Directed by: Steve Barron
Starring: Eddie Izzard, Elijah Wood, Donald Sutherland, Toby Regbo, Rupert Penry- Jones
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Vivendi Entertainment
Release Date: July 24, 2012
Running Time: 183 minutes

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

Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic “Treasure Island” seems to be something that gets “re-imagined” at least once a year. The real draw here is Eddie Izzard playing Long John Silver. He really nails the role and is a lot of fun but that is about it. Elijah Wood is a nut in the film but doesn’t really show up till the second half. This mini-series aired earlier this year on Syfy in two-parts. After the first part, I was not incredibly thrilled but the second half definitely carried the weight of the film but it really wasn’t enough to really make this worth the wait. If you are a fan of other Syfy mini-series though like “Tin Men” and “Alice”, then definitely give this a look and expect the same quality in “Treasure Island”.

The story follows young Jim Hawkins, who is the only one who can successfully get a schooner to a legendary Island looking for buried treasure. Aboard the ship is a mysterious cook named John Silver (Izzard), who has other plans for the trip and causes Jim to loose trust in the crew. After that you known the rest of the story for “Treasure Island”, expect a bit of pirate action adventure, buried treasures and high sea sailing.

The Blu-ray presentation is quite impressive. The 1080p transfer looks sharp and worked well with the location shooting. It is also presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The audio track, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, also works well especially with the film’s action sequences.

The special features are slightly disappointing overall. There is a commentary track with by Director Steve Barron and Actor Eddie Izzard, few good laughs overall. There is a brief featurette “The Making of Treasure Island” with interviews with Steve Barron, Elijah Wood, David Harewood, Eddie Izzard but is just too short. There are more cast interviews including Eddie Izzard, Elijah Wood, Toby Regbo and Philip Glenister and Ruper Penry-Jones together. These are worth checking out but also short. “A Tour of the Hispaniola” is a feature with Dan Malone, Marine Coordinator on the film, taking us on the guided tour of the tall ship. “Anatomy of a Stunt” is a short feature on one of the stunts taking place on the ship. Lastly there is a trailer included as well.

Directed by: Ryan Little
Starring: Danny Glover, Vinnie Jones, Corey Sevier, Larry Bagby, Kepa Kruse
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Distributed by: Arc Entertainment
Release Date: July 24, 2012
Running Time: 92 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

If you are fan of Syfy Original Movies, then you might have caught “Age of Dragons” when it aired a few months ago. Well let’s just say it is not one of the better films to ever have graced its network. The draw for me personally besides the dragons was Danny Glover and Vinnie Jones. The film is a re-imagined version of “Moby-Dick,” the classic Herman Melville novel. I think that is a really cool aspect, except it really wasn’t that entertaining and failed to really do justice to the original story.

Set in a medieval era, follows vengeful captain Ahab (Glover) who is leading the dragon hunters including Ishmael (Corey Sevier), Queequeg (John Kepa Kruse) Stubb (Vinnie Jones) and Starbuck (David Morgan) in order to find and kill the legendary white dragon. Ahab’s developed obsession is due to that the white dragon slaughtered his family when he was a kid and left his body scarred and mauled.

Science fiction fans might get a kick-out of this medieval re-imagining of “Moby Dick”. As with all Syfy Original Movies, the quality of the CG effects are limited but still decent or should I say acceptable for this film. But overall, I thought the story was lacking, slow moving and not extremely entertaining. I would call this a Redbox renter and a one-time watcher. To top it off there are no special features included on this DVD.

Directed by: Phil Olsman
Starring: Ozzy Osbourne
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Release Date: July 17, 2012
Running Time: 78 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I remember the first time I heard an Ozzy Osbourne song at the age of 10 and it changed my life. I remember running out the record store and picking up and vinyl I could find from him, completely against the wishes of my parents. I think that is what made Ozzy so great that you knew that you shouldn’t be listening to him as a kid but you just HAD TO. I have seen Ozzy numerous times live but there is something special about Ozzy from the early 80’s. The show was live from Irvine Meadows Amphitheater in California on June 12, 1982 during his “Diary of a Madman” tour.

When it comes to DVD concerts, the audio is everything.  This release has been digitally restored and remastered and presented in DTS and Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound for the first time. Honestly it couldn’t sound better, especially for DVD.  ’82 was such an awesome year for Ozzy and “Speak Of The Devil” is such an awesome album.  The classics  included in this concert are “Mr Crowley” “Over The Mountain”,  “Crazy Train”, “Iron Man”, “Paranoid”, “Goodbye To Romance” and many more. The line-up for this show features Ozzy Osbourne (vocals); Don Airey (keyboards); Tommy Aldridge (drums); Brad Gillis (guitar) and Rudy Sarzo (bass).

Eagle Rock Entertainment is distributor behind this great release.  As much as I love DVD, I would have love to see this hit Blu-ray.  But after viewing the print, it is obvious this was a low quality video record but it looks good on DVD still for 30 years old. Ozzy is definitely one of heavy metal’s best and this concert portrays him in his prime.  I would highly recommend his for hardcore fans of Ozzy and even newcomers, it is a great intro to his amazing set list.

Track Listing:
1) Over The Mountain
2) Mr Crowley
3) Crazy Train
4) Revelation (Mother Earth)
5) Steal Away (The Night)
6) Suicide Solution
7) Guitar / Drum Solo
8) Goodbye To Romance
9) I Don’t Know
10) Believer
11) Flying High Again
12) Iron Man
13) Children Of The Grave
14) Paranoid

Starring: Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway and Tom Hardy
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hrs 44 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

They began showing up in the 1930s. Tough guys that took on crime. Dick Tracy. The Shadow. And Batman. Sorry, THE Batman. In my opinion, Batman was the first great hero (I hesitate to use the word “superhero” because people always point out that Batman doesn’t have any special powers – can’t fly, can’t run fast, can’t communicate with fish). The 1960s introduced a campy, cool Batman to television audiences. The late 1980s gave us Tim Burton’s visionary version. The 1990s saw Joel Schumacher drive a nail into the heart of the franchise. Enter Christopher Nolan. He took over the character and made him what he always was in the comic books…one bad ass Caped Crusader. In “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight” we saw a Batman that thrived on vengeance and battled evil at all costs. Now, with “The Dark Knight Rises,” he may have to pay the ultimate price!

Gotham City. It has been eight years since District Attorney Harvey Dent was murdered by Batman. Or so the story goes. Only Police Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) knows the truth about what happened on that fateful night. However, the city took up Dent as a martyr. Laws were passed in his name that pretty much eradicated crime in the city. In fact, the only thing missing is Batman. In order to preserve Dent’s legacy he had to hang up the cape. Now the only reminder of him is Bruce Wayne. Wayne spends his days holed up in his mansion, rarely appearing in public, speaking only to his long time butler, Alfred (Michael Caine). But when a madman known as Bane (Hardy) threatens the all out destruction of Gotham City and its citizens, it’s time to take the cape off of the hanger!

With a running time of almost three hours, “The Dark Knight Rises” is like a carnival ride that seems like it will never stop. Through twists and turns, up and down and all around, the film hurls you into an adventure you’ll be anxious to ride again and again. Along with the action you get a first rate cast operating at the top of their game. Bale, his voice rough and menacing, shows us a more vulnerable side of Batman then we’ve seen before. The same is true in his portrayal of Bruce Wayne. His scenes with Alfred are particularly moving. Oldman also fleshes out Gordon more, showing him as a man torn between telling the truth about Dent or allowing the charade to continue for the good of his city. New to the cast is Hathaway, who plays Selina Kyle, a small time cat burglar caught up in a situation she can’t control and Hardy, whose performance as Bane is truly menacing. He’s like Robert Shaw’s Red Gant in “From Russia With Love” – the first bad guy that looked like he could kick James Bond’s ass. Also new to the cast is Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who plays a young, idealistic Gotham police officer. If there is any drawback with the characters it is that Bane must speak through a mask that appears to have been mounted on his face. Unfortunately this makes him sound like Sean Connery playing Darth Vader. Not too disrupting but you need to listen hard to catch everything he says.

Visually the film is amazing. The special effects are top notch, including one scene highlighted in the coming attraction: the complete and utter annihilation of a football field. On game day! Throw in an assortment of new “Bat” vehicles and you’re in for the ride of your life. Move over, “Avengers.” You guys may be the latest but Batman was the first. And “The Dark Knight Rises” is the best!

Takashi Miike is know for his controversial Japanese filmmaker style. He is know for directing ultra-violent films like “Ichi the Killer” and “Audition”. His last film was the amazing “13 Assassins”, a remake of Eiichi Kudo’s 1963 film. Takashi took some time to answer some questions about his new film “Hara-Kiri” and shooting in 3D.

Q: What was your inspiration for choosing “Hara-Kiri” as your next film?
A: It just so happened that this kind of epic film was my next film after “13 Assassins”. I don’t plan to make only films like this. The touchstone benchmark is quality over quantity. By quality, I mean what kindles your heart or whether or not it makes you feel free as you devote yourself to the filming. Next fall, I will shoot a TV drama for late night television that is ruinously low-budget. But with low-budget works comes an excitement that can only be relished through low-budget.

Q: How do you compare your film to the original from 1962?
A: What excites me about resurrecting this film from the past is being able to feel first-hand the existence of the universal human suffering which “Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai” depicts at its core as it transcends time, genres and countries. My new versions share everything in common with the old films yet everything is a little off. Since things like originality or being finicky about some worthless triviality were thrown away a long time ago, one cannot compare two works by lining them up next to each other. They are only connected in tandem as part of the flow of time in which they were created.

Q: Tell us about your experience working with Ebizo Ichikawa and Koji Yakusho? A: Ebizo Ichikawa is the real deal when it comes to being the prize of kabuki. He is the king of traditional performing arts in Japan. He is a man without a net challenging frontiers with a great deal of curiosity. He made the set a fun, stimulating place day after day. I am looking forward to even more exciting things from him. Koji Yakusho is a living treasure in Japanese film. He always seams up the frayed edges in my clumsy directing in an artful way. He is a living treasure of modern Japanese film who leads you into the special world of filmmaking. He always teaches me Japan’s unique virtue of humility. Also, his wife is a lovely lady filled with elegance.

Q: Can you reflect on the film’s music by Ryuichi Sakamoto?
A: From the bottom of my heart, I really appreciated Ryuichi Sakamoto providing such wonderful music. The souls of the characters in the film squeal in the soundtrack. And these sounds aren’t rammed down-your-throat and don’t really come so far forward. His music fills the theater like air with a certain stillness and quietness yet its sureness and authority remain. Ryuichi Sakamoto is an artist who sees through the deception of the essence of 3D.

Q: Can you tell us was your biggest challenge shooting in 3D?
A: Nothing changed for me shooting a movie in 3D. It was the same on set experience as any other film for me. The only difference was that the speed of shooting was slightly slower than normal. All in all, this film will probably be a welcomed development for those who already pursue stereo spatial visuals in the world of 2D via lighting and camera angles. There was no change to my approach other than I was able to go brag to the director shooting at the studio next door and say, “Huh? Yours is flat and level? Ours is bumpy and convexo-concave.”

Q: With 3D being the big craze, what are your expectations for the audience?
A: I would be most pleased if the audience feels that what can be expressed in 2D can also be expressed in 3D. For the people who are not fans of 3D, I hope they will say, “Wow! 3D works.” It would be perfect if older audiences would say, “How interesting the way this film bursts out and sucks me up.” I guess for the next few years this situation will continue where 3D is just one option for making a movie. And the audiences will probably decide and determine what happens after that. I definitely anticipate making more 3D movies. Next, if I have the chance, I want to have things that shouldn’t come out of our bodies be hurled at the audience.

Directed by: Takashi Miike
Starring: Ebizo Ichikawa, Eita, Kōji Yakusho
Distributed by: Tribeca Film
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 126 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Takashi Miike is known for his gut-gringing films like “Audition” and “Ichi the Killer”. His last film is an amazing remake of Eiichi Kudo’s “13 Assassins”, and one of my favorites of 2011. I feel that his directorial cred has become really more mature over the years. Though “Hara-Kiri”, a re-imagining of Masaki Kobayashi’s 1962 film “Harakiri”, doesn’t exceed his effort with “13 Assassins”. It is still very intense and really slow-burning samurai action/drama. The story is takes it time developing but really pays offs throughout its very visual journey.

The story follows a mysterious samurai, who requests honorable death by ritual suicide in the courtyard of his feudal lord. The lord tells him the story of Motome, a young ronin, who made similiar request only to meet a brutal end. The mysterious samurai unaffected by this story takes the feudal lord on his own tale with an ending that nobody will see coming. Told with wonderful cinematography and amazing performances, this film packs a deep story of revenge, honor and disgrace.

I must say that Masaki Kobayashi’s 1962 film “Harakiri” still holds the reign as the better film but this one comes quite close. This was shot in 3D (2D version reviewed here), but I saw no scenes that would have benefited from this format and I am a big proprietor of 3D films. I must give credit to pop star Ryuichi Sakamoto for creating an amazing score, which drives the film well. Kōji Yakusho also delivers an notable performance and is a living legend in Japanese film. Since Miike’s last two films are about feudal Samurai’s era, I really look forward to what he is planning to do next.

Directed by: Brandon Nutt
Starring: Craig Fairbrass, Randy Couture, Vinnie Jones, Dominic Purcell, Holt McCallany
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Anchor Bay
Release Date: July 31, 2012
Running Time: 90 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Randy Couture is one bad-ass in the octagon…but I am still 100% convinced that he is an action hero star. He was decent in the film “The Expendables”. He does kicks some decent ass in “Hijacked” but he doesn’t pound the wait of fellow co-stars. One major problem I had with this film was that the killed the film’s best attribute, Vinnie Jones in the opening scene, ala killing off Steve Seagal in the opening of “Executive Decision”, another plane hijacking movie. The action is a little tame but overall the story is well-planned and entertains throughout…for the most part.

The film follows a rogue Special Agent (Randy Couture) who while tracking a crime lord, he board a private jet that is targeted by hijackers working for the same goal. When Ross finds out that his finance is also on-board this plane, he risks it all to save the love of his life and the passengers on this plane which is set for destruction.

The film also has a notable supporting cast of Dominic Purcell (“Prison Break”), who is sporting one hell of a stash and doesn’t get enough screen time. Also the gorgeous Tiffany Dupont (“Greek”) delivers the pretty. This release comes as a Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo, which is always a bonus for me. Though unfortunately there are ZERO special features, zlitch.

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Directed by: Lasse Hallström
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, Amr Waked, Kristin Scott Thomas, Catherine Steadman
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: July 17, 2012
Running Time: 107 minutes

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

Lasse Hallström really knowns how to make romantic relationship films. He is known for his work on films like “Dear John”, “Casanova” and “Chocolat”. “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” basically follows in the same path of those. It focuses on aspects of faith, friendship and love and the goal to accomplish the impossible. It is well-directed, as is expected due to Hallström credits. Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt have good chemistry together as well. I enjoyed both of their performances and it really was the driving factor for which I enjoyed the most. If you are looking for a cute, simple and touching film, look no further.

This film is a tale of romance mixed with fly-fishing and politics.  It is based on Paul Torday’s novel focusing on a scientist who looks to fulfills the dream of a sheikh by bringing the sport of fly-fishing to his homeland in Yemen. He in fact though believe this both absurd and unachievable. When the Prime Minister’s press secretary comes on board to showcase this as a “good will” story, the two form an unlikely relationship and decide to put it all on the line and take a leap of faith and to prove the impossible, possible.

When it comes to the Blu-ray presentation, Sony has really taken a simple film and made it look really good. The 1080p transfer is near perfect and really brings out the film’s beauty. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track is good but doesn’t really have much range but plays well with the score. Like most, if not all recent, Sony releases this film also includes a DVD along with the Blu-ray disc. Also they include an Ultraviolet streaming digital copy. The special features are pretty disappointing with only two features and no commentary. “Miracles Happen: Making Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” is a short cast/crew interview overview piece. Lastly there is “The Fisherman in the Middle East: Novelist Paul Torday” which is very short and looks into the origin of the story from the novel and it conversion to film.

Directed by: John Hough
Starring: Peter Cushing, Dennis Price, David Warbeck, Madeleine Collinson, Mary Collinson
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Synapse Films
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Running Time: 87 minutes

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

When it comes to Hammer and vampire films, nobody has done it better…ever!  Hammer is known for their blend of horror with erotic undercurrent throughout their films. Synapse Films deserves an award for really being a pioneer for releasing these amazing horror classics.  They continue to out due themselves with each release.  This is not your basic “just-covert-and-put-out-in-HD” release.  “Twins of Evil” includes an all-new 1080p high definition transfer.  Synapse also does not play around when it comes to extras, this film includes some really amazing exclusive special features.  If you are a fan of Hammer and classic 70’s vampire films, you don’t need my recommendation, this is a no-brainer to sink your teeth into.

“Twins of Evil” is the third film of “The Karnstein Trilogy”, based on the vampire novella “Carmilla” by Sheridan Le Fanu. Hammer released this classic horror film in 1971 and stars Peter Cushing (Hammer alumni) and real-life twins and Playboy Playmates, Mary and Madeleine Collinson. They star as Maria and Frieda, recently orphaned teenage girls, who move from Venice to Karnstein in order to live with their uncle Gustav Weil (Cushing). Their Uncle Weil is also the leader of a witch-hunting group. When Frieda comes under the power of local Count Karnstein, who is also a vampire. Frieda now needs to hide the fact she has become a vampire from her sister, while escaping her uncle’s hunt.

Synapse is just a company that aims to please its fan, they are not releasing these movies just for the hell of it.  They are releasing movies that they want to see on Blu-ray and they make sure that it is done right. The 1080p transfer is beautiful and looks so crisp in its widescreen 1.66:1 ratio.  The audio tracks are even better (if that is possible).  There is an amazing DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono track.  But that is not all there is also an amazing DTS-HD MA isolated score & effects only track, which I really enjoyed.  Hammer films are known for their music and this is a great way to showcase it.  This release also comes in a combo pack with a DVD copy of the film as well.  The only thing I looked for with this release and didn’t see was a reversible cover, which Synapse is known for but it already has amazing cover art so it wasn’t even a problem.

Let’s finally get to these amazing special features.  Firstly there is an 85 minute amazing  feature length documentary called “The Flesh and the Fury: X-posing Twins of Evil”.  It explores the background on Hammer’s classic “Karnstein” trilogy and ranges from the origin of Carmilla to the making of “Twins of Evil”.  This is a feature not to be missed and is worth the purchase of this release alone.  “The Props That Hammer Built: the Kinsey Collection” featurette looks into the amazing design that went into creating these amazing Hammer films.  There is short deleted scene included as well.  Lastly there is a Motion Still Gallery and Original Theatrical Trailer & TV Spots included to top off this great release.

Directors: Zion Myers, Jules White
Number of discs: 6
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Release Date: July 6, 2012
Running Time: 1010 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

This release from Warner Archive comes with over 50 shorts running over 1000 minutes for the original MGM “Crime Does Not Pay” series. It is really a wonderful set and something that could have only been made by MGM in its heyday. The complete collection includes shorts from 1935-1947.  They are very unique and represent a very specific time in film history and in MGM’s history.  It also short showcases within in short with various different situations proving that in fact “Crime Does Not Pay”!

These B&W shorts looks fantastic on DVD, especially for their age.  Warner  Archive did a fantastic job of restoring and releasing this shorts to the public finally.  They are presented in full screen with an aspect ratio of 1.37:1. There is one bonus short included within the 50 called “Eyes of the Navy”. It is from 1940 and though not a “Crime Does Not Pay” short, it was released by MGM in theaters as part of the series.  Overall if you are a fan of classic shorts from Hollywood’s early days, this is something that you would not want to miss for sure.

The 50 shorts included are: Buried Loot Alibi Racket Desert Death Thrill for Thelma, A Hit and Run Driver Perfect Setup, The Fool Proof Public Pays Torture Money It May Happen to You Soak the Poor Give Till It Hurts Behind the Criminal What Price Safety Miracle Money Come Across Criminal is Born, A They’re Always Caught Think It Over Wrong Way Out, The Money to Loan While America Sleeps Help Wanted Think First Drunk Driving Pound Foolish Know Your Money Jackpot Women in Hiding Buyer Beware Soak the Old You, the People Respect the Law Forbidden Passage Coffins on Wheels Sucker List Don’t Talk For the Common Defense Keep ‘Em Sailing Plan for Destruction Patrolling the Ether Easy Life Dark Shadows Fall Guy, The Last Installment, The Phantoms, Inc. Gun in His Hand, A Purity Squad Luckiest Guy in the World, The EC: Eyes of the Navy.

Directed by: Seiji Chiba
Starring: Rina Takeda
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Section 23
Release Date: July 24, 2012
Running Time: 65 minutes

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

When it comes to ninja and samurai swords, I am first in-line. “Kunoichi” suffers from slow-pacing and a rushed ending. The action and fight sequences in the film are great though, if and when they occur though. Rina Takeda is labeled as a rising martial arts superstar and Japanese Karate champion but when it comes to acting, her skills aren’t as developed. Luckily for her the few fights in the film are decent. The film also runs just over an hour, which is sad especially since it feels longer.

The film follows the brutal and bloody war between the Iga and Koga ninjas.  Though it is the women of these rival clans who suffer the most.  They are captured, denied death and reduced to sex slaves.  But when two Iga warriors kidnap four Koga women, they get a lot more than they bargin for.  They learn they have captured a ninja, Kisaragi, and find out they made a big mistake.

The special features for the release are decent overall.  Included is “The Making of The Kunoichi”.  There is a Kunoichi Stage Greeting from a screening.  There is a featurette on the Action of  The Kunoichi (misspelled though on the DVD box).  There are a few outtakes and lastly Japanese trailers for the films.  If you are a fan of samurais and ninjas, this is worth checking out but is nothing amazing overall.

Directors: Gene Kelly, Stanley Donen
Starring: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Connor,
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: July 17, 2012
Running Time: 103 minutes

Ultimate Collector’s Edition: 5 out of 5 stars
Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 5 out of 5 stars

Warner Home Video is really setting the standards high for quality collector’s edition releases. After the recent amazing anniversary editions of “Ben-Hur”, “Casablanca” and “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”, Warner Home Video has out-down themselves again. This is my favorite of all the ultimate collector’s editions. “Singin’ in the Rain” is one of my favorite films of all time and continues to entertain even after 60 years. The film is so timeless and contains such memorable songs, wonderful dance sequences and of course Gene Kelly, who is alone amazing. 10 years ago this was the first film for WHV’s to receive their “Ultra-Resolution” process. But that is not enough for this 60th anniversary Blu-ray debut, “Singin’ in the Rain” has been made to look and sound even better with a complete 4k scan restoration of the Technicolor 3-strip negatives and a new uncompressed DTS-Master audio track. What more can a fan of this film ask for?

So if all that amazing detail above isn’t enough for you and you are asking what makes the “Singin’ in the Rain: 60th Anniversary – Ultimate Collector’s Edition”, so ultimate? Firstly this the first time the film has ever graced the Blu-ray format. This new edition like the past Ultimate Collector’s Editions comes packaged in a beautiful box (11½w x 8h x 3d) with a bunch of amazing goodies. Inside this set included a three disc DigiPak that includes one Blu-ray disc and two DVD’s.  The first DVD is jam packed with bonus features and the second is a copy of the film.  There is a nice hardcover 48-page book spread out with wonderful photographs and production notes from the film. There are three miniature reproductions of the theatrical door panel posters.  But wait there is still more…what is “Singin’ in the Rain” without an umbrella? This release comes with an amazing themed and full-size commemorative inside of a red nylon case.

Let’s get to the special features now.  It just keeps getting better and better with this release.  There is a brand new documentary called “Singin’ in the Rain: Raining on a New Generation”, which is located on the Blu-ray disc and is even in high definition. It runs just under an hour and is absolutely amazing. The rest of the special features are located on its own DVD with another bunch of vintage features. Starting off there is a wonderful and very jam-packed commentary track with by Stanley Donen, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Connor, Cyd Charisse, Kathleen Freeman, screenwriters Betty Comden and Adolph Green, filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, and film historian Rudy Behlmer. It is simply wonderful. Next up is “Great Performances: Musicals Great Musicals: The Arthur Freed Unit at MGM”, which a 1996 PBS documentary about the career of producer/songwriter Arthur Freed. “What a Glorious Feeling: The Making of Singin’ in the Rain” is a 2002 doc hosting by Reynolds, which is a little dated but very informative.

Continuing on, we still have a lot of features including “Excerpts from Features Where Songs Originated”, which focuses on the many of Singin’ in the Rain’s songs that originally debuted in earlier films. Included for example is “All I Do Is Dream of You” from Sadie McKee (1934). Continuing with the music, there is a Jukebox included which you can create, save and listen to an audio/video playlist of Singin’ in the Rain songs. There is an outtake musical number with Debbie Reynolds for “You are My Lucky Star”. We get transported to MGM’s scoring stage for Scoring Sessions from the film, running about 75 minutes. There are also a collection of 12 film clips from earlier films with Freed/Brown songs included. Lastly we get a photo montage of production photographs and a theatrical trailer, which I still stop and watch before going on Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ The Great Movie Ride, never fail.

Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Singin’ in the Rain with the commemorative Blu-ray edition, out July 17th! http://bit.ly/N6vGNf
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“Singin’ in the Rain”, set in the days of Hollywood’s transition from silent films to “talkies,” continues to this day to provide pure cinematic entertainment. It stars Gene Kelly at the pinnacle of his career and co-stars Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Connor, Cyd Charisse, Jean Hagen and Rita Moreno. Written by legendary musical “book” writers Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Singin’ in the Rain was helmed by legendary directors Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards ® and has been ranked as one of the Top 10 Greatest Films of All Time by the AFI and Entertainment Weekly, among others.

AFI’s #1 Movie Musical will be offered in a new limited and numbered gift set edition with four hours of bonus content and will be beautifully packaged and ready for new generations of fans to enjoy. The Blu-ray & DVD Pack will be priced at $84.99 SRP. A single disc Blu-ray will also be available for $19.98 SRP and a Two-disc Special Edition DVD for $14.96 SRP.

Director: Bruce Malmuth
Starring: Steven Seagal, William Sadler, Frederick Coffin, Kelly LeBrock, Branscombe Richmond
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: July 17, 2012
Running Time: 96 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

When it comes to the early work of Steven Seagal, it doesn’t get much better. I have always been a fan of this movie and it is a great follow-up for Seagal after “Above the Law”. Also who doesn’t love looking at Kelly LeBrock in 1990 (and I stress 90’s, have you see her recently?). Warner has been releasing it catalog titles recently and this is the latest of the bunch. For hardcore fans of Seagal, I would definitely recommend this title.

What do you need to know about the premise? Honestly, it’s Steven Seagal and he kicks some baddie ass. He plays Detective Mason Storm, who falls into a coma after being shot during a fire-fight that killed his wife Felicia and son Sonny. When he reawakens seven to find that he son is actually alive, he heads out to get revenge with the help of his nurse and his old partner.

The Blu-ray presentation is very impressive. Warner did a rally fine job with the 1080p transfer and definitely looks sharp. The audio track is also impressive with its Dolby Digital 5.1 track, works well with the film’s action. Lastly like all the recently catalog films Warner has not included an special features. Though if you are looking for a straight forward HD release of this film and a low-cost, look no further.

Richard D. Zanuck, who rose from out of his famous father’s shadow to become one of the most successful film producers in history, died yesterday in Los Angeles after suffering a heart attack. He was 77.

Born of Hollywood royalty (his father was legendary studio head Darryl F. Zanuck, his mother actress Virginia Fox), Mr. Zanuck began working for his father, then head of 20th Century Fox, as a producer, finally elevated to President of the studio. It was while at Fox that he met fellow producer David Brown. In 1967, after the failure of such films as “Dr. Doolittle,” Zanuck was fired by his father. In 1972 he teamed up with Brown, forming the Zanuck/Brown company. Their 16 year partnership produced such films as “The Sting,” “The Sugarland Express,” “Jaws,” “The Verdict” and “Cocoon.” In 1989, with his new wife, Lili Fini Zanuck producing alongside him, he produced “Driving Miss Daisy.” The film would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Later films include: “Rules of Engagement,” “Road to Perdition” and six films with director Tim Burton, including this years’ “Dark Shadows.”

In the 1960s Zanuck married actress Linda Harrison. They raised two sons, Harrison and Dean, both now producers in their own right. One of my favorite stories of Mr. Zanuck concerns the production of “Jaws.” He had assured his wife, Linda, that she would play Mrs. Brody in the film. Unbeknownst to Zanuck, the head of Universal Studios, Sid Sheinberg, had promised the role to HIS wife, actress Lorraine Gary. To keep peace in the Universal family, Sheinberg called producer William Frye, who was currently making “Airport ’75.” “Bill,” he said to Frye, “you’ve got another passenger on your airplane!”

Starring the voices of: Ray Romano, John Leguizamo and Denis Leary
Directed by: Steve Martino and Mike Thurmeier
Rated: PG
Running time: 1 hour 34 mins
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Of all of the popular series of computer animated films that have come along in the past decade plus, I’ve always felt that the “Ice Age” series was often dismissed. Which is a shame because, along with the “Toy Story” films, I’ve always thought that they featured the most consistent story and writing excellence as well as a perfect vocal cast. And I’m happy to say that the fourth chapter, “Continental Drift,” continues that excellence.

The film begins with Scrat once again trying to protect his treasured acorn. Over the past decade Scrat has become a rodent Gollum, doing whatever he can to protect his “precious!” He has also become the ice age’s very own Wiley E. Coyote, suffering devastating consequences no matter how smart he thinks he is. While Scrat is dealing with his problems, our three main characters, Manny (Romano), Sid (Leguizamo) and Diego (Leary) are dealing with theirs. An unexpected visit from Sid’s sloth family leaves an unexpected present behind: Grandma (Wanda Sykes). Even more unexpected are the changes taking place in the world around them. Changes that will send the three friends, and their new addition, on a journey they won’t long forget.

Rendered with the beauty one would expect from Blue Sky Studios, the film is a virtual travelogue of the world of the past. Cloud covered mountains overlook clear, rushing rivers while the flowers bloom so bright you can almost smell them. And that beauty is also a vital part of the story. The film deals with the formation of the continents, a formation that separates our familiar friends from their loved ones. As they try to find their way home they come across a band of animal pirates, commanded by their simian leader, Captain Gutt (Peter Dinklage). Of course not everyone understands what a baddie the captain is. “Surrender or face my fury,” he demands. “Face your furry what,” asks Sid. Poor Sid.

As usual, the voice actors go above and beyond, breathing believable life into their animated alter egos. In checking back on my reviews of the previous three films, I noticed that I have always continued to praise the work of Ray Romano. And rightly so. He, and his fellow actors, give full and complete performances, which is many times a rarity in animated features. Leary and Leguizamo match Romano line for line. It’s obvious that these actors feel very comfortable in these roles and their familiarity is a plus. Sykes is very funny as Grandma. Like the other actors, she has managed to inject her very distinct personality into the character. Ditto Queen Latifah (Ellie), Jennifer Lopez (Shira the Tiger) and the rest of the vocal cast.

In this day of BIGGER and BETTER, 3D is pretty much standard on films like this. It doesn’t really add much to the story here. In fact, it was much better utilized in the short “Simpsons” cartoon that precedes it. But no matter how you choose to see it, you won’t be disappointed.