Starring: Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei, Bailee Madison, Tom Everett Scott
Director: Andy Fickman
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Run Time: 105 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When “Parental Guidance” was released in theaters, I had zero interest in seeing it. I thought that it would come and go from theaters without making any splash. But surprise, surprise the film was a real success and captured by interest.  “Parental Guidance” reals packs a sharp cast. Billy Crystal, Bette Midler and Marisa Tomei really deliver some very funny and heart-felt performances. Andy Fickman has the family comedy down after 2010’s “You Again”. Maybe it is because I just had a child last year but the idea of the grandparents babysitting has a whole new meaning for me…and very funny. There is tons of fun to have with this film and I would recommend it for the whole family.

Official Premise: Billy Crystal, Bette Midler and Marisa Tomei prove that laughter is relative in this hilarious comedy that’s fun for the whole family! Old-school grandparents Artie (Crystal) and Diane (Midler) get more than they bargained for when they get stuck babysitting their type-A daughter’s (Tomei) overprotected kids. But things go from hectic to hysterical when Artie realizes the kids are running the house with their newfangled technology. By playing by his own rules, which include sugary snacks, old fashioned games and tough love, Artie manages to outsmart the kids and achieve the impossible- bring the family closer together!

Fox has delivered a very impressive release. It comes as a combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet Digital Copy.  The 1080p video transfer works well with the comedy and looks sharp.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track works with the comedy and jokes. The dialogue is clear and sounds great. The special features are not bad at all for this release.  There is an Audio Commentary track with Director Andy Fickman and Billy Crystal.  It is informative and funny.  There is a Blu-ray exclusive extra presented from FXM Productions called “In Character with Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei”, which has the talent talking about their roles. Lastly there is a few decent Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Director Andy Fickman, as well as a very funny Gag Reel.

Starring: Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna, Chauncey Leopardi, Karen Allen, Marty York
Director: David Mickey Evans
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Run Time: 101 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

I remember watching “The Sandlot” in theaters when I was a kid and being inspired to play baseball. This year “The Sandlot” is celebration it’s 20th Anniversary. It is very hard to believe that this film has been around for 20 years. “The Sandlot” is one of those films that doesn’t get old and ages very well. Since this is an anniversary release, I was hoping for the anniversary treatment, especially since this film was already released on Blu-ray back in 2011, but was left disappointed with the release…but not the film obviously. In terms of Blu-ray, this is a same release from 2011 with a new slipcase. If you don’t own this yet then it will easily be worth the upgrade from DVD.

The game, the cast and the music. “The Sandlot” has everything a coming-of-age story needs to succeed. This film comes with wonderful performances from its nine terrific young actors and amazing supporting appearances from James Earl Jones (“Field of Dreams”, “Star Wars” series), Denis Leary (“Rescue Me”, “The Ref”) and Karen Allen (“Raiders of the Lost Ark”). I should point out that there is one new thing about this release that differs it from the 2011 Blu-ray this comes with limited edition packaging and 10 collectible cast baseball cards. The cards are fun if you are a fan of the film for sure (but still not worth a double dip in my eyes).

Official Premise: When fifth-grader Scotty Smalls moves to a new town with his folks, he strikes out with the neighborhood kids, because he can’t even throw a baseball until the leader of the local sandlot team shows him the ropes. It’s the beginning of a magical summer of wild adventures, first kisses, hilarious hijinks and fearsome confrontations with the dreaded “beast” that lives behind the left field fence. The Sandlot has major-league laughs for all ages!

“The Sandlot” comes with an amazing 1080p transfer just like the last Blu-ray release. The transfer is sharp and really captures the essence of the baseball field. The film also boasts a very impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. The dialogue is perfectly balanced and you can little here every swinging bat and scream from the Beast. The disc also includes an English Dolby Digital 2.0 classic track, but the prior is preferred. The special features are where the letdown really kicks in since it is an yet another port of the (lacking) bonus features from past DVD editions. There is a very featurette, which runs just over five minutes. Lastly (yes, already), there is the film’s theatrical trailer and some TV Spots.

In connection with the release, FHE will embark on a partnership with Benny the Jet’s favorite shoe brand PF Flyers, for a special one-of-a-kind promotion. Beginning March 26, a limited run of “The Secret Weapon,” will be made available inside a vintage 1960’s shoe box, along with a $3 SANDLOT coupon inside. The Blu-ray also features a 10% PF Flyer discount coupon inside the packaging. Further information on this exclusive purchase can be found at www.pfflyers.com.

Actors: Richard Ian Cox, Moneca Stori, Kirby Morrow, Kelly Sheridan, Jillian Michaels
Directors: Toshiya Shinohara
Number of discs: 2
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Viz Media
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Run Time: 380 minutes

Films: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

When I started watching “InuYasha” back in the early 2000’s, I was immediately hooked. I couldn’t get enough of the show.  I would watch episodes over and over just to get my fix while I waited for new episodes each week. These films are extremely epic and fit very well within the series. I also really enjoyed the show in the longer format. The typical 30 minute episode was great but I was always left immediately wanting to watch another episode. This is the first time that these films are available on “high-def” (more on that below) Blu-ray. If you are a fan of the show it should be a no-brainer in order to get your “InuYasha” fix.

So back to the beginning, in 2001, my prayers were answered with the first “InuYasha” movie. A movie version of my favorite anime? Count me in! The films fit right in between the series. The first movie took place between episodes 54 and 55. Luckily Sunrise was smart and replicated this success the following year in 2002 with the second film, which takes place between episodes 95 & 96. The same goes for the third film which came out in 2003 and ran between episodes 136 and 137.  The last film premiered in 2004 and premiered not too long after the last episode of the “InuYasha” aired.

InuYasha the Movie: Affections Touching Across Time: 200 years ago, InuYasha’s father sealed away a powerful demon from China named Hyoga. A Shikon Jewel shard awakens Hyoga’s son, Menomaru, inspiring him to absorb the remains of his father’s power to take control of the world. It’s up to InuYasha and his friends to stop this nearly invincible foe!

InuYasha the Movie 2: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass: With their greatest foe seemingly defeated, Inuyasha and his friends begin to return to their lives. But their short period of peace is once again shattered as a new enemy begins to emerge. Kaguya, the self-proclaimed Princess from the Moon of legend, begins a plan to plunge the world into a perpetual night of the full moon. Inuyasha, Kagome, Miroku, Sango and Shippo must once again unite to face the new threat.

InuYasha the Movie 3: Swords of an Honorable Ruler: Many years ago, the Great Dog Demon wielded the Three Swords of the Fang. Upon his death, he bequeathed a sword to each of his sons, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru, leaving the third sword, the wrath-filled Sounga, locked away forever. Now that the Sounga’s power has been awakened, these two battling brothers must put away their sibling rivalry and face off against a force that spells doom for all mankind!

InuYasha the Movie 4: Fire on the Mystic Island: Within the dark recesses of Horai Island, a group of half-demons lives under the demonic rule of the Four War Gods. Escaping with barely a shred of hope, Ai, the youngest of the half-demons, returns to the island with Inuyasha, who must face not only the Four War Gods, but the past he left behind on the island fifty years ago.

Now onto the Blu-ray itself, Viz Media has done a wonderful job with releasing the latest series of “InuYasha: The Final Act” on Blu-ray prior to this. I was really hoping for the same thing with “InuYasha: The Movie – The Complete Collection” but was a left a bit disappointed.  The films are only presented in 1080i, which is technically high definition but it is a bit of a cop out for a Blu-ray release.  It still looks good with sharp colors and line details but you can see the difference clearly that it is not full HD.

The audio tracks are a step up from prior “InuYasha” releases.  There is both an English and Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track.  This is a step up from the releases for “InuYasha: The Final Set”.  The 5.1 tracks really capture the scale of these films and work with the non-stop action.  I have to admit, I couldn’t really choose a favorite track.  The Japanese works best with since it feels the most authentic but I love the voice cast with from the English dub as well.  There are also English and Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks.

So on this release, we get four films but really no major special features. There is only one extra on this release from any of the films, which would be “Production Sketches”.  I did enjoying looking at this artwork but I would have loved to seen much more.  There is no commentary tracks or featurettes included, which is very disappointing.  I am not sure what it is about anime Blu-ray releases but they never come with any decent special features.

Starring: Kira Tozer, Kappei Yamaguchi, Richard Ian Cox, Satsuki Yukino, Kôji Tsujitani, Hôko Kuwashima
Directors: Yasunao Aoki
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Viz Media
DVD Release Date: November 20, 2012/ February 12, 2013
Run Time: 325 minutes per set

Series: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

“InuYasha: The Final Act ” is an anime series that draws inspiration from the last volumes of author Rumiko Takahashi’s popular mangas. “InuYasha” one of the most successful anime titles of the 2000’s. The origianl series end of its run (September 2004 in Japan and October 2006 in the U.S.) after 167 episodes and four movies. This final act series picks up right and picks up after left the series ended abruptly. This Sunrise produced series game this show the ended it deserved with this 26-episode series. “The Final Act ” is a real answer to many fans prayers. Viz Media is releasing this series in two separate sets each with 13 episodes.

What is the best part of “InuYasha: The Final Act” is that it will not only appeal to the most longtime InuYasha fans but it should also be able to win over a new group of fans. The characters and plot design is well formed so that you are able to figure out is going on without the having seen the prior series.  Obviously, if you are a fan you will appreciate that the Japanese dub returns with most of its principal cast.  Though the English dub was a different story. The major change is Kira Tozer taking over the role of Kagome, since Moneca Stori has retired from voice acting. After an episode or two I got used to her voice taking over. Michael Daingerfield, know best for Johann Trinity in “Mobile Suit Gundam 00” does a great job taking over for Sesshomaru.

Set 1 Official Premise: Kagome is an ordinary schoolgirl who finds her destiny linked to the half demon Inuyasha and the powerful Shikon Jewel. In their quest to restore the shattered Shikon Jewel, Inuyasha and Kagome face their ultimate enemy, the demon mastermind Naraku. Meanwhile, Sesshomaru learns the truth behind his sword Tenseiga, and Kikyo discovers a secret that could defeat Naraku. With the jewel nearly complete and in enemy hands, the race to collect the remaining shards intensifies, and an epic battle is brewing on the horizon.

Set 2 Official Premise: Kagome finds her worlds colliding as she struggles to both fight alongside Inuyasha in the past and pass the exam to get into her high school of choice in the present. But with her spiritual powers sealed away, how will she purify the Shikon Jewel before Naraku can absorb it forever? As the battle enters its final stages, Inuyasha and his friends find their strength, loyalties and will to live pushed to impossible limits. And in the end, the final key to Naraku’s and the Jewel’s destruction may lie in nothing more—and nothing less—than the trust between a half demon and a girl from the future.

“InuYasha: The Final Act” comes well presented on Blu-ray thanks to Viz Media. The episodes look sharp with their 1080p transfer in 1.78:1 aspect ratio.  The colors really jump off the screen and line detail is sharp. The audio tracks included are DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 with both the original Japanese and English dub. I would like to say that both tracks are equally impressive. I usually prefer the original Japanese track but the English dub also delivers.  The dialogue and action are well represented. Kaoru Wada returned for the musical score from the previous series and delivers again with a very effective, dramatic and well-orchestrated score. I loved both of the closing songs “With You” by AAA and “Diamond” by alan.

Despite how much I loved this series and the Blu-ray release, I was not a fan of the special features.  There are various production art gallery and various storyboards included on both sets. When it comes to animation, I love seeing artwork. Lastly, there are various Japanese trailers along with their translated credits. I would have loved to see some featurettes on the comparison between the manga and the new series.  Also I would have loved to see some commentary tracks from the English dub discussing taking over for the original cast and their experiences working on the series.

Charles Band is the man behind both Meda Home Entertainment in the late 70’s and Wizard Video in 1980. He recently cleared out his warehouse and uncovered an amazing bunch of big box Wizard Video Collection that have been stuffed away for over 30 years. Shortly after Wizard Video introduced these over-sized “big VHS box” films with titles like “Zombie”, “I Spit On Your Grave” and “Breeders”, this format was returned since retailers were running out of shelf space. The big VHS box has since become a rare collectible! Well the big box is back thanks to Charles Band and Full Moon as they have uncovered 36 features discovery in his warehouse ranging with quantities from 180 boxes to 420 boxes. If you are a fan of these format and these films this is a sale that you do not want to miss as they are mint condition.

These mint boxes include the original program newly duplicated on VHS in a black clam shell included within their original box. Each original box is numbered and signed by Charles Band himself. Over the next nine months, Charles will be releasing this collectibles for the low price of $50.00.  See below for the full schedule of release.  If you don’t think that is enough also found in the collection were original boxes of the first horror video games on the planet, from Wizard Video’s sister company, Wizard Video Games. The Atari 2600 game boxes for Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Halloween will be released TBD 2013 from Full Moon. I can’t wait to see these get a release and fingers crossed that they are going to even include the game cartridges. Fingers crossed again that I will be able to pay the mortgage still after.

I had the privilege of breaking out the old VCR and review the following big box VHS tapes from Wizard Video Collection including “Demoniac (1975)” and “Oasis of the Zombies (1982)”.  I have to tell you it felt quite good giving the VCR some love. I forgot the need for having to blow into a VCR and adjusting the tracking.  But overall it was a wonderful experience and really brought me back to the good ole VHS days.  Having grown up and worked myself in a mom and pop video story in Long Island, NY, the idea that this format still has a life always makes me smile. “Demoniac (1975)” & “Oasis of the Zombies (1982”) are two classic foreign horror films that Wizard acquired and released back in the day.  I remember seeing these boxes on my video store shelf (and not being allowed to rent). This is a feeling that I am going to miss.

“Demoniac (1975)” Official Premise: A defrocked and defamed Catholic priest (played by director Jess Franco) witnesses a series of staged Black Masses complete with phony human sacrifices that drive him insane and send him on a murderous path of redemption to cleanse the streets of the spirit of Satan. His victims, the cast and audience of the show, meet gruesome fates at the hand of the “Sword of the Lord.”

“Oasis of the Zombies (1982)” Official Premise: Robert, a student at an English university, receives word of his father’s unexpected death and returns home to Africa. While reading his father’s dairies, Robert learns of the obsession that led to his death: $6,000,000 in Nazi gold that remains buried at an oasis in the Sahara desert, protected by the restless, rotting souls who died protecting it. Using his inheritance, Robert bands together with three fellow students to wrest the unclaimed fortune from the dunes of the dead!

So the question poses itself, are these releases worth $50.00? You bet your ass they are! They are signed and are a piece of history. “Oasis of the Zombies” was just released on high-def Blu-ray last month from Kino Video. So it is very funny to have watched both of these in the span of a month.  I have to say that I really preferred the VHS copy.  The film has that grindhouse look and feel and yet it really shines on the classic video format. Since this was reproduced, the films itself both look impressive. The VHS transfers really captured the essence of the way these film are was meant to be seen. Sure it looks great on Blu-ray but who doesn’t love that gritty feel. I look forward to checking out other upcoming releases.

Website: www.Wizardvideocollection.com
For all other Full Mooninformation: www.Fullmoondirect.com
Please check out the Facebook page at: http://bit.ly/WizardVideo

Actors: Robert Moloney, Keegan Joyce
Directors: James Bogle
Number of discs: 4
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Shout! Factory
DVD Release Date: May 7, 2013
Run Time: 330 minutes

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

If you are a fan of “Doctor Who”, then you most likely know about his longtime robot pet dog, K-9. This series is a children’s sci-fi/comedy spin-off re-imagined by “Doctor Who” creator Bob Baker. “K9” first made an appearance in the 1977 “Doctor Who” episode “The Invisible Enemy” and has since become an iconic television character. The show is a bit of a stretch for any “Doctor Who” fan. The show isn’t on par with the charm that the series. It is a mix of live action characters with visual-effects, but the episodes don’t come with the highest quality for televsion. As much as I enjoy “Doctor Who”, I feel that this “K-9” would have been better left within in the “Doctor Who” series.

Official Premise: Blasting back into action via a space time manipulator, everyone’s favorite robot dog arrives in late 21st-century London, now scarred by alien intrusion and government rule through their cybernetic police force. With the assistance of teenagers Jorjie, Darius, drifter Starkey and Professor Gryffen, K9 becomes Earth’s front-line defence against dangers threatening from any place – and anytime – in the galaxy! They will have a lot of fun, action, adventure, and some jolts along the way, saving the earth from alien creatures, scary monsters and more than a few nasty humans!

Episode included: Regeneration, Liberation, The Korven, The Bounty Hunter, Sirens of Ceres, Fear Itself, Fall of the House of Gryffen, Jaws of Orthrus, Dream-eaters, The Curse of Anubis, Oroborus, Alien Avatar, Aeolian, The Last Oak Tree, Black Hunger, The Cambridge Spy, Lost Library of Ukko, Mutant Copper, The Custodians, Taphony and The Time Loop, Robot Gladiators, Mind Snap, Angel of the North, The Last Precinct, Hound of the Korven, the Eclipse of the Korven

The 4-DVD set contains all 26 original episodes from the short-lived series. Shout Factory still delivered a nice DVD presentation. The show just back some decent special effects and I would have loved to see this show get the Blu-ray treatment. The special features on the complete series DVD are not that impressive overall. There is a “Interview with K9”, which is fun for kids. “The Making Of K9 Documentary” is a decent yet short behind-the-scenes look into the show. I would have loved to see a few commentary tracks included on the episodes.

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Actors: Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta, Richard Jenkins, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn
Directors: Andrew Dominik
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
DVD Release Date: March 26, 2013
Run Time: 97 minutes

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

“Killing Them Softly” is adapted from George V. Higgins’ 1974 novel “Cogan’s Trade”. It is a hitman movie that is disguised under a film about the economic crash. Brad Pitt doesn’t arrive on the screen until around 25 minutes in but he gives a very strong performance along with Scoot McNairy. You may know Scoot from 2010’s “Monsters” and last year’s “Argo”. The film also co-stars Richard Jenkins, James Gandolfini, Ray Liotta, and Sam Shepard.

For the film, Brad Pitt was reunited with director Andrew Dominik after “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”, a film that no one saw. I wasn’t blown away from the film as a whole but I like certain things about it. Besides the acting, I liked it’s gritty feel, the robbery scene was well shot and the slow-mo assassination scene was very neat. I would say watch it for the performances but the film itself isn’t sharp enough to keep your attention.  I would call it a one-timer and in a year I would have forgotten this film every existed.

Official Premise: Adapted from George V. Higgins’ novel and set in New Orleans, Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt) is an enforcer for the Mob. When a high-stakes Mob protected card game is heisted by some small time crooks Cogan is called in to track them down and restore order to the local criminal economy.

The special features are disappointing to say the least.  There are only four deleted scenes that add up to less than ten minutes. Lastly there is a “Making of Killing Me Softly” featurette but it only runs five minutes, which is way to shot to give a behind-the-scenes look.  The DVD release also doesn’t come with any digital copies like the Blu-ray release.  I would have hoped for at least an Ultraviolet digital streaming copy to be included.

Joseph Julian Soria has appeared in a variety of films and television series ranging from “Crank 2” and “Fast and Furious” to the hit Showtime series “Dexter” and “Sons of Anarchy”. Soria will be reprising his role as Hector Cruz on the seasons “Army Wives” and Media Mikes had a chance to talk with him about his second season on the show and his role in the film “Philly Brown”.

Adam Lawton: What can we expect from your character this season?
Joseph Julian Soria: You can expect to see Hector struggling with what may be the end of his marriage and his discontent with how the war is being handled. You also get to see him grow up and become a man. He has an interesting storyline this season.

AL: With this being your second season on the show were you allowed to give any input on the direction of your character?
JJS: Yes, that was one of the first things Jeff Melvoin mentioned when we found out the show was getting picked up for another season. He encouraged me to call the writers office with any ideas I had. I made a couple of calls and stopped by the office and gave my input, fortunately we were all on the same page.

AL: What do you enjoy most about being on the show?
JJS: I enjoy having the opportunity to play a character that is going through a lot and that the men who have served our country can relate to. Hector has a lot of internal conflict going on and it’s great to be able to play with those emotions and see how it plays out on the show.

AL: Can you tell us about your work on the film “Filly Brown”?
JJS: Putting it simply, I do not play a nice guy. He is a total jerk to an outsider looking in. But the way I like to look at it is, I play a character who is insecure, vulnerable and willing to do whatever it takes to hold on to his spotlight. And once Filly starts to take away his shine we get to see how far he will go to keep it.

AL: Do you have any other projects in the works you can tell us about?
JJS: I have another film coming out later this year called “Mission Park” which will be released by Lions Gate on all media besides theatrical. I’m really excited for people to see this film. I’m also in talks with a few other projects but nothing I’m ready to talk about yet.

Actors: Ross Noble, Tommy Knight
Directors: Conor McMahon
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Dark Sky Films
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Run Time: 87 minutes

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

Who isn’t afraid of clowns…I would like to thank “Stephen King’s It” for sealing that deal many many years ago. Coulrophobia is the fear of clowns. “Stitches” is a pretty fun slasher flick with a nod to 80’s horror. Ross Noble, who plays Stitches, is a real life comedian but isn’t very funny in the film despite being a clown. But since it is horror, I will give it some slack but who doesn’t love a wise-cracking villain ala Freddy Kreuger. Tommy Knight (known for his “Doctor Who” fame) is a nice addition the cast though. There is definitely no shortage of gore and some fun kills if you can look past the occasional CG blood. Not the best killer clown flick but still worth a watch. I would recommend this as a rental for horror fans.

Official Premise: Ten years after a prank on his birthday left hired clown Stitches dead on his kitchen floor, Tommy’s childhood friends gather to plan one last birthday party to end all parties. But they didn’t count on the degenerate jester returning from the grave to seek vengeance on the children who caused his untimely end. Now Tommy and his friends are on the run from an undead jokester who’s ready to use every trick in the book to exact his revenge. Dead Meat director Conor McMahon delivers a delirious slasher with STITCHES, the hilariously twisted and blood soaked tale of one very bad clown.

The film looks good enough with its Blu-ray presentation. The 1080p transfer looks very good with its 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The dark scenes are well crafted to add that necessary eerie effects. Keeping with the eerie effects, there are two audio options available to assist with the hororr sound. There is a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and a Dolby Digital 2.0 track. They are both impressive but I think the 5.1 track deliver the score and action the best. The special features are not bad either for this release. There is a 35 minute Q&A at the film’s premiere with Ross Noble and director McMahon. There is a 20 minute “The Making of Stitches” featurette looking into the production. Lastly there is a gag reel, theatrical trailer and a picture gallery included.

Actors: Tak Sakaguchi, Mari Hoshio, Miho Ninagawa, Takamasa Suga
Directors: Yudai Yamaguchi
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Well Go USA
Release Date: April 9, 2013
Run Time: 99 minutes

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

Whenever I see the label Sushi Typhoon, I just have to watch whatever film it is like “Mutant Girls Squad” and “Karate-Robo Zaborgar”.  They always deliver and are so hilarious, gory and always offensive.  “Dead Ball” is a very politically incorrect sports splatter comedy. It is director Yudai Yamaguchi’s follow-up to his zombie baseball classic “Battlefield Baseball”. “Dead Ball” also sees the returns of Tak Sakaguchi (“Versus”). Like all Sushi Typhoon films, this is extremely over-the-top and will leave you screaming “What the fuck is going on here!”  If you like those kinds of films, then don’t miss this for a fun time.

Official Premise: Baseball prodigy Jubeh Yakyu (Tak Sakaguchi) is the most feared and dangerous juvenile delinquent in all of Japan. After accidentally causing the death of his father with a super-powered fireball pitch, Jubeh swore off baseball, but his life of crime leaves him in the Pterodactyl Juvenile Reformatory, at the mercy of Headmistress Ishihara, the granddaughter of a World War II Nazi collaborator, and her sadistic assistant, Ilsa. Despite having sworn never to play baseball again, Jubeh is presented with an ultimatum: join the reformatory team, The Gauntlets, in the national tournament, or witness the death of his innocent cellmate. Jubeh is now in a fight for his life against the sexy but deadly “psycho butcher girls” of the St. Black Dahlia High School. These teams are literally playing for blood!

The Blu-ray presentation is solid like most for Well-Go Enterainment.  The 1080p transfer looks sharp and works weith the action in the film.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks also delivers with the action and the zany madness that happens throughout this film. The Blu-ray also only comes with a Japanese audio track with English subs.  I always prefer the Japanese track anyway even through the English dubs sometimes unbearable funny. The special features are good and worth checking it.  Included is a Spinoff Short for the film, “Making of Dead Ball” featurette and some Cast Interviews, all with subtitles.

Actors: Nicole Kidman, Clive Owen, David Strathairn, Rodrigo Santoro, Molly Parker
Director: Philip Kaufman
Studio: HBO Home Entertainment
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Run Time: 154 minutes

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

I am not a subscriber to HBO but I really love their programming.  There films and TV series are so original, bold and frankly, quite ballsy.  “Hemingway & Gellhorn” was nominated for 15 Emmy® Awards and 2 Golden Globe Awards.  I hadn’t heard of this release before the award season but I was drawn to it by its stunning lead cast including Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman and Golden Globe winner Clive Owen. The film recounts the romance between literary legend Ernest Hemingway and famed war correspondent Martha Gellhorn. The film runs over two a half hours and yet I was unable to take my eyes of the screen the entire time.

Nicole Kidman and Clive Owen both give phenomenal performances. They are have great chemistry and really brings the sexy, yet dramatic aspects to their characters. They are assisted with a great and very impressive supporting cast including David Strathairn, Rodrigo Santoro, Molly Parker, Parker Posey, Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, Mark Pellegrino, Peter Coyote, Tony Shalhoub and even Jeffrey Jones makes an appearance. This is a real ensemble and everyone contributes to the success of this film.  But honestly, I am not very surprised since when it comes to HBO, they never disappoint and almost always deliver great talent.

Official Premise: Hemingway & Gellhorn recounts one of the greatest romances of the last century – the passionate love affair and tumultuous marriage of literary master Ernest Hemingway and trailblazing war correspondent Martha Gellhorn – as it follows the adventurous writers through the Spanish Civil War and beyond. The combined magnetism of Hemingway and Gellhorn ushered them into social circles that included the elite of Hollywood, the aristocracy of the literary world and the First Family of the United States. As witnesses to history, they covered all the great conflicts of their time, but the war they couldn’t survive was the war between themselves.

HBO is really this film as a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack and the Blu-ray is very impressive.  The 1080p transfer really transports you back in time and really looks sharp.  The film has this raw feel when it most through its timeline and switching between war-time footage. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track works perfectly with the dialogue and the action in the film.  The special features are also worth checking out. There is a very interesting audio commentary with director Philip Kaufman and editor Walter Murch Making.  There are two featurettes including “Making Hemingway & Gellhorn” who looks into the all aspects of the production and also “Behind the Visual Effects” has the cast and crew discuss the effects and keeping it with the historical accurate.

Actors: Ingrid Pitt, Kate O’Mara, Peter Cushing
Directors: Roy Ward Baker
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Scream Factory
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Run Time: 91 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When you think of Hammer films you think of sexy and erotic horror. “The Vampire Lovers” was always one of my favorites and delivers that and much more with the lovely Ingrid Pitt in the lead role. This film is based on the J. Sheridan Le Fanu novella “Carmilla”. The Vampire Lovers” is the first part of the Karnstein Trilogy followed by “Lust for a Vampire” (1971) and “Twins of Evil” (1972). It is arriving on Blu-ray for the first time, thanks to Shout! Factory’s sister company Scream Factory. If you are a fan of Hammer, then you are going to love this release.

Ingrid has such a presence on the screen and you can’t take your eyes off her. And boy does she look amazing on this Blu-ray. She was known as the “The Queen of Scream”.  She not only survived a Nazi concentration camp as a child but who on to become one of the most well known faces of Hammer horror films and was billed as  “the most beautiful ghoul in the world”. Hammer legend Peter Cushing also pops in and is charmingly eerie as usual, especially delivering the film’s final blow.

Official Premise: A female vampire with lesbian tendencies ravages the young girls and townsfolk of a peaceful hamlet in eighteenth century Europe who, years earlier, killed off her fellow vampires. A rousing hunt for the vampiress ensues as a group of men follow her bloody trail of terror through the countryside. If you dare, come into a twilight world of unspeakable horror and taste the deadly passion of the blood-nymphs!

Scream Factory delivers a very nice 1080p widescreen presentation with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. There is some notable noise in the darker scenes but it doesn’t plague the transfer much. Overall it is a real treat to see this film presented in high-definition. The film also packs a nice DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 surround track.  It works perfectly with the nature of the film and carries the essence of Hammer very well.

The special features are all quite impressive for this release.  There is a great audio commentary track with the director Roy Ward Baker, writer Tudor Gates and of course Ingrid Pitt, which is moderated by Jonathan Sothcott. “Femme Fantasique: Resurrecting The Vampire Lovers” is a great look back on the film and its cult following. There are excerpts from the novella “Carmilla”, that inspired the film, which are read by Ingrid Pitt.  There are Original Theatrical Trailer and Original Radio Spot included.  There are two new Interviews, the first with Madeline Smith, who played Emma and the second is with Hammer Films Scholars.

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Starring: Anders Hove, Denise Duff, Angus Scrimm
Director: Ted Nicolaou
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Full Moon Pictures
DVD Release Date: May 21, 2013
Run Time: 270 minutes

The Blu-ray Collection Volume 1: 3.5 out of stars
Subspecies Blu-ray: 2 out of 5 stars
Subspecies Extras: 1 out of 5 stars
Bloodstone: Subspecies II Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Bloodstone: Subspecies II Extras: 3 out of 5 stars
Bloodlust: Subspecies III Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Bloodlust: Subspecies III Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

One of the best series to come out of Full Moon has easily been “Subspecies” to date. The series ran for the better part of the 90’s with three sequels and a spin-off   This volume one Blu-ray collection includes “Subspecies”, “Bloodstone: Subspecies II” and “Bloodlust: Subspecies III”. I am assuming there will be a second volume in the cards with the “Subspecies 4: Bloodstorm” and “The Vampire Journals” to work up the series (at least untill Subspecies 5, you here that Charlie!). The series creates one of our great villains, the vampire Radu Vladislas, portrayed by Anders Hove. When you think of great vampire villains, I always come back to Radu. The scripts are not perfect and the acting is decent at best but these films are classics. Full Moon is relatively new to the format of Blu-ray, with only a few “Puppet Master” films getting the treatment.  For the slim price at around the price of one standard Blu-ray, if you are a fan of the series then this is a really a steal.

“Subspecies”: Three students studying the folklore of Transylvania uncover more than they anticipated when they stumble upon a clan of vampires ruled by the monstrous Radu. The sadistic vampire becomes obsessed with making them his fledglings and pursues them relentlessly. Wielding the power of the Bloodstone, a relic that drips the blood of the saints, Radu and his subspecies – a pack of small, sinister creatures – give the girls a true understanding of the local mythology.

“Bloodstone: Subspecies II” In the second installment of the Subspecies series, Radu’s fledgling and love interest, Michelle, flees from his castle with the holy relic – the Bloodstone. Meanwhile, as a new vampire, Michelle struggles with her emerging bloodlust. To escape Radu, she hides in the basement of a theater in Bucharest, waiting for her sister to arrive from the US to help her – before it’s too late. “Bloodlust: Subspecies III” – Bloodlust brings the third coming of Radu, who captures his fledgling, Michelle, and returns her to the castle he shares with his sorceress mother. Radu teaches Michelle how to master her vampire powers. Meanwhile, Michelle’s sister, Becky, plans an armed assault on Radu’s stronghold. She is determined to save her sister’s soul – and this time she’s brought some help.

Since the Blu-ray release for “Subspecies” was for the 20th anniversary, originally released in 2011, it really doesn’t feel like it comes with the anniversary treatment. The high-def Blu-ray only clocks in at 1080i transfer and feels a little flat. This still looks much better than past DVDs but not up to standard for Blu-ray. I mean there is massive noise throughout the scenes and the colors are very shaky. I also have a real big issue with the Dolby Digital 2.0 audio track. Since suppose to be Blu-ray high-definition, the track is far from it. It sounds fine but I would have loved to seen them upgrade this film to a a 5.1 surround track for this release. In fact the Blu-ray box boasts all three films as full HD and 5.1 surround sound, which is not the case for this film.

“Bloodstone: Subspecies II” & “Bloodlust: Subspecies III” again takes the correct path for a proper Blu-ray presentation. Since this films were shot many years ago and on a very low budget, they are still represented quite well here. Both films have very nice 1080p transfers (unlike “Subspecies”).  There is some noise interference around the color black but besides that they both have pretty sharp transfers. Also both films also have good 5.1 surround tracks.  They are not perfect but they are a nice step up from “Subspecies” and at least they represent the high-definition of the Blu-ray much better.

“Subspecies” is also a big disappointment in the special features department. There is an original VideoZone episode, which I enjoyed…but that is it. There are no other extras besides some Full Moon Trailers. Luckily, the special features for “Bloodstone: Subspecies II” & “Bloodlust: Subspecies III” improves quite a bit in that area. The extras are mirrored for both films including “Making Subspecies: The Recollections of Ted Nicolaou, Anders Hove and Denise Duff” is a great revisit from the director and cast from the film. Both films include an equally entertaining audio commentary again from the trio; Nicolaou, Hove and Duff. Some topics are revisited from the making-of feature but still worth checking out. “Killer Subspecies Montage” is a fun collection of clips from this series. Lastly, there are  also original VideoZones episodes included for the sequels, as well as additional Full Moon Trailers included.

Starring: Norman Reedus, Matthew Mercer, Clare Grant
Directed by Hiroshi Hamasaki
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: April 16, 2013
Run Time: 88 minutes

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

With “Iron Man 3” a mere weeks away, who isn’t excited for anything “Iron Man” related.  This new animated film is arriving just in time to cash in on that demand. I was unaware but the film origins from Japan and is directed by Hiroshi Hamasaki, the genius behind great films like “Paranoid Agent” and “Highlander: The Search for Vengeance”.  The story comes from Brandon Auman, who knows the Marvel universe quite well with his experience on “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” and “Iron Man: Armored Adventures”.  The film is sure to leave hardcore fans very satisfied for sure.  It is action packed and very entertaining.

It also doesn’t hurt that it featuring tons of great Marvel superheroes besides Iron Man himself, including War Machine, Nick Fury, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and (my favorite) The Punisher. Speaking the characters, they are voiced by great talent including Matthew Mercer (“Resident Evil Damnation” & “Thundercats”) as Iron Man and Norman Reedus (TV’s “The Walking Dead”) as The Punisher. Reedus easily steals the show, I just would have loved to seen him more in the film.  Marvel/Sony, do I smell an solo “The Punisher” animated film with Reedus in the cards? You better! There are a lot of “Walking Dead” fans out there!  I hope that this is also only the beginning of a new chapter in the popular “Iron Man” franchise. I would love to see additional animated projects for sure.

Official Premise: Billionaire Tony Stark, in his Iron Man armor, prevents an attack from a mysterious new foe, but innocent bystanders are killed, including his best friend War Machine, Lt. Colonel James Rhodes. Detained for questioning by S.H.I.E.L.D., Iron Man escapes, determined to find the mastermind behind the attack. Pursued by Black Widow and Hawkeye, Iron Man enlists the help of the ruthless vigilante The Punisher. But can the Armored Avenger handle what he finds when he catches the person responsible and is forced to face his deadliest weapon, a biotechnology called Technovore that could wipe out all life on the planet?

Marvel Entertainment and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment delivered a very impressive Blu-ray release.  The film comes with the Blu-ray and also an Ultraviolet streaming digital copy, but where is the DVD disc?  The 1080p transfer is a thing of beautiful with the crisp animation and very sharp colors.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track was shaking my walls when I cranked it up, especially during the action scenes. The special features are a bit of a let down to this fun film.  There is an interactive art gallery, exclusive to the Blu-ray.  Besides that there are only two behind-the-scenes featurettes: “Tale of Technovore”, which looks into the production of the anime; and “S.H.I.E.L.D.: Protecting the Marvel Universe” takes into its the superhero organization in the comics and adapted in the film.

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Narrator: Meryl Streep
Directors: Greg Macgillivray
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Running Time: 40 minutes

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

When it comes to nature documentaries, who can turn them down. They are like a car crash you just can’t look away.  “To The Arctic” looked so cute with those little polar bears. The film is enjoyable but really when it comes down to it…it is just WAY to short.  I understand that IMAX movies used to run 40 minutes and that was the norm but now there are new 3D films in IMAX every week.  40 minutes really restricts this film to of getting a chance to spread it wings or paws in this case.  It feels rushed and right when it gets good it ends. I would have loved to seen this expanded for 90 minutes, like the Disneynature films.  I also felt the same way about the last IMAX film “Born To Be Wild”. Unless you are a 3D junkie like myself, I would catch this program when it airs on cable or rent it.

Official Premise: “To The Arctic” takes you on a never before seen journey through the power of the IMAX lens into the lives of a mother polar bear and her two seven-month-old cubs as they navigate the changing Arctic wilderness they call home. Captivating adventurous and intimate footage brings you up close and personal with this family’s struggle to survive in a frigid and dynamic environment of melting ice immense glaciers spectacular waterfalls and majestic snow-bound peaks.

The film gets it voice from three-time Academy Award winner Meryl Streep, who narrates this documentary.  The film was shot on location in the Arctic Circle in the IMAX 3-D format. I thought the 3D was very impressive.  It adds quite a bit of depth to the Arctic and makes you feel like you are right there with them.  The film is written and edited by Stephen Judson, who worked on the award-winning “Everest”.  My favorite part of the film though has to be the music.  The score is very well done by Steve Wood and contains seven songs by Paul McCartney.  There were two songs from his span with Wings including “I’m Carrying” and “Big Pop”.  There is Cirque du Soleil’s “LOVE” version of “Because”. Mr Bellamy from his 2007 album “Memory Almost Full”. “Calico Skies” and “Little Willow” appear from his 1997 album, “Flaming Pie”. Lastly there is a nice cover of “Maybe I’m Amazed” in the end credits.

Warner Brothers really delivers a very impressive release here with “To The Arctic”.  The release comes as a combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet digital streaming copy.  But wait there is more, the film was released in 3D in theaters, so there is a bonus Blu-ray 3D included as well.  I enjoyed the 3D version quite a bit but luckily it is one of those films that can be enjoyed either way without loosing too much. I have to admit though, I really loved the underwater scenes in 3D. Very breathtaking.  The 1080p transfer looks very sharp within its 1.78:1 aspect ratio, I would have loved to see them keep the IMAX aspect ratio for this Blu-ray though. The DTS-HD Master Audio works perfectly with the music, especially Paul McCartney’s tunes! You will find yourself turning the volume to 11 and jamming out!

The special features are good and to be honest I am impressed they even had extras.  But with a documentary film, I am always interested in the behind-the-scenes. There are a four featurettes included to round out this release. The first is “A  Polar Bear Family” and takes a closer look at the stars of the film.  “To The Arctic with Meryl Streep” is a chat with the actresses and narrator of the film.  “The Challenge of Filming in the Arctic” is exactly what it sounds like.  I give these guys a lot of credit for their work. The last is called “Welcome to the Arctic”, which takes us on a journey through the frozen part of our world.  Lastly, there is a trailer included. I would have loved to see a few of these available in 3D as well since they were obviously shot in 3D like the film itself.