Actors: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, Isabelle Huppert, Alexandre Tharaud, William Shimell
Directors: Michael Haneke
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 20, 2013
Run Time: 127 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

When it comes to Oscars, as much as I complain watching them I always find myself being compelled to watch the winning movies. This brings me to “Amour”, which won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film this year. I had heard of “Amour” since it cracked the “Best Picture” category as well but I wasn’t that interested. The film itself is definitely what you expect from an award season film. It very engaging and gripped. Backed with some amazing performances, this is a must watch especially if you are a fan of foreign dramas.

Official Premise: Insightful. Original. Exquisite. Georges and Anne have known a lifetime of love within their intimate marriage. Though their bond has survived time’s test, it’s about to meet its greatest challenge. Acclaimed director Michael Haneke brings a performance tour-de-force to the screen in a film that exalts the beautiful, compassionate and courageous within us all.

Sony delivers a nice Blu-ray presentation with “Amour”. The 1080p transfer captures the beautiful cinematography in the film. I always think that French films have fantastic score for some reason, especially dramas. So that is no different here, “Amour” sounds great with its French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. The special features included are short but sweet. There is a behind-the-scenes look in “The Making of Amour” and there is also a Q & A with Director Michael Haneke.

Actors: Robert Redford, Brit Marling, Stanley Tucci, Nick Nolte, Chris Cooper
Directors: Robert Redford
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Run Time: 121 minutes

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

When I see Robert Redford in a film, I have to admit I am not immediately drawn in.  His films are usually not my cup of tea.  With “The Company You Keep”, he stepped behind the director’s chair again and along with himself packs in a very impressive cast including Shia LeBeouf, Julie Christie, Susan Sarandon, Chris Cooper, Nick Nolte, Terrence Howard, Stanley Tucci, Richard Jenkins, Anna Kendrick, Brit Marling, Sam Elliott and Jackie Evancho. There is no shortage of talent here at all.  The film itself is a political thriller that does keep your interest throughout and gets your on the edge of your chair. But it is also one of those films that you will see it once and probably never again.  So in short, it is forgettable, good but forgettable. I would recommend this as a renter just to see this cast together

Official Premise: Jim Grant (Robert Redford) is a public interest lawyer and single father raising his daughter in the tranquil suburbs of Albany, New York. Grant’s world is turned upside down when a brash young reporter (Shia LaBeouf) exposes his true identity as a former 1970s antiwar radical fugitive wanted for murder. After living for more than 30 years underground, Grant must now go on the run. With the FBI in hot pursuit, he sets off on a cross-country journey to track down the one person who can clear his name.

Sony delivered a fine Blu-ray overall, along with an Ultraviolet digital copy. The 1080p does a good job of framing the film’s tension. It is sharp and looks great. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 complents the same as well and works with the dialogue and the score. The special features included are decent as well.  There are two Behind-The-Scenes featurettes.  The first is called “The Movement””, with the cast/crew discussing the group formed, “The Weather Underground.” “The Script, Preparation and The Cast”” is just what it says it is, the cast chatting about the production and their roles. There is red carpet from New York premiere. Lastly, there is the “The Company You Keep” Press Conference with Robert Redford, Stanley Tucci, Brit Marling & Jackie Evancho, which we actually attended in person, click here to view.

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Imagine an indie horror movie with a big Bollywood ending.  I thought I’d seen it all until I watched, Supernaturalz: Weird, Creepy & Random on Amazon Streaming, a web hit. The movie goes where few movies have gone before. It is no surprise, then, that it comes from the mind of a former Troma Studios alumni, director Kevin Sean Michaels, who worked with Troma President Lloyd Kaufman on Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead.  He also directed two documentaries, Vampira: The Movie and The Wild World of Ted V. Mikels, which in fact was narrated by none other than John Waters himself. I caught up with the director to ask him why he made Supernaturalz: Weird, Creepy & Random.

Mike Gencarelli: What inspired Supernaturalz: Weird, Creepy & Random? Seems pretty bizarre!
Kevin Sean Michaels: It is! I grew up watching a lot of sitcoms, where for no reason there would be a serious episode.  Then back to comedy. The worst was Family Ties, where Alex Keaton (Michael J. Fox) actually lost his virginity at 17 and has to talk to his Dad about it.  Anyway, I thought it would be entertaining to mix horror and comedy like that.  But we decided not to put a laugh track.  As a result, no one is cued to laugh, they just do.

MG: What has been the reception?
KSM: Very intense because the movie plays like a practical joke, similar to the movie, “The Room” by Tommy Wiseau.  It’s like—how can this be a real movie? Are they serious? But the movie is like one of Ed Wood’s—it reads like a stage play gone wrong, but in this case the train-wreck is part of its charm. And totally planned out.  People seem to really connect with it on its level. And on its terms.

MG: I know you directed “Vampira: The Movie”.  Are you a fan of Ed Wood?
KSM: Of course! When I did Vampira: The Movie I was able to talk to some of the original actors like Conrad Brooks. He said Ed really put heart and soul into his films and that they were supposed to be funny.  Like the imperfections was the perfection. That’s why I look up to Ed Wood, too.  I read recently that Bobcat Goldthwait got a tattoo from Kat Von D, stating just that—Ed Wood was inspiration to filmmaking independence.

MG: What was the inspiration for the characters in Supernaturalz: Weird, Creepy & Random?
KSM: The Garter Snakes gang was funny.  I love the idea of a gang of girls, like in the biker movies.  Basically, for them to act like old Bowery Boys, Three Stooges with a dash of Happy Days.  There is love in the group, even if they all insult each other.  If Fonzie tells Potsie to “sit on it” he doesn’t mean “fuck you. “  And when the characters start dying in Supernaturalz: Weird, Creepy & Random, it comes down to how the gang reacts.  But it is goofy cartoon fun in the end.

MG: Some pretty harsh things happen to the gang…
KSM: (laughs) That’s the point.  It’s got an unreality to it.  It’s like the Nightmare on Elm Street movies.  Freddy can laugh at all of it and the audience is with him somehow.  Our villain is also our main character.  She goes through changes, but it’s the force of evil that is the real villain.  I’ve seen a few audience members jump out of their seats at some parts of the movie.

MG: Any advice for filmmakers doing their own special effects on a budget?
KSM: Yes, never put soap in your mixture for fake blood.  People slip on it.  That’s why I have never done it.

MG: What about the nudity in Supernaturalz: Weird, Creepy & Random? Especially the snake scene…
KSM: Yes, the snake scene is a stand-out.  I was always amazed by reading about the stir caused by the snake scene in The Devil in Miss Jones.  They cut the scene out so many times that it’s now legend.  Our scene is a homage to that.  The other thing is to play with nudity where it’s sexy but yet scary or weird at the same time.

MG: And the Paris Hilton scene?
KSM: Well, it’s not really Paris Hilton (laughs).  I like the idea that someone would be cruel enough to steal someone’s clothes as well as their car just to humiliate them, but also to follow their sexual fantasy.  In this case, Patti’s fantasy.  To strip the rich is sexy.  Our gang member Patti is a shoplifter and can’t seem to stop herself from going too far.  So our Paris Hilton-character is stranded like in Castaway, talking to her fuzzy handbag instead of a little dog.  People seem to really like the scene.

MG: Why the strong emphasis on Indian mythology and Bollywood dancers?
KSM: Something I haven’t seen in a movie like this and people don’t expect it. It really challenged us, too.  It’s very panoramic on the screen.  Indian mythology is very interesting and there is so much to it.   Even our character, The Mighty Sardar, isn’t mighty enough to handle it all.  He has to rely on his assistant.  The phallic symbols are a part of Hindu temples, so we have that as well. When you see the movie, we really made it twisted, so I hope there is no bad mojo because of it (laughs).

MG: Is horror and comedy a trend?
KSM: It’s always been there.  Comedy is always part of horror.  You can’t have dark without light.  I’d rather be in the light.

Like the movie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/supernaturalzthemovie

Website: http://www.supernaturalzthemovie.com/

Check it out on Amazon Streaming or DVD: http://tinyurl.com/mtwsagv

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Actors: Michael Moriarty, Candy Clark, David Carradine
Directors: Larry Cohen
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: August 27, 2013
Run Time: 92 minutes

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

“Q: The Winged Serpent” is one of those little cult classics that came out of the 80’s, specifically 1982. Larry Cohen (“Maniac Copy”, “The Stuff”) was the director and really delivered a fun – cheesy – yet fun time here. It starred a decent cast as well including Michael Moriarty, David Carradine, Candy Clark and Richard Roundtree. I mean who couldn’t love a giant monster movie…that is what it all comes down to. It also packs some impressive stop-motion animation and a fun original story. I would recommend for any fan of genre for sure. Shout! Factory scores again!

Official Premise: It’s another monstrous day in New York City where window washers have their heads bitten off, topless sunbathers are plucked from rooftops, bloody body parts rain onto the streets and small-time crook Jimmy Quinn (Moriarty) discovers a humongous nest in the spire of The Chrysler Building. Meanwhile, an NYPD detective (Carradine) investigates a series of ritual sacrifice murders that may have unleashed a giant flying Aztec Serpent God into the skies of Manhattan. Its name is Quetzalcoatl, but just call it Q… that’s all you’ll have time to say before it tears you apart.

For a low-budget film that is over 30 years old, it looks pretty good on Blu-ray. Shout! Factory isn’t really know for delivering a guaranteed perfect 1080p transfer with each release but this one looks not bad. Plus it also works with the gritty 1980 New York, where it was shot. There is a DTS-HD Master Audio track, which sounds decent for the most part. The dialogue is low in certain scenes and too loud in other parts. They only special features included besides a theatrical trailer is a commentary track with Larry Cohen. I would have loved to see some creature featurettes as well.

Number of discs: 4
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: August 6, 2013
Run Time: 262 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I have to admit, I am a real sucker for a good detective story with mystery, twists and turns.  Thanks to Warner Bros. Home Entertainment they are bringing us four great films from the Charlie Chan Collection. The films included are “Shadows Over Chinatown”, “Docks of New Orleans”, “Shanghai Chest”, and “The Golden Eye” dating from 1946-1948″.  The character of Charlie Chan was created by writer Earl Derr Biggers dating back to 1923 and over 50 films featuring the character. If you are into classic sleuth films then this release is definitely for you.

These films have never-been-released and are making their DVD debut. They come in a large slipcase with four individual DVD case inside for each film. They are newly remastered for this release.  They are not perfect but especially for films nearing over 60 years old, they look stunning. Warner really gave these some love and it shows on the screen. I hope that Warner is planning to continue this collection because I would like to see further releases with these great films.

Official Premise: The most popular American films in 1930s China, the Chan movies were based on a fictional Chinese-American detective originally created by Earl Derr Biggers in 1923. Over four dozen films featuring Charlie Chan have been made since 1926. In 1931, the Fox Film Corporation cast Swedish actor Warner Oland as Chan in Charlie Chan Carries On; the film was a success, and Fox went on to produce 15 more Chan films with Oland in the title role.

Following Oland’s death, Scottish American actor Sidney Toler was cast as Chan; Toler made 22 Chan films, first for Fox and then for Monogram Studios. After Toler’s death, six more films were made, starring Roland Winters. The character has also been featured in several radio programs, two television shows and a number of comics.

Charlie Chan Collection is available on DVD August 6 at the WB Shop http://bit.ly/111XNp4

Actors: Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland, Sam Shepard, Michael Shannon
Directors: Jeff Nichols
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Run Time: 130 minutes

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

“Mud” was one of the first sleeper hits of 2013. It started small but built a lot of noise behind it. It is a sure to be cult classic in the near future. It is a very nice blend of coming-of-age and adventure film with some amazing performances lead by Matthew McConaughey. Normally I am a not a fan of Reese Witherspoon but she does an excellent job as well. Also it will be a big snub if Tye Sheridan doesn’t get any award noms for this role. If you want more cast, we still got Sam Shepard, Michael Shannon (aka Zod from “Man of Steel”), Joe Don Baker, Ray McKinnon and Sarah Paulson as well. Definitely recommend this!

Official Premise: Mud is a timeless adventure about two boys, Ellis (Sheridan) and his best friend Neckbone (Lofland), who find a mysterious man named Mud (McConaughey) hiding out on a deserted island in the Mississippi. Mud tells the boys fantastic stories about his life including how he once killed a man in Texas and now vengeful bounty hunters are after him. He says he is planning to meet and escape with the love of his life, Juniper (Witherspoon), who is waiting for him in town. Skeptical but intrigued, Ellis and Neckbone agree to help him. But it isn’t long until Mud’s tall-tales come to life and their small town is besieged by bounty hunters out for blood.

Lionsgate is releasing this film as a combo pack with Blu-ray + Digital Copy + UltraViolet. I feel that this should be the norm today and my preferred choice with releases. The 1080 transfer with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 looks amazing. The locations where this film was shot look amazing and really stand out. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is amazing as well. It is subtle yet very effective for sure. The special features are decent but not spectacular. First we have an audio commentary track from director Jeff Nichols. Then we get four short featurettes, “A Personal Tale”, “The Arkansas Ensemble”, “Southern Authenticity” and “The Snake Pit”, which looks into the cast and the production.

Actors: Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, Susan Sarandon, Robin Williams, Katherine Heigl, Amanda Seyfried, Topher Grace
Directors: Justin Zackham
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lionsgate
DVD Release Date: August 13, 2013
Run Time: 89 minutes

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

The draw for me with “The Big Wedding” is easily the film’s cast. Ensemble is calling it lightly. Here’s the list Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, Susan Sarandon and Robin Williams along with Katherine Heigl, Amanda Seyfried and Topher Grace. Not to shabby huh? I am not a huge fan normally of situational comedies, like “Meet the Parents” etc. but I figured I would give it a chance. It is not perfect but it has a few good laugh out loud moments. I would recommend this as a renter but to be honest it is worth seeing just for the dynamic of this wonderful cast. Plus it is rated-R, so it has a little edge as well.

Official Premise: A charmingly modern family tries to survive a weekend wedding celebration that has the potential to become a full-blown family fiasco. To the amusement of their adult children and friends, long-divorced couple Don and Ellie Griffin (De Niro and Keaton) are once again forced to play the happy couple for the sake of their adopted son’s wedding after his ultraconservative biological mother unexpectedly decides to fly halfway across the world to attend.

The Blu-ray presentation from Lionsgate delivers as much as it can being a comedy on Blu-ray. It is being released just as a Blu-ray no combo pack or digital copy included. The 1080p transfer is clear and the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works with the film’s comedic jokes. There is only one special feature included on the Blu-ray, which is a little sad due to all the talent involved with this film. “Coordinating The Big Wedding” is a featurette on the film production and gives a short but decent insight into it with cast/crew.

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Even if I had never seen 1993’s “The Sandlot” I could have quoted it line by line for you. I coached youth baseball for 15 years and it was, by far, the most quoted baseball film on the field. “You’re killing me, Smalls!” “You’re an L7 weenie.” And, of course, “you play ball like a girl!” Nothing like enjoying the good sportsmanship of 13 and 14 year olds. But if you’re going to be a ballplayer you need to talk like a ballplayer. And at one time, writer/director David Mickey Evans was a ballplayer.

Now touring the country in conjunction with the 20th Anniversary of “The Sandlot,” Mr. Evans has behind him an impressive resume of filmmaking. I first discovered his work when I took in 1992’s “Radio Flyer.” Inspired by his own turbulent childhood, the film was a moving look at the bond between two brothers dealing with a brutal step-father. (NOTE: I met Adam Baldwin, who played the step-father in the film, this past summer and I told him the same thing I told Mary Tyler Moore when I met her after seeing “Ordinary People” – – -“I HATED you in this film.” He thanked me.) The next year saw the release of his most popular film, “The Sandlot.” Since then he has written and/or directed popular sequels to both “The Sandlot” as well as in the “Beethoven” series. During our pre-interview conversation I discover we both not only played baseball as kids but were huge fans of the popular sports books of the 1960s and 70s written by Matt Christopher. We also talked about the game of baseball and our love for it. That’s where the interview begins.

Mike Smith: I know you’re a big baseball fan. Did you play when you were younger?
David Mickey Evans: Oh yeah. We occasionally played organized Little League but you had to pay money and we were really poor. So most of the time we’d play in park leagues. You’d have the dude that owned the local bar getting you T-shirts…kind of like “The Bad News Bears.” I was really good. I played in quite a few local leagues near Pacoima (California) in the San Fernando Valley. I was on the Cardinals…the Giants…I was on the Indians, which was a big team, when I was about eleven. If memory serves…I wonder if you can find this on the Internet…I think I hit .560.

MS: Was “The Sandlot” inspired by any of your childhood baseball memories?
DME: Here’s the thing. The “A-Ha” moment for me was an incident I remembered from when I was a kid. The kids on the block didn’t like my friends and I. They would beat the crap out of us all the time. There were playing baseball one day and they hit their ball over the fence. They told my little brother to go get it. They said if he did then we could play with them. Of course, they had no intention of that. They just wanted their ball back. And there was a big dog on the other side of the fence named Hercules that went after my brother and bit him…ripped his leg to shreds. It was a bad memory. But one day I was in my car and I thought, “wait a minute…what if these guys were all buddies? What if that ball was worth $3 million?” I’ve got a movie. None of the kids in the film are any kid I knew. All of the kids are an amalgam of EVERY kid I knew. But what I like to say most about the film is this. When Walt Disney finished Disneyland in a year and a day and he’s walking down Main Street U.S.A…and still, today, of all the parks Disneyland is still the best…and he has some dignitaries with him. Now Main Street U.S.A. is modeled after the way Walt Disney remembered growing up in Marceline, Missouri. It wasn’t actually his boyhood home but it was the one he identified with. The dignitaries say to him “Walt, you did it. This is exactly the way it was back then.” Disney tells them that it’s not. It’s the way it should have been. “The Sandlot” is the way I wanted my childhood to have been. That’s not how it was. Luckily God has given writers a time machine…a pencil on paper. (My work phone rings) Is that a flip phone?
MS: Yeah, it’s my work phone.
DME: Where did you get that? (laughs) I didn’t know they still exist!

MS: One of the questions my son asked me to ask you was if any of the boys you played with went on to play professional baseball. Was there a real life Benny “the Jet” Rodriguez?
DME: You know there’s always that kid. I remember one or two kids from grade school…when you get to about third or fourth grade you start recognizing them…they’re just BETTER athletes. Or students. You just start noticing them and you want to be like them. You wish you could kick that kickball as far as they can. And that kind of kid is specifically on whom I built Benny “the Jet.” And here’s something else. The “Jet” nickname didn’t just come because he was fast. When I was a kid I took karate lessons for a little while and I studied with the Urquidez brothers. The most famous of them is Benny. They called him “the Jet” because his hands and feet were so fast. I saw him a few years ago. He’s got to be 60 and he could still clear a bar! He’s an incredibly fit and ridiculously athletic man. (NOTE: Now age 61, Benny “the Jet” Urquidez amassed an incredible professional fighting record of 49-1. He trained Patrick Swayze for his role in “Roadhouse” and can be seen in the film in the scene where the monster truck gets driven through the auto dealership). I always admired him when I was a kid. He was like a super hero to me. That’s why Benny got “the Jet” in the middle of his name.

MS: Are you surprised at the response “The Sandlot” still gets 20 years later? How many memories it triggers in a person. I mean, 20 years before it came out I was the kid riding with my friends over to the next town to play baseball all day. In the neighborhood we’d play all day until our moms called us in for dinner. In 1993 it was my son doing the same thing. And I’m sure 20 years from now my grandson will be doing it.
DME: I don’t know if I’m surprised. Obviously you can’t predict that kind of reaction. You just have to go for it as a filmmaker and if it stands the test of time….what else is there? It still stands the test of time and I’m incredibly grateful for that. That means I did my job. And I’m satisfied that I did my job right. This is also the only one of my films where the studio left me alone…they let me do it the way I wanted to do it. It wasn’t committee filmmaking, it was me. My crew. My cast. But you can never predict that. I wish I could. I would bottle it, I would sell it and you would never see me again (laughs). I had a guy come up to me in Springdale, Arkansas and he had (12) copies of “The Sandlot” on DVD and he asked me to sign them. While I was signing them he’d say, “this one is for me, this one is for my wife, this one is for my kids, this is for my grandkids and this is for my great-grandkids.” Four generations right there. I gave that guy the biggest hug. That was better to me than winning an Oscar. I was in Utah earlier this year at the location where we shot the film. The Utah Film Commission had re-built the backstop, cleaned up the field and made it look exactly like it did on the original field. They could only seat 1300 people for the event and they sold out in 11 minutes! They dedicated a historical marker to me and the film. I’m serious, they can keep the Oscar!

BRAD PITT STARS IN THE BLOCKBUSTER PHENOMENON

WORLD WAR Z

 Unrated Cut Including More Intense Thrills & Action Not Seen in Theaters Arrives Exclusively on Blu-ray^™ September 17^th

Global Hit Debuts One Week Early on Digital

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.  – August 2, 2013 –  “The suspense is killer!” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone) in the fast-paced, pulse-pounding epic WORLD WAR Z, debuting on Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D^™, DVD and On Demand on September 17, 2013.  The pandemic begins one week early on Digital September 10^th.  Due to overwhelming demand, the film has been digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX^® 3D format and will be released in select IMAX theaters domestically for an exclusive one-week running beginning today.

Starring international superstar Brad Pitt and based on the best-selling and wildly popular novel, WORLD WAR Z took audiences by storm and was hailed by critics as   “thrilling, epic and spectacular” (Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly) and the “most gratifying action spectacle in years!” (David Denby, The New Yorker).  The tense and thrilling film follows a former United Nations investigator (Pitt) as he helps stop the chaotic pandemic that has gripped populations around the world.  WORLD WAR Z features stunning visual effects and edge-of-your-seat action and suspense that take the Zombie apocalypse phenomenon to a more extreme and electrifying level.

“I’m really excited for fans to see the new unrated version of WORLD WAR Z on Blu-ray,” said producer and star Brad Pitt.  “We were thrilled with the audience response to the film in theaters and wanted to give viewers even more of the action and intensity that they loved when they watch the film at home.”

WORLD WAR Z will be available on Blu-ray Combo or Blu-ray 3D Combo with an Unrated Cut packed with even more thrills and action too intense for theaters, along with the theatrical version of the film.  The combo packs feature UltraViolet™ and boast in-depth looks at the making of the film, the seamless blending of practical and digital effects, the science behind the Zombie outbreak and much more.  The film will also be available as a single-disc DVD.

WORLD WAR Z Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack

The WORLD WAR Z Blu-ray is presented in 1080p high definition with English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.  The DVD in the combo pack is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.  The combo pack includes access to a digital copy of the film as well as the following:

Blu-ray

• Feature film in high definition (Unrated version)

• Origins—The filmmakers discuss collaborating with renowned actor/producer Brad Pitt to create a Zombie film the likes of which have never been seen.

• Looking to Science—Explore the scientific realities of Zombie behavior in nature and learn more about Zombies in literature and film.

• WWZ: Production

o   Outbreak—Go on set with Brad Pitt and director Marc Forster for a behind-the-scenes look at the film’s breathtaking first attack in Philadelphia.

o   The Journey Begins—Delve deeper into Gerry’s fight for survival during the dramatic escape in South Korea.

o   Behind The Wall—Explore the epic scene in Jerusalem and discover the incredible logistics of creating the elaborate stunts and crowd sequences.

o   Camouflage—Experience the final confrontation between Gerry and the Zombies and discover the phenomenal scope of the film’s production.
DVD

• Feature film in standard definition (Theatrical version)

WORLD WAR Z Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack

The WORLD WAR Z Blu-ray 3D combo pack includes all of the above, as well as the theatrical version of the film in high definition and 3D on a discpresented in 1080p high definition with English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.

WORLD WAR Z Single-Disc DVD

The single-disc DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.  The disc includes the theatrical version of the film in standard definition.

The Blu-ray releases available for purchase will be enabled with UltraViolet, a new way to collect, access and enjoy movies.  With UltraViolet, consumers can add movies to their digital collection in the cloud, and then stream or download them – reliably and securely – to a variety of devices.   

Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions present in association with Hemisphere Media Capital and GK Films a Plan B/2DUX² Production of a Marc Forster Film:  “World War Z.”  Executive producers Marc Forster, Brad Simpson, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Paul Schwake, Graham King, and Tim Headington.  Produced by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner and Ian Bryce.  Based on the novel by Max Brooks.  Screen Story by Matthew Michael Carnahan and J. Michael Straczynski. Screenplay by Matthew Michael Carnahan and Drew Goddard & Damon Lindelof. Directed by Marc Forster.

Actors: Billy Joel, Joey Lawrence, Robert Loggia, Cheech Marin, Dom DeLuise
Directors: Dan Hansen, George Scribner
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Run Time: 74 minutes

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

“Oliver & Company” and I go way back.  Back in 1988, I begged my  folks to see the film in the theaters but ended up missing out (due to my little sister – and I have never let her live it down since, 25 years later – insert maniacal laugh!) So I had to wait till the 1996 re-release to finally see this film and loved it (of course). In today’s standards, it is not the best thing to ever come out of Disney’s animation studio but it is fun and has some great music. It does features a great and talent voice cast including Joey Lawrence, Billy Joel, Dom DeLuise, Cheech Marin, Bette Midler and Robert Loggia. To be honest, I enjoy watching this on high-def Blu-ray but like “The Sword and the Stone”, it was not really up to Disney Blu-ray standards. I would recommend for fans of the film and though crazy Disney fanatics.

Disney has been releasing all the animated classics in their library recently onto Blu-ray. Along with this, “The Sword in the Stone” (1963) and and “Robin Hood” (1973) were released as well. In fact after looking into it they should be coming to an end shortly with only fourteen more theatrically released Disney Animated Classics left with two more set for this year alone. Next up we have “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” and “The Little Mermaid”.

Official Premise: Celebrate the 25th anniversary of a Disney classic with the stunning Blu-ray debut of Oliver And Company, featuring perfect picture and sound. Relive this charming animated adventure, packed with excitement, fun and unforgettable songs by Billy Joel, Bette Midler and Huey Lewis. In the heart of New York City, Oliver, a mischievous orphaned kitten, is befriended by Dodger, a carefree pooch and his ragtag family of misfit mutts. Life gets even better for Oliver when he is adopted by a lonely little girl named Jenny. But when tough guy Sykes and his Doberman sidekicks try to keep Jenny and Oliver apart, the spirited kitten and his newfound friends discover the meaning of courage and find a home where they truly belong.

Disney is releasing this film as a combo pack with a Blu-ray and DVD but unlike “The Sword in the Stone” (1963) and and “Robin Hood” (1973) there is no digital copy included. I guess since this is only celebrating it’s 25th anniversary it didn’t deserve it. Who knows why. Similiar to “The Sword in the Stone”, this release didn’t really wow me. The 1080p transfer looks good in parts but terrible in others.  The colors well represented though, I just feel like they overdid it on the restoration.  This film was never perfect in terms of its animation and maybe they would have been better off leaving some of those endearing imperfections. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track does delivers with the dialogue, action and fun music from Billy Joel, Betty Midler and Huey Lewis.

The special features are ok but not really anniversary special. First off, we get a vintage behind-the-scenes look with “The Making of Oliver and Company”. There is another featurette called “Disney’s Animated Animals”, which talks about created our furry friends. There is also an alternate ending included. There is a sing-along mode for the film’s six fun songs. There is a bonus shorts including “Lend A Paw” and “Puss Café”. Lastly there is a TV spot, a theatrical trailer and re-release trailers.

Since forming The Herrick Company, Norton Herrick has created a real estate and building empire currently valued at over $4 billion. This has allowed him to invest in his passions. As a part of Team Valor his horse, Animal Kingdom, won the 2011 Kentucky Derby as well as the Dubai Cup this past March. As a producer on Broadway he helped bring “Spider-man: Turn Off the Dark” to the stage and, along with co-producers Barry and Fran Weissler, took home the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical this past June for “Pippin.” He currently has produced three films awaiting release. “Very Good Girls,” starring Elizabeth Olsen and Dakota Fanning, played at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. In late December he will present “Lone Survivor,” starring Mark Wahlberg and Eric Bana. And this week sees the release of the highly anticipated “2 Guns,” which stars Wahlberg and Denzel Washington. Earlier this month I spoke to Mr. Herrick about his many projects.

Mike Smith: So, how is your year going?
Norton Herrick: (laughing) It’s going great. All is good. In all aspects. I’m involved in several industries and I’ve been pretty lucky so far.

MS: In the past two years you’ve had a horse win the Kentucky Derby and the Dubai Cup, won a Tony Award for “Pippin” and you have one of the most anticipated films of the summer coming up with “2 Guns.” When do you rest?
NH: (laughing) I don’t. I don’t know how. I’ve been going 24/7 my entire life. If I’m not doing something I’m bored.

MS: Both “2 Guns” and next year’s “Lone Survivor” are action films while “Very Good Girls” is an intimate drama. Do you have a preferred genre’ when you’re looking for a project to produce?
NH: Not really. Of course action films are fun. But I also have a horror film called “Nightlight” in post-production. Action. Coming of Age. Horror. A little bit of everything. And I’m excited because Universal is moving “Lone Survivor” up to December to qualify for the Oscars.

MS: You’ve also had great success reviving popular Broadway musicals like “Promises, Promises,” “Hair” and “Pippin,” which won the Tony this year. As a producer is it easier to go with a known property or to take a chance on something new?
NH: I like doing both. “Pippin” hadn’t been on stage since the 1970s so it was almost like bringing something new to the stage….to a generation that hadn’t had the chance to see it. The show always had a great score and a nice story line back when Ben Vereen performed it. But now it’s the 2000’s and we’ve added a new dimension to it. It’s amazing what we did to it. So yes, it is exciting to take something old and making it new. But it’s also exciting to try something new and daring like “Spider-man.”

MS: Do you have your next Broadway project lined up?
NH: Yes. Fran, Barry and I are going to produce a musical version of “Waitress.” It’s a great story and I hope we can add something to it.

MS: And, finally, do you have any future film productions coming up?
NH: Nothing I can really talk about right now. There are always a half-dozen scripts we analyze and do research on but right now there’s nothing we’re ready to pull the trigger on.

Starring: Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg and Paula Patton
Directed by: Baltasur Kormakur
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hr 49 mins
Universal

Our Score: 4 out 5 stars

Here is some advice shared by the film “2 Guns:” never rob a bank that’s directly across the street from a diner with the best doughnuts in three counties. Why? Because that’s where all the cops hang out. That revelation is made by Bobby Trench (Washington) to his partner Michael “Stig” Stigman (Wahlberg) as they plan to rob said bank of the $3 million they believe is inside courtesy of Mexican drug lord Papi Greco (Edward James Olmos). The job goes off without a hitch. Unless you call a haul of $43 million a hitch.

Full of fun action pieces and great cast chemistry, “2 Guns” joins this summer’s “The Heat” as the year’s best buddy/action film. Washington and Wahlberg have a natural rapport that gives the impression they’ve been pals for years. They argue and bicker like an old married couple while doing their best to stay a step ahead of the money’s owners. Things get crazier when each man discovers the other isn’t a thief but a member of opposing law enforcement agencies. As things get progressively hairier for the duo, they realize that the only one they can trust is each other.

Cleverly written and stylishly directed, “2 Guns” reunites Wahlberg with his “Contraband” director, Baltasur Kormakur. Kormakur has a smooth flowing style that lets the action pour over the screen like a water fall. Based on the popular graphic novel series of the same name, creator Steven Grant and writer Blake Masters have come up with possibly the best mismatched team of partners since Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy cruised San Francisco in a baby blue Cadillac convertible in “48 Hours.” Both Washington and Wahlberg have great comic timing and they’re action chops need no explanation. The supporting cast also excels. It’s always a pleasure seeing Edward James Olmos on the big screen and he has fun with the role of Papi. Patton is Washington’s co-worker and on-again/off-again love interest. And as the man who wants his money back, Bill Paxton is both funny AND terrifying.

Actors: Brian Bedford, Pat Buttram, Andy Devine, Monica Evans, Phil Harris
Directors: Wolfgang Reitherman
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Home Video
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Run Time: 83 minutes

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

Disney’s “Robin Hood” is not one of the biggest classics to have come out of Disney but I have always loved this film.  The story, the characters, the music! Roger Miller some of the most fun and catchy songs for the film. I recently watched this film on Disney Channel and much to my surprise I felt like I had just watched it the day before. My 14 month old daughter also had a blast watching this film and couldn’t take her eyes off the screen. Disney did a good job with this release and gave it the love that it deserves. Fans of this film should not miss this Blu-ray release, it is a must. Oo-De-Lally, Oo-De-Lally, Oo-De-Lally, what a release.

Disney has been releasing all the animated classics in their library recently onto Blu-ray. Along with this, “The Sword in the Stone” (1963) and and “Oliver & Company” (1988) were released as well. In fact after looking into it they should be coming to an end shortly with only fourteen more theatrically released Disney Animated Classics left with two more set for this year alone. Next up we have “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” and “The Little Mermaid”.

Official Premise: To commemorate its 40th anniversary, Disney proudly presents the unforgettable animated classic Robin Hood on Blu-ray for the first time ever. Experience all the fun, thrills and celebrated music of this legendary adventure with perfect picture and sound! Join Robin Hood, his trusted companion Little John and his hilarious band of Merry Men as they outfox greedy Prince John to save the good people of Nottingham. Dashing from one daring deed to the next, Robin won’t rest until he wins the hand of Maid Marian and restores King Richard to the throne. One of Disney’s most beloved movies is even better on Blu-ray Combo Pack!

Disney is releasing this film as a combo pack with a Blu-ray, DVD and digital copy included. Unlike “The Sword in the Stone”, this release delivers the goods. The 1080p transfer makes this film look better than it ever has.  The colors are really sharp and the line details are impressive as well. Disney gets a big thumbs up on this restoration job. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track also delivers with the sharp with dialogue and Miller’s tunes.

The special features are pretty good as well with a few nice high-def extras. First off, we get a never-before-seen deleted storyline presented with black and white storyboards. There is also an alternate ending included. There are four isolated songs from the film including “Oo-De-Lally,” “Love,” “The Phony King of England” and “Not in Nottingham”, as well as sing alongs. There is an behind the scenes look at the original artwork with a nice gallery of images. There is a fun read along for kids with the “Robin Hood Storybook”, runs about 15 minutes. Lastly, there is a bonus short film “Ye Olden Days” starring Mickey Mouse.

Actors: Ricky Sorenson, Karl Swenson, Norman Alden, Sebastian Cabot, Martha Wentworth
Directors: Wolfgang Reitherman
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Run Time: 79 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

Growing up, my sister and I just to watch “The Sword in the Stone” quite a bit and it was always one of our favorites. It has been many years since I’ve seen the film and yet it is still as ever entertaining. I was very impressed to find that I know (somehow) recall all the lyrics to the fun songs like “Higitus Figitus”. The music in this film is so great, I forgot how much I love the score. One thing I can’t come to terms with is the fact that this film is already 50 years old, that just blows my mind. Having watching this as a kid, to now have a daughter of my own, I can’t wait to share this with her.

Disney has been releasing all the animated classics in their library recently onto Blu-ray. Along with this, “Robin Hood” (1973) and and “Oliver & Company” (1988) were released as well. In fact after looking into it they should be coming to an end shortly with only fourteen more theatrically released Disney Animated Classics left with two more set for this year alone. Next up we have “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” and “The Little Mermaid”.

Official Premise: Disney proudly presents the 50th anniversary edition of a spellbinding and beloved animated classic. Conjure up magical family fun with the humor, adventure, and Academy Award-nominated music (best score – adaptation or treatment, 1963) of The Sword In The Stone – on DVD and now on Blu-ray combo pack for the first time ever! Take an amazing journey with a young orphan named “Wart” and the extraordinary wizard Merlin. According to legend, only someone with the purest character and inner strength can pull the enchanted sword from the stone and claim the throne of England. Armed with newfound confidence and the power of friendship, Wart discovers his destiny and learns the best magic is the kind you find inside yourself!

Disney is releasing this film as a combo pack with a Blu-ray, DVD and digital copy included. I have to admit though, I am a little disappointed in the release overall. The 1080p transfer is not the best, especially coming from Disney. I know the film is 50 years old but I am not sure how much restoration (if any) they did to this film since it looks a little iffy. Overall, it is still very enjoyable and a big improvement from past DVDs but not what I expected from in terms of Blu-ray standards. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track delivers at least very well, especially with the music and action.

Back to disappointing again with the special features. Come on Disney, this is for the 50th anniversary, where are the new and exciting extras? The only new feature is a never-before-seen alternate opening presented in black and white storyboards. “Music Magic: The Sherman Brothers” discuss about the men behind the films music. There is a short excerpt from “All About Magic”, hosted by Walt Disney. There are two classic animated shorts including “A Knight for a Day” and “Brave Little Tailor.” Lastly, there is a sing along with the movie, done in karaoke style.

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Actors: Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, Carl Reiner
Directors: Jerry Paris
Number of discs: 3
Rated: Unrated
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Run Time: 775 minutes

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

Well this is it kids, the final season of one of my favorite shows that has ever graced television. Even though it is has been off the air for almost 50 years, I am going to miss this show. Thankfully Image Entertainment has delivered each wonderful season on Blu-ray. I have absolutely loved reviewing these releases over the last few months. I am looking forward to though to revisiting this series quite often with my wife and daughter, especially as she grows. It is one of those shows that never gets old and better each time you watch. The characters in this show are just so much fun and you really get to see them grow along with the show through its five seasons. Do not miss this release!

Official Premise: Don’t miss the fun in this final season of the multiple Emmy Award-winning DICK VAN DYKE SHOW. Generation after generation of TV viewers have fallen in love with this timeless classic! For laugh after laugh, join one of TV’s best-loved couples, Dick Van Dyke as Rob Petrie and Mary Tyler Moore as his wife Laura, along with Rob’s temperamental boss, Carl Reiner as Alan Brady, and his kooky co-workers, Morey Amsterdam as Buddy Sorrell and Rose Marie as Sally Rogers. Now see all 31 season episodes (airing 1965-1966), exquisitely remastered in their original full-length versions. Catch such classics as Laura blurting out Alan Brady’s big secret on national TV in Coast-to-Coast Big Mouth; mild-mannered Mel Cooley finally standing up to the boss in The Bottom of Mel Cooley’s Heart; and Alan Brady attempting to turn the Petries’ anniversary party into a self-serving documentary in A Day in the Life of Alan Brady.

Like the past four seasons before, Image has continued to deliver wonderful quality releases for this amazing show. These episodes have been released on Blu-ray with all-new scans from the camera negatives. The 1080p transfer looks, honestly not short of stunning for a show of it’s age. Each episode come with an original DTS-HD MA 1.0 audio track, which works for the show and its comedy. The episodes were mostly taped with a studio audience and the laughing is balanced well with the snappy jokes and sharp dialogue. You will not be let down with this amazing audio and video presentations.

There are some new Blu-ray exclusive special features included on this release. There is “TV Academy Tribute to Carl” with Garry Shandling. After that there are a few promos collection including “My Blonde-Haired Brunette” and a two packages with some great memories shared with the fans past and present. The rest of the season features are roll-overs from past DVD releases but are still fantastic. There are commentary tracks from Carl Reiner and Dick Van Dyke on episode 128 (Coast-to-Coast Big Mouth) and Episode 158 (The Gunslinger). Also Rose Marie, Larry Matthew and Bill Idelson lend their commentary to Episode 148 (Dear Sally Rogers). There are “Episode Photos” throughout all three discs for episodes 18 out of the 31 episodes.

Other extras include featurettes on disc 1: “Remembering 4½ and The Alan Brady Show Goes to Jail” and “Remembering Coast-to-Coast Big Mouth (episode 128)”, which look back at those episodes and their characters. Also there is the Emmy Awards® (1965-1966) Outstanding Comedy Series. Disc 2 also contains a look into the Emmy Awards® (1965-1966) Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor/Actress in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series. It has two more recent features including “Comic Relief (1992)” and “TV Land Awards (2003)”. There are some Nick at Nite Promos. Lastly there are “Remembering Richard Deacon (episode 146)” and “Remembering Sally (episode 148)”.

Wrapping up the extras for not only the fifth season but the series in general are on a packed third disc. First we get three featurettes “Remembering Buddy’s Bar Mitzvah (episode 149)” and “Remembering The Gunslinger (episode 158)”. There is another feature called “Dick Van Dyke and the Other Woman: If Men Could Cry”. Lastly there is a “TV Land Promo for The Dick Van Dyke Show”, a Theatrical Trailer for The Art of Love and a preview for “The New Dick Van Dyke Show”.