Blu-ray Review “National Lampoon’s Vacation: 30th Anniversary Edition”

Actors: Beverly D’angelo, Chevy Chase, Randy Quaid, Anthony Michael Hall
Directors: Harold Ramis
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: May 21, 2013
Run Time: 98 minutes

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

“National Lampoon’s Vacation” was a very important film of the 1980’s. It was a great kick-off for John Hughes, who then went on to making “The Breakfast Club”, “Ferris Bueller’s Day” etc. It was directed by Harold Ramis, who also gave us “Caddyshack”, “Groundhog Day” and of course starred in “Ghostbusters” series. But most importantly this movie introduced us to the Griswold family. I think that is the most important. There is not a year that go by that I do not quote this film or its sequel “Vegas Vacation”. Of course who doesn’t watch “Christmas Vacation” every Holiday! “Vacation” is where it all started and it is celebrating it’s 30th Anniversary with this new release. If you own the last Blu-ray from 2010, I wouldn’t recommend upgrading but if you don’t then this release is a must-own for any fan!

Official Premise: Everything is planned, packed… and about to go hilariously wrong. The Griswolds are going on vacation. In the driver’s seat is Clark Griswold (Chase), an Everyman eager to share the open road and the wonders of family togetherness, and his wife Ellen (D’Angelo). Myriad mishaps, crude kin (Quaid), encounters with a temptress (Christie Brinkley), financial woes, Aunt Edna (Imogene Coca) on the roof, one security guard (John Candy) and 2,460 miles later, it’s a wonder the Griswolds are together. There’s never been a family vacation like it. Except maybe yours. And that helps explain why the classic comedy remains so popular and so very funny.

“National Lampoon’s Vacation: 30th Anniversary Edition” includes the same transfer from the 2010 Blu-ray release which is quite impressive. The 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 is quite strong and hold up real well. The color are sharp and the even though the film is screaming 1980’s it still looks sharp. The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track included works well with the dialogue and music in the film. I would have loved to seen this beefed up a little though to a 5.1 surround track for this anniversary release.

On the previous 2010 Blu-ray release, the special features were not anything to call home about. Well on this 30th anniversary edition, we are only getting one new featurette called “Inside Story: National Lampoon’s Vacation”. It is a nice 85-minute trip down memory lane with the cast/crew but I would recommend purchasing this Blu-ray just for this one featurette, especially if you owned the prior release. The rest of the extras are the roll-over from the 2010 Blu-ray including a brief introduction to the film with Chevy Chase, Randy Quaid, and Matty Simmons. There is a fun audio commentary track with Harold Ramis, Chevy Chase, Randy Quaid, Anthony Michael Hall, Dana Barron, and Matty Simmons. Fans should enjoy this track. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer.

 

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Blu-ray Review “Blade Runner: 30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition”

Actors: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Daryl Hannah, Sean Young
Director: Ridley Scott
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Run Time: 117 minutes

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

“Blade Runner” has been labeled with “The #1 Sci-Fi Film of all time” and it damn well deserves it.  The film is so epic and even though it is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, it looks like it was made yesterday.  This release comes stocked with a 4-Disc Blu-ray/ DVD + Book + UltraViolet Digital Copy Combo Pack.  I am particularly psyched about the streaming digital copy. How does that sound in terms of ass-kicking? What since the film is celebrating its birthday, there should be gifts right?  This one comes packed with goodies, including an all new concept spinner car replica, an action Lenticular and a 72 page art production book with never-before-seen Ridley sketches, poster art and photos. All that is fantastic and should satisfy any fan of the film. This commemorative gift set also includes all 10+ hours of bonus content from the equally amazing 2007 Ultimate Collector’s Edition, as well as all five feature film versions – The Final Cut, ‘92 Director’s Cut, Domestic and International Theatrical versions and the rare Workprint.

Also like the 2007 Ultimate Collector’s Edition, the video includes a really sharp pristine 1080P transferred from the newly minted 4K master. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track is simply remarkable for the “Final Cut”.  I have seen this film so many times and yet it still never managed to impress me.  I should also note that the Vangelis’ score is also perfectly showcased on this TrueHD track. The rest of the versions are presented in standard Dolby Digital and the rare Workprint is presented in Dolby 2.0 stereo. If you are looking for the special features from the 2007 edition, look no future. There is over 10+ hours of extras included here as well spread out over the five disc, which seem to cover every aspect of the film’s production that is imaginable from commentaries to featurettes.

The first disc houses the film’s audio commentary tracks. Disc two holds the amazing must-watch documentary, “Dangerous Days” and runs over 3.5 hours itself. Disc three is baren of extra but don’t worry disc four is jam-packed. There are numerous featurettes, including “The Electric Dream: Remember Philip K. Dick”, “Sacrificial Sheep: The Novel Vs. the Film”, Philip K. Dick: The Blade Runner Interviews, “Signs of the Times: Graphic Design”, “Fashion Forward: Wardrobe & Styling”, “The Light That Burns: Remembering Jordan Cronenweth”, “Promoting Dystopia: Rendering the Poster Art” and “Deck-A-Rep: The True Nature of Rick Deckard”. There is also some vintage featurettes and screen tests for Rachel & Pris, as well as various deleted and alternate scenes. Lastly the extras are wrapped up on the fourth disc with theatrical trailers. The fifth disc sums up this amazing collection of extras with yet another audio commentary track and a great featurettes “All Our Variant Futures: From Workprint to Final Cuts”, which covers every possible aspect of the various cuts.

I still have (and cherish) my limited and numbered “Blade Runner”- Five-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition in the kick-ass briefcase. So this edition doesn’t top that one in terms of coolness but in my eyes but it is still absolutely amazing! I know this maybe be hard to believe but, YES!, it is definitely worth the double-dip. Warner Bros. is also releasing a solo three-disc Blu-ray Book edition.  It will also deliver the five cuts of the film and all special features from the 30th Anniversary set.  Though the Blu-ray Book itself gets chopped down to only thirty-six pages instead of seventy-two pages.  It also cuts out the DVD disc, UV copies and of course the spinner replica and Lenticular hologram. So you decide which one you want but I highly recommend this release is a no-brainer if you are a fan!

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Book Review “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial from Concept to Classic: 30th Anniversary Edition”

Author(s): Steven Spielberg, Melissa Mathison
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Newmarket Press
30th Anniversary Edition
Release Date: October 9, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

This 30th Anniversary Edition included the illustrated story of the film and the filmmakers. As I turn 30 myself this year, it is crazy to believe that this film that I grew up on is doing the same.  “E.T.” is one of Steven Spielberg’s most personal stories to date. This film was also the reason why John Carpenter’s “The Thing” flopped the same year since everyone wants to see aliens in a good light not evil.  This new addition is the only official book on the making of the film and includes an all new introduction from Steven Speilberg.

This book is also illustrated with more than 200 photos and drawings, which look amazing. I really would have loved this book to have been hardcover. It the illustrations aren’t eough this book includes the complete annotated screenplay by Melissa Mathison.  But that is not all either, there are reflections from many of the cast and crew, including designer Carlo Rambaldi and producer Kathleen Kennedy. Kennedy chats about the impact of the movie on today’s audience.  There is also a bunch of amazing little known facts and trivia revealed in this book about the film’s production.

I never knew that “E.T.” was a plant…that’s right kiddies, not male or female…a plant.  It is also told that “E.T.” had only 49 lines of speaking. This film is 30 years old and still very relevant today and still holds up. Since this book is timed to match with the Blu-ray release, the October is going to be the month of “E.T.” and having everyone “phone home” and revisit this classic film.  And what better want to accompany the amazing movie, than with this amazing book.  This is a no-brainer for Spielberg fans…unless you have the 20th Anniversary release,  since there is not much new in this edition.

 

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Blu-ray Review “Annie: 30th Anniversary – Sing-Along Edition”

Director: John Huston
Starring: Albert Finney, Carol Burnett, Tim Curry, Bernadette Peters, Ann Reinking, Aileen Quinn
MPAA Rating: PG
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Running Time: 127 minutes

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

Who doesn’t love little ole’ Annie and her wonderful songs like “Tomorrow,” “Easy Street,” “It’s the Hard-Knock Life”.  This wonderful Blu-ray release from Sony celebrates the film’s 30th Anniversary with its very impressive Sing-Along Edition.  This film was adapted from the smash Tony Award®-winning musical comedy based on the “Little Orphan Annie” comic strip.  It also packs one of the best musical casts including Albert Finney, Carol Burnett, Aileen Quinn, Bernadette Peters, Ann Reinking and Tim Curry.  I remember the first time I saw this film with my then girlfriend (now wife) many years ago.  This musical still brings a smile to my face and has you singing along with little Annie and her friends. Highly recommended!

SYNOPSIS: The charismatic little orphaned Annie’s (Aileen Quinn) luck changes for the better when billionaire Oliver Warbucks (Albert Finney) arrives at the orphanage looking to take one of the children for a short time. Annie soon charms the billionaire with her lively warm nature and together they set out to search for Annie’s parents. With the mean head of the orphanage, Miss Hannigan (Carol Burnett) attempting to hinder their plan, Annie’s search will prove to be quite a heartwarming journey.

This 30th Anniversary Blu-ray both looks and sounds amazing.  The 1080p transfer really brings out the color in the film and looks very sharp.  It’s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works perfectly with the sounds and sounds just amazing!  This release also comes with an Ultraviolet digital streaming copy.  The special features are not amazing but still good.  Exclusive to the Blu-ray is “Sing-Along with Annie”, which allows fans to sing along to all their favorite songs.  There is also a musical performance of “It’s the Hard-Knock Life” by pop group Play. There is only one production featurette called “My Hollywood Adventure with Aileen Quinn”, short but worth checking out. Lastly, the Blu-ray also includes the original trailers and TV spots from the film.

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Book Review “Making Tootsie: Inside the Classic Film with Dustin Hoffman and Sydney Pollack – The 30th Anniversary Edition”

Author: Susan Dworkin
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Newmarket Press; Expanded edition
Release Date: August 28, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love “Tootsie”. It showcases Dustin Hoffman in one of his best roles to date. It was named #2 of the 100 Best Comedies of the Twentieth Century by The American Film Institute (#1 was Some Like It Hot). This book was originally published back in March 1983. This 30th anniversary edition is presented as a film study. Thanks to Newmarket Press, this book is back in both print and e-book editions.

The writer Susan Dworkin was the only journalist Pollack and Columbia Pictures permitted on the set and in the editing room. She is a playwright, award-winning documentary writer, and Ms. magazine contributing editor. She conducted in-depth interviews not only with its director and star but also with the costume designer, the film editors, costars Teri Garr, Bill Murray, and Dabney Coleman, and many others. She really understands and loves this movie and it shows through her work.

This short but sweet trade paperback is a very each read and very informative. There are also 52 beautiful photos from the film and production. This is a must for all fans of this film and lovers of great cinema. So get ready to travel back to 1982 with director Sydney Pollack and actor Dustin Hoffman and the wonderful collaboration that created one of our best enduring classic.

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Founder/Owner of Metal Blade Records’ Brian Slagel talks about 30th Anniversary

Brian Slagel is the founder/owner of Metal Blade Records. This year marks the labels 30th anniversary and Media Mikes had the chance recently to talk with Brian about the labels history and what it has planned to celebrate this monumental occasion.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us what initially led you to putting together the first Metal Massacre compilation?
Brian Slagel: I was in Los Angeles and saw so many really great metal bands playing around. At that
time there was no way for them to get heard. I was a huge fan of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal in England and its DIY attitude and from there I got the idea to do a compilation of local LA heavy metal bands. I was also working at a record store and I asked the import distributors I bought from if they would buy a compilation if I put one out. They said yes and the album became a reality.

AL: Did the success of that release plant the seed for you in starting Metal Blade Records or was starting/having your own label always something you wanted?
BS: I never intended to start a label. I was working at a record store and also doing a fanzine. After the album was released, I was offered a pressing and distribution deal from one of the importers. That is when it started to become a label.

AL: You gave Metallica their first real exposure with the Metal Massacre release. Was there a specific reason the band did not sign to Metal Blade?
BS: Yes I had no money as did they. So with no money there was no way to record an album. They came to me first, but no money meant it never happened.

AL: What do you feel has been the labels biggest accomplishment in its 30 years of existence?
BS: Probably just being around for 30 years and still going strong. It is a difficult business, but we have been lucky to still be around and doing what we love.

AL: With the 30 year anniversary of the label is their going to be any special edition releases or re-releases from the label?
BS: Yes we are doing special versions, vinyl, picture discs all year long. Also we are doing special sales around the world as well tied into the 30th.

AL: When signing bands to your label are there any specific qualities or characteristics you look for?
BS: There is nothing specific. We always look for bands that sound a bit different and also are willing to work with us. Getting signed these days is the easy part, and then the work really begins. It’s always helpful if the band has something happening before they ever sign with us.

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Concert Review “The Toasters 30th Anniversary Tour” Ithaca, NY

“The Toasters 30th Anniversary Tour”
The Toasters, The Rudie Crew, The XSKAVATORS
Date: Friday, February 24th 2012
Venue: The Haunt, Ithaca, NY

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The Toasters 30th Anniversary tour made a stop in the eclectic college town of Ithaca, NY on Feb. 24th where they performed to a diverse crowd sprinkled with punks and old school rude boys. The first group to take the stage was The Rudie Crew who like The Toasters hail from New York, New York. The group performed a 40 minute set playing what could be described as Rasta infused ska music. The group provided an upbeat performance which got the crowd instantly off their checker clad feel. Home town favorites The XSKAVATORS would take the stage next performing their own unique version of early traditional ska.

The Toasters would close out the night providing me with some great flash back moments from the first time I saw the band some 13 years ago. Lead vocalist and guitarist Robert “Bucket” Hingley and his band belted out such classic hits as “2 Tone Army, “Dub 56” and “Weekend in LA”. As the crowd continued to skank their way through the evening the band closed out the night with their classic anthem “Don’t Let the Bastards Grind You Down”. Though the band now features a stripped down 5 piece line up The Toasters still provided their signature big band sound. The only negative from the night came in the way of time. The first group did not take the stage until 10:30pm which was an hour and a half after their scheduled time. After two stage changes and 3 full sets of music the show finally wrapped up at around 2 am making for a very long night.

The Toasters Set List:
1.)    House of Soul
2.)    Two Tone Army
3.)    Shocker
4.)    I’m Running Right Through the World
5.)    East Side Beat
6.)    Run Rudy Run
7.)    Social Security
8.)    Pirate Radio
9.)    Sitting on Top of the World
10.)  Dub 56
11.)  History Book
12.)  Talk is Cheap
13.)  Dog Eat Dog
14.)  Ploughshares Into Guns
15.)  Matt Davis
16.)  One Track Mind
17.)  Weekend in LA
18.)  Decision at Midnight
19.)  Don’t Let the Bastards Grind You Down

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Concert Review: Queensryche “30th Anniversary” Tour – Orlando, FL

Queensryche
“30th Anniversary” Tour
House of Blues, Orlando, FL
November 12, 2011

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Over the course of their career since forming in 1981, Queensryche have gone from playing large arenas to support huge-selling albums like “Operation: Mindcrime”, “Empire” and “Promised Land” to playing smaller theatres and clubs to promote a roster of spotty and occasionally downright awful releases since the departure of lyricist and guitarist Chris DeGarmo in 1997. Since then, the band has tried various means to attract crowds including a tour in which the set lists were mostly comprised of covers (to support the “Take Cover” album), a massive theatrical stage show that resembled a Broadway musical (the “Operation: Mindcrime II” tour) and even an adults-only cabaret tour that featured go-go dancers, contortionists, drag queens and a dominatrix.  To paraphrase Forrest Gump, “Life is like a Queensryche concert.  You never know what you’re gonna get.”

So, it was with great trepidation that I walked through the doors of the Orlando stop of their “30th Anniversary” tour – one that, in theory, was also embarked upon to support their most recent studio album “Dedicated to Chaos”. Given that “Chaos” is one of their weakest efforts to date, I very much hoped that the show would be retrospective in nature and cover a variety of their finest songs from the past three decades rather than one that would be dominated by the latest misfire. So, as the houselights dimmed, I crossed my fingers and prayed for the best.

From the now darkened room, two video walls on either side of the stage sprang to life and, underscored by a digitized sea of flames, the covers of every studio album the band had released materialized and faded, the hit albums receiving huge amounts of applause; the misses…well…not so much. After the appearance and disappearance of the “Chaos” cover art, Queensryche blasted into action with the appropriately titled “Get Started”, the opening track from that album. While the song caused me to speculate that the concert might indeed be dominated by the new release, “Started” played quite well live and lead vocalist Geoff Tate immediately established a dominating larger-than-life animated stage presence that would keep the audience in his clutches throughout the entire show. But would it remain “Chaotic”?

Luckily, it didn’t.

Only one other song from “Chaos” was played (“At the Edge”) during which Geoff Tate donned a saxophone and added his own instrumentation to mixed results. The rest of the 19-song set featured the classic songs that fans of the band regard as their greatest – and ones that could easily convert newcomers to do the ‘Ryche thing from there on in.

The show was probably the tightest that I’ve seen the band play since the “Hear in the Now Frontier” tour in 1997, the last that DeGarmo would participate in. Tate’s voice is still in peak form and the core rhythm section since the group’s inception, bassist Eddie Jackson and powerhouse drummer Scott Rockenfield, remains one of the best in the heavy metal genre. Guitarist Michael Wilton has also been a constant, but the post-DeGarmo years have seen him trade licks with three other axemen. The most current, Parker Lundgren, is undeniably the best of the batch and the synergy between the two guitarists rivals that of the band’s banner years.

Because of this, this iteration of the group was able to infuse new life into their staple songs. As could be expected, tracks from “Operation: Mindcrime” and the hugely successful “Empire” dominated the set list. Their 9 other studio albums were represented as well and included classics from early in the band’s career such as “NM 156”, “Screaming in Digital” and even “The Lady Wore Black” and “Queen of the Ryche” from their 1982 self-titled debut EP. The band truly seemed to enjoy this trip down memory lane and their assembled legion of followers reacted with huge enthusiasm as the group dished out mutual favorites.

One can only hope that Queensryche can maintain the level of lucidity and intensity they so readily exhibited at the House of Blues. At their peak, the band brought a level of sophistication and intelligence to heavy metal that hadn’t been seen before and, in so doing, raised the bar so high for the genre that the group itself frequently couldn’t clear it. As Queensryche enters into their fourth decade, the future could be a very bright one for them – as long as they continue to remember how it started.

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