Directed by: Angelina Jolie
Starring: Zana Marjanovic, Goran Kostic, Rade Serbedzija, Dzana Pinjo, Nikola Djuricko
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Release Date: March 27, 2012
Running Time: 127 minutes

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

When you hear that Angelina Jolie is writing/directing a film, the first thing that pops into my head isn’t a foreign film. Well she did a really great job with “In the Land of Blood and Honey”, it is directed with a sharp eye and written very smartly. The content of the film is very intense consisting of rape and violence but she is still able to intertwine her romance into the story. I felt the film drags a little in the second half and gets a little confusing but overall I would say I enjoyed it.

The film is set in the in the 1990s during the Bosnian War. It locks conflicted romance of Danijel and Ajla, two people from different ethnic backgrounds. Danijel, a soldier fighting for the Serbs, and Ajla, a Bosnian held captive in his camp. Shortly before the war though the two knew each other and were one their way to possibly falling in love. As the war develops the their relationship gets more complicated as war drives them apart.

This combo back includes the Blu-ray and also a DVD of the film. The authentic language version is available on the BD with English subtitles, and the newer before released English language version is available on the DVD. If I had the option to watch it I would highly recommended the foreign language version. The Blu-ray presentation is superb. It looks great with its 1080p transfer, very sharp and very realistic. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is also very impressive and works well with the war scenes and the film’s beautiful score.

The extras are decent but lacking commentary from Angelina Jolie. “The Making of In the Land of Blood and Honey” Featurette takes you behind-the-scenes through filming in two languages and the local cast reflections on the actual the war. There are a few deleted scenes also included. Lastly exclusively available on the Blu-ray version is a Q&A with Jolie and Actress Vanesa Glodjo. Definitely worth checking out to get more insight into the film.

Directed by: Alexander Payne
Starring: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller, Nick Krause, Patricia Hastie
Distributed by: Fox Searchlight
MPAA Rating: R
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Running Time: 115 minutes

Film: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

As much as I love the film “The Artist”, it is obvious that George Clooney should have won the Oscar for his role in this movie. It is hard for an actor to be able to both make you laugh and cry in the same 2 hours and Clooney does it. When this film first came out I really had no interest in it but once it started picking up some pace, it grabbed my interest. Clooney’s performance seems to come so naturally and feels really laid back just like the Hawaii setting in the film. The film also features great performances from Beau Bridges and Matthew Lillard, though overall this is a real ensemble.

Following an accident of his wife leaving her in a coma, Matt King (Clooney), a high-powered Hawaii real estate lawyer (George Clooney) finds himself in charge of their young daughters (Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller) that he barely knows. Matt is also on the verge of making a very important family decision of selling a large portion of Hawaii’s beaches for hotel space. While spending time with his daughters, reflecting his wife’s situation he realizes that there are things that he has never noticed before about his family and his wife. With his daughters help he is able to find a way to change his life and theirs on the process.

The video looks absolutely fantastic and really shines in it 1080p transfer. The film was shot in stunning Hawaii and this film literally transports you to the beaches and just feels really laid back. The audio in this release packs a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. It is not really pushed hard but it works well with the ambient sounds in the film and just seems to work well overall.

The special features are good though lacking any commentary track from Payne or Clooney. Since the film is all about George, so is this feature “Everybody Loves George”. “Working with Alexander” is lead by the director as he takes us through the production himself. “The Real Descendants” tells the real story story behind this film. “Hawaiian Style” focuses on the production side of shooting on location in Hawaii. Alexander Payne chats about the “Casting” in the next feature to come up with this dream-team cast. “Working with Water” deals with the difficulties of shooting on water.

More features include three music videos featuring footage from Hawaii: “Will I Ever See You Again”, “Postcards from Paradise” and “Honolulu’s Whisper”. My least favorite feature is “Waiting for the Light”, which a short montage of behind-the-scenes footage. From least to favorite, the next one is “The World Parade: Hawaii”. which is shows a reel of silent documentary like footage from turn-of-the-century Hawaii. “A Conversation with George Clooney and Alexander Payne” is a sit down with director and its star and ends up being a lot of fun. There are two short deleted scenes that were included, an explanation of each is given from the director. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer included.

Director: Merlin Crossingham
Distributed by: Lions Gate
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Running Time: 174 minutes

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

I was very disappointed when I started watching this “Wallace & Gromit” release especially since it doesn’t really feature much of the duo. Instead it is a science-based show hosted by them, only introduced and closing segments. Though the show is light on the science aspect as well. It only really features brief rather useless clips that discuss a variety of scientific facts and gizmos. While Wallace introduces each of the inventors from around the world, he also reveals a few of his own creations. I wish it was a lot more of that and a lot less of the cheesy science clips.

The Wallace and Gromit animated sections looks great even though only presented in 1080i. Since the series uses a lot of stock and archive footage there is a lot of graininess in those segments and they don’t look great on Blu-ray. The audio track uses an DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and works well but doesn’t blow you out of the water. I do not think that there is a rush for BBC One to create a second season of this show, one was plenty.

There is only one extra on this release but it is not completely worthless. There are six “World of Invention Shorts” presented in HD and running almost 40 minutes. They are a consisted of fun do-it-yourself construction experiments. Kids might need some help from their parents but overall they are pretty cool. The six segments are: Atmosphere Railway, Wind-Powered Sprinkler, Fin Ray Grabber, Air Rocket, Spy Camera and Upside-Down-O-Scope.

Directed by: Olallo Rubio
Starring: Edward Furlong, Peter Coyote, Edi Gathegi
Distributed by: Kino Lorber
MPAA Rating: R
Release Date: March 20, 2012
Running Time: 99 minutes

Film: 1.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

The title says it all this is not a movie, this is the Edward Furlong show. He plays not only one role but three. You need to have a real tolerance for him to enjoy this film. It deals with the end of the world but its scope doesn’t leave the hotel room where he is staying. I was very interested in the first 10 minutes with this film and then I realized it was going nowhere. The only thing that made this film watchable was its fake trailers like “The System Strikes Back”, “Regan Force” and “The Jesus Chainsaw Massacre”.

This movie is really about nothing, it is a surreal, psychedelic, apocalyptic trip into nothing. With the end of the world less than 48 hours away, Pete Nelson (Furlong) spends it inside a Las Vegas hotel with his alternate personalities. He spends it fighting with them and just wasting time but like I said overall doesn’t really do anything. Edi Gathegi from “Twilight” pops in as a ghost for a split second and I have no idea why he was necessary in the story.

The Blu-ray presentation was ok with not much really pushing its limits.  The video itself looks clear and well presented though overall. The audio track was also nothing special.  The music in the film was by Slash (former Guns ‘n’ Roses) but it isn’t mind-bending and doesn’t really stand out.  I expected this kick-ass soundtrack but was left disappointed.

The bonus features are nothing special either like the movie. There are a few few deleted scenes nothing that would have helped this movie though. There is an interview with Peter Coyote and Slash, worth checking out. Lastly there is a photo gallery and trailer for the film. I would have liked a see a directors commentary to get some back insight as to what the hell was the point of this film.

Directed by: Alan Birkinshaw
Starring: Anthony Forrest, Tom Marshall, David Jackson, Hilda Braid
Distributed by: Kino Lorber/Redemption
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Running Time: 90 minutes

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

This film reminds me of a poor combination of “A Clockwork Orange” and “I Spit On Your Grave”. They film was banned in the UK with a X-rating back in the day due to its rape and gore scenes but in comparison to today’s films they are tame. The story is also tame and has no direction causing the film to drag on for its short 90 minutes. It doesn’t really get a chance to take off and therefore falls flat quickly.

The film follows a group of school girls that become stranded in the woods and looking for a place to spend the night, they are unaware that they are actually in a lot of danger. There are being stalked by four mental patients, who escaped from their clinic and to make it worse are also being used as medical experiments. They are stuck in a dream-like state and believe that there is no consequence to their actions.

The remaster is from the original 35mm negatives. It looks good with its high def upgrade but not overall impressive. The audio is like the video nothing really impressive boasting an uncompressed LPCM 2.0 track. Redemption is usually know for their impressive remastered editions but this one really doesn’t cry out amazing.

The special features are not really great either besides the audio commentary track. It features James Blackford from Redemption chatting with director Alan Birkinshaw and actress Joanna Good about the film and their recollections. Besides that there are two trailers that are in HD and photo gallery also in HD. Then there is two separate interviews with the director Alan Birkinshaw and actress Joanna Good. They are only in standard definition and run about 12-15 minutes each. Even those the features aren’t packed it is much better than the last few releases from Redemption like “Virgin Witch” and “Hills Have Eyes: Part 2”, which had none.

Stephen Nemeth is the CEO of Rhino Films. He has produced films like “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and the recent documentary “Under The Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Stephen about his films and what we can expect from him in the 2012.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about how you got involved with Kevin Tostado and “Under The Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story”?
Stephen Nemeth: I was speaking a film event in San Diego and he and Craig (Bentley) were there and mentioned what they were doing and it totally peeked my curiosity!

MG: Tell us about getting Zachery Levi to narrate the film?
SN: We all discussed who might be right and for a myriad reasons, Kevin wanted to approach Zach. I know his manager well and reached out to her and we made a deal.

MG: How does process of producing a documentary differ from feature films?
SN: It’s two totally different worlds. In making a feature narrative, you are sliding down a slippery slope if you begin without a finished/tight/strong script. In the doc world, some of the best ones typically begin as an exploratory journey where you just start shooting and the onion gets peeled and you discover something you perhaps didn’t even imagine/can catch lightning in a bottle etc. You also typically do not have the scheduling restraints you have in the feature world.

MG: “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” is one of my favorite, tell us about producing this film?
SN: This is a book deal in itself, really, I was offered a book deal in and around the making of this film but ultimately passed for many salacious reasons. ‘Nuff said but an overall amazing experience.

MG: How was it working with Terry Gilliam?
SN: It’s the best and the worst news to get as once he comes on board. You really do need to cede control because he has tunnel vision/very specific ideas of how it will all shake out. He’s a genius, so you sort of just need to let that happen!

MG: I am a big Philip K. Dick fan, tell us about “Radio Free Albemuth”?
SN: I’m really proud of this as its one of if not the only PKD adaptation made in the fiercely independent spirit of the author. It is very raw and authentic…not slick and so delicious for the purist!

MG: What do you generally look for in a project, when approached to produce?
SN: Is there a reason to make it/will anyone care!

MG: What else do you have planned for 2012 and Rhino Films?
SN: So much!! Prepping “Snake and Mongoose” shooting next month. I have many films on deck and seven documentaries in production. Also, “The Surrogate” gets released by Fox Searchlight in October. So we will have the next seven months promoting that special film properly!

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Directed by: David Cronenberg
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley, Vincent Cassel
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Classics
Release Date: March 27, 2012
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 94 minutes

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

David Cronenberg is honestly one of my favorite directors of all-time. Even though I feel that he has lost his bizarre charm that made me love him so much with films like “Naked Lunch”, “Videodrome” or “eXistenZ”, but he still really knows how to direct the hell out of a film. To make it even easier he has gotten a super A-list cast on this film with Viggo Mortensen, Michael Fassbender and Keira Knightley. They all give these amazing performances that are award worthy. The film is also a short 94 minutes, so I really enjoyed that. It wasn’t another drawn out 2+ hour period piece. It is not Cronenberg’s best film ever but it delivers the goods for sure.

The film is an adaptation of Christopher Hampton’s play which focuses on on the dissipating relationship between Sigmund Freud (Mortensen) and Carl Jung (Fassbender). Carl Jung is a disciple of Freud and has been using his teachings for his patients. Though Jung’s develops a relationship with his Russian-Jewish psychiatric patient Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley) and as it develops, it causes issues with his relationship with Freud.

The video resolution is sharp 1080p and is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The film doesn’t really push the Blu-ray format but it definitely doesn’t disappoint. The audio in the film is mostly dialogue but works well the score works really well with the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track.

The special features are great and working checking out for fans of Cronenberg. There is a great commentary from the director himself. It is very informative about the film’s production and development. Next up there is a feature called “The Making of ‘A Dangerous Method'”, it is a behind the scenes looks into the film with the cast and crew, definitely worth checking out. Lastly there is AFI’s Master Seminar with David Cronenberg includes. His directing style is so unique and this is a very interesting feature.

Directors: Roman Polanski
Actors: Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, John C. Reilly
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 20, 2012
Running Time: 80 minutes

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

I never had the chance to see the play “Gods of Carnage”, which this film is based on but I am sure happy to get a chance to see this film. I really enjoyed it. I felt that it was very intelligent and sharp. The film really carries a stage feel basically stay inside one apartment the entire time. Though I think that was the feel that director Roman Polanski was aiming for. The film works best as a stage play, so I say keep it in stage play format.

The cast is so extraordinary in this as well. Of course I can’t compare to the various Broadway casts. Prior to this film, I was at a point where I would honestly avoid an film from Jodie Foster…well this just changed it. She was absolutely hysterical and necrotic at the same time. Kate Winslet is also hysterical as well and really nails the role. Christoph Waltz shows his comedic side very well after his amazing performance in “Inglorious Basterds”. Last but not least John C. Reilly delivers yet another notable comedic performance.

The story itself feature two sets of parents that come together to discuss an incident between each of their sons. The incident starts off civil but then slowly stirs out of control into this comedic explosion of events.  The group going from have a drink of water to liquor to fighting up a storm.  It is really well directed by Polanski and perfectly executed by its cast.

The Blu-ray presentation is decent but doesn’t really get challenged. It does looks good with its 1080o high def resolution and its carries a slightly modified aspect ratio of 2.34:1. The film is all dialogue and definitely contains a clear DTS-HD Master Audio 5.0 track.

The special features are decent overall and lacking any notable commentary tracks. The first feature is called “Actors’ Notes” which runs about 10 minutes and features the four stars talking about the film and its production. “An Evening with John C. Reilly and Christoph Waltz” runs almost 40 minutes and features a Q&A with the actors about the film. There is a short feature with cast/crew interviews called “On the Red Carpet”. Lastly there just the film’s theatrical trailer.

Starring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum and Ice Cube
Directed by: Phil Lord and Chris Miller
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 1 hour 49 mins
Columbia

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

2005. High school seniors Schmidt (Hill) and Janko (Tatum) are on opposite ends of the popularity meter. Schmidt is quiet and smart and has a horrible time talking to girls. Janko is the classic big man on campus. For very different reasons, neither attends their senior prom.

2012. Reunited at the police academy, the two develop a friendship. But their first crack at big time crooks will have to wait. They’re on bicycle duty. But when an “old and recycled” program is reinstated they find themselves assigned under cover as high school students hoping to uncover a new drug and its manufacturer. And the fun begins!

Hilarious from beginning to end, and featuring a surprisingly funny performance by Channing Tatum (who knew this guy could be funny…he’s always brooding every time I see him), “21 Jump Street” is the funniest film of the year so far. Both cops find out that high school isn’t the same the second time around. While Janko was the epitome of cool in 2005, he finds that the shift of power now favors the more studious kids. Which works out fine for Schmidt, whose high school highlight was forming the Juggling Society (one man, three balls). It’s kind of like “The Breakfast Club” only now Anthony Michael Hall is cooler then Judd Nelson.

Both leads do a great job conveying they’re new stations in life. Ice Cube is the, in his words, stereotypical angry black police captain, and he has fun with the role. Supporting characters, including Chris Parnell, Rob Riggle and Dave Franco (James’ little brother and an upcoming talent to watch) keep the film moving along briskly.

Starring: Jason Segel, Ed Helms and Susan Sarandon
Directed by: Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 1 hour 23 mins
Paramount Vantage

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Meet Jeff (Segel). Like the title of the movie says, he lives at home. In his mother’s basement. He spends his days smoking pot and discussing the many interesting facets of the movie “Signs.” He also gets the occasional wrong number calling him. Today someone was looking for “Kevin.” Hmmmmmm.

Featuring a strong performance by Segel, “Jeff, Who Lives at Home” is a story that tries to convince us that everything happens for a reason. Good or bad, hot or cold, fast or slow…one action leads directly to another…even if there are many detours along the way.

When asked by his mother (Sarandon) to fix a simple closet door Jeff instead finds himself following a young man (Evan Ross) he spies on the bus simply because he has the name KEVIN on the back of his basketball jersey. Across town, his brother Frank (Helms) is rewarding himself for having a good week at work. Unfortunately, his wife (Judy Greer) is not too happy with the reward system Frank has come up with. She’s also tired of the lack of communication between them and may or may not be looking to reward herself with a little male company. Meanwhile, mother is dealing with a possible secret admirer at work. And what was that about KEVIN?

Bravely played by Segel, whose fondest act here is playing the part sans makeup, his constant five o-clock shadow a reminder of his life, “Jeff, Who Lives at Home” is a true family comedy with a truly dysfunctional family. Whereby Jeff can get along without all of the trimmings of life (car, house…even a girlfriend), Frank considers these things the most important symbols that he is indeed living a life. Coming across almost as cocky as Danny McBride’s Kenny Powers, Helms does his best to make the audience feel for a character who really doesn’t deserve sympathy. Frank is pretty much one dimensional so credit to Helms for trying. Sarandon gives a strong performance as a woman who doesn’t realize she misses the life she once had. Kudos as well to supporting work by Greer and Rae Dawn Chong, who plays a co-worker of Sarandon’s. But the film breathes through Segel, who says more here with his eyes then some actors say in a two page monologue. If not for a telegraphed, treacle-filled ending, “Jeff, Who Lives at Home” could have been practically perfect. But at least it’s better then “Signs.”

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Directed by: David Fincher
Starring: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Release Date: March 20, 2012
Running Time: 158 minutes

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

Stieg Larsson’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is one of the best novels released in the recent years. The series has spanned two sequels, both which have Swedish films already made. This film is a US remake of the Swedish film based on the novel…get all that. I am sure I don’t have to explain though because of America’s wide awareness of this film. Rooney Mara really does an amazing job taking the role of Lisbeth Salander from Noomi Rapace. Although Noomi’s portrayal just feels a little more rigid and brutal. Daniel Craig just a match up job with his role of Mikael Blomkvist. Very impressive job overall from both. The aspect of this film that I loved the most was easily the cinematography, some shots are just downright breathtaking. You really get Fincher’s vision coming through with the film and it adds a lot to the film itself.

My only issue with the film is that it felt a little too much like the Swedish films. I enjoyed them both equally in fact with this film. I really can’t compare the two because they are so a like. In fact, after viewing this film, I spent a lot of time comparing the two and I was able to pick out bits and pieces of each from each film that I really enjoyed. The score is by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (known for the Oscar-winning “The Social Network” score) is so stunning, haunting and really intense. “The Immigrant Song” cover by Trent Reznor and Karen O is truly an instant classic and will be used for many years following. It really drives this film and adds a lot of direction. The film is also 158 minutes but easily feels like it is only 90 minutes.

The only special feature available on the DVD is a commentary with David Fischer. It is a great feature in fact but I assume that the Blu-ray will have tons more features covering the film’s production more in depth. Also as I said that the film’s has such amazing shots, which would also looks much better on Blu-ray than DVD. Overall though this film is worth the purchase easily no matter what format you are able to view it on. I really hope that Fincher is able to make the other two books in the series because I would like to see how his vision is portrayed in them as well.

Directed by: Tomas Alfredson
Starring: Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, Toby Jones, Mark Strong
Benedict Cumberbatch, David Dencik, Ciarán Hinds, Simon McBurney
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Release date: March 20, 2012
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 127 minutes

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

I do not think I have been as confused during a movie as I was with “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”.  I even found myself rewinding back to try and figure it out.  I know the film was a spy picture with a lot of surprises but this was a little too much for me.  It was not the worst movie I saw last year though, it packed some really fantastic performances.  Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, John Hurt really brought their A-game and really transformed into their characters.

This is the second film from director Tomas Alfredson, who previously directed the original Swedish horror film “Let the Right One In”.  The film is a takes place in 1973 London during the height of the Cold War.  It is also based on the best selling novel by John le Carre. It focuses on an attempt to capture a Russian mole inside Britain’s MI6 organization. It goes wrong and it is up to Smiley (Oldman) to get to the bottom of it.  But who can be trusted?

The Blu-ray itself though is very impressive posting an really clear and sharp 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is also impressive especially during the films action scenes.  This release besides the Blu-ray disc, also comes packaged with a DVD of the film and an Ultraviolet digital copy.  The Blu-ray also takes advantage of the following cool features: pocketBLU app and BD Live.

The special features are worth checking out despite enjoying the film or not.  It is packed with great interviews from actors Gary Oldman, Colin Firth and Tom Hardy, irector Tomas Alfredson and screenwriter Peter Straughan.  Each interview runs about 7-8 minutes give or take.  There are five deleted scenes, short and totally about 6 minutes.  There are also four short featurettes, including “Smiley”, “Inside the Circus”, “Shadow World” and “John Le Carre”.  Lastly there is also a photo gallery and teaser and full trailers included.

MALCOLM MCDOWELL TO BE HONORED WITH STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

WHO: Malcolm McDowell
Emcee: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President/CEO Leron Gubler
Guests will include Gary Oldman and Rob Zombie, plus Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Reed Diamond and Garcelle Beauvais from TNT’s “Franklin & Bash” along with Mike Kaplan (director, Never Apologize)
WHAT: 2,465th Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Category of Motion Pictures
WHERE: 6714 Hollywood Boulevard , in front of The Pig n’ Whistle British Pub
WHEN: Friday, March 16, 2012 at 11:30 a.m.

COMMENTS: The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will honor actor Malcolm McDowell appropriately in front of the Pig n’ Whistle British Pub at 6714 Hollywood Boulevard . He joins fellow British luminaries Emma Thompson and Colin Firth on the coveted Walk of Fame.

McDowell will shortly star in “The Monster Butler” to be produced by Dark House Films which will be released theatrically and then distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

Additionally, on the evening of the star unveiling, and in honor of McDowell receiving his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, The American Cinematheque is hosting an in-person tribute at the Egyptian Theatre showing his most iconic film, Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange (a beautifully restored presentation!), as well as Nicholas Meyer’s blend of sci-fi, literary history and modern pop culture, Time After Time, in which McDowell stars as Victorian author H.G. Wells. There will be a Q&A between films with McDowell and Mary Steenburgen.  The tribute continues through March 19 at the Aero Theater.  For tickets and more info: http://bit.ly/ylpfLw

A Clockwork Orange 40^th Anniversary Edition, O Lucky Man!, Time After Time and McDowell’s Never Apologize are available on Blu-ray and DVD from Warner Home Video. For further info: http://bit.ly/whmVGw

MORE ABOUT MALCOLM McDOWELL

Malcolm McDowell is arguably among the most dynamic and inventive of world-class actors, yet also capable of immense charm, humor and poignancy. McDowell has created a gallery of iconic characters since catapulting to the screen as Mick Travis, the rebellious upperclassman in Lindsay Anderson’s prize-winning sensation, If…

His place in movie history was subsequently secured when Stanley Kubrick cast the actor to play the gleefully amoral Alex in A Clockwork Orange; when McDowell himself conceived the idea for Mick Travis’ further adventures in Anderson’s Candide-like masterpiece, O Lucky Man!; and when he wooed Mary Steenburgen and defeated Jack the Ripper as the romantically-inquisitive H.G. Wells in Time After Time.

Those legendary roles have endured with legions of filmgoers while new fans have been won over by his tyrannical Soran (the destroyer of Capt. Kirk) in Star Trek: Generations; his Machiavellian Mr. Roarke in “Fantasy Island” and his comically-pompous professor Steve Pynchon in the critically-hailed CBS television series, “Pearl,” starring opposite Rhea Perlman.

Other of McDowell’s distinctive motion picture characterizations include Richard Lester’s Royal Flash, Paul Schrader’s Cat People, Rachel Talalay’s Tank Girl, Joseph Losey’s Figures in a Landscape, Bryan Forbes’ The Raging Moon and the Chaplinesque studio boss in Blake Edwards’ Sunset.

On television, McDowell had recurring appearances as Terence on the HBO hit series, “Entourage,” as Linderman on NBC’s “Heroes,” Darren Vogel on “CSI: Miami,” and Bret Stiles on the hit show, “The Mentalist.” Malcolm currently stars in TNT’s newest series, “Franklin & Bash”.

Directed by: Kinji Fukasaku
Starring: Beat Takeshi, Chiaki Kuriyama
Number of discs: 4
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Anchor Bay
Release Date: March 20, 2012
Running Time: 368 minutes

Collection: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out 5 stars

It is really sad that it took this film this long to get released properly in the US. “Battle Royale” has been proclaimed by many as “One Of The Most Controversial Film Series Of All Time”. It is definitely that for sure…and then some. The reason for this release occurs due to the unbelievable hype from the upcoming movie “The Hunger Games”. There has been talks of doing a US version of “Battle Royale” for many years but those were silenced since “The Hunger Games” came along. They are relatively similar in a sense besides the fact that “Battle Royale” is a no-holds barred kick-ass movie not backed by a teeny-bopper/Twilight-esque following like with “The Hunger Games”. Nonetheless, I am happy to finally see this film and its sequel “Battle Royale II: Requiem” released in the America and in glorious high definition.  So if you enjoy “The Hunger Games”, you should enjoy this release as well, no question.

The complete collection consists of four discs within fantastic case/box. The box comes with great photos from the films through the case. The first disc is the director’s cut of “Battle Royale”. The second disc is the theatrical cut of “Battle Royale”. The third disc is the sequel “Battle Royale II: Requiem”, less superior that the first but still very enjoyable. The fourth and final disc is jam packed with bonus content. The video resolution looks great with its 1080p transfer, with its original aspect ratio: 1.85:1. The audio is also fantastic specifically with its Japanese track boasting a very impressive Dolby TrueHD 7.1. The English dubbed track only included a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track.

Kinji Fukasaku’s violet yet poetic “Battle Royale” follow a group of Junior High students forced by the government to hunt and kill their classmates for sport. Sounds similar to “The Hunger Games” huh? When they are flown to a remote island, the rules are laid out for the game. Each student is put in a group with another student, given a weapon and set against their fellow classmates. Only one group will be allowed to leave the island alive. Of course what separates this from “The Hunger Games” is that one your team member is killed the device around the team members neck will explode in a few seconds.

“Battle Royale II: Requiem” follows right about the events of the first film. The survivors of previous Battles Royale, led by Shuya Nanahara have formed a rebel group called the “Wild Seven”. A class of teenagers are kidnapped by the Japanese government again. Instead of being forced to kill each other, like the first film, the students are sent off to war and ordered to attack and kill terrorist group and its leader.

The special features on this release are so fantastic and include more than 3 hours of extras. The main issue with these is that they are only presented on DVD, it would have been great to see these presented on Blu-ray and in high definition. The extras includes the following: The Making of Battle Royale, TV Spot: Tarantino Version, Basketball Scene Rehearsals, Tokyo International Film Festival 2000, Special Edition TV Spot, Original Theatrical Trailer, Battle Royale Documentary, Special Effects Comparison Featurette, Filming On-Set, Behind-The-Scenes Featurette, Audition & Rehearsal Footage, Instructional Video: Birthday Version, Battle Royale Press Conference. If you previously purchased the Special Edition International versions, then this is nothing new here just with subtitles now.

Directed by: Ray Austin
Starring: Ann Michelle, Vicki Michelle, Keith Buckley, Patricia Haines, James Chase
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Kino Lorber/Redemption
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Running Time: 88 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

Redemption does it again! The Blu-ray release of “Virgin Witch” is fantastic.  It was mastered in HD from the original 35MM negative.  You get such quality with the film and know that it is well taken care of when you see a release from Redemption. The 1.66:1 1920x1080p transfer is extremely sharp and clear.  The audio is also very notable working really well with Ted Dicks fantastic/haunting score.  Ann and Vicki Michelle are just so amazing together, not to mention quite a sight to look at.

The film follows Christine (Ann Michelle) and her sister Betty (Vicki Michelle) during their trip to London.  Christine get a job modelling at Sybil Waite’s talent agency.   The girls take a trip into the country to spend the weekend and for a photo shoot. Though we find out that Sybil (Patricia Haines) has more plans then she is letting up.  It turns out that the castle where they are staying is witches’ coven and they are looking for two new virgin recruits.

Like past releases from Redemption, unfortunately the special features do not match this fantastic release.  There is only a photo gallery and trailer included. In the future if they are able to produce a wonderful remastered edition of this great films and then top it off with some amazing special features, Redemption will be on their way to rule the world. Horror fans needs to pick this up, it is a must purchase.