Voices of: Addison Holley, Annick Obonsawin, Avery Kadish, Devan Cohen, Helen Taylor
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 16, 2014
Run Time: 188 Minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Ella the Elegant Elephant” premiered on Disney Junior this past February, which is based on the book series written by Carmela D’Amico and illustrated by Steven D’Amico. I would like to say that I absolutely love this series but my daughter never really latched on to the show. It is cute following Ella the Elephant and her magical red hat through stories about fun, friendship, love and laughs but the show just didn’t stand a chance about others like “Sofia the First”, “Doc McStuffins” and “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”. It is still hard to say no to that cute face and who knows maybe this DVD will allow us to become bigger fans of this show.

Official Premise: Journey to an island of adventures where the magic of friendship has never been so much fun! Join Ella and her kindhearted friends in this all-new animated series featuring eight charming episodes. Elephant Island is home to many curiosities but Ella and her friends’ appetite for fun lands them in some tricky, often hilarious situations. It’s up to Ella’s imagination and her magic red hat to save the day! It’s a must-own collection of delightful stories centered on highlighting teamwork, lessons and adventure for the whole family to enjoy.

“Ella the Elephant Season 1 Volume 1: The Magic of Friendship” contains eight episodes from the seires including: “Ella’s Got Talent/Safety First”; “Trunk Trooper/Ella in Charge”; “Girls’ Club/Soapbox Squabble”; “Treasure Hunters/Ella Borrows Trouble”; “Ella Bakes a Cake/Camp Ella”; “Ella on the Ball/Up, Up and Away”; “Tea Party Trouble/Home Again” and “Ella’s Carnival/Monkey Business”. There are no other special features included on the DVD other than the episodes. With 26 episodes created for the first season, we can surely expect another two volumes of this show to complete the season.

Starring: Phoebe Tonkin, Joseph Morgan, Claire Holt, Daniel Gillies, Leah Pipes, Danielle Campbell
Number of discs: 9
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 2, 2014
Run Time: 929 minutes

Season: 2 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

If there was one thing that I liked about “The Vampire Diaries” it was the characters, Elijah, Klaus and Rebekah. So spin-off series “The Originals” should have been a home run since it focused on these three characters. Unfortunately, that was not the case here. Right from the pilot episode, I wasn’t really feeling the vibe of this new series. The first season “The Originals” stars Joseph Morgan, Daniel Gillies, Claire Holt, Phoebe Tonkin (The Vampire Diaries, The Secret Circle), Charles Michael Davis (Grey’s Anatomy), Danielle Pineda (Homeland), Leah Pipes (Sorority Row), and Danielle Campbell (Prison Break). Even though, I wasn’t drawn in by this spin-off series, it’s core audience was and the show will be returning for a second season on October 6, 2014 on The CW.

Official Premise: This sexy and thrilling new series from The Vampire Diaries’ executive producer Julie Plec centers on the Original vampire family and the dangerous vampire/werewolf hybrid, Klaus (Joseph Morgan), who returns to the magical melting pot that is the French Quarter of New Orleans — a town he helped build centuries ago. Acting on a mysterious tip that a plot is brewing against him, Klaus’ questions lead him to his diabolical former protégé, Marcel (Charles Michael Davis), a charismatic vampire with total control over the human and supernatural inhabitants of the city. Determined to help his brother Klaus find redemption, Elijah (Daniel Gillies) follows Klaus and is soon forced to side with Marcel’s enemies. Meanwhile, Klaus and Elijah’s sister, Rebekah (Claire Holt), must decide if she’ll join her brothers in New Orleans and help them to reclaim their hometown and all its extraordinary offerings.

Warner Bros is releasing this first season a combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copies of each of the 22 Episodes. The 1080p transfer captures the beautuy of New Orleans well. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track sounds good as well with the tone of the show. The special features are decent with over two hours Of never-before-seen featurettes and more included. There is a audio commentary track on the pilot with Creator Julie Plec and Director Chris Grismer. Included are highlights from the 2013 Comic-Con Panel with Executive producer Julie Plec and the cast, as well as 2014 PaleyFest Panel. “The Originals: Origins” tells the story of how the show was born. “The Originals: Re-mixing History” talks about blending fact with fiction for the series. “The Original Vampires: A Bite-sized Backstory” is a certain recap of the season. Lastly there are some deleted scenes included.

Created by: Man of Action Studios
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Cartoon Network
Release Date: September 16, 2014
Run Time: 110 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Ben 10: Omniverse” is the fourth installment in the “Ben 10” franchise. “Galactic Monsters” is the setting for the shows fifth season, which just recently completed airing. I have never really watched much of this show in the past…an episode here and there maybe. But this is definitely a solid show with some great action and humor mixed. For those “Ben 10” fans, get ready cause besides the more volumes from this season coming up, this October also brings the new season “The Evil Rooters”.

Official Premise: Sometimes it takes a real monster to defeat a real monster. So Ben is transforming into some awesome monster heroes in the latest DVD release “Ben 10 Omniverse: Galactic Monsters.” Watch for almost 2 action packed hours as Ben transforms into heroes like Frankenstrike and Whampire as he battles the most vile villains in the galaxy including the evil Lord Transyl on Monster Planet. It’s spooky! It’s kooky! It’s “Ben 10 Omniverse: Galactic Monsters”.

This volume five DVD comes with the following “Galactic Monsters” Episodes: “Rad Monster Party”; “Charmed, I’m Sure” and “The Vampire Strikes Back”. There are also two bonus episodes including “Something Zombozo This Way Comes” and “Mystery, Incorporeal” from the fifth season as well. I do not know why Cartoon Network  didn’t just included the remaining three episodes to make this a complete season. This is a little bit of a letdown for sure. But don’t worry parents since I doubt that kids will even notice, this is more a concern for the show’s older audience.

Starring: William Salyers
Studio: Cartoon Network
Release Date: September 9, 2014
Run Time: 176 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

If you watch “Regular Show”, you probably love the character of Rigby just like I do. If you do they the latest DVD of Cartoon Network’s hit show “Regular Show: Rigby Pack” is definitely for you. I had a chance to interview the voice behind the character last year, William Salyers, click here to read interview and he is just the coolest guy ever!

“Regular Show: Rigby Pack” is actually the eighth DVD release of “Regular Show”. It features a collection of sixteen episodes from spread out from seasons one through five of the show. Complete episode list are “Bank Shot”; “Don”; “Temp Check”; “Rigby in the Sky With Burrito”; “Return of Mordecai and the Rigbys”; ; “Wall Buddy”; “Survival Skills”; “One Pull Up”; “This Is My Jam”; “Trash Boat”; “A Bunch of Full Grown Geese”; “Journey to the Bottom of the Crash Pit”; “The Heart of a Stuntman”; “Fool Me Twice”; “Sandwich of Death” and “Rigby’s Body”.

Last year Cartoon Network released the complete first season on Blu-ray and there hasn’t been a peep of when season two will be released yet alone all the way through season five. As much as I love these themed released, I really hope that they get on track with the complete seasons and start cranking them out on Blu-ray. Until then you can get your “Regular Show” fix with this great collection of amazing episodes!! WOOOOOAAAAHHHHHH!!!!

WBHE to offer new films in sleek premium Blu-ray™ packaging

Burbank, Calif., June 20, 2014 – On September 30, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) will launch its new Diamond Luxe Editions – special new releases that will be offered in sleek and elegant collector-style packaging.

The releases selected to introduce the packaging will be two-disc sets of anniversary editions, alternate cuts and other signature titles – all of which will boast new or out­standing vintage bonus features.

The first group of Diamond Luxe Edition titles includes anniversary editions of The Green Mile, Gremlins, Natural Born Killers and Forrest Gump. Ben-Hur will also be offered in a new Two-Disc Blu-ray™ edition. All are available for $24.98 SRP. Details follow in a day-and-date separate announcement, which is attached.

Diamond Luxe Editions represent state-of-the art-design, intended to communicate sophistication, class and value. They are an homage to the company’s iconic film catalog and designed to encourage collectability – a boon to home libraries everywhere.

Noted Jeff Baker, WBHE’s Theatrical Catalog EVP & GM, “While mainstream home entertainment packaged media may have peaked, there still is a substantial audience of movie enthusiasts for many titles from our theatrical library, the largest of any studio. These consumers demand not only extra features but also packaging that’s aesthetically pleasing and durable. We are looking forward in the future to judiciously releasing films utilizing this new and innovative packaging.”

WBHE, a trend setter with 13 consecutive years as the industry’s market share leader[1], is known for its award-winning packaging designs (most recently, it won The Hollywood Reporter ‘s 2013 Grand Key Art Award for Harry Potter Wizards Collection). The studio expects this new design to further solidify its key market segment of Blu-ray catalog sell-through, anticipating the attractive yet practical packaging will create a new brand identity and make a special impression with movie enthusiasts and collectors.

Blu-ray Disc™ and Blu-ray™ and the logos are the trademarks of Blu-ray Disc Association.

Warner Home Video Blu-ray Discs™ offer resolution six times higher than standard definition DVDs, as well as extraordinarily vibrant contrast and color and beautifully crisp sound. The format also provides a higher level of interactivity, with instant access to extra features via a seamless menu bar where viewers can enjoy features without leaving or interrupting the film.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees, as well as directly to consumers through WBShop.com and WBUltra.

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Director: Okihiro Yoneda, Kunio Miyoshi, Shûsuke Kaneko, Masaaki Tezuka, Takao Okawara
Rated: Not rated / PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 9, 2014
Run Time: 306 / 193 / 107 minutes

Rebirth of Mothra I-III: 3 out of stars
Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack: 4 out of stars
Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla: 3.5 out of stars
Godzilla 2000: 4 out of stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

With the new reboot of “Godzilla” streeting on Blu-ray this month, we are getting a second bunch of Blu-ray in the “The Toho Godzilla Collection”. This next set including “Rebirth of Mothra”, “Rebirth of Mothra II”, “Rebirth of Mothra III”, “Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack”, “Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla” and “Godzilla 2000”. Being a hardcore Godzilla fan, I couldn’t be happier to be receiving this latest bunch. I remember rushing out to the theater opening day first show to catch “Godzilla 2000”.

There are 28 films in “”The Toho Godzilla Collection”, even though The Mothra films really aren’t included in that number. After this patch of films that leaves us with only nine films that haven’t been released on Blu-ray including “Godzilla Raids Again”, “Mothra vs. Godzilla”, “Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster”, “Invasion of Astro-Monster”, “Son of Godzilla”, “All Monsters Attack”, “Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla”, “Terror of Mechagodzilla” and “Godzilla 1985”. Here’s hoping that Sony or anyone else has the rights to release these…it would be great to see the complete collection available to fans.

“Rebirth of Mothra I-III” make up the first Blu-ray. I know the Mothra films are super cheesy but they are just plain fun. But Mothra can still kick some major ass for sure. “Rebirth of Mothra II” has a bit of an environmental agenda but still a decent film. It definitely has a certain kid-version of “Indiana Jones” going on as well here, or at least I always thought it did. Same goes for “Rebirth of Mothra III”, which continues its focus towards kids. It is definitely still a decent film and packs a serious battle as well in the trilogy.

“Rebirth of Mothra” Official Premise: Mothra, one of Godzilla’s longtime allies (and sometimes foe) gets her very own movie series in this, the first of a trilogy. When the three-headed Death Ghidorah, an even fiercer cousin of King Ghidorah, begins to destroy the forests of Japan, Mothra leaves her island paradise to help save them. “Rebirth of Mothra II” Official Premise: Two young kids inadvertently unleash a giant sea creature which is somehow strengthened from the abundance of modern-day pollution. Mothra’s keepers, the tiny twins Moll and Lora, quickly rouse the gentle giant in order to combat this latest threat to peace. “Rebirth of Mothra III” Official Premise: In the final film in the new ‘Mothra’ trilogy, King Ghidorah, the most destructive of all the monsters, returns to destroy the Earth. In the end, Mothra is indeed triumphant and takes her place among the greatest of all monsters.

Each of these films actually delivered pretty unexpectedly great 1080p transfers. I was not expecting to see such a clean and impressive transfers. There are two DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 surround tracks for each film, the original Japanese and an English dub. I am going to stick with the Japanese track each of these films since they generally end up feeling much more natural and an overall a slightly better track, no question. The only special features includes for each film are three teasers (“Rebirth of Mothra III” only has two teasers) and a theatrical trailer included.

Next up is “Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack”, which easily wins the longest title in Godzilla history and “Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla”. “Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah” was made to basically reboot the series since it only pays attention to the original 1954 film and the (terrible) 1998 remake. The film packs a big budget compared to past installments. It is far from perfect but is a fun entry for sure. “Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla” is a bit cheesy but still fun and has some solid battle scenes.  Plus I am a big sucker for anything Mechagodzilla.

“Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack” Official Premise: Fifty years ago, the Japanese Defense Forces killed Godzilla or so they thought. When a series of terrifying natural disasters begin to plague Japan, including the inexplicable offshore sinking of a U.S. submarine, a mystic old man warns his nation that Godzilla has come back to destroy Japan as revenge for all the souls lost in the Pacific War. When mere military might cannot squash the monster, the mystic man awakens the Holy Beasts of Yamato — King Ghidorah, Mothra and Baragon, sleeping giants that protected Japan in ancient times. These untamed mammoth beasts take on Godzilla with frightening supernatural brute power that has been 2,000 years in the making. Tradition and technology collide in this chilling high-tech, cutting-edge fable.

“Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla” Official Premise: After four years of scrupulous preparation under the prime minister, a new invincible robot, Mechagodzilla, has now reached completion, armed with various weapons, including the most powerful gun in history that can destroy anything in the world. Akane Yashiro is transferred to join the Mechagodzilla team as an operator who controls the mechanical monster. As soon as Mechagodzilla starts on its test run, the huge shadow of Godzilla begins to rise from the depths of the ocean…The battle of the century is going to take place between Godzilla and Mechagodzilla.

“Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack” delivers yet another solid presentation on Blu-ray.  The 1080p is sharp with its colors and very clean of any grain. Same again goes for “Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla”, which is slightly less impressive but still quite solid. The same does not go for the audio track though, “Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack” includes the original Japanese track and an English dub. They are both actually good entries and just depends on your preference. “Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla” has the same specs but the English dub is not listenable since it is so poorly acted. The Japanese cut is the only way to go here. Both films only contain their film’s Original Trailers as a bonus feature.

Lastly but not least is “Godzilla 2000”, one of my favorites. It is a not a perfect film like many of the “Godzilla” films but is a blast to watch. This Blu-ray also  contains two versions of the film. The 107 minute Japanese cut has never been released in the US before this, so fans should be going crazy over this one. The shorter 99 minutes English dub cut is also included as well. So even though you are not getting a real double feature here like the others or triple in terms of “Mothra”, but we are getting 1.5 movies for the price of one here.

“Godzilla 2000” Official Premise: Get ready to crumble! The king of all monsters is back and bigger than ever! The action heats up when a UFO reveals itself as a massive alien monster with awesome destructive powers. The alien monster heads straight for the behemoth GODZILLA(r) who’s just crushed the entire city for the battle of the millennium. But Godzilla’s furious heat beam may not be enough to destroy the death-dealing alien, and the future of humankind is in jeopardy. Now, it’s a bang-up, threeway, no-holds-barred brawl as Godzilla, the alien monster and the courageous citizens of Japan fight an unprecedented battle for survival in this earth-shattering new sci-fi action adventure that will blow you away.

“Godzilla 2000” Blu-ray presentation is surprising the least impressive out of this new batch of releases. It is not horrible but doesn’t have that clarity that the “Mothra” films pack. The film does have really great DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks. both original Japanese and English dub. This Blu-ray actually has some special features included unlike the rest. There is an audio commentary with Writer/Producer Michael Schlesinger, Editor Mike Mahoney, and Supervising Sound Editor Darren Paskal on the English version only. There is a very short “Behind the Scenes” featurette and of course, lastly there is an Original Trailer included.

Even though the special features on these three releases aren’t great. They do all include an Ultraviolet HD digital copy code, which is a worth the purchase of the disc alone. These films maybe not be perfect and some cheesy but Sony defintely still delivered good Blu-rays here. Like I said, I hope to see more of these in next year for sure. We have nine more films in the series and I hope that we can complete out the collection! Keep them coming Sony!

Starring: Kiara Muhammed, Loretta Devine, Robbie Rist, Lara Jill Miller, Jess Harnell
Creator: Chris Nee
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: September 9, 2014
Run Time: 120 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

From the moment we opened this DVD within in the next five minutes we were watching it. My daughter is so in love with Doc McStuffins and her lovable toys. She has her Doc bag of tools and literally gives her mom and dad a check up daily! Hey listen, if my daughter wants to play doctor, I am not going to stop her! This show is so sweet and one of my personal favorites as well on Disney Junior. The songs are short and sweet and easily get stuck in your head. If you and your kids love Doc McStuffins, I would definitely recommend this DVD.

Official Premise: “Doc McStuffins: School of Medicine” for five song-tastic episodes about staying happy and healthy, whether you’re a girl, a boy… or a toy! Share the fun as Doc teaches the toys to patch themselves up when they’re down, and shows them how visiting the dentist, seeing an optometrist and even getting an X-ray can work wonders! Banish the blurries as you help Professor Hootsburgh choose the perfect pair of glasses, get soccer star Johnny Foosball back in the game, and fix a friendly bath-time shark’s cracked tooth. Then, when Doc sprains her ankle, join the toys as they rush to her rescue. But don’t worry — with rest, patience, and plenty of cuddles, she’s back on her feet before you can say, “The Doc is in!”

There are five episodes included here, even though each one actually consists of two 15 minute episodes, so we actually get ten for this DVD. Here is the listing: 1. Chilly Gets Chilly / Through the Reading Glasses, 2. Disco Dress Up Daisy / The Glider Brothers, 3. Celestial Celeste / Run Doc Run! / 4. Hallie’s Happy Birthday / Shark-Style Toothache, 5. Think Pink / You Foose, You Lose. These are all very fun and educational episodes with a good message and some great and fun songs. The DVD set also comes with a Doc Dress-Up Play Set, which was also opened within minutes of receiving this DVD. Keep them coming Disney!

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Actors: Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, David Ramsey, Willa Holland, Emily Bett Rickards
Number of discs: 9
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 16, 2014
Rating TV-14
Run Time: 1056 minutes

Season: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

“Arrow” is a show that has certain gotten much better as its progresses. I originally stopped watching this show a few episodes into the first season since I figured it wouldn’t last and now today it is easily one of the smartest and coolest shows on the air. Plus superheroes are kinda hot today and this show is really showing its aces bringing out some great superheroes and most importantly solid villains. Based on the characters from DC Comics, “Green Arrow”, “Arrow” stars Stephen Amell (Private Practice), Katie Cassidy (Gossip Girl, Melrose Place), David Ramsey (Blue Bloods, Dexter), Willa Holland (The O.C.), Emily Bett Rickards (Flicka: Country Pride), Colton Haynes (Teen Wolf, The Gates), Manu Bennett (Spartacus, The Hobbit), with Susanna Thompson (Cold Case, NCIS) and Paul Blackthorne (The River). Can’t wait to see what they have planned for season three and of course the spin-off series for “The Flash”.

Official Premise: Billionaire archery enthusiast Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) returns for another season in Starling City. Sworn to fight crime and corruption in his city, Oliver (aka the Arrow) – with the help of the tech-savvy Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards) and his iron-fisted right hand, John Diggle (David Ramsey), and the occasional, reluctant assistance of former police detective Quentin Lance (Paul Blackthorne) – has been waging a one-man war on crime. But in all wars, there are casualties. To honor his fallen friend, Tommy Merlyn, and protect the people he loves, Oliver must rededicate himself to his mission and be more than just a vigilante. He must become a beacon of hope for the city’s most vulnerable…and a weapon of justice against those who prey upon them. Malcolm Merlyn (aka the Dark Archer) rocked Oliver Queen’s world in the first season finale of Arrow, but who’s going to pick up the pieces?

“Arrow: The Complete Second Season” comes as a combo pack including Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet copy of all 23 episodes from season two, plus the season one bonus recap episode. The 1080p transfers are nothing short of awesome. The show has really stepped it up from the first season and these transfers benefit from that. There is a nice style to this show and I love the way it is shot. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, which nails it with the shows action. The special features are a bit a let down for such a great season. There are three featurettes included. “From Vigilante to Hero” is a look into Oliver Queen’s journey from fighting crime to being Starling City’s savior. “How Did They Do That?!” looks into the show’s visual effects. “Wirework: The Impossible Moves of Arrow” dives into the fight sequences. Lastly there is the Arrow 2013 Comic Con Panel, some deleted scenes and a •gag reel included.

Starring: Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, Kat Graham, Steven R. McQueen, Candice Accola
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 9, 2014
Rated TV-14
Run Time: 968 minutes

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

Me and “The Vampire Diaries” kind of have a love/hate relationship for the last five seasons, I have been back and forth with it. I always say that I am done with this show yet we still find ourselves watching it. I blame Iam Somerhalder for being so damn cool! 😉 This fifth season is honestly starting the final approach for me. There is so much going on…there are too many doppelganger and the focus is just everywhere. I think this might be my last season…this time I mean it (I think…maybe…we’ll see). This show has definitely jumped the shark and but  it still has done better than its spin-off, “The Originals”, which flopped right from the first season. Still, if you love the show, season six is coming around the corner any day now, so get ready for more confusing vampire drama.

Official Premise: After a sizzling summer with Damon, Elena leaves Mystic Falls for Whitmore College and moves into a dorm with Caroline as her roomie, ready for new adventures and new friends. But dark thoughts gnaw at Elena, and soon familiar faces are back in the girls’ lives. There’s Stefan with his shadow self, Silas, plus Katherine, with a diabolical agenda and a jaw-dropping transformation. As the doppelgangers test destiny, pitting the Salvatore brothers against each other, the student body count rises — evidence of powerful forces on campus. The struggle later continues between the mysterious Travelers, new witches and our favorite vampires, fighting for their own survival and, ultimately, the fate of Mystic Falls.

Despite the season itself, Warner Bros has been giving this series solid Blu-ray and this one is no different. It comes as a combo pack with Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet. The 1080p transfer work with the style of the show as does the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 with all its trendy Hot Topic style music. The special features are decent but nothing amazing at all. There is “Reinvention: To The Other Side and Back” shows fans about the mystery of the “other side”. “I Know What You Did …In the Last 100 Episodes” is a glorified pop quiz feature. “A Day in the Afterlife” does behind-the-scenes with Graham, but is nothing special. Lastly there is a gag reel and some deleted scenes included.

Starring: Griffin Dunne, Madeleine Martin, Devon Graye, and Stuart Margolin
Directed By: Justin Schwarz
Rated: Not Rated
Running Time: 104 minutes

Our Score: 1.5 out of 5 stars

“The Discoverers” might be a bit too smug with its theme. It’s the tale of a family journey that’s derailed by another family journey that finds it reenacting another journey. Through these strung-along journeys, a father discovers true insight into his children. Through emotional healing, they discover their true emotions. They eventually discover something new about themselves and all this while they portray America’s original discoverer’s Lewis and Clark. To imply there’s any more to this movie than journeying and discovering would be a vast overstatement.

Lewis Birch (Dunne) is a failing history professor who decides to road trip to Oregon for a literary conference with his artsy liberal daughter, Zoe (Martin), and incurious stoner son, Jack (Graye). This short-lived plot point is derailed by the passing of Lewis’ mother. After making funeral arrangements and a quick cameo by John C. McGinley, Lewis’ father, Stanley (Margolin), immediately heads to the woods for a Lewis and Clark re-enactment (because tradition?). The family has to follow because Stanley’s mental health is quickly waning and they must keep notes on the feeble gun-toting old man with his coonskin cap.

“The Discoverers” is a dime store movie that I assume indie admirers will gobble up, but I found myself counting down the minutes until it expired. While the movie tries to pass itself off as heartfelt, it felt a lot more insensitive and unnecessarily boorish. I guess the cockles of our hearts are supposed to melt when Lewis and Zoe have a heart-to-heart while she’s on her period in the great outdoors without a tampon for miles.

Dunne and Martin’s performances are fantastic and really create some of the more adhesive moments of the film. Martin plays the snarky daughter perfectly while Dunne’s creates a believe man on the verge of a breakdown. There is one moment in the movie that shows signs of creative bliss when Lewis and Zoe find solace in each other. I guess Jack isn’t gloomy enough to join in on the emotional conversation during the third act of this movie.

Writer/Director Justin Schwarz has the right quirks in mind, but he never fills out the emotional depth of all the side characters to compliment Dunne and Martin’s performances. Everyone feels like pieces of furniture being shifted to different locations hoping to add a flare to the scenery. Schwarz obviously wants to create a loveable, yet chaotic family, but he forgot the impassioned depth that makes us want to see the silver lining in this bleak existence.

The tale of family dysfunction has become the road most traveled when it comes to indie stories and “Discoverers” catalogues itself as one of the more forgettable ones. I personally look forward to the more sharply written movies that place a microscope over the fading nuclear family highlighting a contemporary slice of Americana. Schwarz needs some work before he crafts an indie gems that spring up in a sea of conventional blockbusters.

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Starring: Catalina Sandino Moreno, Ashley Rickards, Naya Rivera
Directed by: Nicholas McCarthy
Distributed by: IFC Films
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 91 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Recently, when I see any horror film being released it is either a remake/prequel/sequel or a found footage movie…or both of those combined. It is rare to actually find something new and original. Well leave it to Nicholas McCarthy to deliver a solid horror film that is neither of the mention above. The film has some fantastic scares that are set up very well. I immediately related this film to “Insidious”, which is one of my all-time favorite horror flicks. The end is a little vague but overall this is a well-crafted little horror flick. If you are looking for something fresh, this is definitely worth checking out.

Official Premise: When ambitious young real estate agent Leigh is asked to sell a house with a checkered past, she crosses paths with a disturbed girl whom she learns is the runaway daughter of the couple selling the property. When Leigh tries to intervene and help her, she becomes entangled with a supernatural force that soon pulls Leigh’s artist sister Vera into its web – and has sinister plans for both of them.

The score in this film is also quite amazing, which really aids the scares in the film to actually be scary. Go figure right? A horror film that is actually scary. I could see this film generating some nightmares for me and personally if that is the case, then you know that the horror film did it job right. I mentioned “Insidious”, which was released in 2011 and I am still having nightmares about it daily. I am looking forward to see what director Nicholas McCarthy has planned next cause this guy has got some great potential.

Starring: Lance Henriksen, Jeff East, Mayim Bialik, George ‘Buck’ Flower, Devon Odessa, Tom Woodruff Jr.
Director: Stan Winston
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: September 9, 2014
Run Time: 86 minutes

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

“Pumpkinhead” may not be the best horror film ever but it is a quite memorable one. I love the character of Pumpkinhead and what it stands for in the horror genre…and what that is is outstanding use of practical effects. It shouldn’t come as a surprise though since it was directed by the late Stan Winston (aka the guy behind the dinosaurs in “Jurassic Park”). This film has always held up and continues to over the years. Thanks to Scream Factory for giving this horror cult classic horror a real solid “Collector’s Edition”. Backed by an outstanding genre cast including Lance Henriksen (“Aliens”), Jeff East (“Deadly Blessing”), Joel Hoffman (“Slumber Party Massacre II”) and Kerry Remsen (“A Nightmare On Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge”), this is a must own for any horror fan.

Official Premise: When a group of teenagers inadvertently kill his only son, Ed Harley (Lance Henriksen, Aliens) seeks the powers of a backwoods witch to bring the child back to life. But instead, she invokes ’the pumpkinhead’ (a monstrously clawed demon which, once reborn, answers only to Ed’s bloodlust). But as the creature wreaks it’s slow, unspeakable tortures on the teens, Ed confronts a horrifying secret about his connection to the beast: and realizes that he must find a way to stop its deadly mission before he becomes one with the creature forever.

This “Collector’s Edition” comes as a solo Blu-ray. I am surprised Scream didn’t add on a DVD as well like they do with most releases. The 1080p is absolutely impressive. I remember renting this film on VHS tape when I was a kid and being scared shitless. Well, now I am able to do that still but with some really impressive visuals. The practical make-up effects really shine with this new transfer. There are two audio tracks included here. There is a new DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. I prefer the 5.1 track since it is really well-balanced, works well with the scares and the film’s score.

Scream Factory again caters to it’s fans and really delivers some amazing bonus content here. There is a brand new tribute to Stan Winston called “Remembering the Monster Kid” with new interviewwith actors Lance Henriksen and Brian Bremer, special effects artists Alec Gillis, Tom Woodruff Jr. and Shannon Shea. There are also brand new interviews with producer Richard Weinman and actors John D’Aquino and Matthew Hurley. For the first time in HD, “Pumpkinhead Unearthed” is included, which is a documentary on the making of the film.

Had enough yet? Well there is still more! There is an audio commentary with Co-screenwriter Gary Gerani and Creature & FX Creators Tom Woodruff, Jr. and Alec Gillis, which is a great listen for sure. There is a featurette called “Demonic Toys”. There is a some more great Behind-the-Scenes Footage. Lastly there is a Still Gallery and a Theatrical Trailer included rounding out the extras. Damn Scream Factory, you guys rock! Horror fans, should know that these guys are also releasing the sequel “Pumpkinhead II: Blood Wings”, this October on Blu-ray as well…just in time for Halloween. After that you guys can stop though since we do not need the Syfy created “Pumpkinhead 3 & 4” at all, thanks but no thanks!

Starring: Johnny Depp, Richard E. Grant, Terry Gilliam
Director: Charlie Paul
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 2, 2014
Run Time: 89 minutes

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

When I first saw the film “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”, I feel in love with the work of gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson and his collaborating artist and longtime friend Ralph Steadman. Over the last 15 years, I have been collecting everything I can from these two people. Talking about fandom, I even have Steadman’s work tattooed on my right arm. When I heard about “For No Good Reason”, I couldn’t have been more excited since after the death of HST in 2005, it gives Steadman the much deserved spotlight that he deserves. It also sort of acts a tribute to HST as well, which I really appreciate. This is no question one of my favorite films of the year and one hell of a documentary.

Official Premise: Experience 15 years in the life of seminal British artist Ralph Steadman, whose surreal, often confrontational artwork is frequently associated with Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas). Through Johnny Depp’s lead in this intimate portrait, we are able to reach the heart of what make this artist tick, his friendships and fallings out, his love for art and his passion for civil liberties. The inventive, energetic, occasionally harrowing, but inspiring film includes contributions from Terry Gilliam, Richard E. Grant, Tim Robbins and others who offer insight into the man behind the legend.

One thing, that I really loved about this spotlight on one of the most bizarre artists of the 20th century was how brutally honest it was. I had the very lucky privilege to speak with Ralph Steadman about his career and the film, click here to check out our interview with the man himself. You not only get a portrait of Steadman’s work in this film but also who he is as a person and his back story. He is definitely a weird dude just like HST but what artist isn’t a little odd. If you are a die-hard fan of his work, I cannot recommend this enough…same goes if you are just discovering him this is an amazing introduction as well.

Sony is delivering “For No Good Reason” as a combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD copy…but no digital copy. I was really hoping that this film was going to include an Ultraviolet copy. The 1080p transfer is good but not perfect. The art looks great though, especially the animation sequences. Same goes with the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. It is definitely a solid track but also doesn’t get very challenged with this dialogue driven film.

Since this film took over a decade to complete, I was really hoping the special features would be jam-packed but not so much. There are still some decent content including an audio commentary track from Director Charlie Paul and Producer Lucy Paul, which is a nice way to revisit for sure. There is the Toronto International Film Festival Q&A with Ralph Steadman and Charlie Paul included. There is a reading of “Cherrywood Cannon”, animated version of Steadman’s book. Lastly there are a few extended interviews with Bruce Robinson, Richard E. Grant and Terry Gilliam and a few deleted scenes included.

Starring: Emily Rose, Lucas Bryant, Eric Balfour
Number of discs: 4
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Entertainment One
Release Date: August 26, 2014
Run Time: 572 minutes

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

“Haven” is a TV series that was originally based on Stephen King’s novel “The Colorado Kid”. Since it premiered it has become a entity of its own and branching way beyond the novel. The fourth season of the show is really a big turning point for the show and it wastes no time sucking you in. In fact, this show seems to get better and better with each season. With the fifth season airing as we speak and the sixth already greenlit, we have hardly seen the end of this great series.

Official Series Premise: Haven follows former FBI agent Audrey Parker (Emily Rose), who became a cop in the small town of Haven, Maine, and quickly found herself involved in the return of “the Troubles,” a series of supernatural afflictions that have plagued the seaside village for generations. Partnered with local residents Nathan Wuornos (Lucas Bryant) and Duke Crocker (Eric Balfour), Audrey began to realize that Haven’s fate was linked to her own, and only she can save the town and the people she loves from the weight of their curses.

Official Season Premise: Season Four of Haven opens six months after the gripping third season finale, when Duke, who had jumped into the imploding barn to save Audrey, suddenly appears out of thin air in Boston. Assisted by Jennifer Mason (Emma Lahana), a woman with her own mysterious connection to Haven, Duke finds that Nathan has fled the town, Audrey is still missing, and the Troubles are worse than ever.

The Blu-ray comes with solid 1080p transfers along with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround tracks. The visual effects work well with the transfers and the beautiful locations. There are over two and half hours of special features included along with an exclusive 16 page comic book thrown in as well. Kicking off the extras we get thirteen “Inside Haven” Featurettes, one for each episode, which gives a great behind-the-scenes look into the show.

There are Panel Highlights from various conventions including San Diego Comic-Con, Nerd HQ and New York Comic Con. There are three interviews with the Cast talking abut this season. There are six audio commentaries tracks with the show’s writers. These are good but I would have loved to see some cast commentary as well. There is the “Darkside Seekers” Webisode Series including, as well as a deleted scene and Blooper Reel including, rounding out these very impressive extras.

“Anthrax: Chile on Hell”
Number of discs: 1
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Megaforce Records
Film Run Time: 1 hr 50 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Anthrax: Chile on Hell” is the latest live DVD release from thrash heavy weights Anthrax and was shot during the bands May 10th, 2013 performance at the Teatro Caupolican in Santiago, Chile. The disc is being released via Megaforce Records and is available on standard DVD and high definition Blu-Ray both of which feature ear splitting 5.1 surround sound.

Being a fan of live concert films I couldn’t wait to check out the latest release from Anthrax. Since the groups release of “Worship Music” the band has gone through somewhat of a revitalization period which long time fans like me are certainly enjoying. The newest release from the group is titled “Chile on Hell”. Filmed during the bands most recent trip to South America the track/set listing is a solid mixture of new songs such as “Fight ‘Em Til You Can’t” and “In the End” alongside classic Anthrax tracks like “Caught in a Mosh”, “Madhouse” and “Anti Social” all of which tear through your speakers and ears via crystal clear 5.1 surround sound.

Dispersed throughout the performance are a number of behind the scenes clips which for me were more of a miss than anything. The brief segues seemed to lack cohesiveness and pulled away from the bands performance killing some of the performance momentum.The film also features multiple camera angles ranging from your standard left, right and center, to the more adventurous headstock mounted camera shots and multiple drum cams showcasing drummer Charlie Benante’s fancy foot and stick work.

Overall I found the essence of the bands live show to be captured perfectly and I certainly can’t say enough good things about the sound however choppy editing, chaotic camera angles and the randomly dispersed behind the scene shots left me scratching my head on more than one occasion. Those things a side I still enjoyed the show but I do recommend to fans with a little extra cash in their pocket pick up the high definition Blu-Ray version as the standard DVD release at times gets a bit grainy causing the colors to appear washed out and flat.

Track Listing:
1.) Among the Living
2.) Caught in a Mosh
3.) I Am the Law
4.) Efilnikfuesin (NFL)
5.) A Skeleton in the Closet
6.) In the End
7.) T.N.T.
8.) I’m Alive
9.) Indians
10.) Medusa
11.) In My World
12.) Fight ‘Em Til You Can’t
13.) I’m the Man
14.) Madhouse
15.) Antisocial