Blu-ray Review “Ranma ½ Set 1”

Number of discs: 3
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Viz Media
DVD Release Date: March 25, 2014
Run Time: 530 minutes

Series: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Ranma ½ started off as an manga series back in 1987 in Japan, which was turned into a TV series shortly after in 1989. This is way before Japanese anime hit the US. The series got big here probably around the early 90’s and this and “Dragon Ball Z” were two of my favorite anime series growing up. Ranma ½ ius definitely unique and is an interesting blend of romance, comedy, action and marital arts. Thanks Viz Media this series is getting presented in high definition for the first time ever. Set 1 includes the first 23 episodes of the show, so since there are over 140 episodes total I would expect at least an additional six releases over the next year. If you are a fan of this series, then this is a new brainer.

Official Synopsis: From the legendary oeuvre of master creator Rumiko Takahashi, the mixed-up, madcap, martial arts romantic comedy Ranma ½ returns! After taking a surprise dip in a cursed spring while on a training journey in China, martial artist Ranma Saotome and his father, Genma, aren’t quite themselves anymore. Now Ranma turns into a girl whenever he’s splashed with cold water, and Genma turns into a panda. Their new forms cause nothing but confusion at the Tendo dojo, where Soun Tendo is waiting to introduce one of his three daughters to Ranma… as his fiancée. Turns out Genma and Soun arranged the match long ago, but the girl, Akane, and the boy, Ranma, aren’t exactly crazy about the idea, or each other! Or are they? Watch the gender switching, jealous rages, and martial arts battles unfold all over again!

Having watching this show on bootleg VHS tapes growing up, these 1080p transfers are stunning with high quality encodes created using the original Japanese Blu-ray masters. Fans are able to enjoy each episode with an  uncropped, 4:3 aspect ratio. Another first time for this release is that all episodes are arranged in the original Japanese episode order. There are both lossless tracks available for the original Japanese (with English subtitles) and the English dub, and a secondary subtitle track is available for signs and songs. The box presentation also for this set is amazing coming in a premium chipboard box with gold foil stamping with art illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi. Inside it also includes a 64-page booklet with a full color episode guide and a manga re-master sampler.

If you were satisfied with all that, wait there is still more in this Limited Edition box set. There are some decent extras including an exclusive “We Love Ranma: Part 1” Manga Re-Mastering Interview with VIZ Media editor Hope Donovan, which talks about the processes behind the latest manga release. There is two great extras taken from 2013 New York Comic Con this past year with “Ranma ½ Panel Footage” and “VIZ Media Events Highlight Reel”. Lastly there are upcoming episode previews and trailers included here. Can’t wait for Set 2! Keep them coming Viz!

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Blu-ray Review “Beware the Batman: Shadows of Gotham – Season 1, Part 1”

Voices of: Anthony Ruivivar, J.B. Blanc, Sumalee Montano, Kurtwood Smith
Rated TV-PG
Studio: Warner Archive Collection
DVD Release Date: February 18, 2014
Run Time: 286 minutes

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

After “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” although a fun show, but with the success of “The Dark Knight” series, fans were looking for something with a darker tone. Enter, “Beware the Batman”. The show has a more serious tone and a really snazzy look and feel to it. The animation style is great and Batman is quite badass. Unfortunately Cartoon Network did not give this show much love, they pulled it from their schedule back in October after 11 episodes and left two unaired. They claimed it would be back on in January but as we approach March there is still no word. Either way I really dug this show and I would recommend it to any Batman fan out there. “Batman: The Animated Series” still holds the reigns but it is quite an impressive entry for the Caped Crusader.

Batman swings into an exhilarating new age, teaming with a powerful allies old and new for a thrilling new take on the classic Dark Knight franchise in Beware the Batman: Shadows of Gotham, Season 1 Part 1. The new action-packed detective thriller incorporates Batman’s core characters with a rogue’s gallery of criminals as the Caped Crusader faces some of Gotham City’s most despicable villains. Through the show’s first 13 animated adventures of this two-disc collection, ex-secret agent Alfred and lethal swordstress Katana join Batman to takes on an array of evildoers including the likes of Anarky, Professor Pyg, Mister Toad and Magpie. This thrilling series redefines what we have come to know as the “Batman show” and is sure to excite fans with cutting-edge CGI visuals.

This Blu-ray contains all 11 episodes that official aired and the additional 2 that are still unaired. Included are “Hunted”, “Secrets”, Tests”, “Safe”, “Broken”, “Toxic”, “Family”, “Allies”, “Control”, “Sacrifice”, “Instinct”, “Attraction” and “Fall”. There are some solid villains as well in these episodes including Professor Pyg and Mister Toad, Cypher, Magpie, Anarky and Lady Shiva to name a few. I think it was a brave move to include some new and not so well-known villains. Other shows have done in the past having Joker be the lead villains and who doesn’t love the Joker but you have to give it to “Beware the Batman” for being ballsy here. I am sure if this show continued on we would see the funny man pop up surely but we did not rely on it from the beginning.

This Blu-ray comes from Warner Bros’ made-on-demand (MOD) service, Warner Archive, which produced their releases as they are ordered. I feel that this series deserves more than that but at least it is seeing the light of day. The 1080p transfer works well with the tone of the show and the killer CGI visuals. There are no special features included on this release unless you count the two unaired episodes. I hope that Warner Bros and Cartoon Network continue this series this Spring otherwise, this “Season 1 Part 1” Blu-ray will not have a “Part 2” release to complete it.

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Blu-ray Review “Puppet Master: The Blu-ray Collection – Volume 1”

Directors: David Schmoeller, David W. Allen, David DeCoteau
Number of discs: 3
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Full Moon Features
Release Date: November 20, 2012
Run Time: 264 minutes

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

“Puppet Master: The Blu-ray Collection – Volume 1” includes the following films “Puppet Master”, “Puppet Master II” and “Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge”. When you think of Full Moon Features, you thing of “Puppet Master”. They are the face for this company and in fact, they are the most successful independent direct-to-video horror franchise of all time! There has been a dozen films in this series and they may not all be perfect but they are certainly fun. This series has also seen some great talent come through including Paul Le Mat (“American Graffiti”, William Hickey (“The Nightmare Before Christmas), Irene Miracle (“Midnight Express” and Jimmie F. Skaggs (“Lethal Weapon”. A must own for any Full Moon fan. I just have one question since this came out in late 2012…where is Volume 2?

Series Official Premise: The secret of life has been discovered by master puppeteer Andre Toulon. But we quickly discover Toulon’s secret of death in the form of five killer puppets-each one uniquely qualified for murder and mayhem. Tunneler has a nasty habit of boring holes in people with his drill bit head. Ms. Leech regurgitates killer leeches that suck her victims dry. Pinhead strangles his enemies with his powerful vice-like hands. Blade has a gleaming hook for one hand and a razor-sharp knife for the other. And Jester, the ruthless brains of the bunch, is absolutely merciless. Together, they’re an army of skilled assassins, diabolically programmed to guard the deadly secrets of the Puppet Master throughout the decades.

The first 3 films, “Puppet Master”, “Puppet Master II” and “Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge”, have been fully remastered in HD and presented in 16:9. Each of them come stock with a 5.1 Surround Sound track as well. “Puppet Master” was surprisingly the worst of the bunch. But when you watch the comparison video below you realize how much work they actually did. Concerning “Puppet Master II” and “Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge”, they were both a vast improvement and looked pretty darn sharp in their high-def transfers. Full Moon actually went to work and deliver it’s fans some decent special features as well for these films. There are brand new introductions by Puppet Master creator Charles Band. There are also never-before-heard audio commentaries by Charles Band, writer C. Courtney Joyner (“Puppet Master III”), and director David DeCoteau (“Puppet Master III”). There are a few behind-the-scenes VideoZones episodes. There is a montage of “Puppet Master” kills. Lastly there is a rare “Puppet Master” promo and various Full Moon trailers included.

Check out below to see how the film was restored and a nice comparison:

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Book Review “Birth School Metallica Death: The Biography Vol. 1”

“Birth School Metallica Death: The Biography Vol. 1”
Author: Paul Brannigan, Ian Winwood
Hardcover: 378 pages
Publisher: Da Capo Press

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Birth School Metallica Death: The Biography Vol. 1” written by former Kerrang! Editor Paul Brannigan and British rock journalist Ian Winwood is an in-depth look at arguable one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time. The first in a two part series Vol.1 documents from the bands inception in 1981 up through 1991 and the release of the groups ground breaking “Black” album. “Birth School Metallica Death: The Biography Vol. 1” is being released via Da Capo Press and features 378 pages along with 8 pages of photos.

From the time I first saw Metallica’s video for “One” I was hooked. Anything and everything related to the band I had to check out (good or bad) and even though they had released 3 albums prior to “And Justice for All” the album spawning the single “One” and I was late getting to the party it didn’t hinder my quest for all things Metallica. Prior to reading this book my expectations were not very high as I had thought that I pretty much read everything about the band that was available. Upon delving in to the 378 pages you instantly realize that you are going to be in for a treat as the authors take you places normally off limits to the public. Weather they are talking with members of the band at their practice space known as “HQ”, Telling stories of speaking with Lars on a phone booth at 3am or covering the listening party for the “Black Album” “Birth School Metallica Death: The Biography Vol. 1” has a bit of everything. Even if you have heard some of these accounts before I found it quite interesting to hear different take. Along with some great writing are 8 pages packed with rare photos going back to when Dave Mustaine was in the band. I only wished that there had been a few more of these photo pages placed throughout the book to correspond with the subsequent chapters.

Fans of Metallica and or heavy metal music in general will surely enjoy “Birth School Metallica Death: The Biography Vol. 1”. Not only does it contain some really cool interviews and accounts but it’s a fairly straight forward and easy read. So even if you are terminally shaken from years of head banging and moshing I encourage you to put down your devil horns and stagger over to your nearest book store and pick up a copy of this book.

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Blu-ray Review “Dragon Ball Z: Season 1”

Starring: Sean Schemmel, Stephanie Nadolny, Christopher Sabat, Daisuke Gōri, Mayumi Tanaka, Kenji Utsumi
Director: Daisuke Nishio
Number of discs: 4
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Funimation
Release Date: December 31, 2013
Run Time: 925 minutes

Season: 5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

Funimation Entertaiment has been pushing “Dragon Ball Z” series for quite some time. Last year, they completed releasing “Dragon Ball Z Kai”, which is the new restructure version of this show but they never have completed released the original “Dragon Ball Z” series on Blu-ray to date. They started back in late November 2011 with “Dragon Ball Z: Level 1.1” and “Dragon Ball Z: Level 1.2”, which got us to episode 34 out of 291 but future releases were cancelled and series was never completed. So that has left fans quite up in arms about this show but it looks like this release starts us back in the right track since we are already through the first season including 39 episodes. So hopefully they complete what they started this time. Dragonball Z: Season 2 Blu-ray is already slated to street on Feb 18, 2014, so I expected them to fly through season 9 by early 2015 at the latest.

Official Premise: The Saiyans, the last survivors of a cruel, warrior race, have carved a path of destruction across the galaxy. Now they have set their sights on Earth and will stop at nothing to obtain the wish-granting powers of the seven magic Dragon Balls for their very own. With the fate of his family, friends, and the entire human race hanging in the balance, Goku, the Earths greatest hero, must rise to meet the approaching threat. As he prepares for the fight of his life, Goku embarks on n epic journey that will take him to other worlds, pit him against new and old enemies alike, and force him to confront the dark secrets of his own past. At the end of this path, the most powerful opponent he has ever faced awaits: the evil Saiyan prince, Vegeta.

Funimation has really delivered quite an impressive Blu-ray presentation with this season by working a frame-by-frame restoration process to remove any blemishes, tape marks, and foreign bodies. The series has also been reframed and presented with an 1.78:1 aspect ratio and it looks great seeing this show with its new HD widescreen presentation. Colors are extremely sharp and the line detail is crisp. There are three audio tracks included, which also have been re-mastered and have never sounded better. The English dub comes with an Dolby TrueHD 5.1 with the original Japanese music. The original English language broadcast version with the broadcast version music is presented with an Dolby TrueHD 2.0 track. Lastly the original Japanese track with the Japanese music, of course is delivered with a Dolby TrueHD Mono track.

In terms of special features, there is nothing here to get excited over since there is nothing here. I would have loved to seen a featurette on focusing on the restoration process for this series or a new commentary track from the voice cast even on just a single episode. What we get instead is an Upcoming Special Feature Sneak Peek included. There are also the Textless Opening Song and Textless Closing Song included, as well as the U.S. Trailer. One feature that I did really liked, not really special feature but still very cool, is the “Marathon Feature”. This allows you to view the episodes continuously without the credits each episode. This really adds a lot and makes it very easy to enjoy a great binge viewing experience of this amazing series.

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Five Finger Death Punch “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 1” Signed CD Giveaway [ENDED]

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EACH WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

Media Mikes has teamed up with SKH Music to giveaway 1 band signed copy and 3 regular copies of Five Finger Death Punch’s latest album “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol.1” If you would like to enter for your chance to win one of these great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email with your favorite FFDP song. This giveaway will remain open until Sept. 6th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to our readers in US and Canada only. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

Acclaimed hard rock band Five Finger Death Punch’s highly anticipated The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell Volume 1 (Prospect Park in North America / Eleven Seven in all other territories) has debuted as a global success. The album has achieved career highs for the band, with a mainstream chart debut at #2 in The United States, #3 in Canada, #4 in Germany, alongside impressive entries in other territories across the globe. The lead single “Lift Me Up” (featuring Rob Halford of Judas Priest) is currently #1 on the U.S. Active Rock charts for the third consecutive week. The successful debut exhibits that Five Finger Death Punch is challenging the notion that “Rock is Dead,” as they look poised to deliver a fourth consecutive Gold certified album following the successes of The Way of The Fist (2007), War Is The Answer (2009) and American Capitalist (2011). Cumulative single sales have now exceeded over 4.5 million.

Track Listing:
1.) Lift Me Up (feat. Rob Halford)
2.) Watch You Bleed
3.) You
4.) Wrong Side of Heaven
5.) Burn MF
6.) I.M.Sin
7.) Anywhere But Here (feat. Maria Brink)
8.) Dot Your Eyes
9.) M.I.N.E. (End This Way)
10.) Mama Said Knock You Out (feat. Tech N9ne)
11.) Dairy of a Deadman
12.) I.M.Sin (feat. Max Cavalera)
13.) Anywhere But Here
14.) Dot Your Eyes (feat. Jamey Jasta)

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CD Review: Five Finger Death Punch “The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell – Volume 1”

Five Finger Death Punch
“The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 1”
Prospect Park
Producer: Kevin Churko
Tracks: 14

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Los Angeles metalers Five Finger Death Punch are back with the first of two new albums titled “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 1”. The album is the follow up to the bands 2011 release “American Capitalist” which was certified gold in September of 2012. “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 1” is being released via Prospect Park and features 14 hard rocking songs produced by Kevin Churko.

Prepare to have your fillings knocked loose as the boys in Five Finger Death Punch pull no punches with the first of two new releases slated for 2013. “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 1” Immediately amps things up with probably my favorite song off the album titled “Lift Me Up” which features a stellar guest performance by the Metal God himself Rob Halford. The album takes you on a roller coast ride of emotion as singer Ivan Moody seems to be venting his inner most demons on tracks such as “Burn MF” and “Dot Your Eyes”.

Moody’s vocal presentation combined with the thunderous bottom end of bassist Chris Kael and drummer Jeremy Spencer and the searing tandem guitar attack of Zoltan Bathory and Jason Hook the album sounds amazing! Though I’m not a big fan of albums that feature different version of the same song FFDP was able to make it work with the addition of guest vocalists Maria Brink, Jamey Jasta and Max Cavalera. Each guest performer seemed to not only give the track a breath of fresh air but also elevate them to a higher performance level.

Solid from start to finish “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 1” delivers. If the bands 13 original tracks weren’t enough for you the guys in FFDP take things a step further by throwing in a rocking rendition of the LL Cool J classic “Mama Said Knock You Out”. Whether you are a fan of heavy metal or not the latest release from Five Finger Death Punch is a must have.

Track Listing:
1.) Lift Me Up (feat. Rob Halford)
2.) Watch You Bleed
3.) You
4.) Wrong Side of Heaven
5.) Burn MF
6.) I.M.Sin
7.) Anywhere But Here (feat. Maria Brink)
8.) Dot Your Eyes
9.) M.I.N.E. (End This Way)
10.) Mama Said Knock You Out (feat. Tech N9ne)
11.) Dairy of a Deadman
12.) I.M.Sin (feat. Max Cavalera)
13.) Anywhere But Here
14.) Dot Your Eyes (feat. Jamey Jasta)

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DVD Reviews “Dragons: Riders of Berk – Part 1 & 2”

Actors: Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, T.J. Miller, Julie Marcus, Nolan North
Directors: Joe Sichta, John Eng, John Sanford, Louie del Carmen
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: July 23, 2013
Run Time: 299 / 255 minutes

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

Who doesn’t love “How to Train Your Dragon”? It is easily one of Dreamworks best animated features to date. So when I heard that they were making an animated series, I was really excited. Even more so that it actually contains original voice talent from the film including Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Zack Pearlman, and more. Fox is releasing the first 20 episodes of this exciting and fun show which aired in its first season in a two part DVD set. This show holds the same charm that the animated film has, including action, heart and humor. So if you love the film, then you need to immediately watch this show for sure. Also keep an eye out for the new second season of DreamWorks’ “Dragons: Defenders of Berk” returns this Fall on Cartoon Network (note the new title).

Episodes include on Part 1 are “How to Start a Dragon Academy”, “Viking For Hire”, “Animal House”, “The Terrible Twos”, “In Dragons We Trust”, “Alvin and the Outcasts”, “How to Pick Your Dragon”, “Portrait of Hiccup as a Buff Young Man”, “Dragon Flower”, “Heather Report Part I”, and “Heather Report Part II”. Episodes included on Part 2 are “Thawfest”, “When Lightning Strikes”, “What Flies Beneath”, “Twinsanity”, “Defiant One”, “Breakneck Bog”, “Gem of a Different Color”, “We Are Family Part I”, and “We Are Family Part II”.

There is actually some decent special features included on these DVD as well. Part 1 & 2 included the following: “World of DreamWorks” and Sneak Peaks. Part 1 also includes “Dragon Tracker Part 1”, “Evolution of Thunderdrum” and “Heavy Metal” Dragon Mash-Up, while Part 2 includes “Dragon Tracker Part 2”, “Evolution of Whispering Death”, “Fly High” Dragon Mash-Up. Definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of the series. Also each DVD comes with a code to unlock an ultimate battle pack on DreamWorks’ online and mobile game, “School of Dragons”. For more information, visit http://www.schoolofdragons.com.

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DVD Review “Popeye The Sailor: The 1960s Classics – Volume 1”

Voices: Jack Mercer, Mae Questel, Jackson Beck
Studio: Warner Archive
DVD Release Date: May 7, 2013
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Run Time: 409 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love Popeye The Sailor? If you are a parent, you should take advantage of his lessons to eat your spinach. When I was a kid, I remember my parents used to always say eat your spinach so you can be strong like Popeye. These shorts are really classics. They are also fun to watch when I was a kid and nothing has changed as an adult. I look forward to sharing these with my daughter as well. This release is volume 1 of the classics Popeye cartoons from Paramount, adding up to 72-episodes. If you are a Popeye fan, this is a great release from Warner Archive. The episodes look great and are well represented here. Sign me up for volume 2…and keep them coming Warner Archive!

With TV reruns of the Fleischer/Famous Studios theatrical shorts proving that Popeye still packed a spinach-powered punch that delivered smash ratings, King Features commissioned a new series of Sailor Man shorts under the aegis of executive producer Al Brodax. The TV incarnation of Popeye made up for its scaled back animation with a broadened narrative scope while still staying true to the source. Thanks to the continued use of voice actors Jack Mercer (Popeye), Mae Questel (Olive) and Jackson Beck (Bluto who was now called Brutus) as well as the use of veteran Popeye animation talents who were then working at Paramount Cartoon Studios, these shorts remained authentic. The addition of a number of Thimble Theater comic strip characters making their cartoon debuts – including King Blozo, Toar, and Sea Hag – only added to the shorts “yam what I yam” charm.

Disc 1 consists of the following episodes ranging from 1960-1961: 1. Hits And Missiles, 2. The Ghost Host, 3. Strikes,Spares An’ Spinach, 4. Jeep Is Jeep, 5. The Spinach Scholar, 6. Psychiatricks, 7. Rags To Riches To Rags, 8. Hair Cut-ups, 9. Poppa Popeye, 10. Quick Change Olie, 11.Valley of The Goons, 12. Me Quest For Poopdeck Pappy, 13. Moby Hick, 14. Mirror Magic, 15. It Only Hurts When They Laughs, 16. Wimpy The Moocher, 17. Voo-Doo To You Too, 18. Popeye Goes Sale-ing, 19. Popeye’s Travels, 20. Incident At Missile City, 21. Dog Catcher Popeye, 22. What’s News, 23. Spinach Greetings, 24. The Baby Contest, 25. Oil’s Well That Ends Well, 26. Motor Knocks, 27.Amusement Park, 28. Duel To The Finish, 29. Gem Jam, 30. The Bathing Beasts, 31. The Rain Breaker, 32. Messin’ Up The Mississippi, 33. Love Birds, 34. Sea Serpent, 35. Boardering On Trouble and 36. Aladdin’s Lamp

Disc 2 continue with shorts from 1961. 37. Butler Up, 38. The Leprechaun, 39. County Fair, 40. Hamburgers Aweigh, 41. Popeye’s Double Trouble, 42. Kiddie Kapers, 43. The Mark of Zero, 44. Myskery Melody, 45. Scairdy Cat, 46. Operation Ice-Tickle, 47. The Cure, 48. William Won’t Tell, 49. Pop Goes The Whistle, 50. Autographically Yours, 51. A Poil For Olive Oyl, 52. My Fair Olive, 53. Giddy Gold, 54. Strange Things Are Happening, 55. The Medicine Man, 56. A Mite of Trouble, 57. Who’s Kiddin’ Zoo, 58. Robot Popeye, 59. Sneaking Peeking and 60. Seer-Ring Is Believer-Ring.

Lastly Disc 3 completed the volume with more episodes but jumps from 1961 back to 1960 for some reason. 61.The Wiffle Bird’s Revenge, 62. Going…Boing…Gone, 63. Popeye Thumb, 64. Where There’s A Will, 65. Take It Easel, 66. I Bin Sculped, 67. Fleas A Crowd, 68. Popeye’s Junior Headache, 69. The Big Sneeze, 70. The Last Resort, 71. Jeopardy Sheriff and 72.Baby Phase.

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DVD Review “Tom and Jerry Kids Show: The Complete Season 1”

Directed by: Carl Urbano, Don Lusk, Paul Sommer, Robert Alvarez, Jay Sarbry
Voices of: Charlie Adler, William Callaway, Teresa Ganzel, Dick Gautier, Phil Hartman, Don Messick, Frank Welker, Patric Zimmerman
Number of discs: 2
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: April 30, 2013
Running Time: 290 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I am not sure what it is about “Tom and Jerry” but they have always been one of my favorites. This popular cat and mouse duo has been around since 1940 and have never left the public eye for long. This animated series features the duo as kids, probably taking a page from “Muppets Babies”. “Tom and Jerry Kids Show” premiered in 1990 on Fox Kids and ran through 1994 for five seasons for a total of 65 episodes. This complete first season includes the first 13 episodes. So how does the the young Tom and Jerry rank against the older Tom and Jerry? Well it is fun and still had me laughing! So I give it a thumbs up…It was good as a kid for me and still good for me as an adult! I look forward to future seasons!

Official Premise: A Rivalry for All Ages! Spend some time with the beloved animated duo in their furry, formative years in Tom & Jerry Kids Show: The Complete Season One. Available for the first time on DVD in this 2-Disc collection, these delightful adventures follow the kitten and baby mouse as they taunt each other and create mayhem like only young ones can. Joined by their pals Droopy, Dripple, Spike and Tyke, Tom and Jerry bring on the giggles and good times in episodes such as Toys Will Be Toys, Bat Mouse, Cosmic Chaos and The Maltese Poodle. So run wild with 13 episodes from the hit TV series that feature more than four hours of hi-jinks that will be sure to bring out the kid in all of us!

“Tom and Jerry Kids Show The Complete Season 1″ is animated fun for the whole family. I have a 10-month old daughter and she literally lit up when these cartoons came on. I love that. For a show that I watched growing up now I will be able to share with my own child. The 13 episodes are split over a two-disc set with over four hours of guaranteed laughs and of course many “Tom and Jerry” hi-jinks. Each episode of this show is about 7 minutes so it works out that there is more like 39 mini-episodes included. The colors on the episodes still look sharp for a show that was produced well over 20 years ago, feeling old now. The audio included on the DVD is a typical Dolby Digital Mono track, which works well for the show itself. There are no additional special features included on the DVDs.

Season 1 episodes list:
Disc 1
1: Flippin’ Fido, Dakota Droopy & the Lost Dutch Boy Mine, Dog Daze Afternoon
2: Toys Will Be Toys, Droopy Delivers, My Pal
3: Prehistoric Pals, Super Droop & Dripple Boy Meet the Yolker, Marvelous Marvin
4: Bat Mouse, Puss n’ Pups, Outer Space Rover
5: The Vermin, Aerobic Droopy, Mouse Scouts
6: Sugar Belle Loves Tom, Sometimes, Mall Mouse, Super Duper Spike
7: Cosmic Chaos, Droopy of the Opera, Beach Bummers

Disc 2
8: Gator Baiter, Hoodwinked Cat, Medieval Mouse
9: Clyde to the Rescue, Droopio & Juliet, Maze Monster Zap Men
10: Crash Condor, Yo Ho Ho…Bub, Scrub-a-Dub Tom
11: No Biz Like Snow Biz, The Maltese Poodle, Cast Away Tom
12: The Little Urfulls, Droopo – First Bloodhound, Indy Mouse 500
13: Exterminator Cometh, Foreign Legion Frenzy, Urfo Returns

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Blu-ray Review "InuYasha: The Final Act – Set 1 & 2"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Blu-ray Review "Subspecies: The Blu-ray Collection Volume 1"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Blu-ray Review "Ripper Street: Series 1"

Actors: Matthew Macfadyen, Jerome Flynn, Adam Rothenberg, Amanda Hale, MyAnna Buring
Directors: Andy Wilson
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 12, 2013
Run Time: 480 minutes

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

When I saw the trailer for “Ripper Street” on BBC America, I was immediately hooked.  A crime drama based around the killings of Jack the Ripper…where do I sign up?  This new series includes eight episodes which are each more incredibly gripping than the last. The show also boasts a very sharp cast including Matthew Macfadyen (“Anna Karenina”), Jerome Flynn (“Game of Thrones”), Adam Rothenberg (“Alcatraz”) and MyAnna Buring (“Downton Abbey”, “The Twilight Saga”).  The series is very character driven. This works perfectly since from the very first episode, you really find yourself loving this cast. I wish the series was longer, but at least we have something to look forward to since the series was already renewed. BBC American is bringing this show back in early 2014 with another eight episode series. Count me in! Until then be sure to pick this up and play catch-up with this.

Official Premise: BBC America’s compelling crime drama Ripper Street set in the seething backstreets of Victorian London comes to Blu-ray! Haunted by the failure to catch London’s most evil killer Jack the Ripper Inspector Edmund Reid now heads up the notorious H Division – the toughest police district in the East End. Charged with keeping order in the blood-stained streets of Whitechapel Reid and his men find themselves fighting to uphold justice and the rule of law; but always in the background lurks the fear of the Ripper is he back for another reign of terror? Rich episodic storylines meld with the intrigue of a criminal underworld festering on the hard streets of Victorian London following the battle of the men whose job it is to bring the law to the lawless

The Blu-ray presentation is decent but nothing special.  The episodes are presented in 1080i, which still looks sharp but could have been given the little extra effort that was required to make it a full HD Blu-ray. Same goes for the audio, which is an DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 surround track.  This works well with the show, since it is very dialogue driven.  Also the score is blended nicely here as well. I just would have like to seen them go the extra step to upgrade to the 5.1 track. The special features are decent as well for this release, though no commentary tracks.  There are three “Inside Looks” from the cast and production team. “London Calling: Whitechapel” is a tour of the Dublin, Ireland transformed into London’s East End during 1889. “Jack the Ripper: Prime Suspect” is a look into modern forensic science and its part in solving the case of Jack the Ripper.  Lastly there are some character profiles included.

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Blu-ray Review "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns – Part 1"

Actors: Peter Weller, Michael Emerson, David Selby, Michael McKean, Ariel Winter
Directors: Jay Oliva
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 25, 2012
Run Time: 76 minutes

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

After Christopher Nolan’s fantastic trilogy, DC and Warner Premiere has decided to keep it dark and go with Frank Miller’s groundbreaking “Dark Knight Returns” arc.  The animated film itself is split into a two-part feature-length films.  They take a more violent and brutal look into our comic book anti-hero. “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns – Part 1” is one of the best films to come out of the DC Animated Universe. You forget that this film is only an animated film with how  epic this feels.  I wish that all of the DC Animated films took a page from this film.  I am not sure on Frank Miller feels on this but it feels like it literally jumps off his page on into your face!

Official Premise: It is ten years after an aging Batman has retired, and Gotham City has sunk deeper into decadence and lawlessness. Now, when his city needs him most, the Dark Knight returns in a blaze of glory. Joined by Carrie Kelly, a teenage female Robin, Batman takes to the streets to end the threat of the mutant gangs that have overrun the city. And after facing off against his two greatest enemies, the Joker and Two-Face, for the final time, Batman finds himself in mortal combat with his former ally, Superman, in a battle that only one of them will survive.

Warner Premiere has really delivered a beautiful Blu-ray combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet Digital Copy. The 1080p looks beyond amazing and works perfectly with the mix of hand-drawn animation and CG effected for the film. DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 works perfectly with the darkness that this film carries.  The action explodes off the screen and kicks you in the face.

The special features includes are good but not spectacular. “Her Name is Carrie… Her Role is Robin” ius a look at the role of a female Robin. “Batman and Me: A Devotion to Destiny, The Bob Kane Story” is a 2008 documentary that looks into the life of Batman creator. “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 Sneak Peek” is a behind the scenes look into the second part. “The Dark Knight Returns” Digital Comic is a very short 4-page preview of Miller’s Batman epic novel, I would have loved to see the complete comic converted.  Lastly there are two classic episodes of “Batman: The Animated Series Episodes”, “Two-Face, Parts 1 & 2”, which would have been amazing if it was in HD but it is not.

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DVD Review “The Flintstones: Prime-Time Specials Collection – Volume 1”

Directed by: William Hanna, Joseph Barbera
Voices of: Alan Reed, Jean Vander Pyl, Mel Blanc, Bea Benaderet, Gerry Johnson, Don Messick, John Stephenson
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 99 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“The Flintstones” are a timeless cartoon that can never be replaced. Warner Archive is releasing a pair of classic Flintstones specials on DVD for the first time. “The Flintstones Prime-Time Specials Collection – Volume 1” includes the special “The Flintstones Meet Rockula and Frankenstone” and “The Flintstones Little Big League”. These classic Hanna-Barbera specials are perfect for cartoon fans of all ages. I would think that this being being released now to steal some spotlight from Halloween. If you are a fan of the series (I mean who isn’t) then this is a great addition to your collection.

“The Flintstones Meet Rockula” originally aired during Halloween of 1979 and “The Flintstones Little Big League” originally aired April of 1978. These are classics have been LONG out of print before Warner Archive released these as part of their Hanna–Barbera Classics Collection. These episodes are newly remastered and looks sharp for specials that are well over 30 years old. They are presented in 4 X 3 FULL FRAME with their original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. Being a fan of this show since I was a kid, this release is a real treat to get to own these fantastic specials.  Time for Volume 2! Bring it on!

Synopsis: Following a spate of Saturday morning spin-offs, America’s favorite Stone Age family returned to network prime-time with a full slate of hysterical pre-historical specials – no quitting time for Fred! In The Flintstones Meet Rockula and Frankenstone, the Flintstones and the Rubbles travel to fear-fraught Rockysylvania thanks to a big game show win. Fred and Barney soon stumble upon – and awaken – the legendary Frankenstone Monster, who promptly revives his vampiric master, Rockula. When Rockula falls head over batwings for Wilma, will Fred end up having an undead-old time? Flintstones Little Big League sees Fred and Barney facing off as opposing Little League coaches while Bamm-Bamm and Pebbles duel across the diamond. Swept up by competitiveness and paternal pride, their friendship ends up in the dug-out doghouse. Meanwhile, a cop, a judge and Mr. Slate are all putting pressure on Fred to win at all costs – what’s a cavedad to do?

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