Can it actually be almost 40 years since George Lucas took us all back to 1962 with “American Graffiti?” Well it is, and to celebrate this milestone Bruce Crawford is presenting as his 31st Classic Film Event a special screening of “American Graffiti” on Friday, November 2, 2012. The screening will be held at the Joslyn Art Museum’s Witherspoon Hall, which is located at 2200 Dodge Street and will start at 7:00 p.m.

As with all of Crawford’s events, there will be a special guest in attendance. This event will feature actress Cindy Williams, a co-star of the film as well as of the popular television series “Laverne and Shirley. Also in attendance will be actor Eddie Mekka, best known as Carmine “the Big Ragu” Ragussa on “Laverne and Shirley.” Ms. Williams will address the audience prior to the screening and will talk about working with George Lucas as well as some of the other stars (Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, Ron Howard) of the film.

Tickets for the screening are $20.00 with all proceeds benefiting the Nebraska Kidney Association. Tickets can be obtained at the customer service counters at all Omaha-area Hy Vee stores. For more information call 402-932-7200 or visit www.omahafilmevent.com

Directed by: Jordan Roberts
Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Chris O’Dowd, Lizzy Caplan, Nora Dunn, Whitney Cummings, Ron Perlman, Chris Noth
Distributed by: Variance Films
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 89 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“3,2,1…Frankie Go Boom” is one of the most zany, over-the-top, dysfunctional comedies of the year. It includes also one of the most unique and fantastic collection of actors. Charlie Hunnam and Ron Perlman, who have co-starred in “Sons of Anarchy” and Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming “Pacific Rim”, get a chance to team up again on this project. I have a feeling they should just together on every project. They are simple hysterical together. Lizzy Caplan is fantastic and perfectly neurotic. Also playing her father is Chris Noth, who really delivers a riot of a role and changes the way I will look at a treadmill again.

Now back to Ron Perlman because he deserves his own paragraph. He doesn’t show up till about 57 minutes in but easily makes the whole film. He has been known for his roles like Vincent in “Beauty and the Beast”, the devil child Hellboy and most recently Clay Morrow in “Sons of Anarchy”. Now in “3,2,1…Frankie Go Boom”, he is able to add the role of Phyllis, the transsexual ex-criminal. When he comes on the screen you can’t help but say to yourself…”Wow, only Ron Perlman can pull this off”. The man nails the role and steals the show.

Now let’s get to what this film is actually about. When Frank Bartlett (Hunnam) comes home to support his brothers, Frank (O’Dowd), release from rehab, who has tourterd him all his life. When Frank meets Lassie (Caplan) and finds out that his brother secretly shot sex tape of them and uploaded to the internet, they need to find a way to get it down. To make it worse they find out that Lassie is the daughter of a washed-up unstable movie star, Jack (Noth). They turn to Phyllis, the transsexual ex-criminal (Perlman), in order to take the video down before it goes viral. Let’s just say that nothing goes right.

Overall great casting and smart script lead up to this fun little film. If you are looking for a new definition to dysfunctional family, then be sure to check out “3,2,1…Frankie Go Boom”. Be sure to stay until the screen goes black for more Perlman/Noth! Totally worth it!

Starring: Hugh Laurie, Allison Janney and Leighton Meester
Directed by: Julian Farino
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hr 30 mins
ATO Pictures

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Neighbors are great things. If you’re fortunate enough to live next to the right people you can make life-long friends. Your kids can grow up together, fostering their own long time friendships. Or not.

Meet the Wallings. David (Laurie) and Paige (Catherine Keener) are the proud parents of son, Toby (Adam Brody) and daughter Vanessa (Alia Shawkat). David does advertising for liquor companies and is an enthusiastic jogger. Next door you’ll find the Ostroffs. Terry (Oliver Platt) and Carol (Janney) and their 24 year old daughter Nina (Meester). Terry is big on purchasing anything highly recommended by Consumer Reports and, though he jogs with David, does it with a lot less enthusiasm. Of course, this is the suburbs, where things aren’t always what they seem and ANYTHING, even the improbable, is possible.

Set in West Orange, New Jersey (hence the title), “The Oranges” is a small film that benefits from a sharp script and a strong cast. Though the major plot twist is easy to see coming (Nina and David become a couple) the circumstances leading up to, and following, the revelation isn’t hammered over your head. Nor does the situation feel forced, as if to shock the viewer. Things happen, sometimes when you’re not expecting them to. Laurie, in his “House” voice, makes David extremely likable. So much so that you don’t really fault him for his decision. It helps that Keener makes Paige very unsympathetic. On the Ostroff side, Janney is perfect as the mother hen who wants her daughter to find Mr. Right, not Mr. Right Next Door. Meester, so good in last year’s “Country Strong” and a star of television’s “Gossip Girls,” plays Nina as a free spirited woman who isn’t concerned by what others think.

The screenplay, by first-time feature writers Jay Reiss and Ian Helfer, has plenty of small moments that fit easily together to form a full story. Though the film is being sold more as a comedy (it has its funny moments), like the recent “Hope Springs” there is a lot going on beneath the laughter.

Directed by: Dinesh D’Souza, John Sullivan
Starring: Dinesh D’Souza
Distributed by: Lionsgate
MPAA Rating: PG
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Running time: 89 minutes

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

It is rare that a documentary makes this big of a splash. With 2012 being a Presidential election year, it is not unexpected though. Back in 2004, Michael Moore released “Fahrenheit 9/11”, which didn’t shine light well on George Bush. “2016: Obama’s America” is Dinesh D’Souza’s attempt to show the unknown story of Obama. It is like a repeat of 2004 for me personally, except this time I am on the other-side of the table. The film has grossed over $30 million at the box office, so it has this hype behind it but I wasn’t going for it at all. Having voted for Obama myself back in 2004, and will again in 2012, even though the film is anti-Obama I still thought I would give it a shot. I wasn’t looking to be converted to the “dark side”, just curious to see his points.  Let’s just say that 89 minutes felt like over 3 hours.

Official Premise: Immersed in exotic locales across four continents, best-selling author Dinesh D’Souza races against time to find answers to Obama’s past and reveal where America will be in 2016. During this journey he discovers how “Hope” and “Change” became radically misunderstood, and identifies new flashpoints for hot wars in mankind’s greatest struggle. The journey moves quickly over the arc of the old colonial empires, into America’s empire of liberty, and we see the unfolding realignment of nations and the shape of the global future.

The film is based on the New York Times best seller by Dinesh D’Souza, “The Roots of Obama’s Rage”, who is a former staffer for President Ronald Reagan and member of the American Enterprise Institute. I may not agree with Dinesh’s speculation about where America may be four years from now if President Obama is re-elected but he isn’t really bashing our president just providing his views focusing on the negative angles.  Love it or hate it.  Everyone is able to have their own opinions and this is expected around election time.  The DVD was obviously rushed from theaters and released to be timed with events this November comes completely bare-bones with no extra content at all. It also is only available on DVD, no Blu-ray. This will definitely find a market within the conservative parties but will not appeal to any supporters of our current President.

Famke Janssen is known best for her role of Jean Grey in the “X-Men” series. She also has co-starred alongside Liam Neeson in the “Taken” and its recently successful sequel “Taken 2”. She is making her writing, producing and directing debut in the film “Bringing Up Bobby”, which stars Milla Jovovich in the lead. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Famke about her first go at directing and also working with Liam Neeson.

Mike Gencarelli: You really went all in with “Bringing Up Bobby” writing, producing and directing; how did this come about?
Famke Janssen: Well it was inspired by my first visit to Oklahoma, where my boyfriend’s parent live. All of the sudden, I was taken back by how much of a foreigner I was, even after living in the United States for 20 years. I was living in New York for all those years. It reminded me, in the beginning, what it was like coming to the United States. I remembered coming to New York, looking around and just imagining that I was in a movie. Everything reminded me of the films that I had watched. As a European, we have a very specific idea of how the United States is like. Our perception is largely formed by film and media in general. So that visit to Oklahoma, I had this renewed feeling of being a complete outsider and that coupled with the fact that to me it was so reminiscent of “Bonnie and Cyde” movies, landscape-wise. I thought it would be a good idea for a movie and that is how the idea for “Bringing Up Bobby” came up initially. Then I turned it into a story and it took its own life overtime. I watch so many movies from the 1930’s, that is like my hobby and I started wondering why am I so obsessed with the 30’s but it was because the Golden Age for women in film. I coupled that obsession with my love for films from the 70’s. Hal Ashby is a major influence. Between these two time frames, the character of Olive is really somebody in essence imagining herself to be living in a movie. Her ideas about the United States were formed by films.

MG: Tell us about how Milla Jovovich was cast as Olive?
FJ: An interesting thing that I learned from being on the other side of the camera is that you really learn about the business aspect of it all that you don’t as an actor. In the business aspect, the list of people that were able to be cast for Olive was a short list of maybe five actors who were right for the part. Milla was on the top of that list, in my opinion. I had to have specific things that were really important to me. She has to be a foreigner. She had to really stand out in Oklahoma. She had to be a great actress. With an independent film, unless you are offering somebody a different type of role than they are used to playing, they are usual going to say no. They can get money for doing the same part in a bigger movie elsewhere. Then the challenge came of getting the script to her and having her read it. She ended up liking the script very much and after having a few meetings, she was on board. Then we still had to fit it into her extremely busy schedule. So there were many steps along the way.

MG: How long did this project take from beginning to release?
FJ: It took about five years from beginning to end. Three of which, I stopped acting all together, since I thought at various times we would be able to start production but it fell through many times. But I just kept writing screenplays and tried to get it started again. It was quite an interesting process.

MG: What was your biggest challenge on overall on the film?
FJ: I think the greatest challenge was believing in myself when no one did anymore. Except my boyfriend, he stood by me the whole time. when you are pushing a project like that up the hill for that long, a lot of people stop believing you along the way. The millionth time you mention that you are making that movie, and it is now year three and you still haven’t done it, most people will think to themselves that is not going to happen. I just kept trying and believing in myself and prove that I could do it.

MG: You got a busy month with “Taken 2” also coming out; how was it returning to that role?
FJ: It was really great. After a three-year break of not acting, it was fantastic. I absolutely adore Liam (Neeson). I think he is one of the nicest people in the world. And to get a chance to work with him again for a film that was so successful the first time around is just fantastic opportunity.

MG: You are no stranger to action after “X-Men” series, how do you prepare for a physical role like this?
FJ: [laughs] Well, the role wasn’t that physical. Someone was put upside down (and it wasn’t me) [laughs]. I get dragged around a little bit. Thankfully there were some great dramatic scenes that made it worth my wild. Then the action stuff was there but not too much physical for me, I was the one taken in this movie. Liam has all of the action.

MG: You have plans to write and direct again in the future?
FJ: Yes. To keep my sanity while trying to get “Bringing Up Bobby” off the ground, I keep writing. Most of those scripts, I have put on the back burner though. Since then, I have written a script called “Río Rojo”, which means red river and is what the Colorado River used to be called. I am working at the moment in Toronto till Christmas, so in my free time, I am  trying to setup get meetings in order to get things started. I will be directing it for sure and I definitely not giving up after the last experience. It was the most challenging and yet satisfying experience of my life. Can’t wait to do it again.

Actors: John Cusack, Alice Eve, Luke Evans, Brendan Gleeson, Kevin McNally
Directors: James McTeigue
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 110 minutes

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

When I heard they were making a film about Edgar Allen Poe, I was very excited and also a little upset.  I saw a play in California back in 2009, called “Nevermore” and starred Jeffrey Combs.  It was literally one of the best plays I have ever seen.  His performance was so intense and on-key.  Flash-forward to “The Raven”, I am a Cusack fan but he doesn’t have the skill to really tackle a character like Poe.  The film itself also takes a boring murder-mystery approach and doesn’t take advantage of this wonderful  character and possibilities.  I hope that Stuart Gordon is still planning on bringing “Nevermore” to the screen.  If not the play has recently been revived at the Steven Allen Theater in CA and will play one show on Halloween this year, so don’t miss it.  As for the film, it is work checking out but will leaving you yawning a bit and wanting more.

Official Premise: Baltimore, 1849. While investigating a horrific double murder, police detective Emmett Fields (Luke Evans, Clash of the Titans) makes a startling discovery: the killer’s methods mirror the twisted writings of Edgar Allan Poe (John Cusack, High Fidelity). Suspecting Poe at first, Fields ultimately enlists his help to stop future attacks. But in this deadly game of cat and mouse, the stakes are raised with each gruesome slaying as the pair races to catch a madman before he brings every one of Poe’s shocking stories to chilling life….and death.

The Blu-ray presented looks nice in its 1080p transfer, especially with all the dark scenes.  The  DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 really showcases Lucas Vidal’s score very well.  The special features are step up from the film itself. There is a good not great commentary track from the director James McTeigue and producers Marc D. Evans, Trevor Macy, & Aaron Ryder. If you are looking for behind-the-scenes featurettes, this release has no shortage, including “The Raven Guts: Bringing Death to Life”, “The Madness, Misery, and Mystery of Edgar Allan Poe”, “Behind the Beauty and Horror”, “The Raven Presents John Cusack and James McTeigue”, “Music for the Raven: The Team”. This really delves into different aspect of the production and gives a nice insight. There are also six deleted/extended scenes included, all of which were rightfully cut. Lastly there is a the theatrical trailer included.

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KELLY MARCEL TO WRITE THE SCREENPLAY TO UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND FOCUS FEATURES’ FILM ADAPTATION OF “FIFTY SHADES OF GREY” 

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA, October 8, 2012—Universal Pictures and Focus Features today announced that Kelly Marcel will write the screenplay to the highly anticipated film adaptation of “Fifty Shades of Grey.”  Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti will produce the film based on E L James’ #1 Bestselling book, alongside James.  The announcement was made by Universal Pictures Co-Chairman, Donna Langley and Focus Features’ Chief Executive Officer, James Schamus.

Marcel wrote the 2011 Black List script, Saving Mr. Banks, the story of Walt Disney’s twenty-year pursuit of the film rights to author P.L. Travers’ novel, “Mary Poppins,” and the rocky relationship that formed between the two.  The film is currently in production at Walt Disney Studios starring Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson and Colin Farrell with John Lee Hancock directing.  Marcel served as the co-creator and executive producer of the Amblin/FOX-TV series Terra Nova, for which she wrote the series’ pilot episode.  She will also produce The Madonnas of Echo Park for HBO.

“Kelly’s work demonstrates her flawless structural technique and passionate commitment to emotion, humor and depth of character which is particularly visible in the celebrated screenplay for the upcoming Saving Mr. Banks,” said De Luca.  “We were all taken with the depth and passion of Kelley’s engagement with the characters and world E L James has created and we knew she was the right person to augment our Fifty Shades family,” added Brunetti.

Universal Pictures and Focus Features acquired the rights to the three books in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” Trilogy in March of this year.  Focus Features will market and distribute the first film in partnership with Universal.  “Fifty Shades of Grey” has become a global phenomenon and the trilogy has been translated in 45 languages worldwide since its release.  In the U.S. alone, the “Fifty Shades” trilogy has sold over 32 million copies in e-book and print making it one of the fastest selling book series ever.

“Fifty Shades of Grey” follows the relationship of 27-year-old billionaire Christian Grey and college student Anastasia Steele.  Subsequent novels in the series, “Fifty Shades Darker” (September 2011) and “Fifty Shades Freed” (January 2012) explore the couple’s deepening relationship.  For more information please see the official Fifty Shades of Grey Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/fiftyshadesofgreymovie.

Marcel was represented in the deal by WME and Casarotto Ramsay & Associates Limited.

About Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com).  Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal.  NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience.  NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks.  Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.

About Focus Features

Focus Features and Focus Features International (www.focusfeatures.com) comprise a singular global company. This worldwide studio makes original and daring films that challenge the mainstream to embrace and enjoy voices and visions from around the world that deliver global commercial success. The company operates as Focus Features in North America, and as Focus Features International (FFI) in the rest of the world; and is celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2012.

Focus Features and FFI are part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.

Starring: Scout Taylor-Compton, Travis Van Winkle, Michael Copon, Tyler Mane
Directors: Levan Bakhia and Beqa Jguburia
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Run Time: 90 minutes

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

I have been following this film for quite a while and I was glad to finally see that Anchory Bay is giving this film its release. It also marks the reunion of Scout Taylor-Compton and Tyler Mane for the first time since “Rob Zombie’s Halloween” series. The film also features Travis Van Winkle from “Friday the 13th” remake. So the horror genre is represented very well here. The film is decent and have some good tension through. It leans more on the thriller than horror side but still leaves you feeling rather claustrophobic.

Official Premise: Jenna (Scout Taylor-Compton) is traumatized when she is trapped in a small vehicle after a car accident, forced to observe the mangled corpse of her fiancée in the driver’s seat until help arrives. Fast forward three years, Jenna and her three friends travel to a lakeside cabin for a carefree weekend. The fun quickly becomes a nightmare when three of them end up locked in a compact, hot sauna. As fear sets in and Jenna reconnects with the horror of “the incident,” every minute counts and every degree matters as they fight for their lives in heat that is quickly approaching 247°F – the temperature when the human body expires.

The Blu-ray presentation is sharp as always for Anchor Bay, they rarely disappoint. The 1080p transfer is very crisp and sharp, along with an amazing Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track, really captures David Laurie’s music. The special features though are not as decent as the film. There is an audio commentary with writer/producer/director Levan Bakhia, nothing special really. Then there are a few short deleted scenes, almost completely missable. Overall if you are looking for something to heat your Saturday night and are a genre fans, this could be the ticket.

Starring: Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell
Directed by: Kirk Jones
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Run Time: 100 minutes

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

When I saw the trailer for “Everybody’s Fine” in theaters, I was hoping it would be a heartwarming holiday film. It isn’t a really bad movie. There are good performances from the chase and it is well written and directed. But it is also nothing to call home about. I call a movie like this a one-timer. So why is this film from 2009 being released on Blu-ray now after three years? I am assuming to cash in on the holiday season since the Blu-ray presentation itself is not special and just is a HD version of the DVD. Nonetheless if you are looking for some good acting and about $10 bucks to spare this could work in that department.

Official Premise: Robert DeNiro leads an acclaimed all-star cast- Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale and Sam Rockwell- in Everybody’s Fine, the heartwarming film that will move you to laughter and tears. When Frank Goode’s (DeNiro) grown children cancel a family reunion, the recent widower sets off on a cross country journey to reconnect with each of them. Expecting to share in the joys of their happy, successful lives, his surprise visits reveal a picture that’s far from perfect. A family separated by physical and emotional distance finds a way to come together in a story that will touch your heart.

The 1080p transfer looks clear and sharp but doesn’t really kill the format.  Same goes for its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which works well with the score and music but otherwise nothing spectacular.  If you own this film on DVD, there is really no reason for the upgrade. The special features are the same included as on the DVD release.  There is a featurette focusing on the making of Paul McCartney’s end credits song “(I Want to) Come Home”.  Next and last including a collection of seven deleted and extended scenes, running just over 10 minutes.

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Actors: Vincent Price, Barrie Ingham, Basil Rathbone, Val Bettin, Susanne Pollatschek
Directors: Ron Clements, Burny Mattinson, Dave Michener, John Musker
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 74 minutes

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

“The Great Mouse Detective” is one of Disney under-appreciated animated titles. It was originally released theatrically in 198 and is a play on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and is based on Eve Titus’s book “Basil of Baker Street”. I have always been a fan of this film since I was a kid but it never really got the respect it deserves. This film packs some great voice talent as well, I mean Vincent Price playing the villain. Can you ask for anything better? Like all Disney releases, this release comes in a combo pack with a Blu-ray and DVD discs of the film. This is a must for Disney fans to add to their collections!

Official Premise: When the diabolical Professor Ratigan – voiced by the late Vincent Price – kidnaps London’s master toymaker, the brilliant Basil of Baker Street and his trusted sidekick Dawson – voiced by Barrie Ingham and Val Bettin respectively – try to elude the ultimate trap and foil the perfect crime. This family classic on Disney Blu-ray proves big heroes come in small packages.

The film looks stunning on Blu-ray.  Disney has been releasing a bunch of archive titles and this one is among the best. It’s 1080p transfer looks fantastic and is framed at 1.78:1.  The colors are very sharp and I love seeing the drawing lines on the characters.  I really watched this film on Disney Junior and let me tell you, it looks like VHS compared to this amazing HD upgrade.  The audio on this release included an DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track.  It delivers for the most part like past Disney archive releases and works wel with the songs.

The special features are really nothing special.  “So You Think You Can Sleuth?” is a short 5 minute look into the history of the detective. “The World’s Greatest Criminal Mind” includes sing-along lyrics to sing along with Vincent Price. Lastly there is “The Making of The Great Mouse Detective” is another short behind the scenes look into the film’s production and how it used computers to assist in the animation.

Actors: Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, David Krumholtz, Eric Lloyd
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Disney / Buena Vista
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Running Time: 293 minutes

The Santa Clause: 5 out of 5 stars
The Santa Clause 2: 3.5 out of 5 stars
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause: 3.5 out 5 stars

When it comes to Christmas, there is no better film to watch than “The Santa Clause”.  Tim Allen is nothing short of brilliant in the role and it is easily one of my favorite holiday films ever. This 3-movie collection includes all the films in this series, “The Santa Clause”, “The Santa Clause 2” and “The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause”.  This is the first time that “The Santa Clause” and “The Santa Clause 2” (also celebrating its 10th Anniversary) have ever been released on Blu-ray and Disney has done them up right.

It is really hard to compare to the first film since it is such a classic.  But the sequels are still fun, silly and successfully do their job of delivering some Christmas cheer. The name Scott Calvin and Santa Clause will forever be associated with the holiday season. Let’s also not forgot “Topo Gigio”. Anyone who is tired of seeing these films in fake HD on ABC Family, can now enjoy them for the first time in full HD (except “Santa Clause 3”, which was released back in 2007). This is a real treat for anyone looking to get some holiday cheer.

Official Synopsis: Christmas gets a little nuttier when Scott Calvin (Allen) unknowingly inherits the role of the legendary St. Nick. His ordinary life snowballs into a hysterical series of outrageous events as he fills out his Santa suit, meets the future Mrs. Claus (Elizabeth Mitchell, Lost), and faces his ultimate test against the mischievous Jack Frost (Martin Short, Three Amigos!).

Let’s talk about the packaging now for Disney’s three-disc box set.  They are basically three individual releases, which are housed with a nice slipcase.  All three films looks great in their 1080p transfers and are presented in their 1.85:1 original aspect ratio with 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio tracks. “The Santa Clause” shows its age a little but still looks very sharp for its first time in HD.

Since each film has its own disc, each film comes with its own set for special features.  If you are looking massive extras in the first film, you will not find them here.  But “The Santa Clause” includes two great featurettes, including “So You Wanna Be An Elf?” and “Making Santa Snacks With Wolfgang”. Lastly there is also a short film “The Night Before Christmas”. I was hoping for a little more love hear but who knows 2014 is the film’s 20th anniversary, so maybe they will do it up again.

“The Santa Clause 2” packs a bit of goodies than the first film on Blu-ray.  First up, we have a decent commentary track from the director Michael Lembeck.  There are three behind-the-scenes featurettes included are “Inside The North Pole With Curtis”, “Director’s Tour Of Elfsberg” and “True Confessions of The Legendary Figures”. All of them dive into the production, with some good cast/crew interviews.  Lastly there are seven deleted scenes and a gag reel included.

The most special features comes from the latest in the series, “The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause”.  There is another commentary track from director Michael Lembeck.  There are three behind-the-scenes featurettes including “Creating Movie Magic: Visual Effects Secrets”, “Jack Frost & Mrs. Claus: A Very Different Look”, “The New Comedians: On The Set with Tim and Marty”.  There is a great karoke sing-along called “Christmas Carol-oke: Sing Your Favorite Songs of The Season”.  “Deck The Halls: Virtual Holiday Decorator” is a fun interactive feature. There is an alternate opening and gag real including, as well as the music video for “Greatest Time Of Year” by Aly & AJ.

Starring: Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Julianne Hough, Russell Brand, Bryan Cranston
Director: Adam Shankman
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Bros.
DVD Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 123 minutes

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

When it comes to Broadway plays being converted into feature films, it is hit or miss.  “Rock of Ages” is an amazing play that translates into a good movie with great music.  This film features the amazing musical hits of Def Leppard, Foreigner, Journey, Poison, REO Speedwagon, Twisted Sister and more.  The movie gets lost a little in the music, which is a good thing. This release features the extended edition of the film, which features over 13 additional minutes of more songs, more dancing and more laughs.  I really enjoyed the extended cut much more, which is rare in a release. Director Adam Shankman knows how to correctly turn a stage play into a feature-film, like he did with “Hairspray”.   Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, Catherine Zeta-Jones are great but for me personally Alec Baldwin and Tom Cruise really steal the show. Must watch for fans of great 80’s music, you will easily find yourself air-guitaring and singing along.

Warner delivers a fantastic Blu-ray presentation.  The 1080p video transfer really looks perfect and showcases the film’s fantastic set designs.  Since music in the film is very important, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 really gets a chance to shine and really belt out the hits.  The special features are equally as good as the film itself.  “Rock of Ages: Legends of the Sunset Strip Hosted by Bret Michaels” let’s you hear from the musicians like Def Leppard, Poison, Whitesnake, Foreigner, Twisted Sister, and more as they chat about the good ‘ole days. “The Stories We Sing” gives the behind the scenes stories on our favorite rock anthems of the 80’s. “Defining a Decade” features the cast/crew as they show us how they created the 80’s.  There is a music featurettes for “Any Way You Want”. Lastly there is a look into the “Rock of Ages” premiere with “Def Leppard – LIVE!”.

Premise: “Rock of Ages” tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock ‘n’ roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake, and more.

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Starring: Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, Steve Martin
Director: Frank Oz
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 94 minutes

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

“Little Shop of Horrors” is one of my favorite musical-comedy movies of all-time. This 1986 film is an adaptation of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s popular off-Broadway musical – which was also taken off from Roger Corman’s 1960 cult classic.  Warner Brothers is finally releasing this film on high def Blu-ray and are include two digitally remastered versions of the film on one disc – the theatrical edition and a director’s cut.  The director’s cut is the real draw here since it features the restored twenty-minute alternate ending.  Warner has restored and digitally remastered the ending in full color, which is a big deal if you are a fan of this film.  This is the first time that this has be available since it was only available prior in B&W. The release also comes packaged in a collectible forty-page digibook with some great content, including film trivia, actor and director bios and more.

Warner’s had taken the time to restore both versions of the film and they looks as good as ever. The 1080p transfers look really great, it is not a 4K restore but it is still very impressive. The music in the film is very important, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is perfect.  You will find yourself blasting out your surround system and singing a-long. Speaking of that, I would have liked to seen a sing a-long track for those, who don’t know all the words.  There is an commentary track from Frank Oz on the theatrical version of the film. “Frank Oz and Little Shop of Horrors: The Director’s Cut,” is an introduction by Frank Oz with Richard Conway about the new feature. “A Story of Little Shop of Horrors”  is a fun and sharp behind-the-scenes documentary.  There are also a few outtakes and deleted scenes with optional commentary from Frank Oz, which are worth checking out also. Lastly, there are two theatrical trailers included.

Premise: A skid-row florist’s “mean green mother” of a monster plant is the center of “the looniest, nuttiest, most outrageous movie musical comedy in years” (Jeffrey Lyons, Sneak Preview). Rick Moranis, Steve Martin, Ellen Green, Billy Murray and other comedy greats star. “Little Shop of Horrors”, nominated for two Academy Awards® in 1986, including Best Music, Original Song and Best Effects, Visual Effects, debuts on Blu-ray Disc™ October 9, 2012 from Warner Home Video. The Blu-ray debut of the film, directed by the inimitable Frank Oz (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Dark Crystal, The Muppets Take Manhattan), includes two hi-def versions of the cult classic: the one shown in theaters and The Director’s Cut, featuring a newly restored 20-minute ending from the director’s first cut, now in color, that fans have been waiting to see.

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Starring: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright Penn, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn
Director: Rob Reiner
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: MGM
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Run Time: 98 minutes

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

Has it really been 25 years since “The Princess Bride” came out…simply inconceivable! I remember the first time that I watching this film, I was immediately in love.  This is just one of those films that you can watch over and over and it doesn’t get old. The romance.  The comedy. Good vs. Evil. This film really has everything.  It is one of Rob Reiner’s best pictures. This 25th Anniversary Blu-ray isn’t the first time this film was released on the format, since it was released back in 2009 as well.  If you own the previous version, then you should be good.  But hardcore fans are going to have to double-dip for the amazing new retrospective documentary included in the extras.  Get ready to experience this film again its all its comedy and romantic glory.

Fox’s official synopsis: “Scale the cliffs of insanity, battle rodents of unusual size, face torture in the pit of despair, and join Princess Buttercup (Wright) and Westley (Elwes) on their spell-binding journey to find true love…A classic fairy tale complete with heroes, villains, trickery, mockery, and death-defying miracles, The Princess Bride captured audiences young and old with its…memorable dialogue, enchanting story line, and bewitching characters…[and it features] a cast that includes Mandy Patinkin (Homeland), Andre the Giant (Conan the Destroyer), Chris Sarandon (Dog Day Afternoon), Wallace Shawn (Vanya on 42nd Street), Christopher Guest (This is Spinal Tap), Peter Falk (Wings of Desire), Carol Kane (Scrooged), and Billy Crystal (City Slickers).”

Fox delivers a wonderful Blu-ray release. The 1080p transfer looks glorious presented in its 1.85:1 original aspect ratio alongside a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, which is easily as impressive. The star of this 25th anniversary is a really neat all-new, two-part retrospective documentary called “True Love: The Princess Bride Phenomenon”. It is worth the purchase alone for the Blu-ray and brings back all the cast to reflect on the film. There are two audio commentaries, the first with director Rob Reiner and also screenwriter William Goldman. There are four fantastic behind-the-scenes featurettes including “As You Wish: The Story of The Princess Bride”, “The Princess Bride: The Untold Tales”, “The Art of Fencing”, “Fairy Tales and Folklore”, “Miraculous Makeup”, “The Dread Pirate Roberts: Greatest Pirate of the Seven Seas” and “Love is Like a Storybook”. This covers just about everything you want to know about the production. Cary Elwes’ video diary is fun look behind-the-camera with the star. Lastly there is the original theatrical trailer and a few easter eggs, so keep an eye out.

Starring: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Lori Petty, Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell, Jon Lovitz
Director: Penny Marshall
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Run Time: 128 minutes

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

First, let me admit that I am not a big fan of sports films at all.  But there is something about “A League of Their Own” that stands out among the rest. The cast is so phenomenal and their performances are some emotional…and funny as well.  This film has a great blend of comedy and drama. This year “A League of Their Own” is celebrating it’s 20th Anniversary and Sony is given this film a nice treatment on Blu-ray. They also timed it just right releasing– just one week before the 2012 World Series of Baseball.  If you are looking for a chance to revisit this film in HD, just a reminder though “There is no crying in baseball”.

Synopsis: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis and Madonna star in this major league comedy from the team that brought you Big and City Slickers. Hanks stars as Jimmy Dugan, a washed-up ballplayer whose big league days are over. Hired to coach in the All-American Girls Baseball League of 1943 – while the male pros are at war – Dugan finds himself drawn back into the game by the hearts and heroics of his all-girl team. Teammates Madonna, Lori Petty and Rosie O’Donnell round out this all-star roster, with Jon Lovitz adding a scene-stealing cameo

Sony delivered a home run with its Blu-ray presentation.  The video looks sharp and very clear with its 1080p transfer and in its 2.39:1 original aspect ratio.  The film doesn’t look 20 years old as well,  still hard to believe it has been that long.  The DTS-HD Master Audio track sounds amazing as well with the sports scenes and dialogue.  The special features included are impressive as well.  There is a fun commentary with Penny Marshall, Lori Petty, Megan Cavanagh, and Tracy Reiner.  There are fifteen deleted scenes with optional video introductions with Director Penny Marshall. There is an exclusive documentary “called “Nine Memorable Innings”, which  features interviews with the cast and filmmakers. Lastly, there is the music video for Madonna’’s “This Used to Be My Playground” (still have the single cassette).

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