audio Commentaries on episode “Legends” with Writer/Creator/Executive Producer Steven S. DeKnight, Executive Producer Rob Tapert, and Actors Viva Bianca and Lucy Lawless. “Great and Unfortunate Things” features with Executive Producer Rob Tapert and Actors John Hannah and Lucy Lawless. Last one is on “Mark of the Brotherhood” with Writer/Creator/Executive Producer Steven S. DeKnight and Actors Manu Bennett, Viva Bianca, and Lucy Lawless.

“Spartacus Fan Favorites with Liam McIntyre” features the actor giving out his top ten fan-favorite moments from the series. “Scoring a Hit: Composer Joseph LoDuca” has the composer discussing his work on the show, briefly. “An Eye Full: Roger Murray” is a chat with the series’ prosthetic & prop supervisor, Roger Murray, and its executive visual effects supervisor, Charlie McClellan. “Spartacus: Paul Grinder” features the series’ 2nd unit director discussing the show. Lastly, “The Last Word: John Hannah” features the actor talking about the show. So even though these aren’t outstanding new extras, Anchor Bay could have just packaged this seasons together and resold them with nothing new, so I give them an A for effort here.

No on to the rest of the special features for each of the seasons. First up is “Spartacus: Blood and Sand – The Complete First Season”, which comes with a ton of extras. There are extended versions of “The Red Serpent” and “Sacramentum Gladiatorium” and commentary tracks for “The Red Serpent” with Director Rick Jacobson, Writer/Creator/Executive Producer Steven S. DeKnight, and Executive Producers Rob Tapert and Joshua Donen, “Sacramentum Gladiatorium” with Director Rick Jacobson, Writer/Creator/Executive Producer Steven S. DeKnight, and Executive Producer Rob Tapert and “The Thing in the Pit” with Director Jesse Warn and Actor Andy Whitfield.

There is an enhanced version of Shadow Games, as well as an extended versions of “Delicate Things and Mark of the Brotherhood”. There are also Audio commentaries with Director Michael Hurst and Actors Andy Whitfield and Lucy Lawless discussing Shadow Games and Director Rick Jacobson, Creator/Executive Producer Steven S. DeKnight, and Actor Erin Cummings for the episode “Delicate Things”. “Whore” and “Party Favors” also hae tracks with Actors Andy Whitfield, Lucy Lawless, and Viva Bianca; and Revelations with Writer Brent Fletcher, Creator/Executive Producer Steven S. DeKnight, and Actor Nick E. Taraby. There is a commentary track along with the enhanced episode” Kill Them All” with Writer/Creator/Executive Producer Steven S. DeKnight and Actors Peter Mensah and Katrina Law. There is a collection of nine featurettes going behind-the-scenes into season.

“Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” is jam-packed as well with great extras. There are Audio Commentaries track with Executive Producer Robert Tapert, Director Jesse Warn, Production Designer Iain Aitken, and Costume Designer Barbara Darragh for “Past Transgressions, which is also an Extended Version; Writer/Creator/Executive Producer Steven S. DeKnight and Actors Dustin Clare, Peter Mensah, and Maime Murray for “Missio;” Robert Tapert, Director Michael Hurst, and Actor Lucy Lawless chat about the Extended Version of “Paterfamilias;” Steven S. DeKnight and Actors Dustin Clare, Lucy Lawless, and Kaime Murray chat about the Extended Version of “Beneath the Mask”;” Steven S. DeKnight, Writer Brent Fletcher, and Actors John Hannah and Lucy Lawless focus on the Extended Version of “Reckoning” and lastly, Steven S. DeKnight, Director Rick Jacobson, and Actor Peter Mensah commentate on the Extended Version of “The Bitter End”

“3D “Ring of Fire” Battle Sequence” is a collection of the seasons key scenes presented in 3D, which is totally rad! “Starz Studios: Gods of the Arena” features the cast/crew discussing the series. “Weapons of Mass Disruption” is a quick chat with Property Master Rob Bavin chatting about the seasons weapons. “Battle Royale: Anatomy of a Scene” looks into the boot camp the actors underwent. “On Set with Lucy Lawless” takes us around with the actress. “10 Easy Steps to Dismemberment” is a collection of the seasons best kills. “Post Production: The Final Execution” shows the work done to the show after shooting. “Enter the Arena: Production Design” looks at set design and CG work. “Dressed to Kill” is an interview with Costume Designer Barbara Darragh and cast. Lastly there is a Convention Panel highlight with Stephen S. DeKnight, Lucy Lawless, John Hannah, and Vivia Bianca from a Comic-Con and a collection of Arena Bloopers.

“Spartacus: Vengeance – The Complete Second Season” includes audio commentaries on all but two of the season’s episodes. “Fugitivus” features Steven S. DeKnight and Actors Viva Bianca, Lucy Lawless, and Liam McIntyre on the Extended Version. “A Place in This World” features Steven S. DeKnight and Actors Lucy Lawless, Liam McIntyre and Peter Mensah on the Extended Version. “The Greater Good” features Robert Tapert and Actors Lucy Lawless and Craig Parker. “Empty Hands” has Robert Tapert, Director Mark Beesley, VFX Art Director Peter Baustaedter and Actor Viva Bianca talking about the Extended Version.

The Extended Version of “Libertus” features Rick Jacobson and Actor Liam McIntyre. “Chosen Path” has Steven S. DeKnight and Actors Viva Bianca, Lucy Lawless, and Nick Tarabay talking about the Extended Version. “Sacramentum”, also the Extended Version features Robert Tapert, Jesse Warn, and Actor Dustin Clare. The last commentary track is on the Extended Version of “Wrath of the Gods” with Steven S. DeKnight and Actors Viva Bianca, Lucy Lawless, and Liam McIntyre. This collection of commentary tracks are outstanding if you are a fan of this series.

“Starz Studios – Spartacus: Vengeance” is an extended look into the season. “The Making of Spartacus: Vengeance” takes a quick look into the shows production. “Behind the Camera: Directing the Rebellion” gives a glimpse into the show behind-the-scenes from direction to digital effects. “On Set with Liam McIntyre” folllows around the actor while getting into character. “Burning Down the House: The VFX of Episode 205” is a chat with VFX Supervisor Charlie McClellan on the season’s critical scenes. “The Legend of Spartacus” talks with Historians Aaron Irvin and Jeffrey Stevens discussing the real history behind the series. “Famous Last Words” gets some final word from characters that were killed off. Lastly there are Bloopers and a teaser included.

The last season of the show “Spartacus: War of the Damned – The Complete Third Season” includes sex featurettes, ten commentary tracks, and extended versions of each episode. There audio Commentaries include Robert Tapert, Mark Beesley, and Chloe Smith for “Enemies of Rome;” Stephen S. DeKnight and Actors Manu Bennett, Liam McIntyre, and Simon Merrells for “Wolves at the Gate;” Stephen S. DeKnight and Actors Dustin Clare, Anna Hutchinson, and Todd Lasance for “Men of Honor;” Stephen S. DeKnight, Rick Jacobson, and Actors Christian Antidormi and Simon Merrells for “Decimation;” Stephen S. DeKnight, Director TJ Scott, and Actors Manu Bennett and Dan Feuerriegel for “Blood Brothers”…

…(deep breath)…Robert Tapert, Director Mark Beesley, and Visual Effects Art Director Peter Baustaedter for “Spoils of War;” Robert Tapert, Director Jesse Warn, and Executive Visual Effects Supervisor Charlie McClellan for “Mors Indecepta;” Stephen S. DeKnight, Rick Jacobson, and Actors Manu Bennett and Liam Mcintyre for “Separate Paths;” Stephen S. DeKnight and Actors Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Anna Hutchinson and Todd Lasance for “The Dead and the Dying;” and Stephen S. DeKnight, Rober Tapert, Rick Jacobson, and Actor Liam McIntyre for “Victory.”

“Spartcus: The Legend Retold” is a overview of the series as a whole. “The Price of Being a Gladiator” goes into the workout that the actors have to endure for the show. “A Bloody Farewell” features cast and crew reflecting on the series. “The Spoils of War Revealed: Visual Effects” looks into the show’s effects and visuals. “Adorning the Damned” looks into the show’s costumes. Lastly “The Mind Behind Spartacus” is an interview with Series Creator Stephen S. DeKnight, who if you don’t recognize him is the guy on virutally ever commentary track for this series.

Starring: Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, Danielle Harris, Nancy Loomis, Nancy Stephens, Malcolm McDowell
Directors: Rob Zombie, Rick Rosenthal, John Carpenter, Steve Miner, Joe Chappelle, Tommy Lee Wallace
Number of discs: 15
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Anchor Bay
Release Date: September 23, 2014
Run Time: 1287 minutes

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

Halloween is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate than with the The Complete Collection of the “Halloween” film franchise. This collection includes all ten films from the series. I love Michael Myers, he is one of the rare horror icons that still creeps me out. I love Freddy and Jason but Myers still steals the show for me. Even though all of the films aren’t gems, as a whole they are a great franchise. This is the first time that these films have ever been released together in one massive box set. I personally would have hoped for a little more in terms of “wow factor” especially from the Limited Deluxe Edition luckily, I get my “wow” from the extras. What we get is a simple slipbox (with great cover art BTW) which holds the ten (black) cases, along with a thin 42-page booklet. There is nothing special or flashy about this release. Still though, I am fairly happy with this release and should make hardcore horror fans happy as well.

Official Premise: Halloween night – Haddonfield, IL. A young boy butchers his older sister with a kitchen knife. 15 years later, he escapes from a mental institution only to return home and terrorize the town, including babysitter Laurie Strode. Now pursued by Dr. Loomis, the doctor who tried to treat him until he realized that “what was living behind that boy’s eyes was purely and simply… evil”. His name is Michael Myers. And so began one of the most iconic horror franchises in history – what producers Moustapha Akkad and Debra Hill, writer/director John Carpenter and stars Jamie Lee Curtis & Donald Pleasence started has spawned 10 feature films and lasted over 35 years. Now, for the first time ever, experience the terror of every Halloween film available together in 1 set! This limited edition deluxe set includes 15 discs jammed with content Halloween fans will love.

Here is a breakdown of what films/cuts we get within the 15 discs: The first two discs are decided to the original classic “John Carpenter’s Halloween” (1978), the second disc being a Deluxe Edition Exclusive. Disc three contains the theatrical cut of “Halloween II” (1981), while disc four, which is a standard DVD, contains, the infamous television cut, also a Deluxe Edition Exclusive. Disc 5 is “Halloween III: Season of the Witch” (1982), plain and simple, as is Discs 6 & 7 housing “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” (1988) and “Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers” (1989), respectively. Disc 8 includes the theatrical cut of “Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers” (1995″, while disc 9 is going to be a big draw for fans with the highly sought upon Producer’s Cut, another Deluxe Edition Exclusive.

Disc 10 includes “Halloween H20: 20 Years Later” (1998) and Disc 11 houses “Halloween: Resurrection” (2002) closing out the original series. Then disc 12 brings us the remake/reboot “Rob Zombie’s Halloween” (2007), while disc 13 is a bonus disc from that film as well as a Deluxe Edition Exclusive. Disc 14 is “Rob Zombie’s Halloween 2” and wrapped up the release is disc 15 with Additional Bonus Features, which is again a Deluxe Edition Exclusive and includes a massive amount of extras including the 101-minute extended cut of “John Carpenter’s Halloween” (1978) in full 1080p HD! This is worth the purchase alone just for this disc. But what I should note that is very strange is that this 15th bonus disc is housed in the case for “Rob Zombie’s Halloween 2”, which honestly doesn’t make any sense most likely because of lack of space in the box. Not a huge deal, just very odd decision to be honest.

The next part is where the deal gets a little sour for this release. There is no consistency with the audio/video presentations. All of these films have been released before on Blu-ray and besides the first film and the Rob Zombie films, the presentations have been a bit rocky. Unfortunately, this box set does not include new transfer of these films they are merely exact copies of the previous rather disappointing releases. I would have loved Anchor Bay to dive in and fix the poor releases of “Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers” (1995), “Halloween H20: 20 Years Later” (1998) and “Halloween Resurrection (2002)”, thanks to Echo Bridge Entertainment. They are not horrendous but definitely disappointing for hardcore fans.

Of course, not surprisingly the winner is the original “John Carpenter’s Halloween”. It comes with a solid Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Surround track as well as the Original 1978 Audio in a Dolby TrueHD Mono track. “Halloween II” (1981) (which includes the Original “Moustapha Akkad Presents” Opening Credit) and “Halloween III: Season of the Witch” (1982) include the same presentations as their Scream Factory releases. The second film comes with a solid DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround track, while “Season of the Witch” settles for a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. Same goes for “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” and “Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers” are the same quality from the 2012 Anchor Bay releases. Both films have a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround track but the 5th film certainly sounds better.

“Rob Zombie’s Halloween” (2007) and “Halloween II” (2009) are identical to their past Blu-ray as well. Since these are the most recent, they are also some of the best. Surprisingly though, the real underdog of the release “Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers – Producer’s Cut” is one of the best presentations in the set with a solid video presentation and a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround track. It even trumps the Theatrical Cut, which is kinda sad but expect since it is a copy from the Echo Bridge release. I feel like this is going to be a main draw for most horror fans for sure.

Now if you are on the fence for the audio/video presentations. The main draw (behind the additional cuts) are some brand new, never before seen bonus features including new interviews with cast and crew, commentaries, behind the scenes documentaries, and much more. “John Carpenter’s Halloween” stars off with a brand new Audio Commentary with Director of photography Dean Cundey, editor/production designer Tommy Lee Wallace and “The Shape,” Nick Castle. Excellent track. There is also a fantastic Audio Commentary, which is a fan boys dream with Co-writer/director John Carpenter and actress Jamie Lee Curtis. “The Night She Came Home” is an hour extras with Jamie Lee Curtis discussing her one and only convention appearance. “On Location: 25 Years Later” takes us to the shooting locations from the first film. Lastly there are TV spots, radio spots, a theatrical trailer and a collection of scenes from the film’s television cut.

The second disc for “John Carpenter’s Halloween” brings us another Audio Commentary track with Writer/director John Carpenter, producer Debra Hill and actress Jamie Lee Curtis, which is an older track but still decent. “Halloween: A Cut Above the Rest” is a nearly 90 minutes retrospective with interviews from cast/crew. Lastly there is a fact track, TV spots, Radio spots and a trailer included. The Theatrical Cut of “Halloween II” features two commentary tracks, the first with director Rick Rosenthal and actor Leo Rossi, and the second with actor/stunt coordinator Dick Warlock. Both quite decent. “The Nightmare Isn’t Over!: The Making of Halloween II” is a retrospective documentary on the sequel. “Horror’s Hallowed Grounds: The Locations of Halloween II” takes on to the shooting locations from the film. Lastly there are Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary from Rosenthal, an Alternate Ending, some trailers and spots and a stills gallery.

“Halloween III: Season of the Witch” includes an Audio Commentary track from: Director Tommy Lee Wallace, Rob G. from “Icons of Fright,” and Horror’s Hallowed Grounds’ Sean Clark. Definitely made by fans for the fans. There is also an Audio Commentary with Actor Tom Atkins and BD/DVD Producer Michael Felsher, this is a must listen or Atkins fans. “Stand Alone: The Making of Halloween III: Season of the Witch” goes behind-the-scenes with Director Tommy Lee Wallace, Actors Tom Atkins and Stacey Nelkin, Stunt Coordinator Dick Warlock, Cinematographer Dean Cundey, Costume Designer Jane Ruhm, and others. There is an “Horror’s Hallowed Grounds”, this one called “Revisiting the Original Shooting Locales” hitting the filming locations. Lastly there is a Still Gallery, TV Spots and a Theatrical Trailer included.

“Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” includes a decent Audio Commentary from Actors Ellie Cornell and Danielle Harris as well as a track from Director Dwight H. Little and author Justin Beahm, which is a bit more entertaining. There is also the Theatrical Trailer included. “Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers” includes two Audio Commentary tracks as well. The first from Actor Don Shanks and author Justin Beahm and the second from Director Dominique Othenin-Girad and actors Danielle Harris and Jeffrey Landman. Both decent and insightful tracks. “On the Set” contains some raw behind-the-scenes footage with cast interviews. Lastly there is a original promo from the film as well as a Theatrical Trailer. This is not a ton compared to other films but if you remember the 2012 Anchor Bay Blu-ray, there were bare-bones. Luckily there is more extras from 4 & 5 on disc 15.

“Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers – Theatrical Cut” comes only with a Still Gallery, TV Spots and
Theatrical Trailers but no fear since The Producer’s Cut saves the day again. It includes a great Audio Commentary with Writer Daniel Farrands and composer Alan Howarth. A real winner. “Acting Scared: A Look at the Film’s Cast” features Actresses Mariah O’Brien and J.C. Brandy looking back at the film. “The Shape of Things” goes into the films issues and special make-up effects creator John Carl Buechler. “Haddonfield’s Horrors” goes behind-the-scenes with director of photography Billy Dickson and production designer Bryan Ryman. “A Cursed Curse” is an interview with Trancas International president and Curse associate producer Malek Akkad and producer Paul Freeman. “Full Circle” is a chat with Composer Alan Howarth. There is a collection of extended scenes, alternate footage and extra scenes of graphic violence cut from the film. There is also Archival Interviews and Behind-the-Scenes Footage including an interview with the late Donald Pleasance. Lastly there is another Cast & Crew Tribute to Donald Pleasance and a teaser trailer.

“Halloween H20: 20 Years Later” stars off with a great Audio Commentary moderated by Sean Clark along with director Steve Miner and actress Jamie Lee Curtis. “Blood is Thicker than Water: The Making of Halloween H20” is an hour restrospective with tons of cast/crew interviews. There are six scenes from the film presented with composer John Ottman’s original score via an isolated music DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. There are Vintage Interviews and Behind-the-Scenes Footage adding up to over 45 minutes with some great interviews. Lastly there are a Still Gallery, a TV spot and a Theatrical Trailer. Again this is another film that never had special features on Blu-ray, so this is welcomed for any fan.

“Halloween Resurrection” includes an alright Audio Commentary: Director Rick Rosenthal and editor Robert A. Ferretti. There is a collection of six deleted scenes and three alternate endings with optional director’s commentary. There are over 40 minutes are Web Cam videos edited together again with optional director’s commentary. There are tons of Vintage Interviews and Behind-the-Scenes Footage. There is also Head Cam footage, Storyboard Analysis, a Set Tour, an interview with Curtis, Still Gallery and some trailers. Most of these extras are ports from the Echo Bridge Blu-ray.

“Rob Zombie’s Halloween” comes with tons of special features. There is an outstanding must liste Audio Commentary track with Director Rob Zombie. There is over 30 minutes of Deleted Scenes, Alternate Ending & Bloopers. “The Many Faces of Michael Myers” is a featurette with cast/crew. “Re-Imagining Halloween” is a three-part extras looking at the filmmaking process. “Meet the Cast” is a chat with the actors. There are Casting Sessions, a Screen Test and Theatrical Trailer included. On the bonus disc there is still more with a ridiculous over four hour documentary “Michael Lives: The Making of Halloween”, which leaves no stone un-turned. Love or hate, the remake/re-imaging, this is a something special.

“Rob Zombie’s Halloween 2” wraps up the extras for the film. There is another solid Audio Commentary from Zombie that really dives into the film. There is tons of Audition Footage, Deleted and Alternate Scenes, Blooper Reel and Make-Up Tests. “Uncle Seymour Coffins’ Stand-Up Routines” is a three-part collection of full-length routines from the character. There are six music video from Captain Clegg and the Night Creatures, included “Zombie A Go Go”, “Honky Tonk Halloween”, “Redneck Vixen From Outer Space”, “Dr. Demon & The Robot Girl”, “Transylvania Terror Train” and Macon County Morgue”.

So have you had enough with the special features yet, there is still a bunch more…and I mean a bunch all assorted from the film. We start off with the mentioned above extended cut of “John Carpenter’s Halloween”. “Halloween Unmasked 2000” is more interviews coming into the films for about 30 minutes. There is a super brief interview with producer Moustapha Akkad. Lastly for the first film there is another Still Gallery. There is an interview with “Season of the Witch” make-up effects artist Tom Burman and some radio spots. “The Making of Halloween 4: Final Cut” dives into the production of the film and if that isn’t enough there also is “The Making of Halloween 4” which runs almost 50 minutes and goes much deeper into the film, produced by Scream Factory. Lastly there is a another Still Gallery for the fourth film.

“Inside Halloween 5” is a vintage behind-the-scenes DVD feature that is over shadowed again by Scream Factory’s “The Making of Halloween 5”. There is also another “Halloween 5” Still Gallery and a “Horror’s Hallowed Grounds” for the four, fifth and sixth film, as well as the HHG pilot episode, which focuses on John Carpenter’s original film and the HHG Fan Edition: Bus Tour. AND finally we end this release with a collection of TV spots for “Halloween 4”, “Halloween 5”, and Rob Zombie’s “Halloween” (2007) and “Halloween II” (2009). Whew, I need a nap ladies and gentlemen. This review took a week for me to produce and is easily one of the most intensive box sets I have ever tackled. Enjoy and if you are a “Halloween” fan and got a little extras spending money, I would recommend the splurge.

Actors: Nathan Fillion, Stana Katic, Jon Huertas, Seamus Dever, Molly C. Quinn
Number of discs: 5
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: ABC Studios
DVD Release Date: September 16, 2014
Run Time: 984 minutes

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

“Castle” is hands down my favorite show on television. The show recently finished its sixth season and yet it shows no signs of fatigue and has never been better. The direction of the show has only gotten better since the hooking up of Castle and Becket. Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic are a perfect couple in this show. They are funny as hell when they have to be and pack some serious drama when in a crisis. Jon Huertas and Seamus Dever also deserve a major shout out because these guys are the back bone to this amazing show. They are a fantastic duo and always steal the show. This season left us off with a HUGE cliffhanger on the day of the couples wedding. I am dying to see where this show goes with the new season starting this month. Keep it up guys! This show is fantastic!

Official Premise: After Castle’s stunning romantic proposal to Beckett, what happens next? TV’s magnetic crime-fighting couple faces a whole new set of challenges as they juggle wedding plans and their most intriguing cases yet in ABC’s “Castle: The Complete Sixth Season”. Beckett’s new job with the Justice Department takes her away from the wisecracking love of her life. But Castle’s devotion to his new fiancee — and her fascinating line of work — jeopardizes her career and creates a chain of events that might separate them forever. Back on the home front, Castle is none too pleased to discover his daughter has seemingly been captivated by, and now living with, her new, free-spirited boyfriend.

“Castle: The Complete Sixth Season” comes complete with all 23 episodes and a great deal of never-before-seen bonus features only available on DVD. Disc 1 through Disc 4 has audio commentary tracks for four episodes. The episode “Need To Know” has a clever Character Commentary with Detectives Javier Esposito and Kevin Ryan. “The Good, The Bad & The Baby” has a commentary track from Director John Terlesky, Consulting Producer/Writer Terri Edda Miller, Nathan Fillion and Seamus Dever. “Deep Cover” has commentary with Supervising Producer/Writer Terrence Paul Winter, Nathan Fillion, Susan Sullivan and James Brolin (WOW). Lastly, “In The Belly of the Beast” includes a track with Creator/Executive Producer/Writer Andrew W. Marlowe, Executive Producer/Writer David Amann and Executive Producer/Director Rob Bowman. These are all great commentary tracks and a fantastic way to revisit these episodes.

There are various deleted scenes spread out over discs 1, 3 and 4. “Castle Karaoke” is an extended performance of Seamus Dever singing “What I Like About You” in “The Way of the Ninja”. “Castle in a Day with Stana Katic” gives us an inside look into a day in the life of Castle with actress Stana Katic, which happens to be the big the cliffhanger scene of the season 6 finale. “A Few of Our Favorite Things” features Nathan Fillion, Susan Sullivan and Molly Quinn and other cast and crew share telling us about their favorite things about Castle. Lastly there are some very funny Bloopers included. I just wish ABC would be releasing this show on Blu-ray like “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D” and “Once Upon a Time”.

Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
DVD Release Date: October 14, 2014
Run Time: 68 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Tickety Toc: Christmas Present Time” is a the latest title in the popular “Tickety Toc” series featuring a collection of five winter-themed episodes from the hit Nick Jr. preschool TV series. It also includes the “Christmas Present Time” extended special. If you are a fan of this series, this DVD will be a great way to get you ready for the winter season and into the holiday spirit. Also included with this DVD are some bonus coloring sheets as well as free Tickety Toc boo called, “Welcome to Tickety Town,” from Scholastic. This is a great bonus addition and a real bargain included with the already low-priced DVD.

Official Premise: It’s Christmas time in Tickety Town, and Tommy & Tallulah are determined to make every merry second count! In this all-new collection of adventures including the Christmas Present Time Special the twins find a new way to make snow, build a giant igloo, roll the biggest snowball ever, and even help Santa fix his sleigh in time for Christmas Eve! But when their escapades get out of hand, friends like McCoggins, Pufferty, Madame Au Lait and Tooteroo will help them make things right. It’s time to chime in these exciting winter-themed episodes from the Nick Jr. preschool hit!

Actors: Lilyan Chauvin, Gilmer McCormick, Eric Freeman, Elizabeth Kaitan, Linnea Quigley
Directors: Charles E. Sellier, Jr.
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: September 16, 2014
Run Time: 85 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I can honestly say that I feel old celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the horror cult classic “Silent Night, Deadly Night”. I loved this film growing up as a kid (and nothing as changed today). I mean who doesn’t love the idea of a killer Santa Clause. This is the first time that this film has ever been released on Blu-ray but Anchor Bay sadly gives this film no love at all and it will surely just enrage any true horror fan. Recommended only for the very true avid collectors, otherwise stick with your DVDs.

Official Premise: “Silent Night, Deadly Night” is the heartwarming story of little Billy Chapman who was traumatized by his parents’ Christmas Eve rape and murder, then brutalized by sadistic orphanage nuns. But when a grown-up Billy is forced to dress as jolly St. Nick, he goes on a yuletide rampage to ‘punish then naughty’. Santa Clause is coming to town…and this time he’s got an axe!

So I am happy with the fact that this Blu-ray includes the original unrated version, but I am not thrilled that the transfer feels like nothing better than a DVD upscale. Also the uncut scenes are not cleaned up at all and stick out like a sore thumb. This could have easily been cleaned up in the restoration process. The audio included is not terrible boasting a decent Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track.

Then we get to the special features, which are definitely going to let down again. Firstly, they are missing the original trailer which started all the controversy and protecting about the film. There is a new commentary track from Writer Michael Hickey, Composer Perry Botkin, Editor/2nd Unit director Michael Spence and Co-Executive Producer Scott J. Schneid. It is new but is also quite a bore and almost painful to listen to. Lastly there is the unauthorized interview from director Charles E. Sellier, Jr. and Poster and Stills Gallery included.

There is plenty of effort they could have put into this release but you can tell that it is frankly just lazy. Lame special features, mixed with a poor 1080p transfer, I am left shaking my head with disappointment. When you look at what other companies like Scream Factory, Synapse Films and Grindhouse Releasing are doing with there releases, Anchor Bay is falling into the discount bargain bin category.  This is definitely not a  30th Anniversary Edition quality release.

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Starring: Akio Ôtsuka, Atsuko Tanaka, Kouichi Yamadera, Tamio Ohki, Iemasa Kayumi, Yutaka Nakano
Directors: Mamoru Oshii
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: September 23, 2014
Run Time: 82 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 0 out of 5 stars

If you are counting on your fingers wondering if you are going nuts, don’t worry the answer is no. “Ghost in the Shell” did come out in 1995 and it has only been 19 years since its release. This Blu-ray celebrates the the 25th anniversary of the publication of Masamune Shirow’s original manga. If you are scratching your head again wondering how this compares to the 2009 “Ghost in the Shell 2.0” Blu-ray release, you are not alone again, but luckily I will explain. The 2.0 cut was a new version of the film with over 250 reworked scenes, remastered by Mamoru Oshii himself including a new voice cast recording and brand new score from Kenji Kawai. The original theatrical cut has never been released before on Blu-ray, so this is the first time. Honestly though unless you are a hardcore fan, who needs the original cut (which is pretty awesome to have don’t get me wrong), I wouldn’t rush out to pick this up.

Official Premise: Set in the year 2029 and following World Wars III and IV, a Japanese-led Asian block dominates world affairs. The alliance maintains its international supremacy through its elite security force whose cybernetically enhanced operatives tackle an array of hi-tech terrorists and other threats to international security. These augmented agents can “ghost hack” (i.e., download their consciousness) via the now omnipresent internet into other machines and human/machine cross breeds. Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cybernetically augmented female agent, has been tracking a virtual entity known as the Puppet Master with her crack squad of security agents. The shape-shifting Puppet Master, a rogue creation of a rival agency of the security apparatus, has concluded that it is a life form in its own right, “born in sea of information,” and requested political asylum and true physical existence in defiance of its creators.

This 25th Anniversary Blu-ray release includes a HD remaster of the original, unaltered theatrical cut of the film. This version has never been released on Blu-ray before, which is a cool thing but I expected so much more from the “25th Anniversary release” The audio tracks includes are a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 for the English track and only a LPCM 2.0 for the Japanese track. If you recall the 2009 Blu-ray we got DTS-HD Master Audio 6.1 for both Japanese and English tracks along with LPCM 2.0 as well for each. This Blu-ray just doesn’t cut it for me in comparison. Plus there are ZERO special features included on this release besides a booklet with an interview from Mamoru Oshii and an article on the “The World of Ghost in the Shell” and “The Impact of Ghost in the Shell”, which makes for a nice read but hardly enough to warrant a re-buy.

Now available on VOD and in limited  theatrical release, Terry Gilliam returns to his Brazil-dystopic roots with Zero Theorem. The highly energetic director and member of Monty Python gleefully joined young actor Lucas Hedges to discuss the film at length in New York.

Zero Theorem finds Qohen Leth (Christoph Waltz) in a neon-lit Orwellian nightmare. He is a cog in a massive corporate machine, Mancom, who is desperately awaiting a phone call that will reveal the meaning of his life. Counterproductively his menacing boss, referred to simply as Management (Matt Damon) charges Qohen with proving the Zero Theorem which states that the entire universe will eventually collapse in on itself rendering all existence meaningless.

While Zero Theorem arguably completes a trio of dystopian films after Gilliam’s own Brazil and 12 Monkeys, it now joins a host of modern future-set films that are increasingly Orwellian or apocalyptic rather than hopeful, I asked Gilliam what he thought of this trend of humanity not exactly looking towards The Future as idealized. The director cheerfully threw his arms open and “defended” Zero Theorem’s busy, candy-colored vision of the future:

Terry Gilliam: “This is not a dystopia! It’s Utopia. It’s a wonderful world! C’mon! Everybody’s out there, they’re dressed smartly, they got a lotta color. They’re bouncing around the place, cars are zipping back and forth–Shopping is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week–what more do you want?! I mean, the workplace, Mancom is FUN. Roller blades, scooters, zippy clothes, lots of primary colors. It’s a fantastic place. There’s only ONE guy who’s the dystopic element [laughs], miserable guy, called Qohen. And he needs a kick in the ass. And [Lucas] is one of the kicks!”

Lucas Hedges: “Yes.”

Gilliam: “It’s really that. I mean everyone keeps referring to it as dystopia. If you think the world we’re living in now is a dystopia, then you may be right! But we’ve been looking forward to this time for so many years! We got all the goodies.”

Hedges: It’s a matter of what perspective we see it from. And we see it from Qohen’s perspective and he has a–I guess his perspective is very much nihilistic and dystopic and sad.

Gilliam: “That’s really it. He’s the odd man out.”

Hedges: “I’m sure there’s a way of looking at the world we’re living in now from a certain perspective that makes our world look dystopic. I mean, maybe it is or maybe it isn’t but it depends on whose eyes you see it from.”

Gilliam: “I mean my tendency in films is to see the less good things in society. And the world we’re living in. Because at least those are the things you can criticize and possibly comment on and possibly it might change something in some small ways. Not likely [laughs] but we can pretend we have some potency in our ability to help change the world. [Lucas has] got to believe things like this . He’s got a whole life ahead of him, I’m old, I know the truth! [Laughs]”

Gilliam later elaborated on the world as it is today, where the amount of clutter is not exactly far off from his designs in Theorem.

Gilliam: “My complaint, it seems we’re becoming more and more infantile in the fact that ‘Oh! there’s something interesting! I’ve got to put that in my mouth!’ We don’t, but it’s effectively that ‘I WANT IT NOW’ not, I’m not going to work towards it, I’m not gonna wait. I need it now. And that’s in fact infantile. But that’s what we’ve become. I mean a lot of the film is a resistance to that, to escape it. I mean for me, coming to New York, it’s like Qohen going out his front door. I mean it’s just like WHAT?! In London we’re overwhelmed with stuff but it’s provincial and pissy-small compared to walking into Times Square.

And you think, ‘what is this about?’ and where do we fit in to it. I mean are we just these little dots that connect around the way? Are we just becoming social insects like worker bees? You  know our job is to keep tweeting and connecting, spreading those pheromones, they sort of go through the ether as opposed to antenna going [wiggles fingers at Lucas]…So nobody really has to have an individual opinion, people are sort of constantly communicating ‘Should I say that? Is that right? Have I gone too far? Have I offended? Am I rude?’ All these words keep coming up and mine are just FUCK THIS! People have got to start being individual and offensive.

I’m obsessed about offending people [laughs] Because it’s when you get a discussion going now, maybe. You might start talking about things rather than ducking and diving. I’ve watched my daughter say ‘oh that was very rude’ AND? [laughs] What do you think about that thought? You wanna talk about it?”

Hedges plays Bob, Management’s teenage son who is there to speed along Quohen’s progress. From this press conference, it was obvious that teenage Hedges and Gilliam were so pleased to be working with each other, and they elaborated on how he was cast in the film:

Lucas Hedges:  “I sent in a tape to Terry as an audition and then a week later I got cast. Which is very strange. Especially for a role of this proportion…that doesn’t happen. And we arranged to talk on the phone and [Terry] called me up…we spoke and it was–his energy was absolutely incredible. It was absolutely incredible! And he was insane! Absolutely insane and he was going on about what was going on in [Bucharest, Romania, where the film was shot] and about Vlad Tempish and about Dracula and it was lovely. And it was clear right off the bat that this is a man who doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world. Really. And he’s an individual artist and I guess that’s my origin with Terry…Meeting Terry–I mean hearing [him] for the first time was something I’ll never forget.”

Terry Gilliam: “When I saw him in Moonrise Kingdom, there was one guy that kinda popped off the screen for me. And it turned out to be this one. I’d never seen him before or anything and then [he] sent that tape in. I had only taped one kid in London. There was one kid who was kind of interesting, he was the only person I started putting on tape. And Lucas’s tape came in and I said that’s it! Done. Magic. It was simple as that. I didn’t have a single doubt. He just cracked it, boom. That’s the character. Then I called him and I tried to frighten him off and I failed. [Laughs] And it was wonderful I mean [he] was really thrown in the deep end with someone like Christoph.”

Hedges: “Yeah and it was a scary transition both from Brooklyn to Romania to working with Christoph and in a world that was very foreign. Both from a filmmaking standpoint and a social standpoint. But it really became a home and it really worked out.”

Up next for Hedges is playing Jeremy Renner’s son in Kill the Messenger.
Meanwhile, the internet has recently stirred up a renewed interest in Gilliam’s long-gestating Don Quixote project which was last addressed in the 2002 doc, Lost in La Mancha. Unfortunately, this conference took place just a couple days too late for hopeful news:

Gilliam: “Today, I don’t know. I knew two days ago. Today I don’t know anymore. I got an e-mail the other night. So I’m not gonna say anything. Things are [Gilliam wavers his hands in the air]…gone liquid again. We shall see. It’s something for me to think about when I don’t have a job. That’s the important thing. A man’s gotta keep the mind occupied. And pretending is the best way there is to go through life.”

Starring: Justin Long, Michael Parks, Haley Joel Osment
Directed By: Kevin Smith
Rated: R
Running Time: 102 minutes
A24 Studios

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Ah yes, that uncertain feeling of love or hate when walking out of the movie theater. It seems A24 has this knack for finding these bizarre titles that leaving me feeling a bit clueless on my personal opinions and emotions. On one hand, during “Tusk”, I couldn’t stand it and wondered if it would be ethical for me to just get up and walk out of the theater, and still talk be able to with you about it. But on the other hand, some part of me, that watches and giggles during Troma movies, enjoyed this perverse hodgepodge of midnight horror and black comedy.

“Tusk” was an idea born on a podcast (I’m sorry, smodcast) that for some reason became Smith’s return to movies. If you remember, he stated that he was retiring from filmmaking…then said he was going to come back and do “Clerk III” and that would be his last movie…then somewhere along the line “Tusk” happened. Seems like this may have been some kind of last minute idea that was quickly rushed, and at times during “Tusk”, it definitely shows.

Wallace (Long) has the job that’s only possible in movies; he makes his living as a podcast host. He’s the mean spirited man behind the “The Not-See Party” show which provides a string of predictable jokes throughout the movie (Nazi! Get it? OK then…). He plans on going to Canada where he will interview a viral media star and most likely embarrass him for his adoring fans. Much to his selfish dismay, the kid has killed himself, and he doesn’t want to waste his $500 plane ticket, so he takes an ad found in a bathroom that promises a fantastic story/adventure.

He drives to the middle of nowhere to an eerie mansion owned by Howard Howe (Parks). He’s a salty old man that glides from spot to spot in his wheelchair and seems suspiciously excited to tell the inconsiderate Wallace about his lifelong adventures. Among his tales, he spins a story about his encounter with a walrus…the only creature that ever loved him. During his story, Wallace fails to realize that his tea has been drugged. He passes out and awakes to a horrifying scenario. Wallace, through the visually grotesque art of surgery, will turn him into a walrus. Now comes the part of the movie where people might start walking out.

For those who remain seated, Parks never runs out of scenery to chew and it’s a surprise he never gets full off it. Every scene he is in is a joy to watch as he talks like a well-learned aristocrat, but flips on a dime to a walrus obsessed sociopath that would give the creepiest of animal lovers the heebie jeebies. I’m not sure who turned Smith on to this wonderful actor, but he’s definitely been the saving grace now in Smith’s past two movies.

As a comedy, I didn’t chuckle; although the prospect of a disfigured human-walrus hybrid version of Long does make me smile. I almost laughed at the surprise cameo in the third act of the film, but even before the big reveal I had some sneaking suspicion about who it was. He definitely adds a certain flavor to his scenes, but one in particular feels long, dry and unfunny.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Kevin Smith fans will gobble this up like most of his releases and that’s not to say I’m not a fan of his work. One of my biggest concerns is that this is a man that still needs an editor’s input. There’s a couple long winded moments where Smith plays show and tell where just showing or telling would have been perfectly sufficient to explain the scenario. He has progressed as a filmmaker since his incredibly low-budget cult classic “Clerks”, but he seems to playing to his audience more than he’s trying to find something new to do.

As for the final verdict on “Tusk”, it’s still an internal debate as I finish this up. It’s definitely one of Smith’s weaker entries into his catalogue. Its purpose feels misguided, if there is a purpose, and feels lazy in some regards. I think it’s a movie I enjoyed, but it’s definitely not something I can recommend unless you’re a fan of Smith’s work or someone who grew up on Joe Bob Brigg’s Monster Vision and have a “refined” taste for hokey monster suits and over-the-top villain theatrics.

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Starring: Jason Bateman, Tina Fey and Jane Fonda
Directed by: Shawn Levy
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 43 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Meet the Altman family. Judd (Bateman) just came home early to find his wife (Abigail Spencer) in bed with his boss (Dax Shepard). Oldest brother Paul (Corey Stoll) is doing everything and more to get his wife pregnant. Sister Wendy (Fey) is the family sounding board. And youngest brother Phillip (Adam Driver) is still the kid who has never grown up. When their father dies they are summoned by their mother Hilary (Fonda) to “sit Shiva” for seven days in the family home. It may turn out to be the longest week of all their lives.

An incredibly emotional ensemble piece, perfectly matching laughter and tears, “This Is Where I Leave You” is the first official Oscar contender of the fall. As the siblings spend time in the house they grew up in, their memories of their lives, both with and without their father, overtake them. A vulnerable Judd rekindles a friendship with an old flame (a perfectly cast Rose Byrne) while Phillip shows up driving a Porsche carrying his much older girlfriend – and psychiatrist – (Connie Britton). Paul, who helped his dad run the family’s sporting goods business, is appalled that he must now share it with his siblings while Wendy must deal with an old romance with the boy (Timothy Olyphant) across the street, a former shell of himself mentally due to a car accident. “Is it the whole world or just our family,” Judd asks at one point. Overseeing the brood, Mama Hilary (and her newly augmented breasts) does her best to have the answers to all of her children’s questions even though she has no one to help answer hers.

The cast is spot on perfect. Bateman and Stoll deliver as the two voices of reason while Fey shows a very little seen dramatic side. Fonda shows why she has been a star for almost 50 years (“Cat Ballou” came out in 1965). But the scene stealer here is Driver, who I was only familiar with thanks to small roles in “Lincoln” and “Inside Llewelyn Davis” and has a recurring role in the HBO comedy “Girls.” Every time he is on screen you can’t help but be drawn to his energy. Driver has a top-secret role in the upcoming “Star Wars: Episode VII” and my fingers are crossed that he’s playing Han Solo’s son. He has that roguish quality about him (like Harrison Ford did in the first film) that makes it almost impossible to dislike him.

As fall approaches the weather is changing and so are the films. I hope you take the opportunity to spend some time with the Altman family.

Actors: Olan Rogers, Travis Tritt, Mark Stuart, Walt Disney
Directors: Logan Sekulow
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Vision Films
DVD Release Date: September 16, 2014
Run Time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

If you are a Disney fan, than you probably have heard of “As Dreamers Do: Amazing Life of Walt Disney”, which looks into the early years of the man behind the mouse. The film features country singer Travis Tritt as the narrator of the story and Olan Rogers plays Walt Disney, who doesn’t a decent job in the role. The film never really takes off for me (limited by its budget) but it is still rather entertaining for the whole family…especially Disney fans. Worth a rent.

Official Premise: Behind every great mouse there is a man. Armed with an ever-growing imagination and eternal optimism, Walt begins to develop skills as an animator early in life. He overcomes a variety of hardships to become one of the biggest icons in the world: Walt Disney.

In case you didn’t know, this film is not the only film based on the early years of Walt Disney. There is also the upcoming “Walt Before Mickey” coming out, which stars Thomas Ian Nicholas and Jon Heder. I am anxiously awaiting that film since I have heard it is a close adaption to the Timothy S. Susanin’s book of the same title. “As Dreamers Do: Amazing Life of Walt Disney” is available now on VOD, online at Amazon.com and Walmart in stores on September 23rd.

Starring: Cinda Adams, Edward Asner, George Babbit, Murray Blue, Kathleen Browers, Joey Camen
Directors: Ben Stassen, Jeremie Degruson
Distributed: Shout! Factory
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: September 30, 2014
Running Time: 85 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
3D: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

“Thunder and The House of Magic” is the latest family movie from the directors Ben Stassen and Jeremie Degruson, who are behind other international films like “A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventure” and “Fly Me to the Moon”. This film has a fantastic original music by composer Ramin Djawadi (“Game of Thrones”) and also from pop-star Selena Gomez. The film is clever and the visuals are definitely easy on the eyes, though the story does deliver much magic. Kids would definitely dig it and parents should be able to stomach it.

Official Premise: Thunder, an abandoned young cat seeking shelter from a storm, stumbles into the strangest house imaginable, owned by an old magician and inhabited by a dazzling array of automatons and gizmos. Thunder must learn how to get along with the other animals living there. When the magician gets into a car accident, however, the pets must join forces against an evil nephew who tries to sell his house.

Shout! Factory delivered this film with a two-disc Blu-ray™ 3D Combo Pack (including a Blu-ray 3D and 2D, DVD and digital copy). The digital copy though is outdated since it is not through Ultraviolet. The 3D in the film is great and executed very well with otherwise impressive depth. The DTS-HD Master Audio track also works well with the film’s music.

This release is currently only available exclusively at Walmart stores everywhere. There are some special features included but nothing special. “Origins” is a look into the how the film was born. “Character Animation” looks into the style used to create these fluffy stars. “The Making of the Soundtrack” dives into the tunes for the film. Lastly there is a teaser and trailer included.

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Starring: Liam Neeson, Dan Stevens, Brian ‘Astro’ Bradley
Directed By: Scott Frank
Rated: R
Running Time: 113 minutes
Universal Pictures

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Liam Neeson has traded in his concussion inducing fists, action film one liners and torture tactics — at least for the time being — for his latest role in “A Walk Among the Tombstones”. Many will be expecting another hit-man seeking revenge action flick, but Neeson shows some quiet restraint as Matthew, a former NYPD cop turned gumshoe. Instead of making grand leaps throughout Europe, Neeson strolls through the grim landscape of Brooklyn, that’s seemingly trapped in a perpetual state of rain. It definitely atches Matthew’s weathered face and grim outlook on life. These are the kind of roles I like Liam Neeson in.

Matthew lives a very minimalist life. It’s shows because he doesn’t have a computer or cell phone. But that’s OK, it’s 1999 in this movie, and there’s still pay phones littered all around the area and people are freaking out over Y2K. He’s recently been hired by Kenny (Stevens), a well to do drug dealer. He’s kind of like the upper middle class in the drug dealing ring. He loves clean modern furniture and doesn’t abuse his product. Kenny hopes Matthew can track down a duo of beasts, that kidnapped his wife, demanded a ransom, and then after receiving their pay day, delivered his wife back in multiple, small, neatly wrapped cocaine bags in the trunk of a car that you would suspect a drug dealer would drive.

These pair of monsters that Matthew is tracking down would make Hannibal Lecter drool with delight, but unlike Lecter, they lack charisma and charm. One appears to derive pleasure from sexual violence and watching his victims squirm while the other assailant simply appears to be in it for the money; sampling the pieces of his partner’s blood lust. They’re a real disgusting pair to watch at work. We come to find out they’re hitting up drug dealers to satisfy both of their appetites and have a decent sized portfolio of potential victims. As the movie goes, so does their descent into darker wants and needs.

“Tombstones” is one of the best made thrillers in recent memory, leaving the motivations and deepest levels of depravity of the villains up in the air, creating a nauseating sense of suspense in the viewer’s gut. The film takes a couple of moments to breathe with the introduction of TJ (Bradley), a homeless African-American child that looks up to Matthew. TJ feels like a speed bump in the pace when he’s first introduced, but it becomes clear towards the latter half that his introduction was to provide Matthew with an outlet to voice his inner demons and find that sliver of hope in his personal pit of despair.

It’s interesting watching the supposed good guy of the film quickly shrug off the protagonist role. While Matthew might not be personally invested in the crime, he’s attached his own path of soulful enlightenment by how he reacts to each step towards solving the mystery and its eventual outcome. Neeson has no problem handling the weighty emotions of Matthew and if these are the kind of roles we can expect from Neeson in the future, count me in.

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Voices of: Diedrich Bader, John DiMaggio, James Arnold Taylor, Will Friedle, Tom Kenny, Corey Burton
Developed by: James Tucker, Michael Jelenic
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Running Time: 590 minutes

Season: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

Season two of “Batman: Brave and the Bold” really stepped up the ante delivering the series with classics voice talent from the “Batman” franchise returning as guest stars including Julie Newmar (66’s Batman), Adam West (66’s Batman), Mark Hamill (Star Wars, Batman: The Animated Series) along with other greats including. Paul Reubens (Pee-wee’s Playhouse) and Tyler James Williams (Everybody Hates Chris). There is also a crossover featuring Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang, who assist the Dynamic Duo in rescuing “Weird Al” Yankovic. Even genre favorite voice of Batman, Kevin Conroy, makes an appearance.

Official Premise: Braver. Bolder. Season two of “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” delivers more of the action you want, as the caped crusader continues to team up with heroes from across the DC Universe in this latest interpretation of the classic Batman franchise from Warner Bros. Animation. Featuring nonstop adventure with a touch of comic relief, Blue Beetle, Green Arrow, Aquaman and countless others uphold justice alongside Batman. Though still based in Gotham, Batman frequently finds himself outside city limits, facing situations that are both unfamiliar and exhilarating. With formidable foes at every turn, Batman must still rely on his stealth, resourcefulness and limitless supply of cool gadgets to bring justice home. With more action-packed antics and characters like Firestorm and Metal Men.

This season consists of 26 episodes including: “Long Arm of the Law!”; “Revenge of the Reach!”; “Death Race to Oblivion!”; “Aquaman’s Outrageous Adventure!”; “The Golden Age of Justice!”; “Clash of the Metal Men!”; “A Bat Divided!”; “Sidekicks Assemble!”; “The Super-Batman of Planet X!”; “The Power of Shazam!”; “Chill of the Night!”; “Gorillas in Our Midst!”; “The Siege of Starro! Part One & Two”;”Requiem for a Scarlet Speedster!”; “The Last Patrol!”; “The Mask of Matches Malone!”; “Menace of the Madniks!”; “Emperor Joker!”; “The Criss Cross Conspiracy!”; “The Plague of the Prototypes!”; “Cry Freedom Fighters!”; “The Knights of Tomorrow!”; “Darkseid Descending!”; “Bat-Mite Presents: Batman’s Strangest Cases!” and “The Malicious Mr. Mind!”

If it wasn’t for Warner Bros Archive, this series wouldn’t ever see the light of day on Blu-ray. They are making these are ordered. So they are going to be available for a limited time. If you love this show, I wouldn’t make haste with getting this. The 1080p transfers are solid and really look great. The colors are sharp and the animation is well represented. Each episode also comes with a solid DTS HD-Master Audio 2.0 surround track. There are no special features included here. More still to come with “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” since there is still one more season to go! So keep an eye out mid next year since we had to wait about 10 months between the first and second seasons…but hey at least they are coming!