Starring: Dominic Purcell
Director: Uwe Boll
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: March 11, 2014
Run Time: 86 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

I love Uwe Boll’s films. I always have ever since “House of the Dead”. His films are definitely not for everyone, he has a specific group that he aims to please and definitely does it again with this latest installment in this series. I think that the first “In the Name of the King” was underrated. I thought the second film with Dolph Lundgren was actually better than the first. Dominic Purcell is great in this film and has worked with Uwe on numerous films in the last few years. If you like this series and looking for a fun no-brainer fantasy action flick, then check this out! If we can only convince someone to make him make another “Bloodrayne” movie!

Official Premise: Looper meets Clash of the Titans in the next chapter of the video game-inspired non-stop fantasy action adventure where Hazen Kaine (Dominic Purcell), an American hitman, skeptically enters into what he hopes is his final contract with corrupt European crime lords. When Hazen realizes he’s been tasked with an impossible mission involving the countries royal family, the stakes change and his mission turns into an all-out fight for survival that takes him spiraling back to medieval times. Now completely out of his element, he must evade a vile medieval army and reclaim a stolen kingdom.

Fox delivered this third and last film in the series with a Blu-ray combo pack including a Digital HD Ultraviolet copy as well. Even though the film was low-budget, film does pack some quality as does all Boll’s films. He is a resourceful guy and his films look like they are budgeted much higher than they look. The 1080p transfer is solid and works well with the visual effects. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which is great for the action scenes. The only main downfall for me was in the special features, which only includes “The Making of In the Name of the King 3: The Last Mission”, which runs just under 15 minutes.

Actors: Sophie Nélisse, Kelly Macdonald, Michael Shannon, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson
Directed by Brian Percival
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: March 11, 2014
Run Time: 131 minutes

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

“The Book Thief” is a film that got lost in the sea of films that came out last Fall. It is best on the best-selling book by Markus Zusak. It takes place in Germany during WWII, which is a tough sell sometimes. But this film is really well-done and deserves some attention. The acting is amazing. Sophie Nélisse steals your heart, while Kelly Macdonald, Michael Shannon, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson all give wonderful performances as well. The locations where the film are shot are stunning and it is topped off with another wonderful score from master composer John Williams. I would definitely recommend giving this unnoticed film a chance!

Official Premise: Based on the beloved best-selling book comes a story of a girl who transforms the lives of those around her during World War II, Germany. When her mother can no longer care for her, Liesel (Sophie Nélisse) is adopted by a German couple (OSCAR® Winner Geoffrey Rush and OSCAR® Nominee Emily Watson). Although she arrives illiterate, Liesel is encouraged to learn to read by her adoptive father. When the couple then takes in Max (Ben Schnetzer), a Jew hiding from Hitler’s army, Liesel befriends him. Ultimately, words and imagination provide the friends with an escape from the events unfolding around them in this extraordinary, acclaimed film directed by Brian Percival (Downton Abbey).

The Blu-ray from Fox comes as a combo pack including a Digital HD Ultraviolet copy as well. The 1080p transfer is solid and really works well with the backdrop of Germany. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is beautiful and hauting at the same time and really showcases Williams’ score very well.  In terms of special features, things are a little light there is one featurette looking into the behind-the-scenes “Hidden Truth: Bringing The Book Thief To Life”. Besides that there are only some Deleted Scenes and a Theatrical Trailer included. I would have loved to had a commentary track at least from the director…or even better the author.

Actors: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence
Directors: David O. Russell
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 18, 2014
Run Time: 138 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

“American Hustle” was really not my cup of tea. I thought that the acting was quite phenomenal especially Jennifer Lawrence but overall, I thought it was long and switched too much from comedy to drama that I wasn’t sure when or if I should be laughing or cringing. Amy Adams and Bradley Cooper definitely deserves their Oscar nominations, no question. Cooper was a nutso in this film (poor Louis C.K.) and Christian Bale should have been nominated for Best Hair of the year. “Silver Linings Playbook” was easily one of my favorite films of 2012 but I was not a fan of “The Fighter” from David O. Russell, so I think him and I are hit and miss. Did I mention that Jennifer Lawrence was amazing in this film, I think more of her could have easily won me over.

Official Premise: A fictional film set in the alluring world of one of the most stunning scandals to rock our nation, “American Hustle” tells the story of brilliant con man Irving Rosenfeld (Bale), who along with his equally cunning and seductive British partner Sydney Prosser (Adams) is forced to work for a wild FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Cooper). DiMaso pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia that’s as dangerous as it is enchanting. Renner plays Carmine Polito, the passionate, volatile, New Jersey political operator caught between the con-artists and Feds. Irving’s unpredictable wife Rosalyn (Lawrence) could be the one to pull the thread that brings the entire world crashing down. Like David O. Russell’s previous films (The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook), “American Hustle” defies genre, hinging on raw emotion, and life and death stakes.

Since this film was only available for us to review on DVD, I will not go into the video and audio much but the film this isn’t really a film that NEEDS to be seen in high definition anyway. The DVD is delivered as a combo pack with an HD Digital Ultraviolet copy as well. When it comes down to the special features though, this film does not improve much either. There is only one feature to look behind-the-scenes at “The Making of American Hustle”, which is decent. Besides that there are some deleted and extended scenes. I thought when I first watching this film that maybe I would have enjoyed this a little more again with a nice commentary track to complement the film but I guess that is not going to happen.

Creators: Chris Nee
Voices: Kiara Muhammad
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 18, 2014
Run Time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Disney Junior’s “Doc McStuffins” is such a great show for kids. It delivers such great messages for young children to learn, while also still having fun. The show has such great (and very catchy) music. The songs are just a blast and my daughter, who nearly has been watching since she was born and now nearly two just loves them. With the start of season two, Doc went mobile with her new mobile clinic which allows her to make house calls to treat broken toys. I think this was a great idea for the show (and also for the merchandise department in Disney). I wish they will take advantage of this mobile unit in future episodes. This is “Doc McStuffins” third DVD release and I am sure there will be more, so just keep them coming Disney.

Official Premise: Now, if you can’t come to Doc, she can come to you! When your toys are hurt or sick, the “Doc Mobile” will get there quick with everything needed – including on-site cuddles – to fix them good as new. Ride with Doc and her trusty team as they rescue Dress-Up Daisy from a tree. Then, race to the park in time to help a wind-up mouse get back to doing fantastic flips. Get ready to get movin’ with five amazing, song-filled episodes. Wherever adventure takes you, Doc’s Mobile Clinic is your ticket to healthy, happy fun!

This DVD contains five episodes from the series including “Doc McStuffins Goes McMobile/Chip Off the Ol’ Block”, “Doc to the Rescue/Don’t Knock the Noggin”, “Out of the Box/Run Down Race Car”, “Rescue Ronda, Ready for Takeoff/All Washed Up”, “Rest Your Rotors, Ronda!/Keep On Truckin'”. These are all fun episodes and don’t want to knock other shows on Disney Junior and repeat myself but they really have great underlying messages. If you watch a show like “Jake and the Never Land Pirates”, they do certain things and get rewarded with coins, this show teaches kids about playing together, how to be safe etc all while having fun. I appreciate that much more for my child to watch personally.

Starring the voices of: Ty Burrell and Max Charles
Directed by: Rob Minkoff
Rated: PG
Running time: 1 hour 32 mins
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

As a youngster in the 1960s (yikes) I have fond memories of several cartoon programs. For those of you reading this that may not remember, in the early 1960s several popular animated shows, among them “The Flintstones,” ran in prime time. Another one of those shows featured an unlikely pair of pals – Rocket J. Squirrel and Bullwinkle J. Moose (the “J” in their names stood for their creator, Jay Ward). Titled “The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show,” the program introduced many a popular character to kids of all ages. Among them were an incredibly smart dog and his adopted son; Mr. Peabody and Sherman.

We meet Mr. Peabody (Burrell) and Sherman (Charles) as the young boy is about to start the school year. The summer has been spent visiting amazing times in history, via what Mr. Peabody calls the WABAC machine. In fact, the two just returned from a trip to Paris, where they almost lost their heads taking in the French Revolution. It is while in history class that Sherman contradicts his teacher, maintaining that George Washington did NOT chop down a cherry tree. Later, while at lunch, Sherman is made fun of by a fellow student, who mocks the boy because his father is a dog. A trip to the principal’s office leads to a meeting with the other student’s parents. And then the fun begins!

Completely faithful to its source material, “Mr. Peabody & Sherman” is a delightful story that will entertain both the youngsters and their parents. With a script by Emmy and Pulitzer Prize nominated writer Craig Wright (and really, who else BUT a Pulitzer Prize nominated writer could do justice to Mr. Peabody), the film is a fun trip through history, where our two heroes, accompanied by Sherman’s classmate, learn the most important lesson of all. Burrell does a fine job as Peabody, giving him a new, yet familiar, voice. The same can be said of young Charles. Supporting work by such familiar names as Stephen Colbert, Dennis Haysbert and Leslie Mann is also spot on.

Director Minkoff gave us “The Lion King,” so it’s no secret that he has crafted an outstanding animated adventure. The 3D effects are ok but not spectacular, so no harm in seeing it at a regular screening. Make sure you get there early and catch the humorous short film, “Almost Home,” before hand.

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Actors: Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Santino Fontana
Directors: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 18, 2014
Run Time: 102 minutes

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

The film “Frozen” has become quite the phenomenon over the last few months. Before this film came out, I would go to Target and there was an entire aisle set out for this film. I knew then this was going to be huge but no idea how big it would have become though. The film recently grossed a billion dollars worldwide at the box office and has inspired many fans. It also just won Best Animated Movie and Best Song at this year’s Oscars. No question, this is the best film of 2013 and quite possible one of the best films from Disney in a long time. Eat it Pixar!

Disney not only gives us one but two new princesses in this film. Very smart on the marketing side, Kristen Bell (“Veronica Mars”) is absolutely amazing as Anna and really embodies the role. Plus she can really sing so well! Idina Menzel (Broadway’s “Wicked” and “Rent”) is also perfect as Elsa. Her song “Let it Go” has really inspired the world. Jonathan Groff (Broadway’s “Spring Awakening”) is definitely the honest goods as Kristoff. Santino Fontana (“Billy Elliot: The Musical”) plays a baddie you love (including my daughter) as Hans. The stealer of the show has to go to Josh Gad (Broadway’s “The Book of Mormon”) who gives live to the lovable snowman Olaf. There is a real Broadway feel to this film with the cast and it works so well.

Official Premise: Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey — teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven — to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.

Disney released “Frozen” in this Collector’s edition Blu-ray combo pack with a Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD copy. I have a real major problem with Disney leaving out the 3D Blu-ray option for this film. I thought the 3D really worked so well for this movie and I am really disappointed that it is not available. Come on Disney! If you want it the only option to buy the UK version of get it digitally. The 1080p transfer is still absolutely perfect and stunning. The animation is this film is so amazing and breathtaking. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, which is also flawless and really works so well with these amazing instant classic songs.

In terms of special features, they are definitely fun and worth checking out but I was really hoping for more. “The Making Of Frozen” is really fun and totally not what I was expecting (in a good way)…watch to see. “D’frosted: Disney’s Journey From Hans Christian Andersen to Frozen” takes us through the process of this film getting made. “Breaking The Ice- The Real Making Of Frozen” gives into the behind-the-scenes…for real this time. There are four Deleted Scenes with introductions by Directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee. There is the original theatrical short – “Get A Horse” (but not in 3D). Lastly there is music videos for “Let It Go” by Demi Lovato, Martina Stoessel & Marsha Milan Londoh and a teaser trailer included for the film.

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Actors: Haley Joel Osment, John Goodman, John Rhys-Davies, Jim Cummings, Connor Funk
Directors: Steve Trenbirth
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 18, 2014
Run Time: 72 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“The Jungle Book 2” was original made for direct-to-video but followed the path of “Return to Never Land” and “The Rescuers Down Under” and headed to theaters. The film is fun, exciting and packs some great music. It is not the best Disney sequel but it follows up well to the classic 1967 film. It combines old friends that we love and some new friends as well. It also packs a great voice cast including John Goodman as Baloo, Haley Joel Osment as Mowgli, Mae Whitman as Shanti. My 21 year old daughter has watched this five times already. A must own for any Disney fan!

Official Premise: Now that Mowgli¹s living in the “man-village”, he cherishes his new best friend and little brother, but he still has that jungle rhythm in his heart. He misses hanging out with happy-go-lucky Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther. Yearning for freedom, Mowgli runs off into the jungle ­ and encounters his enemy Shere Khan! This time, he¹ll need both his new human family and his old jungle friends to help save the day.

Disney did such a wonderful job with this Blu-ray release delivering a new digital master as this film hits Blu-ray for the first time. The 1080p high definition transfer looks amazing, especially for a Disney direct-to-video cartoon. The colors are vibrant and really pop-out. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also works very well with the film’s songs, which are so fun including a few bare necessity as well.

In terms of special features, there is some decent content but nothing outstanding or new to report. There are two deleted songs, each with on-camera intros from EVP, Sharon Morrill and SVP/Music, Matt Walker. “I Got You Beat” and “Braver” songs are played out to storyboards. “Music and More” is a sing-along with the movie & music videos for “Jungle Rhythm” and “W-I-L-D”. Lastly there is “Backstage Disney”, which gives some behind-the-scenes look into the film and it’s legacy.

Actors: Daniel Radcliffe, Dane Dehaan, Ben Foster, Michael C. Hall
Director: John Krokidas
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 18, 2014
Run Time: 104 minutes

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

“Kill your Darlings” tells the true story of friendship, love and murder involving three of the greatest poets; Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and William S. Boroughs. I know Daniel Radcliffe lives under the shadow of the “Harry Potter” film franchise but he really shines in this film. As does Dane DeHaan (“The Amazing Spider-Man 2 & 3”), who is really taking off and is quickly becoming one of the hottest actors in the business. Ben Foster (“Lone Survivor”) also gives an amazing performance and steals his scenes easily. The rest of the support cast include Michael C. Hall (“Dexter”), Jack Huston (“Boardwalk Empire”), Jennifer Jason Leigh (“The Spectacular Now”) and Elizabeth Olsen (“Martha Marcy May Marlene”). These performances are all outstanding and really deserve attention.

Official Premise: When Allen Ginsberg (Daniel Radcliffe), is accepted at Columbia, he finds stuffy tradition clashing with daringly modern ideas and attitudes embodied by Lucien Carr (Dane DeHaan). Lucien is an object of fascination for shy, unsophisticated Allen, and soon he is drawn into Lucien’s hard-drinking, jazz-clubbing circle of friends, including William Burroughs (Ben Foster), the dissolute scion of a wealthy family, and David Kammerer (Michael C. Hall), an older hanger-on who clearly resents Allen’s position as Lucien’s new sidekick. A true story of friendship, love and murder, Kill Your Darlings recounts the pivotal year that changed Allen Ginsberg’s life forever and provided the spark for him to start his creative revolution.

Sony Pictures Classics delivered this film as a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack. I am a little disappointed that there is no Digital HD digital copy included though, which has become the norm recently. The special features included are worth checking out if you enjoyed the film. There is a featurette “On The Red Carpet”, which takes us to Toronto Film Festival with the cast. There is another featurette “In Coversation with Daniel Radcliffe and Dane DeHaan”, which chats with the leads. There is a great Q&A session with Director/Co-Writer Krokidas and Co-Writer Austin Bunn. The best though is definitely as well as the commentary track, which featuring Daniel Radcliffe, Dane DeHaan, John Krokidas and Austin Bunn. Lastly there are never-before-seen deleted scenes.

Actors: Tom Holland, William Forsythe, Danielle Harris, AJ Bowen, Sarah Butler
Directors: Tom Holland
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
DVD Release Date: March 18, 2014
Run Time: 142 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

If you are not familiar with the name Tom Holland, he is the horror legend behind films like “Child’s Play”, “Fright Night”. We interviewed Tom back in 2010 and he mentioned this project to us then, so I have been following this project for a while. This series premiered on FEARNET as an anthology short series. It is consists of nine episodes and together add up to nearly 2.5 hours of tales. These vary from fun to clever to terrible. There is no scare factor behind these but it just comes down to what haven’t we seen already these days…but they are no question twisted. You can see if any of this fail it is due to budget, which looks to be virtually nothing on some of these. Nothing groundbreaking, we have some winners but mostly losers so make your own decision here. Hardcore Holland fans only.

“Fred and his GPS” was about a guy that has a chat with his GPS during his getaway after killing his wife. But find that his wife might not be through haunting him. It is a good way to kick off the film and AJ Bowen (“You’re Next”) is awesome as always. “To Hell With You” is your typical deal with the devil bit, which starts Danielle Harris (“Rob Zombie’s Halloween”) and William Forsythe (“Dick Tracy”) but a whole lot of fun. “Boom” stars Noah Hathaway (“The Neverending Story”) and puts him in a scheme to find out if his wife is cheating on him with his best friend…and he does it with a bomb. I liked this one quite a bit and it was quite clever. “Mongo’s Magick Mirror” is about a magician with a special trick. This one was not just bad, it was absolutely terrible. I love Ray Wise (“Twin Peaks”) but this one was almost impossible to watch.

“Bite” is about a drug that turns people into werewolves. Could have been awesome but relies too much on slow motion cuts. This one was also affected by terrible acting. “Shockwave” packs the best cast with Angelis Bettis (“May”), Amber Benson (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer”) and James Duval (“Donnie Darko”). It follows a group of people trying to survive after a nuclear blast hit the planet. Good twist but predictable. I think predictable is the key word for most of these. “Cached” is pretty cool about a guy that steals a dead man’s tablet and lives (or maybe doesn’t) to regret it. “Pizza Guy” is one of the better tales about a group that tries to summon of a demon. Lastly “Vampire Dance” is no question the most pointless entry and worst of them all, which ends this film on the worst possible note.

Starring: Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green and Lena Headey
Directed By: Noam Murro
Rated: R
Running Time: 102 Minutes
Warner Brothers Pictures

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Prepare for another trip into the re-imagined green screen history of ancient Greece. Prepare for another thick dose of blood splatter to coat the screen. Prepare for another unnecessarily high body count that probably outweighs the actual population of ancient Athens. Prepare for pure testosterone driven men who’ve never heard of the word shirt. Prepare for…ah hell, you get the picture. It’s time for another heaping plateful of gore in Zack Snyder’s stylized look at war, between the Greek city states and Persian Empire.

If you haven’t seen “300”, then don’t bother seeing this; you’re going to be confused. “300: Rise of an Empire” takes place before, during and after the movie “300”. It wraps itself around its predecessor like a cocoon and heavily relies on the viewer having previous knowledge of it. That’s not to say there isn’t a story here. The movie starts off with the Battle of Marathon, detailing the heroics of Themistocles (Stapleton), as he repels the first invasion by Persia and slays Darius, the father of Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro). That segues into Xerxes’ path towards vengeance that will eventually lead to the second invasion of Greece nearly a decade later. He slowly deludes himself into believing he is a God among men. You can thank his right hand woman, Artemisia (Green), for polluting his mind with such a silly notion. Artemisia is Greek by blood, but wills the Persian army to avenge the wrongs made against her. We then see the duo’s carefully laid out land and sea invasions. Since we already the land invasion ends with King Leonidas and 300 Spartans biting the dust, we follow Artemisia as she commands a fleet into two sea battles. Themistocles and Artemisia lead their respective sides into battle, both seemingly invincible when participating in the melee.

I would probably be scolded for this sentiment, but I enjoyed this one more than the first. Where the first one took itself way too seriously and forcibly jammed the idea of freedom into it’s story, this one appears to realize how absurd it’s premise already is and just settles into violent popcorn entertainment. The extreme nationalistic pride is still there, but not persistently regurgitated in conversation. The movie instead propels the war forward as a personal vendetta by Xerxes and Artemisia. With that said, this movie would have crumbled without Eva Green playing a fantastic femme fatale. She owns the role of Artemisia in every way possible, clothing or not. I suspect Green has wanted to be the bad guy in movies for a while because she outshines the 10 foot tall Xerxes and is nothing short of malicious.

Zack Snyder seemed to tag along instead of sit in the director’s chair for this movie. He found Noam Murro to pilot this sequel and I’m not sure why he selected Murro. His only other directorial job was “Smart People”, where he had Dennis Quaid rediscover love and happiness with Sarah Jessica Parker. Maybe I’m wrong in my assumption. Maybe there’s a scene in “Smart People” that hinted at the director’s insatiable appetite to film disembowelment and decapitations of Persian underlings. Regardless, he seems to have filled Zack’s directorial shoes. If you had told me Zack directed this, I would have believed you.

Sure, I could go over the historical inaccuracies that tally higher than the corpse count, but that would be pointless. This movie’s purpose isn’t to be a glimpse into Greek history, but instead just a silly bloodbath. It’s more of the same, but it’s also a re-establishing of the brand Snyder put out way back in 2007. It’s simple minded violence that’s visually exciting and a true thrill to watch play out as it challenges itself to become more ludicrous with it’s psychotic clashes. “Rise of an Empire” manages to do what the Greeks did so famously with their own myths. It takes the history and culture and bloats it to make the heroes appear unbeatable and the enemies hopelessly evil. It then weaves it in an entertaining fashion.

Actors: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong’o, Paul Dano, Brad Pitt, Paul Giamatti, Benedict Cumberbatch
Directors: Steve McQueen
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Run Time: 134 minutes

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

We had the privilege of  interviewing both Michael Fassbender and Paul Dano (click here) for “12 Years a Slave” last October during New York Film Fest. This was way before this film started drumming up all this critical rave. Along with Fassbender and Dano, this film is jam-packed with some amazing talent. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong’o both give not good but absolutely phenomenal performances. Even other notable supporting roles include Brad Pitt, Paul Giamatti and Benedict Cumberbatch (who is one fire last year). This film just won numerous Academy Awards including the top award for Best Picture of the Year. I personally think “Gravity” was better but I see why this film took home the award. It is a must see if you missed it in theaters, no question. I must warn you though, it is quite an emotional ride and will definitely leave you exhausted until the credit hit.

Official Premise: Based on an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Pitt) will forever alter his life.

20th Century Fox is releasing this film two days after it cleaned up at the Oscars with a nice combo pack including a Blu-ray + Digital HD UltraViolet copy. “12 Years a Slave” comes wiht a gorgeous 1080p transfer presented with an aspect ratio of 2.40:1. Director Steve McQueen really had a vision with this film and cinematographer Sean Bobbitt really nailed it. Some of the shots were so beautiful, I actually had to go back just to re-watch. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works so well with the dialogue and, of course, Hans Zimmer’s beautiful score. This was no question of the best scores of 2013.

In the special features department, I was expecting a little more from the “Best Picture” of the year. I would have loved to see a commentary track included for this film, especially with all the talent that was involved with it. “12 Years a Slave: A Historical Portrait” is a really solid set of behind-the-scene featurettes. It includes Chiwetel Ejiofor reading from Northup’s original book, as well as a various interviews with cast and crew. The next two featurettes are quite short. “The Team” is a brief look which profiles the cast and crew. “The Score”, obviously, takes a look into Hans Zimmer’s music for the film. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer included.

Actors: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman
Directors: The Coen Brothers
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 11, 2014
Run Time: 104 minutes

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

Whenever I see the Coen Brothers are coming out with a new film my interest always peak. When I read that “Inside Llewyn Davis” was going to be based around the work of folk music, it quickly made my most anticipated movie list. I do not really feel that this film got the attention that it deserved. Oscar Isaac delivered some an amazing performance, I literally had trouble taking my eyes off the screen. There was something about this film that kept my interested the entire 104 minutes. The music was amazing and all sung by each of the respective actors. Along with Isacc performance, there are some fantastic supporting roles delivered by Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, Garrett Hedlund and Justin Timberlake. Each was like a perfectly executed cameo, especially Goodman. If you are a fan of the Coen Brothers’ films, I highly recommend this since it is probably not for everyone.

Official Premise: “Inside Llewyn Davis” follows a week in the life of a young folk singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) is at a crossroads. Guitar in tow, huddled against the unforgiving New York winter, he is struggling to make it as a musician against seemingly insurmountable obstacles – some of them of his own making. Living at the mercy of both friends and strangers, scaring up what work he can find, Llewyn’s misadventures take him from the baskethouses of the Village to an empty Chicago club – on an odyssey to audition for a music mogul – and back again.

Sony delivered “Inside Llewyn Davis” on Blu-ray along with an HD Digital Ultraviolet copy. The 1080p really captures that 1960’s New York feel to it. It looks gritty yet very sharp at the same time. The music performed by Oscar Isaac, Justin Timberlake and Carey Mulligan, as well as Marcus Mumford and Punch Brothers sounds absolutely amazing with the Blu-ray’s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. This is the Coen Brothers’ fourth collaboration with multiple-Grammy and Academy Award-winning music producer T-Bone Burnett and it was a great decision. There is only one special feature included but it is quite impressive, though I would have loved to seen a commentary track also. ““Inside Inside Llewyn Davis” is an in-depth 40-minute, making-of documentary with interviews from the filmmakers, cast, crew and musicians involved with the film.

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Actors: Scott Menville, Bumper Robinson, Hamilton Camp, Elizabeth Lyn Fraser, Henry Corden
Producers: William Hanna, Joseph Barbera, Kay Wright
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Warner Bros Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 11, 2014
Run Time: 300 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Growing up in the 80’s, I used to soak up any and all cartoon that aired either after school or on weekend mornings. I wasn’t old enough to watch the original “The Flintstones” but I was always a fan of the show. My parents told me that I used to run around the house as a kid screaming “YABBA DABBA DOO!”. When “The Flintstone Kids” aired, it was an instant favorite of mine. I was able to watch the pint-sized version of my favorite stone age family, but when they were kids. If you love the original “Flintstones” then it is a no-brainer, “The Flintstone Kids” is a must-own title to add to your collection. I have a 21-month old daughter and she has already watched these episodes numerous times, so I like being able to introduce her to a show that I also grew up with as a kid.

Official Premise: Before Fred and Barney married Wilma and Betty, and became stars of the enormously popular animated primetime series The Flintstones, they were fun-loving kids who hung around together in the town of Bedrock. The Flintstone Kids follows their escapades as adorable schoolchildren and introduces viewers to some new characters, including Rocky Ratrock, Dreamchip Gemstone and Miss Rockybottom, as well as family members Ed and Edna Flintstone, Robert Rubble, Doris Slaghoople and many others.

“The Flintstone Kids” originally aired from 1986 to 1988 on ABC. There were 78 episodes in the series. This is the first time that this show has ever been released on DVD. This release includes ten episodes including: “Barney’s Moving Experience”, “Curse of the Gemstone Diamond”, “Dusty Disappears”, “Freddy’s First Crush”, “Heroes for Hire”, “Poor Little Rich Girl”, “The Bad News Brontos”, “The Fugitives”, “The Little Visitor/Grandpa For Loan” and “The Rock Concert That Rocked Freddy”. This means that there are still 68 episodes left to release, so I have a feeling that Warner Bros is going to be released these volumes for some time.

Actors: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
Directors: Francis Lawrence
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Lionsgate
DVD Release Date: March 7, 2014
Run Time: 146 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When I saw “The Hunger Games”, I plain out hated it. No, I have never read the books and have no interest in doing so either. I thought the movie was completely bland and watered down of what it could have been. It was also during a time when I was not a huge fan of Jennifer Lawrence. Well, thanks to “Silver Linings Playbook” and “American Hustle” that has changed and I have actually become a huge fan of Lawrence now. Unfortunately it only pains me more to say that this sequel could actually be worse the first film. Firstly, it is WAY too late at nearly two and half hours. Nothing happens for the first hour and then is so anti-climatic throughout the rest of the film that the cliffhanger ending just makes you slap your head in disgust.

Official Premise: Based on the best-selling second novel of Suzanne Collins’ award-winning trilogy, with a screenplay by Simon Beaufoy and Michael DeBruyn and directed by Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire begins as, against all odds, Katniss and her fellow tribute Peeta have returned home after surviving The Hunger Games. Winning means they must turn around, leaving their loved ones behind and embark on a “Victory Tour” through the districts. Along the way, Katniss senses a rebellion simmering – one that she and Peeta may have sparked. At the end of the Victory Tour, President Snow announces a deadly 75th Hunger Games that could change Panem forever.

Since this film was in such high demand (no idea why), we only were able to snag this on DVD. The DVD also comes with an HD Digital Ultraviolet copy. In terms of special features, the DVD once again gets the short end of the stick. There is an audio commentary track from director Francis Lawrence (not relation to Jennifer) and producer Nina Jacobson. No cast involved at all which is a shame since it could have added some life to this track. The only other real special feature are a few deleted scenes. Then there is a sneak peak of “Divergent”, which looks even worse than this film if that is possible. The Blu-ray release comes with a nine-part feature-length documentary called “Surviving the Game: Making Catching Fire”, so fans of the film should be sure not to miss that. I am sure I will still see “Mockingjay: Part 1 & 2” but I really hope they are a vast improvement on these first two.

“Gravity,” director Alfonso Cuaron’s technical achievement, took home the lion’s share of awards Sunday night at the 86th Annual Academy Awards.  The film, nominated in 10 categories, took home 7 Oscars, including two for Cuaron: Best Director and Best Film Editing.  The film also took home awards for Visual Effects, Sound, Sound Editing, Cinematography and Best Original Score.

The award for Best Picture went to Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave,” which also took home awards for Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress for Lupita Nyong’o.  Cate Blanchett won her second Oscar, this time as Best Actress, for her role in “Blue Jasmine.”  On the actor side, the boys from “Dallas Buyers Club” took home the gold with Jared Leto winning Best Supporting Actor and Matthew McConaughey winning Best Actor.

“Frozen,” Disney’s latest animated blockbuster, took the award for Best Animated Feature as well as for Best Song, “Let It Go.”  Another multiple award winning film was Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby,” which won for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.”  Spike Jonze took home the Original Screenplay award for “Her.”

The telecast, hosted by Ellen Degeneres, was tame when compared to recent shows.  In fact, except for a couple of “Jonah Hill penis” jokes and a bit delivering pizza to those in the audience, Degeneres was pretty non-existent, only showing up to introduce the next presenters.  All four Best Song presentations were well received, as was Pink’s version of “Over the Rainbow,” performed to help celebrate the 75th Anniversary of “The Wizard of Oz.”  There also appeared to be a problem with the teleprompter as several presenters stumbled through their lines.  When introducing Idina Menzel to sing the song from “Frozen,” John Travolta appeared to introduce her as “Adele Nuzim.”

A bit of old Hollywood was represented with presenting appearances by Kim Novak and Sidney Poitier.  In her first performing appearance on the show Bette Midler earned a much deserved standing ovation for her rendition of “The Wind Beneath My Wings” after the annual “In Memoriam” sequence.

Here is a list of this year’s winners:

Best Picture: 12 Years a Slave

Best Actor: Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club

Best Actress: Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine

Best Supporting Actor: Jared Leto, Dallas Buyer’s Club

Best Supporting Actress: Lupita Nyong’o, 12 Years a Slave

Achievement in Directing: Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity

Best Adapted Screenplay: John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave

Best Original Screenplay: Spike Jonze, Her

Best Original Score: Gravity, Steven Price

Best Original Song: “Let It Go,” Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez; Frozen

Achievement in Costume Design:  The Great Gatsby

Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling:  Dallas Buyers Club

Animated Short Film: Mr. Hublot

Animated Feature Film: Frozen

Achievement in Visual Effects: Gravity

Live Action Short Film: Helium

Best Documentary Short Subject: The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life

Documentary Feature: 20 Feet from Stardom

Best Foreign Language Film of the Year: The Great Beauty, Italy

Achievement in Sound Mixing: Gravity

Achievement in Sound Editing: Gravity

Achievement in Cinematography: Gravity, Emmanuel Lubezki

Achievement in Film Editing: Gravity

Achievement in Production Design: The Great Gatsby