Starring: Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike and Richard Jenkins
Directed by: Christopher McQuarrie
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 10 mins
Paramount

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I apologize in advance if these first paragraphs seem “preachy.” But I feel strong enough about what I’m going to write that I must include it. Sometimes things in life tragically coincide with things in Hollywood, with Hollywood always getting the blame for exploiting a tragedy. On July 22, 1991, the world first learned of the horrible crimes committed by Jeffrey Dahmer. Less than two weeks later the movie “Body Parts” opened. Even though the film had nothing to do with Dahmer just the title put Hollywood in a bad light. On June 17, 1994 O.J. Simpson led police on a slow-speed chase prior to being arrested on suspicion of murdering his wife. At the same time, “The Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult,” a film in which Simpson co-starred, was opening in discount houses. Again, an outcry that a studio was trying to capitalize on a tragedy. If you have any knowledge of film history you know that both the original “Spider-man” and the comedy “Zoolander” were edited to remove images of the World Trade Center just after September 11, 2001. Even this past summer’s “Dark Knight Rises” was put in a negative light after a late night screening was interrupted by a man with a gun.

Which brings us to “Jack Reacher.” This past week we were all horrified when 26 people, including 20 children, were senselessly killed at their elementary school. The film deals with an investigator looking into the case of a sniper that kills five people. As the film begins we see the sniper looking through his scope, pausing momentarily on a young woman holding hands with a child and then the child. The audience at the screening I attended gave a collected gasp. “We don’t need this,” one of my fellow critics said to me. The sniper takes his crosshairs off of the child to continue his search for his victims. But that moment brought the audience back into reality, ironically in the one place people go to escape it. Again, it’s just a movie but I felt you deserved a heads up.

And now on with the review:

In the city of Pittsburgh a white van slowly makes its way into a parking garage overlooking the riverfront. A man gets out, rifle in hand, and begins to search across the river for a target. Five shots later he is gone. Armed with evidence found at the scene the police close in on the home of James Barr (Joseph Sikora). When he is interrogated he refuses to talk, instead scribbling on a yellow legal pad “GET JACK REACHER.”

A tightly woven thriller with an undertone of comedy, “Jack Reacher” is a smart mystery with enough twists and turns that you may get dizzy following them. Written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie, who won an Oscar for his script for “The Usual Suspects,” the film’s premise is that things are not always what they seem. Catching word of the crime, Reacher (Cruise) shows up at police headquarters and is introduced to Barr’s attorney, Helen Rodin (Pike). Helen is hoping to keep Barr from being sentenced to death if convicted and needs help because when the district attorney (Jenkins) goes after the death penalty he seems to always get it. Oh, and he’s also Helen’s father. Helen convinces Jack to help her and soon we meet an assortment of goons and idiots, all working for a mysterious man known as The Zec (Werner Herzog). As Jack solves one puzzle he finds himself thrust in the middle of another, all the time trying to convince himself that Barr really is guilty. The stakes keep getting bigger and bigger as both Jack and Helen begin to question the loyalty of those around them.

Tom Cruise turned 50 this year and it’s almost hard to imagine that he’s been a star for almost 30 of those years. Cruise is one of those rare actors that really can play ANYTHING. Be it a high school boy looking for some weekend fun, an ace pilot in the U.S. Navy or a paralyzed Vietnam War veteran, he has always found a way to inhabit his characters. When he’s on screen you don’t see TOM CRUISE, you see Joel Goodsen, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell and Ron Kovic. He does the same thing here, inhabiting Jack Reacher and making him three dimensional. He is assisted by a fine supporting cast that includes, besides Pike, Jenkins and Herzog, David Owelolo, Jai Courtney and Cruise’s old buddy, the great Robert Duvall who, at age 81, continues to amaze.

This is McQuarrie’s second directorial effort and his first in more than a decade. He does manage to keep the story on track, even finding time for a pretty intense street race between some serious muscle and Reacher. And I’m sure Tom Cruise would like me to tell you that he’s up to date when it comes to dealing with the bad guys hand to hand.

Starring: Barbra Streisand and Seth Rogen
Directed by: Anne Fletcher
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 35 mins
Paramount

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

If you don’t count the two “Focker” films, in which she has a supporting role, Barbra Streisand hasn’t starred in a movie since 1996’s “The Mirror Has Two Faces.” Too bad she chose “The Guilt Trip” to end her hiatus.

Andy (Rogen) is an inventor. A scientist by day he has developed an all natural cleaner, gotten FDA approval, and is now about to embark on a cross country trip to peddle his product to various retailers. Before he begins his journey, however, he pays a visit to his mother, Joyce (Streisand). When Joyce confesses a family secret to Andy he decides to ask her along on the road trip. Reluctantly she agrees. And the adventure begins.

Mildly funny in parts (and those parts are so few and far between that I could name them all), “The Guilt Trip” is a step by step formulaic movie…Hollywood 101. You take two people, as different as different can be, put them in the same place and stand back and see what happens. Here it’s almost nothing. As Andy and his mom traverse the country we get a mixed salad of mini-plots, one for each city. Bad weather in Memphis gives us a chance to drop in on Andy’s old girlfriend, now happily married and with child. Texas gives Streisand a chance to eat a five pound steak in order to get a free meal. Earlier on she conveniently has a purse full of coupons, including one for a rental car. Stereotypical character number one – the Jewish mother is always out to save money. As someone who actually has a Jewish mother I can assure you my step-father may disagree. Oh well, at least they cast a real Jewish mother. Stereotypical character number two – the nerdy, schlubby son. Again, if you’re going to cast a schlub you can’t go wrong with Rogen. If the script was better suited to either one’s strengths I may have laughed more.

Even at a little over an hour and a half the film feels padded but it doesn’t really get going until it’s half way through, which is a waste of Streisand, always a gifted comedienne. I hope if she makes us wait another 16 years the film is truly worth the wait!

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Created by: Rankin/Bass
Studio: Warner Archive
DVD Release Date: August 31, 2012
Run Time: 148 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to Rankin/Bass, they are the Christmas special gods! I always think about their specials when the holiday season comes around. This TV Holiday Favorite Collections includes some of the lesser popular titles like “The Little Drummer Boy: Book II”, “Pinocchio’s Christmas”, “The Leprechaun’s Christmas Gold” and “The Stingiest Man in Town” (which is the only one not using stop-motion “animagic”). I watch these specials every year on ABC Family. They are not the best of the best but they are still Rankin/Bass and they are classics.

Official Premise: Four family classics from the studio that helped make the holidays magic!: The Little Drummer Boy Book II: Starting where the original left off, Book II sends Aaron, the little drummer boy, off on a quest to aid Simeon, crafter of the silver bells. With Greer Garson and Zero Mostel. The Stingiest Man in Town: Rankin/Bass departs from its usual stop-motion “Animagic” process for this line animation adaptation of Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. With Walter Matthau, and Tom Bosley. Pinocchio’s Christmas: After Fox tricks him out of a gift for Geppetto, Pinocchio sets out on an adventure to reclaim Christmas. Along the way he meets up with a beautiful marionette and a jolly old man in a flying sleigh. With Alan King. The Leprechaun’s Christmas Gold: A sailor and a leprechaun join forces to reclaim the Christmas gold after a wailing banshee makes off with it, thanks to the sailor’s blunder. With Art Carney and Peggy Cass.

If I am not mistaken, this release is the first time that “The Little Drummer Boy: Book II” has been released on DVD, so that is the main draw here. The other specials have been previously released before on DVD, but it is nice to have them in the spotlight for once. The specials look nice on DVD but like some Warner Archive releases have not been remastered but taken from the best quality master that is currently available. So they could use a little touching up but for me that has always been the charm of these films, which is their imperfections. I look forward to sharing these episodes with my daughter and revisiting these each year.

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Created by: Hanna-Barbera
Studio: Warner Archive
DVD Release Date: September 14, 2012
Run Time: 72 minutes

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to Hanna-Barbera, they are the masters of animation.  I have been a fan of their work for over 30 years. This Christmas collection includes the C-grade of specials.  If you are looking for “The Flintstones” or “The Jetsons”, then you should look somewhere else.  This collection includes: “A Christmas Story” (1971), “The Town Santa Forgot” (1993) and “Casper’s First Christmas” (1979).  The special episodes are cool to have just because they are not the typical ones that you see every year on TV.  They are the forgotten ones or the ones that are not that popular.

Official Synopsis: A dog and a mouse head for the North Pole to deliver a lost letter. Hanna-Barbera superstars lend a helping hand to the world’s friendliest ghost. The greediest boy in the world discovers the magic of giving. What could three such different tales have in common? Hanna-Barbera and Santa Claus, that’s what! Hanna-Barbera assembled its mightiest talents of pen and voice to produce one of its first forays into prime-time animated Christmas specials, A Christmas Story, the tale of Goober and Gumdrop’s quest to save Christmas for one little boy. Dick Van Dyke narrates The Town Santa Forgot, based on Charmaine Severson’s beloved poem “Jeremy Creek” about the confusion created by a gargantuan wish list. Casper’s First Christmas sees Casper facing a Christmas Eve eviction when he receives holiday help from the likes of Yogi Bear, Boo-Boo, Huckleberry Hound, Snagglepuss, Quick Draw McGraw, Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddy.

The episodes look good but haven’t been remastered for this release. They were taken from the best known master available.  The colors are a little dull and could use a face lift but like I said these are specials that are not as loved as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” etc. They are presented in their original aspect ration of 1.37:1. My favorite of the three is easily “Casper’s First Christmas” since it comes packed with many well-known Hanna-Barbera characters including Yogi Bear and many others. It may not be the best collection of Christmas specials but if you are looking for something different, check it out!

Actors: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Sienna Guillroy, Kevin Durand, Boris Kodjoe
Directors: Paul W.S. Anderson
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: December 21, 2012
Run Time: 95 minutes

Film: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4.5 out of 5 stars

When I went to the theaters to see “Resident Evil: Retribution”, I had no idea it was going to be one of my favorite movies in the series, nor my favorite of the year.  My expectations were completely blown away with this film.  It is hard to believe that the 5th film in the franchise will surpass the film’s before it…but it sure does! “Resident Evil: Retribution” takes what is amazing about this franchise and amps to to 11 (and above)! It doesn’t get old watching Milla Jovovich in skin-tight leather kicking zombie ass.  It reminds me of Kate Beckinsale in “Underworld” but between me and you Milla does it better.

In this fifth film, there are tons of return characters, despite being dead (that doesn’t mean they are zombies either – see the movie to known what I mean). Michelle Rodriguez comes back in her role of Rain Ocampo from the first “Resident Evil”, as well as another character also. Colin Salmon or better known as “One” also from the first “Resident Evil” comes back with in this installment. My favorite return is Sienna Guillory aka the sexy Jill Valentine comes back, this time as a baddie.  She is mega-hot and also kicks some mega-ass.  Oded Fehr from “RE: Apocalypse” and “RE: Extinction” comes back from the dead but not the way that you would think. We find out what happened to Luther West (Wentworth Miller) as he returns as well. Lastly, and probably fan favorite Albert Wesker (Shawn Roberts) is back and very helpful to Alice – or is he?

What I liked about the opening of this film is that you do not need to see the first five films in order to enjoy this.  It literally goes back and covers all the important ground.  Now if you have seen the previous film it only makes better, like the end scene from “Afterlife” being played backwards in slow-motion. Perfect way to start the movie. The 3D effects in the film are the best that I have seen throughout the entire year! Seriously! There is tons of in-your-face moments and also adds to some great jumps. The depth added throughout and it really works with the films’ action.  Speaking of the action, from the moment it starts, this film is a 90+ minute rollercoaster ride.

Official Synopsis: The Umbrella Corporation’s deadly T-virus continues to ravage the Earth, transforming the global population into legions of the flesh eating Undead. The human race’s last and only hope, ALICE (Jovovich), awakens in the heart of Umbrella’s most clandestine operations facility and unveils more of her mysterious past as she delves further into the complex. Without a safe haven, Alice continues to hunt those responsible for the outbreak; a chase that takes her from Tokyo to New York, Washington, D.C. and Moscow, culminating in a mind-blowing revelation that will force her to rethink everything that she once thought to be true. Aided by newfound allies and familiar friends, Alice must fight to survive long enough to escape a hostile world on the brink of oblivion. The countdown has begun.

Sony is releasing this film in a very nice 2-Disc Combo Pack, including the Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™, and DVD, as well as UltraViolet™ digital streaming copy.  The film works well in 2D but it looses a bit of its charm.   The 3D in the theaters was great but I have to say that the 1080p transfer on the Blu-ray is really sharp and draws you in so well.  The film literally plays like a video game, which is the way it should be and works best with the transfer.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sounds beyond amazing.  Since the film is literally a 90-minute roller coaster ride, the sound is constantly  pumping giving the surround system quite the workout.

The special features on this release is nothing short of stunning just like the film itself.  I am nothing but 100% satisfied that there are actually 3D special features.  Sony is getting a name for doing this after “Men in Black III” and “The Amazing Spider-Man”.  It is not much but there are still deleted & extended Scenes and Outtakes in 3D that are exclusive to the Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack and Blu-ray. On disc two there are also six exclusive featurettes, each better than the next. “”Maestro of Evil: Directing Resident Evil: Retribution”” looks into Anderson returning to the franchise as the director of the film. ““Resident Evil: Reunion”” looks into this huge cast reunion as I described above. “Evolving Alice”” show about Jovovich keeps playing Alice fresh. “In “Design & Build: The World of Resident Evil: Retribution” looks into creating the gigantic sets for this gigantic film. “Resident Stuntman”” gives a look into the action stunts with stunt coordinator Nick Powell. Lastly, “Code: Mika” is a short look with star Mika Nakashima, as she reprises her role as “J-Pop Girl”.

The rest of the bonus features include various cast, director and producer commentary tracks. They each provide different perspectives from the production.  There is also on final featurette ““Drop (Un)Dead: The Creatures”, which is a look into the various creatures from the franchise with the cast/crew. There is also an interactive map called ” Project Alice: The Interactive Database”,” which will allows you to investigate the living, the dead and the undead of the “Resident Evil”. I would also like to note that “The Complete Series: Resident Evil 1-5” will also be available on Blu-ray with UltraViolet starting December 21st, including each 2D feature film in the Resident Evil franchise.
 

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Starring: Ron Rubin, Dan Hennessey, Howard Morris, Greg Morton
Studio: Warner Archive
Number of Discs: 3
DVD Release Date: December 11, 2012
Run Time: 658 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you were a kids in the late 80’s like myself, then you would have looked forward to coming home from school for shows like this.  I have always been a fan of the “Police Academy” series, obviously shows like this don’t really warrant a animated series but it still is fun and reminds me of the time when afternoon cartoons were the bees knees.  This series fits in between the fourth and fifth movie in the franchise but this does not include any of the original cast voicing their characters.  I am not sure what it is about 80’s animated series but they just have this certain charm. I am glad to finally have these episodes on DVD and I look forward to the next volume to complete this animated series.

There were 64 episodes in this series produced over two seasons.  The first season consisted of 26 episodes, so the 30 episodes presented here cover the first season and a bit of the season. This is the first time that this episodes have ever been released on DVD, thanks to Warner Archive. The episodes have not really been restored for this release but they still look good. They have been manufactured from the best-quality video master currently available.  They are presented in a 4×3 full frame with the original aspect ratio of  1.37:1. The audio track included is a basis mono track but it works, especially with the catchy theme song “They Wear the Blue” performed by The Fat Boys.

Official Synopsis: The wacky rookies are back – and this time their antics are animated! After a bust goes awry in the opening episode, the heinous Capt. Harris gets busted back to the academy. With a serious hate-on for academy alums, Harris drags Mahoney, Jones, Hightower, Hooks, Tackleberry, Callahan, Sweetchuck and Zed back to the academy! In this 30-Episode, 3-Disc collection, the hit cartoon spin-off of the legendary law-and-disorder comedy franchise, Mahoney and Co. are joined by the stalwart members of the K-9 Corps, dog cops who are a few bones short of being top dogs, while battling super-villains like the Kingpin, Lockjaw, Amazona, Numbskull, Mr. Sleaze and the Claw. The noble-but-not-all-there Commandant is on hand as well, aided by new character The Professor and his crazy gadgets. Tip-top hip-hop act The Fat Boys sings the toe-tapping theme.

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway
Directed by: Tom Hooper
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 40 mins
Universal

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

EPIC! That is the word that jumped into my mind less than a minute into “Les Misérables.” Just the opening shot of prison constable Javert (Crowe) looking down on his charge of prisoners gave me a chill that would last for almost three hours. As I write this in early December I feel safe in declaring it the best film of the year!

Based on the musical that took the world by storm, “Les Misérables” is the story of two men, both on missions, both looking to serve God in their own way. The first is Javert, in charge of the men serving hard labor. Among his charges is prisoner 24601, also known as Jean Valjean (Jackman). He has served 19 years at hard labor for the crime of stealing a loaf of bread to feed his hungry nephew. Today he is being paroled, but his freedom will not be long. He must now consign himself to the Navy. Deciding to break parole he stumbles out into the cold night only to be taken in by a kindly Bishop, who gives him food and a bed. But the criminal in Valjean still exists and he makes off with most of the church’s silver. Caught by the police he is brought back to the Bishop, who informs the police that he did, in fact, give him the silver. Shamed by his actions Valjean swears to dedicate his life to God.

Eight years later we meet Mr. Madeleine, a wealthy factory owner and Mayor of a small town. His factory employs many young women, one of them the beautiful Fantine (Hathaway), who is working to support her daughter. The other women are jealous of her virtuous ways and encourage the randy shop foreman to harass her. When she refuses his advances she is fired and though she pleads with Mr. Madeleine it is no use. Destitute and with no one seemingly in her corner she slowly dissolves into a horrible life…selling anything she can, be it her hair, her teeth or her virtue to support her daughter. As this story is unfolding a new visitor comes to town, police inspector Javert. He finds Mr. Madeleine’s face most familiar. Could it be prisoner 24601?

As someone that was lucky enough to see “Les Miz” during its original Broadway run I can attest to all fans that director Tom Hooper and company have created a masterpiece of a production here. From the contrasting colors of the dreary towns and the brightness of the flags flown in protest to the across the board outstanding performances, “Les Misérables” will surely take its place among the greatest musical adaptations ever made.

Both leads give award worthy performances. If you have any knowledge of popular culture then you already know Jackman can sing but how many of you knew Russell Crowe could carry a tune? To be honest I did because he fronts his own band (30 Odd Foot of Grunts). Both play men with similar a similar fate and destiny, knowing that without the other their lives are empty. Javert lives only to capture Valjean, while Valjean lives only to keep one step ahead. As the doomed Fantine Hathaway gives a heartbreaking performance. Go ahead and put her name down in pen on your Oscar ballot this year. She is brilliant. Also lending their voices to the story are Amanda Seyfried as Cosette (Fantine’s daughter, now grown up), Samantha Barks as Eponine and Eddie Redmayne as Marius, the young man both girls love. Also around to lighten the mood are Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as Mr. and Mrs. Thenardier, proprietors of the worse hotel in town. And how great is it to see Colm Wilkinson, the original London and Broadway stage Jean Valjean, duet with Jackman as the kindly Bishop?

Director Hooper has managed to take the stage bound musical and open it up for the big screen, yet still making the performances intimate. This is done mostly by filming the actors in close up as they sing. Also, in a brilliant move, all of the singing was recorded “live.” With piano tracks playing in an earpiece (the fully orchestrated score was later added in post production) the actors performed as if on stage. This caused the actors to not only act but sing at the same time, giving an emotional lift that may not have been achieved had they been lip-synching. The production values are outstanding and I look for the film to clean up in the various technical categories come Academy Award time.

Starring: Olivia Wilde, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Irons, Dennis Quaid, Olivia Wilde, Ben Barnes and Zoë Saldana
Directors: Brian Klugman, Lee Sternthal
Rated: PG-13
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: December 24, 2012
Run Time: 97 minutes

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

“The Words” was not a film that I was interested in seeing in theaters. I do love Bradley Cooper and Zoë Saldana but it just didn’t interest me. The romantic thriller also does have a decent supporting cast including Jeremy Irons, Dennis Quaid, Olivia Wilde and Ben Barnes. I was a bit plenty surprised this little film definitely kept you guessing until the very end. Not my favorite of the year but if you are bored on a Saturday night, looking for some great acting and an interesting story – then I would suggest checking this out. This special edition Blu-ray also includes an extended edition of the film, as well as the theatrical edition.

Official Synopsis: “There’s more than one way to take a life…” and there are no truer words. Rory Jansen (Bradley Cooper) has achieved his every goal: a loving wife, critical success and a best-selling novel. The only problem, he’s risked everything he values because his success is not entirely his own. Now, as his conscience starts to haunt him and his past wrongs are revealed, he uncovers the steep price that must be paid, throwing his whole world and relationship into jeopardy. The consequences may just affect the legacy of himself as well as those closest to him.

The Blu-ray itself doens’t break the barrier of the format but surely looks nice.  The 1080p transfer is crisp and looks clear.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks steals the show with the film’s score and delivered  packs the dialogue very clear as well. The special features really consist of only four featurettes.  They are decent but nothing amazing.  The first is a making-of with “Unabridged: A Look Behind the Scenes of The Words”.  The next is a chat with Bradley Cooper and the filmmakers in “A Gentleman’s Agreement”. Lastly there are also two character featurettes focusing on “Clay and Daniella” and “The Young Man and Celia”.  Since this film is really a character film it works well but I would have loved to seen a commentary track as well.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE BLU-RAY FROM AMAZON

The film has been called “the Citizen Kane of bad movies” and one of the worst films ever made. Since it’s release in 2003, the film quickly developed a very large cult following and has been celebrating midnight screenings ever since then like “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”. Check out our interviews with Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero. Amazon lists the following information for the Blu-ray: “The Room Blu-ray will feature the first ever option of Combination Languages (CL) Combo Languages in which you can view multiple subtitles on screen simultaneously. It is the first Blu-ray format in the world. It features English, French, Spanish, Italian, German options. The Room Blu-ray has additional special features like behind the scenes footage, scene selection, trailers, deleted scenes, photo gallery and interviews.”

Official Synopsis: “The Room” is an electrifying American black comedy about love, passion, betrayal and lies. It has five major characters, Johnny, played by Tommy Wiseau is a successful banker with great respect for an dedication to the people in his life, especially his future wife Lisa. Johnny can also be a little too trusiting at times which haunts him later on. Lisa, played by Juliette Danielle, is the beautiful blonde fiance of Johnny. She has always gotten her way and will manipulate to get what she wants. She is a taker, with a double personality, and her deadly schemes lead to her own downfall. Mark, played by Greg Sestero, is a young, successful and independent best friend of Johnny. He has a good heart, but gets caught up in Lisa’s dangerous web and gives in to temptation. This eventually brings him to great loss. Claudette, played by Carolyn Minnott, is the classy, sophisticated mother of Lisa who has had disappointing relationships in her life. She wants her daughter to be married as soon as possible so she can benefit. Denny, played by Philip Haldiman, is an orphan boy, naive and confused about life, love, and friendship. Denny is a very ambitions and also very grateful tot he people who are in his life. “The Room” depicts the depths of frienships and relationships in one life and raises life’s ral and most asked question: “Can you ever really trust anyone? Enter “The Room” and leave forever changed!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE BLU-RAY FROM AMAZON

THE GROUNDBREAKING HORROR PHENOMENON BRINGS MORE TERROR HOME WITH A SHOCKING UNRATED BLU-RAY™/DVD COMBO PACK 

Debuting January 29, 2013, Blu-ray/DVD Combo Includes “The Recovered Files”— Nearly 30 Minutes of Found Footage Not Shown in Theaters!

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (December 18, 2012) – The global horror sensation that has mesmerized fans around the world continues to terrify and thrill audiences with the latest installment in the franchise, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4, debuting on January 29, 2013 in a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack with UltraViolet™ and a Digital Copy.  PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4 continues the shocking story of the evil surrounding Katie and her nephew Hunter as a new family begins experiencing unexplained events that quickly turn deadly.  Fans can be the first to own the newest chapter via Digital Download, which will be available on January 15, two weeks before the Blu-ray/DVD.   The Digital Download will be available in either the theatrical version of the film or an unrated version with footage not seen in theaters.

The PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4 Blu-ray/DVD combo pack includes both the theatrical version of the film and the unrated version, as well as “The Recovered Files” with nearly 30 minutes of new found footage.  In addition, the Blu-ray/DVD combo 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 – safely and securely – to a variety of devices.

The PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4 Blu-ray is presented in 1080p high definition with English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.  The DVD in the combo pack is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions 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 Blu-ray/DVD combo pack breakdown is as follows:

Blu-ray:

• Original Theatrical Version of the Film (HD)
•  Unrated Version of the Film (HD)
•  The Recovered Files—nearly 30 minutes of found footage

DVD:

• Original Theatrical Version of the Film
• Unrated Version of the Film

A single-disc DVD containing the theatrical and unrated versions of the film will also be available on January 29^th.

Sara Lindsey is an up and coming Hollywood starlet who will be appearing in the new Tom Cruise action film “Jack Reacher” which is scheduled for release on December 21^st. Media Mikes had the chance to talk recently with Lindsey about the film and what it was that got her in to acting.

Adam Lawton: How did you first get involved with acting?
Sara Lindsey: I have always been a performer. The first time I tried it was in a 1^st grade play my teacher arranged. That was the bug that bit me. I have been performing since I was very young and I have always been very artistic and musical. As I got older I began to get more serious about things and when I started looking at colleges I decided acting was what I was most passionate about. I felt very connected to acting and that’s what I pursued in college.

AL: How did you get attached to the film “Jack Reacher”?
SL: I had gone to an audition for the film and after that I learned about the book franchise and all the other things associated with “Jack Reacher”. I think the film is going to be really cool as it is a fun film. The story is very easy to follow which is not always the case with some films with similar themes. Tom Cruise is just awesome as the Jack Reacher character. I am definitely looking forward to the film coming out.

AL: What was it like working on such a large production?
SL: It was crazy! I am super new to the business and have only done two or three movies up to this point. The audition process for this was pretty long and I had a few call backs. One call back was done over Skype between the directors, me and the person who was going to be playing my boyfriend. Christopher McQuarrie is such a brilliant writer and director. It was a pleasure to get to work with him. I had a great time during the process.

AL: Were you allowed to experiment with your character at all?
SL: We really did get some freedom within the structure of the film. My big scene is at the very end of the movie. Chris gave us the frame work and allowed us to do whatever we wanted within the boundaries of the scene. We talked over a few different ideas and went from there.  We sort of did things in the moment. To be allowed to do that on this caliber of a movie was very unique.

AL: Can you tell us about the film “Promise Land”?
SL: That was a dream project for me. I got to meet and work with an amazing group of people. I learned so much. The film is about identity and what makes us who we are. The story is set against a back ground that has to do with hydro fracking. There is that issue going on while some great characters with compelling stories are interwoven throughout the film. I think it’s going to be really great.

AL: What are the release plans for the film?
SL: I think they are doing a limited release in several cities starting on or around December 28^th. The wide release is scheduled for January 4^th.

AL: Can you tell us about some of your other projects you have coming out?
SL:  I am working on a screen play project right now that is not yet titled. We have been working on it for about a year now. It has been a lot of fun to work on something from the ground up. The things you can cultivate with peers and colleges are really great. We are hoping to start shooting that in the very near future.

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Actors: Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Thomas Haden Church, Juno Temple, Gina Gershon
Directors: William Friedkin
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: December 21, 2012
Run Time: 102 minutes

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

“Killer Joe” received some controversy behind it when it was released in theaters with its NC-17 rating. But controversy is nothing new to the Academy Award-winning director, William Friedkin, known best for “The Exorcist” and “The French Connection”. This dark comedy is based on the play by Pulitzer and Tony Award winner Tracy Letts and it converts well to the screen. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first but “Killer Joe” is a real surprise hit of the year. It packs some amazing performance from Matthew McConaughey, which was both ferrous and yet funny. The genre of a dark comedy is always a hard line to walk well, “Killer Joe” may not be for everyone.  But if you enjoy Friedkin then I would definitely recommend checking this unique film out.

Official Synopsis: When 22-year-old Chris (Emile Hirsch) finds himself in debt to a drug lord, he hires a hit man to dispatch his mother, whose $50,000 life insurance policy benefits his sister Dottie (Juno Temple). Chris finds Joe Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), a creepy, crazy Dallas cop who moonlights as a contract killer. When Chris can’t pay Joe upfront, Jose sets his sight on Dottie as collateral for the job. The contract killer and his hostage develop an unusual bond. Like from a modern-day, twisted fairytale, “Killer Joe” Cooper becomes the prince to Dottie’s Cinderella.

The Blu-ray presentation comes with a sharp 1080p transfer and DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track.  BOth not ground-breaking but very clear and sharp. Since this film was released NC-17 in theaters, the film arrives on Blu-ray in this Unrated Director’s Cut.  There will also be an R-rated DVD version released but I prefer the director’s vision of the film.  The Unrated Director’s Cut will also feature an exclusive audio commentary track from director William Friedkin, highly recommended. The rest of the special features are decent but not spectacular. There is a featurette called “Southern Fried Hospitality: From Stage to Screen”, takes us through from the beginning.  Besides that there is some footage from SXSW including a Q&A with Cast and an intro by William Friedkin.  Wrapping up, there is the Red Band Theatrical Trailer included.

The Kansas City Film Critics Circle, the second oldest critics group in America, held their annual end of year award voting on Sunday and, like in most years, the diversity of the group meant that all genre’s of films were recognized. Paul Thomas Anderson’s “The Master” leading the films selected with three awards, including Best Film of the Year. Two races came down to a single vote, with Ang Lee, director of “Life of Pi,” edging out Anderson to win the Robert Altman Award for Achievement in Directing and “Lincoln” star Daniel Day Lewis narrowly beating “The Master’s” Joaquin Phoenix for Best Actor. The only runaway win went to Anne Hathaway, Best Supporting Actress for playing the doomed Fantine in the musical “Les Miserables.” Here is a complete list of winners:

BEST PICTURE: “The Master”
BEST DIRECTOR: Ang Lee for “Life of Pi”
BEST ACTOR: Daniel Day Lewis in “Lincoln”
BEST ACTRESS: Jennifer Lawrence in “Silver Linings Playbook
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Philip Seymour Hoffman in “The Master”
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Anne Hathaway in “Les Miserables”
BEST FOREIGN FILM: “Amour”
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE: “Frankenweenie”
VINCE KOEHLER AWARD FOR BEST SCIENCE FICTION, FANTASY OR HORROR FILM: “The Cabin In the Woods”
BEST DOCUMENTARY: “The Imposter”
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: “The Master”
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: “Argo”

Ron Shusett is the writer/producer, along with Dan O’Bannon, for the original “Alien” and “Total Recall”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Ron about creating the scripts for these iconic films and also got to chat about recent “Prometheus” and “Total Recall” reboot, which was based on his original stories.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about how you got involved writing the original story for “Alien” with Dan O’Bannon?
Ron Shusett: Yep, I co-wrote that with Dan O’Bannon after he brought me the concept that he has from when he was in film school. We met and shared ideas.  I showed him a script I had done and he liked it.  He said “Your damn good, I think you can help me.  For two years in film school, no one has been able to help me get past the first act”.  I looked at the first 30 pages, which is basically what you see on the screen and he said he needed help finishing it and asked if I wanted to give it a shot.  I told him that I also had the rights to the Phillip K. Dick’s short story “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale”, which turned into “Total Recall”. The short story is only one act and then it ends though. He said “you help me get the second and third act of mine (“Alien”) and I will help you with your second and third act” (“Total Recall”).  And at that moment both movies were born. We worked together on what became “Alien”.  We didn’t an agents or an attorney. We had nothing. The first place we went accepted it, Fox and it was a miracle. And the rest is history.

MG: Where did you get the inspiration for the Aliens?  Did you work a lot H.R. Giger?
RS: Those all came from a Swiss artist that has never worked on a movie, Hans Giger.  Dan found his paintings and thought he was the perfect guy to do these creatures. As we were writing the script, we would send him pages. He wanted to get into Hollywood and be a designer.  So he would design them for us as we were writing the pages. We would think up an idea, send him some pages and he would design them.  Then we reduced them and put them into the script.  They ended up looking exactly like they did in the script, which is very rare. Originally, they didn’t want to go with a first time designer.  But Ridley Scott, the director, looked at Gieger and said that his concepts were so unique that he wouldn’t want to make the movie if they didn’t use him. Ridley said “I can’t do the movie without this guy because I would always know how good it would have been”. Giger ended up winning an Oscar for special effects.

MG: With “Total Recall”, you wrote the screenplay off Phillip K. Dick’s short story “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale”, how was this process different adapting from the short story?
RS: It is a totally different process and I am lucky enough to have done both in my career. It is probably a lot easier to adapt since it gives you a springboard to the start.  It gives you a gigantic creative push forward. If you have a blank page, it is harder to start from scratch even if you have a great idea. So it was hard for both of them but I enjoyed them both.  Phillip K. Dick has seven movies created from his work.  Only two of them were a success at the box office, they were “Total Recall” and “Minority Report”, both of which I worked on the scripted and produced. Not including films like “Blade Runner”, which was not a box office successful when it came out, though later becoming a cult classic. Like I before short stories, only have one or two acts tops.  So if you can’t get a great third act to match him brilliance than it is bound to fail. That was the hardest part.  It took about two/three years, just to get a proper ending for “Total Recall”. The whole “Alien” script was written faster than that. Dan and I got the first two acts of “Total Recall” writing by 1981 but we couldn’t get the third act. Then we got Paul Verhoeven and Arnold Schwarzenegger on board shortly after.

MG: Also having worked on “Dead & Buried”, “King Kong Lives” etc; what drew you to the horror genre?
RS: “Dead and Buried” was a complete original.  Obviously “King Kong” was a sequel – the third sequel in the series.  “Dead and Buried” always surprised me because it didn’t make money original but like “Blade Runner” became this cult classic after a few years.  I guess it was ahead of its time.  It was the only zombie movie, where the zombies didn’t look like zombies. I think only one thing really draws me and that is the fact that you have incredible flexibility. Anything you want to say create…you can, even whether it is believable, realistic or not. It just comes down to good craftsmanship. That is why I love the genre.

MG: With “Alien” getting “Prometheus” and “Total Recall” getting rebooting this year; can you reflect on these?
RS: Both of them were not very successful.  I didn’t work on either of them but was still awarded a story credit by the Writer’s Guild. I had no input either.  We had to use humor mixed with action for “Total Recall”, since that was what Arnold was known for. This time around they tried to do it without humor.  I guess what happened was that the audience wanted to see what they loved about the first one. With the humor stripped, even though the stories were similar, they didn’t seem to embrace it.  I did feel honored though that 22 years later, they are still using my ideas and spending over $100 million dollars on them.  “Prometheus” was 30 years after “Alien” and they still uses our ideas, we got credit for original story elements. I was also very disappointed in that film though. Like I said earlier, also touches on “Prometheus”, I think where they lost you on this film was that the first two acts are visually stunning but they couldn’t come up with a good third act. They left too many open answers that they claimed they would answer in the sequel. But you can’t do that if people don’t like the first one there will be no sequel.

Actors: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Seth MacFarlane
Directors: Seth MacFarlane
MPAA Rating: R / Unrated
Studio: Universal
Release Date: December 11, 2012
Run Time: 107 / 114 minutes

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

“Ted” may not be for everyone, but it doesn’t try to hide that fact either. It is in-your-face and up front. With all the superheroes flooding the theaters this past summer, this film was a nice relief. Seth MacFarlane has delivered yet again with this very hilarious and very R-rated comedy that still manages to have a lot of heart. This is his first time directing a feature and it is just what Hollywood was needing. So America, he no just hasn’t taken over TV with his three shows…he know is taken over Hollywood! The film is offense and really uses it’s R-rating well and doesn’t pussy out with its humor. Hopefully if you enjoyed it will leave you with the same “WTF” look that I had after watching.

This Blu-ray release comes with both the Unrated and Theatrical Versions of the film. The 107-minute theatrical cut actually get a nice improvement (and more rauchy comedy) added for its 114-minute unrated extended version of the film. As I wished the film was longer in the theaters, this extended cut is exactly what was needed. But at least they include both and give you the option. One of the best comedies of the year for sure. Congrats MacFarlane for giving Hollywood a kick in the ass!

I have been a “Family Guy” fan since day one..especially after it was canceled. I helped spread the word and even attended the live show with MacFarlane and cast in NYC when it was renewed. In the recent days though, I have went seperate ways with the show as I have lost the taste for its humor. MacFarlane has yet again won me over with this film and his winning ticket is Mark Wahlberg. He completely steps outside from his comfort zone and delivers a really funny performance. The CG effects are great with the rauchy and rude bear Ted, which is of course also voiced by master MacFarlane himself. I am looking for to what they come up with the “Ted 2″…you know it is coming!

Official Premise: Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane delivers his boundary-pushing humor to the outrageous comedy blockbuster that critics are calling ³hysterically funny!² (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone) John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) is a grown man whose cherished teddy bear was brought to life as the result of a childhood wishŠand hasn¹t left his side since. Can John¹s relationship with longtime girlfriend, Lori (Mila Kunis), move forward with his lovably profane buddy on his couch?

Universal delivers a sweet combo pack packing in a Blu-ray + DVD + UV Digital Copy included in this release.  I will be revisiting this film quite often thanks to this Ultraviolet digital streaming copy. “Ted” comes with a nice 1080p video transfer, which does well with what it has to work with. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track works great with the snappy dialogue and vulgar humor to ensure that you don’t miss a single joke.

The special features are a nice complement to this great film.  There is a highly recommend audio commentary track from Seth MacFarlane, co-writer Alec Sulkin and star Mark Wahlberg.  Informative and also funny, wish it had more Wahlberg though. There is 25 minute behind-the-scenes look into thee “The Making of Ted”, which covers all aspect. A little short but jam-packed. There is a short feature on shooting John and Ted’s fight scene in “Teddy Bear Scufflebrawl”. When it comes to comedies, always expect deleted scenes, there are fifteen deleted scenes.  They are short but worth checking out. If that is not enough there is another 10+ minutes of alternate takes and a hilarious gag reel included to finish off this release.