Starring: Robert Davi, Claudia Christian, Bruce Campbell, Michael Lerner, Robert Z’Dar, Clarence Williams III, Caitlin Dulany, Gretchen Becker, Julius Harris, Doug Savant
Director: William Lustig, Alan Smithee
MPAA Rating: R / Not Rated
Studio: Blue Underground
DVD Release Date: November 19, 2013
Run Time: 90 / 85 minutes

“Maniac Cop 2” Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4.5 out of 5 stars
“Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence”: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When I was a kid, I remember walking down the video store aisle and seeing the box for “Maniac Cop” and just being freaked out. When I finally got up enough courage to watch it, I just fell in love with it. What is great about this series is that sequels are just as good as the original film (if not better). “Manic Cop 2” has always been my favorite in the series. Even though Bruce Campbell is one of my all-time favorites, the second film is a much more solid film. They took what made the first film great and improved it. The third film, “Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence” is just an all out hoot. It is over-the-top and in-your-face. I just love this film also.

“Maniac Cop 2” Official Premise: The Maniac Cop series’ first sequel pits Matt Cordell (Robert Z’dar), the crazed, murderous “Maniac Cop” of the first film (now horribly disfigured after a particularly brutal stay in prison), and Turkel (Leo Rossi), a serial killer who likes to murder strippers, against a frenzied NYPD detective, Sean McKinney (Robert Davi), who is just one step ahead of a nervous breakdown.

“Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence” Official Premise: When Officer Kate Sullivan storms a hostage situation, the whole incident is captured on tape by an unscrupulous media crew who edit the footage to show Kate killing a helpless victim. Now in a coma, Kate’s only hope is Detective Sean McKinney, who desperately tries to clear her name. But unbeknownst to him, Maniac Cop Matt Cordell takes it upon himself to exact revenge upon those responsible for smearing her name.

When I see that a Blu-ray is being releasing a film, I immediately pay attention because these guys do not mess around. More importantly they release great films and give them even better releases. These are films that are not given any love by big studios and yet deserve it. Honestly, I was just speechless when I read that “Maniac Cop 2” and “Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence” were going to be hitting Blu-ray with, not just a shitty transfer but a brand new high-definition transfer taken from a new 4K scan of the original camera negative. I mean as a horror fan, I couldn’t believe what I was reading.

Here is what makes it all worth it, since both “Maniac Cop 2” and “Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence” look absolutely stunning with their 1080p transfers. They really nailed it. I am sure that any horror fan will easily agree with me. These films are dark and gritty and yet they look sharp and fantastic still today. If you think that is enough, “Maniac Cop 2” impresses even more with an out-of-this-world DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, which is a complete home run. Also included are additional audio tracks including a Dolby Digital 5.1 EX, Dolby Digital 2.0, and an Isolated Music Track boasting an amazing DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.

“Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence” includes two audio tracks on this Blu-ray release, even though it is not 7.1, the included DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is literally outstanding, I would have never expected this film to get such treatment honestly. Also included is a Dolby Digital 2.0 track. “Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence” includes the Unrated Version of the film, which is a nice bonus. Both “Maniac Cop 2” and “Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence” are released as Collector’s Edition combo packs with both Blu-ray + DVD included.

If you are happy with all of the above, there is still more since “Maniac Cop 2” includes some amazing special features. Along with the above mentioned Isolated Music Score, there are four various international trailers from the film. “Back on the Beat – The Making of Maniac Cop 2” is a brand new over 45 minutes behind-the-scenes featurette on the production the film. There are new interviews with director William Lustig, writer Larry Cohen, actors Robert Davi, Claudia Christian, Michael Lerner, Leo Rossi, Robert Z’Dar and more. There is a Cinefamily Q&A with Director William Lusti, which was filmed after a screening in September of 2012 and runs about 30 minutes.

But saving the best for last, there is a brand new audio commentary with director William Lustig and Danish filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn (“Drive”, “Only God Forgives”). If you are a fan of this film you are not going to want to miss this track, it is so informative and interesting, I am actually planning on revisiting track quite soon. Rounding out the extras as a fantastic Poster and Still Gallery including posters, advertising materials, lobby cards, color stills, B&W stills, behind the scenes stills, deleted Sam Raimi scene, and VHS covers.

“Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence” also includes a great collection of extras as well. First we have “Wrong Arm of the Law: The Making of Maniac Cop 3”, which is a fantastic look into the making of the film. Also included are interviews with writer Larry Cohen, director of photography Jacques Haitkin, stunt coordinator Spiro Razatos, actors Robert Davi, Robert Z’Dar, Caitlin Dulany, and Gretchen Becker. There are seven deleted and extended scenes included. Lastly there is the original trailer for “Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence” as well as a Poster & Still Gallery. Horror fans do not miss these two releases!

Julie Adams is known best as the bathing beauty Kay Lawrence in 1954’s “Creature from the Black Lagoon”. She also appeared in the musical comedy “Tickle Me” along side Elvis Presley in 1965. Recently, Adams has authored a book on her life and career called “The Lucky Southern Star: Reflections From The Black Lagoon”, which was published in 2011 and is currently available via her website. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Julie about her role in “Creature from the Black Lagoon” and discuss her outstanding career.

Mike Gencarelli: Why do you think that Creature has resonated with fans for all these years?
Julie Adams: I think it’s a good movie. The script was well-written by Harry Essex and Arthur A. Ross. Jack Arnold was a fine director; he did a beautiful job directing the film. Our ensemble cast helped to make a fantastic story believable. The Creature suit was unique and original, and still captures audiences’ imaginations today with how immaculately it was designed and realized on film. The music also accentuates the suspense and enhances the scary moments. Creature enthusiasts from back in the 1950s watched the movie with their children in the 1970s. Today, people who grew up in the 70s run the film with their kids, so we now have three generations of fans — it is truly remarkable to be a part of this kind of phenomenon.

MG: What was your initial reaction when you first saw the Gill Man costume? Was it on Ben Chapman or Ricou Browning?
JA: I was startled the first time I saw the Gill Man fully realized. I’ll never forget how believable the costume looked. I did the majority of my work in the film with Ben Chapman. Ricou primarily worked with my double, Ginger Stanley, in the underwater sequences that were shot in Wakulla Springs, Florida.

MG: Did shooting the film in 3D cause any issues during production?
JA: Have you seen the new 3D Bluray? Shooting in 3D had very little impact on me throughout the course of the production. That aspect of the filmmaking was left up to our fine camera crew and director. I have seen the new 3D Bluray. In fact, we screened it in Jacksonville, Florida in March at Sun-Ray Cinema with a sold out audience. The entire film has been digitally restored. It’s almost like a new movie. Like a crystal clear window into the past. It is absolutely spectacular!

MG: What was it like swimming knowing that “the creature” was underneath you?
JA: In actuality, it was all an illusion. Because I only did the swimming on the surface at Universal Studios in Hollywood, the Creature was never beneath me at the studio. That was the magic of editing. The stunning underwater photography in Florida was seamlessly cut together with the shots of me on the surface on the studio backlot, creating the effect for the audience that the Creature and I were actually in the Black Lagoon together. I’m still astonished at how well the underwater ballet with Kay and the Gill Man still captivates viewers to this day!

MG: Any interesting stories from shooting in the water?
JA: Probably the most intriguing was from a scene near the end of the picture when I am being carried by Ben Chapman in the Creature’s underwater lair. Someone at the studio had forgotten to heat the tank that day. It was a chilly autumn morning, and the water was quite cold. So when Ben emerged with me in his arms I was trying desperately not to shiver. The goggles on Ben’s Creature mask fogged up and he couldn’t see very well. The cave set was made up of paper mache’ rocks that had a few jagged edges. While carrying me unconscious in his arms, Ben accidentally bumped my head against one of the rocks and my eyes suddenly opened and I raised my head. The director yelled “Cut,” and production was delayed momentarily while a small scrape on my forehead was tended to by a nurse. Of course, the studio made a publicity stunt out of it and pictures were taken of the mishap. I still love seeing the photo of Ben in his Creature suit looking over me solicitously as the nurse tends to my forehead. In the end, it was a very minor incident and production resumed about fifteen minutes later.

MG: Tell why did you decided to write your memoir “The Lucky Southern Star: Reflections From The Black Lagoon”?
JA: It was really the fans’ idea. Over the years a lot of folks who enjoy my work in movies and television asked me about writing a memoir. Finally in 2009, my son Mitch and I decided it was time to sit down and write one! It took us more than two years to complete. We have been delighted with the response to it, movie enthusiasts from all over world have read it, some have even sent nice notes telling me how much they have enjoyed it. There is an entire chapter about the making of Creature from the Black Lagoon, the book is also filled with numerous behind-the-scenes photos form Creature and other films and television shows that I appeared in through the years. It is available exclusively through my website at www.julieadams.biz.

MG: Any plans to release as audio book expanding the original small run?
JA: Due to the popularity of the print book, we released the audio book near the end of 2012. I read the entire story for the production, which was a lot of fun and brought back so many memories. I think my fans have enjoyed hearing me read the story on the audio book. Some even own both the print and audio book, which is wonderful!

MG: What was it like working with Elvis Presley?
JA: It was a dream. I’m from the South and Elvis was a true Southern gentleman. One example of this was how he sent all of the actresses in Tickle Me flowers on their first day on the set. I also marveled at how well he performed his singing numbers in the movie, lip-syncing them perfectly. Elvis was a phenomenon, and I cherished my time working with him!

MG: Looking back on your amazing career what were some of your favorite roles?
JA: Naturally, I loved the role of Kay Lawrence in Creature. It was nice playing an educated scientist who goes off on an adventure up the Amazon in search of the origin of a mysterious claw. I also enjoyed portraying Laura Baile in Bend of the River, opposite James Stewart, whom I consider to be one of the silver screen’s finest actors. Later in my career I had great fun as Eve Simpson, the realtor in Cabot Cove on Murder, She Wrote. She was an eccentric character who provided some funny moments on the show. And of course it was a great experience to play comedy with someone as skilled as Angela Lansbury. I also loved performing in the theatre. One of my favorite roles was as Mary Tyrone in Eugene O’Neill’s masterwork Long Day’s Journey into Night. I’ve been fortunate to play a lot of interesting women over the years, and feel blessed to have had so many opportunities in film, television, and on the stage to entertain audiences.

Actors: Farrah Fawcett, Kirk Douglas, Harvey Keitel
Directors: Stanley Donen
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: December 3, 2013
Run Time: 88 minutes

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

When it comes to sci-fi and horror, I always have a sore spot…especially 80’s sci-fi/horror. “Saturn 3” is directed by Stanley Donen and stars Farrah Fawcett, Kirk Douglas, and Harvey Keitel. We have an A-list cast from 1980 in relavitely a  B-movie yet it still works for what it is worth. The film is fun, entertaining and packs some great visual effects. This is what you might call a bad movie that many people love! In fact, this has developed quite the cult following over the year. If you are a fan growing up with this life like myself then you are going to want to swoop this Blu-ray up ASAP!

Official Premise: Adam (Douglas) and Alex (Fawcett) are scientists seeking new forms of food deep beneath the surface of Saturn’s moon Titan. Their laboratory is a space-age Eden and their life is idyllic until the arrival of Captain James (Keitel), a murderous psychopath, and his “helper” robot Hector. As Saturn goes into eclipse and cuts the station off from the rest of the universe, Captain James and Hector terrorize Adam and Alex. When the homicidal robot turns on its creator, James is torn apart trying to disassemble it and the scientists are forced to battle it out for themselves. With hector plugged into the station’s control system, Adam and Alex must attempt to destroy everything they have built in order to save themselves.

Shout! Factory has delivered a super cool Blu-ray + DVD combo pack. “Saturn 3” also boasts an all-new 1080p high-definition transfer of the film. The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track also sounds tight and delivers that sci-fi feel, especially with that amazing score by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In terms of special features, the release doesn’t disappoint again. There is an audio commentary track by Greg Moss (from the “Saturn 3” Fan site) and film critic David Bradley. There are interviews with Academy Award winning Special Effects artist Colin Chilvers and actor Roy Dotrice. There is a Deleted Scene including as well as additional scenes from the network television version. Lastly, there is a Theatrical Trailer, TV Spots and Stills Gallery included.

Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Tilda Swinton, Mia Wasikowska, John Hurt, Anton Yelchin and Jeffrey Wright
Directed By: Jim Jarmusch
Running Time: 123 minutes
Sony Pictures Classics

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston, already pretty ethereal as they are, are well cast as vampire lovers Adam and Eve in Jim Jarmusch’s wonderful upcoming film, Only Lovers Left Alive. The film finds Adam at a low point in his long existence with wife Eve swooping in to lift him from his disappointment at the state of the modern world. It’s a clever, macabre character study that beneath its too-cool undead protagonists lies a tremendously romantic beating heart.

As Adam, Hiddleston drives away any and all comparison to that other shaggy, dark-haired immortal he has so expertly played recently. Adam is a fascinating creature who displays a wall full of iconic mortals in his den, all the while repeatedly protesting that he has no heroes. Everyone from Edgar Allan Poe and Oscar Wilde to Rodney Dangerfield and Iggy Pop are framed in a shrine to human imagination that at this point in time Adam is lamenting the “zombies” have lost. This admiration for human achievement somewhat undermines Adam’s intentions to kill himself with a wooden bullet obtained from his stoner human buddy Ian (Anton Yelchin in a Renfield-goes-Rock-n-Roll mode). Adam wants to seem the depressive loner, it’s a romantic notion that suits his look and music, but every so often there are cracks in this facade where Hiddleston lets through brilliant moments of enthusiasm. He can be completely enchanted by an unknown singer in a back alley club or excited over a new guitar despite an already huge collection. Adam gives an angry impassioned speech about the world’s dismissal of great scientists–Tesla, Darwin and the like–but that he is able to get so worked up about the fate of humanity weakens his stance that he’s lost all hope in it.

These small embers of optimism are fanned by Adam’s wife Eve and Swinton is perfect at embodying his more mischievous other half. When we meet her, Eve is living apart from Adam in Tangier trying to stir up some controversy in the mortal world by goading her friend, fellow immortal Kit Marlowe (John Hurt), into dusting off the Shakespearian authorship debate just for a bit of entertainment. She’s recalled to her husband in Detroit when she senses Adam’s melancholy over a touching video phone call they share.

Eve having to carefully engineer night flights to make such a journey possible is one of the many vampiric touches Jarmusch cleverly slips in without being explicitly expository about his brand of bloodsucker. Others include Adam’s usage of preternatural speed only when really pushed or their eyes growing paler the more in need of a drink they are. There are references to a larger crisis of contaminated human blood, causing Adam to haunt a complicit doctor (Jeffrey Wright, making a huge impact in just two scenes of bouncing dialogue off a hilariously unresponsive Hiddleston in scrubs) for a healthy supply, but that’s not the focus here.

Rather, Eve is content to share blood popsicles with Adam during a game of chess or bond over their mutual appreciation of Jack White. Such smaller moments are where Hiddleston and Swinton really shine. They have a chemistry that feels lived in without any of the negative connotations so often associated with the “old married couple.” And they really can’t get much older than these two. One gets the sense that Adam’s depression is just part of a larger cycle the two have weathered many times before with the gleeful Eve returning to turn over the hourglass that Adam says is running out of sand. In a particularly joyful scene, Eve finds Adam’s would-be means of suicide and defuses the tension by drawing him into a heartwarming dance to Denise LaSalle’s “Trapped by a Thing Called Love” instead of an argument. This tendency to physical interaction over words in many instances adds to an animalistic dynamic this little clique of vampires share. It becomes more pronounced when Eve’s party-vamp sister Ava (Mia Wasikowska) drops in on the couple. In the only concrete conflict of the film, the sister from LA throws a monkey wrench into Adam and Eve’s chilled out lifestyle, demanding they all go out and over indulge on their “good” blood. Like most bingeing, it doesn’t end well. The sisters together are able to push Adam around rather like the females in a pride of lions, an idea reinforced by Gerd Zeiss’s wild hair designs which incorporated actual animal furs.

Beyond the cool makeup design, Jarmusch creates a fascinating nighttime world for his characters to inhabit. Eve is surrounded by books in her lush Tangier location while Adam’s lair in Detroit is completely wired and filled with all the things he’s engineered himself from decades of technological equipment. Both the cities are richly shot by Yorick Le Saux who finds beauty both in the dark and in locations of complete decay. Jarmusch’s own band SQURL reinforces this dark environment with a hypnotic guitar driven soundtrack that will haunt viewers long after the credits roll. Still, despite its gothic trappings, Only Lovers Left Alive is a surprisingly funny and touching character study of what it is to sustain love and inspiration throughout a very long lifetime.

Note: This film screened as part of the 51st Annual New York Film Fest where we were informed it would be aiming for spring opening in the US. For now, it’s continuing to make festival rounds and has a UK release date of February 21st. You can view a recently released trailer below and check back here for further updates as we get them! 

Actors: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman
Directors: Ben Affleck
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: December 3, 2013
Run Time: 129 minutes

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

But now we all now how amazing “Argo” was. Ben Affleck has really proven himself to be one of the best directors in the business right now. The upcoming caped crusader (Batman, for all you non-comic book fans), Affleck has delivered such a comeback and cleaned up the awards with this film. “The Declassified Extended Edition” is a 129-minute cut of the film (which is nine minutes longer than the theatrical version). This similar approach was taken with Affleck’s “The Town” as it was also given an extended director’s cut as well. I wouldn’t say that the extra minutes make or break the film but the film still is very enjoyable. Packed with tons of additional goodies and a bunch of new special features makes this a must have for any fan of the film.

Official Premise: On November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, militants storm the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. But, in the midst of the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of Canadian Ambassador Ken Taylor. Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed, the Canadian and American governments ask the CIA to intervene. The CIA turns to their top “exfiltration” specialist, Tony Mendez, to come up with a plan to get the six Americans safely out of the country. A plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies.

Besides the extended cut, this release also features a 64-Page In-Depth Book with Behind-the-Scenes Argo Photographs, an Argo: A Cosmic Conflagration Movie Poster Reproduction (14″ x 20″), Map of “Argo” Movie Locations (14″ x 20″) and an ID Card Prop Replica. Warner releases this film with an UltraViolet Digital Copy. The 1080p transfer is fantastically presented, while still able to keep the 70′s/80′s feel of the film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio also delivers one hell of a track. Alexandre Desplat’s score really gets to shine as well and adds quite a lot of tension for this film. Overall, this film packs a very impressive release in the audio/video department.

This release included all the extras from the previous Blu-ray release, as well as a ton of new special features on top of them. The first of the brand new extras include “Argo Declassified” which follows Tony Mendez getting honored as part of the CIA’s 50th anniversary. “Ben Affleck’s Balancing Act” focuses on Affleck’s blending of the humor, politics, Hollywood and international intrigue in the film. “Argo F*ck Yourself” features Ben Affleck talking about Argo’s classic line.

The rest of the extras are from the previous release but still equally amazing. “Picture in Picture: Eyewitness Account”, which is the bet of the bunch. It includes interviews with key people from the Iran hostage crisis, including survivors Tony Mendez, as well as President Jimmy Carter and many more. The audio commentary track with director Ben Affleck and writer Chris Terrio is also not to be missed. It is very engaging and informative. If you enjoyed this film then both the PIP option and commentary track are highly recommend for repeat viewings.

“Rescued from Tehran: We Were There” is another engaging featurette with interviews from President Carter, Tony Mendez and more as they chat about their experiences. ”Absolute Authenticity” is a featurette with Affleck chatting about how much work went into this production. “The CIA and Hollywood Connection” is a chat with Affleck, Terrio, Goodman, and Mendez as they discuss the CIA working with Hollywood. Lastly, “Escape from Iran: The Hollywood Option” is the 2005 television documentary focusing on the 25th anniversary of the film’s event, presented in standard definition.

Get Argo Extended Edition on Blu-ray December 3rd, just in time for the Holiday Season!

Actors: Ethan Hawke, Selena Gomez, John Voight, Rebecca Budig, Paul Freeman
Directors: Courtney Solomon
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: November 26, 2013
Run Time: 90 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Ethan Hawke has been on a role this year with the horror “Sinister and the romantic dramedy “Before Midnight”, unfortunately “Getaway” does not continue that streak for him. “Getaway” is fast paced and thrilling but doesn’t really race past the finish line in 1st place. Co-star Selena Gomez, the child star from “Wizard of Waverly Place” does really fit in with the film and still is struggling to break into the adult genre. Overall, not the worst of the year and could recommend this as a Redbox rental or Netflix for sure.

Official Premise: Former race car driver Brent Magna (Hawke) is pitted against the clock. Desperately trying to save the life of his kidnapped wife, Brent commandeers a custom Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake, taking it and its unwitting owner (Gomez) on a high-speed race against time, at the command of the mysterious villain holding his wife hostage.

When I first saw the Blu-ray I felt like they didn’t but much time into it and just spewed it out from its disappointing run in theaters to Blu-ray to try and recoup its lost money. The 1080p transfer works welll with the action and multiple cameras used. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, which does add some drama to the car chases. The special features include a short collection of featurettes focusing on the film’s production and are pretty self explanatory from the titles: “Crash Cams”, “Destroying a Custom Shelby”, “Metal and Asphalt”, “Selena Gomez: On Set” and “The Train Station”.

Own “Getaway” on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and HD Digital Download 11/26

Actors: Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, Robert Sheehan, Kevin Zegers, Lena Headey
Directors: Harald Zwart
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: December 3, 2013
Run Time: 130 minutes

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

I am a sucker for the sci-fi fantasy genre. I was drawn into the hype of “”The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones” series way before the film, which led me read the book first. I know it is trying to be the next “Twilight”…what isn’t but I quite enjoyed it.  I was not thrilled about the cast though, which stars “Twilight Saga” co-star Jamie Campbell Bower (mistake or purpose?) and Lily Collins (“Mirror Mirror), not a huge fan of either. The film is exciting and entertaining…even though about 20 minutes too long. It is far from perfect but if you enjoyed the book, then I would recommend checking it out for sure.

Synopsis: Fantasy adventure based on the bestselling series of novels by Cassandra Clare. Clary Fray (Collins) is an ordinary teenage girl living in New York, but when her mother is attacked by a demon in her home Clary learns she is descended from a secret race of half-angel Shadowhunters who are fighting an ancient battle protecting the earth from evil forces. As Clary is then introduced to the world the Shadowhunters and other forces inhabit, she must grow to accept her new identity and work at saving her mother before it’s too late…

Sony is releasing the film as a two disc combo pack including Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy. The 1080p transfer is solid and works well with the CGI effects, which the film has quite a bit of. The action is a little tame but overall keeps your interest and looks sharp. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works well with the action also and the film’s hipster soundtrack (again trying to take a page from “Twilight”).

The special features are not too shabby and worth checking out. “Bringing Them to Life” features the cast/crew discussing the characters. “Descendants of the Cup” is a featurette on the film’s stunts and visual effefcts to turn the cast into Shadowhunters. If you enjoyed the film you will enjoy the “Interactive Lineage Tracker”, which allows yous to learn more about all the characters. “Deadly Attraction” has Lily Collins & Jamie Campbell Bower chatting about their roles. “Entering The Shadow World” looks into the film’s creatures effects. “Into the Shadows: From Book to Screen” follows the book’s journey from page to screen. Lastly, there is a music video for “Almost is Never Enough” by Ariana Grande ft. Nathan Sykes and a few deleted scenes as well.

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Actors: Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich, Anthony Hopkins, Mary-Louise Parker
Directors: Dean Parisot
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Summit Inc/Lionsgate
Release Date: November 26, 2013
Run Time: 116 minutes

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

When “Red” came out, I thought that it was cool that they were adapting a comic book for the older folks. The cast is superb including Bruce Willis (“Die Hard”), John Malkovich (“Burn After Reading”), Mary-Louise Parker (Showtime’s “Weeds”), with Anthony Hopkins (“Thor”) and Helen Mirren (“The Queen”) but too bad, the film cannot capture that same thrill as the first. In fact “Red 2” just feels like a re-do of the first one, the fun aspect feels too old…no pun. The action/comedy is still present but lacks the sharpness of the first film. This is a sequel that no one was asking for, so unless you are a die-hard of the first film I would pass this one and just remember how cool the first film was.

Official Premise: Retired black-ops CIA agent Frank Moses (Willis) and his team set out on a global quest to track down a missing, next-generation lethal device that can change the balance of world power. To succeed, they’ll need to survive an army of relentless assassins, ruthless terrorists and power-crazed government officials, all eager to get their hands on the technologically advanced super weapon. Outgunned and outmanned, they have only their cunning wits, old-school skills and each other to rely on as they try to save the world – and stay alive in the process.

Despite the film itself, “Red 2” packs an amazing punch in terms of audio video. The 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 2.40:1 delivers the action and also showcases the very beautiful shooting locations including Paris and London. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, which is wall-shaking good and works perfect with each action sequence. In terms of special features though we are back to disappointing. “The Red 2 Experience” is a decent collection of featurettes looking behind-the-scenes. Lastly there are a few short deleted scenes and a gag reel included.

Actors: Dean Martin, Johnny Carson, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Don Rickles
Number of discs: 25
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Time Life Entertainment
DVD Release Date: October 25, 2013
Run Time: 2400 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

StarVista Entertainment/Time Life is behind this complete collection of the best-selling releases of “The Dean Martin Variety Show”. This marks the first time that most of these classics from the Golden Age of TV will be released on DVD in a single collection. Featuring all 54 roasts from both “The Dean Martin Show” and “The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts”, this release is a must have for any fan of Dean Martin and these classic roasts. These roasts featured the top names ranging from 20th century’s most accomplished performers and athletes, politicians and personalities in the business giving their best jabs, put-downs, insults, slams and zingers. This beautiful set is packaged in a very sharp collector’s box and includes a 44-page Quote Book with rare photos, anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories and memorabilia.

Who doesn’t love Dean Martin? Especially as we enter into the holiday season, his voice is just mesmerizing and so amazing.  Dean had this certain aspect about that that you can’t help but love…and admire. The guy is a legend and always will be. This collection includes an enormous about of talent as Dean surrounds himself with an amazing group of people…and never stops entertaining.  There is absolutely no shortage of talent included in this collection. These roasts are classy…yet a little raunchy like you would expect from Dean and also a whole lot funny. This is also something that you can watch and watch over and over!

There are 54 roasts here including Ronald Reagan, Hugh Hefner, Ed McMahon, William Conrad, Kirk Douglas, Bette Davis, Barry Goldwater, Johnny Carson, Wilt Chamberlain, Hubert Humphrey, Carroll O’Connor, Monty Hall, Jack Klugman & Tony Randall, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Leo Durocher, Truman Capote, Don Rickles, Ralph Nader, Jack Benny, Redd Foxx, Bobby Riggs, George Washington (portrayed by Jan Leighton), Dan Rowan & Dick Martin, Hank Aaron, Joe Namath, Bob Hope, Telly Savalas, Lucille Ball, Jackie Gleason, Sammy Davis, Jr., Michael Landon, Evel Knievel, Valerie Harper, Muhammad Ali, Dean Martin, Dennis Weaver, Joe Garagiola, Redd Foxx, Danny Thomas, Angie Dickinson, Gabe Kaplan, Ted Knight, Peter Marshall, Dan Haggerty, Frank Sinatra, Jack Klugman, Jimmy Stewart, George Burns, Betty White, Suzanne Somers, Joe Namath, Joan Collins, Mr. T, and Michael Landon.

If you want more then you are going to love the 15-hours of bonus material included as well. There are eleven newly-produced featurettes including: “Ladies of the Dais”, “Beauty & The Beast: Ruth Buzzi vs. Muhammad Ali” and “Roast in Hell: Politicians Under Fire”. There are also several interviews including Phyllis Diller, Ruth Buzzi, Shirley Jones, Tony Danza, Angie Dickinson, Carol Burnett, Sheila Kuehl, Jimmie Walker, Abe Vigoda and Fred Willard. There are classic Dean Martin TV Specials including “Dean’s Place” and “Red Hot Scandals of 1926”. There are some Rare and Exclusive Home Movies from Dean’s Collection. There are bonus comedy sketches and also two Dean Martin Variety Show DVDs featuring Bob Hope, John Wayne, Peggy Lee, Rodney Dangerfield and many others included.

Actors: Louise Lasser, Greg Mullavey, Mary Kay Place, Dabney Coleman, Graham Jarvis
Directors: Joan Darling
Number of discs: 38
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Shout! Factory
DVD Release Date: December 3, 2013
Run Time: 8100 minutes

Series: 4 out of 5 stars
Extra: 3 out of 5 stars

Hope you have some times on your hands coming up since all 325 episodes of “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” are now available on DVD within it’s new 38-DVD box set for The Complete Series. This comes back with around 135 hours of television. This series has never been available in its entirety before and thanks to Shout! Factor fans of the series can own it all…and in perfect time for the holidays! “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” is such a groundbreaking satirical soap opera and starred the amazing Louise Lasser (“Take the Money and Run”, “Bananas”). I never caught the show in its original run but it is still as entertaining as it was when it first aired. A must have for any fan of the series!

Official Premise: Not since the show’s original network run has anyone been able to experience this iconic cult classic in its entirety. In the fictional town of Fernwood, Ohio, the heroine, housewife Mary Hartman, lives a life that is a quest for perfection as portrayed by the Reader’s Digest and TV commercials. She is ravaged by a never-ending onslaught of mass murders, venereal disease, low-flying airplanes and a waxy yellow buildup on her kitchen floor. Louise Lasser stars in the title role of Norman Lear’s innovative and bent serial, which combines the drama and pathos of a traditional soap opera with a wry, satirical sense of humor.

Besides Louise Lasser, she is backed with an amazing cast including Greg Mullavey (“Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice”, “iCarly”), Mary Kay Place (“Big Love”, “The Big Chill”), who also won an Emmy for her role, Graham Jarvis (“Misery”, “Guiding Light”), Debralee Scott (“Police Academy”, “American Graffiti”), Victor Kilian (“The Ox-Bow Incident”, “Only Angels Have Wings”), Dody Goodman (“One Life To Live”, “Grease”), Philip Bruns (“General Hospital”, “Flashdance”), Dabney Coleman (“Boardwalk Empire”, “Tootsie”), Martin Mull (“Arrested Development”, “Roseanne”) and Claudia Lamb (“Forever Fernwood”).

I would love to say that the episodes looks pristine and are perfectly restored but I wasn’t terribly blown away with the DVD transfer of the episodes. They are not terrible just show their age a bit. In terms of special features, I was a little bit last down with the lack of commentary tracks. There are two interesting featurettes including “Inside the Funhouse Mirror”, which features Norman Lear, Louise Lasser and Mary Kay Place talk about the making of the show. The second is called “On the Verge of…” is has Norman Lear and Louise Lasser discussing the episode “Nervous Breakdown”. Lastly there are ten original “Fernwood 2 Night” episodes! This was the real draw for me, which follows the fictional town made popular by “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” and stars Martin Mull, Fred Willard, and Frank De Vol.

I am a huge fan of film scores, always have been. I am always keeping my eyes open for a new favorite. Well, I have found him…enter Steven Price. Steven has three film scores currently under his belt including “Attack of the Block” and “The World’s End”. His latest score for the hugely successful film “Gravity” is no question the best score of the year! I have a feeling it is going to be winning many awards in the coming months. Media Mikes had a chance to chat about developing the score for this film and his involvement with the film.

Mike Gencarelli: Where you ever concerned about delivering the sound to the soundlessness of space with your score for “Gravity”?
Steven Price: It was one of those things that looking back on it I should have been absolutely terrified. At the time we were so into trying things and experimenting that I didn’t realize what a ridiculous thing that I had attempted to do until I finished it really. This was actually lucky cause otherwise I would have sat frozen to my chair and never written a note. At the time it felt like it was a great opportunity to take on this daunting task but I can see now that it was perhaps now quite an ambitious task to undertake.

MG: I felt like the score was the third member of the cast in the film; was that a goal of yours?
SP: The hope for the music was that it was going to add to this idea of immersion. The camera was floating up in space, weightless like the characters and the music was there to follow through with that. You were up in space with them and you felt like you were immersed in that. For me it is the third character in some ways but I was always closely tied to the character of Ryan. A lot of what the music was trying to do was express her emotions and feelings. The hope was certainly that it would have this immersive feel and the sense that it would really all come together as a whole experience.

MG: What did you use for inspiration to come up with this amazing score?
SP: From the word “Go”, Alfonso (Cuarón) was really clear that he didn’t want this to be a traditional film score. I didn’t go and listen to other film scores about space. I avoided things like that actually. We would listen to all types of different music and draw specific aspects from each. You might be listening to rock music one week and then the next some really extreme electronica. All of these things would trigger off little experiments that I would use to apply during the writing process. Everything was really open and we had a lot of freedom. There was no one telling us how we had to create the sound. We got to make something that really fitted this film well and that was also very distinctive.

MG: I read that the score was mixed to be enhanced with the Dolby Atmos technology; tell us about that process?
SP: Yeah! That was the last thing that we did. We came back this past summer and did a new mix for that. This film really suits with Dolby Atmos and the whole thing about it is that you are completely surrounded by speakers. They are all around you. I based a lot around the knowledge that we were doing that when I wrote it as well. You can take it to another level. So if the camera enters the helmet of Sandra Bullock, then all of the sudden the score can feel like it compressed around your head. We had a lot of fun doing that and it is easily my favorite mix. There are so few Dolby Atmos screens in the UK but it is the one that I recommend to my friends for sure in America!

MG: “Don’t Let Go” is one hell of an emotional 11+ minute track; give us some background on its development?
SP: When I wrote it originally it started as 4 or 5 cues. They all did separate things but were designed to flow together. It became the bit that I was most proud of, so that is why I put it on the album as one continuous track. It just felt like it worked so well. It starts off with the introduction of the most dramatic stuff. You’ve had all this chaos and disorientation in the film for the first 20 minutes and this was the first time when you can take a breath. So it let me do a little bit of that kind of writing style which then went into a really choreographed action section. This idea came along early in the writing process that as the actors move around that I can reflect their movement within the music. I thought that that aspect was sort of a breakthrough and I was very excited during mixing that one. I was just so happy with how it all came together and how the emotions carried through it.

MG: What was your timeline on this film?
SP: I started back in December 2011 and we finished the main film mix November/December of last year but then came back like I said this year and did a little more. So I have been involved for the better part of two years now, which in the great scheme of this project is nothing. There are people that have spent around four or five years working on it. But it was great that since it was in fact so much longer than the typical composing project on a film where you are always in a race against time that with this film you got a chance to go back and try different things. I was also involved with temp mixes with the sound crew, so we all sort of evolved the sound together. It was pretty rare and really great to see the whole project develop over the years.

MG: It’s been a busy year for you with “Gravity” and “The World’s End”, tell us about how ?
SP: I had done a film called “Attack of the Block”, in which Edgar Wright produced a few years ago. So “The World’s End” came from that basically. It was just great to work with Edgar on that film. He is so interested in his music. The whole film is so cleverly structured and the music is a part of that. You get really involved really early. Again, I got a script way before they even shot that one and got to discuss how they were going to do things and how we could adapt the sound. That was great fun and a lot of my role in that was around the energy of how everything happened in one night in the film. We got to play into a bunch of different styles since there were comedy bits, action bits and even romantic bits as well. It was just good fun to be able to press different buttons. From being in this very immersive “Gravity” world, it was great to break out and do something different.

MG: What do you have planned after this film?
SP: There are a few things that I have knocking about. Since I am relatively new to this whole composing thing and I am not one of these people that have done like 50 films, I still feel incredibly lucky to be doing it. But also I feel paranoid that it will stop all of the sudden [laughs]. So there are a few things in the works but I don’t want to curse them by talking about them just yet. But there is definitely some exciting stuff coming up!

Directed by: Hisayuki Toriumi
Number of discs: 14
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Sentai Filmworks
Release Date: December 10, 2013
Run Time: 2770 minutes

Series: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 5 out of 5 stars

If you don’t recognize the name “Gatchaman”…how about “Battle of the Planets (1978)” or “G-Force: Guardians of Space (1986)”, which are English adaptations of this 1972 series. It was originally released under “Kagaku Ninjatai Gatchaman” translated into “Science Ninja Team Gatchaman”. The English language versions were always complained about like with most anime series (for example “Dragon Ball Z”) since they are confusing and lacks the structure of the original Japanese series but I grew up watching “Battle of the Planets” and loving it. Why this series is most exciting is that it is the the completely uncut version that ADV Films released years ago on DVD. So fans of this show can finally rejoice as this classic series gets the ultimate edition release.

Official Premise: Using amazing weapons powered by super-science, the international terrorist organization known as Galactor is out to steal all of Earth’s resources for itself and its inhuman masters. Mankind’s only hope? The International Science Organization and their elite strike force, the Science Ninja Team! But these five young heroes will have their work cut out for them as they take on the seemingly impossible task of defeating Galactor’s horrific arsenal of mechanized weapons of mass destruction and endless armies of henchmen. Can costumed commandos Ken the Eagle, Joe the Condor, Jun the Swallow, Jinpei the Sparrow and Ryu the Owl really overcome such overwhelming odds? Utilizing the incredible technology and fighting techniques created by Dr. Nambu, and with the mighty ship the God Phoenix at their command, they just might.

So if you grew up wit this series like myself, whether it was probably remember it “Kagaku Ninjatai Gatchaman” or “Battle of the Planets” or “G-Force”, you can experience this show again for the first time in a complete collection. No question, this is a must purchase for any anime fan and yet another fantastic release from Sentai Filmworks. I should also point out that back in 1994, the original series was remade as a shortened OVA series. They were previously unreleased and are included here for the first time. The OVA features updated character designs and altered backgrounds. The OVAs were also redubbed for this release to match the uncut TV series dub, so that is just another additional bonus.

“Gatchaman: Complete Collection” features the whole series includes episodes 1-105, it also includes the previously unreleased OVA episodes 1-3. The 1080p video looks quite amazing as well. It is restored but doesn’t lose that classic 70’s anime feel. I recently watched a remastered Disney movie from the 80’s and it was terribly restored completely taking out all the detail. That is not the case here as these episodes are sharp, crisp and pack some great line detail. There are both English and Japanese audio language included with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, which will deliver options of all the hardcore fans. I prefer the English language, which just sounds so epic. The series’ music and score has always been a favorite of mine and sounds quite amazing on this Blu-ray.

In terms of special features, Sentai Filmworks could have just stopped with the episodes and I am sure fans would have still purchase this release with no complaints but they went even further and deliver a jam-packed release. There are a ridiculous amount of commentary tracks included on this release.. On the disc 1, there two audio commentary tracks, the first is with Leraldo Anazulda (Ken) and Charles Campbell (ADR Director) and the other is with Brian Jepson (Joe) and again with Charles Campbell. Disc 2 also includes two audio commentary tracks. The first is with Kim Prause (Jun) and and Charles Campbell and the second is with Luci Christian (Jinspei). Disc 3 includes a commentary track with Victor Carsrud (Ryu). Disc 4 includes a track with Andy McAvin (Dr. Nambu) and also a track with George Manely (Narrator). Disc 5 brings us a commentary from Edwin Neal (Berg Katse) and also Sarah Alys Lindholm (Senior Translator). Disc 6 includes a commentary track from John Tyson (Red Impulse).

Disc 7 includes a commentary track with both Leraldo Anazulda (Ken) and Andy McAvin (Dr. Nambu). Disc 8 includes two tracks, the first with Kim Prause (Jun) and Luci Christian (Jinspei) and the second with Brian Jepson (Joe) and Winston Parish (Leader X). Disc 9 includes a very fun Minions & Mayhem commentary track with Josh Grelle, Glenn Frazer, Chris Ayres and Charles Campbell. Disc 10 includes tracks from Marty Fleck (Director Anderson) and Charles Campbell (this guy really loves commentary tracks). There is also a track with Samantha Inoue Harte and Charles Campbell. Disc 11 includes a technical audio commentary track with Recording Engineers Eden Barrera and Bobby Gordon. There is also a commentary with Luci Christian (Jinpei) and George Manley (Narrator). Lastly Leraldo Anazulda (Ken) and Charles Campbell reunite again from disc one to close out these amazing commentary tracks.

The rest of the extras are included on disc 14 and there is not a few extras, there is still a TON more included. “What is Gatchaman” and “What We Were Watching”, which look into the series. There are tons of amazing “Character Profiles, Character Sketches, “Episode Sketches, Art Galleries and Publishing Galleries” included. There is a look into the original series with “Science Ninja Tech” and “The Origins of Tatsunoko Production”. There are two featurettes on the series’ memorable music with “Gatchaman Music”, as well as “The Demon 5 in Concert”. There some fun interviews with Alex Ross, Charles Campbell and also the English voice cast. There is also some audition footage for the English cast and also a round table interview series.  Lastly there are clean opening and closing animations, as well as an unused ending sequence and a commercial for Gatchaman ModelLock. Literally, I was blown away by these amazing extras.

Edward James Olmos needs no introduction but I’ll give you one anyway. Born in Los Angeles as a young man he dreamed of being a professional baseball player. However, as he got older he discovered rock and roll and the Dodgers lost an outfielder! As his musical career progressed he was encouraged to give acting a try. He found work with small roles in both film and television. In 1979 he earned a Tony Award nomination for his performance as El Pachuco in Luis Valdez’ play “Zoot Suit,” and reprised the role in the 1981 film version. Roles in films like “Bladerunner” and television programs like “Hill Street Blues” introduced him to new fans and in 1984 he began a seven year fun as Lt. Martin Castillo in the trendsetting show “Miami Vice.” Twice nominated for an Emmy Award for his work, Olmos was the coolest guy on television with the mustache to back it up!

In 1988 he became only the 2nd Hispanic actor to be nominated for the Best Actor Academy Award when he was nominated for his role as real life educator Jaime Escalante in the film “Stand and Deliver.” He went on to star in such films as “Selena,” “Talent for the Game” (one of my favorites) and “American Me,” which he also directed. A second generation of fans embraced him as Commander Adama in the rebooted “Battlestar Galactica” mini-series, television series and films. Earlier this year he starred opposite Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg in the hit film “2 Guns.” He will next be featured as ex-cop Freddy Suarez in the new John Sayles drama “Go For Sisters.”

I had actually been scheduled to speak with Mr. Olmos last year during an appearance in Kansas City. When we met I referred to him as “El Pachuco,” which drew a hearty laugh. Unfortunately a change in his travel schedule put our talk on hold so I was thrilled to speak with him this week about “Go For Sisters,” telling a good story and playing baseball on screen.

Edward James Olmos: Hello Michael.
Mike Smith: Hello, El Pachuco! How are you, sir?
EJO: (laughs loudly) I’m doing pretty good. How are you?
MS: Just fine. I’ve been waiting over a year to talk to you.
EJO: Here we are finally on the telephone. I’m ready!

MS: Give us an introduction to Freddy Suarez and your new film “Go For Sisters.”
EJO: “Go For Sisters” is a film written and directed by John Sayles, and it’s probably one of his best films…it’s up there with “Lone Star” and “Passion Fish.” He has created a wonderful, complex character study about two women in need of help. That help comes in the form of a disgraced L.A. police detective who got caught up in the corruption around him and had to pay the price. He’s forced to retire without a pension. He’s also suffering from a tremendous case of macular degeneration, which is an eye disease. So he not only has to deal with his feelings of self-esteem and self-respect but he has to now deal with his physical inabilities. He’s now a shell of himself. A blind shell. But he takes on a last job in the hopes of gaining back some self-esteem. He’s also hoping to make enough money to pay his taxes so he doesn’t lose his house.

MS: What attracted you to the project?
EJO: (laughs) The story I just told you! It was so well written…I couldn’t believe it. John had actually called me and asked me to produce the film. I’ve known John for over thirty years but I’d never worked with him. I told him it would be my honor and asked him to send me the script. I read the script and I was like, “wow.” It was so original. He asked me if I liked Freddy Suarez and I told him I loved him. “Would you play him?” “Of course I would.” So that’s how the whole thing started.

MS: As a director yourself, when you’re on set with someone like John Sayles or Ridley Scott or Michael Mann, do you spend your time when you’re not performing studying their techniques…seeing how they run a set?
EJO: When I’m on a set, moment to moment, my first priority is to build my character to help tell the story…be it theater, a motion picture or television. It’s important to pay attention to the story. But we’re all story tellers. All of us. From the grips to the lighting people to the director…the producers…the actors…we’re all story tellers. We’re all there to tell a story. When I’m acting I’m there for one reason and one reason only. To tell a story. And the story of “Go For Sisters” is one of the most original pieces of work I’ve done in a long time.

MS: You were in the big budget film “2 Guns” earlier this year and now you’re in “Go For Sisters,” which is a much smaller independent project. Do you have a preference when you choose a film project?
EJO: Not really. Again, it begins with the story. If the story is worth telling then I’m interested.

MS: Since we both love baseball, here is one of the questions I’d hoped to ask you last year: In the film “Talent for the Game” you portray a former ball player who gets the chance to catch one more time in the big leagues. As someone that once dreamed of being a professional ball player was it a special moment being able to portray one on film?
EJO: (almost like a purr) Oh yeah. It was probably one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in filmmaking. I love that movie. It’s just the most unusual little film that more people are seeing now then when it came out.

MS: What do you have coming up next?
EJO: I’m working on a film now called “El Americano,” which is an animated film that should be out in March. It’s a co-production between the United States and Mexico and it stars the voices of Lisa Kudrow, Paul Rodriguez, Cheech Marin, Rico Rodriguez (Manny on “Modern Family)….myself. It’s a handful of great artists lending their voices. It’s an animated film for children but adults will enjoy it. It’s not like PIXAR, where the films are made for adults but children go to see them also. I’m really looking forward to it.

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Starring: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James Gandolfini and Catherine Keener
Directed by: Nicole Holofcener
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 33 mins
Fox Searchlight

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I miss James Gandolfini. No matter what project he was a part of…be it film, television or on stage, every time I saw him I was impressed. I first saw him in the Spring of 1992 when he appeared on Broadway in the revival of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” In a cast that included Alec Baldwin, Jessica Lange and Amy Madigan he stood out as an actor to watch. Whether he was playing Tony Soprano or voicing the Carol the Monster in “Where the Wild Things Are,” (a brilliant performance in my opinion), he continued to surprise. And he does it again in “Enough Said.”

Eva (Louis-Dreyfus) and Albert (Gandolfini) have a lot in common. Both are divorced. Both have daughters heading off to college. And both have had lousy luck on the dating scene. In fact, when they meet at a party they discuss their lousy luck, each professing that there is no one at the party they are even remotely attracted to. That being said, a little later they go out and develop a real affection for each other. Eva is a masseuse by day and has just added a new client, Marianne (Keener), a poet who is also divorced. But while both Eva and Albert try not to talk too badly about their exes, Marianne lays it on thick. Can you guess who her ex-husband is?

Well crafted by director Holofcener, who also wrote the screenplay, “Enough Said” is a small film that deserves to be seen. More a romantic “dramadey” than a comedy, the film features two great performers at the top of their game. Is there a more underused talent in movies than Julia Louis-Dreyfus? She’s only been on the big screen twice in the last 15 years – first as Princess Atta in “A Bugs Life” and then as Rochelle, one of the characters in this past summer’s dismal “Planes.” You’d have to go back to 1997’s “Deconstructing Harry” to actually see her face on screen. Gandolfini shows a side that most fans may not expect, yet in hearing his friends speak about him after his death it is the side that most resembled him. His Albert is a thoughtful, caring man who is quick to drop everything in order to please those around him. The twist here is that, the more Marianne complains about something Albert used to do, no matter if she found it endearing Eva now finds the these things objectionable. How the two deal with this situation is the crux of the story and the reactions are quite real and believable.

Next spring will bring James Gandolfini’s last performance, the crime drama “Animal Rescue.” If you want to see an actor at the top of his craft then I beg you to give “Enough Said” a look. I’m sure, like me, you’ll start thinking the same thing…”I miss James Gandolfini.”

Actors: Dane Cook, Stacy Keach, Priyanka Chopra, Cedric the Entertainer, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and John Cleese
Directed by: Klay Hall
Number of discs: 3
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: November 19, 2013
Run Time: 92 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
3D: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

“Planes” is the first theatrically film for DisneyToon Studios since 2005’s “Pooh’s Heffalump Movie”. In fact, this film was originally supposed to come out on Blu-ray but was decided to head into theaters to take advantage of the fact that it was a spin-off from Pixar’s “Cars” series. The film includes the voice talents of Dane Cook, Stacy Keach, Priyanka Chopra, Cedric the Entertainer, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and John Cleese. This is the first film in a now planned “Planes” trilogy. It’s sequel, titled “Planes: Fire & Rescue” is arelady scheduled for theatrical release on July 18, 2014. So Disney made a smart move here and expect a lot from this series. The film was a ton of fun, action packed and super funny. Plus my 17 month old daughter is obsessed with planes and was totally digging this film, I might be to get another copy since this one will be worn out by the end of the year.

Official Premise: The world of Cars takes flight in Planes, an animated comedy revved up with action and adventure. Join Dusty (Cook), a crop duster with sky-high dreams and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take on the world’s fastest flyers in the greatest air race ever. Dusty has a huge heart but two big problems: he’s not exactly built for speed, and he’s afraid of heights. His courage is put to the ultimate test, though, as this unlikely hero aims higher than he ever imagined. With a little help from his friends, Dusty finds the courage to be more than he was built for, and the inspiration to soar.

Disney delivered this film in a fantastic three-disc combo pack with a 3D Blu-ray + Blu-ray + DVD and Digital Copy. “Planes” looks amazing with its 1080p transfer. I have no idea how this film was heading direct-to-video since it is so epic and really looks amazing. The colors really pop off the TV, especially with the 3D transfer. In fact, I really enjoyed the 3D in this film. With the planes flying right at you, it features a great in-your-face moments and adds some great depth.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track is also quite impressive. From every propeller to the planes soaring through the skies, the track is so impressive.

The special features are ok but nothing special at all for this film but I would have loved to see a commentary track. There is an Exclusive Franz’s Song, which was produced exclusively for Blu-ray and is a never-before-seen completely finished animated song features the German mini-car, Franz Fliegenhosen. “Klay’s Flight Plan” features Klay Hall chatting about his journey to bringing this film to life. There are two deleted scenes including introductions from Director Klay Hall and Producer Traci Balthazor-Flynn. “Top 10 Flyers” features ESPN’s Colin Cowherd counting down of the greatest aviators in history. Lastly “Meet the Racers” includes featurettes on the following racers El Chupacabra, Ripslinger, Dusty and Ishani.

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