Actors: Tom Hiddleston, Tilda Swinton, Mia Wasikowska, Anton Yelchin, John Hurt
Directors: Jim Jarmusch
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 19, 2014
Run Time: 123 minutes

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

If you aren’t familiar with the work of Jim Jarmusch…let’s just say his films are an acquired taste. Very arty and poetic usually filled with his unique humor. “Only Lovers Left Alive” is no different. This is definitely a visual trip with some great underground music and amazing performances from Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston. They are also backed with great supporting cast including Mia Wasikowska, Anton Yelchin and John Hurt. With those people fed up with the overflow of vampire flicks, this is a unique and interesting spin the genre. Probably not a film that I can watch every day but definitely enjoyed it and worth checking out just for performances.

Official Premise: The tale of two fragile and sensitive vampires, Adam (Tom Hiddleston) and Eve (Tilda Swinton), who have been lovers for centuries. Both are cultured intellectuals with an all-embracing passion for music, literature and science, who have evolved to a level where they no longer kill for sustenance, but still retain their innate wildness. Their love story has endured several centuries but their debauched idyll is threatened by the uninvited arrival of Eve’s carefree little sister Ava (Mia Wasikowska) who hasn’t yet learned to tame her wilder instincts. Driven by sensual photography, trance-like music, and droll humor, Jim Jarmusch’s “Only Lovers Left Alive” is a meditation on art, science, and the mysteries of everlasting love.

Since the film is being released on Digital HD, I would have hoped that Sony Pictures Classics would have included an Ultraviolet code but that is a negative. The studio did the same thing with The recent documentary “Jodorowsky’s Dune” as well. The Blu-ray does includes a solid presentation including a very well shot 1080p transfer. You know that Jarmusch had a specific look he was aiming for this film and it is executed perfectly. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works with the dialogue and the great music. The special features are a bit of a let down though. There is a spotlight on the director with “Traveling at Night with Jim Jarmusch”, a few deleted and extended scenes and a music video for Yasmine Hamdan’s “Hal”

Related Content

• DVD Review “Anna Nicole”
• Blu-ray Review “Bronies: The Extremely Unexpected Adult Fans of My Little Pony (The Complete Edition)”
• DVD Review “Jedi Junkies”
• DVD Review “Steel Panther: British Invasion”
• Blu-ray Review “Strippers vs. Werewolves”

Starring: Paul Williams, William Finley, Jessica Harper, Gerrit Graham, George Memmoli, Robin Mattson
Director: Brian De Palma
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: August 5, 2014
Run Time: 92 minutes

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

When I first discovered “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in the early 90’s, I set out to find what else was like that film. In my searching I came across the 1974 cult classic “Phantom of the Paradise”, which is Brian de Palma’s take on “The Phantom of the Opera” mashed-up with “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and “Faust”. All of the film’s songs were written and performed by legendary singer/songwriter Paul Williams. The music is always such a blast to review for this film. I got for years without hearing and I can pick it up and continue like I last here it yesterday. Finally, this horror/thriller classic is getting a great treatment on Blu-ray thanks to Shout Factory!

Official Premise: Brian De Palma’s glam rock version of the famous Phantom of the Opera story stars singer-songwriter Paul Williams as Swan, a music business tycoon who steals the work of talented composer Winslow Leach (Finley), along with his girlfriend Phoenix (Harper). Leach plans to get revenge, but his plans soon go horribly wrong and he ends up with a terrible facial disfigurement. Assuming a mask to hide his injuries and his identity, Leach’s next move is to sign a pact with a Swan to write a rock opera version of ‘Faust’.

“Phantom of the Paradise” looks stunning on Blu-ray for film that is literally 40 years old. This film has received several European Blu-ray releases in the past and this one is definitely the best one of the bunch. Shout! has delivered a solid 1080p transfer that is deserving of this epic film. They also includes two audio tracks inclduing a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and also 2.0 track. The music really benefits from the 5.1 track and honestly is a no contest when compared to the 2.0 track.

Shout! Factory is releasing this Collector’s Edition as a combo pack with Blu-ray and DVD. They really have given this release the works and added tons of great special features on both disks. “Brian De Palma Backstage at the Paradise” is a great brand new interview with the director reflecting on the film. “Paul Williams Soul Inspiration” is another great brand new interview with the man behind the film’s music. “Behind the Mask with Tom Burman” is yet another brand new interview with the film’s special effects supervisor on the Phantom.

There is a solid brand new audio commentary with Jessica Harper, Gerrit Graham and the Juicy Fruits (consisting of Archie Hahn, Jeffrey Comanor and Harold Oblong aka Peter Eibling). This is a quite entertaining trip down memory lane for the group. There is also another brand new audio commentary with Production Designer Jack Fisk. It is a bit more technical and not as exciting but still a nice addition. There is an interesting look at 11 alternate takes and are shown in split screen with the final version. Lastly there is a stills gallery includes as well as outtake footage from “Swan Song” and the story behind it from the film.

Normally, I would have been happy with just those extras but Shout! decided to go ahead and include a another slew of special features on the DVD as well. There is an awesome documentary called “Paradise Regained” with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. There is an awesome interview with Paul Williams that is moderated by Guillermo del Toro. There is a 2004 interview with Costume Designer Rosanna Norton. An Interview with Producer Edward R. Pressman and another with Drummer Gary Malaber. “Alvin’s Art and Technique: A Look at the Neon Poster” is a cool piece on poster designer John Alvin. Lastly is “Phantom of the Paradise Biography by Gerrit Graham”, “William Finley and Toy” & some promotional materials.

Virginia Madsen is known for her Academy Award nominated role in the film “Sideways”. Sci-Fi/Horror fans will know her from her roles in “Candyman”, “The Prophecy” and “Dune”. Her latest film is called “Jake Squared” and co-stars Elias Koteas and Mike Vogel.  The film will be released on August 15th in theaters in the U.S. and will also be available on VOD (iTunes, Hulu, Amazon, etc.) Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Virginia about the film and what she has planned next.

Mike Gencarelli: How did it come about for you to get a role in “Jake Squared”?
Virginia Madsen: The director Howard and I have known each other since the 80’s. Our kids went to school together and they are in college [laughs]. So it was irresistible since we were finally able to all work together and it was great.

MG: What did you enjoy most about working on the film?
VM: I loved the story of our longtime friendship. Elias is one of the greatest actors in the world. We’ve worked together before – this was a chance for us to move our real life on screen. More difficult than doing it where your screaming and crying. We were longtime friends who always had a little vibe but we’ve never kissed before [laughs]. Elias is like my brother but he’s also really sexy and a great guy. So we asked Howard if we could not rehearse and we wanted the camera we had to catch that kiss, which would actually be our first kiss in all these years. I have to tell you it was really good [laughs]. I was very silly and giggly, it was very silly right before we went. We were going in for the kiss and it was really hard not to laugh. It was really weird “you’re my friend – but you’re also very hot” so you know and it was like I was kind of like we kissed for a lot longer than we needed to.

MG: I really enjoyed this film and I agree Elias was amazing.
VM: So glad you got to experience it. I think it can appeal to a wide audience but it is a wonderful indie film that has something for everyone. I also love that it’s going to be available everywhere. There was a time that if u did a indie film and you didn’t get that big release, your movie would disappear. It might show up in an old Blockbuster. Now it’s a whole different world for independent movies. Our film can now be seen worldwide in online.

MG: I also liked how the film switch from narrative to documentary style.
VM: Yes, I really liked that because we’re just telling a story. That’s what we do we are story tellers, it was interesting to be able to speak directly to the audience and fill them in on whats going on. Really interesting device that he used, worked really well in the film.

MG: You have worked in many genres including drama, horror, sci-fi; which do you enjoy the most out of all those?
VM: Depends on the material, I like working on good films. But I do love the fantasy/horror/sci-fi genre because that’s like make believe – like when you dress up for Halloween. You feel like a little kid when your making a horror film and it’s really fun. It’s my passion, I’m so blessed to be able to have employment when most actors are out of work. Internet has been very big for me recently as well. Hats off to Kevin Spacey and Dana Brunetti on “House of Cards” since that changed everything and has opened the door for so much work. I am always very grateful for them.

MG: Going forward, anything to talk about?
VM: Well I have a film called “The Wilderness of Jane” and another film called “Walter”. They are both wonderful indie film that have both been sold. Where, when…I don’t know yet. These independent movies explore relationships more than mainstream movies do and are highly creative. Not that I wouldn’t want to be in the studio rom-com machine, I mean I love to make that kind of money, I love to be in a position where if u put me in a film you can get financing. All those guys have stacks and stacks of scripts and there’s just a handful of them. Amazing when someone like Howard writes like this film and can go out and get the money and due to that we get to all play in the sandbox. I am trying to finance things and it’s really hard because of where the films can go.

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Dane DeHaan, Jamie Foxx, Sally Field, Colm Feore
Director: Marc Webb
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony
Release Date: August 19, 2014
Running Time: 142 minutes

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

After the first “Spider-Man” in 2002, I was not a huge fan of the other two sequels, so when the reboot came around, “The Amazing Spider-Man”, I was not thrilled. When I finally saw it though, I was very pleasantly surprised, flawed but definitely a cool flick. So I had a some going into the second one. I have to admit, the film has got it all. This is what a Spider-Man flick should be like. It is a visual marvel and just a shit-ton worth of fun. There is a bit too much going on her but overall, it works out and makes this film a slick action-packed summer popcorn flick. The villains are good but since there are technically three of them in the film it gets a little crowded. Even though, I liked this film, though like the first one it is also a bit flawed and think Sony knows they need to reboot this series again if they want to keep everyone happy. More importantly, I say bring on the “Sinister Six” guys!!

Official Premise: We’ve always known that Spider-Man’s most important battle has been within himself: the struggle between the ordinary obligations of Peter Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of Spider-Man. But in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) finds that a greater conflict lies ahead. For him, there’s no feeling quite like swinging between skyscrapers, embracing being the hero, and spending time with Gwen (Emma Stone). But being Spider-Man comes at a price: only Spider-Man can protect his fellow New Yorkers from the formidable villains that threaten the city. With the emergence of Electro (Jamie Foxx), Peter must confront a foe far more powerful than he. And as his old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, Peter comes to realize that all of his enemies have one thing in common: OsCorp.

Whether you like “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” it is easily one of the best Blu-ray’s release to date this year. Sony really knows how to deliver and amazing release for it’s films without fail. This film comes as a combo pack with a Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet Digital HD copy. The 3D in this film is absolutely amazing. When I saw this in theaters, I was literally blown away. With the Blu-ray, I was curious how it was going to transfer to home release but holy smokes it is just as amazing. This 3D Blu-ray was the first film that I used on my Playstation 4 with the newly added 3D support on my also new curved 65′ TV and I literally was blown away by the presentation. The depth is outstanding and really works with the non-stop action scenes, especially the finale.

In 2D, this film also stands up, it loses that certain depth but it is still watchable for sure. So 2D or 3D, this film just has some unbelievable visual effects and looks just amazing. The clarity is perfect and the colors are so crisp. What I don’t like about this is that the box stated that this Blu-ray was mastered for 4K video but if you read closely it is only for the 2D, which is a bit of a downer to be honest.  For such a big film, I was expecting a 7.1 track but I remember Sony wasn’t as big on them, luckily the given DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless surround track is just perfect. From the action to the music to the dialogue, everything here is spot on and really makes this film even better.

“The Amazing Spider-Man 2” comes stocked with some great special features as well. They even have an audio commentary available on the 3D disc, as well as a trailer for the first film in 3D, so that is something at least. The audio commentary is with Writers Alex Kurtzman and Jeff Pinkner and Producers Matt Tolmach and Avi Arad. If you liked the film you need to listen to the track because it is quite entertaining and educational about the series.  Next up are nine Blu-ray exclusive deleted & alternate scenes with one of them has Peter meeting his father, so that is an interesting aspect that was not included in the film. These are available with optional commentary from Director Marc Webb. “The Music of Amazing Spider-Man 2 with Director Marc Webb” has the director talking about the score and working with Hans Zimmer. There is a music video for “It’s On Again” by Alicia Keys.

The real winner of this release is “The Wages of Heroism: Making The Amazing Spider-Man 2”, which is over 100 minutes long and comprised of six parts looking into the making of the film. The first is “Lessons Learned: Development and Direction”, which goes into the characters and design. “Heart of the City: Shooting in New York” talks about the city being a character of its own. “Triple Threat: Attack of the Villains” simply looks into the films baddies. “A More Dangerous World: Transforming Goblin and Electro” did a little deeper into the work taken to create these characters. “Bolt from the Blue: Visual Effects” goes into the visual effects used for many of the film’s major scenes. Lastly “Spidey Gets His Groove Back: Music and Editing” looks again into the film’s music and how it works with the film.

Starring: Karl Urban, Michael Ealy, and Minka Kelly
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: August 5, 2014
Running Time: 558 minutes

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When I saw that J. J. Abrams was Executive producing a new sci-fi/drama for Fox last Fall, I was psyched to check it out. “Almost Human” starred Karl Urban (“The Lord of the Rings” series, “Star Trek” series), Michael Ealy (“2 Fast 2 Furious”, “Barbershop” series), and Minka Kelly (“Parenthood”, “Friday Night Lights”). The cast is great and it had a cool idea but was rather poorly executed. Due to that this short-lived show was canceled after one season consisting of 13 episodes. Not sure if this show really caught on a fan base but thanks to Warner Archive, the show is available in a Complete Series DVD.

Official Premise: In this action-packed show set in 2048, a worse-for-wear cop teams up with a second-hand synthetic android to fight a strain of urban crime that’s evolved in ever more frightening ways. Detective John Kennex survived a catastrophic attack on the city’s police department that cost him nearly everything. Returning over a year later, he finds the transition difficult. Not only does he suffer guilt for the lethal ambush, but department policy now requires that every cop be paired with a highly evolved human-like android partner. Rejecting policy, Kennex reinstates an outdated Dorian android – whose somewhat dysfunctional platform is based on a “Synthetic Soul” program, allowing it to have emotional responses. It’s this flawed humanity, however, that connects Dorian and John. And together, they set out to keep the city safe, uncover the criminal conspiracy that threatens to destroy their world…and find their common humanity.

I think a show like this could have really benefited more from a Blu-ray release. Since even though it was canceled, the series still received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Special and Visual Effects. This MOD (manufacture on demand) release comes with all 13 episodes on 3 discs and is currently available to U.S. buyers via the studio’s WBshop online store. The episodes included in the complete series are Pilot”; “Skin”; “Are You Receiving?”; “The Bends”; “Blood Brothers”; “Arrhythmia”; “Simon Says”; “You Are Here”; “Unbound”; “Perception”; “Disrupt”; “Beholder” and “Straw Man”. There are no special features included besides the episodes.

Related Content

• DVD Review “Combat!: The Complete Series”
• Blu-ray Review “Ripper Street: Series 1”
• DVD Review “Korg: 70,000 B.C. – The Complete Series”
• Blu-ray Review “Treasure Island: The Complete Series”
• Blu-Ray Review “The Hour: Series 1”

Voices of: Bob Denver, Alan Hale, Jr., Russell Johnson, Jim Backus, Natalie Schafer, Dawn Wells
Directed by: Hal Sutherland
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 292 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When I saw that this was coming out on DVD, I honestly have never even heard of it. I used to watch “Gilligan’s Island” as a kid though, so I know the idea around the show. This was in fact the second animated spin-off of the popular sitcom “Gilligan’s Island”. The first, which was “The New Adventures of Gilligan” aired in 1974-1975. What is cool about this is that the cast of “Gilligan’s Island” actually returned to their respective roles except for Tina Louise who played Ginger Grant. Dawn Wells ended up pulling double duty voicing Ginger as well as her own original character, Mary Ann Summers. Not the greatest of the bunch of cartoons that were born in the 80’s. If you are a hardcore fan of “Gilligan’s Island” and remember this show, it might be worth picking up.

Official Premise: It’s a brand new story about The Castaways! Leaving their tiny island after years and months and days, they built a little spaceship, crude but it could fly. They left their home and lost their way, between the stars and sky, they went from an island to star, lost on Gilligan’s Planet.” It’s true – The Castaways are now lost in space! They’re all here, in this strange, new world, Gilligan (voice of Bob Denver), the Skipper (voice of Alan Hale, Jr.), the Millionaire (voice of Jim Backus), his Wife (voice of Natalie Schafer), the Movie Star (voice of Dawn Wells), the Professor (Russell Johnson) and Mary Ann (voice of Dawn Wells). Now joined by Gilligan’s alien sidekick Bumper, they begin a whole new life on a whole new world, while still trying to repair the now space-worthy SS Minnow and return home from their infinite three hour tour. It’s something old, something new in this Saturday morning cartoon sit-com sci-fi romp!

I can’t imagine why 😉 but this show only lasted for 13 episodes in one season. The episodes are “I Dream of Genie”; “Turnabout Is Fair Play”; “Let Sleeping Minnows Lie”; “Journey to the Center of Gilligan’s Planet”; “Amazing Colossal Gilligan”; “Bumper to Bumper”; “Road to Boom”; “Too Many Gilligans”; “Space Pirates”; “Invaders of the Lost Barque”; “Wings”; “Super Gilligan” & “Gilligan’s Army”. This complete series DVD release is a Manufacture-on-Demand (MOD) release and it is available exclusively through Warner’s online store and Amazon.com. So this also means that if you do want this DVD, I would get it quickly since you don’t know how long it is going to be produced for. The episodes looks as good as you would think they would for this lost show. They are presented in their original aspect ratio: 4 X 3 full frame – 1.37:1. There are no additional special features included besides the episodes.

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhaal
Directed By: Lenny Abrahamson
Running Time: 95 minutes
Magnolia Pictures

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Frank stars Domhnall (that’s pronounced “Doe-nuhl,” everyone) Gleeson as Jon, a struggling songwriter and keyboard player who chances upon a gig with quirky band, The Soronprfbs (don’t ask me to pronounce that one), when their keyboardist goes off the deep end. That is, he tries to drown himself. When Jon’s asked to join the band by its frontman, he’s undeterred by both that suicide attempt and said frontman, Frank (Michael Fassbender), having a large papier-mâché cartoon head on at all times.

Jon leaves his boring office job when the band drives far out into the Irish countryside in order to record their next album. A process that involves making their own custom instruments as well as the occasional bout physical violence. Meanwhile, Jon catalogues their musical development across his various social media platforms so that even in seclusion, The Soronprfbs have a growing audience.

That this audience is unbeknownst to rest of the band is at the heart of the problem between outsider Jon and the rest of the band. Frank’s passion for being creative while sheltering himself from the outside world both geographically and within the head is supported by his band mates who are resentful of Jon, hilariously so in the case Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Clara the hostile theremin player, and ambivalent about completing their album in any sort of timely fashion. Jon pushing them to perform for the web saavy crowd at Texas’s South by Southwest festival is what ultimately brings their problems to a head.

Having Jon as the focal point for the film is a clever move as he, like us, gradually learns Frank’s head is not merely a quirky affection of an eccentric artist but a real crutch for a man with serious issues. Gyllenhaal’s Clara too gains more dimension as someone who may really just be trying to protect Frank from himself after all. Meanwhile Fassbender’s one of those actors who I could watch read a telephone book to be honest, and having a huge expressionless mask over his head for 98% of the running time is about as impeditive as that setup however he works all his remaining faculties to the advantage. From Frank’s curiously dorky wardrobe to Fassbender’s distinctly odd muffled voice–we’re told he’s from Kansas–Frank’s a fascinating character. The fleeting moments without the mask are truly compelling and Fassbender maximizes this screentime with a strangely damaged song performance.

None of the above not to say the film isn’t hilarious as advertised, which especially during their countryside training, it is. Rather that it treats its characters as real humans rather than caricatures. It’s a bizarre gem of a film that’s worth seeking out.

Frank opened today in New York and Canada with additional screening locations to be added in the coming weeks.

Starring: Brenton Thwaites, Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep
Directed By: Phillip Noyce
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 94 minutes
The Weinstein Company

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Before the screening of “The Giver”, people had the opportunity to watch the live Fathom event, the airing of the red carpet premiere of “The Giver”. While this may seem like a nonpoint in the critique of a film, it brought up a fact that I did not know and appeared to be a running motif throughout the live premiere. This is a film that has been through its own development hell. Jeff Bridges has spent 18 years trying to push this movie into production. While it may finally feel like a dream come true, I feel like nearly two decades of constant struggle should have been a sign that some things are better left unadapted.

Like most American high school students (or middle school students), I had a yearly curriculum consisting of classic literature and the occasional challenged book. I read “Of Mice and Men”, “The Scarlet Letter”, “Animal Farm” and “The Giver”. Teens still read thought provoking books right? “The Giver” is a unique amongst those books because it’s one of the few that has created its own dystopian society instead of simply mirroring the flaws in our own.

Just like the book, the movie portrays a society with no privacy, structured assigned jobs, and a community where every individual acts in a mechanical fashion and view feelings as irrational. Jonas, who’s supposed to be 11, but is instead played by the 25-year-old Thwaites, is the outlier in society. He sometimes has nagging questions and possesses an indescribable set of emotions that he’s unsure how to handle. While other kids go off to become future gears of civilization, Jonas finds himself as the perfect candidate to be the next receiver of memory and is taken in under the Giver’s (Bridges) wing.

The Giver’s job is to pass along all the memories of life, society, war, love and everything else in between. This set’s up the movie’s overall theme of love and loss, and why memories and feelings go hand-in-hand. With so many more themes in the book, it feels like they took the easy way out and went for the easiest one, but fumbled the pitch. Instead of a hidden message, the subject is railroaded and despite Bridges best acting efforts, it comes across as a bit tacky.

What makes “The Giver” a literary necessity in schools is the argument for individualism. Sure we all have memories and emotions, but it’s how each person interprets existence. The movie makes it feel more like a police state is constricting our human emotions more than the book’s notion that as we grow, we have to understand that others around us have different attitudes to this big world. We must not impose what life is and accept that reality is different for everyone. The movie fails by putting forth the notion that our main character is simply trying to share love with a few select people around him instead of sharing the experience of life as a community.

I’m not sure why the theatrical adaption lost that key element. Everything else it combined was fantastic. Bridges and Meryl Streep were spotless, the sharing of memory sequences were handled well, and the visual transition from a world of black and white to one filled with vibrant colors was very subtle and smooth. From a technical viewpoint this is a good movie and that might be why I can’t fully come out and loathe something so visually gorgeous yet so textually frustrating.

I know for some of you this is “the book fan” complaining about the movie with a predetermined viewpoint of distrust towards the adaptation, but there’s been plenty of movies based on books that know how to capture the magic and essence of the literature they’re adapting. This felt like a manipulated dream. If you’re looking for a young adult movie filled with young love and unnecessary action sequences wobbling towards the finish line, this is for you. Otherwise, unwind tonight and read the book.ividualism. Sure we all have memories and emotions, but it’s how each person interprets existence. The movie makes it feel more like a police state is constricting our human emotions more than the book’s notion that as we grow, we have to understand that others around us have different attitudes to this big world. We must not impose what life is and accept that reality is different for everyone. The movie fails by putting forth the notion that our main character is simply trying to share love with a few select people around him instead of sharing the experience of life as a community.

I’m not sure why the theatrical adaption lost that key element. Everything else it combined was fantastic. Bridges and Meryl Streep were spotless, the sharing of memory sequences were handled well, and the visual transition from a world of black and white to one filled with vibrant colors was very subtle and smooth. From a technical viewpoint this is a good movie and that might be why I can’t fully come out and loathe something so visually gorgeous yet so textually frustrating.

I know for some of you this is “the book fan” complaining about the movie with a predetermined viewpoint of distrust towards the adaptation, but there’s been plenty of movies based on books that know how to capture the magic and essence of the literature they’re adapting. This felt like a manipulated dream. If you’re looking for a young adult movie filled with young love and unnecessary action sequences wobbling towards the finish line, this is for you. Otherwise, unwind tonight and read the book.

Related Content

• Film Review “The Divergent Series: Allegiant”
• Film Review “Southpaw”
• Film Review “Ai Weiwei: The Fake Case”
• Film Review “3 Days to Kill”
• Film Review “A Walk Among the Tombstones”

Starring: Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey, Steve Whitmire, Eric Jacobson, Dave Goelz
Director: James Bobin
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 12, 2014
Run Time: 107 / 119 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

“The Muppets” was easily one of my favorite films of 2011. It may have been a little cheesy but also nostalgic and plain fun, plus the music. I mean Bret McKenzie went on to win the Oscar for the win. I still listen to the soundtrack. So now that the franchise was rebooted, I am sure everyone was dying for a sequel…well unfortunately we got “Muppets Most Wanted”, which really feels like a downgraded version of “The Muppets”. The cast doesn’t do it for me at all either. Not a Tiny Fey fan, Never watched Ty Burrell in “Modern Family” and Ricky Gervais is too good for this film. It is a fun movie don’t get me wrong. There are some good laughs and song good songs but overall it is very forgettable. I guarantee it you I will not be re-watching or singing along to the music over two years later with this one.

Official Premise: There’s plenty of fun for the whole family as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Animal and the entire Muppets gang head out on a world tour. But mayhem follows the Muppets, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper. Now Kermit is behind bars at the mercy of prison warden Nadya (Tina Fey), and the World’s Number One Criminal, Constantine — a dead ringer for Kermit — has taken his place. As Constantine and his dastardly sidekick Dominic (Ricky Gervais) plot the robbery of the century, they are pursued by Sam Eagle and Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon (Ty Burrell). Will Constantine get away with his nefarious scheme? Will Kermit escape in time to save the day?

“Muppets Most Wanted” is being released with an The Unnecessarily Extended Edition, which included a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD Ultraviolet Copy . There are two versions of the film are included: the 107-minute theatrical version and a 119-minute extended cut. The extended cut is a hit and miss, to be honest. The 1080p transfer is good just like “The Muppets”, this has a slightly bigger feel to it and benefits from that aspect. Disney is trying out a new surround track for this release, which is a 2.0Mbps, DTS-HD High Resolution 7.1 track. It is good but not amazing like I would have expect from this kind of a track. The special features are also a let down as well. There is a 10 minute gag reel titled “The Longer Longest Blooper Reel in Muppets History”. “Rizzo’s Biggest Fan” is a Rizzo complain to director James Bobin about screentime. Lastly there is a deleted Statler & Waldorf scene and a music video for “I’ll Get What You Want” by Bret McKenzie.

Starring: James Spader, Megan Boone, William Sadler, Diego Klattenhoff, Harry Lennix, Parminder Nagra
Director: Joe Carnahan
Number of discs: 5
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: August 12, 2014
Running Time: 939 minutes

Series: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I remember the first time my wife made me watch an episode of “Boston Legal” and I was completely in protect since I wasn’t a big fan of procedural law or cop shows. Man, was my world broken open to the wonderful world of Allen Shore, played by James Spader and Denny Crane, played by William Shatner. When I saw that James Spader has a new show, I couldn’t be more excited to check it out. The show really gets your hooked to each episode. They throw out little bread crumbs and lead you in for their reveal to it’s numerous secrets. Spader really gives an outstanding performances as Raymond “Red” Reddington. It is just such a great role for him. I highly recommend this show and those who are fans already this DVD will hold you off until season two premieres on September 22th.

Official Premise: Raymond “Red” Reddington, one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives, surrenders at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C.. He claims the FBI and he have the same interests, that is, getting rid of dangerous criminals and terrorists. Reddington will co-operate, but insists he will speak only to Elizabeth Keen, a rookie FBI profiler. Keen questions Reddington’s sudden interest in her, despite his claim she is very special. After the FBI brings down a terrorist he provided information on, Reddington reveals that this terrorist is only the first of many. In the last two decades, he’s made a list of criminals and terrorists he believes matter the most; a list the FBI doesn’t know exists. Reddington calls it “The Blacklist”.

“The Blacklist: The Complete First Season” comes with some decent extras, even though there is more included on the Blu-ray copy, as well as a digital copy for the episodes. I would have loved to have that available to me as well. To start with the extras there are commentary track on the pilot episode, “Anslo Garrick Part 1” and “Berlin: Conclusion” with Jon Bokenkamp, John Eisendrath and Joe Carnahan. They are very informative and a great way to re-enjoy the show. If you want more you got it since there are literally twenty-two, that’s 22, making-of featurettes called “Beyond The Blacklist”, which looks into each episode. Lastly “The Insider: Behind The Scenes Of Season 1” looks into the making of the season, as a whole.

Related Content

• Blu-ray Review “Bitten: The Complete First Season”
• Blu-ray Review “Once Upon a Time: The Complete Third Season”
• DVD Review “Witches of East End: The Complete First Season”
• Blu-ray Review “Helix: Season One”
• DVD Review “Kung Fu: The Legend Continues – The Complete First Season”

LIVE. DIE. REPEAT.

EDGE OF TOMORROW EXPLODES ONTO BLU-RAY 3D COMBO PACK, BLU-RAY COMBO PACK, DVD and DIGITAL HD ON OCTOBER 7 FROM WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Blu-ray and Digital HD include Over 90 minutes of adrenaline-pumping special features!

Burbank, CA, August 13, 2014 – Live, Die, Repeat when “Edge of Tomorrow” arrives onto Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD on October 7 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Directed by Doug Liman (“The Bourne Identity,” “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”), “Edge of Tomorrow” stars Oscar® nominee Tom Cruise (“Born on the Fourth of July,” “Jerry Maguire,” “Magnolia”) and Emily Blunt (“The Devil Wears Prada,” “The Adjustment Bureau”).

Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ sci-fi thriller “Edge of Tomorrow” was directed by Liman from a screenplay by Christopher McQuarrie and Jez Butterworth & John-Henry Butterworth, and based on the novel entitled “All You Need is Kill” by Hiroshi Sakurazaka. “Edge of Tomorrow” is the first motion picture to be shot at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden.

“Edge of Tomorrow,” was produced by Erwin Stoff, Tom Lassally, Jeffrey Silver, Gregory Jacobs and Jason Hoffs, alongside executive producers Doug Liman, David Bartis, Joby Harold, Hidemi Fukuhara and Bruce Berman, with Tim Lewis and Kim Winther serving as co-producers.

Supporting Cruise and Blunt is an international cast that includes Bill Paxton (“Aliens,” HBO’s “Big Love”), Brendan Gleeson (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1”), Noah Taylor (“Lawless”), Kick Gurry (Australian TV’s “Tangle”), Dragomir Mrsic (“Snabba Cash II”), Charlotte Riley (“World Without End”), Jonas Armstrong (BBC TV’s “Robin Hood”), Franz Drameh (“Attack the Block”), Masayoshi Haneda (“Emperor”) and Tony Way (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”).

“Edge of Tomorrow” will be available on Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack for $44.95 and on Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99.  Both include a digital version of the movie on Digital HD with UltraViolet.* Fans can also own “Edge of Tomorrow” in Digital HD on October 7 via purchase from digital retailers.

SYNOPSIS

The epic action of “Edge of Tomorrow” unfolds in a near future in which an alien race has hit the Earth in an unrelenting assault, unbeatable by any military unit in the world.  Major William Cage (Cruise) is an officer who has never seen a day of combat when he is unceremoniously dropped into what amounts to a suicide mission. Killed within minutes, Cage now finds himself inexplicably thrown into a time loop—forcing him to live out the same brutal combat over and over, fighting and dying again…and again. But with each battle, Cage becomes able to engage the adversaries with increasing skill, alongside Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski (Blunt). And, as Cage and Rita take the fight to the aliens, each repeated encounter gets them one step closer to defeating the enemy.

BLU-RAY AND DVD ELEMENTS

“Edge of Tomorrow” Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack and Blu-ray Combo Pack contain the following special features:

• Operation Downfall – Adrenaline Cut
• Storming The Beach
• Weapons Of The Future
• Creatures Not Of This World
• On The Edge With Doug Liman
• Deleted Scenes

“Edge of Tomorrow” Standard Definition DVD contains the following special features:

• Weapons Of The Future
• Creatures Not Of This World

Celebrating 75 Years of Caped Crusader Entertainment…

Batman 25th Anniversary Edition Debuts November 11 in New Diamond Luxe Packaging

Burbank, Calif., August 14, 2014 – To help mark Warner Bros. Entertainment (WBE) and DC Entertainment’s milestone 75th anniversary of DC Comics’ popular Batman character, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) will release Batman 25^th Anniversary Two-Disc Edition, a new Blu-ray™ edition debuting November 11 (at $24.98 SRP) in the studio’s distinctive new sleek Diamond Luxe collector-style packaging. With its state-of-the-art sophisticated and durable design, the new packaging is perfect for those wishing to add this edition to their home libraries. Also included is Batman: The Birth of the Modern Blockbuster— a look at the phenomenal marketing, extensive merchandising and franchise foresight that set the template for the next 25 years of tentpole pictures.

WBHE and DCE’s year-long celebration, befitting the world’s most popular Super Hero, will boast new products from WBE and DC Entertainment in numerous areas – comics, TV, Interactive Entertainment, Consumer Products and more. There is a new commemorative 75^th anniversary Batman logo and an exclusive “Cape/Cowl/Create” art exhibit, featuring 20 contemporary artists’ interpretations of The Dark Knight’s iconic cowl headpiece and cape from the new Batman: Arkham Knight video game. Various other events are taking place throughout the year.

In addition to releasing Batman 25^th Anniversary Two-Disc Edition, WBHE will also feature the highly anticipated release of the 1960s Batman: The Complete Television Series for the first time ever. Other new home entertainment releases include animated films Son of Batman and Batman: Assault on Arkham.

In announcing the Batman 75^th anniversary initiative in March, WB Chairman and Chief Executive Kevin Tsujihara noted, “Batman is an incredibly important property with multi-generational appeal across all of the Studio’s businesses, and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone anniversary. From billion-dollar blockbuster films to TV, home entertainment, video games and consumer products, The Dark Knight continues to resonate with audiences worldwide and rightfully deserves his place as a global pop culture icon for the ages.”

About the Movie

In 1989, director Tim Burton breathed new life into one of the most complex and intriguing characters in popular culture. Burton cast off the 1960s camp depiction of the Dark Knight and launched for Warner Bros. one of the most popular comic book film series ever. Batman was the top-grossing movie that year and subsequently became a global phenomenon.

Tim Burton’s vision and Michael Keaton’s performance as the Caped Crusader combine perfectly to capture Gotham City’s sinister atmosphere and Batman’s brooding nature. Jack Nicholson stars in a memorable performance as the maniacal Joker and Kim Basinger is Vicki Vale, the beautiful and resourceful photojournalist desired by both men. Featuring songs by Prince and a score by Danny Elfman, Batman won the 1990 Oscar^® for Best Art Direction/Set Decoration (Anton Furst and Peter Young).

Special Features

• Batman: The Birth of the Modern Blockbuster (NEW) Discover how the film’s phenomenal marketing, extensive merchandising and franchise foresight set the template for the next 25 years of tentpole pictures.

Note: All enhanced content listed above is subject to change.

Academy Awards® and Oscar® are both registered trademarks and service marks of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

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.

Directed by: Patrick Hughes
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Antonio Banderas, Jet Li, Wesley Snipes, Dolph Lundgren, Kelsey Grammer, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, Kellan Lutz, Ronda Rousey, Glen Powell, Victor Ortiz, Robert Davi, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford, Arnold Schwarzenegger
Distributed by: Lionsgate
Running time: 126 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Let me warn you before you read this that I am not your typical crticial. When it comes to action movies, I practically don’t give a shit about plots and character development. I got in waiting to see if they blow shit up that shouldn’t blow up and if so I dig it. That being said “The Expendables 3” was freaking fantastic! I was really hoping that I was going to like it but I ended up liking it more than I even though. When you approach a film like this, which is a second sequel you have to be cautious but this series has yet to let down yet. In fact, I feel that the first film is actually the weakest of the three films. The second film capitalized on the cheesiness of the idea of “The Expendables 3” and just had fun. “The Expendables 3” is a nice balance of the previous two films and nails every scene. There is no slow down or bullshit. It is just non-stop action and funny ass one-lines!! As the summer goes away and we enter the season of “award films”, this is a great last “woo hah” to sum up the summer season.

Let me just take a minute and list the entire line up for the film this time around. We have Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Antonio Banderas, Jet Li, Wesley Snipes, Dolph Lundgren, Kelsey Grammer, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, Kellan Lutz, Ronda Rousey, Glen Powell, Victor Ortiz, Robert Davi, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford and Arnold Schwarzenegger. I wasn’t sure what to expect with the younger cast coming in but they really worked so well with the “old-timers”. Ronda Rousey is especially bad-ass…why isn’t she playing the role of Wonder Woman!! Stallone is actually at his best in this film and as he nears 70, he has never been more bad-ass. We haven’t seen much of Antonio Banderas recently and I realized how awesome he is, especially in this as he steals the show and is absolutely hysterical. Same goes for Wesley Snipes, who recently just got out of jail but really rocks in this film! Please make “Blade 4” BTW Wesley! Harrison Ford does what he does best…plays a great grouchy guy. Lastly, Mel Gibson is back baby! This guy plays a fantastic baddie! Loved every scene he was in. I didn’t think they would be able to top the cast of the second but the certainly did.

Like I said about the plot to me it really takes a back seat when you have about 20 superstars sharing the big-screen and stealing every scene. We start off with the team on a new mission to rescue a former Expendable (Snipes) from a moving train. After picking him up, they head off to complete a seamingly simple job but they end up crossing paths with Conrad Stonebanks (Gibson), who Barney Ross (Stallone) believed to have killed years ago. Stonebanks also happens to be one of the team’s co-founders. That is pretty much the important stuff that you need to know here. Ross makes it his mission take down Stonebanks and visa versa. Shit blows up and everyone has a blast doing it. The action is A-class in this sequel. When I first saw that this was going to be PG-13, I was really bummed but they really did it up right. It was violent as hell and action-packed. Parents be warned this is a very hard PG-13, let me repeat there is A LOT of violence. Of course though if you are coming to see “The Expendables”, you would expect that despite it’s rating. This is a great example of how an action film should be…action packed from opening credits to finale.

When I saw the first “The Expendables”, I had no idea that this would be a franchise. I was skeptical for the sequel but it paid off very well. For the third film, I was the same way, I haven’t seen much hype surrounding it but it was easily the best in the franchise. There is no plans for the Expendable-train to slow down either since producer Ari Lerner has already confirmed plans for “The Expendables 4” and “The Expendables 5” are in the works as well as the spinoff “The ExpendaBelles”. There has even been confirmation already that former James Bond, Pierce Brosnan will star in a future The Expendables sequel and also Hulk Hogan wrote on twitter that he will be in the fourth film as well. So there is plenty more to come from this franchise and I feel like it is just heating up. As long as guys like Stallone can still kick some ass, I am sure that they are going to keep making these…and that is quite awesome in my books.

Starring: Frank Welker, Matthew Lillard, Grey DeLisle, Mindy Cohn
Directed By: Paul McEvoy
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Warner Bros. Animation
Release Date: August 19, 2014
Run Time: 74 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

Warner Bros seems to be comes out with a new Scooby Doo original movie a few times a year now. They are usually all decent. The last one, “Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery” was quite awesome actually bringing the gang together with the WWE Superstars. “Frankencreepy” is a decent new movie but it doesn’t reach the level that the one before did. This is obviously aiming to attract the market looking for a Halloween flick to watch but coming out in August is just a little too soon for me to get into it. Might revisit closer to the holiday but overall, it felt like just the typical “Scooby Doo” movie, nothing special.

Official Premise: Scooby-Doo and those “meddling kids” Shaggy, Fred, Daphne and Velma are back in an all-new original movie. Velma discovers she’s inherited her great-great-uncle Dr. Von Dinkenstein’s cursed castle in the terrifying town of Transylvania… Pennsylvania, that is. Just when the Gang persuades Velma to go claim her inheritance, the ghost of Dinkenstein Castle blows up the Mystery Machine as a warning! Now the Crew must spring back into action, but this time it’s personal! Who’s responsible for the Dinkenstein monster? What family secret has Velma been hiding? Will Fred recover from the loss of his beloved Mystery Machine? Can any helpless snack survive Scooby and Shaggy’s monster-sized appetites?

Warner Bros is delivering “Scooby-Doo! Frankencreepy” as a Blu-ray/DVD combo with a HD Digital Ultraviolet copy included. Like all recent 1080p transfer for this franchise, they are very impressive. The animation style is very solid and looks great. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks works perfectly with the mystery/action aspect of the film. In the special features department are a step down from the extras in “Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery” as well. There are only two bonus episodes: “A Gaggle of Galloping Ghosts” and “To Switch a Witch”. Episodes were themed right for this release but not enough to leave you satisfied.

Related Content

• Blu-ray Review “Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery”
• Blu-ray Review “Scooby-Doo! Stage Fright”
• Blu-ray Review “Scooby-Doo: Mask of the Blue Falcon”
• DVD Review “Scooby Doo! Mystery Incorporated: Season 1, Part 2”
• DVD Review “Scooby Doo! Mystery Incorporated: Season 1, Volume 3”

Starring: Kevin Conroy, Matthew Gray Gubler, Neal McDonough, Troy Baker, CCH Pounder, Hynden Walch
Director: Jay Oliva
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: August 12, 2014
Run Time: 75 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

DCU Animated has been really stepping up their game and delivering some great titles in the last year or so. The latest focuses on the caped crusader and is based on the popular Arkham videogame series. It is definitely one of the best Batman direct-to-video adaptations. It has a solid story and a great cast of characters. If you are a fan of a video game series, I mean who isn’t, this is a must see.  I hope that they are planning on continuing this with more Arkham animated films. At least, this should hold you over until “Batman: Arkham Knight” is released sometime next year. I am curious to see what DCU Animated has planned next for “Justice League: Throne of Atlantis”. Keep them coming guys!

Official Premise: When the government assembles a group of supervillains — code named The Suicide Squad — and forces them to break into Arkham Asylum to acquire top secret information the Riddler has stolen, Batman becomes involved. But things go from bad to worse when one of the Squad, Harley Quinn, frees the Joker, who has the means to not only blow up the asylum, but most of Gotham City as well. Batman must use his super hero wits and strength to thwart the wicked plans of the Joker and the Suicide Squad.

“Batman: Assault on Arkham” features the voice talents of Kevin Conroy as Batman, Troy Baker as Joker, Eliza Dushku as Killer Frost, Hynden Walch as Harley Quinn, Neal McDonough as Deadshot, Matthew Gray Gubler as The Riddler and CCH Pounder as Amanda Waller. Troy Baker does an epic job of the Joker, which is not an easy role to nail. Kevin Conroy is amazing, as usual, as Batman. Eliza Dushku is perfect as Killer Frost and Hynden Walch, known for her work in “Adventure Time”, is spot on with her take of Harley Quinn.

Warner is giving this release the works with a combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy. Recently DCU Animated films have been getting known getting some high quality Blu-ray release, even though the productions are direct-to-video, the animated is extremely polished and look great. They also come with stunning DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround tracks. Nothing is different for this release, it has a strong sound and works well with the score and the action and a solid video presentation.

In terms of special features, fans are given the goods as well. There is a solid audio commentary track from DC Comics Animation creative director Mike Carlin, Assault on Arkham writer Heath Corson and executive producer James Tucker, they go super in-depth into the film and it’s production and it is a must-listen. “The Joker’s Queen: Harley Quinn” looks into the character. “Arkham Analyzed: The Secrets Behind the Asylum” talks about the history of the facility.  “From the DC Comics Vault” consists three episodes including “Task Force X” from Justice League Unlimited, “Infiltrator” from Young Justice, “Emperor Joker” from The Brave and the Bold and “Two of a Kind” from The Batman. Lastly there is a sneak peak of “Justice League: Throne of Atlantis”, the sequel to “Justice League: War”.

Related Content

• Blu-ray Review “Batman: The Brave and the Bold – The Complete First Season”
• Blu-ray Review “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns – Part 2”
• Blu-ray Review “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns – Part 1”
• Blu-ray Review “Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United”
• Blu-ray Feature “The Dark Knight Trilogy: Ultimate Collector’s Edition”